Natural Meadows Research Articles

Contributions to Knowledge of Subalpine Meadows in the Apuseni Mountains - Biharia Massif

The main purpose of this work is the development of a phytocenologic, ecological, bioeconomic and eco-protective study of the natural meadows dominated by Festuca nigrescens and Scorzonera rosea in the Biharia Massif, Western Carpathians. In order to achieve the objectives pursued, a number of 11 phytocenologic surveys were performed on the most representative sample surfaces, homogeneous in terms of flora, with the same seasonal requirements and a similar physiognomy. The species from the floristic inventory were recorded in the association table subordinated to the corresponding coenotaxa, alliance, order, class, noted with the corresponding abundance and dominance coefficients. As a result, the phytocenoses of the association Scorzonero roseae Festucetum nigricantis were surveyed on the basis of tables, charts, diagrams, histograms on the distribution of species according to the ecological factors i.e. humidity, temperature, soil chemical reaction, ecological categories of bioforms, phytogeographic and cytogenetic elements. The succession dynamics, the importance, and the sustainable and eco-protective management of these meadows were dealt with in our study. The results thus obtained were compared with four reference papers of some authors who have carried out research in different geographical areas. We found the rare, endangered, endemic species for which suitable household and conservation measures have been proposed.

Odun sirkesinin çayır otu silajının besin değeri ve fermentasyonu üzerine etkisi

This study was carried out to determine the effects of wood vinegar (WV) used in different concentrations on nutrient composition, fermentation progress and microflora of grass silage. The study material was composed one control (0% WV) and three experimental groups consisting 0.5%, 1% and 2% WV, respectively. Each group was made with four replicates. WV was applied to the grass prepared from the natural meadow of Kafkas University and prepared in the laboratory scale conditions by spray method at the given rates (0.5%, 1% and 2%). The samples were ensiled in 1.0 L anaerobic jars. pH, dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber analyses were performed on the samples opened on the 60th day of fermentation. Also, microbiological analyses were performed for lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and mold by the plate count method. As a result of silage trials carried out under laboratory-scale conditions, WV did not affect nutritional values (P>0.05). The highest pH among the treatment groups was observed in the 2% WV added group (P<0.05). While the number of lactic acid bacteria in the WV groups (0.5 and 1%) did not change when compared to the control group (P>0.05), the highest (2%) concentration of WV showed significant antimicrobial activity on lactic acid bacteria (P<0.05). Also, it has been determined that WV may reduce yeast and mold growth compared to the control group (P<0.05).

EVALUATION OF THE MANIFESTATION OF AGROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS IN A COLLECTION OF BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL (LOTUS CORNICULATUS L.)

The plain grasslandsin Western Romania are real germplasm reservoirs for Birdsfoot trefoil. The Birdsfoot trefoil occupies all the gaps in the natural meadows, where other legumes fail because it has a great capacity to adapt to harsh conditions. Wild Birdsfoot trefoil populations, from the grassland flora, are reservoirs of genes with tolerance to environmental factors, resistance to diseases and pests. In this context, the paper aims to evaluate the genetic potential of some populations of trefoil, obtained from seeds harvested from the spontaneous flora of the plain grasslandsof Western Romania, in terms of important quantitative features, which will have a theoretical basis for obtaining new varieties. Birdsfoot trefoil populations analyzed in the paper come from seed harvested in natural grasslandsin the plains of the Banatregion,in WesternRomania. The seeds were sown in vegetation pots and in the spring of 2019 the plants were transplanted in the field. In this study,all data on the main characteristics analyzed were obtained in the second year of culture (2020).Birdsfoot trefoil analyzed populations fluctuate the studied characters and can be successfully used in breeding programs for creating new varieties. The Lv8population proved promising for its characters: the number of generative shoots per plant, the number of umbels per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, and the weight of seeds per plant.In the future, plant breeding will require an expansion of the genetic base to meet the challenges posed by climate change and the need to ensure food security,which requires the use of more local people in raising the productive level of Birdsfoot trefoil culture.

Rapid restoration of belowground structure and fauna of a seagrass habitat

Seagrass meadows are habitat for an abundance and diversity of animal life, and their continuing global loss has focused effort on their restoration. This restoration not only aims to re‐establish the structure of the seagrass, but also to restore its function, particularly as habitat. The success of seagrass restoration is typically measured by the recovery of aboveground structure, but this ignores the important role of the belowground component of seagrass ecosystems, which may not recover at the same rate, and is equally important for faunal communities. We quantify infaunal communities (abundance, richness, and composition) within expanding plots of restored seagrass, and relate their change to the recovery of belowground seagrass biomass and sediment properties. We found that infaunal abundance and composition converged on that found in natural seagrass within 2 years, while the overall infaunal richness was not affected by habitat. The carbon content of surface sediments also recovered within 2 years, although recovery of belowground biomass and sediment grain size took 4 to 6 years. These results suggest that the structure of recovering seagrass habitats may not need to attain that of natural meadows before they support infauna that is comparable to natural communities. This pace and effectiveness of recovery provides some optimism for future seagrass restoration.

55 Rumen undegradable protein content of native range and sub irrigated meadow forages

Abstract The in situ mobile bag procedure was used to compare rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content and RUP digestibility of Nebraska Sandhills range and meadow diet samples. Meadow samples (n = 12) were from June, July and August of 2 years while range samples (n = 19) were from June, July, September and December of 6 years. Samples were collected using esophageally fistulated cows (samples from 2 cows composited per time point), freeze-dried, and ground through a 2 mm screen. For each sample, 1.25 g was weighed into 8 replicate 8×10 cm Dacron bags with 50-µm pore size. Rumen incubation time was based on estimated digestibility and passage rate. Following rumen incubation, analysis of neutral detergent insoluble N (NDIN) on one-half of the bags was used to calculate RUP content. Remaining bags were treated with pepsin/HCl solution (37 °C) and stirred for three hours before duodenal incubation. Analysis of NDIN after recovery from feces determined RUP digestibility. Data were analyzed using month as a fixed effect and year and experiment as random effects. In meadow samples, CP (15.0% of DM) was consistent across June, July, and August (P = 0.72). Range samples tended to differ in CP content (P = 0.11), with June, July and September being similar (8.15% of DM) while December was 6.01%. In meadow samples, RUP averaged 21.9% of CP while range samples averaged 26.7% of CP, with no differences due to month (P ≥ 0.32). Because CP content was changing in range samples, RUP as a % of DM tended (P = 0.14) to decrease in December (1.66) compared to June, July, and Sept (2.25). In meadow samples, RUP digestibility (%) declined from 74.7% in June to 61.4% in July and Aug (P = 0.07). RUP digestibility (%) averaged 43.9% for all range samples (P = 0.66).

Hungarian clover (Trifollium pannonicum Jacq.) - perspective forage crop and phytomeliorant (literary review)

The aim of the study is to present a review of the general characteristics and cultivation of Hungarian clover (Trifolium pannonicum Jacq.) as a forage crop and phytomeliorant in different regions of Russia based on literature data and own experiments. Hungarian clover (Trifolium pannonicum Jacq.) is a perennial legume plant with a natural area of distribution in the countries of Western and Eastern Europe, the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The crop is characterized by good adaptability to new ecological and geographical conditions, high winter hardiness, drought resistance, stable seed yield, low susceptibility to diseases and pests, productive longevity (10-15 years), decorativeness, especially during the flowering period (Fig. 1, 4). Fodder from Hungarian clover (hay, haylage and silage) is of excellent or good quality, and the most valuable fodder is obtained when the crop is mown in the budding phase (Table 7-8). At this time, the plants are well leafy, have tender stems and the biggest content of nutrients in the forage mass. These advantages opened up the prospect of the introduction and use of Hungarian clover in different regions of Russia, including the Middle Urals, the Non-Chernozem zone of the country, the Middle Volga region and the south of Western Siberia. In Russia, three varieties of Hungarian clover have been created and best studied: Premier (originators - Siberian Research Institute of Forages and Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Novosibirsk), Anik (Penza State Agricultural Academy), Snezhok (Zonal Research Institute of the North-East named after N.V. Rudnitsky, Kirov). These varieties are included in the state register for testing and protection of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation, have successfully proven themselves in fodder production and gardening, as well as a phytomeliorant of disturbed lands, including when regrassing erosion dangerous slopes and restoration of coal mining sites. Analysis of the literature and our own data showed that the plasticity of Hungarian clover allowed it to adapt to the agro-climatic conditions of different regions of Russia, in particular the forest-steppe of Western Siberia, and to give a high, guaranteed seed yield, despite the harsh winters and a short growing season. The morphological structure of Hungarian clover with a very powerful and deeply penetrating root system, multi-stemmed and goblet-shaped bush with large leaves and inflorescences (Fig. 2-3; Table 1-2), gives reasons to speak of the high competitiveness of this crop in relation to the species of natural flora (including rhizome grasses), and also allows us to consider this plant as a promising soil-strengthening plant. Mineral fertilizers (Table 6) and other means of chemicalization have a positive effect on the growth and development of Hungarian clover: field germination, winter hardiness, symbiotic and photosynthetic activity, seed productivity and fodder harvest increase. In terms of the content and set of the main nutrients, Hungarian clover is not inferior to the traditionally cultivated Red clover, and even surpasses it with late mowing. The crop is resistant to pathogens as Erysiphe communis (Wallr.) Grew, Cercospora zebrina Pass, Stemphylium sarciniforme Wiltsh, Pseudopeziza trifolii Fuck, Uromyces fallens (Desm.) Kem. It is possible to sow Hungarian clover in spring and summer (Table 9). The summer sowing period (mid-July) is preferable to use when the field is heavily infested, which allows several presowing cultivations. The wide-row sowing method is inferior in productivity to the row sowing (Fig. 8-9), but it should be noted that the first method is preferable for two main reasons: inter-row cultivation can be carried out and the plants are less prone to lodging than with row sowing with a shoot height of more than 85 cm. Hungarian clover sowing in natural meadow communities allows to increase the yield and nutritional value of the grass stand (Table 4-5; Fig. 5, 7). For example, when the Hungarian clover of the variety Premier is sown into a natural meadow community dominated by an active cenosis-forming agent, Poa angustifolia L., clover remains in the herbage for more than 16 years with a share of at least 50%. Thus, Hungarian clover is a new, promising forage crop in Russia and can be recommended for the creation of highly productive, long-term agrocenoses and as a phytomeliorant of disturbed lands.

Relationships between Organic Beef Production and Agro-Ecosystems in Mountain Areas: The Case of Catalan Pyrenees

This study analyzed the link between organic beef production and agroecosystems in mountain areas and the potential effects of land use change in eight farms of Catalan Pyrenees with a three step approach: (i) assessment of structural and management features; (ii) comparison of forage productivity and manure loads of 71 farmland parcels in relation with management intensity (natural meadows, seminatural meadows, temporary crops) and, for meadow parcels, with the farmers’ willingness to convert them to temporary crops; (iii) life cycle assessment of the environmental impacts. Each farm managed around 150 ha of pastures and 23 ha of farmland (of which only 5 as temporary crops), and maintained a herd of around 130 livestock units. Forage productivity and manure loads of farmland were modest and extremely variable, and no productive advantages could be predicted from the conversion of meadows to temporary crops. Environmental impacts were mostly related to the on-farm stages, because of low-input management and very high feed self-sufficiency, and the diets used showed very low feed/food competition. These results indicate a balance between organic beef production and management of mountain agroecosystems, which is a key point for sustainability and should be a priority in European policies and strategies.

Rove Beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) under the Conditions of Anthropogenic Agrolandscape Transformation in Northwestern Russia

As many as 147 species of rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) were found in the model agricultural landscape in Northwestern Russia. Cluster analysis showed that Staphylinidae complexes in cultivated lands were different from those in adjacent habitats: field margins, forest edges, and natural meadows. Rove beetles had higher species diversity in the agrocenoses of perennial grasses (clover, timothy grass), as compared with those subject to severe anthropogenic transformation (potatoes, grain crops, annual herbs).

Yield and Composition of Natural Pastures from the Plains and Semi-mountainous Regions of Central Northern Bulgaria

One of the main problems in modern agricultural production is the inefficient use and management of natural resources. The aim of the present study is to analyze the productivity and assess the species composition of natural pastures (Np) used for grazing by sheep in farms in the region of Central Northern Bulgaria. The observations were carried out in the period mid-April - mid-June 2018-2019, at intervals of 14 days on eight natural grasslands located in the region of Central Northern Bulgaria. They are selected to cover the most typical and used natural pastures in the plains and semi-mountains of the region. The comparative assessment of the 8 plant populations of pasture type, subject of the present study, under the ecological conditions of Central Northern Bulgaria showed the highest yield of dry mass observed in the natural meadows in the plains - Np 4 (780.67 kg ha-1) , followed by Np 6 (760.09 kg ha-1) and Np 8 (740.24 kg ha-1), an average of 760.33 kg ha-1. The grasslands from semi-mountains of the region (Np 1, 2 and 3), show a different reaction to the growing environment, but all of them are characterized by significantly lower productivity of green and dry biomass (respectively 1310.77 kg ha-1 and 380.90 kg ha-1) compared to the grasslands of the plains (2430.72 kg ha-1 and 740.66 kg ha-1 respectively). The green biomass yield from the natural pastures, object of study, ranges from 920.38 kg ha-1 (Np 2) to 3000.13 kg ha-1. The dry mass yield is from 290.02 kg ha-1 (Np2) to 780.67 kg ha-1 (Np 4).

Effect of earthworm casts from a natural meadow on some soil physico-chemical characteristics and lettuce growth

Fertile Grounds are the source for agricultural production and effective nutrients management. We aim at surveying the contribution effect of earthworm casts on physical and chemical soil characteristics (pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations) and their impact on morphophysiological parameters of lettuce. Basically, for this operation we have choose three levels of intake (100, 250 and 500g of earthworm casts/pot). The obtained results have shown that the earthworm casts are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, potassium and organic matter. Correspondingly, the contribution of earthworm casts has increased the soil content of OM, NTK, K+ and CaCO3. Also, it has a positive effect on chlorophyll, aerial, root biomass and on lettuce growth in general. The results also have indicated that the 500g dose of earthworm casts/pot have been increased the various parameters.

Diversity of Bee Assemblage (Family Apidae) in Natural and Agriculturally Intensified Ecosystems in Uruguay.

Bees (Family Apidae) hold a key role as pollinators in a wide range of angiosperm communities. South America suffered strong modifications during the last decade due to increasing anthropic activities and the expansion of agricultural areas, particularly the boom of soybean. The goal of this research was to know the current diversity of bees in South and Low Littoral regions in Uruguay. Specimens were collected in the seasons 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 on natural meadows, cultivated grasslands, soybean fields, among others flowering communities. Collected specimens were classified following taxonomic keys. Forty-five bee species or taxa were distinguished belonging to the subfamilies Megachilinae (11), Apinae (22), Halictinae (7), Colletinae (2), and Andreninae (3). Most taxa were classified up to genus and 14 to species level. Bee diversity was higher for the South region, with traditional agriculture and rangelands, than that of the Low Littoral region where an increasing agricultural land use took place during the last decade, particularly soybean. In addition, this research aimed to study the presence of native bees and the introduced Apis mellifera (Apinae) in a soybean field at four transects located at 0, 50, 100, and 200 m from the crop border in both seasons. Native bee species were only present at 0 and 50 m, pointing to the relevance of natural edge plant communities for their preservation. This is the first survey on native bee diversity in Uruguay to be regarded as a baseline and the setup of conservation strategies.

Strong positively diversity\u2013productivity relationships in the natural sub-alpine meadow communities across time are up to superior performers

In experiments that test plant diversity–productivity relationships, the common practice of weeding unsown species and disallowing species colonization may have the unintended consequence of favoring priority effects that maintain niche complementarity in determining productivity. However, in naturally assembled communities where colonization occurs, resource competition may favor dominant traits, which eventually have the greatest influence on productivity. Here, in naturally developed long-term subalpine meadows (from 4-year to at least 40 years meadows) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, we investigated the relationships between species richness and productivity to testify whether positive diversity–productivity relationships can still exist in naturally developed long-term communities. We also measured five functional traits (specific leaf area, photosynthesis rate, leaf proline content, seed mass and seed germination rate) to calculate two functional diversity indices: community-weighted mean trait values (CWM) and Rao’s quadratic entropy (RaoQ) which are highly correlated to functional traits of dominating species and variety of functional trait among all species. Finally, we quantified the relative contribution of species diversity, functional traits of dominating species and functional diversity among all species to productivity along the succession. We demonstrated strong positively diversity–productivity relationships in the natural sub-alpine meadow communities across time. The five traits of dominating species explained a large proportion (54–80%) of the variation in productivity during succession, whereas species diversity and functional diversity (FD) for each of the five traits explained much less (24–48% for species richness and 0–40% for FD for each of the five traits respectively). We found unequivocal evidence that significantly positive diversity–productivity relationships in the natural sub-alpine meadow communities across time are up to superior performers (dominant traits) in naturally developed communities where colonization occurs. As a result, understanding diversity–productivity relationships under the full range of community assembly processes therefore merits further investigation.

Influence of Changes in Botanical Diversity and Quality of Wet Grasslands through Phenological Phases on Cow Milk Fatty Acid Composition

Natural pastures in Montenegro, together with natural meadows, are the most important forage source and comprise 95% of the used agricultural area (UAA). The aim of this study was to estimate the changes in grassland biomass, chemical and floristic composition and fatty acid composition in milk of cows grazed on Agrostis stolonifera semi-natural wet grassland in the Central region of Montenegro. Investigation was conducted during three phenological phases: early vegetative, optimal vegetative and full reproductive phase. The chemical composition of the grassland biomass was changed through the phenological phases. A significant increase during the experimental period in the content of dry matter and crude fibers and a decrease in crude protein content were determined. The pasture community consisted of 52 species, belonging to 19 families. The total amount of plant species classified as excellent, very good and good quality was 7.69%, while medium quality plants amounted to 13.46%, low quality plants to 19.23%, valueless plants to 34.62% and toxic plants to 25%. The total quality index was 4.166. The highest quality index of this community was in the second phenological phase, then in the third phase the lowest quality was in the first phenological phase. According to the floristic composition and biomass quality, this lowland pasture can be qualified as being of moderate to good quality. The content of milk fat, protein and solid non-fat (SNF) was increased from the first to the third vegetation phase, but the differences between the phases were not significant (p > 0.05). The content of a majority of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) also increased, while the total content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was high in the second phase and decreased significantly in the third phase. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was constant in the first two phases, while it significantly decreased in the third phase. The highest content of most of MUFAs and PUFAs was obtained in the second phenological phase. The content of fatty acids in the third phase significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the phenological phase. This research contributes to the improvements in the grazing management of wet grasslands as well as the animal performances (milk yield and quality of milk).

Adana İlinde Kaba Yem Üretim Durumu ve Geliştirilme Olanakları

Hayvansal üretimin en önemli girdisini oluşturan yemler içerisinde kaba yemler ekonomik hayvancılığın en önemli ögesini oluştururlar. Sistemli bir kaba yem tedarik planı olmayan hayvancılık işletmesinin karlı olması olanaksızdır. Kaba yemlerin kaynağını doğal çayır-meralar, tarla tarımı içerisinde yetiştirilen yem bitkileri ve bitkisel üretim hasat artıkları oluşturur. Bu çalışmada, Adana ilinde kaba yem üretiminin durumu ve geliştirilme olanakları tartışılmıştır.

Geographical distribution of quinoa crop wild relatives in the Peruvian Andes: a participatory mapping initiative

The Peruvian Andes are among the world’s most important centers of origin for genetic diversity of crops and plants. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) was domesticated in the Bolivian and Peruvian Andean region around Lake Titicaca. In situ conservation systems for quinoa germplasm and its wild relatives can still be found in the traditional systems of Peruvian farming communities. Quinoa crop wild relatives (CWRs), like the majority of CWRs of other agricultural species, are being affected by the considerable changes in the natural landscapes of the Andes. This article analyzes the presence and distribution of seven quinoa CWRs at the agroecosystem level and considers the social and environmental Andean contexts in which they are found. A qualitative research method based on participatory mapping in six local communities of the Puno region in Peru was applied to establish the presence and distribution of the species. We present the results that were confirmed with local actors on participatory GIS maps. Based on our analyses, we conclude that conservation programs should consider both permanent native meadows and cultivated land with their fallow cycles and plot borders. The diversity of the presence of quinoa CWRs is one result of the coexistence of these two land uses.

Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of Microtus arvalis s. l. (Rodentia, Mammalia) Caught in the Deer Natural Park: Zoogeographic and Ecological Aspects

Priority data are presented on the chromosomal (routine, C-banding) and molecular (cyt b, p53) marking of several (n = 19) individuals of common vole sibling species from three previously not studied localities in the Central Black Earth region, at the territory of the Deer Natural Park (Lipetsk Region, Krasninsky District). All individuals caught on the territory of the Deer Natural Park in the northwestern part of the Lipetsk Region were identified by both genetic markers as M. arvalis form “arvalis” (MAA). No representatives of other M. arvalis s. l. sibling species, including recombinants, were found in our samples. The geographical location of the M. arvalis form “arvalis” found by us was estimated with respect to the distribution boundaries and hybridization sites of the 46-chromosome forms of M. arvalis s. l. in the Central Black Earth region. It is shown that the studied individuals have been caught within the range of the Microtus form “arvalis” and are largely removed from the hybridization sites of the 46-chromosomal forms M. arvalis s. l., discovered earlier in the southern Lipetsk region and the southeastern Kursk Region. No M. rossiaemeridionalis in the examined sample from the Deer Natural Park were found. The correspondence between the samples studied and identified as the M. arvalis form “arvalis” from the Deer Natural Park and native meadow biotopes is shown. The data of determining the taxonomic status of M. arvalis s. l. individuals from the Deer Natural Park are consistent with our perceptions of the nature of the geographical distribution and biotopic correspondence of M. arvalis s. l. sibling species and the chromosomal forms on the territory of the Central Black Earth region.

Optimising sampling strategies for emergency response: Soil sampling

The novel approach for optimising soil sampling strategies in areas affected by radionuclides is suggested. Major factors influencing the efficiency of soil sampling strategies, including (number of samples, sampling area size, sampling depth and spatial resolution of the sample sites are examined to provide optimisation of the soil sampling plan. The experimental field studies to validate the suggested approach were performed in 25 sampling units ranging from 1.2 × 1.2 m to 60 × 60 m size. The sampling units were selected on arable farmlands, natural meadow and former agricultural land), as well as coniferous and deciduous forests with contamination density of 137Cs ranging from 2.8 kBq·m−2 to 24.5 MBq·m−2. The studied areas were contaminated by both the global fallout and the Chernobyl radioactive particles of different types. To determine the values of standard deviation of the log of the soil contamination density of 137Cs, 25 to 256 soil samples were collected with an increment of 0.07–10 m within each sampling unit. It was found that the values of standard deviation of the log of the soil contamination density of 137Cs were not dependent on the mean contamination density, the type of radioactive deposition and the landscape features. The mean value of standard deviation calculated for all sites studied was estimated as 0.44 ± 0.15 and 0.30 ± 0.10 for the sampling area 0.001 m2 (∅37 mm) and 0.005 m2 (∅80 mm) at the relative measurement uncertainties lower than 10% (CI = 95%). Concentrations of 137Cs in the soil samples were statistically independent when sampling points were situated at a distance larger than 1 m one from each other. A simple method was developed for assessing minimum sample sizes required for estimation of the median or the geometric mean of radionuclide soil contamination with a relative uncertainty set by the user. The approach was also suggested for estimation of the uncertainty of soil contamination for the case of composite samples. The approach was implemented in the Ukrainian national requirements for assessment of quality of the soil.

RECLAMATION ROLE OF LIQUID HUMIC FERTILIZERS ON DRY GRASSLANDS OF THE MIDDLE TAIGA OF WESTERN SIBERIA

An evaluation of the effectiveness of application of liquid humic fertilizer of new generation Gumovit, Lignovit, Gumovit-NPK and Lignovit-KP, on a natural upland grassland site. Fertilizers are distinguished from their analogues by the waste-free technology of their production from wood waste and top peat by an energy-efficient mechanochemical method. The influence of fertilizers on the floral diversity of meadow vegetation, productivity of grassland, as well as on changes in the agrochemical composition of soil horizons under meadow vegetation was evaluated. The research was conducted on a pilot site located on the upper terrace of the middle taiga of Western Siberia in the vicinity of Khanty-Mansiysk, with a podzolic type of soil cover on sedge-grass meadow vegetation. It is shown that a five-fold annual data entry of humic fertilizers on vegetative phytomass with a treatment interval of 10 days c working solution concentration of fertilizer in the working solution 50 ml/l and a consumption of 2l/m2 provided increase of productivity of terrestrial phytomass of hay at 1.5–2.0 times. At the same time, the feed value of meadow phytomass is significantly improved. Changes in the quality characteristics of herbage are expressed in an increase in the share of legumes and cereals against the background of a decrease in sedge species. There is a change in the agrochemical characteristics of the natural meadow, which is expressed in the deoxidation of root-fed soil horizons, their accumulation of a noticeable amount of soil organic matter and nutrients. The positive reclamation effect affects all soil horizons, including the podzolic subhorizon. The most effective should be the use of sophisticated and integrated liquid humic fertilizer Gumovit-NPK and Lignovit-KP.

Pasture systems and forage production in agro-ecological conditions of the Republic of Srpska

Meadows and pastures, especially in the hilly-mountain area, are one of the basic ways of land utilization. Pastures are the main source of sustainable livestock production in the Republic of Srpska, as well as significant factor in conserving plant genetic biodiversity and protecting soil from erosion. Permanent or natural grasslands occupy about 350 thousand hectares of nearly one million hectares of agricultural land in the Republic of Srpska, representing about 30% of the area. Most of the natural meadows and pastures are located in hilly and mountain areas. Overall, the grasslands of the central Balkans are lowproductive and of unsatisfactory forage quality. In areas where there is no mowing and no fertilization, more than half of the grassland biomass can be produced from forbs (low quality herbs or weeds). The availability of permanent grassland nutrients has a strong impact on the biodiversity of plant species, the coverage and dominance of individual species in plant cover. Generally, the conditions in meadows and pastures in the Republic of Srpska are unsatisfactory because production potential is underutilized at all. Negative impacts such as infrastructure development and habitat destruction, overgrazing, eutrophication, overuse of rare and endangered species, discontinuation of traditional use and depopulation have led to the qualitative and quantitative changes in grasslands in the Republic of Srpska. Reduced production potential of natural meadows and pastures is also caused by the long-term effects of erosion, the impact of adverse climatic factors on areas under grasslands and improper management and use of grasslands. Improvement of the production potential of these grasslands can be achieved through fertilization with different amounts and types of organic and mineral fertilizers. Current practices and research have shown the positive effects of organic fertilizers, combined with moderate amounts of mineral fertilizers, for use in meadows and pastures.

Concentrations of nitrogen and organic carbon in different uses of Terric Histosol

In 2016–2019 in Eastern Lithuania, in Naujienos Terric Histosol (HSs-d), where natural and cultural meadows are grown and areas of cereal crops are annually cultivated, monitoring sites were installed. There at different times of the year at different Histosol depth – 0–30, 30–60 and 60– 90 cm layers, organic carbon (Corg.), total nitrogen (Nsum.) and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) concentration and their relationship were investigated. The studies have shown that the highest Nmin concentration was found in natural meadows areas, followed by cultural meadows areas, and finally cereal crops areas; in Terric Histosol at the 0–30 cm depth, mean concentrations were obtained, 100.7, 88.3 and 79.0 mg kg–1, respectively. The highest Nmin concentration was observed in the first days of July. It was 137.6 and 105.4 mg kg–1 in natural and cultural meadows areas, respectively. In deeper Terric Histosol layers, the Nmin concentration in cereal crops areas was slightly different. At the 30–60 cm depth, it ranged from 45.6 to 102.2 mg kg–1 over the years, and at the 60–90 cm depth from 55.1 to 87.2 mg kg–1. Nitrate formed the major part of mineral nitrogen in the studied Terric Histosol – 49.7–91.0%. Corg. concentration at the 0–30 cm depth in natural meadows areas was 41.2%, in cultural meadows areas it was 35.6% and in cereal crops areas 19.4%. The same sequence of Nsum. concentration was found – 3.04, 2.18 and 1.97%, and C:N ratio – 13.6, 16.3 and 9.8%. At deeper Terric Histosol layers the values of these indicators differed slightly between the crops areas. The Nmin concentration at 0–30 and 30–60 cm depth correlated best with the C:N ratio (r0–30 cm = 0.872**, r30–60 cm = 0.562*), Nsum. concentration (r0–30 cm = 0.618*, r30–60 cm = 0.568*) and to a lesser extent with the Corg. concentration (r0–30 cm = 0.341, r30–60 cm = 0.564*).