Publication at Faculty of Science |
2010
Abstract
Mowing and management to reduce nutrient levels have often been successfully used to restore species-rich grasslands in various parts of Europe. However, such treatments have failed to restore the species-rich Central European mountain grasslands dominated by Polygonum bistorta.
Therefore, we tested a restoration approach using a factorial combination of fertilization and mowing, as well as a litter removal treatment.Mowing suppressed flowering and cover of P. bistorta and promoted target grassland species and richness. Fertilization prevented nutrient impoverishment and increased height and dominance of the broad-leaved grasses with which many species-rich grassland herbs could coexist.