Floristic diversity of extensively used fresh meadows (6510) in the Wielki Łęg Obrzański complex

Abstract

One of the habitat types protected within the framework of the NATURA 2000 network due to the presence of species of European importance are fresh meadows from the Arrhenatherion alliance. The maintenance of their characteristic floristic composition depends on habitat conditions and extensive use, while any changes in this respect trigger succession transformations potentially threatening their nature value.The aim of the study was to conduct nature and habitat valuation of one of the largest meadow complexes in the Wielkopolska region, i.e. Wielki Łęg Obrzański, which will make it possible to describe the preservation status of fresh meadows and their habitats.Based on multifaceted analyses of 535 relevés made using the Braun-Blanquet method in the years 2006-2012 and representing the Arrhenatherion alliance, the phytosociological and botanical structure as well as constancy of species in individual variants (floristic types) were determined. Moreover, their habitat conditions were defined, i.e. soil moisture and nitrogen content using the index method according to Ellenberg, while laboratory methods were used to determine the content of organic matter, soil moisture as well as the contents of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus in soil.Floristic composition of fresh meadows from the Arrhenatherion alliance differs due to high heterogeneity of habitat. The presence of fresh meadow phytocenoses both on dried organic soils (the driest forms of flood meadows) and on mineral soils (oak-hornbeam forests) contributes to differences in the floristic composition both in ryegrass meadows and grass-fescue meadows, mainly due to soil moisture and fertility as well as sward use type. This constituted the basis for the identification of lower syntaxonomic units in the internal structure of the plant associations. Five variants were distinguished in Arrhenatheretum elatioris, while the community of Poa pratensis-Festuca rubra was developed in as many as 8 variants.

Assesment of the Impact of Habitat Conditions and Land Use on the Floristic Diversity of Selected Rush Communities

“…The identified plant communities varied in their nature value as well as their economic and fodder value, which resulted most frequently from the habitat mosaic, variable moisture content and land use. They are of high nature value, natural or semi-natural character [12], forming spatial systems typical of respective plant landscapes. This is primarily vegetation of meadows and areas not utilised agriculturally in floodplain areas, frequently permanently waterlogged, typical to valleys of large rivers, as described e.g.…”

“…Any changes in their floristic composition related with their depletion or the presence of common species result in the deterioration of their nature value [20]. The causative factors may include both environmental conditions, particularly land use or its absence [12]. Habitat conditions also determine the selection of land use type and its intensity [7].…”

Vegetation changes of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class in the Bystra valley, eastern Poland

“…The Arrhenatheretum elatioris association was not recorded in 2011, as it is locally threatened with extinction due to its strong dependence on appropriate grassland management [21,38,39]. One of the reasons is also the gradual disappearance of characteristic species due to the land management changes [1].…”

Soil Microbial Community and Enzymatic Activity of Grasslands under Different Use Practices: A Review

“…Species of tall grasses predominate in hay meadows. On the other hand, species of short grasses predominate in the sward of pastures, whereas the share of selected species of tall grasses is small [2,4]. Apart from grasses, legumes play an important role in the floristic composition of the sward of grasslands.…”

“…Thus, they enrich the soil with nitrogen and contribute to the intensive development of plants and the formation of protein-rich biomass. Apart from that, the grassland sward also includes species of herbs and weeds-the functional group characterized by a higher content of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and other active substances which are beneficial for animal health [2,4,5].…”