Effects of yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor) establishment on the vegetation of species-poor grassland

Targeted introduction of Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor) has been suggested as a method to assist diversification of species-poor grassland. Here, we report results from a study carried out in species-poor grassland established via natural regeneration at a calcareous ex-arable site. In particular, we explored short-term effects of soil scarification and sowing of R. minor on plant species richness and composition. Our results indicated a negative short-term effect of high Rhinanthus densities on the richness of dicot forbs. Scarification increased forb richness, but did so primarily by stimulating arable species present in the seed bank. Several characteristic forbs of calcareous grassland that were already present in the vegetation were negatively affected by the techniques used, emphasizing the point that restoration techniques should be assessed not only in terms of their impact on target species establishment, but also in terms of their effects on non-target species and whole plant assemblages.