Long-term outcome of nitrogen immobilization to restore endemic sand grassland in Hungary

摘要: Soil nitrogen immobilization by carbon amendment is a management technique used for conservation purposes to increase the competitive ability of late-seral plant species over early-seral based on their different tolerance low soil content. We immobilized six growing seasons three ex-arable fields with poor sandy soils in Hungarian lowland order restore endemic grassland. Sucrose and sawdust were applied at rates previous laboratory experiments using local soils. tested efficacy long-term lowering availability favouring native weed species. Carbon amendments resulted significant microbial biomass C reduced after 2 years. Total vegetation cover was reducing availability, but total richness not impacted. Cover decreased, increased irrespective immobilization. However, 4-6 years hampered spread moss under vascular vegetation. Synthesis applications. This study supports as tool immobilize available upper layers. desired impact fully achieved despite application several Nitrogen most relevant bryophytes, lacking deep root systems, which may explain responsiveness this group N limitation. The complex early-seral, that bryophyte layer provides opportunity directing state transformations arid grasslands. Bryophyte can be suppressed through enhance germination establishment grassland advantage method it opens gradually without disturbing surface, possibly avoiding invasive further studies are required deeper insight. © 2014 Authors.