Abstract

Globally, temperate grasslands have been significantly altered and subsequently degraded as a result of increased human population, urbanisation, and agriculture. Weeds now dominate most of these ecosystems, resulting in the loss of ecosystem services, reduced carrying capacity for farmers, and loss of habitat for native animals. This paper reviews the literature of temperate grassland restoration efforts from across the globe, and observes what techniques and combinations have been used successfully and unsuccessfully to reduce weed dominance and promote native recruitment and establishment. The findings of this review clarify that weed management should be ongoing in all projects, while optimal revegetation methods and grazing regimes are specific to site location and study scope. There is a need for an increase in long-term monitoring of restoration projects in order to make assumptions with greater confidence.