Supporting restoration by MPNV

MPNV can be useful for vegetation restoration in multiple ways. We are carrying out research to aid restoration target setting.

Since potential vegetation models quantify the site requirements of different vegetation types and thus can give direction on which vegetation is self-sustainable at a given site without actual vegetation. Restoring the potential vegetation ensures higher sustainability than other choices especially if continuous management is not planned. The feasibility of restoration actions and their acceptance by the local communities can greatly differ among vegetation types. Thanks to its multiple layers MPNV offers more than a single suitable type also providing relative suitability estimates (i.e. probability of membership in potential vegetation). Experts can thus select the vegetation type that meets technical criteria and suits the social and physical environment the best. Successful applications include target selection for a revegetation of factory surrounding (Török et al. 2018).

Figure. Distribution of potential vegetation at the restoration site in Török et al. (2018). The figure also shows an example, how restoration practice filters MPNV: only dry vegetation types were considered (and thus shown in the figure) as wetland restoration was beyond the scope of the project. Habitat codes are G1: open sand steppes, H5b: closed sand steppes, L5: closed lowland oak forests, M4: open steppe oak forests on sand. Colors are chosen so as darker ones represent more woody vegetation presence in the MPNV.

Currently we are working towards testing the restoration success with and without MPNV-based target setting.

References

Török K, Csecserits A, Somodi I, Kövendi-Jakó A, Halász K, Rédei T, Halassy M (2018): Restoration prioritization for industrial area applying Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation modeling. Restoration Ecology 26(3): 476–488.