PRODUCTIVITY EVALUATION OF THE MAIN GRASSLAND HABITATS, NATURA 2000, FROM THE RARĂU MASSIVE (EASTERN CARPATHIANS)

Abstract

Grassland types of Rarău Massif with soils formed on a calcareous geological substrate (dolomite) have a very high phytodiversity, on average 91 species of plants on a floristic survey. The overall vegetation cover was almost 90% of which over 60% forage species and almost 30% harmful species. Of the 12 main grassland types, 3 are xerophilous, 2 mesoxerophilous and 7 mesophilous. The most species-rich mesophilous grasslands are Festuca rubra and Festuca nigrescens with 135-154 taxones per survey. The highest pastoral value (PV) was assessed at Habitat 6510 of almost 68 PV where the highest production of 13.6 t/ha of green mass production (GMP) was estimated when using the grassland as hayfield. At Habitat 6520, where the grassland was grazed with animals, it was estimated 51.5 PV, over 7 t/ha GMP that supports 0.84 LU/ha in 130 days grazing season. In the same Habitat 6520 there are grasslands with grassy carpet degraded by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia caespitosa, where we have 20 PV and 2 t/ha GMP with 0.30 LU/ha. The rest of the habitats have a lower productivity, respectively habitat 6170, due to the altitude and a colder climate and habitat 6210 with a drier climate. On average, the productivity of the habitats is quite good with 42 PV, 6.4 t/ha GMP and 0.6 LU/ha in 120 days of grazing.