Grassland degradation and restoration: a conceptual framework of stages and thresholds illustrated by southern Brazilian grasslands

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ncon.2015.08.002
• Publication Date: 2015-09-21T23:44:46Z
• Authors: Bianca O. Andrade; Christiane Koch; Ilsi I. Boldrini; Eduardo Vélez-Martin; Heinrich Hasenack; Julia-Maria Hermann; Johannes Kollmann; Valério D. Pillar; Gerhard E. Overbeck
• Keywords: Grassland Degradation; Conceptual framework

Land degradation is a complex concept that integrates different aspects, including changes in soil conditions, biodiversity, productivity and socio-economic implications, compared to reference state. We propose new conceptual framework analyze stages restoration thresholds species-rich natural grasslands. The with their respective describes key processes of land-use change lead certain thresholds. Specifically, we discuss two scenarios grassland degradation, i.e. unsuitable management complete land use, sometimes followed by spontaneous recovery. illustrate the case south Brazilian grasslands, which are rich but suffer from series poorly considered conservation perspective. can be applied studies on restorability tropical subtropical grasslands after or transition other use; it will facilitate decisions alternative conservation.