On October 23, a representative from the Qinghai Meteorological Research Institute shared exciting news regarding the grass production in Qinghai Province for 2024. According to their findings, the hay yield is expected to be 15.5% higher than the average of the past decade for the same time period.
Qinghai ranks as one of China’s five major pastoral areas, with its grassland area only surpassed by Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, making it the fourth largest in the nation. The province’s grasslands represent the largest ecological system in Qinghai. Data from the third national land survey reveals that Qinghai’s grassland covers 5.92 million hectares, accounting for 56.67% of the province’s total land area and 14.92% of the nation’s grassland.
Satellite remote sensing monitoring indicates that during the grass growing season from May to September 2024, the average grass yield in Qinghai is projected to reach 2,022.4 kilograms per hectare. This yield displays a spatial distribution pattern where western areas have lower production and eastern regions perform better. Huangnan boasts the highest average yield, followed by Haibei and Hainan, while Haixi records the lowest.
An analyst from the meteorological institute noted, “Compared to the average over the past decade, grass production during the growing season is significantly higher, with 52.2% of grassland areas experiencing above-average yields, mostly in northern Hainan, Huangnan, Golog, and southeastern Yushu. Conversely, 17.4% of grassland areas have lower than average yields, particularly in northwestern Yushu.” The analyst attributes this increase to higher-than-average precipitation and temperatures during the growing season, coupled with favorable conditions for grass growth. Notably, July saw optimal temperatures and rainfall during a critical growth phase for the grass.
However, June brought prolonged periods of continuous rain to the Sanjiangyuan area, resulting in insufficient sunlight, which could hinder grass development.
Looking ahead, the meteorological team anticipates that from late October to early November, temperatures in Qinghai will remain above average, with most areas experiencing increased rainfall. This winter and spring, specific regions in Haibei, eastern Yushu, and much of Golog face a higher risk of snow disasters. Authorities recommend that all regions enhance their fire prevention measures on grasslands and prepare for supplementing and storing fodder, especially in areas where grass production is low and snow disaster risk is elevated.
