Rapid restoration of a species-rich ecosystem assessed from soil and vegetation indicators: the case of calcareous grasslands restored from forest stands

in Ecological Indicators (2011), 11

Calcareous grasslands have long been recognized as biodiversity hotspots in Europe. However, in recent decades these ecosystems have seen rapid decline. In Belgium, more than 100 ha of calcareous ... [more ▼]

Calcareous grasslands have long been recognized as biodiversity hotspots in Europe. However, in recent decades these ecosystems have seen rapid decline. In Belgium, more than 100 ha of calcareous grasslands have been restored from oak coppices and pine forests since the 1990s. The aim of the present study was to provide a quantitative assessment of the success of these restoration efforts, using two sets of indicators: one related to soil conditions, the other related to vascular plant communities. Soil conditions were evaluated by comparing soil samples from pre-restoration forest stands, restored grasslands (3 age classes: 2-4 years; 5-8 years, 10-15 years) and reference grasslands. The analysis revealed no significant differences in soil N, P and K contents between pre-restoration forests and restored and reference grasslands. We observed a decrease in the mineralization rate indicators in both pre-restoration forests and recent grassland restorations, which was resorbed in older restorations. Floristic surveys revealed that plant species composition of older restorations was most like reference grasslands. However, some differences in species composition persisted after 15 years. Moreover, a few rare species did not colonise restored grasslands despite a close seed source. Non-recolonization by a set of species expected on calcareous grasslands may be due to dispersal limitation and higher cover by native invasive grasses in restored parcels. These results were discussed in term of implications for management. [less ▲]

Plant communities and species richness of the calcareous grasslands in southeast Belgium

in Belgian Journal of Botany (2007), 140(2), 157-173

Calcareous grasslands are biodiversity hotspots in Western Europe. In Belgium, a number of phytosociological surveys have been realized in these habitats, but none covers the whole range of calcareous ... [more ▼]

Calcareous grasslands are biodiversity hotspots in Western Europe. In Belgium, a number of phytosociological surveys have been realized in these habitats, but none covers the whole range of calcareous grasslands at the regional scale. The aim of this study was (i) to provide a synthesis of the floristic variation of calcareous grasslands of the Calestienne natural region using a uniform methodology; (ii) to relate floristic variation to environmental variables, and (iii) to characterize the specific diversity of the different grassland communities that occur in the study region. Seven different communities were identified with the TWINSPAN method. The originality of the grasslands on calcareous and calcareo-siliceous rocks was statistically confirmed. Significant differences for environmental variables were identified among the seven communities by a MANOVA. Main differences between communities were related to xericity and pH, although a north-south gradient was also identified. More xeric grasslands were located in the southern part of the study region while northern part was occupied by more mesophilous grasslands. Multiple regressions were used to describe the influence of the environmental conditions on plant species richness. The most mesophilous grasslands appeared to be the most species-rich while soil acidity negatively affected species richness. [less ▲]

Evaluation des restaurations de pelouses calcicoles en Belgique en termes de structure spatiale et de diversité botanique

Conference (2006)

EVALUATION DES RESTAURATIONS DE PELOUSES CALCICOLES EN BELGIQUE : STRUCTURE SPATIALE, DIVERSITE BOTANIQUE ET CONDITIONS DE SOL

Conference (2006)