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Sandy grasslands along the Danube are dominant Content values of Festuca species (preliminary study)
3-7Views:107There is a very old practice of grazing livestock in Hungary. Plants of the pastures are the most valuable feed for grazing animals. Supplementation of feed rations with fibre improves the saturation of the digestive tract, resulting in calmer animals and improved animal welfare. Grasses of pastures can be a useful supplement as they contain a lot of digestible fibre. Our purpose was to find out the grassland management values of sandy grasslands dominated by Festuca species along the Danube. We carried out cutting samples along the Danube, from the north-western part of the Little Hungarian Plain, through the sandy plains of the Carpathian Basin, Serbia, Romanian Plain to Bulgaria. The cut samples were analysed in the laboratory of MATE based on Weende analysis. The original dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre content, as well as the measurement of fibre fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL) were analysed. The results showed that absolute dry matter, crude fibre and NDF contents were high in all samples. The five samples of Festuca species analysed showed significant differences in dry matter and crude fibre. Festuca wagneri had the highest dry matter content. The highest crude protein content was found in samples of Festuca vaginata, Festuca wagnerii and Festuca rupicola, but the highest crude fibre content was found in samples of Festuca tomanii.
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Horticultural applicability of Festuca taxa I.
3-9Views:146This survey is connected to OTKA-125423, which examines the vegetation of sandy grasslands along the Danube. During this survey, two potentially horticulturally usable Festuca species was analysed: Festuca wagneri and Festca tomanii. The main questions were the following: are they usable in an urban environment? Do the to species differ significantly? Have they any morphotaxonomic feature which can by utilized in horticultural practice? Specimens of the two taxa, which were planted either into normal garden soil or into pots differed greatly. Specimens of F. tomani were usually larger and more uniform. Both taxa had the pot treatment well. Though the average lengths of leaves and inflorescence stems tended to be higher on the soil mixed with perlite, the coverage values were lower on it; thus adding expensive perlite to the soil might not be rewarding for the farmer. The two species differed from each other in several morphological parameters. The diversity of Festuca wagneri showed well in this survey, and this taxons parameters would be also useful in horticultural practice.
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Kaszálás felhagyásának kezdeti hatása nyugat-magyarországi üde gyepek fajkompozíciójáradhdhdh
13-20Views:73In our survey we collected data about the behaviour of dominant species on three wet meadows in the West part of Hungary. We focused on species composition, the stability and economic values of the grasslands affected by abandonment and mowing. The meadows are mowed twice a year since 2006. We established abandoned plots (50×50 m) within each meadows in 2012 to investigate how can the species composition shifts by abandonment comparing with the mowed plot. In this study we investigated the abundances of species in 2×2 m quadrates (10 per plot) in three times per a year (April, June, August) in 2012 and 2013. Total species lists are similar (55 ± 6% common species in paired comparison) on the three grasslands, however the reaction of dominant species on mowing and unmowing were different, probably due to also the significant differences in the abundance of dominant species between meadows. The abundance of Festuca arundinacea decreased on every abandoned plot from 2012 to 2013, while the effects of abandonment were different on the abundance of Poa angustifolia. The abundance of Cirsium canum was higher in every mowed and also in every unmowed plot in 2013 than a year before. Comparing the three grasslands the abundance of primary grasses, stinger plants and legumes species were significant different in both investigated years. The significant differences in the abundance of dominant species among grasslands were presumably not only caused by the differences in the applied treatments but also the effects of environmental factors.
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Pannonian grazed sandy grasslands in the Ipoly Valley
49-51Views:61The results of global climate change can be observed in climate of Hungary. In the last couple of decades significant have been observed extremes in the climate of Europe due to global climate change (IPCC, 2014), which the irregular alternation of droughts and floods could be traced in the Carpathian Basin (Bartholy et al., 2009, 2014). The river floodplains and adjacent wetlands were outstanding from a nature conservation point of view due to the increasingly exposed to this change (Capon et al., 2013). Because of climatic effects, floodplain areas are even more exposed to the spread of invasive species (Szollát and Schmotzer, 2004; Schmotzer, 2008; Füri 2000; Füri and Kelemen 1997; Čížková-Končalová et al. 2013), and changes in land use also aggravate this problem (Mosner, 2015; Penksza et al., 2012). The aim of this study is to present the impact of extreme climatic situations on vegetation in grazed grasslands. The question was, which Festuca species occurs in addition to this? Can Festuca javorkae or Festuca pseudovina be found. The Festuca javorkae, which was related to Festuca rupicola, could also be problematic, although this species was clarified (Penksza, 2000, 2009a; Penksza et al., 2020, 2021; Markgraf-Dannenberg, 1980) and its species differentiation was shown using molecular studies by Bnauer et al. (2003) and Galli et al. (2006). According to the description of association Salvio nemorosae-Festucetum rupicolae, Festuca rupicola is one of the species of the association that appeared in the present study.
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Different agrotechnical mesures on the ecology and conservation in a wet meadow
3-15Views:63In grassland management systems, the various agrotechnical elements have to be used in many cases on "primitive grasslands", where the coordination of agricultural and nature conservation tasks is necessary. Here, animal husbandry is the main aspect, which includes the long-term preservation of the quality of the pasture, as well as the most economical use of the pasture and keeping the animals as cheap as possible. The tests were carried out on a grassy area on the border of the settlement of Aba. We examined the vegetation of 8 plots of the same size in the area and the quantitative and qualitative composition of the biomass produced there. In this thesis, we provide data on the vegetation composition and evaluation of the following treatments. The plots and treatments were as follows: I. plot-ventilated; II. parcel-relaxed; III. plot loosened and ventilated; ARC. parcel control; V. plot-ventilated and 15 t/ha manure; VI. plot loosened and 15 t/ha manure; VII. plot loosened, ventilated and 15 t/ha manure; VIII. plot loosened, ventilated and 30 t/ha manure. In each plot, 5 ceenological recordings were made using 4 x 4 m quadrats. The estimated coverage of each species was given in %, taking into account the proportion of grasslands and other species. Among Borhidi's plant ecological indicators, the species were evaluated based on the NB (relative values of nitrogen demand) and WB (relative soil water and soil moisture indicator numbers). The social behavior types (SZMT) were also defined based on Borhidi's work, and the nature conservation value categories (TVK) were defined according to Simon. The lifestyle analysis was performed based on Pignatti's lifestyle types.
Based on the data, the composition of the vegetation of each plot changed significantly compared to the data of the control plot IV. A direct proportionality can be discovered between the increase in the cover value of the dominant lawn grasses, primarily Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, and Fabaeceae species (e.g. Lathyrus tuberosus, Lotus corniculatus) and the amount of applied nutrients. Based on the coenological survey of the eight examined areas, the control area (IV.) showed the most natural state, which was confirmed by the species composition and number of species. The IV. plots are close to I., II. and III. for plot recordings, which proves that aeration and loosening do not worsen the condition of the lawn, but rather promote the preservation of its natural state. The VII-VIII. plots have the smallest number of species, but based on the life form spectrum, naturalness indicators, nature conservation value categories and social behavior types, they are not very disturbed habitats.
No significant difference can be detected between the effect of lawn loosening and lawn aeration, but III. plot, where both treatments were carried out, was closer to the control area. Regarding the effect of the lawn management methods, it was possible to produce a starting data set in the long term (with the same environmental conditions). Overall, the study gave valuable results regarding the age of change occurring during the application of different lawn management methods, and was also effective from an economic point of view.
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Botanical and grassland investigations in a pasture grazed by Hungarian grey catte in Badacsonytördemic in 2008
73-78Views:73Sample 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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Possibilities of speciation following anthropogenous environmental changes in the central sandy area of the Carpathian Basin through the example of Festuca taxa
47-48Views:126Our goal is to check and revise the dominant Festuca species of vegetation types formed under extraordinary conditions through morphotaxonomic and ploidy analyses. To accomplish this, we had to add examinations of dominant species in grasslands further from the Danube in the Carpathian Basin and East Central Europe. Individuals of examined taxa were analysed using 26 parameters of the inflorescences. Ploidy was analysed using low cytometry. After deforestation and shrubcutting, bare soil patches of areas exposed to anthropogenous effects had provided an opportunity new vegetation to form. As a result of this work, new species Festuca pseudovaginata had been discovered here, which is endemic in the Carpathian Basin. Survey continues in order to clear other hardly identificable taxa. The results have confirmed the presence of the species, but we also have new occurences discovered.
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Comparison of grasslands grazed by cattle, sheep and horses in Tapolca and Káli Basins
59-63Views:118Monitoring plots were in Káli and Tapolcai Basin, Balaton Upland National Park, Hungary. We investigated changes in species composition of 2-2 sheep, Hungarian Gray Cattle and horse pastures. The highest number of species was on the pastures of the Hungarian Gray Cattle. 41 species were common in each monitored plots, which are also important dominant species of natural associations and Poaceae species: Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca arundinacea, Deschampsia caespitosa, Lolium perenne, Bromus hordaceus subsp. hordaceus, Poa humilis, Alopecurus pratensis, Elymus repens, Dactylis glomerata, Poa angustifolia.
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Effects of ceasing mowing and grazing on the vegetation of wet grasslands of Badacsonytördemic
23-32Views:148During the work we examined the vegetation of a wet area near Badacsonytördemic. The grassland has been mowed and grazed intensively by Hungarian grey cattle until 2010, and it was abandoned afterwards. We surveyed three sample areas: the continuously grazed pasture, the mowed grassland and the additional pasture, which was grazed for one month each year.
Records were made in June 2010 and 2020. We utilized 4×4 m quadrats, and gave the cover of species in percent. Relative nitrogen values (NB), soil moisture values (WB), Social Behaviour Types according to Borhidi, nature conservation values (TVK) according to Simon were also used.
Based on the results, the vegetation of the area degraded greatly in ten years, its diverse nature disappeared, weeds and invasive species became dominant and species with good foraging value declined. No aggressive competitors were found in 2007, but Solidago gigantea appeared with great cover by 2020. In addition, many weed species appeared, and the ones which were already present in 2010, have increased their cover. Cirsium arvense was a newly appearing weed. Dead biomass also increased greatly.
To avoid further degradation, we suggest to reintroduce the management to these areas again. To set back weeds and invasive species, regular mowing would be efficient. It would be important to carefully set the date of mowing so that it prevents the spreading of seeds. Mowed plants must be removed from the area as soon as possible. -
Monthly changes in the production and content values of wet Hungarian gray cattle pasture and the relationship with species richness
19-28Views:119Grassland management tests were performed on different grazing loaded gray cattle pasture and hayland areas 4 times (April, May, June, September) during the grazing season in Tapolca-basin. 5-5 pieces of 2×2 m samples were examined on each sample area, prepared according to the Braun-Blanquet method (1964) in April, May, June and September and with this, we also measured the amount of biomass and its content.
Based on results additional pasture had the largest gazing livestock carrying capacity but it had the weakest feed quality as well. During grazing season due to ongoing livestock grazing, species composition has changed the most in case of pasture and the number of species was the greatest here as well. Proportion of grasses declined in parallel with the amount of legumes, which grown till late summer.
Nutrient content of pasture forage was the most appropriate because of high crude protein and less crude fiber content. Grazing for 34 days/year was not enough in case of additional pasture where Festuca arundinacea had the largest coverage. This is reflected in low number of species richness and small nutritional values of sample areas. For sedge rich low-lying areas mowing utilization is the most effective. -
Conservation survey of horse pastures and hayfields in an equestrian centre near Sukoro
37-46Views:43The test was carried out in Sukoró, on the lawns of the Sukoró Equestrian Center in May 2023. The purpose of the survey was to present the natural state and economic value of grasslands with different uses. The ceenological surveys were carried out using the Braun-Blanquet method, during which we recorded the data using 2x2 meter squares and gave the cover values in %. The squares were placed randomly in the given areas. During the survey, we analyzed five sample areas in three units. Our sample area I. is degraded fresh grassland, which was a horse pasture that was overgrazed in 2023, II. the sample area was a meadow dominated by sedge, which is utilized by mowing. The III. the sample area is Siki lawn dominated by Festuca pseudovina, which was also mowed. The IV. the deepest part of the mowing area, marsh meadow-fen, which is also used as a mowing area. Sample area V is silicate rock grassland, which is also grazed by horses, but was left alone in 2023.
With the exception of sample area I, which was intensively grazed in 2023, and therefore overgrazed by trampling, based on the tests, the natural state of the lawns remained valuable even after treatments, mowing and grazing. In the lawns, the largest proportion of elements of the native flora can be found. In the deeper spot on the mowing field, bog elements and the protected species Anacampts pyramidalis also appeared. A protected species, Allium sphaerocephalon, also occurred in the silicate rock lawn. The lawn management methods carried out by the riding center are suitable for maintaining the area's vegetation in a close-to-nature and long-term manner.
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The seasonal effect on the vegetation of Hungarian grey cattle pasture in 2022 and 2023 - A case study
29-36Views:56The "Szűzföld" area, managed by the Pro Vértes Public Foundation, has been managed for nature conservation and economic grazing since 1998 with Hungarian grey cattle. In the present work the vegetation data of the pasture were analysed for the years 2022-2023, in order to investigate the effect of the weather conditions in an extremely dry year (2022) and an extremely wet year (2023) using 2 × 2 m coenological records. To analyse the ecological indicators of species, we used Borhidi's relative plant ecological indicators: relative nitrogen demand (NB) and relative soil water and soil moisture (WB) scores. We also assessed the data according to Simon's conservation value categories (TVK) and Borhidi's social behaviour types (SBT). The grassland management assessment of the vegetation was based on the forage value scores of the species used by Klapp et al.
The results showed no significant differences in species in the two years, but significant differences in cover values. In the year with rainfall, the proportion of accompanying species decreased, while the proportion of weeds and natural disturbance tolerant species increased. The amount of grasses and legumes increased, which are important for grassland management.
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Domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) grazing as a habitat management and application option against invasive species
47-53Views:141In 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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Sandy grasslands regeneration results of the conservation management on the Homoktövis Conservation Area in Budapest (2009 2021)
33-35Views:152In Budapest, despite the density of the population, precious plant communities still remain in a lot of, mostly isolated fragments of habitats which,are outstanding in the diversity of species and are rare inhabitants of endemic species. On the examined territory, since 2006 long term reconstructions of the habitats have been ongoing which strive for the decrease of the invasive woody species on the territory and the insurance of the habitat of the sandy lawn, as well as the long term conservation of the fragments of the lawn and the creation of the natural sandy lawn. This activity is conducted by the volunteers of the MME and with the help of the students of educational institutions in parallel requesting for the permits of the Municipality of the Capital. During these interventions, the shoots were mechanically beat down and they were wiped dried as well. Besides these interventions, it was fundamental to preserve the sensitive, rare or legally protected species and to increase their volume as much as possible.
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Recovery of grasslands in former croplands using the combination of seed sowing and hay transfer
5-11Views:58In 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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Comparison of vegetation of Hungarian Grey Cattle and Hungarian water buffalo pastures in a sample area of the Danube-Tisza Interfluve
59-64Views:102In the present study, we aimed to investigate the coenology of the Kelemen-szék in the Kiskunság National Park. The coenological studies were carried out twice. We compared areas with different vegetation types. During these two surveys, we examined in total 90 quadrats of mixed grazed and fenced control areas. Ones were grazed by Hungarian domestic buffalo and Hungarian grey cattle and others were no grazed. Based on these surveys, it is possible to conclude about spatial and temporal changes in vegetation as a result of livestock husbandry in the area. Due to the size and heterogeneity of the studied area, we intended to investigate small homogeneous areas and respective control areas. Coenological surveys were done on lower and higher lying pastures, saline soil areas and loess areas.
In the study plots, grazing led to stability in the species composition of loess grassland and saline grassland, so that they also satisfy the requirements moof nature conservation. The dominant and character species of the associations, and the typical species of the genus Festuca have a significant cover value. The dense and tall Puccinellia swards require more attention, because they are more vulnerable against grazing. Grazing and extensive livestock husbandry, which can be applied in the future, is a suitable method for the management of lowland areas. In order to conserve the associations, preservation of grazing is necessary. To provide amount of biomass of areas, the grazing has a significant role. The conservation of native loess grasslands, even in the form of fragments, plays an outstanding function. Hence, based on the initial surveys, the combination of Hungarian grey cattle and water buffalo is beneficial in terms of nature conservation.
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Botanical and natural conservation comparison of seminatural and man-made grasslands in Paskom near Csakvar
3-14Views:310During 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. -
Biomass of the sandy grasslands along the Danube
31-35Views:105Festuca taxa are important grassland species in the pannonian vegetation, and are defining members of it where conditions are too extreme for most plants. Based on grassland management surveys, habitats of narrow-leaved or small Festuca species are an indicator of poor productive capacity, but are important in terms of nature conservation. The significance of these grasslands are likely to be increasing in line with climate change and expanding dry habitats.
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Botanical investigation of goats pastures on natural and replanted grasslands
49-51Views:103There are new challenges for global agriculture due to the changing circumstances in natural and economical world. Many professionals mentioned that our current agricultural methods not suitable to produce proper amount and quality foods. We have to change from the conventional farming to a sustainable agriculture to reach a well performing global agriculture what consist local viable agro systems. The organic farming as one type of sustainable agriculture, is a developing sector where the market and economical competition is growing. There is an opportunity to produce high quality food without additives in Hungary based on the climate, good quality soil as well traditional plant and animal species. The hungarian government set better balance between animal husbandry and arable farming as target and focusing on family farming and organic farming.
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Factors affecting the thousand-grain weight of three grass cultivars
15-21Views:86We analyzed the effects of temperature, precipitation and the age of the mother plants on the change of an important seed quality parameter, the thousand-grain weight (TGW) in the case of three Hungarian cultivars of different grass species (’Tomaj’ red fescue, ’K-50’ tall fescue and ’K-51’ smooth brome). Examining the seed samples of six years from the stocks maintained at the MATE Georgikon Campus (Keszthely), we found that the age of the stocks did not affect the value of TGW. The age of the stocks did not affect the TGW. Only the heat sum lower than average showed negative effect to the TGW in the linear model applied the heat sum and total precipitation calculated between 1st of May to the harvest date, and the age of the stocks as independent factors. Precipitation had a positive but weak effect, the amount of precipitation calculated from 1st of November of the previous year to harvest correlated better with TGW. We also found that proper purification and the TGW-data correction for the same moisture content are necessary in such a comparative study of TGW values of grass seeds.
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The effects of fertilization on a 6 years old established grassland
19-30Views:52The effect of different N, P and K supply levels and their combinations were examined in the 33rd year of a long-term fertilization experiment on the yield and mineral element content of a 6 years old established all-grass sward in 2006, with seed mixture of eight grass species. The trial was established on a calcareous chernozem soil. The soil of the growing site contained around 3% humus, 5% CaCO3, 20-22% clay in the ploughed layer and was originally moderately well supplied with available K, Mg, Mn and Cu and poorly supplied with P and Zn. The trial included 4N×4P×4K=64 treatments in 2 replications, giving a total of 128 plots. The fertilizers applied were Ca-ammonium nitrate, super phosphate and potassium chloride. The groundwater table was at a depth of 13-15 m and the area was prone to drought. The 1st cut was made on 08th June, the 2nd one on 11th September. During the vegetation period of 8.5 months in 2006, the site had a total of 397 mm precipitation. The lay-out, method and main results of the trial were published earlier (Kádár, 2004, 2008; Kádár és Győri, 2004, 2005). Main conclusions of this study are as follows:
- The 1st cut hay yield gave the ¾ of the total yield. Highest yields were reached with the 200 kg/ha/year N-fertilization on soil well supplied with P (Ammonium-lactate soluble P2O5: 214 mg/kg). The yield of NP control plots increased from 1.5 t/ha to about 7.5 t/ha as a function of the N×P positive interaction. The rising P supply alone was not able to enhance the yield, however the N fertilization gave 3.5 t/ha hay surplus even in the P-control treatments. N and P fertilization together resulted in 6.0-6.5 t/ha yield surpluses. The effect of K fertilization also reached 1 t/ha on the NP levels where the ammonium-lactate soluble K2O content fell below 150 mg/kg.
- The 2nd cut hay gave 0.5 t/ha on the NP-control plots unfertilized for 33 years, and 2.5 t/ha on the 300 kg/ha/year N treatment with well P-supply. The two cuts together resulted in yield levels between 2-10 t/ha according to the extreme NPK supply. In this year, with relatively good amount of precipitation, the hay yield surpluses for 1 kg N were 47-33-23 kg for the 100-200-300 kg/ha treatments.
- The C/N ratio of the 1st cut was narrowed (from 52 to 24) with N-supply and the concentration of N as well as most of the cations increased with the rising N fertilization. In the low yield of the 2nd cut the elements, metals were accumulated. The P, S and Sr were enriched in hay as a result of rising P supply, as superphosphate contains these elements. Antagonistic effect of P predominated in the uptake of other elements, metals (Na, Zn, Cu, Mo, Cr, Co). K content of the hay was lifting while other elements were dropping with the increasing K fertilization partly as a result of dilution effect (N, P, S) and mainly because of cation antagonism (Ca, Mg, Na, Sr). K-B antagonism also appeared.
- The N×K interactions resulted in 2-fold Sr and 18-22 fold Na content changes while N×P caused 18-22 fold changes in Mo contents, especially at the 2nd cut. As it can be seen, fertilization can have drastical effects on soil and crops. The induced element deficiencies or oversupplies can lead to diseases, disturbances in the metabolism of animals, so the soil and fodder analyses are necessary.
- Considering the leaf diagnostical data, the satisfactory level will be at 200 kg/ha/year N supply and 150 mg/kg ammonium-lactate soluble P2O5 and K2O level or above. The S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn supply were satisfactory even at the control plots, while the Zn, Cu and B levels showed deficiency. The P/Zn and K/B ratios became adversely wider in some treatments, as well as the narrowing of the Cu/Mo ratio denotes Cu deficiency and Mo oversupply.
- The amount of elements uptaken by hay as a sum of the two cuts and as a function of the supply/yield varied between the following values in kg/ha: 17-163 N; 36-122 K; 9-48 Ca; 6-17 P; 4-15 S; 3-14 Mg; 0,3-8,0 Na; 0,2-1,4 Fe; 0,2-0,9 Al and Mn. The other elements showed the following uptake: Zn 33-194, Sr 28-141, Ba 5-46, Cu 5-39, B 5-26, Mo 3-6 g/ha.
- The botanical composition was drastically modified by the aging of the grass and the nutrient supply. Only three species remained out of the eight sown species and one immigrated. Coverage of the tall fescue was between 21-70% according to the N×P supply and 44% as average; coverage of cocksfoot varied between 4-24% depending on the treatment and 18% as an average; coverage of crested wheatgrass was between 0-28% and 9% as an average; the immigrant smooth brome covered 0-24% and 9% as an average; Weed cover was 3-4% as an average at the 1st cut. Weeds thrived mainly on those areas where the grass thinned away (extreme NP-deficiency or oversupply). The total plant coverage on NP-deficient soil was about 50%, while on treatments well supplied with NP it amounted 95-97%.
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The effect of fertilization on the mineral contant of artificial grasslands 3.
57-66Views:70The effects of different N, P and K supply levels and their combinations were examined on the mineral element content of an established all-grass sward with seed mixture of eight grass species in the 28th year of a long term fertilization field experiment set up on a calcareous chernozem loamy soil. The lay-out and method of the trial as well as the fertilizer responses on the hay yield were published elsewhere (Kádár 2004). The effect of fertilization on the nutritional values and nutrient yield also described earlier (Kádár and Győri, 2005). The soil of the growing site contained around 3% humus, 5% CaCO3, 20-22% clay in the ploughed layer and was originally, moderately well supplied with available K, Mg, Mn and Cu and poorly supplied with P and Zn. The trial included 4Nx4Px4K=64 treatments in 2 replications, giving a total of 128 plots. The fertilizers applied were Ca-ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and potassium chloride. The groundwater table was at a depth of 13-15 m, the area was prone to drought. In 2001, however the area had a satisfactory amount of 621mm precipitation with a fairly good distribution. The grass was established on 21. September 2000. The main results and conclusions can be summarised as follows:
1. As a function of N-fertilization the element content of the 1st cut hay usually increased, except for Al and Mo, which showed dilution effects. The concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, P, Sr, B, Ni enhanced with 25-50%, S and Co with 60-70%, N and Cu 2-times, NO3-N and Na about 5-times compared to the N-control. The P-fertilization stimulated uptake of Mn and Mg for 10-20%; S, NO3-N and Co for 40-50%, Na and for Sr 60-70%, P for 90%, however, inhibited the uptake of Zn and Co for 20-40%, Al and Fe for 50-60%, Mo for 70% compared to the P-control.
2. The P/Zn ratio showed on P-control soil optimal values of 118, while on highly P-supplied soil 278 P/Zn ratio, so indicating Zn-deficiency. As a function of PxK negative interactions, concentration of Fe dropped from 307 to 105 Al from 206 to 60, Mo from 0.44 to 0.05, Cr from 0.33 to 0.12 mg/kg in air-dry hay. The Cu/Mo ration on N-control soil showed the optimal value of approx. 10, while on heavily fertilized with N soil that of 40-80, indicating extreme Mo-deficiency.
3. The 2nd cut hay contained about 20% more N, K, Ca, Mg, Na, 40% more Cu, 70-80% more S and Mn, 90% more Fe and P, 140% more Al and nearly 5-times more Mo. The content of B did not changed, while NO3-N dropped about 40% . The Cu/Mo ratio showed value of 2.6 on N-control soil, while on heavily fertilized with N soil ratio of 7.8. The P/Zn ratio indicated on P-control soil optimal value of 150, while on overfertilized with P soil value of 269. So, the P-induced Zn-deficiency could also be proven in the 2nd cut hay, while the Cu-induced Mo-deficiency disappered.
4. The N-fertilization stimulated in the 2nd cut hay also the accumulation of elements N, K, Mg, P, Mn, Cu and Ni with 20-50% compared to the N-control. The NO3-N increased 4-times, while Na content 10-times. However the elements Fe, Al, B, Mo and Cr showed a dilution effect with 20-60%. The P-fertilization increased the concentration of Mn, Sr, Cd, Co, S and P, while decreased the content of Na, NO3-N, Cu and Zn. As a general rule, the K-fertilization hindered the accumulation of metal cations. The P-induced Cd accumulation was fully counterbalanced by increasing K-supply of soil.
5. Summarizing above we can state that the long-term fertilization can drastically (in some cases with an order of magnitude) change the concentrations and ratios of elements built in hay through synergetic or antagonistic effects. In the 1st cut hay, for example, the minima-maxima contents of measured elements varied in air-dry hay as follows: N 0.90-3.02, Ca 0.4-0.7, S 0.14-0.32, P 0.12-0.30, Mg 0.10-0.24%; Na 70-700, Fe 100-288, Al 45-250, Mn 71-130, Sr 10-22, Zn 7-14, Ba 6-11, B 3.6-8.1, Ni 0.3-1.6, Cr 0.1-0.4, Mo 0.04-0.44, Co 0.04-0.12 mg/kg. -
Comparative phytosociological study of long-term on Tihany Peninsula of the Balaton Uplands National Park, Hungary
37-38Views:126Phytosociological samples were collected in two territories of the Balaton Uplands National Park (Hungary) dominated by grassland habitats. Samples in the Tihany Peninsula had been taken in a pasture of Hungarian Grey Cattle. We evaluated the changes of species composition and ground cover, the measure of possible regeneration or degradation, and the changes of these factors from the viewpoint of feeding value.
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Effect of fertilization on the mineral element uptake of an established all-grass sward 4.
3-10Views:53The effects of different N, P and K supply levels and their combinations were examined on the mineral element uptake of an established all-grass sward with seed mixture of eight grass species in the 28th year of a long term fertilization field experiment set up on a calcareous chernozem loamy soil. The lay-out and method of the trial as well as the fertilizer responses on the hay yield, nutritional values and element content were published elsewhere (Kádár, 2005, 2005a; Kádár és Győri, 2005). The soil of the growing site contained around 3% humus, 5% CaCO3, 20-22% clay in the ploughed layer and was originally, moderately well supplied with available K, Mg, Mn and Cu and poorly supplied with P and Zn. The trial included 4Nx4Px4K=64 treatments in 2 replications, giving a total of 128 plots. The fertilizers applied were Ca-ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and potassium chloride. The groundwater table was at a depth of 13-15 m, the area was prone to drought. In 2001, however, the area had satisfactory amount of 621 mm precipitation with a fairly good distribution. The grass was established on 21. September 2000. The main results and conclusions can be summarised as follows:
1. As a function of NxP positive interactions the element uptake of the 1st cut hay expressed as mean of K treatments increased between the N0P0 control and the maximum N3P3 levels as follows: K 62-190, N 45-218, Ca 16-51, S 5-24, P 4-24, Mg 4-16, Na 0.5-5.0 kg/ha; Mn 282-968, Sr 35-170, Zn 32-73, Ba 29-55, B 18-44, Cu 8-40 g/ha. The uptake of Ba increased from 23 to 62 g/ha, that of Ni from 1.5 to 8.9 g/ha as a result of KxP positive interactions. Uptake of Mo measure on K0P0 soil, however, dropped from 1.6 g/ha to 0.4 g/ha on the K3P3 soil as a function of negative KxP interactions.
2. The 2nd cut hay harvested on 9th October 2001 showed only N-effects. The hay yield measured on N-control soil was 1.0 t/ha while on 300 kg/ha/yr N-treatment 3.9 t/ha. The uptake of Fe, Ba and Mo increased 2-fold; uptake of Ca, S, P, Sr, Zn and Co 3-4-fold, uptake of K, N, Mg, Mn, Ba and Cu 5-6-fold, while uptake of Na 33-fold with the maximum N-rate, compared to the N-control and as means of PK treatments.
3. The 2 cuts together gave on the unfertilised control 3 t/ha, while on the N3P3K3 maximum supply level 13 t/ha hay yield. The uptake of Fe, Cr, B, Ni, Mo and Co increased 2-3 times, uptake of Ca, Mg, Mn, K, Zn, Ba and Cu 5-6 times, uptake of S, Sr and P 7-8 times, uptake of N 10 times, while uptake of Na 16 times on the maximum N3P3K3 supply levels, compared to the unfertilised control. The maximal mass of uptaken K and N made up 388 kg/ha, Ca 80 kg/ha, S 49 kg/ha, P 42 kg/ha (96 kg/ha P2O5), Mg 24 kg/ha in 2001.
4. To have 1 t of air-dry hay it was used by grasses as a mean of 25 kg K (30 kg K2O), 20 kg N, 6 kg Ca (8-9 kg CaO), 2-3 kg S, 2 kg P (5 kg P2O5) and 2 kg Mg (3-4 kg MgO). For microelements: 300 g Na, 200 g Fe, 120 g Mn, 100 g Al, 16 g Sr, 13 g Zn, 8 g Ba, 5 g B, 5 g Cu, 1-2 g Ni, 1 g Mo, 0.2 g Cr and 0.1 g Co. The As, Hg Cd, Pb and Se were under detection limit of 1 g. Data may serve for assessing the nutrient demand of all-grass sward.