Can ecological restoration enhance the genetic diversity of plant species on a global scale?

Xinzeng Wei talks us through their recent meta-analysis, conducted with several colleagues, which found that ecological restoration does not significantly improve the genetic diversity of plant species as compared to reference or degraded populations. Wei et al instead suggest that using passive restoration, seeding, and mixed sources could significantly increase the genetic diversity of restored populations. The problem Human disturbance has led to several negative consequences … Continue reading Can ecological restoration enhance the genetic diversity of plant species on a global scale?

Monitoring vegetation sensitivity to landscape water balance informs land management 

In an effort to help resource managers identify vulnerable areas and suitable restoration techniques, David Thoma and colleagues assess plant responses to wet and dry periods in some of the USA’s national parks. The full article, Landscape pivot points and responses to water balance in national parks of the southwest US, is available in Journal of Applied Ecology. The problem Knowing when, where and how … Continue reading Monitoring vegetation sensitivity to landscape water balance informs land management