The valley grassland vegetation

Abstract

In this chapter the succession in meadows subjected to hay-making after the cessation of fertilizer application is discussed. The results of regular management practices carried out by farmers or by the State Forestry Commission will be dealt with. These practices often imply hay-making in July without fertilizer application. A comparison was made in lots where hay-making was started in different years and was carried out with different regimes. The questions to be answered are, (i) to what extent can meadows which were formerly applied with fertilizers be restored to species-rich grasslands?, (ii) how long does this take?, (iii) how do different substrates influence successional lines? Another question will also arise (iv) what are the successional lines with cutting regimes other than the July one e.g. hay-making twice, hay-making in September, cutting and mulching or even abandoning?