Spatially designed revegetation - why the spatial arrangement of plants should be as important to revegetation as they are to natural systems

Abstract

The spatial arrangement of plants play a key role in natural systems and influence many fundamental ecological processes (e.g. survival, competition, facilitation, pollination and seed dispersal) and ecosystem functions (e.g. habitat value, water and nutrient capture). Despite this knowledge, the fine-scale position of plants is rarely considered during restoration plantings, yet manipulation of planting arrangements during revegetation has the potential to aid the development of resilient and self-sustaining ecosystems. Here we outline how the spatial arrangement of plants influences grassland and woodland ecosystems, both at the vegetation and ecosystem level. Following this synthesis, we identify research gaps in the revegetation literature that could usefully be addressed to help develop this understudied field of research. Finally, we outline components of plant arrangements (spacing, aggregation, community composition) that can already be considered during restoration plantings - spatially designed revegetation - which are likely to lead to improved ecological outcomes of grassland and woodland revegetation.