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

Abstract

Some short‐term experiments in applied ecology and agricultural research have demonstrated that nutrient applications in semi‐natural grasslands can maintain productivity and will not result in the decrease of plant species richness. Such findings may have an impact on management choices and quality of valuable plant communities, and therefore, further discussion of this topic is necessary. We highlight three aspects regarding the management suggestions in grassland communities with high biodiversity: (1) short‐term study results may not reflect potential long‐term changes; (2) broad range of grasslands may respond to disturbance in site specific ways; and (3) practical advices should contain careful consideration of existing ecological literature regarding grassland management and sustainable biodiversity. Synthesis and applications. Considering effects of fertilisation on biodiversity, we argue against nutrient application to semi‐natural grasslands. Biodiversity supports the resilience of grassland ecosystems and maintains a stable biomass yield. Current short‐term experiments are good indicators about the need for a long‐term experiments and meta‐analysis for detailed understanding of ecosystem functions in different types and areas during global change.

Plant composition, herbage yield, and nitrogen objectives in Arrhenatherion grasslands affected by cattle slurry application

“…This is in accordance with other authors (Melts et al 2018) reporting that intensification of herbage production reduces sward plant diversity while improving its agronomic value.…”

“…Hence, less productive Arrhenaterion grasslands, such as those limited by soil water availability, are suggested to be fertilized by cattle slurry in the amount up to 120 kg N/ha for a short-term period to meet not only sufficient agronomic objectives, but also nature conservation requirements via maintaining plant diversity (Duffková et al 2015). However, plant species richness would be probably diminished, if suggested management took longer time (Melts et al 2018).…”

“…effects of repeat organic fertilizer application such as cattle slurry at differing annual rates on plant composition and herbage objectives, which are supposed to be site-specifically modified (Melts et al 2018). Previous research Libichová 2013, Duffková et al 2015) evaluated the effect of cattle slurry application on herbage properties and/ or plant composition separately in two different Arrhenatherion meadows, but without site-specific recommendations related to both agricultural and biodiversity targets.…”

The use of cattle Bos taurus for restoring and maintaining holarctic landscapes: Conclusions from a long‐term study (1946–2017) in northern England

“…Mitchell et al (2017) found that in Scottish grasslands over the are likely to be long-lasting (Melts et al, 2018). Mitchell et al (2017) found that in Scottish grasslands over the are likely to be long-lasting (Melts et al, 2018).…”

“…At Chillingham, AC IV is therefore comparatively species-rich, with more species in a smaller quadrat (25.7 species per 100 m 2 quadrat) and is therefore an important resource of this biodiverse habitat. Mitchell et al (2017) found that in Scottish grasslands over the are likely to be long-lasting (Melts et al, 2018). For example, in arable land in Canada, the effect of a single application of lime on soil pH was still detectable 30 years later (Beckie & Ukrainetz, 1996).…”