Root mass vertical distribution of perennial cool-season grasses grown in pure or mixed swards

ABSTRACT: In this study we tested whether the root biomass of mixtures composed by grass species is greater than their respective monocultures. The treatments were monocultures of Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, and a mixture of them, cultivated in a rich-soil environment. Root biomass was evaluated on a single evaluation per season at three soil depths (0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm). Mixed swards presented the greatest root biomass, and this was explained by a greater concentration in the topsoil layer (0-5 cm). These findings reinforce the need for permanent soil conservation practices to not jeopardize the benefits of the more abundant root biomass reported in the mixed swards.

Evaluation of the grassland sward floristic composition of the Wadowice commune

The quality of the botanical composition of meadows and pastures is decisive in the profitability of livestock farming. The aim of this study was to examine the floristic composition of meadows and pastures of the Wadowice commune and to assess their feed value. Field explorations were carried out in June 2016 throughout the commune. Floristic lists were made on 51 designated plots using the estimated Klapp method. Four groups of similar plots with the following dominant species were distinguished in the analysed area: I – plots with Phleum pratense and Vicia cracca, II – plots with Dactylis glomerata and Trifolium repens, III – plots with Holcus lanatus, and IV – plots with Arrhenatherum elatius. The results of the research showed that, in the area of this commune, meadows and pastures were characterised by average and good pasture values, which favours their use for agricultural purposes. Improving the quality of the botanical composition of plots of medium fodder value could be achieved through proper care and sustainable use.

Development of Nutrient Uptake by Understory Plant Arrhenatherum elatius and Microbial Biomass during Primary Succession of Forest Soils in Post-Mining Land

The development of plant and soil microbial communities is one of the basic preconditions for the restoration of functional ecosystems. However, nutrients are concurrently used by plants and microbes, and the dynamics of this interaction during ecosystem development have seldom been studied. The aim of our study, thus, was to describe the dynamics of nutrient availability in soil and, at the same time, the nutrient accumulation in plant and microbial biomass along an unassisted primary succession heading toward broadleaf forest. The growth of the understory plant Arrhenatherum elatius on soils originating from three (16, 22, and 45 years’ old) successional stages of a post-mining area and the development of the microbial community in the presence or absence of this plant were studied in a pot experiment. Both, the plant biomass and carbon (C) in microbial biomass in intermediate and late middle successional stages were higher than those in the early stage. In soil, extractable organic C, extractable organic nitrogen (N), and inorganic N increased with proceeding succession, but Olsen phosphorus (P) peaked in the intermediate successional stage. The amounts of N and P in plant and microbial biomass increased during succession. In the late middle successional stage, the amount of P in microbial biomass exceeded that of plant bound P approximately twice, and this increase was higher in pots with plants than without. The results imply that the competition between plants and microbes for available P may increase microbial P uptake and, thus, hinder plant growth in later successional stages.

Peculiarities of successional processes taking place in artificial phytocenoses on the Kuzbass coal mining dumps

The article presents results of the long-term studies of the structure and production of agrophytocenoses, established on the coal mining dumps in the Kuznetsk basin forest steppe zone. Agrophytocenoses were established on the leveled dumps by seeding grasses and legumes. Another set of control agrophytocenoses was established by the same technic on zonal soil. Seeds were provided by the laboratories of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Novosibirsk. After 30 yrs of observations it was found that agrophytocenoses on the coal mining dumps did not have initial stage, as well as stage of spontaneous species invasion. Elimination of Trifolium pratense and Arrhenatherum elatius from coal mining dumps phytocenoses took place 3-4 yrs later than from agrophytocenoses on zonal soils. Species did not eliminate totally, but remained in communities with increased or decreased relative abundances. Significant number of species displayed fluctuation, rather than succession in course of 30 yrs development on the coal mining dumps. These phytocenoses It was also found that agrophytocenoses on the coal mining dumps have high long-term production potential.