Echoes of the past: Agricultural legacies shape the successional dynamics of protected semi-natural dry grasslands

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166990
• Publication Date: 2023-09-12T12:56:41Z
• Authors: Rocco Labadessa; Leonardo Ancillotto; Maria Patrizia Adamo; Luigi Forte; Saverio Vicario; Luciana Zollo; Cristina Tarantino
• Keywords: Abandonment (legal)

European semi-natural dry grasslands are among the most endangered terrestrial ecosystems, being recognised as habitats of community interest by EU Habitats Directive. The occurrence and preservation these depend on a combination anthropogenic natural factors, although little is known regarding role past land-use changes. Here, we investigated time since cultivation abandonment major driver grassland successional dynamics in Mediterranean agro-pastoral system Alta Murgia, southern Italy. By integrating cartographic information agricultural with main abiotic constraints (patch area, slope aspect), used generalised additive mixed models to test for probability current habitat types along (10 200 years). Our results disclosed sequence plant communities crop study highlighting that distribution largely depends land use history besides environmental patterns. Among protected under Directive, highlighted xero-thermic may represent an intermediate step succession after abandonment, while more mesic perennial indicate late stage. These further modulated mesoclimatic conditions associated aspect, especially case long-standing pastures were not historically affected transformations. findings can contribute deeper understanding relevant spontaneous vegetation recovery open environments, which prerequisite setting up effective conservation restoration actions. Furthermore, our underline value historical maps assessment status.