To evaluate the potential impacts of grazing on grassland soil carbon pools， this study investigated the effects of different grazing intensities on the contents of soil organic carbon （SOC） and its fractions—including particulate organic carbon （POC）， mineral-associated organic carbon， light fraction organic carbon （LFOC）， heavy fraction organic carbon （HFOC）， easily oxidizable organic carbon （EOC）， and dissolved organic carbon （DOC）-in alpine meadows. The results showed that with increasing grazing intensities， the contents of SOC and most of its fractions significantly decreased （except for EOC and DOC）， and the stability of the organic carbon pool declined. Under extreme grazing， SOC and POC contents were significantly reduced by 33.54% and 56.21%， respectively， compared with light grazing. The ratios of EOC/SOC and DOC/SOC exhibited significant fluctuations in response to grazing intensity， making them important indicators for evaluating the impacts of grazing on soil carbon pools in alpine meadows. The contents of SOC and its fractions were significantly correlated with soil total nitrogen （TN） content， bulk density （BD）， and aboveground biomass （AGB）， with TN being the key factor influencing SOC and its fractions. Appropriate grazing intensity is crucial for maintaining and enhancing soil quality and carbon pool functions in alpine meadows， as overgrazing reduces SOC accumulation and stability. This study provides a scientific basis for grazing management and soil organic carbon pool conservation in alpine meadows of the East Qilian Mountains.

Grazing intensity  /  Alpine meadow  /  Soil organic carbon  /  Organic carbon fraction  /  Physical-chemical fractionation