Grassland Classification Research Articles

Classification of mesic grasslands and their transitions of South Transdanubia (Hungary)

Classification of mesic grasslands and their transitions of South Transdanubia (Hungary) Relevés from meadows and pastures of South Transdanubia (Hungary) are evaluated by clustering and ordination methods. The relevé selection focused on the Arrhenatheretalia order but its transitions towards other types were also included. The groups of relevés are delimited and described according to differential, dominant and constant species. Ecological conditions of the groups were compared using indicator values. Nine groups were distinguished, four of them belonging strictly to the order Arrhenatheretalia. Each alliance of Arrhenatheretalia presented in the study area (Cynosurion, Arrhenatherion) was represented by two groups. Groups from these two alliances are separated along a light gradient, while groups of the same alliance differ in nutrient values. Within Cynosurion, the nutrient-poor group cannot be identified unambiguously as any syntaxa previously known from Hungary. The nutrient-rich Cynosurion meadows are similar to Lolio-Cynosuretum, however, they show a stronger relationship with wet meadows. Within Arrhenatherion, Pastinaco-Arrhenatheretum is recognised as a hay meadow of nutrient-rich soils. The other meadow type is similar to Filipendulo-Arrhenatheretum, thus raising syntaxonomical problems. There are transitional groups towards semi-dry andwet meadows, one dynamic phase and one outlier group among the other five clusters.

Classification management for grassland using MODIS data: a case study in the Gannan region, China

Classification of grasslands is a convenient method to measure and manage the sustainability of Chinese grasslands. In this study, a timely and reliable procedure was examined using remote-sensing (RS) techniques. Linear regression analysis between field survey data and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data showed that among 17 vegetation indices (VIs) evaluated, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) was the best VI to simulate forage dry biomass and cover in the Gannan region. The results of precision estimation of the models showed that power and logarithm regression satisfactorily simulated grassland dry biomass and grassland cover, respectively. The index of classification management of grasslands (ICGs) was used to subdivide grasslands into conservation grasslands and moderately productive grasslands in the Gannan region, where no grasslands fell into intensively productive grasslands. Conservation grasslands accounted for 2.04% of the available grasslands, whereas moderately productive grasslands were 97.96% of the available grasslands, and this is related to the history of the grasslands’ use and the per capita income in the Gannan region. This study proposes that the area of conservation grasslands and that of moderately productive grasslands are determined by increases in per capita income and changes in the human use of grasslands.

Research on Grassland Classification and NPP in Gannan Region

Research on Grassland Classification and NPP in Gannan Region

Grassland Vegetation and Management - on the Interface between Science and Education

The concept and implementation of a tri-national EU intensive Programme (IP) is presented and discussed. The objective is to improve the methods employed by the teachers and scientist of the staff concerning the classification and management of grasslands to students and to prepare them to be able to design, analyse, and evaluate grassland management strategies and to understand grasslands in land-use-system terms. The focus lies on the development of strategies for sustainable grassland use in the context of regional development.
 The innovative character if this romanian-swedish-german module is exemplified.

Formalized classification of rocky Pannonian grasslands and dealpine Sesleria-dominated grasslands in Slovakia using a hierarchical expert system

Formalized classification of rocky Pannonian grasslands and dealpine Sesleria-dominated grasslands in Slovakia using a hierarchical expert system

Classification of Grassland Types by MODIS Time-Series Images in Tibet, China

Tibet is one of the five largest pasturing regions of China. Grassland classification is significant for its utilization and protection, but few correlative studies have been done in Tibet due to its rugged natural conditions, which make it difficult and time-consuming to conduct extensive field measurements. The remote-sensing technique is helpful for grassland classification in such regions. In this study, high temporal resolution of a moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) is used to construct temporal profiles of enhanced vegetation index (EVI) during the grass growth period in Tibet. By dividing the large study area into individual regions based on altitude and latitude, we classified the grasslands of Tibet into six types-meadow steppe, typical steppe, desert steppe, alpine meadow steppe, alpine typical steppe, and shrub herbosa. Based on the 1:500 000 scale maps of China's grassland resources, the validation process indicates an overall accuracy of 68.02 %, and a Kappa coefficient of 0.52. Land managers are provided with maps and area values of each grassland type in Tibet in 2005. In addition, regional average EVI reflect the relative biomass of each types of the grassland, which will provide evidences for coordinating plans for grassland developing. MODIS_EVI provides a simple and rapid method to classify the grassland in regions that are hard to reach, which offers an effective means of investigating biological resources on a large scale.

The ecological status of grasslands on lowland farmlands in western Ireland and implications for grassland classification and nature value assessment

The identification and protection of High Nature Value (HNV) farmland is an objective of the European Rural Development policy which has yet to be met by Member States. Remote sensing and models based on farm statistics are commonly used to identify HNV farmland. Use of datasets such as Corine Landcover Classes is widespread but it has been acknowledged that such datasets can significantly overlook fine-scale biodiversity features. In countries where farmland is predominantly grass-based, there is an added difficulty in distinguishing between grassland types without undertaking field-scale survey work. This study was conducted to improve our knowledge of grassland biodiversity on lowland farms with a view to helping assess their potential conservation value in a High Nature Value farmland context. We analysed the grassland species composition of 603 fields on 32 lowland farms and investigated their relationship to management, ecological and spatial descriptors. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) and Multi-Response Permutation Procedure (MRPP) analyses of the grasslands and their ecology on these farms revealed a continuum between semi-natural and improved agricultural grasslands, including an intermediate Semi-Improved Grassland type. This gradation from improved to semi-natural grassland highlights the biodiversity variation that occurs on farms that are frequently considered to be of low nature value. Statistical analyses showed that management practices, and especially soil fertility, were most strongly associated with grassland type. The detailed description of the grasslands that occur on these lowland farms has the potential to provide a better assessment of the overall nature value of a farm, potentially aiding the identification of Type 2 High Nature Value farmland. Before this can be achieved, however, there is a need to amend the grassland classification system used in Ireland in order that intermediate semi-natural grassland assemblages can be identified at the field level. Field surveys are necessary for this level of detail.

Grasses and grassland ecology

This book is an ambitious synthesis of current knowledge about grasses and grasslands. In addition to summarizing what we know about grassland structure and function, it covers the structure, physiology and systematics of grasses. In this way the book extends far beyond the usual scope of ecological reviews. It will be valuable in broadening the perspectives of ecologists to consider grasslands in terms of the unique attributes of their dominant plants. Chapters cover evolution and taxonomy, grass structure in an ecological context, physiology, population and community ecology, ecosystem function, a global overview of grassland types, disturbance and management. Each chapter is encyclopedic in nature, clearly written and liberally illustrated. Particularly valuable are tables that allow cross-referencing of troublesome variables such as species' names and various grassland classification systems. The first chapter is rich with interesting information, such as grasslands being the home of nearly a billion people and having the lowest proportion of protected areas of any habitat type. However, this standard is not quite maintained throughout the book. For example, the last section, on restoration, states that restoration is as much an art as a science, and resorts to anecdotal accounts, largely bypassing the extensive grassland literature that has recently appeared in journals like Restoration Ecology. The slippage is evident in earlier ecological chapters and I found myself wishing for more recent references and more quantitative examples. The writing could be more incisive in some areas, and more critical in others. The pre-European population of North American bison is given as 30–60 million without justification. Similarly, ecosystem-level effects of diversity are presented without mentioning the sampling effect: diverse mixtures always contain a few large species that increase mixture productivity and decrease invasion rates. The text does a good job at spelling out the origins and predictions of contrasting conceptual models. It is inclusive and up-to-date in its treatment of certain subjects such as nitrogen cycling and allelopathy. Especially laudable is the global context, including a survey of world grasslands, consideration of how processes such as grazing work differently in different grasslands, and models developed in contrasting regions. The book is also very broad in providing a quick introduction to grassland management and evaluation. The text is free of mistakes and the tables and figures (some in colour) are clear. The cover is especially attractive and the soft cover version is small, supple and easy to delve into. The stated audience is senior students and researchers. Students will be well-served by the breadth of the treatment and an introduction to the many and diverse topics that make up grassland ecology, especially if the book is supplemented by critical reading of more recent papers. Researchers will also benefit from a global perspective on grasslands, but may feel that some topics need to be explored in much greater depth. Grasses and grassland ecology provides an engaging synthesis within a context that is global both geographically and scientifically. It will be especially valuable in broadening the perspectives of both students and researchers.

VEGETATION ANALYSIS OF UPLAND BURREN GRASSLANDS OF CONSERVATION INTEREST

This study addresses the classification of grassland and heath communities found within the Burren uplands of Co. Clare and identifies threats to their integrity. Quadrats were taken on a range of sites, focusing on semi-natural, upland grassland and heath of conservation interest. Before analysis, the data set was divided into a heath group and a grassland group based on cover of dwarf shrubs. The data were analysed using TWINSPAN and canonical correspondence analysis. Within the grassland group, two main associations were found: the Sesleria caerulea—Breutelia chrysocoma association of low-nutrient, calcareous, species-rich grasslands, and the Dactylis glomerata—Holcus lanatus association of more-mesotrophic grasslands. Within each group three sub-associations were identified. The heaths also fell into two main groups: one dominated by Dryas octopetala, and the other by Calluna vulgaris. The Dryas heath association formed three sub-associations, while the Calluna heaths formed three distinct associations, including associations of rare alpine heaths with Empetrum nigrum and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. From direct ordination, significant environmental and management factors, such as altitude, soil depth and grazing pressure, were identified. Trends within the data set suggest a gradual increase in agriculturally favoured species with increased summer grazing. Abandoned and less-grazed areas are threatened by scrub and bracken encroachment.

VEGETATION ANALYSIS OF UPLAND BURREN GRASSLANDS OF CONSERVATION INTEREST

This study addresses the classification of grassland and heath communities found within the Burren uplands of Co. Clare and identifies threats to their integrity. Quadrats were taken on a range of sites, focusing on semi-natural, upland grassland and heath of conservation interest. Before analysis, the data set was divided into a heath group and a grassland group based on cover of dwarf shrubs. The data were analysed using TWINSPAN and canonical correspondence analysis. Within the grassland group, two main associations were found: the Sesleria caerulea—Breutelia chrysocoma association of low-nutrient, calcareous, species-rich grasslands, and the Dactylis glomerata—Holcus lanatus association of more-mesotrophic grasslands. Within each group three sub-associations were identified. The heaths also fell into two main groups: one dominated by Dryas octopetala, and the other by Calluna vulgaris. The Dryas heath association formed three sub-associations, while the Calluna heaths formed three distinct associations, including associations of rare alpine heaths with Empetrum nigrum and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. From direct ordination, significant environmental and management factors, such as altitude, soil depth and grazing pressure, were identified. Trends within the data set suggest a gradual increase in agriculturally favoured species with increased summer grazing. Abandoned and less-grazed areas are threatened by scrub and bracken encroachment.

Classification of mesic and wet grasslands in northwest Croatia

In this paper, 450 releves of grassland vegetation of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class in northwest Croatia have been classified using the agglomerative Ward’s Method in the PC-ORD program. In the process of classification, the following seven groups were obtained: 1. Bromus erectus-Arrhenatherum elatius, 2. Arrhenatherum elatius, 3. Crepis biennis-Arrhenatherum elatius, 4. Luzula campestris-Holcus lanatus, 5. Deschampsia cespitosa-Betonica officinalis, 6. Equisetum palustre, 7. Oenanthe silaifolia-Alopecurus pratensis. The results of the classification for the most part correspond to the traditional syntaxonomic system. The plant communities with the largest number of releves in the data set are the association Arrhenatheretum elatioris “typicum” (group 2) and the association Holcetum lanati (group 4). They represent the most anthropogenically influenced grasslands of the study area. In the analysis of the ecological factors by PCA in the CANOCO program it is established that separation of the releves is influenced most greatly by moisture, followed by humus, temperature, light and soil reaction. From the standpoint of nature conservation, the wet meadows of the Molinietalia order are the most valuable, because of the notable diversity of species and communities, as well as a considerable number of threatened plant species.

Grassland Classification in Naqu Prefecture of Tibet

Grassland Classification in Naqu Prefecture of Tibet

A grassland classification system and its application in China

China possesses vast grassland resources that include alpine meadow, tundra, steppe and desert. It is, therefore, desirable to establish a grassland classification system that involves the formative factors contributing to this diversity. This paper reports a grassland classification system called the Integrated Orderly Classification System of Grassland (IOCSG), which was formulated through grouping or clustering units with similar properties. The IOCSG involves a hierarchy of three classification levels. At the first level, grasslands are grouped into classes according to an index of moisture and temperature. At the second level, grasslands are differentiated as subclasses by the edaphic conditions. At the third level, grassland types within a subclass are distinguished by vegetation types. Under the IOCSG, seven thermal zones and six humidity zones have been identified and used to differentiate grassland classes. The IOCSG recognises 42 grassland Classes, of which 41 are present in China.

Local ranges of phytosociological associations: are they reflected in numerical classification?

AbstractIn the tradition of European phytosociology, delimitations of vegetation units such as associations are mostly based on data from small areas where more detailed vegetation sampling has been carried out. Such locally delimited vegetation units are often accepted in large-scale synthetic classifications, e.g. national vegetation monographs, and tentatively assigned to a small geographical range, forming groups of similar (vicarious) vegetation units in different small areas. These vicarious units, however, often overlap in species composition and are difficult to recognize from each other. We demonstrate this issue using an example of the classification of dry grasslands (Festuco-Brometea) in the Czech Republic. The standard vegetation classification of the Czech Republic supposes that the majority of accepted associations (66 out of 68) have a restricted distribution in one of the two major regions, Bohemia or Moravia. We compared the classification into traditional associations with the numerical classification of 1440 phytosociological relevés from the Czech Republic, in order to test whether the traditionally recognized associations with small geographical ranges are reflected in numerical classification. In various comparisons, the groups of relevés identified by numerical analysis occupied larger areas than the traditional associations. This suggests that with consistent use of total species composition as the vegetation classification criterion, the resulting classification will usually include more vegetation units with larger geographical ranges, while many of the traditional local associations will disappear.

Developing a classifier for the Habitats Directive grassland types in Denmark using species lists for prediction

Abstract. This paper describes the use of supervised methods for the classification of vegetation. The difference between supervised classification and clustering is outlined, with reference to their current use in vegetation science. In the paper we describe the classification of Danish grasslands according to the Habitats Directive of the European Union, and demonstrate how a supervised classification can be used to achieve a standardized and statistical interpretation within a local flora. We thereby offer a statistical solution to the legal problem of protection of certain selected habitat types. The Habitats Directive protects three types of Danish grassland habitats, whereas two remaining types fall outside protection. A classification model is developed, using available Danish grassland data, for the discrimination of these five types based on their species composition. This new Habitats Directive classification is compared to a previously published unsupervised classification of Danish grassland vegetation. An indicator species analysis is used to find significant indicator species for the three protected habitat types in Denmark, and these are compared to the characteristic species mentioned in the interpretation manual of the Habitats Directive. Eventually, we discuss the pros and cons of supervised and unsupervised classification and conclude that supervised methods deserve more attention in vegetation science.

Developing a classifier for the Habitats Directive grassland types in Denmark using species lists for prediction

This paper describes the use of supervised methods for the classification of vegetation. The difference between supervised classification and clustering is outlined, with reference to their current use in vegetation science. In the paper we describe the classification of Danish grasslands according to the Habitats Directive of the European Union, and demonstrate how a supervised classification can be used to achieve a standardized and statistical interpretation within a local flora. We thereby offer a statistical solution to the legal problem of protection of certain selected habitat types. The Habitats Directive protects three types of Danish grass- land habitats, whereas two remaining types fall outside pro- tection. A classification model is developed, using available Danish grassland data, for the discrimination of these five types based on their species composition. This new Habitats Directive classification is compared to a previously published unsupervised classification of Danish grassland vegetation. An indicator species analysis is used to find significant indicator species for the three protected habitat types in Denmark, and these are compared to the characteristic species mentioned in the interpretation manual of the Habitats Direc- tive. Eventually, we discuss the pros and cons of supervised and unsupervised classification and conclude that supervised methods deserve more attention in vegetation science.

Landscape-level dynamics of grassland-forest transitions in British Columbia

Grasslands in the interior British Columbia of Canada are adjacent to forests and are susceptible to tree encroachment. Grazing, fire suppression, and climate variability are among factors affecting vegetation dynamics in the ecotone between grassland and forest, but topographic factors such as slope aspect, slope degree and elevation may interact with these factors and result in uneven changes in vegetation among landscape elements. Nine sites with a total of approximately 50,000 ha of grasslands and forests in the Cariboo/Chilcotin forest region of British Columbia were selected to study the effect of slope aspect, slope degree and elevation on vegetation distribution, dynamics and forest expansion from the 1960's to 1990's. Vegetation maps of the 1960's and 1990's were generated using aerial photos and overlaid with GIS layers including aspect, slope and elevation. The classification of open grassland, treed grassland, open forest and closed forest was based on the percent coverage of coniferous species, ranging from 0-5%, 5-15%, 15-35%, and ≥ 35%, respectively. A probability index (P-value) was developed to test the effect of aspect, slope, and elevation on vegetation distribution, dynamics, and forest expansion based on the distribution and changed areas. Results show that open grasslands occurred on southerly aspects and the shift to treed grassland occurred mostly on these aspects. The probability of vegetation shift from open to treed grasslands decreased with increasing slope degree, probably due to the less favorable moisture regime on steep slopes. Treed grassland also shifted to open forest on south facing slopes and more level sites. In contrast, closed forest most often occurred on northerly facing slopes and the shift from open to closed forests was most likely to occur there. The greatest changes in vegetation cover types occurred at mid-elevations between 700 and 1,000 m. Management plans aimed at the control of tree encroachment and forest ingrowth should take these topographic factors into consideration.

Landscape-level dynamics of grassland-forest transitions in British Columbia

Grasslands in the interior British Columbia of Canada are adjacent to forests and are susceptible to tree encroachment. Grazing, fire suppression, and climate variability are among factors affecting vegetation dynamics in the ecotone between grassland and forest, but topographic factors such as slope aspect, slope degree and elevation may interact with these factors and result in uneven changes in vegetation among landscape elements. Nine sites with a total of approximately 50,000 ha of grasslands and forests in the Cariboo/Chilcotin forest region of British Columbia were selected to study the effect of slope aspect, slope degree and elevation on vegetation distribution, dynamics and forest expansion from the 1960's to 1990's. Vegetation maps of the 1960's and 1990's were generated using aerial photos and overlaid with GIS layers including aspect, slope and elevation. The classification of open grassland, treed grassland, open forest and closed forest was based on the percent coverage of coniferous species, ranging from 0–5%, 5–15%, 15–35%, and ≥ 35%, respectively. A probability index (P-value) was developed to test the effect of aspect, slope, and elevation on vegetation distribution, dynamics, and forest expansion based on the distribution and changed areas. Results show that open grasslands occurred on southerly aspects and the shift to treed grassland occurred mostly on these aspects. The probability of vegetation shift from open to treed grasslands decreased with increasing slope degree, probably due to the less favorable moisture regime on steep slopes. Treed grassland also shifted to open forest on south facing slopes and more level sites. In contrast, closed forest most often occurred on northerly facing slopes and the shift from open to closed forests was most likely to occur there. The greatest changes in vegetation cover types occurred at mid-elevations between 700 and 1,000 m. Management plans aimed at the control of tree encroachment and forest ingrowth should take these topographic factors into consideration.

Grassland classification and evaluation of grazing capacity in Naqu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Grassland animal husbandry is an important component of the regional economy in Naqu Prefecture of Tibet. A grassland survey was initiated to specify biological and socio‐economic characteristics of animal husbandry. The information from the survey was used to classify grassland resources and to evaluate grazing capacity. Based on the China Grassland Classification System, the grasslands in Naqu Prefecture were classified into 4 classes, 10 groups, and 32 types. The assessment of grazing capacity indicated that the grasslands in the eastern counties of the temperate wet zone and some counties in the central and western parts are severely overgrazed, which has resulted in serious grassland deterioration. Clarifying the ownership of the grazing lands should be the top priority for the government if a policy of sustainable development of grassland animal husbandry in Naqu Prefecture is to be adopted.

Plant diversity in the threatened sub-tropical grasslands of Nepal

Previously extensive tall grasslands, and their associated fauna, are now restricted to small fragments in protected areas in lowland Nepal and northern India. Conservation management of the remaining grasslands has been hindered by the lack of a grassland classification. A classification of the grasslands in four protected areas in Nepal is presented. Two hundred and forty six plant species were recorded and nine species assemblages, with eight phases, were identified. Royal Chitwan National Park contained the greatest diversity of assemblages, whilst Royal Bardia National Park and Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, were of conservation significance for the occurrence of an Imperata cylindrica assemblage and its associated fauna. Early successional assemblages dominated by Saccharum spontaneum and Phragmites karka predominated in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The spatial and temporal distribution of grassland assemblages is primarily influenced by fluvial processes but also by fire, cutting and grazing. Changes in the impact of these disturbances, for example as a result of dam building or a change in the fire regime, will alter the diversity and distribution of the plant assemblages together with their associated fauna. Immediate conservation action should involve controlling grazing in Koshi Tappu, removing invading woody species from Imperata cylindrica grassland and mapping the distribution of assemblages in all protected areas. ©