Abstract

Semi-natural, extensively managed, grasslands are among the most species-rich agroecosystems in Europe. However, they are threatened by abandonment. We investigated the response of semi-natural grasslands to cessation of mowing at ten sites in three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Switzerland and Austria. We assessed vegetation characteristics, topsoil properties and microbially mediated soil processes by comparing once-a-year mowed with adjacent long-term abandoned grasslands on semi-dry, nutrient-poor, base-rich soils. Plant litter decomposition was determined using standardized substrates (Tea Bag Index). Soil microbial community composition was assessed by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Abandonment altered floristic composition by replacing shade-intolerant or low-growing grassland species, in particular character species of the alliance Bromion erecti, with medium- to tall-sized grasses (e.g. Brachypodium pinnatum) and tall herbs (e.g. Laserpitium latifolium). Time since abandonment had an influence on the magnitude of successional changes after abandonment. Cessation of mowing increased above-ground phytomass but decreased plant species richness and evenness. Abandonment increased soil microbial biomass, promoted litter decomposition and led to an increased soil organic carbon, C:N ratio, and inorganic N supply. Our findings also showed that abandoned grasslands dominated by grasses remained shrub- and treeless for several decades.

Highlights

  • Mountain regions are worldwide of utmost importance to biodiversity (MacDonald et al 2000)

  • Species composition of the vegetation was significantly affected by abandonment

  • Abandoned plots were clearly separated from managed plots by the first axis in the principal coordinate analyses (PCO)-plot (Fig. 3)

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Summary

Introduction

Mountain regions are worldwide of utmost importance to biodiversity (MacDonald et al 2000). In the Eastern Alps and in many other European mountain regions, unfavourable topographical and climatic conditions preclude an intensive agricultural land use. Managed grasslands (one cut each year in mid-summer without organic or inorganic fertilization, no over-sowing or herbicide treatment) in the montane and subalpine regions represent low productive, species-rich, semi-natural plagioclimax communities. Semi-natural, dry, calcareous grasslands belong to the most speciesrich agroecosystems in Europe, and have a great nature conservation value (Poschlod and Wallis De Vries 2002). Semi-natural calcareous grasslands are threatened throughout Europe (Poschlod and Wallis De Vries 2002). The maintenance of these species-rich grasslands by extensive management is an important conservation target in Europe

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