Trait-based analysis of vegetation development in restored sandy grasslands in urban-industrial area

Abandoned urban-industrial areas represent a largely overlooked opportunity for ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. Although these sites are often highly degraded, appropriate restoration measures can initiate the development of valuable grassland habitats. Understanding the mechanisms that drive vegetation assembly in these systems is crucial for improving restoration success.

Previously we tested three plant introduction treatments at a highly degraded industrial site in Hungary: (1) seeding of single species, (2) seeding of a seed mixture, and (3) hay transfer from reference grasslands. These approaches aim to initiate plant communities resembling nearby semi-natural sandy grasslands, yet their long-term effectiveness in shaping vegetation composition and community structure requires further evaluation. Our main research questions are: How does the functional trait composition of plant communities change over time under different restoration treatments? Do restored communities converge towards the functional trait composition of reference sandy grasslands? Which vegetative or reproductive plant traits are associated with successful establishment and persistence in restored plots? How do restoration treatments influence trait-based community assembly over time?

The student will work with long-term coenological vegetation datasets from the restoration experiment and compile plant functional trait information from regional or Central European trait databases and literature sources. Analyses will include trait-based community metrics, multivariate analyses, and ecological modelling conducted in the R statistical environment. The results may contribute to a peer-reviewed publication.

The ideal candidate has a background in ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field, and a strong interest in ecological restoration and plant functional ecology. Basic skills in statistical analysis (e.g. R or similar software) are expected. Interest in ecological modelling or trait-based approaches is an advantage. Programming skills or experience with web-based tools are welcome but not required.

Selected literature:

Halassy, M., Botta‐Dukát, Z., Csecserits, A., Szitár, K., & Török, K. (2019). Trait‐based approach confirms the importance of propagule limitation and assembly rules in old‐field restoration. Restoration Ecology, 27(4), 840-849. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12929

Kövendi-Jakó A., Csecserits A., Halassy M., Halász K., Szitár K., & Török K. (2017). Relationship of germination and establishment for twelve plant species in restored dry grassland. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 15: 227-239. https://dx.doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1504_227239

Kövendi-Jakó A., Halassy M., Csecserits A., Hülber K., Szitár K., Wrbka T. & Török K. (2019). Three years of vegetation development worth 30 years of secondary succession in urban-industrial grassland restoration. Applied Vegetation Science 22: 138-149. https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.12410

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 modelling. Restoration Ecology 26: 476-488. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12584