Mowing machinery and migratory sheep herds are complementary dispersal vectors for grassland species

Aim We assessed the role of mowing machinery and endozoochory by migratory sheep as dispersal vectors in semi-natural grasslands comparing species compositions traits found to regional above-ground vegetation soil seed bank. Furthermore, we discuss how their interplay may affect conservation grasslands. Location Rhön Mountains, central Europe. Methods Plant material from mowers (n = 12 one date) dung samples 39 13 dates) were collected dispersed plant determined using emergence method. compared bank non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicator analysis. functional non-dispersed pools calculating log-response ratios performing metaregressions. Results While 43 shared between vectors, differed each other. Mower more similar whereas Mowers favoured with different phenologies. Species small sizes prevalent both vectors. less selective concerning most traits, but high-growing grasses such Alopecurus pratensis Trisetum flavescens. Sheep contained palatable species, Urtica dioica. phenology, also included late-flowering species. Conclusion are complementary favouring differing traits. enables that have unfavourable (e.g. low releasing heights) or phenologies for machinery. To ensure a high number grasslands, should be considered.