Study

Restoration of botanical diversity by extensive management of sown meadows

  • Published source details Sendzĭkaite J., Pakalnis R. & Avizĭene D. (2007) Restoration of botanical diversity by extensive management of sown meadows. Pages 313-316 in: J.J. Hopkins, A.J. Duncan, D.I. McCraken, S. Peel & J.R.B. Tallowin (eds.) High value grassland: Providing biodiversity, a clean environment and premium products. British Grassland Society Occasional Symposium No.38. British Grassland Society (BGS), Reading.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Restore/create species-rich, semi-natural grassland

Action Link
Farmland Conservation
  1. Restore/create species-rich, semi-natural grassland

    A controlled study in 2001-2005 of two sown meadows in the Kedainiai District, Lithuania (Sendzĭkaite et al. 2007) found that an extensively managed meadow was restored faster than an intensively managed meadow. The total number of plant species was higher in the extensively managed meadow compared to the intensively managed meadow (79 species, annual range 27-40 species in the extensively managed meadow vs 39 species, annual range 22-30 species in the intensive meadow). The same trend was seen for biomass (850-1,480 vs 720-1,340 g/m²), moss/liverwort/hornwort (bryophyte) content (6-26% vs <1.4%) and dead plant matter (2-22% vs 1-12%). A grassland/clover Trifolium spp. mixture was sown (27 kg/ha) in two arable fields in 1991. One received intensive management: fertilization, hay making and grazing (June, August, September). The other received extensive management: no fertilization, annual hay cutting and occasional grazing (once in July 2001-2005). Botanical composition was sampled in three permanent plots (100 m²) in each field in June, July and August from 2001 to 2005. Above ground biomass was sampled in three 1 m² quadrats in representative areas (by composition and cover) in each plot.

     

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