This paper reports on vegetation dynamics on ter- restrial, temperate grassland sites at the upper range of the productivity scale, i.e. on abandoned sewage fields (fields once used for waste water disposal) at Berlin-Blankenfelde, Germany. I studied regeneration and the influence of different management practices (removal of top soil and mowing in late summer). Changes in species composition and cover were followed on permanent plots of 2 m x 2 m size through five years of vegetation development. At the outset of the experi- ment the abandoned fields were dominated by dense Urtica dioica/Elymus repens stands. Species richness was 7 species/ 4 m2, and it remained low on unmanaged plots during the time of observation (7.6 species/plot in year 5). Removal of 20 cm of top soil caused a severe decline of Urtica and a large increase in species richness (21 species in year 1 after distur- bance). Mowing was slightly higher compared with unmown plots on both initially excavated and unexcavated plots. Total cover was always near 100 % (except immediately after top soil removal). Colonization of bare soil was very rapid and in late summer of the first year after disturbance cover already increased towards 100%. On all plots the vegetation was mostly dominated by perennial herbs and grasses. Winter season gaps are occupied by Galium aparine, a large-seeded annual scrambling climber. Monocarpic per- ennials behaved as winter annuals in most cases. Woody species were inhibited by dense above-ground biomass and litter cover. The paper questions whether succession on abandoned sewage fields may proceed towards a woodland stage and advises how vegetation of such hyper-eutrophicated sites can be managed towards higher diversity.

Comparative plant ecology

Management impacts on vegetation dynamics of hyper‐eutrophicated fields at Berlin, Germany

Twenty-four years of succession on a man-made beach–dune system on the Baltic coast of Denmark, built in 1977–1978 of calcareous marine sand, with the dune planted with Ammophila arenaria, was studied in seven permanent plots. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between plant diversity and dune development processes in the man-made dune system, and to examine whether the processes are similar to those in natural systems. During the study period, which started in 1979, the man-made dune stabilized quite quickly, while the beach expanded seaward because of the natural accretion of marine sand. On the beach, three rows of coast-parallel foredunes developed in succession. The species composition of the permanent plots gradually changed, while the total number of species in the plots increased from one (planted) to 26. The plot-year relevees were structured into six groups by TWINSPAN. The stabilization of the man-made dune, as well as the gradual seaward movement of active dune formation, was reflected in the spatial and temporal distribution of the TWINSPAN groups. Furthermore, the sequence of the groups largely matched the succession previously described from younger parts of coastal dunes elsewhere along the Baltic and NW European coasts. The gradual change in plant diversity could be related to increasing habitat differentiation, the successive immigration of species, the declining relative influence of the sea, and increasing stabilization.

Natural Plant Diversity Development on a Man-Made Dune System

Levels of Germinable Seed in Topsoil and Yak Dung on an Alpine Meadow on the North-East Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Evaluation and management of fen meadows invaded by common reed (Phragmites australis)

The area of traditionally managed semi-natural meadows is declining throughout Europe. Knowledge of how to restore their species richness is urgently needed. Community manipulations by means of grazing and mowing and, on the other hand, knowledge of species-level responses as well as the responses of functional plant groups to management may help in planning appropriate restoration

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/pdf/variation-in-grazing-tolerance-and-restoration-of-meadow-4yeszgin5j.pdf

Comparative plant ecology

Citations

Management impacts on vegetation dynamics of hyper‐eutrophicated fields at Berlin, Germany

Natural Plant Diversity Development on a Man-Made Dune System

Levels of Germinable Seed in Topsoil and Yak Dung on an Alpine Meadow on the North-East Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Evaluation and management of fen meadows invaded by common reed (Phragmites australis)

Variation in grazing tolerance and restoration of meadow plant communities

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