Effects of gradation of common vole (Microtus arvalis) on plant composition and carbon dioxide emissions of semi-natural grassland associations
https://doi.org/10.55725/gygk/2025/22/2/15164
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Abstract
We investigated the effects of the 2023 Hungarian pococodegradation on the autumn and spring aspects of a semi-natural grassland association on saline soils. We measured changes in vegetation structure due to the direct phytomass damage of the vole and the uncovered area caused by the large number of tunnels. The cover value of disturbance-tolerant plant species in the vole grassland increased, and so did the degree of degradation. Significantly higher carbon dioxide emissions were measured in the vole-damaged grassland than in the control grassland in autumn and spring. The proven higher activity of microorganisms in the soil with vole tunnels can be explained by the more favourable aerobic conditions of the saline clay soil. Due to the predicted mild winters and drier springs, our lawn management should be prepared for more frequent vole invasions, the effects of which we intended to provide data on.