Plant species composition and potential feed value of permanent grasslands in the central part of Drahanská vrchovina Upland

Abstract

In multifunctional agriculture, permanent grasslands (PG) present an important culture which keeps the soil in the continuous production status while helping to shape the landscape and protecting biodiversity, plus it has a number of other non-productive functions. The aim of the study was to evaluate, using the “Inventory and Classification of PG” method, species composition and the feed value of fodder in permanent grasslands in a specific farming company (ZEMSPOL Sloup a.s.) located in the area of the Drahanská vrchovina Upland. Multivariate analysis of PCA identified four categories of sites in the area: meadows/pastures with a higher proportion of legumes and grass species and potentially higher quality of fodder; meadows/pastures with a low proportion of grass species, a high proportion of other herbs and a very low potential feed value of fodder, etc. Most of PG are completely lacking legumes which supply nitrogen to the vegetation and are a major improvement for fodder production and its quality. Infestation with broad-leaf sorrels (Rumex acetosa /L./ and Rumex obtusifolius /L./) may be potential risk in the future. Additional seeding of grass-clover mixtures seems to be a useful way to improve the botanical composition of meadows and pastures in the area of interest, whether it would involve applying a strip or harrow seeder.