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Domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) grazing as a habitat management and application option against invasive species
47-53Views:500In nature conservation, the aggressive expansion of invasive plant species and the preservation of valuable grasslands are a global problem. Based on this, the following question can be formulated: which animal species and breeds are suitable for habitat management? Is the water buffalo suitable for lawn care and to what extent? With the overview work, we review the results so far, highlighting domestic areas where we already have preliminary results and where previous data have already been produced. Based on this, the invasive Solidago was completely suppressed in the marshes of the Zámolyi basin, the pasture was completely transformed, and the dominant species became Sesleria uliginosa. Also in the area of the Zámolyi basin, there were significant floristic and physiognomic differences in the vegetation. You may find that buffalo grazing is a suitable habitat management method in both dry grassland and wet grassland. Therefore, in addition to being effective in the control of Solidago gigantea, grazing with buffaloes is successful both in terms of nature conservation and grassland vegetation from an economic point of view. The first stage of the long-term planned work is an overview of the work on the water buffalo. The research is supported by the creation of Innovation operational groups and the investment necessary for the implementation of the innovative project. call for tenders (VP3-16.1.1-4.1.5-4.2.1-4.2.2-8.1.1-8.2.1-8.3.1-8.5.1-8.5.2-8.6.1-17) and the Innovation and the New National Excellence Program of the Ministry of Technology code number ÚNKP-22-3-I-MATE/2 was supported by the grant funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund and grant AKGF-119-1-202.
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Grasslands restoration opportunities in different habitats, with different grazing animals: Overview case studies II: Goat pastures
43-46Views:30In this summary overview, we present the findings of phytosociological surveys conducted in vegetation types subjected to goat grazing—excluding the control meadows—across seven different study sites in addition to four settlements located in Transdanubia and the North Hungarian Mountains. The areas are also evaluated from a grassland management perspective. Furthermore, we explored the potential use of two invasive species (Solidago gigantea and Calamagrostis epigeios) as goat fodder, and we included a mown meadow as a control. The primary aim was to assess the species richness and ecological value of these areas under varying levels of grazing pressure and grassland management strategies, particularly in terms of conservation and pasture use.
The most degraded plant communities were observed in Nagyréde and Kaposdada, where overgrazing had occurred. This was evident in species composition, as these areas were the least species-rich and showed significant infestation by ruderal species. In contrast, the most favorable outcomes—both for conservation and for grassland management—were found in sites that were initially mown and subsequently grazed by goats. The results suggest that vegetation types developed under light grazing pressure were more beneficial from a grazing perspective. Overall, the study indicates that a combination of light grazing and mowing is the most suitable management approach for maintaining and utilizing these semi-dry grasslands sustainably.
Additionally, both invasive species may have potential for use as fodder when harvested at appropriate phenological stages and supplemented with additional feed, although not for meat production purposes.
In this summary overview, we present the findings of phytosociological surveys conducted in vegetation types subjected to goat grazing—excluding the control meadows—across seven different study sites in addition to four settlements located in Transdanubia and the North Hungarian Mountains. The areas are also evaluated from a grassland management perspective. Furthermore, we explored the potential use of two invasive species (Solidago gigantea and Calamagrostis epigeios) as goat fodder, and we included a mown meadow as a control. The primary aim was to assess the species richness and ecological value of these areas under varying levels of grazing pressure and grassland management strategies, particularly in terms of conservation and pasture use.
The most degraded plant communities were observed in Nagyréde and Kaposdada, where overgrazing had occurred. This was evident in species composition, as these areas were the least species-rich and showed significant infestation by ruderal species. In contrast, the most favorable outcomes—both for conservation and for grassland management—were found in sites that were initially mown and subsequently grazed by goats. The results suggest that vegetation types developed under light grazing pressure were more beneficial from a grazing perspective. Overall, the study indicates that a combination of light grazing and mowing is the most suitable management approach for maintaining and utilizing these semi-dry grasslands sustainably.
Additionally, both invasive species may have potential for use as fodder when harvested at appropriate phenological stages and supplemented with additional feed, although not for meat production purposes.
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Grasslands restoration opportunities in different habitats, with different grazing animals. Overview case studies I: wooded pastures, deforestation: Áttekintő esettanulmányok I: fás legelők, erdőirtások
41-46Views:754Since 1992, data on the vegetation of the various grasslands in the country have been collected continuously and in recent years the vegetation of these areas has been surveyed repeatedly to monitor changes. Our aim has been to identify the conservation values and grassland management values of grasslands grazed by different animals, grasslands and wooded pastures that have been planted or restored. In the Pannonian region, we have also carried out studies in lowland mid-range, hilly areas. Areas grazed by horses, Hungarian grey cattle, sheep, goats and domestic water buffalo. The results of grazing with different animals at several study sites have been monitored and have been continuously monitored since 1994. In this paper, a brief overview of the results of the conversion of wooded pastures and deforested areas to pasture is presented.
Results from three wooded pastures and one shrubland are summarised. Results from Hungarian grey cattle sheep and Hungarian domestic buffalo pasture are summarised. In all areas, grazing was successful in maintaining habitats. The maintenance of the scrub area and the preservation of its mosaicity were best ensured in the Hungarian grey cattle pasture. Sheep were responsible for maintaining the grassland vegetation. Water buffaloes ensured the maintenance of the pasture.