Woody encroachment effects on biodiversity and carbon storage of mountain grassland ecosystems

In the last 150 years, the decline of mountain agriculture has resulted in a noteworthy abandonment and ecological succession
of many mountain pastures The consequences are a loss of centuries old cultural landscapes, associated unique biodiversity and
ecosystem services important to society Currently, in more productive and accessible pastures close to the mountain huts, land
use is intensified while remote pastures are prone to woody encroachment and abandonment These changes are caused by
issues of profitability, a lack of staff and changed management incentives In this project we explore how woody encroachment
affects the biodiversity and carbon soil storage