How to remove expansive perennial species from sedge-dominated wetlands: results of a long-term experiment in lowland river valleys

Aleksander Kołos,Piotr Banaszuk

doi:10.1007/s12210-021-01030-z

Aleksander Kołos, Piotr Banaszuk

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-021-01030-z

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Abstract

Grasslands belong to valuable ecosystems facing, all over Europe, a drastic decline in their range and loss of species diversity. Severe floristic transformation may result from the cessation of traditional low-input agricultural use, and consequently, the massive spread of perennial herbs and tall grasses. Invaders can quickly form dense stands and displace endemic vegetation, which results in a nearly complete turnover of phytocenoses. In European protected areas, the only legally acceptable means for suppressing alien species and native dominants within protected areas are biological methods and mowing. We investigated the effect of cutting on the presence of three megaforbs: Lysimachia vulgaris, Lythrum salicaria, and Filipendula ulmaria in fen meadows. We hypothesized that long-term, systematic management mimicking a traditional agricultural practice, would suppress the expansion of megaforbs. Management effectively stopped Lysimachia vulgaris only in marshes, where groundwater in the growing season fell deeper than 50 cm. Coverage of Lythrum salicaria fluctuated over the years, while Filipendula ulmaria did not give in to mowing pressure; on the contrary, it increased its coverage in some places. In light of the results of the long-term experiment, we conclude that mowing appeared to be low effective in preventing the spread of tall perennials. It was likely that indirect factors caused the local withdrawal of megaforbs, i.e., mowing-driven stimulation of other species’ development (e.g., Carex spp., Phragmites) that outcompete Lysimachia vulgaris.

Highlights

Open wet meadows are part of the most valuable and diverse ecosystem in Europe (Pärtel et al 2005)
As open grasslands are sensitive to changes in management and hydrology, a transformation in agriculture that began in the late nineteenth century in Western Europe and in the middle of the twentieth century in Central and Eastern Europe has led to a drastic decline in the range of grasslands (Tye 1991) and far-reaching transformations in species composition (Diekmann et al 2019)
Records show the seasonal pattern of groundwater rise occurring in early spring in April–May and in some years occurring in autumn

Summary

Introduction

Open wet meadows are part of the most valuable and diverse ecosystem in Europe (Pärtel et al 2005). A distinct shift in species composition of wet grasslands observed throughout Europe encompasses the loss of rare species (Vogt-Schilb et al 2015) or an increased abundance of tall grasses (Prach 2008) or herbs (Falińska 1989). Many abandoned grasslands are invaded by perennial herbs, the most common of which are Lythrum salicaria, Lysimachia vulgaris, and Filipendula ulmaria. Due to vigorous generative reproduction (Lythrum salicaria), vegetative reproduction (Lysimachia vulgaris) or simultaneous vegetative and generative reproduction

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