Differential and reversible responses of common fen meadow species to abandonment
Differential and reversible responses of common fen meadow species to abandonment
Billeter, R.; Hooftman, D.A.P.; Diemer, M.
Applied Vegetation Science 6(1): 3-12
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1402-2001
DOI: 10.1111/j.1654-109x.2003.tb00559.x
We studied the effects of abandonment on two common fen plant species. In mown and a chronosequence of abandoned fen meadows in Switzerland spanning 35 years, we measured fitness traits of the sedge Carex davalliana and the forb Succisa pratensis. Cessation of mowing had little effect on fitness traits and seed production of C. davalliana, but seedling density decreased more than threefold.