Seminatural meadows are characterized by a rich botanical composition, which determines their specific type. The content of macro-and micro minerals in sward seems important for ruminant farmers. The aim of the study was to determine the content of macro-and micro minerals in the sward of selected meadow types. The study was carried out in SE Poland from May to July in the years 2010-2017. The relationship between the content of each of the studied elements (N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) in soil and plants was investigated, as well as whether there were differences between the average content of elements in the sward of different types of meadows. In some types of meadows there was a correlation for K, Fe, Cu, Mg and Mn. The largest differences in the content of macro minerals in the sward were found for Mg (44%) and K (42%), and in the case of micro minerals for Mn (56%). Large differences resulted primarily from different plant species; composition forming a given meadow community and not the content of these elements in the soil. The results can be applied to the proper management of farms, especially organic ones.Available research results indicate differences in the nutrient content of the sward depending on the season of the year [8], and, in particular, on the amount of precipitation, and thus soil water content [14,15]. Therefore, the assessment of the standardized precipitation and evaporation index is important in grassland management [16]. Soil moisture is also a factor strongly determining meadow botanical composition [17], as well as its proper management [18,19].In the present study, samples were collected on all meadows in the same period under comparable weather conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the content of macro-and micro minerals in the sward of specific types of meadows in the semi-natural temperate climate of SE Poland.
Materials and Methods
Study AreaThe research was carried out from May to July 2010-2017 in various types of seminatural meadows of the highlands, in different conditions of habitat moisture, soil pH and richness in selected macro-and micro minerals. The research area (Figure 1) included physiographically diverse fragments of the Central Beskid Foothills and the Carpathian Foothills .8713 • E). The southern part is distinguished by the presence of uniform hills running from northwest to southeast, and their absolute heights range from 250 to 350 m above sea level. Brown, loam and luvisols are the most common soils there, alluvial soil occurs in river valleys and low peats in low basins. The length of the growing season varies from 210 to 225 days and the average annual rainfall from 700 to 800 mm. There are uplifted plains in the central and northern parts of the study area lying at an altitude of 220-250 m a.s.l. Luvisols and brown soils occur in this area, alluvial soils in river valleys, and swamps in drainage areas. The average annual rainfall is 600-700 mm and the growing season lasts 220-225 days.
