Hay and seed transfer to re-establish rare grassland species and communities: How important are date and soil preparation?

Hay transfer was successful in transferring target species but community structure was still quite different from the reference grassland. Target species were only transferred with late hay but early hay added several non-specialist species of Cnidion meadows. Strong competition by pre-existing vegetation prevented target species from establishing without soil disturbance but differences were small between shallow and deep tillage. In conclusion, a combination of early and late hay and moderate soil disturbance were the most appropriate treatments to restore Cnidion meadows.