Vegetation characteristics of species-rich grasslands in the National Park Slovenský raj, Slovakia

Vadel, Ľ.; Dražil, T.

Vegetation characteristics of species-rich grasslands in the National Park Slovenský raj, Slovakia

2015

Vadel, Ľ. | Dražil, T.

The paper presents phytosociological data of grassland communities in Kopanecké lúky in the National park Slovenský raj. Regarding the species richness, the studied meadows are extraordinary valuable and contain one of the highest number of vascular plant species at small scales in Europe. In 2012, we recorded 100 vascular plant species in the area of 25 m2. Within the study area, eight plant communities or vegetation types (characterised by specific species combination and species dominance) were ordered into the alliances Arrhenatherion elatioris, Violion caninae, Nardo strictae-Agrostion tenuis, Polygono bistortae-Trisetion flavescentis. All types of recorded vegetation represent transitional and successional stages. After 13-17 years the vegetation studied on permanent monitoring plots 5 X 5 m showed some changes. Meadows which have been regularly managed since 1990 have relatively stable species composition and species diversity. Abandoned plots experienced decrease in the total number of species and the emergence of expansive grasses like Calamagrostis varia (mesic and subxerophilic sites), Brachypodium pinnatum (wetter, mesic and subxerophilic sites) and Calamagrostis arundinaceae (mesic oligotrophic and acidic sites). In areas where cutting of trees, restoration or irregular mowing of meadows took place the number of species slightly increased. On the present, the plots are still threatened by expansion of Calamagrostis arundinacea species.

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