Restoration of moist grassland after clear-cutting

The development of the vegetation of an afforest ed moist grassland site after clear-cutting was investigated with regard to diaspore bank and diaspore rain. By comparison with older clear cut sites in the neighbourhood it was possible to gel an impression of natural succession of such sites. In the first year the development of the vegetation following clear-cutting depends mainly on the diaspore bank in the soil. In that early stale the diaspore rain is of less importance. Several species, which are characteristic for moist grassland, are lacking in the diaspore bank. Management, like grazing, may improve the restoration of the former diversity of species, if it is still present in the vicinity.