Suchergebnisse

Buche, Fagus sylvatica, Feldversuch, Jahresring, Klimawandel, Plastizität, Rotbuche, Waldökosystem, Fagus sylvatica, beech, climate change, climate-growth relationships, dendroecology, fitness traits, forest ecology, genetic adaptation, plasticity, transplant experiment

Buche, Fagus sylvatica, Feldversuch, Jahresring, Klimawandel, Plastizität, Rotbuche, Waldökosystem, Fagus sylvatica, beech, climate change, climate-growth relationships, dendroecology, fitness traits, forest ecology, genetic adaptation, plasticity, transplant experiment

The abandonment of traditional pastoralism as well as the use of heath areas for military purposes has had a major impact on dry heaths in the Continental biogeographical region of Europe, causing severe degradation of its key species Calluna vulgaris (L.) HULL. The reproductive potential of this species in a Continental climate is assumed to be low, although there is yet no observational or experimental evidence for this. More knowledge is also needed about cost‐effective and sustainable measures to restore abandoned dry heaths in this biogeographical region, because traditional management options are often too expensive (e.g., sod‐cutting) or restricted due to environmental laws and the danger of unexploded ammunition (e.g., burning). Using as an example an 800 ha Continental heathland in Germany that has been abandoned for about two decades, we studied the reproductive potential (seed production, soil seed bank, and germination ability) of degenerate C. vulgaris stands. In addition, we conducted a comprehensive field experiment to test the effects of low‐intensity, year‐round grazing by Heck cattle and Konik horses as well as one‐time mowing and patchy exposure of bare soil on the generative rejuvenation (i.e., recruitment and survival) of degenerate C. vulgaris stands over 3 years. We used generalized linear mixed models for statistical analyses. Seed production of degenerate C. vulgaris stands was high as well as the germination ability of their seeds, being similar to Atlantic heathlands. However, soil seed‐bank densities were lower than those found in managed or abandoned Atlantic heaths. Overall seedling recruitment in the field was considerably lower in comparison with Atlantic heaths. Low‐intensity grazing or one‐time mowing did not induce a substantial increase in C. vulgaris recruitment, whereas an additional one‐time creation of bare soil patches or the one‐time creation of bare soil without subsequent management significantly facilitated seedling recruitment and survival in the first year. However, ...

Naturschutzgebiet Höltigbaum ; Weide ; Naturschutz