Applied Vegetation Science最新文献

{"title":"Hydrochory, a Key Ecological Function of a Tropical Dry Forest River Threatened by a Dam and Open-Pit Coal Mining in Colombia","authors":"Daniela Rátiva Gaona,&nbsp;Elisabet V. Wehncke,&nbsp;Nestor A. Mariano,&nbsp;Marcela Osorio Beristain","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70022","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Freshwater ecosystems have complex spatial and temporal connections that support multiple processes essential for life. Since two of the most critical impacts on riparian ecosystems are the regulation of river flows and water pollution, we aimed to investigate whether a dam and mining activities on the Ranchería River affect hydrochory.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tropical dry forest of La Guajira, Colombia; a region in need of water.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We evaluated hydrochory and compared seed richness, abundance, and composition with the unaltered Cesar River over two seasons. We sampled both upstream and downstream of the dam and the mining site. At these same sites, we quantified levels of turbidity and 15 chemical compounds that affect water quality.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There was significant spatial heterogeneity of the seed communities sampled along both rivers, with particularly distinct communities collected downstream from the open pit mine. We also found a significant effect of the dam on seed composition and abundance in the Ranchería River. Seed assemblages, but not seed numbers, differed between seasons and rivers. We also found significantly higher levels of chemical compounds and turbidity downstream of the mine compared to upstream.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There is a significant effect of the dam and the open pit mine on the Ranchería River in Colombia. The alteration of natural flows, environmental conditions, and water quality affects hydrochory, a key ecological function of the river. Urgent measures are imperative to address these challenges effectively and ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144135537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Nurse Trees in the Plant Community of Park Grassland: A Case Study in Southern Brazil","authors":"Guilherme Diego Fockink,&nbsp;Betina Camargo,&nbsp;Djoney Procknow,&nbsp;Emily Talita Pereira de Aguiar,&nbsp;Pedro Joel Silva da Silva Filho,&nbsp;Ricardo Bergamo Schenato,&nbsp;Ana Paula Moreira Rovedder","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70027","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding the mechanisms that act in the assembly of the grassy-woody plant community in park grassland is important to define conservation, management, and restoration strategies. We investigated the facilitation of three nurse tree species typical of park grassland (<i>Prosopis affinis</i>, <i>Prosopis nigra,</i> and <i>Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco</i>) on the composition and structure of the plant community and the mechanisms through which these species facilitate the establishment of other species under their canopies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Park grasslands of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We carried out a paired vegetation survey in 30 circular plots (under trees and in open areas) in park grassland isolated from grazing, located in the Espinilho State Park, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. We evaluated attributes related to the composition and structure, dimensions of each tree, and environmental variables, aiming to understand the mechanisms of plant community assembly.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Nurse trees play an important role in the assembly of the plant community, promoting changes in abiotic (provide shade, increased litter, decreased exposed soil) and biotic (decreased herbaceous abundance) conditions. Consequently, they provide microhabitat for herbaceous and woody plants. These tree species are decisive in the assembly of the plant community in park grassland, and their conservation is fundamental for the maintenance of associated species. However, they can act as nuclei for woody plants typical of forests and possibly contribute to forest expansion in the long term.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Given the nursing role they play, these tree species demonstrate potential for application in ecological restoration, as well as promoting the conservation of local biodiversity in park grasslands.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avsc.70027","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144117861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nitrogen Deposition Increases Spontaneous Forest Establishment and Loss of Lichen Vegetation in Inland Dune Areas Across the Netherlands","authors":"Laurens B. Sparrius,&nbsp;Michaël J. Duijsens,&nbsp;Daniël Kollen,&nbsp;Michel J. P. M. Riksen,&nbsp;Arco J. van Strien","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Questions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>(1) How much of the inland dune habitat has been transformed into spontaneous forest across the Netherlands between 2007 and 2018? (2) Is there a spatial correlation between nitrogen deposition and changes in vegetation? (3) What changes could be observed in the cover of lichen vegetation and the invasive bryophyte <i>Campylopus introflexus</i> within this period? (4) What measures can be taken to counteract the effect of spontaneous forest establishment?</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Inland dune sites across the Netherlands are primarily located in the eastern part of the country.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Comparative analysis of vegetation maps made in 2007 and 2018. Lichen species trends were estimated based on a study with 75 permanent plots over the period 1999–2023.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our study shows that, with increasing N deposition, the spontaneous forest establishment rate doubles. The Netherlands loses 118 ha (0.7%) of inland dune vegetation to spontaneous forest establishment annually, which is largely compensated by nature restoration measures. Increasing nitrogen deposition causes a stronger dominance of <i>Campylopus introflexus</i>. This resulted in a 40% decrease in the abundance of terrestrial lichen species, and consequently in a decrease in overall habitat quality.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>N deposition has a positive effect on spontaneous forest establishment in inland dune areas across the Netherlands. In total, site management would have to fell a minimum of 118 ha of Scots pine annually as a restoration measure to combat the spontaneous establishment rate and maintain the current open area inland dune habitat. Habitat quality was negatively affected and visible as a strong decline in lichen abundance and an increase in the invasive moss <i>Campylopus introflexus</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144100743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seed Rain in Subtropical Grasslands Under Different Grazing Intensities","authors":"Graziela Har Minervini Silva,&nbsp;Luciana da Silva Menezes,&nbsp;Helena Streit,&nbsp;Gerhard Ernst Overbeck","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70028","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Question</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seed rain maintains propagule stocks in the seed bank and governs plant recruitment and community composition. However, seed rain studies in Southern Hemisphere grasslands remain scarce, and little is known about the effects of grazing on seed rain. We evaluated the seed rain in grasslands with distinct grazing intensities (high, moderate, low, very low, and not grazed) in subtropical southern Brazil.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Long-term cattle grazing management experiment in subtropical Campos grassland, southern Brazil.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seed rain was collected, using pot traps with sterile soil, monthly for one year. Additionally, we recorded species in the fruiting phase present in the vegetation. The seed rain was estimated by the seedling emergence method. We performed randomization tests to compare seed rain density and composition among managements and seasons, and evaluated functional composition of the seed rain (broad functional groups of plants and dispersal traits).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We observed high numbers (up to 106,070 seedlings/m², representing the maximum annual sum) in seed rain samples, with seeds from 90 species. The ungrazed treatment showed the highest number of seedlings. Across seasons, no significant differences were found, due to large variation. Similarity between seed rain and vegetation was low (Sørensen index values between 13% and 30%).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our results indicate that large numbers of seeds are dispersed and potentially incorporated into the soil seed bank at the grassland site. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of subtropical grasslands under different grazing regimes. Our findings can guide grazing management strategies to enhance the dispersal of target species, supporting effective conservation and restoration efforts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avsc.70028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Competition From a Local Species Seed Mixture Limits Invasion by the Ornamental Shrub Buddleja davidii","authors":"Fanny Dommanget,&nbsp;Pauline Douce,&nbsp;André Evette,&nbsp;Renaud Jaunatre","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70025","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Questions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>One strategy to prevent invasive alien plant species from establishing during the restoration process is to early re-introduce native communities. But can seeding a native herbaceous species mixture of local seeds reduce the establishment of an invasive shrub such as <i>Buddleja davidii</i>? Specifically, we asked: (1) Does competition by native species reduce <i>B. davidii</i> performance? (2) Is this competitive effect on <i>B. davidii</i> more important under higher seed densities? (3) Can it be partly attributed to light competition? (4) How do priority effects moderate this competitive effect?</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Disturbed embankment, Isère, France.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted experiments in controlled conditions, in mesocosms and in the field. We compared the performance of <i>B. davidii</i> when seeded alone or in competition with local seeds, at different densities, when shaded or not and when sown before or simultaneously with respect to native species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The seeding of a local seed mixture decreased the height, biomass and early-stage survival of <i>Buddleja davidii</i>. Whatever the density, these results were consistent across all three experiments. <i>Buddleja davidii</i>'s survival rate was reduced only under the experimental conditions of high shading. When native species were sown after <i>B. davidii</i>, their competitive effect was very low.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Buddleja davidii</i> appears to be sensitive to competition during the early stages of its invasion, especially when local seedlings benefit from a time advantage, regardless of their density. In restoration contexts, native species can prevent the invasion of <i>B. davidii</i> if sowing is carried out as soon as possible.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avsc.70025","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal Dynamics of Dominant Macrophyte Community Seed Banks in a Yangtze River-Connected Floodplain Wetland: Implications for Restoration","authors":"Wen-Jing Sun,&nbsp;Jia-Shun Zhong,&nbsp;Xin-Zhi Guo,&nbsp;Yun-He Cai,&nbsp;Zhi-Yong Hou,&nbsp;Zheng-Miao Deng,&nbsp;Xin-Sheng Chen","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70026","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seed banks play a crucial role in population replenishment, community succession, and ecosystem resilience. In floodplain wetlands, seed banks may display seasonal dynamics that are influenced by seasonal flooding and temperature; however, seasonal dynamics remain poorly understood.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Two dominant macrophyte communities in the Dongting Lake wetlands, China.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We investigated seed-bank densities, vertical distributions, and species richness of two dominant macrophyte communities in the Dongting Lake wetlands during November 2017 (after flooding), January (winter), March (spring), and May 2018 (before flooding).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Carex</i> and <i>Miscanthus</i> community seed-bank densities peaked in May (15,307 and 17,330 individuals/m², respectively), decreased from November to March, and were the lowest in January (440 and 627 individuals/m², respectively). <i>Carex</i> and <i>Miscanthus</i> community seed-bank densities declined rapidly with soil depth during May from 13,414 and 16,535 individuals/m² in the 0–5 cm soil layer to 254 and 42 individuals/m² in the 10–20 cm soil layer, respectively. The species richness of <i>Carex</i> and <i>Miscanthus</i> community seed banks peaked during May (7 and 8 species, respectively). However, species similarity with extant communities was low (0.23 and 0.27, respectively).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results of this study emphasize the significance of seasons and stratification in the utilization of soil seed banks for floodplain wetland restoration. Supplementary measures such as bud banks and introduced seedlings should be adopted for the successful restoration of macrophyte communities because of the low density and richness of perennial species in seed banks.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143919423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Land Use Modulates Herbivory on Juvenile Stages of Woody Species in a Chaco Dry Forest","authors":"Julián Medrano Santos,&nbsp;María Lucrecia Lipoma,&nbsp;Lucas Enrico","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70023","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Land use modifies natural forest herbivore assemblages by cattle introduction and structural alteration that impact invertebrate diversity. This land use and herbivory combined effect is particularly relevant for woody plant juveniles, which are key stages for regeneration. We aimed to understand how herbivory on juvenile woody plants is affected by land use. In this study, we analyzed how vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory patterns on seedlings and saplings change between land uses in winter and summer seasons.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Southernmost Gran Chaco region, Córdoba province, central Argentina.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methodology</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We assessed the invertebrate and vertebrate herbivory on seedlings and saplings of woody species during summer and winter seasons at four different land use types of a Chaco dry forest. Land use types were classified according to the increasing intensity of disturbance (logging and grazing) they are subjected to: Conserved Forest (CF; no disturbance), Secondary Forest (SF; low disturbance), Closed Species-rich Shrubland (CS; intermediate disturbance), and Open Shrubland (OS; high disturbance).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found that total herbivory was consistently higher in SF and CS in both seasons. Vertebrate herbivory was higher than invertebrate herbivory in winter (except in CF), with the inverse pattern in summer. Differences between seedling and sapling stages were scarce, with not consistent patterns of herbivory between seasons.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study shows a pronounced effect of land use on seasonal herbivory patterns and dynamics. The vegetation structure of communities under low and intermediate disturbance intensities would promote diversity of invertebrate herbivores, which, combined with cattle introduction, could result in herbivory complementation and additivity. Understanding how environmental filters, like anthropic activities and herbivory, interplay and affect early growth stages is crucial to achieving land use practices that do not compromise forest resilience and regeneration.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143884050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Large Boulders Provide Refuge for Browse-Sensitive Species and Reveal a Legacy of Overbrowsing and Shifting Baselines","authors":"Gillian G. Revenis,&nbsp;Ryan Utz,&nbsp;Rose-Marie Muzika,&nbsp;Thomas P. Diggins,&nbsp;Walter P. Carson","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70021","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Question</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Overbrowsing by abundant deer reshapes the composition of forests from palatable native species to browse-tolerant species, leading to simplified understories with reduced biodiversity. Here, we ask whether geologic refugia (e.g., tall boulders) will provide a haven for vulnerable plant species to escape browsing pressure from high populations of native deer.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Huron Mountains, Michigan, USA.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We compared the percent cover, species richness, and Shannon diversity of all plant species on tall boulders to adjacent fenced exclosures and to forest floor reference plots to quantify the degree to which deer impact one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth forests in the Eastern United States.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found that boulders contained 60% higher richness and diversity than reference plots, as well as a more diverse mix of midstory species, shrubs, and forbs. Seven-year-old exclosure and reference plots were nearly indistinguishable from each other and were dominated by <i>Acer saccharum</i> and other browse-tolerant species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study demonstrates that boulders are a highly effective, though rarely used, proxy or bioassay of the degree to which chronic overbrowsing creates impoverished understories composed of browse-tolerant or unpalatable species. Our findings highlight the significance of refugia as a haven from overbrowsing for vulnerable plant species and emphasize the importance of using exclosures alongside refugia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143888994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrologic Restoration of Retired Cranberry Farms Leads to Species Rich Wetlands","authors":"Sarah M. Klionsky,&nbsp;Christopher Neill,&nbsp;Anastasia M. Pulak,&nbsp;Beth Lawrence","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70024","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Questions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Formerly cultivated lands are common targets for wetland restoration, but human interventions needed to achieve diverse plant communities in sites with agricultural legacies are not well understood. We studied pre-restoration seed banks and pre- and post-restoration plant communities of former cranberry farms, whose native peat was covered with anthropogenically placed sand during cultivation and that underwent hydrologic restoration.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Three retired cranberry (<i>Vaccinium macrocarpon</i> Aiton) farm complexes in southeast Massachusetts, USA, that underwent hydrologic restoration between 2017 and 2020.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We quantified seed germination from sand and peat collected from former farms in a greenhouse under three hydrologic treatments (inundated, saturated, and well-drained) to assess the pre-restoration seed bank composition. In the field, we surveyed plant species presence and cover both before and after restoration at permanent 9 m² plots. We assessed species composition, richness, and diversity in seed bank treatments and <i>in situ</i>. We also measured changes in <i>in situ</i> vegetation over time and compared seed bank and <i>in situ</i> vegetation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The 30 species that germinated from retired cranberry farm seed banks were primarily native, perennial, wetland-adapted, and occurred in the sand but not peat. Highest germination rates and species richness occurred in saturated substrate, with very little germination in the well-drained treatment. Seed banks were not predictive of post-restoration <i>in situ</i> species richness, but post-restoration vegetation was similarly native, perennial, and wetland-adapted. Restoration increased <i>in situ</i> total plant and wetland-adapted plant species richness compared with pre-restoration, and this richness persisted for multiple years post-restoration. Wetland plant cover was more variable and likely affected by year-to-year changes in growing season precipitation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Vegetation responses to wetland restoration at formerly cultivated sites indicate that diverse, native plant communities can regenerate following hydrologic restoration in sites with sandy, nutrient-poor soils.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avsc.70024","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143875555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Woody Vegetation Dynamics in a Protected African Savanna: Insights From Vegetation Resurvey of the Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe","authors":"Bob Mandinyenya,&nbsp;Robert Cunliffe,&nbsp;Riccardo Testolin,&nbsp;Fabio Attorre","doi":"10.1111/avsc.70020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.70020","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study assessed changes in woody vegetation cover, richness, diversity, and species composition in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) between 2010 and 2023, focusing on the impacts of fire and elephants. Analyses were conducted for the entire park and its main vegetation types and ecoregions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>GNP is located in southern Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique, covering approximately 5000 km².</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In 2010, 313 sampling areas were surveyed, and a resurvey was conducted in 2022/2023 using a plotless method. For each area, woody species cover was recorded in four height classes. Indices for total woody cover, species richness, diversity (Shannon), and evenness (Pielou) were calculated for both surveys across the park, ecoregions, and vegetation types. Differences between surveys were analyzed with paired t-tests. Species composition changes were analyzed using NMDS and PERMANOVA, while the effects of fire frequency, slope, and distance from rivers on species composition were tested with a mixed linear model. The change in dominant species occurrence was also examined.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Species richness significantly declined, with no changes in woody vegetation cover, diversity, or evenness, except in the alluvial ecoregion, where diversity decreased. Changes across height layers revealed increased richness and diversity in the &lt; 1 m layer and declines in the 1–3 m and 3–5 m layers. Species composition changes were significant across ecoregions and influenced by fire frequency. A decrease in dominant tree species was observed, varying by species' resilience to current pressures.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>GNP is undergoing simplification in woody vegetation, likely due to the combined effects of elephants and fire. This is leading to shrubbier vegetation and changes in species composition, particularly in trees. To prevent further degradation, actions must be implemented, such as the use of individual protection systems from debarking, the development of a fire management system, and the creation of ecological corridors in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area to facilitate the movement of elephants.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55494,"journal":{"name":"Applied Vegetation Science","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avsc.70020","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}