How does the Zokor's feeding habit function to potentially slow down the decrease in plant diversity?

By interrupting the clonal propagation of dominant perennial herbs

While often labeled as pests due to root damage, zokors play a complex role as potential ecosystem engineers. When they feed heavily on the asexual, reproductive parts of perennial herbs—specifically structures like rhizomes and taproots—they effectively interrupt the clonal propagation mechanism utilized by these dominant species. This interruption reduces the competitive pressure exerted by these dominant plants. In contexts where diversity is already threatened by external factors like nitrogen deposition, this action can alleviate that pressure and potentially slow the decrease in overall plant diversity by allowing less aggressive species to persist.