Effects of nitrogen deposition on temporal stability and resistance of the alpine steppe plant communities on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Multidimensional stability is crucial for capturing ecosystem dynamics and maintaining Earth's ecosystem services in response to environmental changes. Recently, nitrogen (N) deposition has increased significantly, particularly in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. However, the impact of N deposition on multidimensional plant community stability remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study conducted a 5-year N addition experiment in the alpine steppe of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results revealed that N addition decreased the temporal stability of plant communities and rare species, while simultaneously enhancing the resistance of plant communities, dominant and common species. Noteworthy findings were that temporal stability of rare species and species asynchrony were main predictors for the temporal stability of plant community, while resistance of dominant, common and rare species was an important predictor of plant community resistance. The results suggested that species composition and species asynchrony regulated the stability of alpine steppe plant community under N addition. In light of increasing N deposition in the alpine regions, these findings offer a scientific foundation for conservation management of the alpine steppe ecosystem in the future.