The Altitudinal Gradient Influence on the Parameters of the Mountain Grasslands

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to assess the influence of the altitudinal gradient on the quality and biodiversity of grasslands in the mountainous area Muntele Mic. We studied various types of grasslands found at different altitudes as 613, 1342 and 1562 m. For each of them, we studied: the type of grassland, structure of vegetation, pastoral value (VP), Shannon biodiversity index, as well as autecological vegetation index. We determined the climatic factors through the average values of temperature and precipitations, and the edaphic characteristics of the substratum: pH value, clay content, humus content and phosphorus content. The main results indicate that the structural parameters of the ecosystems of mountain grasslands under study are strongly influenced by the altitudinal gradient. Studies such as this will allow of future modellation of the dynamics in the evolution of the quality and biodiversity in mountain grasslands in relation to the altitude. In its turn, this modellation will serve as an element of orientation for correct management of mountain grasslands.