Alpine restoration: planting and seeding of native species facilitate vegetation recovery

Vegetation recovery in severely disturbed alpine ecosystems can be accelerated through active restoration measures. This study evaluated the short-term effects of two restoration treatments, planting of propagated native Salix (willow) shrubs in three different densities (1, 2.5, and 4 plants/m2) and seeding of the native grass Festuca ovina (sheep fescue), in a disturbed alpine heathland. We evaluated natural vegetation recovery (i.e. vegetation cover, vascular plant species richness, and Salix recruitment) in permanent plots, 5 years after the implementation of restoration measures. The results showed that both treatments had positive but different effects on vegetation recovery; Salix plantings (with densities ≥2.5 plants/m2) increased vascular plant species richness and recruitment of Salix seedlings, whereas seeding of F. ovina increased bottom and field layer cover. Our results also show the importance of soil conditions for vegetation recovery, as moister plots with a higher percentage of fine soil substrate had a higher vegetation cover and vascular plant species richness. This study shows that different restoration treatments can work complementary and also highlights the importance of considering different indicators of vegetation recovery when evaluating the effectiveness of restoration measures.publishedVersio

Short-term effects of Salix plantings and seeding of Festuca ovina on vegetation recovery in a disturbed alpine heathland in the Dovre Mountains, Norway

Alpine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances and have a slow natural recovery rate. Open questions remain as to which forms of active restoration measures could accelerate alpine ecosystem recovery from severe disturbances. This study evaluated the short-term effects of two restoration treatments – planting of propagated Salix shrubs in three different densities (1, 2.5 and 4 plants/m2) and seeding of the grass Festuca ovina – on vegetation recovery in a disturbed alpine heathland in the Dovre Mountains, Norway. In addition, the relationships between soil moisture and vegetation recovery, and between soil substrate and vegetation recovery were investigated. Measurements were obtained in permanent monitoring plots, five years after implementation of the measures. Results showed that the effectiveness of the restoration treatments depended on the metric used to assess vegetation recovery. Salix plantings with higher densities had a higher naturally recovered vascular plant diversity and a higher Salix recruitment but the plantings did not affect naturally established vegetation cover. Seeding of F. ovina resulted in a higher bottom and field layer cover but did not affect vascular plant diversity. Vegetation recovery was positively related to soil moisture and fine soil substrate. Exploratory aerial photography suggested that the large-scale revegetation pattern in the study site was linked to artificially created topography. If the outlined restoration goal is to increase both vascular plant diversity and vegetation cover, this study suggests that planting and seeding might be used complementary to each other and in conjunction with improving soil water retention capacity and creating artificial relief.M-ECO

Short-term effects of Salix plantings and seeding of Festuca ovina on vegetation recovery in a disturbed alpine heathland in the Dovre Mountains, Norway

Alpine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances and have a slow natural recovery rate. Open questions remain as to which forms of active restoration measures could accelerate alpine ecosystem recovery from severe disturbances. This study evaluated the short-term effects of two restoration treatments – planting of propagated Salix shrubs in three different densities (1, 2.5 and 4 plants/m2) and seeding of the grass Festuca ovina – on vegetation recovery in a disturbed alpine heathland in the Dovre Mountains, Norway. In addition, the relationships between soil moisture and vegetation recovery, and between soil substrate and vegetation recovery were investigated. Measurements were obtained in permanent monitoring plots, five years after implementation of the measures. Results showed that the effectiveness of the restoration treatments depended on the metric used to assess vegetation recovery. Salix plantings with higher densities had a higher naturally recovered vascular plant diversity and a higher Salix recruitment but the plantings did not affect naturally established vegetation cover. Seeding of F. ovina resulted in a higher bottom and field layer cover but did not affect vascular plant diversity. Vegetation recovery was positively related to soil moisture and fine soil substrate. Exploratory aerial photography suggested that the large-scale revegetation pattern in the study site was linked to artificially created topography. If the outlined restoration goal is to increase both vascular plant diversity and vegetation cover, this study suggests that planting and seeding might be used complementary to each other and in conjunction with improving soil water retention capacity and creating artificial relief

Towards an entrepreneurial curriculum design: Presented at the 13th International scientific conference on Management of the 21st Century, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

  Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education is generally viewed upon as being important for economic growth in the 21st century. Teaching entrepreneurship however seems to need another approach to fulfill the changing needs. In this perspective active learning and constructivism is generally seen as essential. Other elements that are influencing the teaching process are attention for competences, culture, the needs of the student and the curriculum. So the design of the curriculum must address these changing demands of society. Effectuation, constructivism and andragogy are the key elements for the curriculum to meet the criteria for delivering sustainable and flexible professionals to society. Based on practical experiences in the last decades in the Region of Twente, elements for an entrepreneurial curriculum are elaborated in this article

Towards a 21st century ready curriculum

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education is generally viewed upon as being important for economic growth in the 21st century. Teaching entrepreneurship however seems to need another approach than regular education to fulfill the professional and ever changing needs. In this perspective active learning and constructivism is generally seen as essential. Other elements that are influencing the teaching process are focus on competences, culture, the needs of the student and the curriculum. This emphases’ the design of the curriculum must address these changing demands of society. Effectuation, constructivism and andragogy are the key elements for the curriculum to meet the criteria for delivering sustainable and flexible professionals to society. Derived from the latest insights on Entrepreneurial Education, practical implications for higher education programs are designed and tested in a specific entrepreneurial region.Product Innovation ManagementIndustrial Design Engineerin