Abstract
Abstract Encroachment of woody species is a significant threat in native grasslands. This study exams the interaction between shrub-sapling overstory and ground layer species and functional group (FG) cover, richness, and diversity along a woody encroachment gradient. The study area is a 65 ha mosaic of tallgrass prairie and shrubland in northeastern Illinois. The study questions were: (1) how do plant species and FG cover, richness, and diversity respond to increasing levels of woody encroachment, (2) are there levels of encroachment relevant to restoration opportunities, and (3) are there patterns of FGs associated with increasing levels of encroachment that can serve as ecological indicators? Data on ground layer and overstory structure including stem density, canopy cover, and leaf area index (LAI) were recorded; LAI explained the most variance in the ground layer data. There was a significant decline in several ground layer species and FG parameters with increasing woody encroachment (LAI) and percen...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
