Patterns of vegetation diversity of grasslands and pastures Crvanj Mt. (Herzegovina, Western Balkan)

Abstract

This paper represents study results of patterns of structure and dynamics of grasslands and pastures communities on vertical profile of Crvanj Mt. in Herzegovina (W. Balkan. Investigated area is situated between co-ordinates N 43° and 43°30' and E 18° and 18°30'. From the orography point of view, the area is very heterogenous. It encompases numerous peaks, valleys, passages and diverse karst formations. The highest peak is Zimomor (1920 m), while the lowest point is Ulog (670 m). The area is also very heterogenous from standpoint of geology. Thus, here occur marls, calcarenits, limestones, sandstones and dolomites. From division of automorphous soils it occur calcocambisol, calcomelanosol and luvisol on limestone, while distric cambisol and ranker occur on ingenious rocks. The most frequent among hydromorphous soils here are pseudogley, eugley, histosol (peat) and fluvisol. Ecoclimate is humid and perhumid, and in terms of temperature it is moderately warm to moderately cold. Mean annual temperature varies between 8.5°C on the foot of mountain and 2.0°C in the highest zone. Annual precipitation is 1700 mm, reaching maximum values in autumn and winter. Detected are grassland and pasture communities belonging to nine different alliances, five orders and three classes. It is described new community Asphodelo-Agrostietum capillaris Redzic ass. nova hoc loco from the alliance Festuco-Agrostion capillaris, order Festuco-Agrostietalia and community of Scillo litardierei-Molinietum coeruleae Redzic ass. nova hoc loco of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and community Eriophoro latifolii-Menyanthetum trifoliati Redzic ass. nova hoc loco from the alliance Caricion davallianae, order Caricetalia davallianae of the class Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae. Other important communities are endemic and relict, such as: Carici caryophyllei-Scabiosetum leucophylae, Bromo-Plantaginetum mediae „subalpinum“, Saturejo-Edraianthetum, Danthonio-Scorzoneretum villosae, Molinietum coeruleae„ illyricum“ and Hypochoereto-Crepidetum conyzifoliae. Key words: Biodiversity, syntaxonomy, habitat classification, wetland, calcareous grasslands, Dinaric Alps.