The impact of pika burrows on ecoenzyme activities, microbial communities and soil carbon in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau grassland

This study selected the Zoige grassland, located in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as a representative site due to its significant disturbance by pikas. Soil samples were collected from various burrow positions, and analyses were conducted on soil properties, ecoenzyme activities related to C and nutrient cycling, as well as microbial abundance and community composition. Additionally, the number of pika burrows within the sampling plot was documented, while measurements of burrow length, depth, and diameter were taken to calculate the affected soil volume and estimate the impacted soil C amount. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological implications of pika burrowing activities, with the potential to inform strategies for managing carbon dynamics in plateau grasslands.