Hay transfer is a nature-based and sustainable solution for restoring grassland biodiversity. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valkó, Orsolya; Rádai, Zoltán; Deák, Balázs
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 311(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Ecosystem restoration -- Grassland specialist species -- Landscape planning -- Plant traits -- Target species -- Weed suppression; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: As we enter the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, there is an increasing need for finding nature-based solutions for the restoration of grasslands across the globe. Besides seed sowing, alternative restoration methods that build on locally available propagule sources, such as hay transfer, should also be considered and given high priority. The transfer of hay from a donor site to the restoration site serves a double aim by introducing target species and suppressing weeds. We tested the applicability of hay transfer in restoring species-rich grassland in a former cropland in Hungary, over six years of post-restoration monitoring from 2015 to 2020. We sampled the plant species composition of the three donor sites (target state of restoration) and the area surrounding the restoration site. We found that six year after restoration, a species-rich grassland developed with 42 successfully established specialist species that had a cover of 45%. Most specialist species became established from the hay from the second to the sixth year, but the surrounding areas also provided additional propagule sources. Among the eight analysed functional traits, seed mass of the transferred species was the best predictor of the establishment of specialists, and we found that small-seeded species had an establishment advantage in the first years after restoration. Our results suggest that hay transfer can be a suitable nature-based solution for local grassland restoration projects and its potential should be utilized especially in regions where suitable donor sites are present in sufficient quantity and quality. Highlights: Hay transfer is an effective near-natural solution for grassland restoration. Grassland recovery is feasible within six years after restoration. Seed mass explained the establishment success of specialist species. At least three years of monitoring is needed for evaluating restoration success. Measures to overcome propagule and establishment limitations were suggested.