Abstract
Traditional agro-forest systems (TAFS) link the two ecosystems forest and grassland and are an attractive, species-rich land-use type in the European cultural landscape. In the past decades, particularly inmountainous regions, socio economic changes have resulted in their abandonment or intensification ofuse. Our study employed plant traits to analyze and understand the consequences that abandonmentand intensification have on plant species diversity, functional diversity and the provision of ecosystemservices of larch (Larix decidua) grassland, a TAFS in the European Alps. By applying commonly used traitssuch as growth form and pollination agent, together with less used traits such as flower color and edibleor healing plants, we found highest plant species diversity in traditionally managed larch meadows andlarch pastures, while functional diversity was seen to be high also in abandoned larch grasslands. Wefurther show that provision of the ecosystem services scenic beauty and pollination is best in traditionally managed larch meadows and larch pastures. Regarding the provision of edible or healing plants, thelargest species pool was found in traditionally managed larch meadows, while the highest species coverage was found in intensively managed larch meadows. Summarizing our results, we deduce that boththe abandonment and intensification of larch grasslands result in a loss of plant diversity and a decreasein provided ecosystem services. Consequently, enhancement of our knowledge through further investigation of TAFS is essential for the maintenance and conservation of these valuable cultural ecosystems.