Cattle dung and bioturbation by dung beetles improve oak seedling establishment in Mediterranean silvopastoral ecosystems

Abstract This study aims to determine whether the application of cattle manure and associated bioturbation by dung beetles other invertebrates can increase oak seedling establishment in high biodiversity Mediterranean silvopastoral systems known as “dehesas”, which are comprised scattered oaks a grassland layer used for livestock rearing. A two-year was conducted representative dehesa southern Spain. Firstly, effect pads on acorn consumption wild predators monitored, along with beetle abundance plot bioturbation. Secondly, indirect effects burial, predation rodents were assessed under condition exclusion. The results consistently demonstrate positive presence persistence acorns, well establishment, result reduced improved microhabitat conditions acorns seedlings. These processes mediated Tunneler beetles, move great amount soil material, dominant our records, suggest their importance passive without disregarding influence edaphic present. We conclude that significantly improves dehesas through burial bioturbation, acts protect them from rodents, desiccation damage. Passive thus emerges an important ecosystem service has been little-studied date. Appropriate rotational management could therefore contribute addressing bottleneck regeneration dehesas.