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Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Grassland and Pasture Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 35743

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gianni Bellocchi

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Guest Editor

Grassland Ecosystem Research Unit (UREP), French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Interests: agricultural and environmental climatology; biogeochemical fluxes; hydro-meteorology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Catherine Picon-Cochard

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Guest Editor

French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAE), Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), VetAgro Sup, UREP, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Interests: impacts of climate change on grassland; grass recovery after extreme weather; root functional traits; functional ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The challenges that grasslands are facing today imply that aspects related to biodiversity cannot be ignored. The number and identity of plant species, their evenness within the community, their functional traits, and the manifold interactions between the plants and their environment affect the relationships between grassland productivity and biodiversity. However, data are still scarce on how the impact of climate change on the productivity of grasslands may depend on their biodiversity. This Special Issue places a major emphasis on the productivity–biodiversity interplay as a dynamic concept. We call for contributions that explore how (i) changes in weather variables (with increasing levels of atmospheric ([CO₂]) affect productivity–biodiversity relationships; and (ii) changes in carbon, nutrient and water pools (and their spatial heterogeneity) explain such relationships. Potential contributors are encouraged to illustrate the influence of legumes and other functional groups on soil carbon storage, and interpret them through the role played by grazing and fertilization gradients on productivity and biodiversity. Contributions should also aim to bridge issues of management and new technologies (remote and proximal sensing, model-based forecasting, mobile applications, etc.) well as the influence of policy measures and socio-economic contexts on the interplay between grassland productivity and biodiversity under a changing climate.

Dr. Gianni Bellocchi
Dr. Catherine Picon-Cochard
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biodiversity
carbon-nitrogen cycles
climate change
grassland

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity

by Gianni Bellocchi and Catherine Picon-Cochard

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061047 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2667

Abstract

Associated with livestock farming, grasslands with a high diversity of plant species are at the core of low-input fodder production worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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Research

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12 pages, 1776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the UAN Fertilizer Application on Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in Semi-Natural Grassland in Western Carpathians

by Mirela Ranta, Ioan Rotar, Roxana Vidican, Anamaria Mălinaș, Ovidiu Ranta and Nicoleta Lefter

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020267 - 31 Jan 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3011

Abstract

Semi-natural grasslands are particularly important in mountainous areas of Romania, being the only source of forage for many farmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in forage quantity and quality as a result of Urea Ammonium nitrate (UAN) liquid fertilization. The experiment was carried out in the eastern part of Apuseni Mountains, Romania on a Festuca rubra L.-Agrostis capillaris L. grassland located at 1240 m altitude. Studies were made over three years of experimental trial (2014–2016) and covered four experimental plots in three replicates, as follows: V1–control plot, unfertilized; V2–plot fertilized with 50 kg UAN ha⁻¹ year⁻¹; V3–plot fertilized with 75 kg UAN ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, and V4–plot fertilized with 100 kg UAN ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The experimental plots were harvested once per year and the botanical composition, dry matter yield and forage quality were assessed. Our results showed important changes in forage quantity, quality and diversity as a result of UAN fertilization. Starting from the second experimental year the dominance/co-dominance ratio changed favoring the species from Poaceae family. Dry matter increased as a result of UAN fertilization but forage quality was negatively affected by the higher percentage of participation of species from other botanical families which have higher crude fiber content and lower crude protein. Based on our results we recommend moderate fertilization with UAN up to 50 kg UAN ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for semi-natural grasslands located in soil-climatic conditions similar to those in our experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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20 pages, 3766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Herbaceous Structure and Biomass Production Response to Rainfall Reduction and Resting Period in the Semi-Arid Grassland Area of South Africa

by Thabo Patrick Magandana, Abubeker Hassen and Eyob Habte Tesfamariam

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111807 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

Reduction in rainfall is amongst the major climate change manifestation phenomena, and will have a significant impact on grassland ecosystems. A split plot experimental design was used to investigate the interactive effect of rainfall reduction and resting period (RP) (70 and 90 days) on herbaceous biomass production and rainwater use efficiency in semi-arid grasslands of South Africa. Different levels of rainfall reduction (RD) were setup as main plot treatments while resting periods were set as sub-plot treatments. Four 0.5 m × 0.5 m quadrats were harvested in spring, summer and autumn of 2016/17 and 2017/18 from each sub-plot to determine herbaceous species structure, aboveground biomass production and rainwater use efficiency (RUE). Grasses were most affected by rainfall reduction than forbs at the 30% and 60% RD levels. In contrast, the forbs were more affected at 15% RD while the grasses showed resilience up to 15% reduction in rainfall. The RUE was higher at 30% RD and 70 days RP in almost all three seasons, except in spring 2016/17. Our results show that herbaceous above ground biomass showed resilience up to 15% reduction but were affected more as the rainfall reduction exceeded 30%. The future predicted reduction in rainfall may result in domination of forbs and increaser grass species in the grassland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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19 pages, 2228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Grazing on the Grass Composition in Temperate Grassland

by Yousif Mohamed Zainelabdeen, Ruirui Yan, Xiaoping Xin, Yuchun Yan, Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed, Lulu Hou and Yu Zhang

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091230 - 20 Aug 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5691

Abstract

Grazing is one of the predominant human activities taking place today inside protected areas, with both direct and indirect effects on the vegetation community. We analyzed the effects of grazing intensity on grass composition during four grazing seasons containing 78 plant species belonging to eight plant functional groups, which include perennial tall grass (6 species), perennial short grass (6 species), shrubs (3 species), legumes (9 species), Liliaceae herb (8 species), annual/biennial plants (11 species), perennial short forbs (16 species) and perennial tall forbs (18 species). We estimated grazing intensity at four levels, control, light, moderate and heavy grazing intensity corresponding to 0.00, 0.23, 0.46 and 0.92 animal units ha⁻¹, respectively. We found that each plant functional group showed a different response to grazing intensity. Perennial tall grasses that were dominated by high palatable mesophyte and mesoxerophyte grass showed a significant decrease with grazing intensity, while the medium palatable xerophyte and widespread grasses that were the predominant short perennial increases with grazing intensity. The perennial tall forbs that were dominated by the mesophyte grass also decreased, but the decrease was statistically insignificant. The influence of grazing density on species is also related to soil factors (soil nutrient, soil moisture and soil temperature and soil bulk density). Some functional groups such as tall fescue and Liliaceae herbs, remained stable—which may be related to the changes in the soil environment caused by grazing activities. The findings of this study could provide a standpoint for assessing the current grazing management scenarios and conducting timely adaptive practices to maintain the long-term ability of grassland systems to perform their ecological functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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14 pages, 1242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can the Application the Silicon Improve the Productivity and Nutritional Value of Grass–Clover Sward in Conditions of Rainfall Shortage in Organic Management?

by Grażyna Mastalerczuk, Barbara Borawska-Jarmułowicz, Piotr Dąbrowski, Ewa Szara, Aneta Perzanowska and Barbara Wróbel

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10071007 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2740

Abstract

To improve sward efficiency and maintain high feed quality in organic farming—as well as compensate for yield losses under anticipated drought periods—alternative fertilization practices should be considered. In this context, this study aimed to assess the response to summer drought of grass–clover sward in organic cultivation under various conditions of foliar fertilization with silicon (Si) (without Si, Si applied with multicomponent fertilizer Herbagreen, Si applied with growth stimulator Optysil). The research was conducted at the certified organic field in the 3rd, 4th and 5th year of mowing utilization (from 2015 to 2017). The studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of Si application on the yield of the grass–clover sward, especially under multicomponent fertilizer. Both fertilizers increased roots mass, but growth stimulator (containing mainly Si) had a stronger impact, especially with rainfall scarcity. In such conditions the application of Si decreased flavones concentration in plants and increased values of chlorophyll index. This study also indicated the potential for applying Si fertilizers to improve content of nutrients (crude protein, organic matter digestibility, potassium and phosphorus) in the sward. The results of presented studies may be used in fertilization practice of organic crop for enhancing sward productivity and to compensate for yield losses under condition of rainfall deficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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21 pages, 2621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expected Changes to Alpine Pastures in Extent and Composition under Future Climate Conditions

by Camilla Dibari, Sergi Costafreda-Aumedes, Giovanni Argenti, Marco Bindi, Federico Carotenuto, Marco Moriondo, Gloria Padovan, Andrea Pardini, Nicolina Staglianò, Carolina Vagnoli and Lorenzo Brilli

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070926 - 28 Jun 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4384

Abstract

As the basis of livestock feeding and related performances, pastures evolution and dynamics need to be carefully monitored and assessed, particularly in the Alps where the effects of land abandonment are further amplified by climate change. As such, increases in temperature associated with changes in precipitation patterns and quantity are leading to modifications of grassland extent and composition with consequences on the pastoral systems. This study applied a machine learning approach (Random Forest) and GIS techniques to map the suitability of seven pasture macro types most representative of the Italian Alps and simulated the impact of climate change on their dynamics according to two future scenarios (RCP4.5, 8.5), two time-slices (2011–2040, 2041–2070), and three RCMs (Aladin, CMCC, ICTP). Results indicated that (i) the methodology was robust to map the current suitability of pasture macro types (mean accuracy classification = 98.7%), so as to predict the expected alterations due to climate change; (ii) future climate will likely reduce current extend of suitable pasture (−30% on average) and composition, especially for most niche ecosystems (i.e., pastures dominated by Carex firma and Festuca gr. Rubra); (iii) areas suited to hardier but less palatable pastures (i.e., dominated by Nardus stricta and xeric species) will expand over the Alps in the near future. These impacts will likely determine risks for biodiversity loss and decreases of pastoral values for livestock feeding, both pivotal aspects for maintaining the viability and profitability of the Alpine pastoral system as a whole. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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10 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect on Tytanit Foliar Application on the Yield and Nutritional Value of Festulolium braunii

by Elżbieta Malinowska, Kazimierz Jankowski, Paweł Kania and Martyna Gałecka

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060848 - 14 Jun 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2573

Abstract

The aim of the research was to assess the content of protein and soluble sugars and the yield of Festulolium braunii treated with different fertilizers. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. When the grass was fully developed (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times a year. Mineral nitrogen fertilizer in combination with Tytanit increased the yield and the concentration of proteinin the plants. Each year the highest yield was recorded on plots treated with mineral nitrogen at a dose of 160 kg ha⁻¹ in combination with the foliar application of Tytanit at a concentration of 1%. In the 1st and 2nd years of the research, Festulolium braunii treated with one dose of Tytanit at a concentration of 1% contained more soluble sugars than plants from plots treated with nitrogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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17 pages, 4597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulating Long-Term Development of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Plant Biomass, and Soil Moisture of a Temperate Grassland Ecosystem under Elevated Atmospheric CO₂

by Ralf Liebermann, Lutz Breuer, Tobias Houska, David Kraus, Gerald Moser and Philipp Kraft

Agronomy 2020, 10(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10010050 - 29 Dec 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3767

Abstract

The rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations have effects on the worldwide ecosystems such as an increase in biomass production as well as changing soil processes and conditions. Since this affects the ecosystem’s net balance of greenhouse gas emissions, reliable projections about the CO₂ impact are required. Deterministic models can capture the interrelated biological, hydrological, and biogeochemical processes under changing CO₂ concentrations if long-term observations for model testing are provided. We used 13 years of data on above-ground biomass production, soil moisture, and emissions of CO₂ and N₂O from the Free Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) grassland experiment in Giessen, Germany. Then, the LandscapeDNDC ecosystem model was calibrated with data measured under current CO₂ concentrations and validated under elevated CO₂. Depending on the hydrological conditions, different CO₂ effects were observed and captured well for all ecosystem variables but N₂O emissions. Confidence intervals of ensemble simulations covered up to 96% of measured biomass and CO₂ emission values, while soil water content was well simulated in terms of annual cycle and location-specific CO₂ effects. N₂O emissions under elevated CO₂ could not be reproduced, presumably due to a rarely considered mineralization process of organic nitrogen, which is not yet included in LandscapeDNDC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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Review

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25 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessReview

Incorporating Biodiversity into Biogeochemistry Models to Improve Prediction of Ecosystem Services in Temperate Grasslands: Review and Roadmap

by Marcel Van Oijen, Zoltán Barcza, Roberto Confalonieri, Panu Korhonen, György Kröel-Dulay, Eszter Lellei-Kovács, Gaëtan Louarn, Frédérique Louault, Raphaël Martin, Thibault Moulin, Ermes Movedi, Catherine Picon-Cochard, Susanne Rolinski, Nicolas Viovy, Stephen Björn Wirth and Gianni Bellocchi

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020259 - 12 Feb 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6676

Abstract

Multi-species grasslands are reservoirs of biodiversity and provide multiple ecosystem services, including fodder production and carbon sequestration. The provision of these services depends on the control exerted on the biogeochemistry and plant diversity of the system by the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors, e.g., grazing or mowing intensity. Biogeochemical models incorporate a mechanistic view of the functioning of grasslands and provide a sound basis for studying the underlying processes. However, in these models, the simulation of biogeochemical cycles is generally not coupled to simulation of plant species dynamics, which leads to considerable uncertainty about the quality of predictions. Ecological models, on the other hand, do account for biodiversity with approaches adopted from plant demography, but without linking the dynamics of plant species to the biogeochemical processes occurring at the community level, and this hampers the models’ capacity to assess resilience against abiotic stresses such as drought and nutrient limitation. While setting out the state-of-the-art developments of biogeochemical and ecological modelling, we explore and highlight the role of plant diversity in the regulation of the ecosystem processes underlying the ecosystems services provided by multi-species grasslands. An extensive literature and model survey was carried out with an emphasis on technically advanced models reconciling biogeochemistry and biodiversity, which are readily applicable to managed grasslands in temperate latitudes. We propose a roadmap of promising developments in modelling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Grassland Biodiversity and Productivity)

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