Diversity And Adaptation Of Perennial Plants From North Africa: Legumes And Grasses,
2023
Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique, Algeria
Diversity And Adaptation Of Perennial Plants From North Africa: Legumes And Grasses, Aissa Abdelguerfi, M. Laouar, K. Abbas, M. M'Hammedi Bouzina
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A variety of climates, soil types and reliefs characterise North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). These natural conditions have produced a large diversity of environments, landscapes, plant formations and flora. Several factors have contributed to the spread of a wide floristic variety: the influence of the Mediterranean in the north and in the north-east, the Atlantic in the west, and the Sahara in the south, as well as the presence of mountain ranges, particularly the Rif, the Tell Atlas, the Sahara Atlas, the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas. This diversity of landscapes, environments and ecosystems has generated …
Comparison Of Compositional Changes In Multi-Species Grass/Legume Mixture Experiments Across Three Nordic Countries (Iceland, Sweden And Finland) Over Two Years,
2023
University College Dublin, Ireland
Comparison Of Compositional Changes In Multi-Species Grass/Legume Mixture Experiments Across Three Nordic Countries (Iceland, Sweden And Finland) Over Two Years, Caroline Brophy, Anne-Maj Gustavsson, A. Helgadottir, Oiva Nissinen, J. Connolly
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A multi-site experiment was established at 39 sites across Europe, Australia and Canada within COST Action 852 to: (1) assess the benefits of grass/legume mixtures over monocultures, (2) test the stability of mixtures and (3) evaluate the consistency of the observed patterns over broad environmental gradients. This paper compares the results from 3 Nordic sites using the same plant species: Korpa Experimental Station in Iceland, Lapland Research Station in Finland and Piteå in Sweden to investigate if compositional changes in mixtures are consistent across the sites.
Site Effects On The Composition Of Multi-Species Grass/Legume Mixtures During Sward Establishment,
2023
IGER, UK
Site Effects On The Composition Of Multi-Species Grass/Legume Mixtures During Sward Establishment, Rosemary P. Collins, M. Fothergill, John Connolly
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Under the auspices of COST Action 852, a multi-site experiment investigated issues of community structure, function and their interrelationships in multi-species grass/legume mixtures (Collins et al., 2004; Sebastià et al., 2004). We describe the effects of 2 contrasting sites on forage yield and species composition during sward establishment.
Unplanned Fires And Sustainability Of A Semi-Arid Rangeland In South Africa,
2023
University of the Free State, South Africa
Unplanned Fires And Sustainability Of A Semi-Arid Rangeland In South Africa, Hennie A. Snyman
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Whether due to lightning or human negligence, large-scale unplanned fires affect large areas of the semi-arid southern African rangelands during the dormant winter (June-August) period (Everson 1999). These fires cause enormous fodder flow problems, and also influence ecosystem functioning (Snyman 2003). The short-term impact (2 years) of an unplanned fire on the sensitivity of above- and belowground productivity of a semi-arid rangeland was therefore investigated.
Effects Of Burning On Grassland Vegetation Cover On The Northeastern Side Of The Alborz Ranges In Iran,
2023
The Islamic Azad University, Iran
Effects Of Burning On Grassland Vegetation Cover On The Northeastern Side Of The Alborz Ranges In Iran, F. Amiri, M. R. Chaichi, A. Atrakchali
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Golestan National Park is located on the northeastern side of the Alborz ranges, Golestan province, Iran. Because of the special vegetation cover and being located close to two wet and dry weather areas, this park is vulnerable to fire hazards. Between 1957 and 2004 more than 67 fires have been reported in the park. The international importance of the park requires a careful study on fire effects on vegetation cover, phytomass production, grass diversity and successional process after fires.
The Influence Of Tree Thinning And Subhabitat Differentiation On Panicum Maximum And Urochloa Mosambicensis Of A Bush Encroached Semi-Arid Savanna In South Africa,
2023
University of the Free State, South Africa
The Influence Of Tree Thinning And Subhabitat Differentiation On Panicum Maximum And Urochloa Mosambicensis Of A Bush Encroached Semi-Arid Savanna In South Africa, G. N. Smit
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The productivity of grasses is most important for herbivores in extensive semi-arid savannas. In these areas an increase in woody plant abundance, commonly referred to as bush encroachment, suppresses grasses. This is the main reason why landowners often consider thinning or even total clearing of all woody plants. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of different intensities of tree thinning and subhabitat differentiation on the grass layer of a semi-arid South African savanna.
The Effect Of Different Utilisation Methods On Composition Of Semi-Natural Grassland,
2023
Slovak Agricultural University, Slovakia
The Effect Of Different Utilisation Methods On Composition Of Semi-Natural Grassland, J. Jančovič, L'. Vozár, L'. Jančovičová
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
There has been much research on application of mineral fertilisers to permanent grasslands to maximise production of above-ground phytomass (Folkman & Jančovič 1990), but the changes arising after exclusion of fertilisers have not been studied in Slovak Republic up to now despite current interest in low input ststems. This paper reports on the effects of cessation of fertiliser inputs for an eight-year period.
Impact Of The Agricultural Use On The Biodiversity Of A Festuca Rubra Meadow,
2023
University of Agricultural Sciences and Medicine, Romania
Impact Of The Agricultural Use On The Biodiversity Of A Festuca Rubra Meadow, I. Rotar, F. Păcirar, R. Vidican, N. Sima
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Technological inputs into meadow ecosystems trigger significant changes in the sward. In this paper we present the effect of organic and mineral fertilisation on the biodiversity of a Festuca rubra meadow.
Long-Term Effect Of Levels Of N-, P-, K-Supply On The Shannon-Index For Two Pastures Located In Central Germany,
2023
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
Long-Term Effect Of Levels Of N-, P-, K-Supply On The Shannon-Index For Two Pastures Located In Central Germany, Judith F. Oerlemans, W. Opitz Von Boberfeld
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Intensive grassland production, including the use of mineral fertilisers, has degraded the botanical diversity of grassland communities seriously (Chapman, 2001). There is little information on optimal amounts of soil nutrient availability to maintain/regenerate species-rich grassland communities. This study in Central Germany aimed to quantify the long-term effect of different N-, P-, K-supply combinations on biodiversity, expressed in terms of the Shannon-Index (Sh-Id), of 2 pastures classified as Lolio-Cynosuretum.
The Effect Of Npk Fertilisation On Structure And Species Composition Of Grasslands,
2023
Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
The Effect Of Npk Fertilisation On Structure And Species Composition Of Grasslands, Frantisek Hrabě, Jiří Skládanka
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Long-term research into the effect of N+PK nutrition enables an objective evaluation of the trend and rate of succession and a prediction of changes including production development in permanent grassland (Hrabě et al., 1991). Former research (Hrabě & Halva, 1993) and evaluation within an eco-system concept (Rychnovská et al., 1994) demonstrated marked changes in the species composition of grass communities with the application of N+PK fertilisation that did not correspond to the sward type and site conditions.
Effect Of Aspect And Animal Movement On A Temperate Mountain Grassland Structure,
2023
NEIKER, Spain
Effect Of Aspect And Animal Movement On A Temperate Mountain Grassland Structure, Sorkunde Mendarte, I. Amezaga, Isabel Albizu, A. Ibarra, Iker Mijangos, M. Onaindia
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Mountain pasture systems are maintained by the combination of physical and environmental factors and human activity leading to highly complex ecosystems (Watkinson & Ormerod 2000). Differences between pastures are usually due to physical conditions and animal pressure (Fynn & O´Connor 2000). In extensive livestock production systems in the Basque Country (northern Spain), livestock graze in mountain pastures from May until October. This study examined the effect of aspect and animal movement on grassland structure.
Plant Functional Types And Grazing Management In Mediterranean Grassland: An 11-Year Synthesis,
2023
Tel Aviv University, Israel
Plant Functional Types And Grazing Management In Mediterranean Grassland: An 11-Year Synthesis, Marcelo Sternberg, Zalmen Henkin, Avi Perevolotsky, M. Gutman, Eugene D. Ungar
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Mediterranean ecosystems have high seasonality in resource availability, high year-to-year rainfall variability, many annual plants in the forage and a long history of grazing and disturbance. These facts, and results of previous studies (Sternberg et al., 2000) suggested that stocking rates could be increased above those of traditional grazing. However, the long-term effects of intensive grazing on the vegetation were not fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the responses of plant functional types (PFT) and community structure to different regimes of cattle grazing in Mediterranean grassland, particularly at high stocking rates.
Floristic Composition And Species Richness Model In Winter Rangelands Of Northeastern Iran,
2023
University of Agricultural Sciences, Iran
Floristic Composition And Species Richness Model In Winter Rangelands Of Northeastern Iran, Anahita Rashtian, Mansour Mesdaghi
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Due to the variable annual rainfall, the plant communities of rangelands in northeastern of Iran are fluctuating and the productivity is highly variable. This ecosystem covers about 500,000 ha and is one of the important winter ranges in Iran. In this fluctuating ecosystem, species diversity and floristic composition are changing annually (Pabot, 1967). Under heavy grazing most of the range species were extinct, but under light and moderate grazing, species richness was improved, fitting with the humped-back model (Wilkinson, 1999). The objectives of this research were 1) to determine floristic composition in three vegetation types and 2) to show the …
Long-Term Trends Of Community Structures In Tall Grassland Vegetation Under Three Treatments In Northeastern Japan,
2023
National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Japan
Long-Term Trends Of Community Structures In Tall Grassland Vegetation Under Three Treatments In Northeastern Japan, M. Tsutsumi, S. Sakanoue, S. Takahashi, Y. Yamamoto, Y. Saito, S. Itano
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In order to acquire fundamental knowledge on sustainable use and conservation of grasslands in an Asian monsoon climate, we have investigated since 1982 the vegetation of typical Japanese tall-grass, Miscanthus sinensis (Japanese plume-grass) dominant grassland. Three treatments, cattle-grazing, cutting and abandoning were carried out at the study site. We report the results of this research here, in particular focusing on the analysis of the changes in community structure and the influence of different utilization.
Is Biodiversity Declining In The Traditional Haymeadows Of Skye And Lochalsh, Scotland?,
2023
Scottish Agricultural College, UK
Is Biodiversity Declining In The Traditional Haymeadows Of Skye And Lochalsh, Scotland?, G. E. D. Tiley, D. G. L. Jones
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Species-rich haymeadows have developed on crofts in the Isle of Skye and Lochalsh Districts of north-west Scotland as a result of a century or more of traditional land use. This has involved long rotations of late cutting for hay with aftermath grazing by cattle and short breaks for cropping. The traditional haymeadows are increasingly coming under threat from changes taking place in the countryside. A survey of the main haymeadows still remaining in Skye and Lochalsh was carried out during 2003 to assess the current botanical composition, management and conservation value, and to compare with earlier surveys.
Development Of Saline Vegetation On Embanked Grasslands At The Baltic Sea Coast After 10 Years Of Extensive Pasture Use,
2023
Rostock University, Germany
Development Of Saline Vegetation On Embanked Grasslands At The Baltic Sea Coast After 10 Years Of Extensive Pasture Use, Renate Bockholt, S. Schmitz, S. Noel
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Since the establishment of the National Park "Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft" in 1992, the objective has been the restoration the grasslands, which was used intensively before. The soil type is a fine- sand gley. Management of embanked grasslands has been changed into extensive management. Fertilisation, renewal of the sward and water control by drainage have been stopped. Instead of the previous use of cutting for silage, mother cows (1 cattle/ ha) were grazing the areas extensively.
Extensive Management Of Sheep Grazing In Upland Sown Grassland: Long-Term Effects On Plant Species Composition,
2023
The Macaulay Institute, UK
Extensive Management Of Sheep Grazing In Upland Sown Grassland: Long-Term Effects On Plant Species Composition, C. A. Marriott, G. T. Barthram, T. G. Common, J. H. Griffiths, J. M. Fisher, K. Hood
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Changes in the Common Agricultural Policy have led to the development of agri-environment schemes to deliver environmental goods from grasslands. These schemes encourage more extensive grazing systems, and change the emphasis from animal output to issues such as increasing biodiversity. Lower stocking densities are expected to promote the development of a heterogeneous habitat and associated compositional changes in plant species. The long-term effect of more extensive sheep management, combining cessation of fertiliser and lower grazing intensity, on botanical composition and animal output in upland sown grassland has been studied at 3 sites (Marriott et al., 2002) since 1990. We …
Grazing, Biodiversity And Pastoral Vegetation In The South Sudanien Area Of Burkina Faso,
2023
INERA Farako-Bâ, Burkina Faso
Grazing, Biodiversity And Pastoral Vegetation In The South Sudanien Area Of Burkina Faso, E. Botoni-Liehoun, P. Daget
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Grazing impact on plant diversity is dominated by two contradictory views. In some studies, it has been found to lead to an increase in diversity and in other studies to a decrease associated with dominance of a few species (Nösberger et al, 1998, Hiernaux, 1998). In an Isoberlinia doka forest ecosystem, considered as the climax vegetation in the South Sudanien area of Burkina Faso, a study was carried out to assess the impact of grazing on the diversity of herbaceous species. The Isoberlinia doka forest is one type of South Sudaniensavanna. The woody stratum is open and allowed development …
The Effect Of Grazing On Rare And Common Grasses And Forbs In The Mediterranean Coastal Desert Of Egypt,
2023
UAE University, United Arab Emirates
The Effect Of Grazing On Rare And Common Grasses And Forbs In The Mediterranean Coastal Desert Of Egypt, A. El-Keblawy, A. Ramadan
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Large parts of the rangelands in the Arab countries are either overgrazed or gradually deteriorating due to large numbers of livestock and unrestricted grazing (Assaeed, 1997). Protection of vegetation against grazing in desert environments has been suggested as a feasible approach to halting land degradation and rehabilitating rangelands (El-Keblawy, 2003). However, little is known about the response of different plant life forms and life cycles to grazing. The objectives of this study were to address this point and to test the response of rare and common forbs and grasses to protection against grazing.
Plant Species Richness At Three Levels Of Range Potential In Semi-Steppe Vegetation Of Iran,
2023
University of Agricultural Sciences, Iran
Plant Species Richness At Three Levels Of Range Potential In Semi-Steppe Vegetation Of Iran, Mansour Mesdaghi
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Semi-steppe vegetation with a mean annual precipitation of 250 mm covers 18.5% of Iran (Pabot, 1967). Under full protection, bunch grasses are dominant in this grassland ecosystem. Golestan National Park, (100,000 ha), is representative of this semi-steppe vegetation zone. It has been protected for 40 years and can be considered as a reference area (RA) of semi-steppe vegetation. Under moderate grazing the The Gorokhoud Protected Area acts as a buffer zone to the National Park, with grazing based on permits issued by the Range and Forest Organisation. Parts of the protected area can be considered as a key area (KA), …
