Nibble, cut, stomp and burn: Biodiversity effects of disturbances in fen grassland

Aims We assessed biodiversity effects of disturbance in meadows and rich fens. hypothesized that disturbances their timing affect plant bryophyte species richness other indicators conservation success. More specifically, we expected status to improve with mimic natural grazing processes, is, extensive year-round trampling had a more positive effect than intensive summer or mowing. Location Kastbjerg wetlands, Jutland, Denmark. Methods In three-year field experiment, applied trampling, season-specific defoliation biomass removal burning randomized design nine wetland sites. recorded community composition. Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects models were built treatment as fixed effect, site random composition responses. Leaf N P, soil moisture included covariables. Further, quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was test for discrimination between treatments based on set indicators. Results Environmental biotic differences among sites considerable significant indicating historical contingency (local pool). found only minor mostly insignificant vegetation. However, QDA revealed five status. Simulated generally associated higher vascular richness, number indicator stress-tolerant decreasing abundance competitive species. Conclusion small, but vegetation after three years experimental treatments. Initial explained most variation, strong contingency. Our results support the need restoration fens meadows, importance prioritizing areas near-natural biotas.