Divergent responses of plant biomass and diversity to short-term nitrogen and phosphorus addition in three types of steppe in Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract Background Understanding the response of plant community to increasing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs is helpful for managing protecting grassland ecosystems in semiarid areas. However, information about different types steppe responses N P availability grasslands limited. In 2017–2018, two field experiments were conducted with six levels (from 5 30 g m ?2 yr ?1 ) 2.5 15 additions three temperate steppes, including meadow (MS), typical (TS), desert (DS), northern China study effects these addition rates on biomass diversity. Results Our results showed that diversity Inner Mongolia responded differently elevated inputs. Increasing promoted aboveground belowground more than steppes. Short-term reduced some extent, most pronounced decreases MS DS. It noteworthy there thresholds (e.g., 10 ). Furthermore, redundancy analysis stepwise regression revealed changes soil properties induced by nutrient climate conditions jointly regulated vegetation Conclusions The respond divergently indicate regional differences substrate may contribute divergent short-term addition. analyses provide new insights into ecosystems. Considering productivity have over time, studies long-term situ are necessary.