Ecosystem function: Can it be restored on Motuora Island, New Zealand?

Native re-forestation is typically undertaken with the expectation that planting native trees will facilitate the establishment of a functioning native forest ecosystem. Ecosystem processes such as decomposition and forest succession are assumed to be restored to a more natural state. We assess the success of the Motuora Island restoration in terms of nutrient cycling and energy flow by comparing pasture, planted native forest and unmanaged naturally regenerating native forest. Decomposition rates in the planted forest were intermediate between the pasture and naturally regenerating forest. Futhermore, there was no difference in average seedling diversity, density or composition between planted and regenerating forest. However, the invertebrate assemblage in the planted forest was characterised by abundant detritovores and was distinct from both pasture and unmanaged forest. We conclude there is evidence that nutrient cycling is in the process of being restored, but that the foodweb indicates a community strongly influenced by disturbance or early succession.