Diversity of Segetal Flora in Salix viminalis L. Crops Established on Former Arable and Fallow Lands in Central Poland

Abstract

The flora of willow (Salix viminalis L.) plantations consists of various plant groups, including plants related to arable land, called segetal plants. Knowledge of this flora is important for maintaining biodiversity in agroecosystems. The aim of the study was to assess the segetal flora of the willow plantations in central Poland, depending on the land use before the establishment of the plantations (arable land or fallow) and the age of the plantations. Moreover, the aim was also to check for the presence of invasive, medicinal, poisonous and melliferous species. The vegetation accompanying willow was identified based on an analysis of 60 phytosociological relevés performed using the Braun-Blanquet method. For each species, the following parameters were determined: the phytosociological class; family; geographical and historical group; apophyte origin; biological stability; life-form; and status as an invasive, medicinal (herbs), poisonous or melliferous species. The results were statistically processed. Segetal species accounted for 38% of the flora accompanying willow. The plantations on former arable land were richer in segetal species than those on fallow. Mostly, short-lived and native species dominated. In line with the age of the plantations, the number of segetal species decreased. The share of apophytes increased, and anthropophytes decreased. Furthermore, many valuable plants were found among the flora accompanying willow.

Effect of the Time of Herbicide Application and the Properties of the Spray Solution on the Efficacy of Weed Control in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation

“…To evaluate the proportion of each plant species, the constancy degree (Braun−Blanquet approach) was determined using the following scale: V-80-100% of all phytosociological relevés; IV-60-80%; III-40-60%; II-20-40%; I-0.01-20%. The cover coefficient was calculated using an expression of the sum of the average percentage of species cover that occurred in all the phytosociological relevés divided by the total number of phytosociological relevés and multiplied by 100 [63].…”

Weed Ecology and New Approaches for Management

“…The age of the crop and soil conditions are also important [35]. The study of Janicka et al [12] showed that a significant proportion of the flora in cultivation Salix viminalis constituted segetal weeds occurring commonly in cereals and root crops. With an increase in the age of the plantations, the number of segetal species decreased in favor of apophytes.…”

“…Increasing the intensity of the production also affects the yields of lupine [8] and spelt wheat [10], as well as the health of soybean [6] and chamomile [11]. In perennial crops (willow), segetal weeds are the dominant flora, although with the age of the plantation their number decreases in favor of apophytes [12]. Dangerous to the native flora are invasive species that require monitoring, such as exotic Tamarix species, introduced to South Africa as ornamental plants [13].…”