1
|
Golembiewski DA, Slothower BM, Bishop ER, Smith FS, Stumberg PM, Rideout-Hanzak S, Wester DB. Fracking pond restoration in the western Rio Grande Plains, Texas: Stockpiled topsoils may not be necessary, but seeding helps. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 346:118932. [PMID: 37703612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil disturbances that accompany energy development can damage local habitats. Prior to oil and gas extraction, it is commonly recommended that topsoil stockpiles be created to aid future restoration. Our study area, a retired fracking pond in the western Rio Grande Plains, Texas, was restored in 2017 with stockpiled topsoil that was collected in 2013. We segregated the existing stockpile into three layers that were ∼1.5 m in thickness and distributed these layers, along with a non-amended control surface (consisting of former subsoil that made up the perimeter of the fracking pond), in strips over the restoration area. Each of the four surfaces was seeded with a mixture of (1) 13 native grasses, (2) 13 native grasses plus an annual warm-season grass cover crop, or (3) non-seeded. We monitored plant density and species composition two through five years post-restoration. The non-amended control surface had higher seeded grass density during the final 2 sampling periods; stockpiled surfaces seldom differed from each other. Previous year's competing plant density had little effect on restoration success. Providing supplemental seed initially increased seeded plant density but benefits diminished over time; adding a cover crop was not advantageous. Changes in community composition over time were similar on stockpile surfaces but more variable than observed on the control surface. Results suggest that stockpiling topsoil may not be necessary, but that supplemental seeding was beneficial, to restoration success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin A Golembiewski
- Former Graduate Research Assistant, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Brianna M Slothower
- Laboratory Technician, Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Emily R Bishop
- Weber River Watershed Coordinator, Utah Dept. Agriculture and Food, Ogden, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Sandra Rideout-Hanzak
- Professor and Research Scientist, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - David B Wester
- Professor and Research Scientist, and Frances and Peter Swenson Endowed Chair for Rangeland and Restoration Research, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Native annual forbs decline in California coastal prairies over 15 years despite grazing. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278608. [PMID: 36472993 PMCID: PMC9725146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock grazing is often used as a land management tool to maximize vegetation diversity in grassland ecosystems worldwide. Prior research has shown that cattle grazing benefits native annual forb species in California's coastal prairies, but drought and increasing aridity may alter this relationship. In 2016 and 2017, we resurveyed the vegetation structure, native annual forb cover, and native annual forb richness in ten grazed and ungrazed prairies that were originally measured in 2000 and 2001 along a 200-km gradient from Monterey to Sonoma counties in California. We found that grazed prairies continued to have significantly lower vegetation height and thatch depth than ungrazed prairies, and that shrub encroachment over the 15-year period was significantly greater in ungrazed prairies. Furthermore, grazed prairies continued to have greater native annual forb richness (4.9 species per site) than ungrazed sites (3.0 species per site), but native annual forb richness declined by 2.8 species per site in grazed prairies and 0.1 species per site in ungrazed prairies between survey periods. We suggest that severe drought and increasing aridity may be driving declines in native annual forb richness in grazed prairies. The species we recorded only in earlier surveys were disproportionately wetland-associated and had higher average specific leaf area than species that remained through the second survey period. Finally, the cover of native annual species increased regardless of whether prairies were grazed, suggesting that the high precipitation in 2017 may have benefitted the native annual forb species that persisted at sites between surveys. Our study shows that weather conditions affect the outcomes of land management strategies.
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, He B, Zhou S, Zhang X, Li C, Han G. Prediction of plant diversity under different stocking rates based on functional traits of constructive species in a desert steppe, northern China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.865703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive grazing causes a decrease in plant diversity of grassland and also leads to changes in the functional traits of grassland plants. Based on the relationship between plant diversity and the functional traits of constructive species, the patterns of change in plant diversity can be predicted based on change in plant functional traits under different stocking rates. For the present study, Stipa breviflora desert steppe in Inner Mongolia was studied to characterize the plant community and population characteristics and plant functional traits of S. breviflora in grazing areas with different stocking rates [without grazing, light grazing (LG, 0.93 sheep unit hm–2half yr–1), moderate grazing (MG, 1.82 sheep unit hm–2half yr–1), heavy grazing (HG, 2.71 sheep unit hm–2 half yr–1)]. The results showed that: (1) LG significantly weakened the competitive advantage of the constructive species (S. breviflora) (P < 0.05), while HG significantly strengthened its competitive advantage in the community (P < 0.05); (2) Changes in plant diversity were generally significantly related to changes in S. breviflora root traits. The competitive advantage of S. breviflora in the community and the change in root traits could be used to predict the change in plant diversity in the desert steppe under different stocking rates. This research can provide a theoretical basis for maintaining plant diversity and sustainability in the desert steppe.
Collapse
|
4
|
Environmental Degradation by Invasive Alien Plants in the Anthropocene: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Restoration. ANTHROPOCENE SCIENCE 2021. [PMCID: PMC8430299 DOI: 10.1007/s44177-021-00004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity, soil, air, and water are the vital life-supporting systems of this planet Earth. However, the deliberate and accidental introduction of invasive alien plants (IAPs) in the Anthropocene majorly due to the global international trade perturbed the homeostasis of our biosphere. IAPs are considered as one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. The pervasive threats of IAPs to environmental sustainability and biosecurity are further exacerbated under the COVID-19 pandemic. The environmental disturbances resulting from IAPs can be attributed to several mechanisms/hypothesis (e.g., novel weapon (NW), enemy release (ER), and evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA), efficient reproductive attributes, and phenotypic plasticity, etc.) deployed by IAPs. Nevertheless, the interrelationship of IAPs with environmental degradation and restoration remain elusive especially in terms of ecological sustainability. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies which empirically assess the synergies of IAPs spread with other anthropogenic disturbances such as climate and land-use change. In this context, the present review is aimed to depict the impacts of IAPs on environment and also to assess their role as drivers of ecosystem degradation. The restoration prospects targeted to revitalize the associated abiotic (soil and water) and biotic environment (biodiversity) are also discussed in detail. Furthermore, the effects of IAPs on socio-economy, livelihood, and plant-soil microbe interactions are emphasized. On the other hand, the ecosystem services of IAPs such as associated bioresource co-benefits (e.g., bioenergy, phytoremediation, biopolymers, and ethnomedicines) can also be vital in sustainable management prospects. Nevertheless, IAPs-ecological restoration interrelationship needs long-term pragmatic evaluation in terms of ecological economics and ecosystem resilience. The incorporation of ‘hybrid technologies’, integrating modern scientific information (e.g., ‘biorefinery’: conversion of IAPs feedstock to produce bioenergy/biopolymers) with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can safeguard the environmental sustainability in the Anthropocene. Importantly, the management of IAPs in concert with circular economy principles can remarkably help achieving the target of UN Sustainable Development Goals and UN-Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Collapse
|
5
|
Holl KD, Lesage JC, Adams T, Rusk J, Schreiber RD, Tang M. Vegetative spread is key to applied nucleation success in non‐native‐dominated grasslands. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen D. Holl
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz CA 95064 U.S.A
| | - Josephine C. Lesage
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz CA 95064 U.S.A
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Santa Barbara CA 93105 U.S.A
| | - Tianjiao Adams
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz CA 95064 U.S.A
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston TX 77204 U.S.A
| | - Jack Rusk
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department University of California Santa Cruz CA 95064 U.S.A
| | - Richard D. Schreiber
- Environmental Studies Department University of California Santa Cruz CA 95064 U.S.A
| | - Mickie Tang
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department University of California Santa Cruz CA 95064 U.S.A
- Department of Plant Sciences University of California Davis CA 95616 U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang C, Wei M, Wang S, Wu B, Cheng H. Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. and Solidago canadensis L. antagonistically affect community stability and community invasibility under the co-invasion condition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 716:137128. [PMID: 32045766 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The successful invasion of one invasive alien plant (IAP) can generate a favorable habitat in the invaded communities that beneficial to the successful invasion of the subsequent IAP. Advanced variations in the species number of IAP have the potential to alter the functional similarity and dissimilarity between IAP and co-existing native plant species (NPS), plant taxonomic diversity, plant functional diversity, community stability, and community invasibility. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the co-invasion of two notorious IAP, Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. and Solidago canadensis L., on the functional similarity and dissimilarity between IAP and co-existing NPS, plant taxonomic diversity, plant functional diversity, community stability, and community invasibility in East China by using a comparative study. Results presented that: (I) IAP and co-existing NPS tend to converge functionally under E. annuus invasion and the functional similarity between IAP and co-existing NPS under E. annuus invasion supports the habitat filtering; (II) IAP and co-existing NPS tend to diverge functionally under S. canadensis invasion and the co-invasion condition and the functional dissimilarity between IAP and co-existing NPS under S. canadensis invasion and the co-invasion condition supports the niche differentiation; (III) plant taxonomic diversity was dramatically reduced under invasion condition, especially under S. canadensis invasion; (IV) Mason's α functional diversity was remarkably elevated under S. canadensis invasion and the co-invasion condition; (V) E. annuus and S. canadensis antagonistically affect community stability and community invasibility under the co-invasion condition compared with their independent invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congyan Wang
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China.
| | - Mei Wei
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Shu Wang
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Bingde Wu
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Huiyuan Cheng
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bennion LD, Ferguson JA, New LF, Schultz CB. Community‐level effects of herbicide‐based restoration treatments: structural benefits but at what cost? Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leland D. Bennion
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver WA 98686 U.S.A
| | | | - Leslie F. New
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver WA 98686 U.S.A
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rai PK, Kim K. Invasive alien plants and environmental remediation: a new paradigm for sustainable restoration ecology. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat K. Rai
- Phyto‐Technologies and Plant Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources ManagementMizoram University Aizawl Mizoram India
| | - Ki‐Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringHanyang University, 222 Wangsimni‐Ro Seoul 04763 South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Davidson BE, Germino MJ, Richardson B, Barnard DM. Landscape and organismal factors affecting sagebrush‐seedling transplant survival after megafire restoration. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bill E. Davidson
- US Geological SurveyForest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center Boise ID 83706 U.S.A
| | - Matthew J. Germino
- US Geological SurveyForest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center Boise ID 83706 U.S.A
| | - Bryce Richardson
- Rocky Mountain Research StationUS Forest Service Moscow ID 83844 U.S.A
| | - David M. Barnard
- US Geological SurveyForest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center Boise ID 83706 U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liang M, Chen J, Gornish ES, Bai X, Li Z, Liang C. Grazing effect on grasslands escalated by abnormal precipitations in Inner Mongolia. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8187-8196. [PMID: 30250694 PMCID: PMC6144992 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Grazing effects on arid and semi-arid grasslands can be constrained by aridity. Plant functional groups (PFGs) are the most basic component of community structure (CS) and biodiversity & ecosystem function (BEF). They have been suggested as identity-dependent in quantifying the response to grazing intensity and drought severity. Here, we examine how the relationships among PFGs, CS, BEF, and grazing intensity are driven by climatic drought. We conducted a manipulative experiment with three grazing intensities in 2012 (nondrought year) and 2013 (drought year). We classified 62 herbaceous plants into four functional groups based on their life forms. We used the relative species abundance of PFGs to quantify the effects of grazing and drought, and to explore the mechanisms for the pathway correlations using structural equation models (SEM) among PFGs, CS, and BEF directly or indirectly. Grazers consistently favored the perennial forbs (e.g., palatable or nutritious plants), decreasing the plants' relative abundance by 23%-38%. Drought decreased the relative abundance of ephemeral plants by 42 ± 13%; and increased perennial forbs by 20 ± 7% and graminoids by 80 ± 31%. SEM confirmed that annuals and biennials had negative correlations with the other three PFGs, with perennial bunchgrasses facilitated by perennial rhizome grass. Moreover, the contributions of grazing to community structure (i.e., canopy height) were 1.6-6.1 times those from drought, whereas drought effect on community species richness was 3.6 times of the grazing treatment. Lastly, the interactive effects of grazing and drought on BEF were greater than either alone; particularly, drought escalated grazing damage on primary production. Synthesis. The responses of PFGs, CS, and BEF to grazing and drought were identity-dependent, suggesting that grazing and drought regulation of plant functional groups might be a way to shape ecosystem structure and function in grasslands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maowei Liang
- School of Ecology and EnvironmentInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial SciencesCenter for Global Change and Earth ObservationsMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan
| | - Jiquan Chen
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial SciencesCenter for Global Change and Earth ObservationsMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan
| | - Elise S. Gornish
- School of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentThe University of ArizonaTucsonArizona
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Forest ResourcesUniversity of MaineOronoMaine
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Ecology and EnvironmentInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Cunzhu Liang
- School of Ecology and EnvironmentInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Eastburn DJ, Roche LM, Doran MP, Blake PR, Bouril CS, Gamble G, Gornish ES. Seeding plants for long-term multiple ecosystem service goals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 211:191-197. [PMID: 29408066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The historical management of agroecological systems, such as California's rangelands, have received criticism for a singular focus on agricultural production goals, while society has shifting expectations to the supply of multiple ecosystem services from these working landscapes. The sustainability and the multiple benefits derived from these complex social-ecological systems is increasingly threatened by weed invasion, extreme disturbance, urban development, and the impacts of a rapidly changing and increasingly variable climate. California's grasslands, oak savannas, and oak woodlands are among the most invaded ecosystems in the world. Weed eradication efforts are rarely combined with seeding on these landscapes despite support for the inclusion of the practice in a weed management program. Depending on seed mix choice, cost and long-term uncertainty, especially for native seed, is an impediment to adoption by land managers. We investigated four seeding mixes (forage annual, native perennial, exotic perennial, and exotic-native perennial) to evaluate how these treatments resist reinvasion and support the delivery of simultaneous multiple ecosystem services (invasion resistance, native richness, nitrogen fixing plants, pollinator food sources, plant community diversity, forage quality, and productivity). We found the increase of exotic and native perennial cover will drive resistance to an invading weedy summer flowering forb Centaurea solstitialis but provides a mixed response to resisting invasive annual grasses. The resistance to invasion is coupled with little tradeoff in forage productivity and quality and gains in plant diversity and native cover.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Eastburn
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA.
| | - Leslie M Roche
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA; University of California Cooperative Extension, USA
| | | | - Philip R Blake
- United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, USA
| | - Chip S Bouril
- United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, USA
| | | | - Elise S Gornish
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gornish ES, Eastburn DJ, Oneto S, Roche LM. Livestock grazing and topographic site effects on grassland plant communities after long-term grazing cessation. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/rj18020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ranchers are increasingly expected to manage grasslands for forage production and native biodiversity enhancement goals. However, longstanding relationships between grazing and plant species are often understudied because elucidating effects of grazing absence and presence often requires experimental opportunities that are difficult to establish, such as the introduction of grazing to long-term ungrazed pastures. Addressing this knowledge gap is critical for heterogeneous landscapes where site-specific properties might interact with grazing effects to ultimately structure plant communities. We conducted vegetation surveys for 3 years after grazing was reintroduced to an annual California grassland that was not grazed for more than 60 years. We investigated how grazing affected plant communities in terms of cover and richness of native and invasive species and how topographic sites of summit, backslope and toeslope altered these relationships. The plant communities were affected by the independent effects of grazing, site and year. Across years, native cover was 39% greater in grazed plots compared with ungrazed plots. Native species richness was slightly lower in ungrazed compared with grazed plots for toeslope sites relative to the other topographic positions. Invasive species cover was 17% lower in grazed plots compared with ungrazed plots and no predictors were found to contribute to significant differences across plots. Although we generally did not find expected relationships between site and plant response to grazing, this work demonstrates how managers can use livestock to quickly modify plant communities in areas with a long history of grazing absence.
Collapse
|
13
|
Copeland SM, Munson SM, Pilliod DS, Welty JL, Bradford JB, Butterfield BJ. Long-term trends in restoration and associated land treatments in the southwestern United States. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stella M. Copeland
- Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research and Department of Biological Sciences; Northern Arizona University, 805 S. Beaver Street; Flagstaff AZ 86011-6077 U.S.A
- Southwest Biological Science Center; U.S. Geological Survey, 2255 N. Gemini Drive; Flagstaff AZ 86001 U.S.A
| | - Seth M. Munson
- Southwest Biological Science Center; U.S. Geological Survey, 2255 N. Gemini Drive; Flagstaff AZ 86001 U.S.A
| | - David S. Pilliod
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; U.S. Geological Survey, 970 Lusk Street; Boise ID 83706 U.S.A
| | - Justin L. Welty
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; U.S. Geological Survey, 970 Lusk Street; Boise ID 83706 U.S.A
| | - John B. Bradford
- Southwest Biological Science Center; U.S. Geological Survey, 2255 N. Gemini Drive; Flagstaff AZ 86001 U.S.A
| | - Bradley J. Butterfield
- Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research and Department of Biological Sciences; Northern Arizona University, 805 S. Beaver Street; Flagstaff AZ 86011-6077 U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Weed abundance is positively correlated with native plant diversity in grasslands of southern Australia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178681. [PMID: 28570604 PMCID: PMC5453567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Weeds are commonly considered a threat to biodiversity, yet interactions between native and exotic species in grasslands are poorly understood and reported results vary depending on the spatial scale of study, the factors controlled for and the response variables analysed. We tested whether weed presence and abundance is related to declines in biodiversity in Australian grasslands. We employed existing field data from 241 plots along a disturbance gradient and correlated species richness, cover and Shannon diversity for natives and exotics, controlling for seasonal rainfall, climatic gradients and nutrient status. We found no negative relationships in terms of emergent diversity metrics and occupation of space, indeed, many positive relationships were revealed. When split by land-use, differences were found along the disturbance gradient. In high-moderately disturbed grasslands associated with land-uses such as cropping and modified pastures, positive associations were enhanced. Tolerance and facilitation mechanisms may be involved, such as complementary roles through different life history strategies: the exotic flora was dominated mainly by annual grasses and herbs whereas the native flora represented more diverse growth-forms with a higher proportion of perennials. The positive relationships existing between native and exotic plant species in high-moderately disturbed grasslands of South Australia are most likely due to facilitation through different strategies in occupation of space given that the effect of habitat suitability was controlled for by including environmental and disturbance factors. Consequently, although particular weeds may negatively impact biodiversity, this cannot be generalised and management focusing on general weed eradication in grasslands might be ineffectual.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ladouceur E, Mayfield MM. The early response of subtropical tussock grasslands to restoration treatments. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ladouceur
- Museo delle Scienze, Botany Section; Corso del Lavoro e della Scienze; Trento 38122 Italy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Biological Conservation; University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Margaret M. Mayfield
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|