Carbon addition alters vegetation composition on ex-arable fields

摘要: 1. Recent changes in European agricultural policy have led to measures reverse the loss of species-rich grasslands through creation new areas on ex-arable land. Ex-arable soils are often characterized by high inorganic nitrogen (N) levels, which lead rapid establishment annual and fast-growing perennial species during initial phase habitat creation. The addition carbon (C) soil has been suggested as a countermeasure reduce plant-available N alter competitive interactions among plant species. 2. To test effect C land, an experiment was set up two recently abandoned fields Switzerland 6-year-old restoration sites UK. Carbon added mixture either sugar sawdust or wood chips period 2 years. effects parameters vegetation composition were assessed additions 1 year thereafter. 3. Soil nitrate concentrations reduced at all within weeks first addition, remained low until cessation additions. overall reduction above-ground biomass cover. At Swiss sites, relative increase legume forb cover decrease grass availability, micro-organisms characteristics continued be affected after 4. Synthesis applications. results suggest that grassland is useful management method availability alters creating gaps facilitates late-seral species, most effective when started immediately abandonment arable applied over several