Dispersal and establishment filters influence the assembly of restored prairie plant communities

摘要: Community assembly filters, which in theory determine the suite of species that arrive at and establish a community, have tremendous conceptual relevance to restoration. However, concept has remained largely theoretical, with paucity empirical tests. As such, applicability filters ecological restoration remains incompletely known. We tested relative strengths dispersal establishment by comparing plant composition, measured species' presence/absence, 29 restored prairies seed mixes used restore each prairie. found both limited prairie similarity mix. Sown responded differentially few only (seed density), many others conditions (i.e. organic matter sand content soils, land use history, fire frequency), filters. A species, typically those sown most often, were not restricted or likely because they high enough densities all sites had suitable environmental conditions. Finally, one group established poorly, but we could attribute this either This information can help managers select restorations when sufficient densities. These results illustrate limit communities these are species-dependent. Identifying limiting filter(s) for will inform strategies increase their success.