The Regenerative Potential of Managed Calluna Heathlands—Revealing Optical and Structural Traits for Predicting Recovery Dynamics

The potential of vegetation recovery through resprouting plant tissue from buds after the removal aboveground biomass is a key resilience strategy for populations under abrupt environmental change. Resprouting leads to fast regeneration, particularly implementation mechanical mowing as part active management promoting open habitats. We investigated whether dynamics and threat habitat conversion can be predicted by optical structural stand traits derived drone imagery in protected heathland area. conducted multivariate regression variable selection random forest predictive modeling using 50 spectral predictors, textural features height parameters quantify Calluna grass invasion before-mowing images that were related after-mowing imagery. study reveals explained significant predictors mainly green reflectance parental individuals. In contrast, encroachment identified canopy properties indicate interpenetration starting points dispersal. prove concept trait propagation time providing derivates low-cost system. It utilized build drone-based decision support systems evaluating consequences requirements practice.