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

Abstract

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