ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses restoration of tropical and subtropical grasslands. It expects vegetation development to be much slower, due to environmental filters that limit plant establishment and growth - and, restoration may be especially difficult. The ecosystems that comprise the world's 'grassy biomes' share a number of ecological characteristics, despite distinct climatic conditions and a broad variety of soil conditions that influence vegetation patterns together with disturbance regimes. Recently, Joe Veldman and co-authors suggested the term 'old-growth grassland' to characterize the primary grassy biomes in the tropics and subtropics. In tropical and subtropical grasslands around the world, invasive species are a major challenge in conservation and restoration. Tropical grasses are aggressive invaders in tropical regions, while temperate forbs, shrubs and grasses are more problematic in higher latitude subtropics. Studies in tropical and subtropical grasslands are especially interesting in this regard, since they are often very species-rich and may be easily associated with many ecosystem services.
