Manipulated microtopography alters plant community development in fragile farm–pastoral transition zone

Abstract The ecosystems within agro-pastoral transition zones exhibit inherent fragility and heightened susceptibility to climate variability, exacerbated by profound degradation resulting from anthropogenic activities. Subsequent vegetation degradation in these areas precipitates severe soil erosion, presenting formidable challenges for ecological restoration efforts. The utilization of microtopographic structures to mitigate soil erosion and facilitate vegetation recovery stands as a prominent strategy for vegetation restoration within agro-pastoral transition zones. Despite the acknowledgment in current restoration practices that the efficacy of microtopography-based restoration is contingent upon slope, aspect and elevation, there remains a notable absence of precise observed information on this correlation. This study, conducted in the Bashang Grassland, a typical agro-pastoral transition zone in northern China, aims to fill the information gap concerning the correspondence between microtopographic structures and restoration outcomes. Our findings revealed that microtopography has a significant impact on vegetation characteristics, with outcomes varying by location. Shaded slopes displayed higher biomass and density compared with sunny slopes and valleys. While microtopography affected community structure, it did not substantially alter species richness, highlighting the critical role of location and pit construction in successful restoration endeavors. This study provides insights for the selection, design and assessment of microtopography-based restoration in vulnerable ecosystems.