Population dynamics of Gentiana pneumonanthe and Rhynchospora fusca during wet heathland restoration

. The population dynamics and reproductive strategies of two rare wet heathland species, Gentiana pneumonanthe and Rhynchospora , were studied in experimental permanent plots in a wet heathland near Bremen, NW Germany, to assess how effective sod cutting and mowing are in promoting these species. In one experiment, small plots (0.25 m 2 ‐ 4 m 2 ) were sod‐cut or mown; in the second, one large plot 30 mx 50m) was sod‐cut. The development of the vegetation and the number of shoots of the two target species were recorded annually. Sod cutting lead to the highest shoot numbers of Gentiana in the long run, whilst mowing was more effective at the beginning of the experiment. Seedlings and adult shoots slowly became more and more abundant after sod cutting. In contrast, Rhynchospora soon formed closed stands after sod‐cutting, first through seed germination and then through fast clonal growth of the established individuals. Moist soil or short inundations promoted the germination and seedling establishment of Gentiana , whereas drought negatively affected seedling recruitment. Long periods of inundation severely reduced the population at first, but high numbers of seedlings were found in the following growing season. For the disturbance‐dependent Gentiana and Rhynchospora , the availability of gaps within the vegetation is of crucial importance. To promote existing populations, we suggest small‐scale sod cuttings which create gaps without disturbing existing flowering individuals too much. For degenerated stands of wet heathland we recommend large‐scale sod cutting to activate the seed bank. Additionally, seed introduction may be helpful to encourage the development of a wet heathland with characteristic floristic composition.