Compensation and the Stability of Restored Grassland Communities

Authors:
Seabloom, E.W.

Publication Date:
2007

Abstract/Summary:
In a large-scale experimental restoration of a California grassland community, aggregated abundance of restored grasses was more stable than were the individual species in response to disturbance, drought, and succession. Compensatory dynamics among the restored grass flora increased aggregate stability in response to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Successful restorations must persist in the face of altered management and disturbance regimes, climactic variability, and over the course of succession. Incorporation of diversity–stability relationships into restoration plans will likely increase restoration success. This case study further demonstrates the relevance of community ecology theory to restoration ecology.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Ecological Applications

Link:
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~seabloom/publications_files/seabloom-2007-ecap.pdf