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Arctic evergreening - encroaching allelopathy in a management blind spot

Tuomi, M. W.; Utsi, T. A.; Yoccoz, N.; Armstrong, C. W.; Gonzalez, V.; Hagen, S. B.; Jonsdottir, I. S.; Pham, M. N.; Pugnaire, F. I.; Shea, K.; Wardle, D. A.; Zielosko, S.; Brathen, K. A.

2022-03-02 ecology
10.1101/2022.02.28.482210 bioRxiv
Show abstract

O_LIOngoing Arctic greening can increase productivity and reindeer pasture quality in the tundra. However, greening may also entail proliferation of unpalatable species, with distinct consequences for pastoral socio-ecological systems (SES). C_LIO_LIWe show extensive greening across 20 reindeer districts in northern Norway between 2003 and 2020. The allelopathic, evergreen dwarf-shrub crowberry biomass increased by 60%, contrasted by smaller increases of deciduous dwarf-shrubs and stagnating forb and graminoid biomass. C_LIO_LIWe found evidence, although uncertain, of a negative relationship between biomass and reindeer densities, but only among forbs, the least abundant plant group. C_LIO_LIOur results challenge the management decision-making, which aims at sustainable pasture management, but which assumes stationary density-dependent relationships. Changes in temporal vs. spatial relationships should be included as management criteria, to avoid mismanaging a SES in transition. C_LIO_LILarge-scale shift towards increased allelopathy may undermine the resource base of a key Arctic herbivore and pastoral SES. C_LI

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