Showing papers in "Applied Vegetation Science in 2022"

About the link between biodiversity and spectral variation

Abstract: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2022 The Authors. Applied Vegetation Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Association for Vegetation Science. This article is a part of the Special Feature "Remote Sensing for Vegetation Science" edited by Duccio Rocchini, Hannes Feilhauer, Sebastian Schmidtlein and Jana Müllerová. 1Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany 2Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Průhonice, Czech Republic 3Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, Ústí n. L., Czech Republic 4Department of Spatial Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Life Sciences Prague, PrahaSuchdol, Czech Republic

Distribution maps of vegetation alliances in Europe

Abstract: Aim The first comprehensive checklist of European phytosociological alliances, orders and classes (EuroVegChecklist) was published by Mucina et al. (2016, Applied Vegetation Science, 19 (Suppl. 1), 3–264). However, this checklist did not contain detailed information on the distribution of individual vegetation types. Here we provide the first maps of all alliances in Europe. Location Europe, Greenland, Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, Cyprus and the Caucasus countries. Methods We collected data on the occurrence of phytosociological alliances in European countries and regions from literature and vegetation-plot databases. We interpreted and complemented these data using the expert knowledge of an international team of vegetation scientists and matched all the previously reported alliance names and concepts with those of the EuroVegChecklist. We then mapped the occurrence of the EuroVegChecklist alliances in 82 territorial units corresponding to countries, large islands, archipelagos and peninsulas. We subdivided the mainland parts of large or biogeographically heterogeneous countries based on the European biogeographical regions. Specialized alliances of coastal habitats were mapped only for the coastal section of each territorial unit. Results Distribution maps were prepared for 1,105 alliances of vascular-plant dominated vegetation reported in the EuroVegChecklist. For each territorial unit, three levels of occurrence probability were plotted on the maps: (a) verified occurrence; (b) uncertain occurrence; and (c) absence. The maps of individual alliances were complemented by summary maps of the number of alliances and the alliance–area relationship. Distribution data are also provided in a spreadsheet. Conclusions The new map series represents the first attempt to characterize the distribution of all vegetation types at the alliance level across Europe. There are still many knowledge gaps, partly due to a lack of data for some regions and partly due to uncertainties in the definition of some alliances. The maps presented here provide a basis for future research aimed at filling these gaps.

Two sides of one medal: Arable weed vegetation of Europe in phytosociological data compared to agronomical weed surveys

Abstract: Questions Two scientific disciplines, vegetation science and weed science, study arable weed vegetation, which has seen a strong diversity decrease in Europe over the last decades. We compared two collections of plot-based vegetation records originating from these two disciplines. The aim was to check the suitability of the collections for joint analysis and for addressing research questions from the opposing domains. We asked: are these collections complementary? If so, how can they be used for joint analysis? Location Europe. Methods We compared 13 311 phytosociological relevés and 13 328 records from weed science, concerning both data collection properties and the recorded species richness. To deal with bias in the data, we also analysed different subsets (i.e., crops, geographical regions, organic vs conventional fields, center vs edge plots). Results Records from vegetation science have an average species number of 19.0 ± 10.4. Metadata on survey methodology or agronomic practices are rare in this collection. Records from weed science have an average species number of 8.5 ± 6.4. They are accompanied by extensive methodological information. Vegetation science records and the weed science records taken at field edges or from organic fields have similar species numbers. The collections cover different parts of Europe but the results are consistent in six geographical subsets and the overall data set. The difference in species numbers may be caused by differences in methodology between the disciplines, i.e., plot positioning within fields, plot sizes, or survey timing. Conclusion This comparison of arable weed data that were originally sampled with a different purpose represents a new effort in connecting research between vegetation scientists and weed scientists. Both collections show different aspects of weed vegetation, which means the joint use of the data is valuable as it can contribute to a more complete picture of weed species diversity in European arable landscapes.

Fertilization and overseeding legumes on native grasslands leads to a hardly reversible degraded state

Abstract: Diverse practices related to livestock intensification often have a deep impact on grassland diversity. Moreover, alternative degraded states that are hardly reversible can be observed, resulting in low-diversity communities, dominated by invasive alien species. Therefore, the need arises to understand aboveground vegetation dynamics in these communities, and the potential of the seed bank to revert this degradation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of overseeding alien legumes coupled with phosphorus fertilization over natural grasslands, in terms of aboveground vegetation composition and soil seed bank. This was performed in a long-term experiment (23 years) in eastern Uruguay with three treatments: (1) native grasslands and native grasslands overseeded with alien legumes and fertilized at a (2) moderate or (3) high phosphorus dosage. Vegetation surveys were done in 2009 and 2019 to evaluate changes, and the seed bank was sampled in 2019. Native grasslands had higher total richness, native species richness and abundance for both years, as well as a higher species turnover in both temporal and spatial dimensions. The dominant species in overseeded treatments was the invasive alien grass Cynodon dactylon. The seed bank was similar between treatments in terms of seed density and richness, but differed in composition, with a higher abundance of alien species in the overseeded grassland. Seed banks showed low similarity with the aboveground vegetation. The overseeded grassland appears to be in a degraded state of low species diversity, with low turnover and invaded by alien species. The seeds in the soil appear to be insufficient to revert this condition and might be a hindrance for restoration due to the high abundance of alien species. Grasslands that have been degraded by long periods of fertilization and overseeding legumes present a great challenge for ecological restoration, since invasive alien species should be controlled before native species are reintroduced.

Grassland restoration by local seed mixtures: new evidence from a practical 15‐year restoration study

Abstract: Aim Local seed mixtures are frequently used to restore species-rich grasslands. However, it has hardly been tested whether local seed mixtures can actually be applied successfully in grassland restoration practice at larger scales and long-term. To close this gap, we report the results of a large-scale restoration study in which grasslands were restored about 15 years ago using different local seed mixtures. Location Bavaria, SE Germany. Methods To evaluate the efficacy of the local seed mixtures, we compared the species composition of seed mixtures and current vegetation. We then tested whether restoration success depends on site characteristics such as the size and shape (rectangle or stripe) of the grassland, restoration procedures such as topsoil removal, seed density and land use, or species habitat preferences for light, water and nutrients, and species life span (annual, perennial). Results On average, the current vegetation contained 62.4% of all species that were present in the local seed mixtures. Species from the local seed mixtures made up on average 69.1% of the total cover in the established vegetation, whereby the species composition of the local seed mixture and vegetation differed significantly from each other. The probability that a sown species would establish increased with seed density up to 300 seeds/m². Furthermore, habitat preferences significantly affected species establishment chances, with species requiring full illumination, dry and nutrient-poor soil being more successful during restoration, reflecting the high proportion of sites with topsoil removal prior to seeding in our study. Annual species had significantly lower establishment chances compared with their perennial counterparts. Conclusions Our study provides another piece of evidence that local seed mixtures can be applied successfully in large-scale grassland restoration projects. We provide several practical recommendations of how such practices can be further improved by using specific seed densities and creating new local seed mixtures using species that are ecologically more suitable to the restored sites.

Microclimate shapes vegetation response to drought in calcareous grasslands

Abstract: Questions Semi-natural grasslands have been shown to be relatively resilient to drought events, but there seems to be no uniform response of different grassland types or across species. The typical vegetation of calcareous grasslands, which are biodiversity hotspots in Europe, reportedly even profits from droughts. What was the response of their vegetation, considering different species groups, to the recent periods of intense summer droughts? How did differences in microclimate, such as between steep, south-facing slopes (SSF) and flat or north-facing slopes (FNF), affect species composition and drought response? Location Semi-arid calcareous grasslands (Mesobromion) in northwest Germany. Methods In 2019, we resurveyed 112 vegetation plots from 25 sites first established in 2008, after 11 exceptionally dry years. Species identities and cover were assessed in plots of 1 m2. We used linear mixed models to determine the effect of microclimate on species composition and drought response. Vegetation changes were visualised by non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Results In the initial survey in 2008, the species composition was significantly influenced by the microclimate, with positive effects of dry and warm conditions on SSF on character species. Phosphorus availability played an equally important, albeit contrasting, role. Vegetation change between 2008 and 2019 showed strong signs of the severe droughts. On SSF slopes, total species richness decreased, with negative trends for all species groups except ruderal species. Remarkably, this also affected the character species of dry grasslands. By contrast, dry conditions on FNF favoured an increase in total species richness and character species. However, eutrophication indicators increased here as well. Conclusions We conclude that sites with a dry and warm microclimate have to date had a positive, stabilising effect on the typical vegetation of calcareous grasslands. However, increasing droughts due to climate change pose a potential threat to the characteristic species composition, especially at sites with hot and dry microclimates.

Best practice – Is natural revegetation sufficient to achieve mitigation goals in road construction?

Abstract: Aims The area influenced by road construction is large, and measures to re-establish vegetation in disturbed areas are routinely carried out to reduce impacts on biodiversity. However, goals of mitigation measures are often unclear, and the effects on biodiversity of mitigation measures is rarely monitored. We assessed the effects of different revegetation treatments (natural revegetation, seeding, planting) on vegetation development along highways, and on wildlife crossings of different age. Location Highways in southeast Norway. Methods We collected data on vascular plant species, vegetation cover and height, soil grain size and organic matter content, and compared the species composition, richness, and diversity of the restored sites with reference plots in the adjacent target vegetation (mature forest). Results Our results show a significantly higher richness and diversity in restored plots compared to reference plots, and an increased similarity of species composition over time. Species composition was most similar to reference plots in naturally revegetated plots and seeding seemed to reduce both species and functional trait composition similarity. Conclusions It is unrealistic that the defined target vegetation will develop on restored sites. Defining a realistic and achievable target vegetation for each road construction project in relation to land use, adjacent vegetation type and successional stage, as e.g., forest edge instead of forest, would be useful. While this may require more effort for management it will translate to higher mitigation success.

Restoration and management of plant communities in <i>Applied Vegetation Science</i>

Abstract: In 2021, global environmental challenges were at the forefront of our minds. Having finished the first year of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, we are witnessing the predicted effects of anthropogenic climate change around the world. Applied ecological research is more important than ever to develop appropriate management solutions to the wide range of environmental challenges. In this editorial, we take a look at the key issues and topics of interest in Applied Vegetation Science (AVS) over the last five years. Our brief analysis complements and updates information on the major topics from 1998 to 2016 in an earlier editorial (Chytrý et al., 2017) and is parallel to the analysis published simultanously for the Journal of Vegetation Science (Pillar et al., 2022). We examined the 389 articles published in AVS since 2016 excluding Editorials. We extracted key terms in the titles, abstracts and author addresses. We performed a network analysis using the VOSviewer tool v.1.6.17 (van Eck & Waltman, 2010). The most frequent countries of author affiliation and the network of collaborations based on co-authorship are shown in Figure 1a. The red cluster indicates strong collaboration between Eastern and Central European countries, including also some Northwestern European countries such as the Netherlands. The green cluster includes the collaboration networks from North America, Western and Central Europe. Germany, the largest contributor country to this journal, lies in the middle of these two clusters. These two main clusters show that even in the age of the internet and globalization, the main international collaboration networks are still mainly based on the geographical proximity of countries. However, the yellow cluster includes countries from different continents that share similar types of ecosystems (Australia, Italy and South Africa), suggesting that some collaborations are mainly driven by common research interests rather than by the geographical proximity of countries and institutions. The network analysis of topics (Figure 1b) revealed six main clusters based on the co-occurrence of keywords. They clearly identified the main topics within the journal: restoration ecology (red and yellow clusters), conservation management (green and blue), vegetation change (turquoise) and vegetation classification (purple). These topics were identified in the journal five years ago (Chytrý et al., 2017), and they have increased in importance since then. The red and yellow clusters show that restoration ecology is one of the most important topics in the journal. In the first year of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, AVS emphasized the need to restore degraded ecosystems by publishing numerous articles on this topic. For example, removal of invasive plant species had positive outcomes for recovery of biodiversity in the vegetation invaded by both ice plant (Carpobrotus) on a Mediterranean island (Buisson et al., 2021) and buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in inland Australia (Wright et al., 2021). Recovery to a reference site was slow (Buisson et al., 2021), but native species composition did improve after invader removal. Wright et al. (2021) highlighted that time since invasion is likely to be important as native soil seed banks may be depleted, making plant recovery difficult. Seed banks were recognized as critical for restoration in other contexts (and linked to restoration in the red cluster in Figure 1b). For example, Waryszak et al. (2021) found that more native species established when deep topsoil (including the seed bank) was transferred from a donor site with recently cleared vegetation to the restoration site, highlighting the importance of the soil seed bank in restoration. Prach et al. (2021) compared the effects of sowing seed mixtures with spontaneous succession in grasslands. They found that regional seed mixtures brought species composition closer to the reference site than other restoration methods. Importantly, all these studies found that restoration actions improved native species composition regardless of whether communities recovered to a reference site during the time period studied. Conservation management, such as grassland mowing or grazing aimed at maintaining species-rich vegetation, is another traditional topic in the journal (green cluster). For example, Kuhn et al. (2021) disentangled the effects of different intensities of grazing, mowing and abandonment on species diversity in Transylvanian grasslands. The turquoise cluster is related to monitoring vegetation changes, a theme that was also covered in a Special Feature (Hédl et al., 2017). Some articles published in 2021 focused on traditional species-level analyses of vegetation change (e.g. Baumann et al., 2021), but others also conducted phylogenetic analyses of vegetation change, such as Santo-Silva et al. (2021), who found phylogenetic homogenization of tree assemblages in isolated forest patches in the Amazon. The purple cluster included keywords occurring mainly in articles dealing with vegetation classification. This article type has been published in the Vegetation Survey section of the journal since 2011. Although most of these articles have dealt with different types of European and Mediterranean vegetation (e.g. Bonari et al., 2021), important synthetic studies were also published for other parts of the world in 2021, including the mires of Middle East and Central Asia (Naqinezhad et al., 2021) and Japanese forests (Noriyuki et al., 2021). An important tool for these studies, the 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature was also published in the last volume of Applied Vegetation Science (Theurillat et al., 2021). We performed analogous network analyses for our sister journal, the Journal of Vegetation Science (JVS; Pillar et al., 2022). JVS shows a similar collaboration network, but articles from outside Europe are more represented there, forming a distinct cluster from North America, Australia and China. The topic network in JVS is also centred around the main themes of species diversity and composition, indicating that both journals specialize in plant community ecology. However, the clusters identified in JVS address general topics in community ecology such as community assembly and structure, functional ecology and vegetation dynamics. These differences between AVS and JVS clearly indicate that AVS focuses on applications while JVS primarily deals with basic research. Each year, the Chief Editors of Applied Vegetation Science give an Editors’ Award to one of the articles published in the previous year. Understanding grassland responses to disturbances such as grazing and alleviated nutrients is an important management issue for grasslands worldwide. This year the AVS Editors’ Award goes to Sofia Campana and Laura Yahdjian for their article “Plant quality and primary productivity modulate plant biomass responses to the joint effects of grazing and fertilization in a mesic grassland.” The article addresses the important global issues of increasing nutrient loads and densities of grazing livestock. These processes — nutrient addition and grazing — can have interactive effects on plant biomass (Campana & Yahdjian, 2021). The authors conducted a factorial experiment with grazing exclusion and fertilization in a mesic grassland over four years. The main result was that grazing significantly (by 52%) reduced above-ground plant biomass, and this reduction was even greater in combination with fertilization (70%). The mechanism was that the addition of nutrients increased both the biomass available for consumption and the leaf nutrient concentration, and these changes intensified grazing pressure and consumption. Thus, cattle were able to consume the additional biomass produced due to fertilization. In making our selection for the Editors’ Award, we considered several other outstanding articles published in 2021, some of which were nominated by the Co-ordinating Editors. Here we mention three runners-up, including Luo et al. (2021), Depauw et al. (2021) and Naqinezhad et al. (2021). Luo et al. (2021) investigated soil seed banks in a desert and their relationships with above-ground vegetation using geostatistical analysis. They focused on a previously understudied topic, namely the spatial pattern of soil seed banks, and found distinct scale-dependent features. Depauw et al. (2021) examined commonly used measures for estimating light availability in structurally complex forests at several sites in Europe and found that structural features of the canopy were poor predictors of the understorey light-demand signature. This is an important methodological message, which requires the attention of forest ecologists. Naqinezhad et al. (2021) developed the first comprehensive syntaxonomic classification for Irano-Turanian mires and springs based on original data obtained in the mountains of Iran, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This study provides the first comprehensive description of this patchily distributed vegetation type, which contains many endemic species and significantly contributes to the regional biodiversity of arid landscapes in the interior of Asia. The 2021 volume of Applied Vegetation Science was the first to be published electronically, without a parallel printed version. The journal thus follows the general trend in scientific publishing of moving away from printed editions. This change allowed the introduction of continuous publishing, which means that each article is published in its final version immediately after proofing, without an Early View period. We believe that our authors appreciate that the final versions of their articles are now published much faster. In May 2021, Alessandro Chiarucci stepped down as the Chief Editor of the journal after 15 years! We thank Ale for all the hard work he has put into the IAVS journals over the years and wish him the best in his new endeavours. We also thank the authors for submitting articles to AVS, all the editors who managed the editorial process, and the referees (listed in Appendix 1) who helped improve the published articles. We thank the referees who served Applied Vegetation Science from 1 October 2020 to 31 October 2021. Those who reviewed more than two times are indicated by asterisks. Scott Abella Shalom Daniel Addo-Danso Munemitsu Akasaka Harald Albrecht Katharina Albrich Edith Allen Swanni Alvarado José Álvarez-Martínez Fernando Ascensão Thomas Astor Isabelle Aubin Inger Auestad Alistair Auffret Irena Axmanová* Ambroise Baker Markus Bauer Alison Beamish Carl Beierkuhnlein Joseph Bennett Leland Bennion Christian Berg Erwin Bergmeier* Mónica Bertiller Edmilson Bianchini Lisandro Blanco Haben Blondeel Bernd Blossey Gianmaria Bonari* Kauane Bordin Israel Borokini Francesco Boscutti Zoltán Botta-Dukát Andrea Britton Jörg Brunet* Helga Bültmann Olivia Burge Sabina Burrascano Melissa Burt Maria Gabriela Camargo Mariah Campagnoli Marcos Carlucci Cameron Carlyle Valerie Cayssials Bruno Cerabolini Artemi Cerda Paolo Cherubini Kwek Yan Chong Carles Comas Timo Conradi* Irene Cordero Anikó Csecserits Mônica Cupertino-Eisenlohr Juliana Dániel-Ferreira Kirk W. Davies Rafael L. De Assis Miquel De Cáceres Daniela de La Fuente Emiel De Lombaerde Balázs Deák Laura Dee Roger del Moral Jürgen Dengler* Martin Diekmann Panayotis Dimopoulos David Doley Tobias W. Donath Veronika Döpper Martin Dovčiak Stefan Dullinger Giselda Durigan* Thierry Dutoit Adrian G. Dyer James Dyer Andrew Eagar Monika Egerer Carsten Eichberg Jana Eichel Pedro Eisenlohr David Eldridge Tracy Elsey-Quirk László Erdős* Nikolai Ermakov Doug Evans Jörg Ewald Damilola Eyitayo Edy Fantinato Mohammad Farzam Fabian Fassnacht* Jean-Baptiste Féret Eduardo Fernández-Pascual Kathryn Flinn Scott Franklin Lee Frelich David Frey Dan Gafta Nestor Ignacio Gasparri Gabriele Gheza Hamed Gholizadeh Eduardo Giehl Rachel Gioannini Lucas Gorné Juan Gowda Jessica Grenke Riccardo Guarino* Onalenna Gwate Samia Hamati Meghan Hayden Kate He Per-Ola Hedwall Thilo Heinken Andreas Hemp Dan Hending Gustavo Heringer Alison Hester Erika Hiltbrunner Emily Holden Karen Holl Norbert Hölzel Katherine Hovanes Dina in ‘t Zandt Catarina Jakovac Monika Janišová Francesca Jaroszynska Renaud Jaunatre Borja Jiménez-Alfaro Fernando Joner Lize Joubert Teja Kattenborn Dave Kendal Janez Kermavnar Siddhartha Khare Keith Kirby* Kevin Kirkman Réka Kiss Valentin Klaus Till Kleinebecker Johannes Kollmann* Ingolf Kühn Asumo Kuroda Anna Kuzemko Emma Ladouceur Flavia Landucci Daniel Laughin Mike Le Duc Gabrielle Lebbink Hyo Hye Mi Lee Jan Lehmann Attila Lengyel* Benjamin Leutner J. D. Lewis Grisel Longo Daphne López-Marcos Luis López-Mársico Zdeňka Lososová Arantzazu Luzuriaga Miaojun Ma Simona Maccherini Siddarth Machado Anja Magiera* Marco Malavasi* Michael Manthey Corrado Marcenò Rob Marrs Carolina Martínez-Ruiz Ibrahim A. Mashaly Fabio Matos Tetsuya Matsui Jorge Meave Joao Meira-Neto Anna Mežaka Russell Miller Ruth Mitchell Zsolt Molnár Arnaud Monty Alejandra Morán Ordóñez Toni Lyn Morelli John Morgan Ian Moss Ondřej Mudrák* Sandra Müller Seth Munson Admore Mureva Alireza Naqinezhad Christopher Neill Ashish Nerlekar Lena Neuenkamp* Carsten Neumann* Kechang Niu Pavel Novák* Vivi Novianti Péter Ódor* Kinga Öllerer Adeyemi Olusola Anna Orczewska* Rafael Otfinowski Robin Pakeman Salza Palpurina* Gernot Paulus Raffaele Pelorosso Cord Peppler-Lisbach Michael Perring* Oliver Pescott Julien Piqueray Sylvain Plantureux Julien Pottier Karel Prach* Eduardo Prata Timothy Prather* Bernard Prevosto Fernando Pulido Lysandra Pyle Sorenson Quinn Fermin Rada Elias Ramezani Sébastien Rapinel Leonid Rasran Charlotte Reemts Klára Řehounková Victor Resco de Dios Björn Reu Sandra Rojas-Botero Jan Roleček Sergey Rosbakh* Roser Rotchés-Ribalta Marina Roth Eszter Ruprecht Joseph Sagers Andrew Sánchez Meador Victor M. Santana* Jenny Schellenberg Felix Schiefer* Sebastian Schmidtlein Ute Schmiedel Andreas H. Schweiger Michele Scotton Timothy Seipel Philipp Sengl Cinthia Silva Imelda Somodi Judit Sonkoly Diego Sotomayor Karina Speziale Barbara Stammel Johannes Steiger Klaus Steinbauer Christian Storm Christopher Swan Amy Symstad Jiao Tang Massimo Terzi Jean-Paul Theurillat Lubomír Tichý Pedro Tognetti Csaba Tölgyesi Carolina Toranza Péter Török Kaisa Anneli Torppa Michele Torresani* Orsolya Valkó* Hans Van Calster Elisa Van Cleemput Han van Dobben Margot Vanhellemont Morgan Varner Harri Vasander Jos Verhoeven Risto Virtanen Pascal Vittoz Markus Wagner* Viktoria Wagner Christine Wallis Yun Wang T. Weaver Karsten Wesche* Susan Wiser Thomas Wohlgemuth Jianshuang Wu Monika Wulf Severin Yvoz David Zelený Igor Zelnik Jing Hui Zhang Jess Zimmerman Jack Zinnen Chad R. Zirbel

Deferment associated to contrasting grazing intensities affects root‐shoot biomass allocation in natural grasslands

Abstract: Questions How does a strategic deferment influence both shoot and root biomass in South American Campos natural grassland after a long time of contrasting livestock grazing intensities? How do functional strategies of plants to tolerate or avoid grazing affect patterns of aboveground and belowground biomass? Location A natural Campos grassland in Central Depression of Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil (latitude 30°05'27 "S, 51°40'18”W longitude, and altitude 46m). Methods We studied the effects of deferments (spring or autumn) at moderate and severe livestock grazing intensities (maintained by adjusting contrasting forage allowances during 25 years) on the cover of dominant species, aboveground and belowground biomass. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications of grazing exclusions, applied simultaneously at moderate and severe grazing intensities. Measurements of above and below ground biomass and the coverage of the five dominant species were performed before and after grazing exclusion periods. Results Under severe grazing intensity, erect growing grasses were replaced by prostrate species, which were able at least to maintain the belowground biomass found in moderate grazing intensity. In response to deferments, severe grazing intensity changed towards a significant increase in aboveground biomass and in the coverage of plants with erect growing habit. However, total belowground biomass remained unaffected by exclusions in both grazing intensities. The relationship between root:shoot biomass was lower under moderate grazing intensity, and showed a negative response to deferments treatments in severe grazing intensity. Conclusion Long-term contrasting grazing intensities applied in South American Campos grasslands determine several changes in above-belowground relationships. Prevalence of prostrate plants under severe grazing is associated with a high partitioning capacity of assimilates toward the subterranean biomass, higher than the tall species predominant under moderate grazing. The fast recovery of aboveground biomass, the maintenance of the underground biomass and the increase of tall grasses in response to deferments reveals the high resilience capacity of this ecosystem after a long-term period of overgrazing.

Decrease in species richness and diversity, and encroachment in Cerrado grasslands: a 20 years study

Abstract: Question The Cerrado is a global biodiversity hotspot, highly threatened by changes in land use. Alterations in species composition and the colonization of Cerrado grasslands by woody species can lead to long-term changes in these communities. In this study, we investigated changes over 20 years in three grassland areas, in terms of species richness and diversity and growth-form cover, as well as the effects of shrub and grass encroachment on species richness. Location Cerrado Brazilian savanna, moist grassland and dry shrub grassland. Areas under low and high anthropogenic pressure. Methods Plant species composition and cover were sampled on seven occasions between the years 2000 and 2020, in permanent line-transects. We compared plant cover, richness, diversity and growth-form cover between the periods for each area. Next, we developed mixed-effect linear models to test whether species richness in grasslands at the latest sampling event was altered by species representing 70% of the species cover at this time. Results Grasslands located in areas under higher anthropogenic pressure presented reduced richness and diversity, and cover concentrated on a few species of shrubs and large tussock grasses. Moist grassland undergoing encroachment by the native shrub Trembleya parviflora had lost over 50% of its diversity since encroachment. In the same area, a shrub grassland undergoing encroachment by native shrub Raulinoreitzia tremula, three native grass species and one exotic grass presented significantly reduced species richness. The moist grassland in an area under low anthropogenic pressure showed a reordering of the species cover over time, but a decrease in species richness. Conclusion We observed changes in plant richness, diversity, cover, composition and growth-form cover over a period of 20 years in grassland communities. We found, however, different trajectories in the three grassland areas sampled, mainly due to the encroachment of a few species, leading to floristic homogenization in grasslands located in areas under high anthropogenic pressure.

Classification of European bog vegetation of the Oxycocco‐Sphagnetea class

Abstract: Aims Classification of European bog vegetation (Oxycocco-Sphagnetea class); identification of diagnostic species for the class and vegetation subgroups (orders and alliances) development of an expert system for automatic classification of vegetation plots; and production of distribution maps of the Oxycocco-Sphagnetea class and its alliances. Aims Europe Methods A dataset of vegetation-plot records was compiled to cover most of the European continent by various bog types. An unsupervised classification (beta-flexible linkage method, Sørensen distance measure) and DCA ordination were applied. Formal definitions of syntaxa based on species presence and covers, and respecting the results of the unsupervised classification, were developed and included in a classification expert system. Results The Oxycocco-Sphagnetea class, its two orders (Sphagno-Ericetalia tetralicis and Sphagnetalia medii) and seven compositionally distinct alliances were formally defined. In addition to the syntaxa included in EuroVegChecklist, three new alliances were distinguished: Rubo chamaemori-Dicranion elongati (subarctic polygon and palsa mires); Erico mackaianae-Sphagnion papillosi (blanket bogs of the northwestern Iberian Peninsula); and Sphagno baltici-Trichophorion cespitosi (boreal bog lawns). The latter alliance was newly described in this article. Conclusions This first pan-European formalized classification of European bog vegetation partially followed the system presented in EuroVegChecklist, but suggested three additional alliances. One covers palsa and polygon mires, one covers Iberian bogs with endemics and one fills the syntaxonomical gap for lawn microhabitats in boreal bogs. A classification expert system has been developed, which allows assignment of vegetation plots to the types described.

Summer grazing by three livestock species at moderate intensity enhances primary productivity and drives community divergence in a semi‐arid steppe

Abstract: Aims The general effects of grazing by large herbivores on plant species composition and productivity are well known. Meanwhile, how different livestock species affect community structure is not fully understood. In northern China, livestock species composition is changing rapidly and hence, it is imperative to understand the resulting effects on grassland productivity and composition. Location Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods We studied how grazing by three major livestock species affects typical steppe dominated by Leymus chinensis, Stipa grandis, Cleistogenes squarrosa and Carex korshinskyi, in a 4-year field experiment using a random block-design with four treatments (sheep, goat, cattle, no grazing), under summer grazing at moderate intensity. We calculated above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) and a selectivity index (SI) based on biomass to quantify livestock forage preferences. Result We found that (i) sheep preferred Leymus chinensis and mixed subordinate species, cattle preferred Stipa grandis, and goat preferred Carex korshinskyi and Cleistogenes squarrosa. (ii) Consistent with these preferences, sheep increased the relative biomass of Stipa grandis, but reduced that of Carex korshinskyi; cattle reduced the relative biomass of Stipa grandis and Carex korshinskyi but increased that of mixed subordinate species; and goats reduced the relative biomass of Cleistogenes squarrosa and Carex korshinskyi but increased that of mixed subordinate species. (iii) Overall, grazing significantly increased ANPP, mainly due to an increase in ANPP of Leymus chinensis and subordinate species, at the cost of Stipa grandis. Conclusions Summer grazing by different livestock species at moderate intensity can increase ANPP, while livestock forage preferences can drive divergent changes in species composition. Our results also imply that livestock composition can be used as a mean to manage vegetation dynamics.

Floristic types of high Andean wetlands from NW Argentina and their remote‐sensed characterization at a regional scale

Abstract: Aims High-Andean vegas are key functional wetlands in the Puna ecoregion. Plant communities in combination with ecogeographic characteristics determine their functional processes. In this study, we identified groups of vegas based on their plant composition and characterized these groups with spatial and spectral variables representing their ecogeographic context. Location Argentine Puna and High-Andean ecoregions. Methods We recorded the species composition and cover of plants in 50 vegas distributed along a ecogeographic gradient. We calculated six spatial and 14 spectral variables for each vega. We performed a correspondence analysis (CA) to explore species data and used the site's scores in a k-means analysis to identify groups of vegas. Then, we characterized each group of vegas with spatial and spectral variables with the v.test using the ‘catdes’ function in the FactoMineR package. Results The CA showed five groups of vegas segregated by the plant species composition. Each group was related to different spatial and spectral variables showing an ecogeographic gradient. Vegas with Poaceas were located at higher altitude and lower latitude and longitude (Group 1, Festuca nardifolia and Deschampsia hackelii). Vegas dominated by cushion species had higher humidity (Group 2, Oxychloe andina), and higher and more stable productivity (Group 3, Eleocharis pseudoalbibracteata), while vegas with halophytic species were associated with a larger area, higher salinity, and lower humidity (Group 4, Amphiscirpus nevadensis), and lower productivity (Group 5, Lycium humile and Salicornia pulvinata). Conclusions Our results are the first floristic classification and remote-sensing characterization of high-Andean vegas at a regional scale. This information shows the variation of these ecosystems and suggests that remote sensing, complemented with field information, could help to identify types of vegas at regional scales. This information is relevant for land planning and sustainable management of these key ecosystems in the context of threats of global change.

AgriWeedClim Database: A Repository of Vegetation Plot Data from Central European Arable Habitats over 100 Years

Abstract: Aims Arable habitats (i.e. fields, orchards, vineyards, and their fallows) were created by humans and have been essential elements in Central European landscapes for several millennia. In recent decades, these habitats have been drastically altered by changes in land use as well as agricultural practices and, more recently, by climate change. These changes have precipitated substantial changes in vegetation and their spatial and temporal trajectories have not yet been exhaustively studied. Here, we present the AgriWeedClim database — a new resource of vegetation plot (relevé) data of arable habitats in Central Europe. Location Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Hungary, Northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia. Methods Vegetation plot data were obtained from large repositories (e.g. European Vegetation Archive), specialized regional databases, colleagues and the literature. Data were then checked for completeness and standardized (e.g. taxonomy, nomenclature, crop types). Species were assigned native, archaeophyte (i.e. alien species introduced before c. 1492 CE) or neophyte (i.e. alien species introduced after c. 1492 CE) status. Results The AgriWeedClim database version 1.0 contains georeferenced data from 32,889 vegetation plots sampled from 1916 to 2019. Conclusions We provide an overview of this new resource and present example analyses to show its content and possible applications. We outline potential research questions including analysis of patterns and causes of vegetation changes in arable habitats from the early 20th century to the present.

Machine‐learning algorithms predict soil seed bank persistence from easily available traits

Abstract: Question Soil seed banks (SSB), i.e., pools of viable seeds in the soil and its surface, play a crucial role in plant biology and ecology. Information on seed persistence in soil is of great importance for fundamental and applied research, yet compiling datasets on this trait still requires enormous efforts. We asked whether the machine learning (ML) approach could be used to infer and predict SSB properties of a regional flora based on easily available data. Location Eighteen calcareous grasslands located along an elevational gradient of almost 2000 m in the Bavarian Alps, Germany. Methods We compared a commonly used ML model (random forest) with a conventional model (linear regression model) as to their ability to predict SSB presence/absence and density using empirical data on SSB characteristics (environmental, seed traits and phylogenetic predictors). Further, we identified the most important determinants of seed persistence in soil for predicting qualitative and quantitative SSB characteristics using the ML approach. Results We demonstrated that the ML model predicts SSB characteristics significantly better than the linear regression model. A single set of predictors (either environment, or seed traits, or phylogenetic eigenvectors) was sufficient for the ML model to achieve high performance in predicting SSB characteristics. Importantly, we established that a few widely available SSB predictors can achieve high predictive power in the ML approach, suggesting a high flexibility of the developed approach for use in various study systems. Conclusions Our study provides a novel methodological approach that combines empirical knowledge on the determinants of SSB characteristics with a modern, flexible statistical approach based on ML. It clearly demonstrates that ML can be developed into a key tool to facilitate labor-intensive, costly and time-consuming functional trait research.

Controlling the abundance of a native invasive plant does not affect species richness or functional diversity of wet grasslands

Abstract: Aim In this study, we tested plant community-based management methods to reduce the abundance of the invasive native plant Jacobaea aquatica (marsh ragwort). As J. aquatica mainly occurs in species-rich wet grasslands, our aim was to define management measures that do not reduce the conservation value of the resident communities. Location Data were collected from 20 independent sites which varied in productivity and management intensity across the pre-alpine Allgäu region (South Germany). Methods We monitored effects of temporary abandonment and decreased mowing intensity in very low- and low-productive sites, as well as of decreased mowing and fertilization at moderately productive sites. Abundances of J. aquatica and the co-occurring species were recorded at start and end of two experiments (2018–2021: very low- and low-productive conservation grasslands; 2017–2020: moderately productive agricultural grasslands), while functional traits data of all species were gathered from the literature and specific databases. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) were used to analyse the effects of management intensity on the abundance of J. aquatica, functional diversity and species richness of the resident communities. Results At all productivity levels, the abundance of J. aquatica declined under reduced management. Changes in community composition and species richness of the resident community were less pronounced than the reduction of J. aquatica, but species richness declined under lowest management intensities. Thus, moderate reduction in management intensity provided the most benefits in terms of reduction of J. aquatica, and maintenance of species richness and composition of the resident plant community. Conclusions Reducing management intensity in wet grasslands decreases the abundance of J. aquatica and thus is a suitable method to control this species. As plant community responses were only partially consistent, management plans must account for the productivity of invaded sites. To avoid negative effects on grassland biodiversity, only moderate suppression of J. aquatica is recommended.

Plant community context controls short‐ versus medium‐term effects of pre‐emergent herbicides on target and non‐target species after fire

Abstract: Questions: Selective herbicide application is a common restoration strategy to control exotic invaders that interfere with native plant recovery after wildfire. Whether spraying with preemergent or bioherbicides releases native plants from competition with exotics (“spray-and-release” strategy) and can make communities resistant to re-invasion by exotic annual grasses (e.g., cheatgrass, medusahead), without risks to non-target native plants or secondary invasion, is a major question for land managers of semiarid plant communities. Location: Sagebrush steppe of southwest Idaho, USA Methods We applied chemical herbicides (imazapic, rimsulfuron) and weed-suppressive bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens strains MB906 and D7) to three sagebrush-steppe communities after fire.We measured plant cover prior to burning and for four years (five for exotic annual grasses) post-treatment. Results Both chemical herbicides significantly reduced exotic annual grass cover in all communities in the first post-spraying year, but rimsulfuron plots were re-invaded after 1-2 years, while imazapic plots continued to resist re-invasion 4 and even 5 years post-spraying, well after the herbicide should have degraded. We did not detect any increase in native perennial grass cover with either herbicide, and herbicides had both positive and negative effects on individual bunchgrass basal diameter, depending on species and plant community. Rimsulfuron was more damaging than imazapic to shallow-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Moss and lichen cover, key components of soil integrity, increased with chemical herbicide treatments in some communities. Both herbicides increased secondary invaders (exotic forbs or grasses), which varied by plant community and herbicide. Weed-suppressive bacteria treatments had no significant effects on cover of any functional group. Conclusions While short-term effects of chemical herbicides that target exotic annual grasses were relatively consistent and predictable, longer-term effects were specific to the herbicide and plant community. The “spray and release” strategy may confer resistance to re-invasion by exotic annual grasses if herbicides prevent re-invasion for an extended period.

Spatial patterns of stand structure and canopy disturbance in a fire‐maintained Pinus palustris woodland

Abstract: Question: Stand structural complexity is increasingly valued by forest managers to promote resilience, and quantitative spatial data from reference stands can help achieve these goals. We questioned how stand structural elements were spatially distributed across a Pinus palustris woodland. Specifically, we sought to quantify patterns of individual trees, tree clumps, openings, and canopy disturbance and examine spatial relationships between P . palustris saplings and P . palustris and Quercus spp. trees. Location: Fall Line Hills, Alabama, USA (32°56′12′′ N, 87°25′37′′ W). Methods: We recorded tree species, diameter, age, and location of all trees, and reconstructed canopy disturbance events across a 1- ha site in a P . palustris woodland. We used global point pattern analysis ( g(r) function) and a local spatial classification method (individuals, clumps, and openings) to examine the distribution of stand struc tural elements and canopy disturbance. Results: Trees were generally clustered by taxa and diameter. Pinus palustris saplings exhibited no spatial relationship with P . palustris trees, but were clustered around Quercus trees at variable distances. Approximately half of the trees in the stand occurred silvicultural to structural complexity resilience.

Observer‐driven pseudoturnover in vegetation monitoring is context dependent but does not affect ecological inference

Abstract: Aims Resurveys of vegetation plots are prone to several errors that can result in misleading conclusions. Minimizing such errors and finding alternative approaches for analyzing resurvey data are therefore important. We focused on inter-observer error and excluded other sources of variation. Our main questions were: How large is the inter-observer error (i.e. pseudoturnover) in vegetation surveys, and can it be reduced by simple data aggregation approaches? Which factors are affecting pseudoturnover and does it vary between morphological species groups or change over time? Is ecological inference robust against inter-observer differences? Location Switzerland. Methods Over seven years, we double-surveyed a total of 224 plots that were marked once in the field and then sampled by two observers independently on the same day. Both observers conducted full vegetation surveys, recording all vascular plant species, their cover, and additional plot information. We then calculated mean ecological indicator values and pseudoturnover. Results Average pseudoturnover was 29% when raw species lists were compared. However, by applying simple aggregation steps to the species list, pseudoturnover was reduced to 17%. Pseudoturnover further varied among habitat types and declined over the years, indicating a training effect among observers. Most overlooked taxa, responsible for pseudoturnover, had low cover values. Mean ecological indicator values were robust against inter-observer differences. Conclusions To minimize pseudoturnover, we suggest continuous training of observers and species-list aggregation prior to analysis. As mean ecological indicator values were robust against inter-observer differences, we conclude that they can provide a reliable estimate of temporal vegetation and ecological changes.

Loss of plant cover mediates the negative effect of anthropogenic disturbance on the multifunctionality of a dryland

Abstract: Aims Anthropogenic disturbances due to human economic activities may affect ecosystem services, which are the benefits provided by the ecosystem properties, such as soil water content and soil fertility. Also, these disturbances affect plant community biodiversity and cover, which are also known to affect multiple ecosystem properties. However, it is still unclear the strength of the relative effects of the disturbance itself and the effect that is mediated by changes in the plant community. Questions We evaluated the relative direct and indirect effects (mediated by changes in the plant community) of the anthropogenic disturbances on ecosystem multifunctionality. Location Dry forests within the Sustainable Development Reserve Ponta do Tubarão, northeastern Brazil. Methods We measured standing biomass, litter mass, soil fertility and soil water content in 52 vegetation plots along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance. Also, we measured woody plant cover and species functional traits to characterize the plant community functional structure. We measured proxies of livestock grazing, selective logging and past-clear-cuts as anthropogenic disturbances to create an index that characterizes the additive effect of these human activities. By building a theoretical model using the structural equation modeling approach, we investigated how the plant community changes in cover and biodiversity due to anthropogenic disturbances mediate changes in ecosystem properties. Results Our results show that anthropogenic disturbances had negative effects on ecosystem properties. Plant cover loss caused by anthropogenic disturbances was the major determinant of the negative effect of disturbances. The functional structure of the plant community had a weak effect on these properties. Conclusions By assessing the effect of human activities on multifunctionality, we found a stronger negative effect of anthropogenic disturbances when compared to its effect on single ecosystem properties. The recovery of plant cover should be a major focus of projects aiming to restore and maintain the multifunctionality of this dryland.

Urban plant diversity in Kazakhstan: effects of habitat type, city size and macroclimate

Abstract: Questions Urbanisation has accelerated the spread of alien and apophytic species around the world including the drylands of continental inland Asia. However, few studies have examined the patterns and drivers of urban plant diversity in this region. We ask how habitat type, city size and macroclimate affect species richness and composition of alien, apophytic and non-apophytic indigenous plants in cities of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of Kazakhstan. Location Ten cities in central and northeastern Kazakhstan, Middle Asia. Methods Using a standardized sampling protocol, we recorded spontaneously occurring vascular plant species in 1-ha plots in seven habitat types (central square, boulevard, residential area, park, early-successional vacant site, mid-successional vacant site and railway station) in five large (>100,000 inhabitants) and five small (<100,000 inhabitants) cities. We used linear mixed-effect models to quantify the effects of habitat type, city size and macroclimate on species richness and the proportion of alien, apophytic and non-apophytic indigenous plants. Results Plant species richness differed significantly among habitat types, with the lowest richness in central squares, and the highest in railway stations and residential areas. Apophytic species were most numerous in railway stations and alien species in residential areas. The richness of alien, apophytic and non-apophytic indigenous species varied more among habitats than among cities. The proportion of apophytes increased linearly with annual precipitation. The largest differences in species composition were between disturbed sites in city centres (squares, boulevards and parks) and early-successional, mid-successional and railway station sites. Large and small cities also differed in species composition. Conclusions Plant diversity in cities of northern Kazakhstan depends mainly on habitat type and less on macroclimate. Overall, cities in inland continental Asia follow patterns of urban species diversity observed in other Asian and European cities.

Experimental assessment of endozoochorous dispersal of Prosopis flexuosa seeds by domestic ungulates

Abstract: Question The spatial and temporal dynamics of plant communities in various ecosystems are shaped by the movements of seeds expressed as different dispersal modes. In desert rangeland, many plants produce relatively large fruits that are limited in their long-distance dispersal abilities and, therefore, depend on transport inside animals, a process termed endozoochory. Evaluating the effectiveness of this process from experimental data is crucial for assessing the potential of domestic ungulates as effective long-distance seed dispersers and, consequently, as management and restoration tools in degraded rangelands. Methods In this study we jointly estimated recovery, gut retention time (RT) and germination probability of Prosopis flexuosa seeds (a tree species of Monte desert in Argentina) transported by goats, horses and cattle (n = 4) through a seed-feeding experiment. Also, in horses and cattle, we used plastic particles to distinguish between seed loss due to mastication and due to degradation in the gut. Results Results showed higher seed recovery in horses (26%) than in cattle (3%) and goats (5%), and different values of RT and germination of seeds among species (in decreasing order, RT was: cattle > goats > horses; and germination was: goat > horses > cattle = control seeds). Conclusions We concluded that the quality of seed treatment by horses is better than by the other species, because of the high seed recovery and high germination compared to control seeds. To get a complete picture of this mutualistic interaction, future studies could inquire about the physical and chemical properties of faeces as substrate and the environmental conditions of sites where seeds are deposited.

Increasing abundance of an invasive C4 grass is associated with larger community changes away than at home

Abstract: Aim We evaluated stands of the invasive grass, Sporobolus cryptandrus in its native North American range and its non-native European range, where it is a recent invader. Our aim was to reveal how the species’ increasing abundance affects functional diversity and the ecosystem service-provisioning capacities of plant communities in both ranges. Location Sand grasslands in the Kiskunság, Hungary and in Montana, USA. Methods All vascular plant species and their relative abundances were recorded in a stratified random manner in 1 m × 1 m plots in each range, using the following cover categories of Sporobolus as strata: 1%–25%, 26%–50%, 50%–75%, and 75%–100%. The functional characteristics of the plant communities in the two continents were compared. We performed comparisons of the communities both with and without including Sporobolus. Results Increasing Sporobolus cover resulted in a lower functional diversity and species richness, reduced average specific leaf area and increased the height of whole plant communities in both ranges but these effects were significantly stronger in the non-native stands. Sporobolus also negatively affected the cover of insect-pollinated plant species and the proportion of native perennials, switching the rest of the community from perennial-dominated to annual-dominated. In plant communities without Sporobolus, increasing Sporobolus cover led to a higher specific leaf area and seed mass in both ranges, but average height was decreasing along the Sporobolus abundance gradient in the native range, whereas it was increasing in the non-native range. Conclusions The spread of Sporobolus, away from its native range, leads to the impoverishment of host communities and compromises the biomass and floral resource-provisioning capacity of the vegetation to higher trophic levels. Tackling the spread of this new invader should therefore be a priority task.

Small rocky outcrops: Natural features to promote biodiversity in oak wood‐pastures

Abstract: Aims The Iberian oak wood-pastures are unique agroforestry systems supporting high levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Small rocky outcrops are geological features commonly found in these systems and constitute biodiversity reservoirs, protecting sensitive species from grazing and farming activities. We aimed to assess the relevance of including rocky outcrop conservation within wood-pastures to increase biodiversity. To achieve this goal, we study the plant communities occurring within the outcrops and in the wood-pasture matrix to evaluate the impact of rocky outcrops on the overall plant taxonomic and functional diversities of these systems. Location Montemor-o-Novo (Alentejo, Portugal). Methods We sampled 102 plant communities occurring in outcrops and in the adjacent wood-pasture matrix and analysed alpha, beta, gamma and functional diversities. We identified the main intrinsic factors affecting outcrop plant composition and their functional groups using Linear (LM) and Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) and characterised the effect of outcrop size throughout Generalised Additive Models (GAMs). Results We found plant richness to be similar in wood-pasture matrix and outcrops. However, beta diversity analysis revealed a high species turnover between both communities. Functional indices indicated a higher plant functional diversity in outcrops and trait analyses identified three functional groups dissimilarly distributed in both communities: i) perturbation and stress-sensitive plants, with outcrops constituting an important refuge for this group, and ii) grazing-tolerant and iii) weedy herbs dominating the wood-pastures. Finally, we also found increased plant richness in outcrops with a higher length of their minor axis, i.e. wider outcrops, and higher rock cover area. Conclusions Our results indicate that the presence of small rocky outcrops in evergreen oak wood-pastures highly increase their gamma and functional diversities. Consequently, outcrop protection strongly impacts overall wood-pasture biodiversity and underline the suitability of including outcrop conservation as a cost-effective solution capable of increasing biodiversity in these agroforestry systems.