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Dryad

Data from: Establishing the plant component of a tallgrass prairie restoration using a remnant reference ecosystem model: A case study

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Jan 29, 2025 version files 118.56 KB

Abstract

Ecological restoration practitioners have debated the use of ecosystem models and reference ecosystems as targets for achieving ecological restoration of plant communities.

We used an ecosystem model based on nine tallgrass prairie remnants to establish high-quality tallgrass prairie plots in a prairie restoration. We planted 82 of the most common remnant species in five 10 x10m plots, aiming to replicate remnant-like species composition.

Most species required one to two planting attempts and established within the first few years. Within 5 years, we had planted all 82 species, most persisted and were still present in year six.

The most common clonal species in remnants became most abundant and spread rapidly beyond plot boundaries, while individual plot richness (64-72 species, mean 68.8) was similar to that found in remnant reference ecosystems (82 species).

Practical implication: Our results demonstrate the feasibility of replicating the plant composition and species richness of mesic prairie remnants through ecological restoration.