Changes in Species Diversity Patterns and Spatial Heterogeneity during the Secondary Succession of Grassland Vegetation on the Loess Plateau, China.

ABSTRACT: Analyzing the dynamic patterns of species diversity and spatial heterogeneity of vegetation in grasslands during secondary succession could help with the maintenance and management of these ecosystems. Here, we evaluated the influence of secondary succession on grassland plant diversity and spatial heterogeneity of abandoned croplands on the Loess Plateau (China) during four phases of recovery: 1-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-30 years. The species composition and dominance of the grassland vegetation changed markedly during secondary succession and formed a clear successional series, with the species assemblage dominated by Artemisia capillaris→ Heteropappus altaicus→ A. sacrorum. The diversity pattern was one of low-high-low, with diversity peaking in the 10-20 year phase, t

SUBMITTER: Sun C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5581942 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature