Local context matters: site-dependent functional and ecological responses to woody encroachment. Plain language summary of the paper by Sara Sánchez-Carmona and colleagues in the Journal of Vegetation Science vegsciblog.org/2026/06/08/l... @iavs5.bsky.social
⏳ Less than one month to go until the IAVS Symposium 2026! 🌿🌎
We can’t wait to welcome the global vegetation science community for an exciting week of research, collaboration, and new connections. See you soon! 🌱✨
#IAVS2026 #VegetationScience #Ecology #Biodiversity #PlantScience #GlobalChange
Prepared by Sara Sánchez-Carmona, Juan Antonio Campos, Itziar García-Mijangos & Asun Berastegi European semi-natural grasslands are being reduced by the
Palaearctic Grasslands 67 is published vegsciblog.org/2026/06/02/p... @iavs5.bsky.social
The International Association for Vegetation Science
Vegetation Science Blog
Fernández-Menéndez et al link riparian plant diversity and functional traits to satellite greenness (NDVI/EVI) in Atlantic rivers. Relationships vary through the year, showing that phenology matters when using remote sensing to infer biodiversity.
The post provided by Idoia Biurrun (Deputy Chief Editor of Palaearctic Grasslands) The new issue of Palaearctic Grasslands is out,
Plakman & Bokhorst show bryophytes strongly shape seed germination and early vascular plant growth in sub-Arctic habitats. Effects depend on bryophyte species via microclimate, pH, moisture and surface structure, influencing plant establishment.
Where are the biggest knowledge gaps in grassland ecology?
The Palaearctic Grasslands Special Feature seeks studies from underrepresented regions and grassland types, particularly from Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia.
Learn more:
What drives biodiversity turnover along mountain gradients? Guo et al found that local species pools explain beta diversity of woody plants and soil microbes better than assembly processes, highlighting their importance for montane biodiversity.
Do grasslands respond the same way to woody encroachment everywhere? Sánchez-Carmona et al found consistent shifts in plant traits and diversity as shrub cover increased, but responses varied strongly among sites, highlighting the importance of local context.
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🌾 Call for Papers: Palaearctic Grasslands Special Feature
We welcome contributions on grassland change, conservation, management and restoration across the Palaearctic region.
Deadlines: 15 June / 31 Aug 2026
Info & submission:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Journal of Vegetation & Applied Vegetation Science
Journal of Vegetation & Applied Vegetation Science
Journal of Vegetation & Applied Vegetation Science
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Journal of Vegetation & Applied Vegetation Science
📢 IAVS_LAC members! Our regional section meeting at IAVS 2026 in Gijón is a once-a-year chance for us to gather in person and set the direction of our community. Where do you want action? What does LAC vegetation science need? Leave a comment; your input will shape our agenda. 🌿 #IAVS2026 #IAVSLAC
Journal of Vegetation & Applied Vegetation Science
Journal of Vegetation & Applied Vegetation Science
