Rotation grazing as a conservation management tool: Vegetation changes after six years of application in a salt marsh ecosystem

摘要: Abstract Grazing is commonly used in conservation to promote biodiversity, but the search for a grazing management regime that optimises biodiversity still ongoing. Rotation grazing, where followed by relatively long period of non-grazing, relative new tool management, and empirical studies on its effects are scarce. In this study, we tested rotation vegetation comparison with more traditional regimes. We experiment salt marsh Noord-Friesland Buitendijks, The Netherlands, determined effect three cycles (6 years; one year summer 1 cattle ha−1 alternated an ungrazed year) species richness, temporal turnover composition regimes horses at two densities (0.5 animal ha−1). also change cover specific concern, Aster tripolium (an important host plant pollinators) Elytrigia atherica invasive dominant species). After six years, richness increased all regimes, less than horse or ha−1. Species was similar across differed from compositions increase A. lower under 0.5 ha−1, not different other Change E. did significantly differ showed trend only. Hence, found low densities. implementation over remains be decided body, depending applicability terms available areas livestock, as well overall goals.