Abstract:The Achnatherum splendens community is an important vegetation resource in arid and semi-arid regions. A mosaic A. splendens community often exists in the slightly lower topographical parts of typical steppe regions in Inner Mongolia, and often adjoins the low-lying wetlands. At present, little research has been done on suitable habitat for the A. splendens community. Four representative study areas of typical steppe in the Xilinguole Grassland were selected to study the suitable habitat for this community in the steppe region of Inner Mongolia: 1 and 2) Huahushuo and Borenaobao of Baiyinxile Ranch, 3) Laomaodeng hamlet of Maodeng Ranch, and 4) Xinlinhaote's penal farm. We selected an area in each plot to measure the local topography by using an optical theodolite (TDJ6E), including the length, width, and heigh of each plot. Also we surveyed the vegetation of the A. splendens community and its adjacent communities, which were zonal Stipa communities and wet meadow communities. When possible, we measured the underground water level in wells in the plots using the optical theodolite (TDJ6E) at the topographic control point; a soil sample 1 meter in depth was collected, and divided into 10 equal layers. Soil conductivity was tested using a Multi-340i multi-parameter measuring instrument. The soil pH value was tested with a DELTA320-type pH meter produced by the Mettler Toledo Company. Soil texture feature was assessed by testing soil grain size with a Microtrac S3500 Particle Size Analyzer. By comparing the above indices with the other adjacent communities, some conclusions can be made. The A. splendens community of typical steppe in Inner Mongolia is a result of an elevation gradient. It has a kind of zonal distribution among the communities of A. splendens, zonal Stipa communities, and wet meadow communities. First, it is clear the A. splendens community occurs in areas with groundwater at 1-3 m below the surface, in addition to surface runoff. The deep root system of A. splendens reaches the groundwater directly. Secondly, it is also relevant to the soil pH value and the soil conductivity tests reflect the soil salt content. The salt tolerance of A. splendens community is well known to be very high. Soil salinity, low at the soil surface, was relatively higher as depth increased. The soil pH is significantly higher in this community than in the adjacent wet meadow community and zonal Stipa community. However, it can be concluded that the formation of the A. splendens community suitable habitat is unrelated to soil texture.