Alpine restoration: planting and seeding of native species facilitate vegetation recovery

Vegetation recovery in severely disturbed alpine ecosystems can be accelerated through active restoration measures. This study evaluated the short-term effects of two treatments, planting propagated native Salix (willow) shrubs three different densities (1, 2.5, and 4 plants/m2) seeding grass Festuca ovina (sheep fescue), a heathland. We natural vegetation (i.e. cover, vascular plant species richness, recruitment) permanent plots, 5 years after implementation The results showed that both treatments had positive but on recovery; plantings (with ≥2.5 increased richness recruitment seedlings, whereas F. bottom field layer cover. Our also show importance soil conditions for recovery, as moister plots with higher percentage fine substrate cover richness. shows work complementary highlights considering indicators when evaluating effectiveness