Changes of species richness pattern in mountain grasslands: abandonment versus restoration

Abstract

Changes in plant species richness at various spatial scales were investigated by manipulative experiment in mountain grasslands. The aim of the research was to compare changes in species richness in newly abandoned sites and sites where restoration measures were applied after 20 years of abandonment. The plots were located in two vegetation types with diVerent moisture regime. Species richness decreased signiWcantly after abandonment, mainly at the Wnest spatial scale of 10 £ 10 cm. There was signiWcant increase of species richness on restored sites, but it was apparent mainly at a larger scale. However, even 4 years of regular mowing were not suYcient to restore species richness to the level typical for traditionally managed grasslands in the region. No signiWcant diVerence was found in the performance of the 2 contrasting vegetation types (wet and dry) in relation to management measures. A signiWcant diVerence in scale-dependent species richness was only observed. The dry type had a steeper species-area curve, with a lower number of species at the Wnest spatial scale. According to the results of the experiment, mountain grasslands are very vulnerable habitats, losing their conservation value quickly after abandonment. Restoration is possible due to an extensive species pool in the region, but return to the original species richness at all spatial scales is quite a long process.

Control of Molinia caerulea by cutting management on sub-alpine grassland

“…The reintroduction of traditional cutting management quickly reduced the cover, biomass and flowering of Molinia, but after 6 years, cutting management did not increase species richness or restore the original Nardus dominated sub-alpine grassland. This result is consistent with several other studies demonstrating that the restoration of target grassland communities by cutting is a long-term process (Galvánek and Lepš, 2008;Ilmarinen et al, 2009;Mašková et al, 2009;Stampfli and Zeiter, 1999). After the retreat of Molinia, empty gaps were only partly colonized by Avenella or remained free of vegetation.…”

Fertilising semi‐natural grasslands may cause long‐term negative effects on both biodiversity and ecosystem stability

“…Even the temporary abandonment of management activities (e.g. Galvánek & Lepš, ; Pykälä, Luoto, Heikkinen, & Kontula, ; Uchida & Ushimaru, ) or the incidental or irregular management of productivity (e.g. Van der Hoek, Mierlo Anita, & Groenendael, ) can lead to long‐term changes in the species composition.…”

Functional groups and dispersal strategies as guides for predicting vegetation dynamics on reclaimed mines

“…Simultaneously, these changes are paralleled in some extent by nutrient accumulation (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) as organic matter and cycling processes increase (Walker and del Moral 2009). However, little is known about these relationships during land reclamation (Galvánek and Lepš 2008;Zhang and Dong 2010), especially in Mediterranean climates ; González- Alday et al 2008). An understanding of these local successional dynamics would greatly improve the chance of successful reclamation (Walker and del Moral 2008).…”