Changes in the numbers of plant species in the meadow sward in terms of properties of organic soils

The objective of this study, conducted in 2009–2014, was to describe the species composition of meadow communities and to determine changes in grassland vegetation after five years of extensive use for agricultural purposes. The meadows analyzed in the study are located on a former peatland of lacustrine origin, which covers an area of 746 ha and features alluvial-muck soils, muck-peat soils and muck soils developed from low-moor peat. In the research site, grasslands are used extensively and are usually mown once a year. In 2009 and after five years of extensive use, data were collected in the same 48 relevés, according to the Braun-Blanquet method. In 2009 and 2014 year 12 soil samples were collected at a depth of 5–15 cm to determine selected physical and chemical properties of soil. Analysis based on phytosociological data, performed after five years of extensive use, revealed adverse changes in the species composition of grasslands

The growth and development of Spartina pectinata under the climatic conditions of the Olsztyn Lakeland

A field experiment was conducted in spring of 2007 in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Bałdy, owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury (NE Poland). The experiment had a completely randomized design with four replications. Plot size was 20 m2. Forty seedlings of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link.) were grown per plot, at the density of 2 plant per m2 respectively. The experiment was established on mineral soil (sandy silt) of quality class IVa. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of climatic conditions in the Olsztyn Lakeland on the growth and development of introduced species of C4 grasses

Content of calcium and phosphorus and the Ca:P ratio is selected species of leguminous and herbaceous plants

Green fodder plays a key role in nutrition of ruminants, and its quality is determined by the species composition of meadow and pasture swards. Legumes and herbs are generally more abundant in nutrients, especially minerals, than grasses. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are particularly important for animal health. The dietary levels of Ca and P should be balanced to increase their availability and utilization. The aim of this study was to determine the content of calcium and phosphorus and the Ca:P ratio in selected legume and herb species from extensively used grasslands in the Olsztyn Lakeland. The study covered the following species of leguminous plants: Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus uliginosus and Vicia cracc, and herbaceous plants: Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Alchemilla vulgaris, Heracleum sibiricum and Cirsium oleraceum. The investigated legumes and herbs differed significantly in their Ca and P content and the Ca: P ratio. All the species were abundant in Ca, and two taxa: Cirsium oleraceum and Heracleum sibiricum, were characterized by particularly high levels of calcium. The highest levels of phosphorus were noted in Heracleum sibiricum, whereas the lowest content of P was determined in Alchemilla vulgaris, Cirsium oleraceum and Trifolium pratense. Cirsium oleraceum was abundant in Ca and deficient in P, hence it was distinguished by the widest Ca:P ratio. Legumes and herbs are valuable components of meadow sward and a rich source of minerals, in particular Ca, in animal diets