A biodiversity-ecosystem functioning experiment to restore the grassy layer of the Cerrado, a major Brazilian tropical savanna biome

• Grant number: 23/03337-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Agreement: ANR
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Silva Oliveira
• Grantee: Rafael Silva Oliveira
• Principal researcher abroad: Elise Buisson
• Institution abroad: Université d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse, France
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fernando Augusto de Oliveira e Silveira ; Guilherme Gerhardt Mazzochini ; Leonardo Henrique Teixeira Pinto ; Natashi Aparecida Lima Pilon ; Soizig Anne Le Stradic
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05523-6 - A Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning experiment to restore Cerrado, a major Brazilian tropical savanna biome, BP.TT

Abstract

Tropical grassy biomes (TGB), the world's ancient savannas and grasslands support outstanding biodiversity and provide key ecosystem services. Historical misunderstandings of TGB led to ineffective conservation and restoration practices. Upscaling restoration of TGBs requires tailored, evidence-based actions to ensure the effectiveness of restoration projects for biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services. The objective of the project is to understand the functional mechanisms that promote the establishment of resilient native TGB plant communities that are persistent, resistant to invasion and able to provide crucial ecosystem services. A Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning field experiment will be set up to better understand how manipulation of both functional and taxonomic diversity of plant communities modulate the functioning of restored ecosystems. Experimental plant communities will be designed using plant traits related to persistence, regeneration and dispersal. Field experiments will be set up at the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, central Brazil, using native graminoids species. Restoration success will be evaluated using (i) seedling survival, (ii) number of regenerants from underground storage organs and seed rain, (iii) percentage of native vegetation, bare soil and invasive species. For each species, we will collect functional traits related to their ability to persist (bud bank and root:shoot biomass allocation), regenerate and disperse. Ecosystem functioning, including carbon storage, water use and productivity will be also monitored. We expect to find a positive correlation between the complementarity of the functional traits and restoration effectiveness. The results of this project will be used to develop a novel model of TGB restoration and to inform guidelines for effective implementation of restoration actions.This project builds upon the findings of a previous project ("NERC-FAPESP 2019/07773-1 Restoring neo-tropical dry ecosystems-is plant functional composition the key to success?") by expanding the theoretical and methodological scope and the complexity of the species diversity under study. While the previous project focused on a limited range of grass species and growth forms, the new investigation will incorporate a broader variety of growth forms, regrowth and regeneration strategies, and root reserve systems with up to 16 different species. This increased diversity will allow for a more realistic approach and comprehensive examination of the functional groups and their impact on ecosystem processes. By exploring these additional dimensions, the new experiment aims to enhance our understanding of the ecological mechanisms that enhance resilience in the Cerrado grassland ecosystems. This knowledge will, in turn, facilitate the development of more effective restoration techniques that can preserve and protect these unique and valuable ecosystems. (AU)