Cryptogamic Biomass in Pannonic Acidic Sand Steppes Subject to Changing Land-Use

Cryptogams, often neglected in vegetation dynamics studies, compose a large part of biomass and contribute to the biodiversity of sandy grasslands. Since the work of Verseghy (1970s), their productivity has not been analyzed in Hungary. We studied the lichen and bryophyte dynamics (hereinafter calle...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plants (Basel) 2023-08, Vol.12 (16), p.2972
Main Authors: Aszalosne Balogh, Rebeka, Farkas, Edit, Tudosne Budai, Julia, Lokos, Laszlo, Matus, Gabor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic plants
Biodiversity
Biomass
Bryophytes
Cryptogams
Distribution
dry grassland
Environmental aspects
Flowers & plants
Grasslands
Grazing
Grazing intensity
Land use
Lichens
Measurement
Species richness
Steppes
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Summary:Cryptogams, often neglected in vegetation dynamics studies, compose a large part of biomass and contribute to the biodiversity of sandy grasslands. Since the work of Verseghy (1970s), their productivity has not been analyzed in Hungary. We studied the lichen and bryophyte dynamics (hereinafter called cryptogams) at two Eastern Hungarian dry sandy grassland sites. The sites of Corynephorus canescens and of Festuca vaginata dominance, respectively, belonging to the community Festuco vaginatae–Corynephoretum have been monitored. We aimed at (1) quantifying the diversity and biomass of the cryptogamic communities; (2) exploring the cryptogamic response to management changes; and (3) studying the effect of experimental management (fencing) on the cryptogamic assemblages. The sites have been compared in 2013 and 2018, respectively. Forty microplots per site per management have been analyzed in both years. Samples of lichens and bryophytes were hand-sorted, dried and then measured. Fencing has led to increased biomass of cryptogams within a few years. Lichens in general benefited comparatively more from exclosure than bryophytes. The increase in lichen biomass (especially that of Cladonia rangiformis) is clearly due to the over 10-year absence of grazing. The only lichen favored by moderate grazing is the legally protected C. magyarica. Short spells of low-intensity grazing can promote the species richness of cryptogams in the community.
ISSN:2223-7747
2223-7747
DOI:10.3390/plants12162972