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Aim In this study, we tested plant community‐based management methods to reduce the abundance of the invasive native plant Jacobaea aquatica (marsh ragwort). As J. aquatica mainly occurs in species‐rich wet grasslands, our aim was to define management measures that do not reduce the conservation value of the resident communities. Location Data were collected from 20 independent sites which varied in productivity and management intensity across the pre‐alpine Allgäu region (South Germany). Methods We monitored effects of temporary abandonment and decreased mowing intensity in very low‐ and low‐productive sites, as well as of decreased mowing and fertilization at moderately productive sites. Abundances of J. aquatica and the co‐occurring species were recorded at start and end of two experiments (2018–2021: very low‐ and low‐productive conservation grasslands; 2017–2020: moderately productive agricultural grasslands), while functional traits data of all species were gathered from the literature and specific databases. Generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) were used to analyse the effects of management intensity on the abundance of J. aquatica, functional diversity and species richness of the resident communities. Results At all productivity levels, the abundance of J. aquatica declined under reduced management. Changes in community composition and species richness of the resident community were less pronounced than the reduction of J. aquatica, but species richness declined under lowest management intensities. Thus, moderate reduction in management intensity provided the most benefits in terms of reduction of J. aquatica, and maintenance of species richness and composition of the resident plant community. Conclusions Reducing management intensity in wet grasslands decreases the abundance of J. aquatica and thus is a suitable method to control this species. As plant community responses were only partially consistent, management plans must account for the productivity of invaded sites. To avoid negative effects on grassland biodiversity, only moderate suppression of J. aquatica is recommended.

In the northern forelands of the Alps, farmers report an increase of Jacobaea aquatica in production grasslands. Due to its toxicity, the species affects grassland productivity and makes costly control measures necessary. We are investigating the extent to which management practices or climatic factors are responsible for the increase of the species, and how the situation will change as a result of climate change. We tested for effects of management intensity, fertilization, agri-environmental measures and injuries to soil and sward and modeled the species' risk of occurrence under rcp4.5 and rcp8.5 scenarios. Main determinants of the occurrence of the species are soil type and summer rainfall. A high risk is associated with wet soils and more than 400 mm rain between June and August. An influence of the management related factors could not be detected. Under the climate scenarios, the overall occurrence risk decreases, and shifts to the wetter alpine regions. The reported increase is rather a shift in the occurrence of the species due to the altered precipitation situation. Under future climatic conditions, the species will decline and retreat to higher regions in the Alps. This will decrease the risk of forage contamination in lower production grassland.

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