The pitfalls of pastoralism and grazing's hidden threat: Exacerbation of rainfall erosion in semi‐arid areas of China

Societal Impact Statement The steppe is facing an increase in soil erosion, which is threatening the ecosystem and agricultural production. Our study reveals how grazing intensity and rainfall exacerbate soil erosion that is leading to a gradual loss of soil nutrients. This study raises a warning to both herders and policy makers that focusing on grazing without considering the ecology of the steppe will not bring long‐term benefits. Preventing soil erosion, protecting the ecosystem, and safeguarding the future of agricultural production and environmental health are critical for people living in semi‐arid regions. Summary Soil erosion in the semi‐arid temperate typical steppe, caused by climate change and land use such as grazing, has become a global environmental challenge. However, how rainfall affects soil erosion in response to grazing intensity (GI) is still unclear. This study was conducted on a long‐term (>16 years) grazing experimental platform in a typical steppe on the Chinese Loess Plateau, which is one of the most erosion‐prone regions in the world. We assessed changes in vegetation and soil erosion in response to four rainfall events and four grazing intensities. And we predicted soil erosion with GI and vegetation variables at various rainfall levels. Our findings revealed that an increase in GI exacerbated the response of soil erosion to rainfall. Furthermore, increased soil loss intensified the loss of soil organic carbon content. Reducing GI in the context of increased rainfall could protect the health of local grassland ecosystems by inhibiting soil and nutrients losses, and the resulting decrease in livestock product conversion rates is detrimental to herders' livelihoods. To balance ecological and production interests, one could consider supplementary feeds to the livestock. In the future, a long‐term soil erosion monitoring mechanism should be established to regularly assess ecological and economic impacts and flexibly adjust policies. This study provides new insights into grassland management in a fragile ecosystem in the context of climate change, while highlighting the need for policies that creates a balance between ecological protection and pastoralist livelihoods.