Abstract: In view of the need for a better understanding of the concepts concerning grassland-livestock balance and the need to bridge the gap between theories and practices,this article addresses a few important concepts closely related to grassland and livestock balance and their application in practice.Grassland degradation,desertification and salinization,the so-called three grassland ills,are distinguished for their specific meaning and significance,and it is stressed that the grassland-livestock balance is essentially the human-grassland balance.The concepts in relation to determining the carrying capacity of grasslands and their practical problems are discussed with special reference to stocking rate calculation on the basis of calendar year and livestock year.Also addressed in the article are the theories and practices for improving livestock management in pastoral systems based on discussions of the optimal herd or flock structure,the stages of developing grassland-livestock system,rotational grazing,and seasonally-adjusted livestock systems.

Key words: Grassland-livestock balance, Carrying capacity, Three grassland ills:degradation,desertification,and salinization, Amount of livestock on hand

摘要： 论述了与草原牧区草畜平衡密切相关的几个重要概念及其在实践中的应用问题,对草原“三化”的具体含义给出了概念上的区别;提出了草畜平衡的实质是人草平衡的观点;讨论了确定草原载畜量所涉及的基本概念和实践问题,特别是牧业年度和年末存栏量对载畜量确定的影响。通过对畜群结构优化、草原畜牧业发展阶段、划区轮牧和季节畜牧业等概念的讨论,进一步阐述了在草原牧区提高畜牧业经营水平和维持草畜平衡的相关理论和实践问题。

关键词: 草畜平衡, 载畜量, 草原“三化”, 存栏量