Adapting to climate change, does it work? Effects of climate change and adjusted management on biodiversity of roadside grasslands

Biodiversity in grasslands is under increasing pressure. In this PhD, I studied how climate change influences plant and insect diversity in Dutch roadside grasslands, and how mowing regimes can be adjusted to account for these changes.

I found that warmer winters put pressure on plant diversity by favouring a small number of competitive species, especially at sites with high nitrogen deposition. Summer droughts often had contrasting effects, including neutral or positive effects on plant diversity, but these effects were generally less persistent. As a result, the effects of winter warming dominated.

I then tested whether adjusted mowing practices could reduce these pressures. More frequent mowing, combined with a later cut in autumn, helped counteract recent vegetation changes and supported both plant and insect diversity in productive roadside grasslands. In low-productive locations, only a later cut proved beneficial.

This research shows how adapting grassland management can help buffer climate-related pressures on grassland biodiversity.