Scale-Dependent Diversity Patterns in Subalpine Grasslands: Homogenization vs. Complexity

Tsvetelina Terziyska; James Tsakalos; Sándor Bartha; Iva Apostolova; Desislava Sopotlieva

doi:10.3390/land14040823

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Scale-Dependent Diversity Patterns in Subalpine Grasslands: Homogenization vs. Complexity

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Scale-Dependent Diversity Patterns in Subalpine Grasslands: Homogenization vs. Complexity

Tsvetelina Terziyska, James Tsakalos, Sándor Bartha, Iva Apostolova and Desislava Sopotlieva

Land (Basel), Vol.14(4), 823

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040823

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Abstract

alpha diversity

beta diversity

dominants

dwarf-shrub encroachment

regeneration

succession

This study investigates the scale-dependent alpha and beta diversity patterns in the subalpine grasslands of the Central Balkan Mountains following decades of reduced grazing. We examined two distinct vegetation patches: pure grasslands (N-type) and grasslands mixed with dwarf shrubs (V-type), focusing on coarse-scale (among stands) and fine-scale (within stands) heterogeneity. Using micro-quadrat transects and dissimilarity analyses, we assessed the species composition variability and spatial complexity of the two vegetation patches. The results showed that the N-type exhibited higher coarse-scale beta diversity, attributed to fluctuating dominant grass proportions, and lower fine-scale diversity due to competitive exclusion. Conversely, V-type vegetation displayed lower coarse-scale but higher fine-scale diversity, reflecting the heterogeneous spatial matrix created by dwarf-shrub encroachment. Fine-scale spatial complexity, quantified by the compositional diversity of dominants, strongly correlated with species richness and diversity. Two main conclusions emerged: (a) Grazing decline-driven succession toward grass–dwarf shrub mixtures enhanced local diversity while reducing landscape heterogeneity. Conversely, regeneration toward typical dominant grasses diminished local diversity but increased landscape heterogeneity. (b) A balanced fine-scale spatial mixture of dominant species was found to reduce their individual negative impact on other species’ diversity. Effective high-mountain pasture management requires the consideration of scale and local plant co-existence.

Details

Title: Scale-Dependent Diversity Patterns in Subalpine Grasslands: Homogenization vs. Complexity
Authors/Creators: Tsvetelina Terziyska - Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research
James Tsakalos - Università di Camerino
Sándor Bartha - Institute of Ecology and Botany
Iva Apostolova - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Desislava Sopotlieva - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Publication Details: Land (Basel), Vol.14(4), 823
Publisher: MDPI
Number of pages: 14
Identifiers: 991005764856707891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Industry collaboration; Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.40 Forestry; 3.40.86 Plant Communities
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Studies
ESI research areas: Social Sciences, general