Restoration of species-rich grasslands on ex-arable land: seed addition outweighs soil fertility reduction
-
Published source details
Kardol P., Wal A.V., Bezemer T.M., Boer W., Duyts H., Holtkamp R. & Putten W.H.V. (2008) Restoration of species-rich grasslands on ex-arable land: seed addition outweighs soil fertility reduction. Biological Conservation, 141, 2208-2217.
Published source details Kardol P., Wal A.V., Bezemer T.M., Boer W., Duyts H., Holtkamp R. & Putten W.H.V. (2008) Restoration of species-rich grasslands on ex-arable land: seed addition outweighs soil fertility reduction. Biological Conservation, 141, 2208-2217.
Summary
Within a European context, on abandoned agricultural land targeted for semi-natural species-rich grassland creation, high soil fertility and limited natural plant dispersal ability are considered main constraints to restoration success. Often soil fertility reduction is deemed necessary for establishment of desired plant communities. A 3-year experiment was conducted on an ex-arable sandy soil site at the village of Assel, Gelderland (52°21′N, 5°82′E), the Netherlands. Effects of soil fertility manipulations and sowing native mid-successional plant species on plant community development and soil biological properties were assessed.
After abandonment in 2002, in May 2004 four blocks (5 m apart) each containing eight plots (4 x 4 m), were established. Treatments applied were: control, wheat Triticum spp. straw addition, birch Betula pendula wood chip addition (to incorporate nutrients), and top soil removal (to reduce nutrients). Treatments were applied with or without sowing of characteristic mid-successional perennial species of abandoned cropland in the region: a mix of four grasses (common bent Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal Anthoxanthum odoratum, quaking grass Briza media, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina; 500 seeds/m2) and four forbs (yarrow Achillea millefolium, cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, common sorrel Rumex acetosella; 150 seeds/m2).
Output references
|