Responses of biomass and non-structural carbohydrates to soil moisture gradient of two Carex species in an alpine meadow in Southeast Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

The SS concentration and DM_starch in roots of C. parvula and those in leaves of C. alatauensis were the main contributors of the two species to combat soil moisture changes. Both species kept the highest biomass allocation in roots and increased SS/Starch in leaves to adapt to drought habitat. In conclusion, the asymmetric responses of biomass and NSC in organs were exhibited to adapt to soil moisture changes in an alpine meadow.