The Impact of Management Practices on the Stability of Meadow Communities on a Mountain Slope

Europe is currently experiencing a huge decline in biodiversity, with the greatest reduction observed in plant species associated with grassland areas. There is therefore a need for more appropriate land management practices that do not endanger native populations. The focus of our research was to assess the modification of the species composition of the phytocenoses found in sloping meadows in the mountain-forest belt using organic and mineral fertilization and by reseeding cultural swards (with a mixture of Poaceae or Trifolium repens L.), while applying various meadow usage methods: multipurpose use (cut four times) and hay production (cut two times). The highest botanic richness (41 species from 16 families and 90% of perennial plants) was observed from the multipurpose usage of the meadow, which resulted in 28.1% more species than the haymaking usage. With regard to species stability, the most appropriate fertilization of the meadows was P30K60, regardless of the usage method. Fertilization with nitrogen fertilizers improved the yield of meadows but reduced the number of species. When meadows were reseeded with P. pratense and F. Pratensis and fertilized for haymaking, the number of families and species reduced, with a 25% decline in the number of T. repens families. This study concludes that to maintain the richness of plant species in these grasslands, farmers must receive financial subsidies to limit fertilization and plant cultivated species.

Automated summary

Europe is facing a significant decline in biodiversity, particularly in grassland areas. To protect native plant populations, it is necessary to implement more suitable land management practices. This study investigated the impact of fertilization and reseeding on the species composition of sloping meadows in the mountain-forest belt. Results showed that multipurpose usage resulted in the highest botanic richness, while appropriate fertilization and limiting the use of nitrogen fertilizers were important for species stability. Financial subsidies for farmers to limit fertilization and cultivate native species are recommended to maintain plant species richness.