Successful transfer of species‐rich grassland by means of green hay or threshing material: Does the method matter in the long term?

Abstract

Questions:We investigated the transfer of seeds from species-rich grassland using green hay and seed material from on-site threshing to answer the following questions: do these two methods differ in terms of restoration success; and how do the two methods behave in their long-term effect concerning species composition and species presence? Location: Styria, Austria. Methods:We harvested seed material of a species-rich Arrhenatherion meadow by green hay and on-site threshing and transferred it to a receptor site. Transferable species were identified by vegetation survey and seed sample analyses. We analysed transfer rates and vegetation cover for the donor site species pool and Arrhenatherion target species, covering a 10-year observation period. Species composition and presence were derived from plant surveys. Results:The restoration success of both methods was similar within the observation period. Although donor site species declined, the establishment of target species was satisfactory and species-rich grassland was successfully established, despite different site conditions between donor and receptor sites and strong dynamics in species composition over time. Conclusions:Both harvesting methods are well suited for restoring species-rich grassland, and the actual choice ultimately depends on the costs and the given circumstances. Even if donor and receptor site differ in their site conditions, species-rich grassland can be established successfully. The prerequisite for this is that: (a) a high proportion of transferred species is able to establish; and (b) specific restoration goals do not exclude vegetation development according to specific receptor site conditions.

Bee-Friendly Native Seed Mixtures for the Greening of Solar Parks

“…Seed availability can vary significantly at the national and regional levels [61,71,75]. Alternative, well-developed techniques, such as revegetation by hay transfer or on-site threshing [34,96], are often not feasible on the required scales and are only viable options for smaller solar farms or sub-areas. The agricultural production of seeds from regional provenances currently appears to be the only option for providing high-quality material for large-scale ecological restoration [78], as required for biodiversity-enhancing solar parks.…”

Preliminary Results of the Introduction of Dicotyledonous Meadow Species

“…Spreading hay with diaspores is applied [16], often in combination with the removal of the top layer of soil [17,18]. Green hay spreading is used less frequently-it is possible only at small distances from donor stands [19,20]. Another method involves the production of seedlings, which is recommended especially when introducing rare and endangered species [21].…”

“…Research on various methods of restoring meadow ecosystems showed that the most effective method was green hay transfer, resulting in the restored community being the most similar to the donor meadow [27]. Schaumberger et al [20] emphasise that the choice of restoration method ultimately depends on cost and various circumstances, it is important that a large proportion of the transferred species can become established.…”