Premium
Restoration of Species Richness in Abandoned Mediterranean Grasslands: Seeds in Cattle Dung
Author(s) -
Traba Juan,
Levassor Catherine,
Peco Begoña
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
restoration ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1526-100X
pISSN - 1061-2971
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-100x.2003.00227.x
Subject(s) - species richness , mediterranean climate , pasture , grassland , sowing , ecology , shrub , biology , grazing , agronomy , agroforestry
Abstract Endozoochory has proven to be a highly effective mechanism in the dispersal of viable seeds in Mediterranean grasslands. We studied the effect of cattle dung application on species richness, particularly on the reintroduction of species lost after abandonment. Sown and control plots were monitored for 3 years after dung sowing. We found a significant increase in small‐scale richness, which may be attributed to the treatment, with the inclusion of species detected in the dung and in the grazed pasture. The differences in richness and floristic composition diminished over time. This experiment proves the potential utility of this treatment for the restoration of species richness in abandoned pastures, although supplementary steps are necessary, including further sowing and/or shrub cutting in subsequent years.