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1

Wypas koni huculskich jako forma zrównoważonego rolnictwa w rejonie Bieszczadów

Topczewska Jadwiga, Krupa Wanda, Krempa Amanda

Polish Journal for Sustainable Development

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2022

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T. 26, cz. 1

51--58

PL

Celem badań była ocena prowadzenia wypasu koni huculskich jako elementu zrównoważonego rolnictwa na terenach objętych ochroną w ramach NATURA 2000. Oceniono kondycję koni i obciążenie pastwisk oraz liczbę występujących i żerujących ptaków. Obciążenie do 10 DPJ, wynikające z realizacji programów rolno-środowiskowych, wydaje się być adekwatne zarówno jeśli chodzi o przeciwdziałanie sukcesji, jak i ochronę przed degradacją. Uzyskane wyniki potwierdzają pozytywny wpływ prowadzenia wypasu na różnorodność gatunkową siedlisk, przyczyniając się do zachowania miejsc gniazdowania i żerowania ptaków.

EN

The aim of the study was to analyze the grazing of Hucul horses as an element of sustainable agriculture in NATURA 2000-protected areas. The condition of the horses and the grazing load were assessed, as well as the number of birds present and foraging. A load of up to 10 DPJ, resulting from the implementation of agri-environmental programs, appears to be adequate both in terms of counteracting succession and protecting against degradation. The results confirm the positive impact of grazing on habitat species diversity, contributing to the preservation of nesting and foraging sites for birds.

2

A survey of farmer approach to grazing : a case study of the Curvature Subcarpathians, Romania

Neculau Gianina, Minea Gabriel, Ciobotaru Nicu, Ioana-Toroimac Gabriela, Mircea Sevastel, Mititelu-Ionuș Oana, Rodrigo-Comino Jesús

Journal of Water and Land Development

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2021

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no. 51

144--151

EN

This study aims to investigate how grazing is perceived across the Curvature Subcarpathians (Romania) by farmers. We investigate farmers’ attitudes toward and understanding of grazing practice and associated processes involving small ruminants (sheep and goats). Additionally, we review the scientific literature and new discussions about grazing vs overgrazing terms and changes in the Romanian small ruminant livestock. Results of the survey on the total of 101 case studies from villages in 3 counties (Damboviţa, Buzau, and Vrancea) show that: (i) grazing is differently perceived; (ii) most of the areas designated for grazing are located near riverbanks (over 55%); most of the respondents reported that the areas intended for grazing are quite close to the inhabited areas; distances are less than 2.5 km; and over 60% of respondents believe that the areas are continuously subject to soil degradation processes; (iii) answers given in connection with the issues addressed provide both relevance to the Curvature Subcarpathians (6792 km2 ) and the potential impact of higher pressure of grazing on local areas due to the discouragement of specific transhumance policies (more than 60% required subsidies). The average stocking density is about 4.7 head per ha. In general, beyond different farmers’ perceptions, a scientific question remains open regarding the quantitative impact of grazing on hydrological processes. Hence, a field survey (e.g., rainfall-runoff experiments) to assess grazing pressure on water and soil resources will be performed.

3

Fractal Features of Soil Particle Size Distributions and Their Implications for Indicating Enclosure Management in a Semiarid Grassland Ecosystem

Chen Wei, Chang Haitao, Liu Rentao

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2020

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Vol. 68, nr 2

132--144

EN

Soil particle size distribution (PSD) is becoming an increasingly useful tool for the objective description of soil structure and intrinsic links between soil and the environment. Here we examined the fractal features of PSD and its correlation with soil physiochemical properties in grasslands under grazing and protected from grazing (enclosure) animals, before and after plant growing periods in a semiarid grassland ecosystem, in northern China. Our results showed that sand content was significantly higher in grassland soils under grazing compared with the enclosure at both sampling times (May and September), whereas their silt and clay contents followed the reverse pattern. The fractal dimensions of PSD (Dm) under enclosure were significantly greater than those found under grazing. The soil clay, silt contents and Dm were positively correlated with soil total N, total C, soil pH, and moisture content. By contrast, the soil sand content declined with increasing total N, total C, pH, and moisture content of soil. The soil fractal dimension of PSD had a positive correlation with soil clay and silt content, whereas it had a negatively correlated with sand content. From these results, we conclude installing enclosures can promote soil clay, silt, and soil particles' fractal dimension, with the latter could be used as a quantitative indicator of soil fertility characteristics. But it is unnecessary to use the fractal dimension of PSD as an index to evaluate the effects of enclosure management on degraded grassland.

4

Plant Functional Trait Response to Habitat Change and Grazing in a Semiarid Grassland : Unravelling Species Turnover and Intraspecific Variation Effects

Zhang Jing, Zuo Xiaoan, Lv Peng, Zhao Shenglong, Zhao Xueyong

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2019

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Vol. 67, nr 1

62--74

EN

Plant community assembly is determined by species turnover and intraspecific trait variations (ITV) controlled by environment changes. However, little is known about how species turnover and ITV affect the responses of plant community to habitat changes and grazing disturbance in semiarid grasslands. Here, we measured five functional plant traits in four typical grassland habitats under fencing and grazing disturbance in a semiarid grassland, Northern China, including plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf nitrogen content (LNC) and leaf carbon: nitrogen ratio (C:N). We also calculated the community weighted means (CWM) and non-weighted means (CM) of all traits and examined the relative roles of species turnover and ITV in affecting the responses of community traits to habitat changes and grazing disturbance. Our results showed that the CWM and CM values of five functional traits differed with grassland habitat changes. As compared to other grasslands, the Stipa steppe had the higher plant height, the sandy grassland had the higher SLA and lower LDMC, and the meadow had the lower LNC and higher C:N. Grazing decreased plant height across grassland habitats, as well as decreased SLA and increased LDMC in meadow. The responses of all community-level traits to habitat changes were driven by species turnover, while the responses of phenotypic traits (height, SLA and LDMC) to grazing were determined by both species turnover and ITV. So, we argue that ITV should be considered when understanding plant community assembly under grazing disturbance regime in semiarid grasslands.

5

Competition and Seasonal Co-Existence of Coprophagous Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) in Differently Managed Habitat Patches of Sub-Mediterranean Grasslands in Slovenia

Jugovic Jure, Koren Toni, Koprivnikar Nataša

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2019

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Vol. 67, nr 3

247--263

EN

We studied species composition and seasonal co-existence of coprophagous Scarabaeoidea from two study sites in karst meadows in sub-Mediterranean Slovenia. Each site consisted of three habitat patches with different impact of grazing (S1, the active part of the pasture; S2, the overgrown part of the pasture, mainly spiny shrubs; S3, a meadow with some overgrown patches of shrubs outside the fenced pasture). Four pitfall trapping events per month were conducted from March until November to test for temporal, spatial and habitat-related segregation of species. Primary results show a high level of temporal segregation of species within and between the guilds (Aphodiidae – dwellers, Geotrupidae – tunnelers, Scarabaeidae – tunnelers, Scarabaeidae – rollers). Temporal segregation of monthly samples was evident between Aphodiidae – dwellers (most active at the beginning and end of the season, with a month of complete inactivity during hot summer) and Scarabaeidae – tunnelers (present all the time, but with least species and specimens at the beginning and end of season). Intra-guild competition was most prominent for Aphodiidae – dwellers and Geotrupidae – tunnelers, where species show high rate of temporal avoidance to minimize interspecies competition for the same food source. Finally, geographical (site-related) and habitat-related (S1, S2, S3) differences were found in species composition, species richness and abundance, however for the latter two parameters only at habitat level (more species at S1, but higher abundances at S2 and S3). The results imply that the pronounced temporal and spatial segregation facilitate higher biodiversity in space and time, and allow more species to co-exist at the same sites over time.

6

Grazing of the copepod Cyclops vicinus on toxic Microcystis aeruginosa : potential for controlling cyanobacterial blooms and transfer of toxins

Mohamed Z. A., Bakr A. A., Ghramh H. A.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies

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2018

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Vol. 47, No. 3

296--302

EN

Grazing of zooplankton on phytoplankton may contribute to a reduction of harmful cyanobacteria in eutrophic waters. However, the feeding capacity and interaction between zooplankton and toxic cyanobacteria vary among grazer species. In this study, laboratory feeding experiments were designed to measure the grazing rate of the copepod Cyclops vicinus on Microcystis aeruginosa and the potential microcystin (MC) accumulation in the grazer. Copepods were fed a mixed diet of the edible green alga Ankistrodesmus falcatus and toxic M. aeruginosa for 10 days. The results showed that C. vicinus efficiently ingested toxic Microcystis cells with high grazing rates, varying during the feeding period (68.9–606.3 Microcystis cells animal-1 d-1) along with Microcystis cell density. Microcystis cells exhibited a remarkable induction in MC production under grazing conditions with concentrations 1.67–12.5 times higher than those in control cultures. Furthermore, C. vicinus was found to accumulate MCs in its body with concentrations increasing during the experiment (0.05–3.21 μg MC animal-1). Further in situ studies are needed to investigate the ability of Cyclops and other copepods to assimilate and detoxify MCs at environmentally relevant concentrations before deciding on the biocontrol of Microcystis blooms by copepods.

7

Microbial plankton communities in the coastal southeastern Black Sea : biomass, composition and trophic interactions

Aytan U., Feyzioglu A. M., Valente A., Agirbas E., Fileman E. S.

Oceanologia

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2018

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No. 60 (2)

139--152

EN

We investigated biomass and composition of the pico-, nano- and microplankton communities in a coastal station of the southeastern Black Sea during 2011. We also examined trophic interactions within these communities from size-fractionated dilution experiments in February, June and December. Autotrophic and heterotrophic biomasses showed similar seasonal trends, with a peak in June, but heterotrophs dominated throughout the year. Autotrophic biomass was mainly comprised by nanoflagellates and diatoms in the first half of the year, and by dinoflagellates and Synechococcus spp. in the second half. Heterotrophic biomass was mostly dominated by heterotrophic bacteria, followed by nanoflagellates and microzooplankton. Dilution experiments suggest that nano- and microzooplankton were significant consumers of autotrophs and heterotrophic bacteria. More than 100% of bacterial production was consumed by grazers in all experiments, while 46%, 21% and 30% of daily primary production were consumed in February, June and December, respectively. In February, autotrophs were the main carbon source, but in December, it was heterotrophic bacteria. An intermediate situation was observed in June, with similar carbon flows from autotrophs and heterotrophic bacteria. Size-fraction dilution experiments suggested that heterotrophic nanoflagellates are an important link between the high heterotrophic bacterial biomass and microzooplankton. In summary, these results indicate that nano- and microzooplankton were responsible for comprising a significant fraction of total microbial plankton biomass, standing stocks, growth and grazing processes. This suggests that in 2011, the microbial food web was an important compartment of the planktonic food web in the coastal southeastern Black Sea.

8

Ramet recruitment from different bud types along a grassland degradation gradient in Inner Mongolia, China

Qian J., Busso C. A., Wang Z., Liu Z.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2015

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Vol. 63, nr 1

38–-52

EN

Since the contribution of total belowground bud bank and different bud types to community regeneration has rarely been explored, the vegetative offspring recruited from different belowground bud types was investigated in four plant communities along a grassland degradation gradient in northeastern China (Inner Mongolia). This gradient, between 1000 and 1500 m a.s.l., has been caused by overgrazing. It is a Leymus chinensis steppe which occupies about 3.0×105 ha. Recruitment from tiller buds was dominant (>80%) in determining the total vegetative offspring density along the whole grassland degradation gradient. However, the proportional contribution of tiller-ramets to total ramet recruitment was significantly greater (P <0.05) during earlier than later stages of grassland degradation, while that of rhizome-ramets showed an opposite pattern. While the percentage contribution and density of root-derived ramets to total ramet density increased significantly (P <0.05) during the late stages of grassland degradation, those of bulb-ramets kept relatively constant along the whole grassland degradation gradient. The relative contribution of hemicryptophytes [i.e., Achnatherum sibiricum, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Festuca ovina, Koeoleria cristata, Poa annua, Stipa grandis] to total plant species richness decreased, while that of geophytes [i.e., Agropyron cristatum, Carex korshinskyi. Leymus chinensis, Allium anisopodium, A. bidentatum, A. tenuissimum, Astragalus galactites, Cymbaria dahurica, Iris tenuifolin, Potentilla acaulis, P. bifurca, Pulsatilla turczaninovii, Serratula chinensis, Thalictrum aquilegifolium] increased with the increases of grassland degradation. Our results showed that as grassland degradation increased, changes in the proportion of tiller-, rhizome- and root-derived ramets with respect to total ramet density determined in turn changes in the proportion of hemicryptophytes and geophytes in the study plant communities.

9

Distribution of the nurse species pycnophyllum molle J.Rémy and P. Weberbaueri Muschl. in the Andean dry puna (Arequipa district - Southern Peru): role of topographic/soil variability and disturbance regime

Catorci A., Piermarteri K., Tardella F.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2014

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Vol. 62, nr 2

385--390

EN

The dry Puna is the widest pastoral ecosystem of the tropical alpine Andes, characterized by harsh environmental conditions (long and intense drought stress periods and unfertile soils) and grazed by wild and domestic camelids. In these conditions, facilitation is of key importance in plant diversity conservation. Indeed, facilitation is a positive plant-plant interaction by which the so called nurse species provide environmental amelioration of harsh conditions and/or refuge to other plants (beneficiary species), which otherwise might fail to establish. The research aims were to understand which ecological variables affect the distribution of the potential nurse cushion species Pycnophyllum molle J. Rémy and P. weberbaueri Muschl., and if these species are affected by grazing disturbance. The study area (4000–4900 m a.s.l.) is located in the southern Peruvian Andes. Data of species cover, topographic and soil features, besides type of disturbance were collected along transects. We used canonical redundancy analysis to understand the relations between the cover of the two Pycnophyllum species and the above mentioned constraining variables. Results indicate that both the Pycnophyllum species grow on sandy loam, moderately acid soils, with low organic matter and very poor nitrogen content, and avoid high disturbance intensities. P. molle is more sensitive than P. weberbaueri to disturbance, and grows on relatively more fertile soils, also at higher altitudes and on steeper slopes characterized by greater rockiness.

10

Differential effects of grazing on plant functional traits in the desert grassland

An H., Li G.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2014

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Vol. 62, nr 2

239--251

EN

Plant functional traits are linked with environmental factors, individuals and ecosystem structure and functions as plants respond and adapt to the environment. Here, the whole-plant traits (plant height and plant biomass), leaf morphological (leaf area, leaf dry mass and specific leaf area) and chemical traits (leaf carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus contents, C/N and N/P ratio) of six dominant species (Cynanchum komarovii Al, Euphorbia esula Linn, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Lespedeza potaninii Vass, Agropyron mongolicum Keng and Stipa breviflora Griseb) were studied in the desert grassland of China, with a grazing experiment including four grazing intensity (0.00, 0.45, 1.00, 1.50 sheep ha-1). The effect of grazing on leaf morphological traits were significant for the six dominant species, while the effects on whole-plant traits were highly significant for S. breviflora, A. mongolicum, G. uralensis, L. potaninii and C. komarovii. Three of the six species (S. breviflora, A. mongolicum and L. potaninii) decreased in plant height (PH) with increasing grazing intensity, while specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N (Nmass) showed the opposite trend. The whole-plant traits were significantly positively correlated with leaf dry mass (LM), but significantly negatively correlated with leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents. The first principal component analysis (PCA) axis corresponding to plant size (PH and PB) and leaf size (LA and LM), while the second axis of PCA to leaf chemical traits (Nmass, P, C and N/P). Variations of plant traits in response to grazing were mainly explained by size trait and chemical traits. The functional traits cannot be the only basis for predicting plant species in response to grazing, and a functional analysis of the trade-off between plant traits is also needed.

11

Effect of frequency at which herbage left ungrazed by cows is cut on the feed value of the legume-grass sward under organic management

Gaweł E., Nędzi M.

Journal of Research and Applications in Agricultural Engineering

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2014

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Vol. 59, nr 3

50--55

EN

The aim of the study carried out on an organically farmed field was to estimate the impact of pasture management that included cutting of ungrazed plants on the feeding value of a mixed legume-grass sward. The feeding value of the mixture was assessed in a single-factor experiment which comprised 4 dates on which ungrazed plants were cut (left uncut, cut after the 1st grazing event, cut after the last grazing event, cut after each grazing event). Failure to mow ungrazed plants was found to have a negative impact on forage quality, to lower its energy content and protein value, decrease digestibility, increase filling value and fiber content of fodder. It also promoted weed infestation of the sward and increased the percentage of aged vegetation which is of little use in cattle feeding. In order to obtain a good quality sward of a legume-grass mixture it is necessary to cut the uneaten plants at least once during the grazing season.

PL

Celem badań zrealizowanych na polu ekologicznym była ocena wpływu pielęgnacji pastwiska polegająca na koszeniu niedojadów na wartość pokarmową runi bobowatych drobnonasiennych z trawami. Wartość pokarmową mieszanki oceniono w doświadczeniu dwuczynnikowym, gdzie pierwszym czynnikiem były 4 terminy koszenia niedojadów (bez koszenia niedojadów; koszenie niedojadów po 1 wypasie; koszenie niedojadów po ostatnim wypasie; koszenie niedojadów po każdym wypasie a drugim wypasy runi). Stwierdzono, że zaniechanie koszenia niedojadów niekorzystnie wpływa na jakości paszy, obniża wartość energetyczną, białkową i strawność paszy, zwiększa wartość wypełnieniową i zawartość włókna w paszy. Ponadto prowadzi do nadmiernego zachwaszczenia runi oraz nagromadzenia w niej pozostałości starej roślinności mało przydatnej w żywieniu krów. Uzyskanie dobrej jakości runi pastwiskowej z bobowatych drobnonasiennych z trawami zapewnia co najmniej jednorazowe w sezonie wegetacyjnym koszenie niedojadów.

12

Spatial heterogeneity of soil seed banks in sandy grasslands under fencing and grazing in Horqin sandland, Northern China

Zuo X., Zhao X., Zhao H., Zhang T., Wang S., Knops J., Kochsiek A.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2013

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Vol. 61, nr 2

221--231

EN

Understanding composition, structure and spatial heterogeneity in soil seed banks is important for the management of grassland ecosystem. Although the effect of fencing and grazing on vegetation composition is widely known, information on species composition, seed density and spatial heterogeneity of soil seed banks in sandy grasslands under fencing and grazing is still lacking. We measured the species composition and seed density of soil seed banks in fenced grassland, grazed grassland and grazed shrubby grassland in Horqin Sand Land, Northern China. By applying the geostatistical methods, we assessed how fencing and grazing affected spatial heterogeneity of soil seed banks in sandy grasslands. Total seed density and species richness in soil seed banks were lower in fenced grassland than in either grazed grassland or grazed shrubby grassland. Seed density and species richness of annual species in soil seed banks were also lower in fenced grassland than in either grazed grassland or grazed shrubby grassland, while those of perennial species showed a reverse trend. The analysis of spatial autocorrelation ranges, fractal dimensions and distribution pattern maps from geostatistical methods showed that spatial heterogeneity of seed density and species richness in soil seed banks were also lower in fenced grassland than in either grazed grassland or grazed shrubby grassland. Continuous fencing increases the seed density and species richness of perennial species in soil seed banks, as well as results in a decrease in spatial heterogeneity of seed density and species richness in soil seed banks. So, continuous fencing should be considered to restore the degraded sandy grasslands in management of semiarid grassland ecosystems.

13

Effect of long-term abandonment and spring grazing on floristic and functional composition of dry grasslands in a Central Apennine farmland

Catorci A., Cesaretti S., Gatti R.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2013

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Vol. 61, nr 3

505--517

EN

Semi-natural dry grasslands host some of the most valuable habitats in Europe, due to their biodiversity heritage. Nevertheless, a strong decline in their extension, due to the cessation of traditional management, has been observed in the last decades. The aim of the study was to assess plant community changes due to abandonment and the effect of spring grazing in sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands, focusing on the plant functional traits involved in this turnover. The study area is located in the central Apennines (Italy), where grasslands were grazed by sheep in late winter and spring until 1980 and are nowadays abandoned. Relevés sampled (using the Braun-Blanquet method) in different years, namely in 1976–1980 (grazed pasture) and again in 2010 (abandoned pasture) were compared. Results indicated that abandonment leads to the increase of species richness. Traits and strategies indicator sets were: therophyte for the grazed pasture; geophytes, flower palatability, early flowering strategy, clonal ability and presence of storage organs for the abandoned ones. Traits related to low levels of stress (tolerance strategies) are heavily reduced in grazed systems, and thus the functional composition of plant community is mostly characterised by traits promoting avoidance strategies. In abandoned conditions a higher number of species can co-exist thanks to the micro-scale variation of soil features and niche diversification. The research findings also revealed grazing timing as a key factor for understanding changes of plant functional trait patterns and spring grazing as a threat for orchid species.

14

Monitoring the diversity of psammophilous grassland communities in the Kózki Nature Reserve under grazing and non-grazing conditions

Kulik M., Warda M., Leśniewska P.

Journal of Water and Land Development

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2013

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no. 19 [VII-XII]

59--67

EN

The objective of the study was to assess the changes in vegetation and turf cover of psammophilous grasslands in the Kózki Nature Reserve under grazing and non-grazing conditions. The investigations were conducted in the years 2010–2013 in southern part of the Kózki Nature Reserve, in the Podlaski Przełom Bugu (the Podlasie Bug Gorge) Landscape Park where sheep of the native breed Świniarka graze as part of the agrienvironmental project “Preservation of endangered genetic animal resources in agriculture”. The pasture area is a mosaic of sandy grasslands of the Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis class and meadow communities of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class. The turf cover of the study areas varied depending on the type of phytocoenoses and on grazing the sward by sheep or the cessation of its use. Significantly greatest turf cover was determined for communities with species ChAll. Vicio lathyroidis-Potentillion argenteae involving species ChCl. Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and dominated by species ChCl. Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis involving species ChCl. Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, community with Calamagrostis epigejos and with Poa pratensis. Significantly smallest turf cover was observed for the Spergulo-Corynephoretum association where grazing by the Świniarka sheep led to successive reduction of the vegetation cover in the study period. Monitoring of the number of trees and shrubs indicated that all species of this group of plants, up to the height of 100 cm, were nibbled or damaged by sheep during the grazing. Therefore, sheep of the Świniarka breed can be used in the protection of psammophilous grasslands because they hinder the secondary succession of tree and shrub vegetation.

PL

Celem badań była ocena zmian szaty roślinnej i zadarnienia powierzchni muraw w rezerwacie przyrody „Kózki” w warunkach prowadzenia i zaniechania wypasu. Badania przeprowadzono w latach 2010–2013, w południowej części rezerwatu, w granicach Parku Krajobrazowego „Podlaski Przełom Bugu”. Na tym obszarze prowadzony jest wypas owiec rodzimej rasy świniarka w ramach realizacji 7. pakietu programu rolnośrodowiskowego „Zachowanie zagrożonych zasobów genetycznych zwierząt w rolnictwie”. Teren objęty wypasem stanowi mozaikę muraw napiaskowych klasy Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis i zbiorowisk łąkowych klasy Molinio-Arrhenatheretea. Zadarnienie badanych powierzchni było zróżnicowane w zależności od typu porastających je fitocenoz oraz spasania runi przez owce lub pozostawienia jej bez użytkowania. Istotnie największym zadarnieniem charakteryzowały się murawy związku Vicio lathyroidis-Potentillion argenteae, z klasy Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis oraz zbiorowisko z Calamagrostis epigejos i zbiorowisko z Poa pratensis. Natomiast istotnie najmniejszym pokryciem powierzchni odznaczał się zespół Spergulo-Corynephoretum, gdzie prowadzony wypas owiec rasy świniarka wpływał na sukcesywne zmniejszanie się pokrycia powierzchni przez roślinność w latach badań. Monitoring liczebności drzew i krzewów wykazał, że wszystkie gatunki tej grupy roślin o wysokości do 100 cm były przygryzane lub niszczone przez owce podczas wypasu. Świadczy to o możliwości wykorzystywania owiec rasy świniarka do czynnej ochrony muraw napiaskowych z uwagi na hamowanie sukcesji wtórnej roślinności drzewiasto-krzewiastej.

15

Stopień wykorzystania masy nadziemnej runi w zbiorowisku z Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. przez pasące się koniki polskie

Żołędziewski M., Gradzik P., Pławska-Olejniczak J.

Woda-Środowisko-Obszary Wiejskie

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2011

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T. 11, z. 3

303-309

PL

W pracy przedstawiono część wyników badań pastwiskowych, prowadzonych od 2005 r. na Łąkach Skoszewskich. Dotyczy ona obserwacji i pomiarów wypasu koników polskich na zbiorowisku zdominowanym przez śmiałka darniowego (Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.). Na podstawie stopnia wykształcenia, kępy śmiałka podzielono na niskie i wysokie. Wiosną, latem i jesienią dokonywano, metodą transektów, oceny plonowania, wysokości, gęstości i stopnia przygryzania kęp oraz runi występującej między nimi. Za pomocą herbometru każdorazowo wykonywano 100 pomiarów wysokości roślin. Na tej podstawie wyliczono równanie regresji, pozwalające na określenie plonu masy nadziemnej runi w każdym punkcie pomiarowym. Niskie rośliny śmiałka były zawsze słabiej przygryzane przez pasące się konie. W zależności od terminu badań, stopień defoliacji kęp niskich utrzymywał się w przedziale 27-39%, a kęp wysokich 41-56%. Wyniki badań wskazują, że śmiałek darniowy, mimo że jest uważany za gatunek niepożądany na pastwiskach, w warunkach ekstensywnego wypasu koni, może być komponentem ich diety. Niemniej jednak, w takich przypadkach ważną rolę pokarmową odgrywają także pozostałe gatunki roślin występujące w runi.

EN

This paper presents part of the results of a study carried out in Łąki Skoszewskie (Skoszewo Meadows) since 2005. It covers observations and measurements of Polish Konik horses grazing in a community dominated by the tufted hair-grass. Tussocks of the tufted hair-grass were divided into short and tall ones based on the degree of their development. Plant productivity, tussock height and density, and the degree of grazing the tussocks and plants among them were determined with the transect method in spring, summer and autumn. By means of a herbometer, the height of 100 plants was measured each time. Based on these measurements, a regression equation was calculated that allowed for determining the above-ground plant biomass in every measurement point. Low plants of the tufted hair-grass were always cut less intensively grazing horses. Depending on the term of study, the defoliation of low tussocks was 27-39%, whereas that of the tall ones was 41 to 56%. The obtained results show that the tufted hair-grass can be a component of horse diet under extensive horse grazing conditions, despite the fact that the plant is considered undesirable in pastures. Nevertheless, other plant species being found in plant cover also play an important part in such cases.

16

Preferencje pokarmowe koników polskich wypasanych w Biebrzańskim Parku Narodowym

Chodkiewicz A., Stypiński P.

Woda-Środowisko-Obszary Wiejskie

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2011

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T. 11, z. 2

33-42

PL

Badania terenowe prowadzono w latach 2009 i 2010 na terenie łąk spasanych konikami polskimi w Biebrzańskim Parku Narodowym. Przez 6 dni w kwietniu, czerwcu i sierpniu prowadzono obserwacje bezpośrednie pasących się zwierząt w dwóch przedziałach czasowych: po 3 godziny rano i wieczorem. Każdego dnia obserwowano jedną losowo wybraną klacz, odnotowując miejsce pasienia się zwierzęcia oraz liczbę poszczególnych zjadanych przez nią gatunków. Zebrane dane posłużyły do obliczenia średniego udziału poszczególnych gatunków spośród roślin zgryzanych przez zwierzęta oraz współczynnika selektywności. W opracowaniu oparto się na zbiorowisku z klasy Scheuchzerio-Caricetea nigrae. W sezonie wegetacyjnym największy udział wśród zgryzanych przez zwierzęta gatunków miały turzyce, szczególnie turzyca prosowata (Carex panicea L.) oraz w mniejszym stopniu turzyca żółta (Carex flava L.). Były to gatunki preferowane we wczesnej fazie wzrostu. Spośród traw szczególnie chętnie wybierane były trzęślica modra (Molinia caeruela L. Moench) oraz mietlica psia (Agrostis canina L.), przy czym ich udział wśród gatunków zgryzanych był największy w czerwcu. Wartości współczynnika selektywności wskazują na to, że trzęślica modra (Molinia caeruela L. Moench) jest najbardziej preferowanym gatunkiem w czerwcu, turzyca prosowata (Carex panicea L.) jest gatunkiem preferowanym jedynie w kwietniu i sierpniu, natomiast mietlica psia (Agrostis canina L.) - w czerwcu. W 2010 r., w którym poziom wód gruntowych był wyjątkowo wysoki, istotnie większy udział wśród gatunków wybieranych przez koniki miały charakterystyczne dla terenów podmokłych.

EN

The aim of the study was to evaluate food preferences of free-ranging Konik horses grazing on wet meadows in the Biebrza National Park. Direct visual observation of grazing animals was performed in April, June and August (6 days in each month) in two times of the day: three hours in the morning and evening. One randomly chosen mare was observed every day. At 5-minutes intervals its first 10 bites per plant species were noted. Plants belonged to a community from Scheuchzerio-Caricetea nigrae class dominated by Carex panicea L. On each term of observations the community was described by noting plant species and visually estimating their relative cover in vegetation. During vegetative season the most frequently grazed by horses were four most abundant species. The grasslike sedge (Carex panicea L.) and Carex flava L. were preferred at early stage of their growth (April and August). From among grasses Koniks chose Molinia caerulea L. Moench and Agrostis canina L. which had a higher share in grazed species in June. Values of selectivity ratio showed that these species were most preferred in June whereas the grasslike sedge (Carex panicea L.) - in April and August. Weather conditions affected Koniks' diet. In 2010 (the year with extremely high water level) species connected with wet areas were grazed by horses more often.

17

Functional differentiation of Central Apennine grasslands under mowing and grazing disturbance regimes

Catorci A., Ottaviani G., Ballelli S., Cesaretti S.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2011

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Vol. 59, nr 1

115-128

EN

This research dealt to two grasslands potentially developing the same vegetation type because sited in the same environmental contest (bioclimate, substratum, soil, slope, altitude) but under diverse management regimes (grazing and mowing) for many decades. The evidenced differentiation between the two pastoral vegetations can be attributed to disturbance type and the statistical functional analysis performed through seven plant traits (prostrate form, early flowering, storage organs, clonal ability, basal meristems, chemical defences and hairs), revealed the distinguishing patterns. Discriminant analysis pointed out typical biological attributes for each disturbance conditions, while from correlation analysis emerged different possible traits combinations which do not follow the previous traits separation. Such outcomes are explainable because both grazing and mowing provoke aboveground phytomass removal, although grazing is a selective pressure, while mowing gives to all the species the same development chances. It is reasonable to conclude that convergent strategies within the two systems are possible and frequent.

18

Benefits of low-intensive grazing : co-occurrence of umbelliferous plant (Hladnikia pastinacifolia Rchb.) and opilionid species (Phalangium opilio. L) in dry, calcareous grassland

Sajna N., Kusar P., Slana Novak L. L., Novak T.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2011

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Vol. 59, nr 4

777-786

EN

The impact of grazing has been discussed in many organisms, and it has been shown that it has considerable influence on the structural variation of vegetation, resulting in its tussocky appearance. Such spatial heterogeneity results in plants formations that facilitate other species by providing safe sites against predation and physical stress. On the Trnovski gozd plateau in western Slovenia, a secondary habitat of the rare, monotypic endemic umbelliferous species, Hladnikia pastinacifolia, was colonized by a relatively isolated population of the wide spread opilionid species, Phalangium opilio. We hypothesized that in this stony pasture, the impact of the structurally heterogenous vegetation that results from low-intensity grazing benefits both species on hot summer days. For this purpose, we classified vegetation formation types (VFT) and measured temperature and relative humidity in places settled by Ph. opilio individuals during their daily rest. According to the predominant species, we recognized six VFTs: Carlina acaulis, Ruta divaricata, Koeleria pyramidata, Juniperus communis, understory vegetation and grazed turf. Only the spiny C. acaulis and unpalatable R. divaricata facilitated H. pastinacifolia, while also acting as nurse plants. On the other hand, Ph. opilio preferred the understory, but also settled on the other VFts, except Ruta. During the highest daily temperature of about 38[degrees]C, Ph. opilio avoided the grazed turf. Temperature preferences refer to frequencies of individuals rather than to absolute temperature values. The frequencies were independent of sex and the VFTs. Females were more frequently found in tussocks showing higher temperature profiles (Juniperus, Koeleria). During the hot daytime, Ph. opilio was most sensitive to relative humidity, and less so to temperature, whilst the height of settlement varied in adjusting these two environmental factors. The distribution of males significantly differed between the subsequent morning, midday and evening series, but not between the morning and evening ones, while in females it differed between all the three time series. In habitats, such as stony dry pastures, low grazing intensity can maintain persistent populations of H. pastinacifolia and Ph. opilio even in extremely hot weather. Such grazing is the most convenient measure for protecting both species, especially the highly endangered Hladnikia. The major threat to such habitats is afforestation by Pinus nigra, which deserves additional management. We found that in stony pastures, low grazing intensity assures the structural heterogeneity of vegetation required to maintain persistent populations, of both H. pastinacifolia and Ph. opilio.

19

Dependence between temperature and clearance rate of Balanion comatum Wulff

Rychert K.

Oceanologia

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2011

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No. 53 (2)

623-629

EN

The dependence between temperature and clearance rate of the ciliate Balanion comatum Wulff 1919 was assessed in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea. Five in situ experiments were carried out with the use of wheat starch as a surrogate of food particles. The clearance rate rose from 1.4 to 7.0 μl cell-1 h-1 with a temperature rise from 8 to 19°C. B. comatum preferred particles of size 1.9-4.4 μm, and the clearance rates calculated for the preferred particles were consistently higher than those measured for the whole range of particles ingested (Wilcoxon's signed rank test, p = 0.04). The exponential dependence between temperature and clearance rates for preferred particles was statistically significant (R2 = 0.86, p = 0.02) and enabled the Q10 coefficient to be calculated. This amounted to 2.9 and lay within the range of typical values. The linear dependence (also drawn for preferred particles) demonstrated a higher significance (R2 = 0.91, p = 0.02), indicating the linear dynamics of the process.

20

The impact of cattle and sheep grazing on grassland in Vel'ká Fatra National Park

Jendrisakova S., Kovacikova Z., Vargova V., Michalec M.

Journal of Water and Land Development

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2011

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no. 15

83-90

EN

The Vel'ká Fatra National Park (declared on 1 April 2002) is extending on an area of 40,371 ha and was established to protect well-preserved ecosystems. The Vel'ká Fatra (Greater Fatra) with the highest peak Ostredok (1592 m altitude) is a typical mountain territory and ranks among the highest mountain ranges in Slovakia. Grassland areas above the forest line ("hole" in Slovak) and highland relief are typical for Vel'ká Fatra where forests cover is 85% of the area. Large areas of grassland located on gently modelled ridges resulted from deforestation many centuries ago. The alpine meadows which are rich in rare plant communities cover the area of 2000 ha. In the past, these grasslands were used by cutting and grazing. Nowadays, the meadows are not mowed at all. The reasons are low numbers of ruminants in nearby farms, high cost and poor access roads that are eroded very much. Grazing with young cattle has been banned and consequently tall grasses expanded, swards thinned as well as avalanche risk increased. Currently, it is allowed to graze young cattle again, but farmers do not exploit this option very much. About 200 heifers and 2,500 sheep graze there, but only at the lowest areas of the mountains and for short periods of time. The grassland is dominated by Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. and also by very rapidly expanding Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth, Brachypodium pinnatum (L.) P. Beauv. and Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. indicating a prolonged period of abandonment.

PL

Park Narodowy Vel'ká Fatra ustanowiony 1 kwietnia 2002 r. dla ochrony dobrze zachowanych ekosystemów zajmuje powierzchnię 40 371 ha. Vel'ká Fatra (Większa Fatra) z najwyższym szczytem Ostredok (1592 m n.p.m.) jest typowym obszarem górskim i zalicza się do najwyższych grzbietów górskich Słowacji. Charakterystyczne dla parku są ekosystemy trawiaste położone powyżej linii lasów ("hole" w języku słowackim), porastających 85% obszaru i wysokogórskie ukształtowanie terenu. Rozległe obszary trawiaste, usytuowane na łagodnie uformowanych grzbietach, są wynikiem wylesiania, które miało miejsce wiele wieków temu. Alpejskie łąki, bogate w zespoły rzadkich roślin, pokrywają powierzchnię 2000 ha. W przeszłości były wykorzystywane jako użytki zielone. Obecnie łąki nie są koszone. Powodem jest niewielka liczba przeżuwaczy w okolicznych gospodarstwach, wysoki koszt i uciążliwy transport na silnie zerodowanych drogach. Zakazano wypasu młodego bydła. W konsekwencji rozwinęły się zespoły wysokich traw, ruń została przerzedzona i zwiększyło się ryzyko lawinowe. Obecnie zezwala się ponownie na wypas młodego bydła, ale rolnicy nie korzystają powszechnie z tej możliwości. Wypasa się tam jedynie 200 jałówek i 2500 owiec jedynie w najniżej położonych terenach górskich przez krótki okres. Zespoły trawiaste są zdominowane przez Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. i przez bardzo ekspansywne Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth, Brachypodium pinnatum (L.) P. Beauv. and Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., co wskazuje na wydłużony okres zaniechania użytkowania.