Plant species richness, vegetation structure and soil resources of urban brownfield sites linked to successional age

Abstract

Brownfield sites contribute significantly to urban biodiversity due to their high spatio-temporal dynamics and their transient character. Plant species richness is, among other factors, contingent on vegetation structure. In this study, we examined plant species richness, vegetation height, vegetation density and soil parameters of a chronosequence of urban brownfield sites in Bremen and Berlin, Germany. These parameters were linked to successional age using single and multiple linear regression. Most biotic and abiotic variables differed significantly between sites with and without brick rubble in the soil, indicating a strong effect of site history on vegetation development. Soil parameters of the sites were not clearly linked to site age. Vegetation height and density increased significantly over time. Additionally, height and density increased with soil phosphorus content and water permeability of the soil, whilst plant available water only contributed to the model of vegetation density. Species richness increased with vegetation height but decreased with vegetation density. This indicates that species richness is maximised when a community comprises a mixture of early and mid-successional species. The results suggest that high plant species richness on sandy brownfield sites can be achieved by strong disturbances at an interval of 5 (±2) years. However, limiting soil resources can prolong this interval considerably. Management aiming to maximise plant species richness in urban brownfield sites should therefore take into account the interplay between soil resources and site age.

An assessment of lithostratigraphy for anthropogenic deposits

“…Arguably, these responses are more apparent in the case of anthropogenic deposits that typically exhibit properties considerably different to those of natural deposits. The age of anthropogenic deposits may also define vegetation characteristics (Schadek et al 2009). Indirect evidence from vegetation may be of particular value in mapping disused anthropogenic deposits and those with degraded morphologies.…”

Sustainable urban greening strategies for compact cities in developing and developed economies

“…In densely-packed neighborhoods with inadequate UGS provision, brownfield sites could become UGS to bring relief (Doick et al 2009). Brownfield sites colonized spontaneously by vegetation could be conserved (Schadek et al 2009). The development right of the enlisted land parcel could be transferred to new development areas where UGS provision is well-planned and sufficient.…”

Marginalia: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Urban Wastelands

“…In some cases, depending on soil conditions, there can be unique combinations of habitat mimicry, so that species associated with disparate ecotopes such as heathlands or chalk downland might occur together on the same site (Colin Plant, Consultant Entomologist, discussion with the author, 12 February 2012). For detailed studies of urban habitat diversity see, for example, Sukopp et al (1979), Sukopp (1990), Rebele (1994), Zerbe et al (2003), Filoche, Arnal, and Moret (2006), Muratet et al (2007), Schadek et al (2009), andMüller (2010). On the question of "charisma" in relation to nature conservation, see Lorimer (2007).…”