Chin J Plan Ecolo ›› 1981, Vol. 5 ›› Issue (1): 1-11.

Special Issue: 青藏高原植物生态学:植被生态学

• Research Articles •     Next Articles

Suggestion form the Ecological View-point on the Development of Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry and Sideline Culture in Qinghai Province

Hsioh-Yu Hou Shi-Chou Sung Ching Tu   

  • Published:1981-01-10
  • Contact: Zhuo Zhengda

Abstract: Qinghai Province is situated in northeastern part of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, where the land utilization varies from place to place because of the different topographic, climatic, and edaphic conditions. From the ecological view-point, the development of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and sideline culture are discussed in the following three regions: 1. The Tsaidam Basin. The basin situated in the northwest of the Province is a depression enclosing by high snow-clad mountains in a high plateau, the elevation of its floor varying from 2650-3000 m. The climate is very dry, being from 50 to 150mm. annually. However, during the growing season weather with difference in temperature between the day and night, together with intense radiation and long daytime favours to high yield and best quality of spring wheat, white potatoes, qingke barley, peas, cabbage and sugar beer grown in the areas where irrigated water comes down from the melted moutain snow. The areas also yield newly-introduced apple and cultivated Lyoium. Nevertheless, the extensive area of salty soil is the limiting factor to the agricultural development.2. The Eastern Region. The topography together with its climate of this region is highly variable. Spring wheat, beans, vegetables and deciduous fruits such as apple, apricot, pear and walnut can be well grown it the fertile valleys of the Yellow River and Huangshui River. The valleys are excellent farming areas, being 1600-2300 m. above sea level with rather warm temperature and well developed irrigation In the intermountain basins of about 3000 m. in elevation with moist and cooler climate, rapeseed gives high yield and fine quality. The higher mountains are suitable for raising yaks and goats, while the lower slope should be gradually ceased from farming to grazing. Some coniferous forest must be protected on the northeastern mountains along the river. 3. The Southern Plateau. The Southern province is with rather cold and moist climate mostly at an altitude of 4000-5000 m. The area has extensive grasslands dominated by Kobresia spp. and some grasses suitable for intensive development of animal husbandry. The yak, Tibet’s chief draught animal, is adaptable to the high altitude and cold climate. It serves a means of tranport, and its long hair, its milk, flesh and hide are all utilized.