Evaluating long‐term success in grassland restoration: an ecosystem multifunctionality approach

It is generally assumed that restoring biodiversity will enhance diversity and ecosystem functioning. However, to date, it has rarely been evaluated whether how restoration efforts manage rebuild multiple functions (ecosystem multifunctionality) simultaneously. Here, we quantified three methods of increasing intervention intensity (harvest only < topsoil removal + propagule addition) affected grassland multifunctionality 22 yr after the event. We compared restored with intensively managed targeted seminatural grasslands based on 13 biotic abiotic, above- belowground properties. found all improved developed toward grasslands. whereas higher levels reached yr, lower missed this target. Moreover, without seed addition accelerated recovery aboveground properties, no negative long-term effects abiotic or properties despite removing top layer soil. also which were best indicators for success in terms accuracy cost efficiency. Overall, demonstrated low-cost measures explained relatively more variation high-cost measures. Plant species richness was most accurate individual property describing multifunctionality, as accounted 54% at 4% costs our comprehensive approach. typically used monitoring by conservation agencies. Vegetation structure, soil carbon storage water-holding capacity together 70% twice (8%) plant richness, is, opinion, worth considering future projects. Hence, findings provide a guideline land managers they could obtain an estimate aboveground-belowground highly cost-efficient way.