A multi-taxon approach reveals the effect of management intensity on biodiversity in Alpine larch grasslands

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2014-07, Vol.487, p.110-116
• Main Authors: Nascimbene, Juri, Fontana, Veronika, Spitale, Daniel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abandonment; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Bryophyta - classification; Bryophytes; Conservation of Natural Resources - methods; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Ecosystem; Environment; Fertilization; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agroecology; General agroecology. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development. Rural area planning. Landscaping; General agronomy. Plant production; General aspects; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; Larix; Lichens; Lichens - classification; Management intensification; Vascular plants
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.013

In the Alps, larch grasslands form one of the most pleasing aspects of the landscape. However, their effectiveness in contributing to biodiversity conservation may depend on the intensity of their management. We used a multi-taxon approach to evaluate the effects of the intensification of management practices and those of abandonment on the biodiversity of the main autotrophic organisms hosted in this habitat, including vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. The study was carried out in the eastern part of South Tyrol, in the Italian Alps, where the diversity patterns of these three organismal groups were compared among intensively managed, extensively managed, and abandoned stands. The management intensity was found to strongly influence the biodiversity of the organisms, with a general pattern indicating the best conditions in extensively managed stands. Both abandonment and management intensification were detrimental to biodiversity through different mechanisms that led to species loss or to major shifts in species composition. However, the most negative effects were related to management intensification, mainly due to the high nitrogen supply, providing evidence for the increasing impact of eutrophication on Alpine environments. •In the Alps larch grasslands form one of the most pleasing aspects of the landscape.•A multi-taxon approach was used to evaluate the effects of management intensity.•Management intensity influences the biodiversity of autotrophic organisms.•Higher biodiversity was found in extensively managed larch grasslands.