Influence of disturbance by mowing on the vegetation of old-fields in the Bohemian Karst

Abstract

Successional stages of the xeric series of old-fields in the Bohemian Karst have been studied from the point of view of disturbance of plant communities by different intensities of mowing. Changes of biomass, diversity and population structure have been examined. The communities of younger successional stages are relatively more disturbed but they are able to reestablish themselves rather quickly. The communities of the older stages are characterized by a slower rate of recovery. The stability of younger stages may be understood as resilience and stability of older stages as resistance.