Grassland ecosystems play an irreplaceable role in maintaining regional ecological balance and ensuring national ecological security. In this study, a coefficient-modified equivalent factor method was applied to estimate the grassland ecosystem service value (ESV) of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2000 to 2023. Analyses were conducted from three dimensions—ecosystem service type, geographic region, and ESV grade. By integrating the center-of-gravity model, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and other methods, the spatial distribution characteristics of grassland ESV were examined, and influencing factors were identified using the Geodetector model. The results show that: (1) The area of grassland ecosystems in Inner Mongolia exhibits a fluctuating downward trend, with extensive overall coverage and a higher concentration in central regions, while parts of western Inner Mongolia experience a reduction in grassland area accompanied by a trend of spatial clustering. (2) Grassland ESV shows a fluctuating upward trend, with regulation services accounting for the largest proportion. The regional distribution follows a central > eastern > western pattern, and the distribution of ESV grades across counties varies across different periods. (3) The spatial distribution of grassland ESV generally presents a “northeast–southwest” pattern, with its center of gravity located northeast of the geometric center in Xilinhot City and exhibiting an overall southeastward shift, accompanied by increasing spatial imbalance. (4) Significant spatial agglomeration of grassland ESV is observed, with high–high clusters concentrated in central Xilingol League and low–low clusters distributed in western and southwestern central regions. The spatial extent of both cluster types has decreased, while polarization and centralization trends have emerged in some areas. (5) Natural factors exert a stronger influence on grassland ESV than socioeconomic factors, among which meteorological variables have the greatest impact. The interaction between annual mean temperature and annual precipitation shows the strongest explanatory power. These findings provide valuable references for management authorities in promoting grassland ecosystem protection and sustainable management.
Shi et al. (2026) studied this question.