Linking Restoration and Ecological Succession (Springer ... - Inecol

inate and colonization is more difficult (Osbornová et al. 1990). Unfortunately,
commercial seed mixtures, not respecting local species pool, are predominantly
used to convert arable land or recently abandoned fields into grassland, and the
densely sown vegetation may slow down the establishment of target species
(Vécrin et al. 2002).
If the grassland is left alone, woody species usually establish. Woodland
restoration in former arable land has often used a technical solution (traditional
afforestation), and this has resulted in monospecific plantations. There are
fewer examples of intentional restoration using unassisted succession of woody
species in Europe. The establishment of woody species is heavily influenced
by seed availability in the surroundings (Olsson 1987). Site moisture conditions
are often critical for the establishment of woody species (Osbornová et al.
1990). Establishment can be restricted on dry sites by physiological constraints
and on wet sites by competition from robust, productive grasses, and herbs.
Under mesic conditions, a dense, shrub woodland develops spontaneously after
20 years in most studies in temperate Europe (Table 6.1). Where shrubs
and trees have developed on a site where grassland or heathland is the target,
Chapter 6 Manipulation of Succession 131
Table 6.1 Late successional stages that have developed spontaneously on abandoned arable land in
temperate Europe.
Age Human
Dominant species [yr] Region Site conditions activity References
Fraxinus excelsior, Acer >30 UK Mesic, chalk None Harmer et al.
campestre, Quercus
robur
(2001)
Fraxinus excelsior, Salix >12 C Germany Mesic, loamy soil None Schmidt
caprea
(1983,1988)
Picea abies, Betula spp. >30 Aland Isl. Wet, small sites None Prach (1985)
(Finland) surrounded by
forest
Alnus incana >20 C Finland Wet None Prach (1985)
Populus tremula, Quercus
robur, Tilia cordata
>21 C Sweden Mesic None Olsson (1987)
Pinus sylvestris, Juniperus >25 NE Poland Sandy, nutrient None Falinski (1980)
communis
poor
Symonides
(1985)
Pinus sylvestris >10 Czech Sandy, nutrient None Prach, unpubl.
Republic poor
Salix cinerea >10 Czech Wet, moderate in None Prach, unpubl.
Republic nutrients
Phragmites australis >30 Czech Wet alluvial site, None Prach, unpubl.
Republic rich in
nutrients
Crataegus spp. >25 Czech Mesic, moderate None Osbornová et al.
Republic in nutrients
(1990)
Festuca rupicola >30 Czech Dry, moderate in None Osbornová et al.
Republic nutrients
(1990)
Festuca rupicola >12 C Romania Dry, nutrient poor Extensive Ruprecht (2005,
grazing 2006)
Festuca vaginata, Stipa >24 C Hungary Dry, sandy, Sheep Csecserits &
borysthenica
nutrient poor grazing Rédei (2001)
Robinia pseudoacacia >24 C Hungary Dry, sandy, None Csecserits &
nutrient poor
Rédei (2001)