Effect of soil physicochemical properties on the steppe grazing potential in eastern Eurasian steppe

Purpose Grazing is the primary means of steppe management, and grazing potential represents the potential carrying capacity of steppe livestock production. In steppe ecosystem, changes in soil physicochemical properties affect soil texture, nutrient cycling, etc., which further influence vegetation productivity and change the grazing potential of steppes. Although there are many assessment methods and indicators for studies such as steppe grazing value, there is a lack of studies exploring the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and grazing potential. The main aim of our study was to test how soil physicochemical properties affect steppe grazing potential and how they interact with each other. Methods In this study, we investigated 220 typical steppe sample plots in the eastern Eurasian steppe and proposed a new method for evaluating steppe grazing potential based on plant palatability, the steppe grazing potential index (SGPI), to examine the interactions between five soil physicochemical properties and steppe grazing potential at three grazing potential levels. Results We found that soil physical and chemical properties differed significantly at each grazing potential level. At both high and low grazing potential levels, the physical properties of soils played a major role in influencing SGPI. While the relationship between soil function and grazing potential was the strongest at the moderate grazing potential level, mainly, the chemical property SOC had the most significant role. Overall, SGPI is not only directly influenced by SBD and SOC, but also indirectly driven by TN. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that steppe grazing potential is very sensitive to changes in soil physicochemical properties, and its response to soil nutrients and soil texture varies at different levels. SBD and SOC are sensitive indicators that affect grazing potential. Meanwhile, the soil function and potential carrying capacity of grazing production at moderate grazing potential level are also the priority directions for future research. Exploring the relationship between soil function and steppe grazing potential can help restore livestock productivity and ecological balance in steppes with low grazing potential and ensure the sustainability of steppe ecosystem development.