The impact of tree removal on standing grass biomass, seedling establishment and growth of woody species

The removal of trees in rangelands can create gaps and lead to increased grass production that could suppress subsequent tree seedling establishment growth. However, also enhance the growth remaining trees. We conducted a field experiment at two savanna sites with different soil texture woody species. used 24 plots each site determine effect tree-removal intensities (0%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 75% 100%) on production, tree-seedling growth, large Site 1 was previously cultivated severely-eroded clay-dominated soils, encroached by monospecific stand Vachellia tortilis. 2 had never been cultivated, sandy soils several At 1, 75 100% significantly reduced standing biomass towards end first growing season, no differences second season. 2, biomass. There significant but negative overall establishment. both sites, there were Moderate (50%) high (75%) positive study sites. found be affected level following removal, other factors including erosion are important considerations. Reduced competition facilitates An implication these findings is that, regardless substantial costs plant control, recovery key ecosystem services such as an forage may not realised. we recognise this system-specific.