Vegetation height of patch more important for phytodiversity than that of paddock

Wrage N., ŞAHİN DEMİRBAĞ N., Hofmann M., Isselstein J.

Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, vol.155, pp.111-116, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 155
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.agee.2012.04.008
  • Journal Name: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.111-116
  • Keywords: Shannon diversity index, Similarity, Soil nutrients, Species richness
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The development of phytodiversity was analysed on a paddock (1ha) as well as on a patch scale (1m 2) over nine years on paddocks managed for compressed sward heights (CSH) of 6 (moderate stocking, MC), 12 (lenient stocking, LC) or 18cm (very lenient stocking, VLC) on moderately species-rich mesotrophic grassland. Neither grazing treatments nor nutrient availability caused differences in diversity measures in this study. The local quadrat vegetation height had a significant influence on average species number and Shannon diversity, independent of the grazing treatment. Patches with short vegetation allowed seed germination and reduced dominant species, making a diversification of the vegetation measurable at an earlier stage than on the paddock scale. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.