scholarly journals Vegetation cover in an ancient agricultural landscape: the Proszowice Plateau (southern Poland) as a case-study

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-322
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Kotańska ◽  
Krystyna Towpasz ◽  
Helena Trzcińska-Tacik ◽  
Józef Mitka
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Wet Meadows ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Plant Associations ◽  
Arable Fields ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
Shallow Stream

The investigations on vegetation cover in the Proszowice Plateau (Małopolska Upland, southern Poland) in 1997-1999 were carried out. This vast area (770 sq. km), hitherto not in this respect investigated, is covered with arable fields in 80%. This area has been used for agriculture since the Neolithic age. The aim of the paper is to show the present state of the vegetation and flora in face of the growing man's impact upon living biotas and their environment. The Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method was used, yielding 1030 relevés. In effect, a total of 48 plant associations and communities were found. Plateaux and gently slopes are covered with arable fields. In the cereal communities <em>Vicietum tetraspermae</em> and in the root crops <em>Echinochloo-Setarietum</em> are mostly found. In the wide and shallow stream valleys moist and wet meadows (<em>Calthion</em>, <em>Magnocaricion</em>) predominate, and the stands of the xerothermic grassland (<em>Festuco-Brometea</em>) occur in places not used for agriculture: on steep escarp-ments between fields and on steep slopes of hills, gullies and stream banks. Small and scarce forests (<em>Querco-Fagetea</em>) are preserved on plateaux and on gently slopes. In the stream banks they consist of willow thickets (Salicion) and fragments of riverside carr (<em>Alno-Padion</em>). Basing on the relevé material and floristic checklists a total of 860 vascular plant species was recorded, in this 19.2% of rare and endangered. The flora is of lowland character; c. 80% are native species. The characteristic feature of the Proszowice Plateau is the occurrence of the xerothermic grassland and wet meadows, in which species rare in other regions of the country flourish.

Chronione, rzadkie i zagrożone gatunki roślin naczyniowych we florze Wzgórz Chęcińskich i Pasma Dymińskiego (Wyżyna Małopolska) – cz. I. Gatunki muraw oraz ciepłolubnych okrajków

2019 ◽  
pp. 49-73
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Łazarski
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Vascular Plant Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
S Poland

The paper is the first part of a series of articles on protected, rare and endangered vascular plant species recorded in the Chęciny Hills and Dyminy Range (Małopolska Upland, S Poland), including 85 native species which in the study area occur mainly in xerothermic and psammophilous grassland or thermophilous fringe vegetation. Among them there are 24 species protected in Poland, 42 species endangered in Poland, and 60 endangered regionally. The paper is based on phytogeographical studies done during the vegetative seasons of 2010–2015 and supplemented in 2016–2019.

scholarly journals Natural islands and habitat islands as refuges of vegetation cover and wild bees. The case of the Lednica Landscape Park in western Poland

2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Józef Banaszak ◽  
Halina Ratyńska
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Bombus Terrestris ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Habitat Islands ◽  
Simultaneous Study ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Associated Species

Abstract The study has contributed to the identification of the apifauna of central Wielkopolska. The study identified 161 bee species, accounting for 34.2% of the Polish bee fauna. The highest contribution (28.7% of the fauna) comes from four species, namely Andrena haemorrhoa, A. helvola, Evylaeus calceatus and Osmia rufa, while Bombus terrestris and Evylaeus pauxillus are two subdominants. The assemblages of Apiformes in the study area are characterised by a significant contribution of spring-associated species, which is probably an effect of the presence of numerous willow thickets offering abundant host plants (mainly Salix sp. div.). Both the islands and the surroundings of the lake have a unique species composition, and there are differences in the proportions of the individual dominant species. The overall abundance of bees varies greatly, with mean seasonal density figures on Ostrów Lednicki Island being more than twice as high as that on the mainland grassland, with a distinct predominance of bumblebees. The exceptional richness of Apiformes, including bumblebees, on Ostrów Lednicki should be regarded as the basis for treating this island as a life refuge for bumblebees and including it and its environs in the list of sites of Community importance (SCI). A simultaneous study of the vegetation cover contributed significant data on the vascular plant flora and plant communities of the Lednica Landscape Park. For example, it was the first such investigation of Mewia Island. The study revealed the importance of marginal habitats (natural islands and habitat islands) for the preservation of protected and endangered plant species and plant communities receding from an agricultural landscape.

scholarly journals Geobotanical research using the concept of sigmassociation. Casus: Nida basin (South Poland)

2013 ◽  
pp. 123-139
Author(s):  
K. H. Dyguś
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Southern Poland

This article contains the evaluation of the diversity of the vegetation cover in the agricultural landscape of the Nida Basin (southern Poland). The results of the research have been elaborated with the use of the global phytosociology method and the concept of sigmassociations. On the area of the Nida Basin 14 complex (big) sigmassociations have been identified and within their limits 30 basic (small) sigmassociations have been determined. Within those units three complex forest and scrub sigmassociations with six basic sigmassociations, two complex non-forest sigmassociations with five basic sigmassociations as well as nine complex synanthropic sigmassociations with 19 basic ones have been distinguished. Key words: the Nida Basin, vegetation cover, agricultural landscape, the concept of sigmassociations, the potential cultural vegetation.

scholarly journals Hidden Host Plant Associations of Soilborne Fungal Pathogens: An Ecological Perspective

2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 538-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenna M. Malcolm ◽  
Gretchen A. Kuldau ◽  
Beth K. Gugino ◽  
María del Mar Jiménez-Gasco
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Nonhost Plant ◽  
Plant Associations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Forest Plants

Much of the current knowledge on population biology and ecology of soilborne fungal pathogens has been derived from research based on populations recovered from plants displaying disease symptoms or soil associated with symptomatic plants. Many soilborne fungal pathogens are known to cause disease on a large number of crop plants, including a variety of important agronomical, horticultural, ornamental, and forest plants species. For instance, the fungus Verticillium dahliae causes disease on >400 host plants. From a phytopathological perspective, plants on which disease symptoms have not been yet observed are considered to be nonhosts for V. dahliae. This term may be misleading because it does not provide information regarding the nature of the plant–fungus association; that is, a nonhost plant may harbor the fungus as an endophyte. Yet, there are numerous instances in the literature where V. dahliae has been isolated from asymptomatic plants; thus, these plants should be considered hosts. In this article, we synthesize scattered research that indicates that V. dahliae, aside from being a successful and significant vascular plant pathogen, may have a cryptic biology on numerous asymptomatic plants as an endophyte. Thus, we suggest here that these endophytic associations among V. dahliae and asymptomatic plants are not unusual relationships in nature. We propose to embrace the broader ecology of many fungi by differentiating between “symptomatic hosts” as those plants in which the infection and colonization by a fungus results in disease, and “asymptomatic hosts” as those plants that harbor the fungus endophytically and are different than true nonhosts that should be used for plant species that do not interact with the given fungus. In fact, if we broaden our definition of “host plant” to include asymptomatic plants that harbor the fungus as an endophyte, it is likely that the host ranges for some soilborne fungal pathogens are much larger than previously envisioned. By ignoring the potential for soilborne fungal pathogens to display endophytic relationships, we leave gaps in our knowledge about the population biology and ecology, persistence, and spread of these fungi in agroecosystems.

scholarly journals The influence of field margins on the presence and spatial distribution of the European mole Talpa europaea L. within the agricultural landscape of northern Poland

2012 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 971-980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Zurawska-Seta ◽  
T. Barczak
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Field Margins ◽  
Talpa Europaea ◽  
Northern Poland ◽  
European Mole ◽  
Arable Fields ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
The Impact

European moles are widespread in both cultivated and uncultivated areas in Poland. Their occurrence and distribution in relation to the physical and chemical characteristics of soil has been already studied in previous research. However, there is still an open question about the impact of the structure of anthropogenic habitats produced by agriculture on moles. The main aim of this study is to assess the influence of different kinds of field margins on the presence and spatial distribution of the European mole Talpa europaea L. in farmlands. Methods included the monitoring of six investigative sites in northern Poland. Observations were made during three six-month periods in 2005-2008 of the presence or absence of moles as recognized by recent molehills and surface tunnels. There was a very clear tendency by moles to occupy areas within arable fields close to field boundaries with wide verges containing ruderal and woodland communities with a spacious zone of ecotones. Narrow boundary strips were avoided by moles. In conclusion, the conducted research confirms that field margins have an impact on the presence and spatial distribution of moles within ploughed lands. Our results may be helpful in improving the relation between agricultural development and biodiversity conservation, and the rational use of nature by humankind.

scholarly journals Features of the water regime of aboriginal and introduced species of the genus Iris L. in the Southern Ural

2021 ◽  
Vol 210 (07) ◽  
pp. 2-15
Author(s):  
Liliya Beksheneva ◽  
Antonina Reut
Keyword(s):  
Introduced Species ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Water Regime ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Mode I ◽  
Native Flora ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered

Abstract. The article presents the results of an experimental assessment of the peculiarities of the water regime of 9 species of the genus Iris L. growing in the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute UFRC RAS (I. sibirica L., I. pseudacorus L. ‒ species of native flora, I. aphylla L., I. biglumis Vahl., I. lacteal Pall., I. orientalis Mill., I. ruthenica Ker-Gawl., I. setosa Pall., I. spuria L. ‒ introduced species). The purpose is a comparative evaluation of the main parameters of the water regime within the generic complex and depending on the detection of meteorological factors in different phenological periods. Methods. Studies were performed in growing periods 2019–2020’s physiological using conventional techniques (artificial saturation method and wilting). Made a detailed analysis of daily and seasonal dynamics of the water regime of the three parameters: the total water content, water-holding capacity, water scarcity. Typical forest species Convallaria majalis L. was investigated for a comparative analysis of water regime indicators. Results. The similarities and differences in the peculiarities of the water regime were established between the studied species, the dependence of the indicators on meteorological conditions was revealed. According to the type of water regime cultivars were divided into four groups: a flexible water-quiet mode ‒ I. pseudacorus, flexible water-tight mode ‒ I. sibirica, I. ruthenica, stably-calm water mode ‒ I. aphylla, I. biglumis, I. setosa, stably-tight water mode ‒ I. spuria, I. lactea, I. orientalis. Among the studied parameters of water scarcity was the most dependent on meteorological factors. Scientific novelty. The study helps to identify ecological and physiological adaptations of exotic species in comparison with the native species that could become the basis for assessing the prospects of growing in the culture and conservation of rare and endangered species.

scholarly journals Vascular Plant Diversity in Burned and Unburned Alvar Woodland: More Evidence of the Importance of Disturbance to Biodiversity and Conservation

2009 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Catling
Keyword(s):  
Plant Diversity ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Plant Biodiversity ◽  
Vascular Plant Diversity ◽  
The Creation

Vascular plant biodiversity was compared in an unburned semi-open alvar woodland dominated by conifers and an equivalent woodland that had burned nine years previously and had developed into a long-lasting successional shrubland. The comparison, based on 30 quadrats 1 m2 at each of two sites, revealed less than 25% similarity in the vegetation cover of the two sites. The successional alvar shrubland that developed following fire had twice as many species and more regionally rare species than the corresponding woodland site. The shrubland also had higher values for various biodiversity measures that take heterogeneity and evenness into account. These data provide additional evidence for the importance of fire and disturbance in the creation of successional habitat upon which biodiversity depends. A cautious use of fire in management of alvars is supported.

scholarly journals The response of Arctic vegetation and soils following an unusually severe tundra fire

2013 ◽  
Vol 368 (1624) ◽  
pp. 20120490 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Syndonia Bret-Harte ◽  
Michelle C. Mack ◽  
Gaius R. Shaver ◽  
Diane C. Huebner ◽  
Miriam Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Nitrogen ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Nitrogen Availability ◽  
Net Primary Productivity ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Soil Nitrogen Availability ◽  
Tussock Tundra

Fire causes dramatic short-term changes in vegetation and ecosystem function, and may promote rapid vegetation change by creating recruitment opportunities. Climate warming likely will increase the frequency of wildfire in the Arctic, where it is not common now. In 2007, the unusually severe Anaktuvuk River fire burned 1039 km 2 of tundra on Alaska's North Slope. Four years later, we harvested plant biomass and soils across a gradient of burn severity, to assess recovery. In burned areas, above-ground net primary productivity of vascular plants equalled that in unburned areas, though total live biomass was less. Graminoid biomass had recovered to unburned levels, but shrubs had not. Virtually all vascular plant biomass had resprouted from surviving underground parts; no non-native species were seen. However, bryophytes were mostly disturbance-adapted species, and non-vascular biomass had recovered less than vascular plant biomass. Soil nitrogen availability did not differ between burned and unburned sites. Graminoids showed allocation changes consistent with nitrogen stress. These patterns are similar to those seen following other, smaller tundra fires. Soil nitrogen limitation and the persistence of resprouters will likely lead to recovery of mixed shrub–sedge tussock tundra, unless permafrost thaws, as climate warms, more extensively than has yet occurred.

scholarly journals Flora of spoil heaps after hard coal mining in Trzebinia (southern Poland): effect of substratum properties

2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin W. Woch ◽  
Magdalena Radwańska ◽  
Anna M. Stefanowicz
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Total Carbon Content ◽  
Total N ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Spoil Heaps

Abstract - The aim of the present study was to investigate the composition of spontaneous plant cover and the physicochemical properties of the substratum of spoil heaps of the Siersza hard coal mine in Trzebinia (southern Poland) abandoned in 2001. Floristic and soil analyses were performed in 2011. The substratum was very diverse in terms of texture (sand: 55-92 %, clay: 6-38 %), nutrient content (total C: 1.3-41.0 %, total N: 0.05-0.49 %, total Ca: 0.5-7.3 %) and pH (3.7-8.7). Moreover, total thallium concentration in the substratum was high, ranging from 6.0 to 14.6 mg kg-1. Plant cover varied from 50 to 95 %. The number of plant species per 4m2 varied from 6 to 29 and correlated negatively with total carbon content (r = -0.85, p < 0.01), and positively with sand content in the substratum (r = 66, p < 0.05). The highest number of species per area unit was observed on a humus substratum, where initial soil has developed on the part of carboniferous waste rock spoil under 20-30 year old trees, and the lowest on carbon shale with coal and culm. Among 197 plant species, most belong to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae families. Hemicryptophytes (49%) and terophytes (18%) predominated. The investigated area was primarily colonized by native species spread by the wind. However, invasive alien species also had a significant share (8%) in the plant cover.

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