Data from: Threshold dynamics in plant succession after tree planting in agricultural riparian zones.

1. Trajectories of plant communities can be described by different models of plant succession. While restoration projects have traditionally been framed into a clementsian (gradual continuum model) or gleasonian approach (relay floristics model), alternative succession models developed recently may better represent restoration trajectories. Threshold dynamics succession model, which predicts an abrupt species turnover after an environmental threshold is crossed, has never been used in a restoration context. This model might, however, better describe shifts in plant competitive ranking and facilitation interactions during species turnover.
2. Fifty-three riparian zones, planted with trees 3 to 17 years prior to sampling, and 14 natural riparian forests were studied in two agricultural watersheds of southeastern Québec (Canada). The cover of vegetation strata was assessed at the site-scale, and the cover of plant species was estimated in a total of 784 one square meter plots. Canopy cover was measured stereoscopically for each plot.
3. As revealed by Principal Response Curves (PRC) and broken stick models, herbaceous species composition was stable during the first 12-13 years after tree planting, but then abruptly shifted. This two-step pattern in species turnover followed the increase of canopy cover after tree planting. Once canopy cover passed a threshold of ca 40%, plant succession started and led to the re-establishment of forest communities 17 years after planting.
4. During herbaceous species turnover, the cover of ecological groups changed significantly toward covers of natural riparian forests: shade tolerant species generally increased while light-demanding and exotic species decreased. Vegetation structure was also significantly affected by tree planting: tree and shrub cover increased while monocot cover decreased.
5. Tree planting efficiently restored herbaceous forest communities in riparian zones by inducing a species turnover mediated by light availability corresponding to a threshold dynamics in plant succession. Fostering and monitoring canopy closure in tree-planted riparian zones should improve restoration outcomes and adaptive management design. The innovative statistical approach of this study aiming to identify succession patterns and their associated theoretical models can be applied to any type of ecosystem undergoing restoration around the world to bridge the gap between science and management.14-Mar-2016