Increased diversity of the species pool via seeding augments establishment of native species in experimental vacant‐lot restorations. Issue 4 (2nd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swan, Christopher M.; Borowy, Dorothy; Johnson, Anna L.
• Is Part Of: Applied vegetation science. Volume 25:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02
• Subjects: dispersal -- functional diversity -- phylogenetic diversity -- seeding regime -- urban ecosystems -- vacant land; Plant ecology -- Periodicals; Plant communities -- Periodicals; Plant populations -- Periodicals; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; 581.705
• DOI: 10.1111/avsc.12692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1402-2001

Abstract

Abstract: Question: The harsh geophysical template characterized by the urban environment combined with people's choices has led ecologists to invoke environmental filtering as the main ecological phenomenon explaining urban biodiversity patterns. Yet, dispersal is often overlooked as a driving factor, especially on expanding vacant land. Does overcoming dispersal limitation by seeding native species in urban environments and increasing the functional or phylogenetic diversity of the seeding pool increase native plant species diversity and abundance in urban vacant land? Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Methods: We took an experimental approach to learn how different dimensions of plant biodiversity within a regional species pool augmented via seed additions, can explain variation in community structure over a three‐year period. Vacant lots were cleared and manipulated with seeding treatments of high or low phylogenetic and functional diversities from a pool of 28 native species. Establishment success, total native cover and native‐species richness were followed and compared to cleared, unseeded control lots as well as unmanipulated lots. Results: Seeding increased native plant abundance and richness over uncleared plots, as well as cleared and unseeded control plots. Phylogenetically diverse seed mixtures had greater establishment success than mixtures composed of closely related species. Diversifying seed mixtures increased the likelihood of including species that are better able to establish on vacant land. However, there were no differences in varying levels of either functional or phylogenetic diversity. Conclusions: Augmenting the regional species pool via diverse seed mixtures can enhance native plant cover and richness under the harsh environmental conditions conferred by land abandonment. Abstract : Seeding of functionally and phylogenetically diverse native species to urban vacant land enhances native species cover and richness on these otherwise non‐native dominated landscapes. Such in‐situ experimental studies are uncommon in cities, yet can provide useful information as sustainable urban land management practices are put into place.