Nature‐Based Solutions Increase Sowing Success for Mediterranean Grassland Restoration: A First Short‐Term In Situ and Ex Situ Comparison

Land Degradation and Development, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

ABSTRACT Active ecological restoration of Mediterranean semi‐natural grasslands faces challenges such as limited seed dispersal and poor establishment dominant perennial species. The aim our study was therefore to test different seedling type along a gradient nature‐based solutions including commercial mixture with seeds regional provenance, hay transfer, from ant refuse piles both harvested in neighboring non‐degraded grassland. primary objective compare these three mixtures ex situ, greenhouse, order distinguish the effects each sowing treatment under controlled common conditions same experiment conducted situ across four sites Crau Plain (Southern France). Using set soil rehabilitation treatments, we alluvial quarries backfilled former grassland or orchard soils, abandoned orchards treated normal deep plowing, reference In short term (6 months), results already differed significantly between experiments. Ex showed higher density than other treatments high species richness. On hand, transfer displayed richness, composition more similar grassland, while remained controls. These underline predominant impact habitat constrained ecosystems, highlighting importance increasing use spreading maximize success.

Language: Английский

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Research trends of nature-based solutions: from urban to climate change

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: June 14, 2024

As one of the efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity crisis, an interest in nature-based solutions (NbS) has been growing. Although there have diverse discussions on NbS, it is still insufficient find a quantitative evaluation global research trends which field what extent NbS studied. In this regard, study employed latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling keyword analysis quantitatively evaluate NbS. Among papers searched SCOPUS, 2,625 studies (2009–2022) were analyzed by LDA. result, NbS-related articles classified into seven topics (i.e., Urban governance, green infrastructure, Wastewater treatment, Coastal protection, Flood mitigation, Carbon sequestration, Sustainable agriculture). Of these, urban water-related accounted for largest proportion. contrast, carbon sequestration sustainable agriculture smaller proportion, but proportion significantly increased over time. result analysis, frequency water keywords remained high. was low recently increased. network, co-occurrence connection initially Still, time, related similarly those water. The findings imply that mainly focused researches. carbon-related researches may also be actively handled relation near future.

Language: Английский

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The relative effectiveness of different grassland restoration methods: A systematic literature search and meta‐analysis

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(2)

Published: April 1, 2023

Abstract Active grassland restoration has gained importance in mitigating the dramatic decline of farmnland biodiversity. While there is evidence that such operations are generally effective promoting plant diversity, little known about effectiveness different methods applied. Restoration can differ intensity seed bed preparation, source and method application. In this systematic literature search meta‐analysis, we screened for studies mesic grasslands temperate Europe. We focused on active experiments included a treatment lasted more than 3 years. evaluated influence factors species richness relative to non‐restored controls. found 187 articles investigated outcome aimed at actively restoring grasslands. Most plants, with only 9.6% dealing other organisms (e.g. beetles, pollinating insects). Many papers had be excluded due incomplete data, too short study duration and/or lack an adequate control. This resulted 13 fulfilling our criteria inclusion, yielding total 56 data points meta‐analysis. actions increased by, average, 17.4%, compared The explained significant amount variation richness: seeds originating from speciose donor positive effect. effect was even enhanced when combined commercial mix, whereas mixes alone no did not observe any factors, as type preparation or application method. A seed‐source obtained species‐rich seems key efficient Even though should preferred over seeds, associating natural increases richness. further revealed two major research gaps ecology: deficit long‐term investigations well focusing non‐plant organisms.

Language: Английский

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Assessment of Multiple Ecosystem Services and Ecological Security Pattern in Shanxi Province, China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(6), P. 4819 - 4819

Published: March 9, 2023

The ecological security pattern construction could effectively regulate processes and ensure functions, then rationally allocate natural resources green infrastructure, and, finally, realize security. In view of serious soil erosion, accelerated land desertification, pollution habitat degradation in Shanxi Province, the spatial distribution six key ecosystem services, including water conservation (WC), (SC), sand fixation (SF), carbon storage (CS), net primary productivity (NPP) quality (HQ), was analyzed by using multiple models. comprehensive ability services different regions quantified calculating landscape index (MESLI). Combined with hotspots, Province constructed minimum cumulative resistance model. results showed that differences were obvious, which low seven major basins Fen River valley, high mountains (especially Taihang Lvliang Mountains) for WC, SC, CS, NPP HQ, while SF only distributed northern Shanxi. MESLI to provide simultaneously medium grade accounting 58.61%, 18.07% regions. important protected areas sources concentrated Mountains, consistent services. corridors illustrated network as center, low-, medium- high-level buffers accounted 26.34%, 17.03% 16.35%, respectively. will implications economic transformation, high-quality development sustainable resource-based worldwide.

Language: Английский

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Experimental prosopis management practices and grassland restoration in three Eastern African countries

CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(1)

Published: July 12, 2023

Abstract Woody species have been introduced in many parts of the world to provide economic benefits, but some those are now among worst invaders, causing widespread and environmental damage. Management woody restore original ecosystem services, such as biodiverse grassland that can fodder sequester carbon, needed limit impacts alien species. However, best management methods, i.e., most economically efficient effective way remove trees or rehabilitate cleared land, not developed for In Eastern Africa, prosopis ( Prosopis julifora ) has invaded large areas savanna grassland, thereby affecting, other things, water livestock, access dry season grazing lands ultimately pastoral livelihoods. We tested three treatments (manual uprooting cut stump basal bark herbicide application) combination with incremental restoration interventions (divots, divots + mulching, mulching grass seed sowing). The three-year study was replicated Ethiopia (Afar National Regional State), Kenya (Baringo county) Tanzania (Moshi district). survival vegetation development, both diversity biomass, were recorded. all highly (between 85 100% tree mortality almost cases), two involved complete removal aboveground biomass stump) yielded a more productive diverse than treatment killed standing (basal bark). Compared effect removal, on composition small, indicating re-established from soil bank. results show it is possible land previously by prosopis. Despite different rates establishment variation composition, resulted cases contained substantial fraction perennial grasses. method chosen control depends availability resources, including herbicides, need rootstocks if intention plant crops.

Language: Английский

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Diversity and composition of vegetation and soil seed banks after sand dune restoration by oil mulching and plantations

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 25, 2025

Abstract Soil seed bank (SSB) is valuable reserves of seeds hidden in the soil and are especially important for preservation establishment vegetation under adverse environmental conditions. However, there a lack knowledge on effects restoration measures SSB, arid ecosystems. Here, we assess impacts oil mulching (1 3 years after mulching) plantations (15-year-old) diversity composition SSB aboveground (AGV) comparison with those non-restored areas (i.e., control). Based results, species richness was poor studied area (36 belonging to 16 families), lower contribution than AGV (11 34 species, respectively). The largest number exclusive observed planted treatment both (4 5 respectively), while lowest found 1-yr treatment. mean indices revealed that highest values occurred plantation 3-yr-mulching plots. density significantly greater (4145 ± 694 seeds/m 2 ) other (3-yr-mulching > 1-yr-mulching control treatments (145 53, 65 28, 43 22, results DCA showed completely separated from terms plant AGV, closest 3-yr mulching, which indicates positive effect time since composition. this study suggest trade-off between short-term medium-term such early years, has negative but its increase mulching. It can be concluded along afforestation, creates favorable microclimate improves SSB.

Language: Английский

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Tracing changes in the extent of urban grasslands through space and time

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 128796 - 128796

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Establishing wildflower meadows in anthropogenic landscapes

Frontiers in Horticulture, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2

Published: Jan. 11, 2024

In anthropized sites, the establishment and management of sustainable nature-based wildflower meadow solutions exclude fertilization, weeding, watering, reduce frequency mowing. Once such inputs have been reduced, ecosystem services generated by vegetation result in an increase biodiversity terms plant animal species, improvement soil quality biota, mitigation air pollutants carbon sequestration, as well a reduction temperature. Environmental education citizen science are also some benefits this type vegetation, especially urban areas. Herbaceous meadow-like communities, which composed forbs only or combination graminoid forb usually established sowing. The seeds available for purchase from specialized seed producers single species mix, companies offer mixes garden with botanical species. Donor meadows sources genetic material template to reproduce herbaceous community at different sites through harvest, hay displacement its bank. Management techniques, preparation, determining appropriate sowing mowing time, can help establishing maintaining most desirable suspension turf allows growth natural bank, unproductive soils facilitates appearance many pollinator-friendly With pedological conditions management, thus provides beautiful rich easy maintain. This review identifies best practices qualitative selection case studies related various methods establish infrastructure main constraints lack suitable market.

Language: Английский

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From invasive species stand to species-rich grassland: Long-term changes in plant species composition during Solidago invaded site restoration

Journal of Environmental Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 353, P. 120216 - 120216

Published: Jan. 30, 2024

Biological invasions degrade ecosystems, negatively affecting human well-being and biodiversity. Restoration of invaded agricultural ecosystems is among specific goals European Union Biodiversity Strategy. Successful restoration lands a long-term process that requires monitoring to assess the effects interventions. Here, we present results experiment (8 years) on semi-natural grassland abandoned arable field overgrown by invasive Solidago species (S. gigantea S. canadensis). We examined effect different invaders removal methods (rototilling, turf stripping, herbicide application) seed application practices (commercial mixture, fresh hay) changes in composition taxonomic diversity restored vegetation. Our showed positive composition, manifested decrease cover an increase richness target graminoids forbs characteristic grassland. The source had longer lasting still observable vegetation than treatments, which ceased differ significantly their influence after first few years. Applying hay as increased such Arrhenatherum elatius Poa pratensis. For commercial observed high Lolium perenne Schedonorus pratensis (introduced with mixture) at beginning slow along course. most striking was application, resulted lowest highest graminoids. Nonetheless, years non-chemical methods, including no treatment, gives comparable effectiveness restoration. Overall, during experiment, alpha increased, while beta gamma reached maximum third year, then decreased. In conclusion, this study guidance successful species-rich grasslands sites Solidago. It should be emphasised short-term considerably from outputs, especially highlighting importance source, well environmentally friendly regular mowing control invader.

Language: Английский

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Plant invasion and fragmentation indirectly and contrastingly affect native plants and grassland arthropods

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 903, P. 166199 - 166199

Published: Aug. 10, 2023

Plant invasion and habitat fragmentation have a detrimental effect on biodiversity in nearly all types of ecosystems. We compared the direct indirect effects common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) patterns different-sized Hungarian forest-steppe fragments. assessed vegetation structure, measured temperature soil moisture, studied organisms with different ecological roles invaded non-invaded sites fragments: plants, bees, butterflies, flower-visiting wasps, flies, true bugs, spiders. Temperature moisture were lower than area. Milkweed had positive plant species richness flower abundance. In contrast, we mainly found arthropods through alteration physical characteristics food resources. Pollinators positively affected by native flowers, thus, indirectly supported pollinators. Similarly, higher herbivores control sites, as bugs also increased increasing richness. Predators complex temperature. Furthermore, fragment size strong negative spider but no sites. Especially, grassland specialist spiders more sensitive to generalists, whereas generalist rather profited from invasion. Although invades natural areas, did not identify its presence diversity biota. However, supportive few homogenises communities. The rate might increase fragmentation, therefore recommend eliminating invasive plants small fragments preserve Focusing revealing invasions are essential for understanding mechanisms would support restoration efforts.

Language: Английский

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