Botanical composition of semi-natural grassland after fertilization interruption
Jancovic, J.(Slovak Univ. of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovak Republic). Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic | Vozar, L.
This work presents the results of a 16-year experiment (1986-1993) conducted to study the effects of intensive fertilization and utilization of the grassland as well as a long-term interruption to these operations on its botanical composition (originally identified as Lolio-Cynosuretum cristati Tx. in Bucker, 1942). Intensive utilization (2-4 cuts) without fertilizing reduced a number of species and the dominance of grasses and increased a portion of dicotyledonous plants, mainly those forming ground leaf rosette (Plantago lanceolata L. and Taraxacum officinale auct. non Weber). A similar effect was observed in PK fertilization which, in addition, even increased portions of legumes and bare places in the cover. High rates of nitrogen caused botanical simplification of the cover-legumes disappeared and the quantity of both grasses and bare places increased. After an 8-year absence of fertilizing under one-cut utilization, the grassland started degrading by reducing the grass portion under 50% and increasing dicotyledonous herb species but mainly bare places (by 16-40%). These changes exerted an adverse influence not only on productive but also extra-productive functions of grasslands. The following species showed the highest stability during a 16-year investigation period: Agrostis tenuis Sibth., Anthoxanthum odoratum L., Festuca rubra L., Festuca pratensis L., Achillea millefolium L., Alchemilla vulgaris L., and Taraxacum officinale auct. non Weber.
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