Is the removal of aboveground shrub biomass an effective technique to restore a shrub‐encroached grassland?

• DOI: 10.1111/rec.13012
• Publication Date: 2019-07-13T15:29:08Z
• Authors: Yanshu Liu; Zhongjie Shi; Liyan Gong; Richun Cong; Xiaohui Yang; David J. Eldridge
• Keywords: Basal area; Understory

Encroachment of woody plants into grasslands is a global phenomenon that has substantial impacts on pastoral productivity and ecosystem services. Over the past half century, pastoralists land management agencies have explored various options to control in order improve services shrub‐encroached grasslands. We examined effectiveness controlling encroachment shrub Caragana microphylla grassland Inner Mongolia, China. cut removed all aboveground biomass from 450 shrubs, predicting this technique shrubs would depend morphology. Specifically, we expected larger with more be difficult kill by cutting than smaller shrubs. A year after treatment, found killed only 11% treated these, three‐quarters locations they occupied reverted grasses one‐quarter bare soil. Shrubs survived treatment produced stems leaf biomass, therefore had greater stem ratio. died lower crown area basal area, less resprouted within 12 months cutting. There were no effects height fate Cutting effect understory plant cover or richness, but reproductive taller under not cut. Overall, our study showed removing an ineffective for “restoring” original community unless are very small. Strategic targeting small effective spread C. long term.