Development of botanical composition of grassland affected by the different exploitation intensity

Abstract

Article Details: Received: 2019-04-08 | Accepted: 2019-06-03 | Available online: 2019-09-30

https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019.22.03.101-109

The aim of the work was to analyze the influence of different intensity of grassland exploitation on the development of floristic composition. The experiment was carried out in 2017 and 2018 in the Žirany village (SW Slovakia) characterized by a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 9 °C. Before the experiment was established, the grassland was used for sheep grazing and dominated by Lollium perenne L. The monitoring period was 2017 and 2018. The experimental crops were mown 2× (variant 4), 3× (variant 3) and 4× (variant 2). We established also control variant (variant 1) which was not mowed and fertilized, as well. The floristic composition was evaluated before each cut. It follows from the results obtained at the beginning of the monitoring in 2017, grass species (Lollium perenne L., Poa trivalis L., Poa pratensis L.) predominantly prevailed and they maintained their dominant position during the whole vegetation period in 2017. Furthermore, other meadow herbs (Achillea millefolium L., Cerastium arvense L.) were found in higher proportion. Legumes were found in a lesser extent. In 2018, we reduced the proportion in the botanical groups of other meadow herbs and leguminous plants. Conversely, grasses increased their share compared to 2017. The cover has been reduced mainly in variant 3 (3× mowed) and variant 2 (2× mowed).

Keywords: floristic composition, mowing management, grasses, legumes, other meadow herbs, permanent grassland

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