Trophic rewilding by large herbivores reduces plant nitrogen and water limitation across seven sites irrespective of their edaphic conditions.

This research investigates how reintroducing large herbivores to ecosystems can reduce limitations on plant growth and improve forage quality, with positive effects observed regardless of the specific soil conditions at each site.

Research Purpose and Methodology

• The researchers aimed to evaluate the ecological effects of a nature-based solution known as trophic rewilding, which involves reintroducing large herbivores to natural ecosystems with the hope of mitigating biodiversity loss and combating climate change.
• The effects of year-round grazing by large ungulates on plant biomass and related soil properties were investigated at seven different sites in the Czech Republic, which had undergone trophic rewilding.

Findings and Implications

• The study found that trophic rewilding led to a reduction in aboveground plant biomass, indicating that the introduced herbivores were effectively grazing and maintaining a balance in plant growth.
• However, there was an increase in plant nitrogen supply due to enhanced nitrogen recycling. This led to higher water and nitrogen content in aboveground plant biomass, providing high-quality forage for grazing animals.
• The research also found that belowground plant biomass remained consistent, indicating that the grazing herbivores allowed sufficient plant regeneration and organic matter input into the soil, leading to increased soil organic matter sequestration and water retention capacity.
• The process of rewilding also changed the plant-soil interactions, enhancing the relationship between vegetation and soil microbial processes. This resulted in improved root growth and phosphorus uptake, essential for plant productivity and forage quality.
• The study’s findings emphasize the potential benefits of trophic rewilding in creating self-regulating ecosystems capable of effectively responding and adapting to changing environmental and climate conditions.

Conclusion

• The research suggests that trophic rewilding using large herbivores can improve ecological characteristics such as plant productivity, forage quality, and soil organic matter sequestration, and can also aid in improving the adaptability of the ecosystem to changing environmental conditions.