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10. A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems

Author

Miller, Ben P., Sinclair, Elizabeth A., Menz, Myles H. M., Elliott, Carole P., Bunn, Eric, Commander, Lucy E., Dalziell, Emma, David, Erica, Davis, Belinda, Erickson, Todd E., Golos, Peter J., Krauss, Siegfried L., Lewandrowski, Wolfgang, Mayence, C. Ellery, Merino Martin, Luis, Merritt, David J., Nevill, Paul G., Phillips, Ryan D., Ritchie, Alison L., Ruoss, Sacha, Stevens, Jason C., The University of Western Australia (UWA), School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Environment and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Botanique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des Végétations (UMR AMAP), Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (Cirad)-Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud]), Curtin University [Perth], Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC), and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (Cirad)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD [France-Sud])

Subjects
ecophysiology, restauration écologique, science strategy, [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio], seed science, ecosystem function, 570 Life sciences, biology, genetics, écophysiologie végétale, soil science
Abstract

Demand for restoration of resilient, self-sustaining, and biodiverse natural ecosystems as a conservation measure is increasing globally; however, restoration efforts frequently fail to meet standards appropriate for this objective. Achieving these standards requires management underpinned by input from diverse scientific disciplines including ecology, biotechnology, engineering, soil science, ecophysiology, and genetics. Despite increasing restoration research activity, a gap between the immediate needs of restoration practitioners and the outputs of restoration science often limits the effectiveness of restoration programs. Regrettably, studies often fail to identify the practical issues most critical for restoration success. We propose that part of this oversight may result from the absence of a considered statement of the necessary practical restoration science questions. Here we develop a comprehensive framework of the research required to bridge this gap and guide effective restoration. We structure questions in five themes: (1) setting targets and planning for success, (2) sourcing biological material, (3) optimizing establishment, (4) facilitating growth and survival, and (5) restoring resilience, sustainability, and landscape integration. This framework will assist restoration practitioners and scientists to identify knowledge gaps and develop strategic research focused on applied outcomes. The breadth of questions highlights the importance of cross-discipline collaboration among restoration scientists, and while the program is broad, successful restoration projects have typically invested in many or most of these themes. Achieving restoration ecology's goal of averting biodiversity losses is a vast challenge: investment in appropriate science is urgently needed for ecological restoration to fulfill its potential and meet demand as a conservation tool.

Published
2017

13. Limited efficacy of a commercial microbial inoculant for improving growth and physiological performance of native plant species.

Author

Wong WS, Ruscalleda-Alvarez J, Yong JWH, Stevens JC, Valliere JM, and Veneklaas EJ

Abstract

Soil microbial inoculants are increasingly being explored as means to improve soil conditions to facilitate ecological restoration. In southwestern Western Australia, highly biodiverse Banksia woodland plant communities are increasingly threatened by various factors including climate change, land development and mining. Banksia woodland restoration is necessary to conserve this plant community. The use of microbial inoculation in Banksia woodland restoration has not yet been investigated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a commercial microbial inoculant (GOGO Juice, Neutrog Australia Pty Ltd) for improving the performance of 10 ecologically diverse Banksia woodland plant species in a pot experiment. Plants were subjected to one of two watering regimes (well-watered and drought) in combination with microbial inoculation treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated). Plants were maintained under these two watering treatments for 10 weeks, at which point plants in all treatments were subjected to a final drought period lasting 8 weeks. Plant performance was evaluated by plant biomass and allocation, gas exchange parameters, foliar carbon and nitrogen and stable isotope (δ 15 N and δ 13 C) compositions. Plant xylem sap phytohormones were analysed to investigate the effect of microbial inoculation on plant phytohormone profiles and potential relationships with other observed physiological parameters. Across all investigated plant species, inoculation treatments had small effects on plant growth. Further analysis within each species revealed that inoculation treatments did not result in significant biomass gain under well-watered or drought-stressed conditions, and effects on nitrogen nutrition and photosynthesis were variable and minimal. This suggests that the selected commercial microbial inoculant had limited benefits for the tested plant species. Further investigations on the compatibility between the microorganisms (present in the inoculant) and plants, timing of inoculation, viability of the microorganisms and concentration(s) required to achieve effectiveness, under controlled conditions, and field trials are required to test the feasibility and efficacy in actual restoration environments., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press and the Society for Experimental Biology.)

Published
2024
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