Most grasslands in northern China will turn green earlier this year

The Ministry of Agriculture conducted a predictive analysis of the pasture turning-green situation in China's grassland regions based on winter and spring meteorological conditions and current grassland pasture phenological conditions, predicting that most grasslands in northern China will turn green earlier this spring.

Last winter and this spring, precipitation in most grassland areas of northern China was normal or above normal, with southern Xinjiang, central and western Tibet, central and southern Qinghai, central Gansu, central and southeastern Inner Mongolia, and most of the Northeast region receiving 30% to 200% more precipitation, and grassland soil moisture storage was sufficient. Since March, most grassland areas in the north have received cumulative precipitation of more than 10 mm, further improving soil moisture conditions. At present, except for some areas in central Gansu where precipitation has been below normal, soil moisture conditions in most grassland areas of the north are generally better than last year, which is favorable for pasture turning green and growth. At the same time, temperatures in most grassland areas of northern China were above normal in March, with southwestern Xinjiang, most of Qinghai, central and southern Gansu, southeastern Inner Mongolia, and most of North China being 1°C to 2°C higher, which is favorable for soil thawing and snowmelt, and the heat conditions are relatively favorable for pasture turning green. However, after entering April, temperatures in some grassland areas of northern China fluctuated considerably, and dusty weather increased, producing a certain negative impact on grassland turning green. According to forecasts from meteorological departments, temperatures may be above normal for some time to come. Based on comprehensive assessment, it is predicted that the turning-green time of most grasslands in northern China will be normal to early this spring.

The Ministry of Agriculture requires all localities to promptly arrange grassland and animal husbandry production management in light of current meteorological conditions and the pasture turning-green situation, and to strengthen grassland fire prevention and monitoring and early warning of rodent and insect pests. In view of the situation that dusty weather in the Northwest region is more frequent than in 2014, all localities in the Northwest should promptly reinforce grassland fences and livestock pens and sheds to guard against strong winds and dusty weather. Northern Xinjiang and other places should closely monitor weather forecasts, strengthen supplementary feeding of livestock and cold and warmth protection work, strictly guard against late spring cold, and ensure that spring lamb production work is carried out smoothly.