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Abstract: In two natural heathland vegetations, we analysed the effect of turf cutting on spore numbers of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Next to this, we performed a controlled factorial experiment to examine the role of AMF for germination and establishment of Arnica montana in both turf cut and non-turf cut situations. AMF spore numbers decreased with soil depth, and, along with the topsoil, almost all AMF spores were removed with the removal of the acidified and/or eutrophied organic layer. Recolonisation of AMF spore numbers after turf cutting was slow: spore numbers of approximately 60–95 sporesg−1 dry soil were found two and a half years after turf cutting, corresponding with 55–70% of AMF spore numbers found in natural field populations of A. montana. Since AMF colonisation increased establishment and biomass, and decreased mortality of A. montana, it was suggested that lack of AMF after turf removal might complicate the establishment of this herbaceous species. Removal of organic material as a management measure should therefore carefully be applied, taking in consideration the low recolonisation rates of AMF as this can markedly effect the success of restoration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heathlands are of high importance for biodiversity conservation, and most heathlands depend on management. While the effects of management on biodiversity are well-studied for lowland heathlands, studies on Central European montane heathlands are scarce. Therefore, we analysed the effects of heathland rejuvenation measures on soil characteristics and phytodiversity within Central European montane heathlands. We focused on four heathland types: sod-cut heathlands with (i) early-successional stages (SOD CUT-EARLY) and (ii) mid-successional stages (SOD CUT-MID), (iii) choppered heathlands with mid-successional stages (CHOP-MID) and (iv) late-successional heathland stages (CONTROL). For every heathland type, ten vegetation relevés were carried out. In every relevé, we analysed the cover of all vascular plant, bryophyte and terricolous lichen species. Additionally, soil characteristics were measured. Statistical analyses included generalised linear mixed-effects models and non-metric multidimensional scaling. Our study revealed that rejuvenation of montane heathlands reduced soil nutrient levels, increased pH values and had positive effects on phytodiversity. The effects of rejuvenation were persistent. Even after around 20 years following the measures, SOD CUT-MID and CHOP-MID were characterised by lower nutrient levels and different plant assemblages compared to CONTROL. Sod cutting and choppering promoted the rejuvenation of Calluna vulgaris, one target species of montane heathlands. However, the regeneration of Vaccinium vitis-idaea – another ericaceous target species – was clearly favoured by choppering in comparison to sod cutting. By contrast, overall vascular plant species diversity as well as the number of threatened vascular plant and target species were favoured by sod cutting in the long run while early-successional stages after sod cutting had positive effects on lichen diversity. Due to the contrary effects of the two rejuvenation measures, we recommend a spatial mix of high-intensity (sod cutting) and less intensive (choppering) rejuvenation methods in montane heathlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]