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Grasslands restoration opportunities in different habitats, with different grazing animals: Overview case studies II: Goat pastures
43-46Views:195In 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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Possibilities of restoration of natural or seminatural grasslands: Papers of the „Challenges and Aspects in Grassland Management” conference held on 22-23 May 2008.
19-27Views:254The number of natural grassland restoration projects increased in the last decade in Hungary, and probably the area of restored grasslands will be significantly extended in the next years due to New National Rural Development Program. To contribute to the success of this activity, in this paper we review the most important theoretical and practical aspects of natural grassland restoration methods. In the course of grassland restoration, habitats dominated by grasses and/or sedges have been restored in place of arable lands. In order to perform “natural” restoration, we should consider the ecological conditions of the landscape, and reconstruct natural or seminatural grasslands including of native plant species. Essentially, rehabilitation of natural landscape is supported also by creating new seminatural grassland patches. The basic principles of the natural grassland restoration are:
1. When a spontaneous secondary succession starts to proceed on an abandoned field without invasion of any alien plant species, the re-ploughing of the abandoned field has to be ignored.
2. Generally, the old fields surrounded by species-rich natural or seminatural grassland pathes can succesfully be restorated. Then, as a consequence of newly restored vegetation patches the recovery of the whole landscape can be accelerated. Furthermore, by restoring isolated grassland patches surrounded by arable lands a more diverse landscape pattern could be developed.
3. Spontaneous secondary succession of grasslands should be assisted.
4. The development of typical species composition of a seminatural grassland can be promoted by methods of spreaded hay. For successful process the hay has to be cut in a habitat type similar to ones that will be restored.
5. Applying seed-mix for sowing can be useful to prevent spreading weeds drastically in the early stages of succession.
6. Ideally, the seed-mix is originated from own harvesting or gathering from similar (or the same) habitats. If it is not possible, commercially available seed-mix can be applied, in which the dominant species is the same as in the restored habitat, with similar proportion.
7. Seed-mix consists of alien species has to be avoided.
8. If the composition or structure of the restored grassland is not appropriate after some years, the renewal of the grassland could be necessary. During the improvement process the reploughing of the restored grassland is avoided, but spreading seeds or hay, and direct sowing can be applied.
9. The loading of nutrient is not necessary in any stages of grassland restoration.
10. Applying chemicals is avoided; any herbicides can be used only when extensive invasion of alien plant species occurs.
11. The mechanical intrusions on soil are also avoided.
12. The restored grasslands is required regular or continuous management, which could be a preserving mowing or moderate grazing. The aspects of nature conservation should be considered.
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Habitat management on agrar-landscape, with special regard to grassland management: Papers presented at the „Timely questions in grassland and game management” scientific conference (Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Kaposvár University, 18-19 May 2006)
13-24Views:254The invariably unfavorable agrarian environment can be neutralized only through a change paradigm change. This would mean the adoption of the practice of "wise use”, which implies the introduction of small game management supported with habitat management. Habitat management concerns 5-10% of the areas and predator management/control according to need result also in the increase of the target species; in this case, small game populations, by increasing the diversity of the habitat structure. The preservation of grasslands, their small game-friendly management, and the development and maintenance of a durable, undisturbed grassland structure primarily in the habitat margins play an essential role in this work.
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The Role of Grassland in EU Soil Protection Strategy
3-15Views:162The three most important life quality criteria are: healthy and good-quality food, clean water and pleasant environment. All three are closely related to the sustainable management of natural resources; conservation of soil and water resources; rational land use and landscape preservation. Soils are conditionally renewable natural resources, consequently, their rational use, conservation, and the maintenance of their multipurpose functionality have particular significance both in the national economy and environment protection. The main soil functions are: integrator (transformer) of other natural resources; most important media for biomass production; storage of heat, water, nutrients, pollutants; buffer of various natural and human-induced stresses; huge natural filter (preventing groundwater pollution); detoxication media of various harmful substances; habitat for soil biota, gene-reservoir, media of biodiversity; conservator of the natural and human heritage.
The maintenance of these functions is the key-element of sustainable development on all levels of the decision-making process: Globe → continent → region → country → subregion → settlement → farm → field. The EU Strategy for soil protection focuses attention on 8 environmental threats, for their prevention, elimination or moderation:
– water and wind erosion;
– decrease in organic matter resources;
– compaction and structure destruction;
– soil sealing;
– the increasing frequency, duration and degree of extreme moisture events: flood, waterlogging – drought;
– point and non-point (diffuse) soil pollution;
– salinization/alkalization/sodification;
– decline in biodiversity (decreasing number and activity of soil organisms, narrowing their species spectra).
The EU-conform Soil Conservation Strategy of Hungary was elaborated during the last decades on the basis of long-term soil survey, soil analyses, soil mapping and soil monitoring activities. It comprises three main tasks:
– the prevention, elimination or moderation of soil degradation processes;
– the reduction of the unfavourable economic, ecological, environmental and social consequences of extreme moisture regimes;
– the control of the biogeochemical cycle of elements: optimum nutrient supply of plants; prevention of harmful soil pollution and contamination of the „food chain”.
Grassland management has to play a significant role in these actions. In addition to fodder production, rational grassland management can considerably contribute to the storage, buffer, filter and gene-reservoir functions of soil, to the improvement of soil moisture regime, to the moderation of extreme moisture conditions, and to the reduction of soil losses caused by water or wind erosion. In spite of these favourable impacts grasslands (covering about 12% of Hungary) have never been in the focus of Hungarian agriculture.
Grasslands were always restricted to marginal lands (sands, salt affected soils, peatlands, floddplains) with low and risky (highly weather-dependent) biomass production and low animal carrying capacity. Relatively productive grasslands were upturned for corn in large hilly areas (resulting serious erosion losses and landscape deterioration); the huge floodplain grasslands were used for other agricultural crops after flood control and river regulation; peatland grasslands were also considerably reduced by the drainage of these areas and used (not always successfully and efficiently) for arable crops. Huge areas became seriously degraded wastelands or „weedlnds” due to irregular grazing, lack of weed control, plant nutrition, water management. Under improper management not only the biomass production decreased considerably but the soil conservation functions of grassland were also deteriorated, sometimes dramatically. The poor and degraded grassland vegetation were not able to prevent (or at least moderate) water erosion losses in hilly areas, wind erosion losses in the dry sand regions or „over-drained” ameliorated peatlands, and even their gene-reservoir functions are sometimes threatened seriously.
Rational grassland management is an important element of both the European and Hungarian Soil Conservation Strategy. Its scientific bases are well-known. The details have to be determined by further research and scientific programs. The existing knowledge should be broadcast using all available information channels: teaching and education on various levels; demonstrations; media programs, etc. A proper system of stimulating economy regulations should be developed and formulated in various-level legal documents. But first of all an environment-friendly moral must be developed accepting the concept of sustainable grassland management.
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Long-term mowing on biomass composition in Pannonian dry grasslands in the Western-Cserhát
35-38Views:210This study is focusing on the vegetation of seminatural dry grasslands. Those loess grasslands are valuable with large biodiversity; however their long-term preservation requires regular conservation management. The report demonstrates the results of mowing experiment, designed to suppress the spread of unpalatable grass species, Calamagrostis epigeios. The study site is located in mid-successional loss grasslands, in the Western-Cserhát, near Rád, northern Hungary.
The study aims to the investigate the followings: Can the unpalatable Calamagrostis epigejos be suppressed by mowing? Are there possibilities to increase the diversity of sward by this? The study aims, to measure potential value-increasing effect of mowing, and to determine the carrying capacity in the aspect of grassland management.
In 2001, Camagrostis epigeios was the species with the highest coverage rate according to the both treatment types, with an average cover value of 63%. However, as a result of mowing, a significant difference was detected in the amount of litter and legumes species as well. The number of species showed a slight increase in both types of treatment, from 15 to 37 in the mowed plots, but also from 18 to 27 in the control plots. We concluded that mowing twice a year was beneficial to modify botanical composition of a grassland. In a way it was suited well for agricultural usage, in particular grazing which can replace the expensive and time-consuming scythe. It is also a suitable management measure for controlling the native invader species as a Calamagrostis epigeios, and can significantly increase the proportion of species with higher forage values.
Mowing has significantly increased the density of Calamagrostis epigeios, the species richness, and the diversity in the course of secondary succession. Therefore, mowing twice a year proved to be a successful management measure for controlling Calamagrostis epigeios, and for obtaining a sward composition. The treatment was effective in restoring grassland composition, although the achievement and maintenance of favourable conservation status for the grassland habitat require long-term management planning and regular treatment. According to the objectives, mowing not only promotes the control of the invasive species, but also the economic utilization of the area.
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Botanical and natural conservation comparison of seminatural and man-made grasslands in Paskom near Csakvar
3-14Views:626During the survey, the vegetation, botanical composition and grassland management values of a grassland were studied. The study site was originally a pasture, then was transformed into an arable land and finally back to pasture. The 160-ha-sized area is called „Szűzföld” and is located in the Zámoly Basin, West Hungary. In 1998, grazing of Hungarian grey cattle has begun on the grassland. The changes in the vegetation were followed from 1998, making records in every 6th year (1998, 2015, 2021). 6 coenological records were made in each type of grasslands, by recording the list of the occurring taxa and their cover values. During the survey the main questions were the following: considering nature conservation, coenology and grassland management, in which direction does the vegetation evolve with the grazing? Was the grazing with Hungarian grey cattle successful?
Based on the results, the grasslands became much more mosaic-like; drier and wetter vegetation patches could be separated (2015, 2021). As the grazing continued, species richness and diversity increased, especially in the wet areas.
The number and the cover of economically important grass taxa and legumes have increased. The following taxa became dominant: Festuca pseudovina in the drier parts, Agrostis tenuis and A. stolonifera in the wet ones. Based on the life form system of Pignatti, the area is not overgrazed, as rosette and reptant taxa did not became dominant. Based on nature conservation values, cover of the taxa of natural grasslands increased.
During the grazing, the meadow was universally covered mainly by weeds in 1998, and became much more valuable by 23 years later by means of nature conversation and grassland management. Moreover, this state has been stabilized according to the diversity values.
Based on the results, the grazing with Hungarian grey cattle was successful by both nature conservational and economical means. -
Analysis of the management of game feeding grounds based on the data of the Hungarian National Game Management Database: Papers presented at the „Timely questions in grassland and game management” scientific conference (Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Kaposvár University, 18-19 May 2006)
51-61Views:202One effect of the intensive management of forest and agricultural lands is the disappearance of the natural habitats of game species. The purpose of the management of game crop fields and meadows, as well as the feeding of game, is to compensate the shortage of food supply and to reduce game damage on cultivated lands.
Game managers expect to increase the density and the harvestable game through the systematic and professional cultivation of food plantings and game feeding. Furthermore, it is hoped that these parctices result in higher incomes for game management.
This study is based on the data of the Hungarian National Game Management Database for the period from 1997 to 2004. The paper shows the changes of the areas of game crop fields and the amounts of game feed used in Hungary. Furthermore, the correlations between game feeding parameters and the estimated and harvested numbers of the game species were investigated.
Our results show relatively low statistical relation between the game feeding and the density of the game. -
Expectable changes in the utilization of pastures: Papers of the „Challenges and Aspects in Grassland Management” conference held on 22-23 May 2008.
9-12Views:157Analysing the past and the future facts and figures of the Hungarian pasture management the authors has been found the following: − In the period between 1993 and 2003 it was generally believed, that the total area of pasture will be increasing in the future. This forecasting comes not be true. − In the period between 2004 and 2008 the Hungarian pasture area decreased with 13%. We can realise decreasing in the total yield and the yield to/ha too. At the same time in the National Parks and on other protected pastures the grassland management was improved. − Analysing the estimated stock of grazing animal and the necessary pasture area the authors give the main features of the Hungarian pasture utilization in the period after 2008.
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Grassland restoration practices in the Őrjeg area of the Kalocsa-Sárköz region I.
43-49Views:55The conservation and sustainable management of grasslands are of key importance from both nature conservation and grassland management perspectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of grassland restoration interventions carried out in areas with a well-documented land-use history. The study was conducted at two sample sites located in the Őrjeg area of the Kalocsa-Sárköz landscape unit of the Great Hungarian Plain, near Homokmégy. Following unsuccessful afforestation attempts, both sites were subjected to shrub removal over several years, after which cattle grazing was introduced. At one site, grazing was complemented by regular maintenance mowing, whereas at the other site this practice was omitted. One of the sample sites was further subdivided into a drier and a more mesic section in order to assess the influence of microhabitat differences.
In 2025, six phytosociological relevés were recorded at each site. Our results indicate that mechanical treatments following shrub removal, combined with grazing and maintenance mowing, promote the regeneration of grassland structure and species composition more effectively than grazing alone. From both conservation and grassland management perspectives, treatments integrating grazing with regular maintenance mowing proved to be more successful. Under the studied conditions, the absence of maintenance mowing limited the achievement of restoration objectives, suggesting that its reintroduction should be considered in future management practices. -
Follow-up of the cover value of grassland plants with different light demand in different types of grassland
17-21Views:383Changes in the cover value of grassland species over a four-year period were investigated in terms of light requirements for grassland species under different management regimes (mowing, mulching, meadow management, overgrazing). The highest cover values of light-demanding grassland plants (Trifolium sp., Achillea sp., Plantago sp.), which are ecologically and economically valuable and typical for extensive grassland with a soil condition of Solonyec, managed by the MATE Research Institute Karcag, were measured under mowing and meadow utilization. The lowest cover values of light-demanding butterfly-flowering species were found in treatments covered with leafy phytomass and overgrazed with sheep. In the overgrazing treatment, we observed invasive emergence of the light-hungry Hordeum murinum, a potential threat to sheep welfare.
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Domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) grazing as a habitat management and application option against invasive species
47-53Views:542In 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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Definition of terms in grassland management
39-41Views:475The definition of the terms related to swards used in support systems in grassland management, or used in the nomenclature of land cover data generated during remote sensing activities, is currently unclear and often inaccurate. It is necessary to define these terms in agricultural context, as well as to standardize the different formulations currently in use. This glossary made by the academic members of MÁSZ Grassland Management Working Group, helps to clarify concepts.
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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:927Since 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.
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Botanical and forage value study of a fairy ring in a sandy steppe grassland
21-28Views:69Pannonian sand grasslands represent a prominent nature conservation value, for the maintenance of which knowledge of appropriate grassland management practices is indispensable. Our research investigated the complex effects of a phenomenon known as fairy rings – specifically, rings formed by Agaricus xanthodermus – which transform both the soil and the vegetation. In the different zones of a 14 m diameter fairy ring, we performed detailed botanical surveys using a total of 288 quadrats, each 0.5 m×0. 5m in area. These were evaluated using Borhidi's ecological indicators and the Balázs method for estimating yield and fodder value.
The fairy ring exerts a dual, spatially distinct effect on the vegetation. Intensive nitrogen mobilisation occurred at the fungal front, leading to the rapid dominance of the nitrogen-demanding, ruderal species Elymus repens. The characteristics of this zone included a steep increase in total cover, a drastic decrease in diversity, and a decline in the vegetation's naturalness value. Moving inwards from the ring, the effect weakened; regeneration was taking place, where the fodder-valuable Poa angustifolia dominated, resulting in the highest fodder value (K-value) in the central part of the ring. However, diversity remained low here as well, due to monodominance.
In summary, it can be concluded that the A. xanthodermus fairy ring functions as an ecosystem engineer, generating significant spatial heterogeneity in the grassland. Based on our results, a comprehensive assessment of the effects of fairy rings is essential to develop sustainable management and conservation practices for Pannonian grasslands, with particular regard to the balance between forage production and biodiversity. -
Recovery of grasslands in former croplands using the combination of seed sowing and hay transfer
5-11Views:146In accordance with general trends in agricultural and natureőconservation practice in Europe, grassland restoration and traditional grassland management has gained increased importance in Hungary. In grassland restoration using of low rates of seed (less than 30kg/ha) and hay cover is suggested. In the present paper the effect of hay cover combined with low rate of seed (25 kg/ha) is studied in early grassland recovery. We aimed at to answer the question whether or not the speed of grassland recovery can be increased with a combined use of seed sowing and hay cover. The establishment of Festuca species was favoured by hay cover combined whit seed sowing. The emergence of shortlived weeds was significantly lower on most of the fields treated with hay cover and seed sowing. The species richness and diversity of early weeds did not differ significantly in fields sown only and fields treated both with seed sowing and hay cover. Our results suggest that the combination of seed sowing and hay cover is successful in fields, where high rate of weed invasion is possible, thus intensive post-restoration management is necessary.
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Conflicts between farming and nature reservation in grassland managements
31-34Views:201In the last few years important changes occurred in the grassland usage and in the grassland framing, which changes revised the farming circumstances of the grassland farmers. These changes come to the fore leading in the environment friendly, agricultural environment friendly programs, and drove farmers into a corner. The unfavorable economic conditions impressed the whole agriculture, because the grass hay user ruminant stock depressed drastically, farms with small animal stock and the herds ended countryside. The economic process did not serve animal husbandry recovery. Farmers see way out for the grassland sector, but on the marked factors we saw the impresses of the negative effects. We say this because they marked complementary seeding and reseeding as primary factors. Aims of the agricultural environment protection programs and the farmer’s cost-of-living will generate more conflicts. On these conflicts could ease rethinking the aims of the agricultural environment protecting programs, with lighten the strict directions of the nature conservation provisions and with ecological grassland farming.
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Climatic impacts on the vegetation of horse pastures and hay meadows at the equestrian centre near Sukoro
31-42Views:45The study was conducted on the grassland areas of the Sukoró Equestrian Centre. Phytosociological surveys carried out in 2023 were repeated in 2024 on both the rocky grassland horse pasture and the hay meadow. The objective was to assess the extent to which year effects are reflected in vegetation patterns. The year 2023 represented a dry year, whereas 2024 was characterised by a wet year. Phytosociological data were collected using the Braun-Blanquet (1964) method, applying 2×2 m quadrats, with vegetation cover estimated as percentage values. Quadrats were placed randomly within the study sites. Four sampling areas were investigated. Three were hay meadows: (I) mesic hay meadow; (II) alkali grassland dominated by Festuca pseudovina; and (III) marsh meadow. The fourth sampling area (IV) was a siliceous rocky grassland used as a horse pasture, which remained ungrazed in 2023. Based on the results, increased moisture availability led to a higher abundance of species with greater nitrogen and water requirements in the mesic hay meadow (Alopecuro-Arrhenatheretum) and in the Achilleo setaceae Festucetum pseudovinae grassland. Classification analyses clearly demonstrated the year effect in these vegetation types. In contrast, relevés from the marsh meadow did not show a clear separation between the two years. In the rocky grassland, only the proportion of nitrogen-demanding species increased. Nature conservation–based analyses also revealed a distinct pattern for the marsh meadow, where the proportion of disturbance-tol erant species decreased, while it increased in the other three vegetation types. From a grassland management perspective, the abundance of economically important grasses (Poaceae) declined only in the marsh meadow, whereas it increased in the other three vegetation types, accompanied by higher forage value indices. Overall, with the exception of the inherently wet marsh meadow, the wetter conditions of 2024 had a positive and clearly detectable effect on the studied vegetation types.
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The economic questions concerning the game management of hunting parks: Papers presented at the „Timely questions in grassland and game management” scientific conference (Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Kaposvár University, 18-19 May 2006)
47-50Views:165In the last twenty years, there has been a major change in Hungarian game management, and it became a profit-oriented activity.
This is especially true in game parks, where we would like to have very high quality stock. This is only insured through a proper level of feeding. Although many hunting areas have pasture land, they are uncultivated lands with very low production.
At the Bőszénfa hunting park, we studied the economy of normal feed production (maize, sorghum, cabbage), and realised that pasture management can be a valuable possibility for feed production.
With pasture, we could save up to 20% of our costs, and the entire management became simpler to organise. -
The big game unit (BGU) as an economic index for comparing big game management in different habitas: Papers presented at the „Timely questions in grassland and game management” scientific conference (Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Kaposvár University, 18-19 May 2006)
39-46Views:116This article presents a comparative examination of the financial data found in a report on game management concerning the counties of the South-Transdanubian Region. The most healthy cost structure was found in Tolna County, even though the 2003/2004 hunting year showed a deficit. In Somogy and Baranya counties, the damage caused by game was so great that management could not compensate for it.
The recently introduced big game unit (BGU) as an economic index clearly shows the difference among big game management in Hungary's counties. The produciton of a big game unit caused a 20% loss in Somogy, 10% in Baranya, 2% in Tolna County in the financial balance for the 2003/2004 hunting year. -
The role of grasslands in natural and farm-like game management: Papers presented at the „Timely questions in grassland and game management” scientific conference (Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Kaposvár University, 18-19 May 2006)
25-33Views:294This paper investigates the relationship between grasslands and game management. It focuses on three questions:
- grasslands as habitats for game,
- grasslands as sites for prolification,
- grasslands as sources of nutrition.
Five so-called big, and five so-called small game species were considered, based on my own research and a literature review. Main results and consequences:
- grasslands as ecosystems are more important in game management than as solely resources of nutrients,
- compared to their territorial proportions, grasslands play a 2-3 time grates role in game management,
- grasslands are more preferred on areas where vegetation types are frequently changing (a given vegetation occupies only a small area),
- there is a remarkable seasonality in grassland use of small game, spring being the peak season,
- classification of game considering grasslands as sources of nutrients:
I. grasslands are hardly eaten by: red deer, wild pig, wild ducks
II. grass is consumed, but it is not a main source of nutrients: for fallow deer
III. grass is consumed as frequently as other forages by roe deer, wild sheep
IV. grasslands are important feeding sites for pheasants, partridges
V. grass is the main forage for hares, wild ducks -
Multiple uses of grasslands: Papers of the „Challenges and Aspects in Grassland Management” conference held on 22-23 May 2008.
5-8Views:237In recent decades grassland science has identified all those products and services, which grasslands can provide for society. Among commodity goods traditional (meat, milk, leather, fibre, medicinal plants, animal excreta for heating, animal power to cultivate crops) and new products (labelled food from grasslands, biodiversity as gene pool for plant breeding, grass for energy) have been discussed. Non commodity benefits of grasslands are discussed in global (mitigation of climate change, air quality, water resources, soil health, carbon sequestration, maintenance of gene pools for biodiversity), regional (aesthetic or landscape values, conservation of watersheds, facilitation of tourism and hunting, avoidance of disasters such as avalanches and landslides, buffer zones for power lines, rehabilitation of landscape damages in mining areas) and local (preservation of grassland based cultural heritage) contexts. These products and services are investigated from the points of sustainability and multifunctionality. Existing grasslands and turfs in the county are categorized according to their basic functions. It is concluded that grasslands are the only ecosystem that is able to fulfil so mary tasks and requirements. Future prospects of grassland use in Hungary are outlined from the point of multifunctionality. Production functions of grassland are facing a slight increase due to organic farming. Ecological function will maintain their high importance. Remarkable increase is expected in amenity uses of grasslands.
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Effects of gradation of common vole (Microtus arvalis) on plant composition and carbon dioxide emissions of semi-natural grassland associations
11-15Views:492We 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.
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Botanical and grassland investigations in a pasture grazed by Hungarian grey catte in Badacsonytördemic in 2008
73-78Views:416Sample areas can be found in the Tapolcai Basins. Phytosociological samples were collected: 32 ha grassland stand with low intensity grazing (under-grazed pasture), 38 ha overgrazed pasture, 34 ha meadow (hayfield) and the stand where animals drank. The areas were suitable for following up the changes of vegetation and production during the grazing season of the year. 5 replicates of 2×2 m phytosociological samples plots were examined on each grasslands according to the Braun- Blanquet method (1964) in April, May, June, August and September 2008. 118 Hungarian Grey Cattle were grazed on the pastures. 14 species were common in each saple areas, wich are dominant species of natural grassland associations (Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca arundinacea, Deschampsia aespitose) in the region. The overgrazed pasture had only low nutritive value and contained high number of weed species. About one month per year grazing time in the undergrazed area was not enough to achieve a better state of species diversity, although the forage production of the area remained high. The number of species and the 32 ha grassland was high (58) weeds was due to the high number of weeds, however the nutritive value of this grassland was poor. The species number of the hayfield was lower (31) than and grassland, however species composition was better and the nutritive was higher. It seemed that management was suitable and the hayfield.
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Relationship between the diversity and mowing in cleared grassland areas in the Börzsöny mountains
3-13Views:142Nowadays, mowing has an increasing role in the management of semi-natural and nature conservation areas. Semi-dry grasslands have been formed on cleared areas of forest in the Pannon mountains, which would be reclaimed by forest without use of the areas by humans. In our work we analysed cleared grasslands. The questions we aimed to answer were the following:
(i) What kind of vegetation changes were caused by different land use types?
(ii) Is mowing a proper method for grassland management and nature protection in the studied system?
(iii) Do the species composition and the diversity vary within two years when conditions of precipitation are different?
In four sampling areas situted in Börzsöny mountains (North-Hungary), we registered the plant species and their cover values in ten quadrats per sampling area. We performed a site assessment in April, June and October, 2013-2014. We analysed the data by using cluster and ordination processes and we compared the sampling areas on the basis of the humidity preference and Shannon’s index of diversity. From nature conservation’s point of view, it is favourable that the cover of Potentilla alba occurring in the area was high. It is a specialist plant species with low stress resistance. However, due to tourism, it occured less frequently in the area and Bromus erectus became dominant instead. The species whose cover was more extensive in areas not affected by tourism – for example Alopecurus pratensis, Galium verum, Carex praecox, Trisetum flavescens – occurred less frequently in areas affected by tourism. On the short run, species did not completely disappear due to the changing conditions but their abundance decreased, as has been already supported by other surveys. The ordination analysis showed that the composition of species considerably differed with the portions of land cultivated in different ways. The change of the cover values was apparent not only in the case of the dominant species but of also in case of species with smaller cover. The decrease of diversity, the change of plant cover, the decrease of number of sensitive species as a result of tourism are typical phenomena all over the world. The Shannon’s diversity records showed that due to human presence and trampling the diversity declined. It was considerably lower in the year with less rain. In the year with more rain the diversity of species was considerably higher, however, the difference in between the surveyed areas was large. All these examples draw attention to the important role of environmental factors alongside the human factors. The water reserve also influences the productivity of grasslands and water has primary importance in the structure of plant communities. According to the survey, in the two areas not affected by tourism, in the rainier year the difference between the humidity preference of the species of the dry and the less dry patches became similar. On these areas, there were more species with higher humidity preferences in the rainier year, however, this tendency could not be observed in the rainier year on areas affected by tourism. The areas affected by tourism may react in a less flexible manner to the change in precipitation conditions. Based on our analysis, we can conclude that the surveyed semi-dry grasslands are extremely rich in species and therefore proper grassland management plans are needed. To preserve grasslands of high natural value, the impacts of the environmental factors should also be considered in addition to becoming acquainted with the history and the present conditions of landscape use.
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Change of perspective in grassland analysis, three-dimensional crop estimation and qualification method
47-58Views:543From the point of view of the lawns' current existence, use and their existence for the future, but the tasks, goals and challenges of grassland management have changed, and in line with this, we have carried out surveys and developed and modified a method for fast and efficient application.
In practice, it is very important to know the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the forage found in the pasture, as well as the exact economic value of the pasture. The purpose of this study is to present a cheap, fast, reliable and easy-to-apply estimation method.
We took the previous methods into account and corrected and further developed them with the help of recent lawn management research results. Based on our tests, the corrected Balázs method can be used well to estimate the yield of grasslands and to determine the fodder value of the grassland. This method is cheap and requires no technical background. It also has the advantage, based on experience, that it takes into account the preference of species by animals.
The data from the cenological survey and the height measurement of the plant stock can be used to estimate the yield, fodder value and economic value. Being a non-destructive method involving minimal trampling, it is also particularly suitable for monitoring the grassland habitat of protected plants and animals. The method is also presented on a sample example, which proves its applicability.