The Influence of Konik Horses Grazing and Meteorological Conditions on Wetland Communities

Extensive management is one of the methods used in the conservation of fen meadows. The aim of the study was to characterize grassland communities grazed by Konik horses in the Biebrza National Park and to assess the influence of short-term grazing on the sward. During a 3-year period, phytosociolog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Agriculture (Basel) 2023-01, Vol.13 (2), p.325
Main Authors: Chodkiewicz, Anna, Stypiński, Piotr, Studnicki, Marcin, Borawska-Jarmułowicz, Barbara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodiversity
botanical composition
Composition
Environmental conditions
Floods
Grasslands
Grazing
Horses
Meadows
Moisture effects
Molinia meadows
Mowing
National parks
National parks and reserves
Precipitation
Species composition
sward cover
water level
Weather
Wetlands
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Summary:Extensive management is one of the methods used in the conservation of fen meadows. The aim of the study was to characterize grassland communities grazed by Konik horses in the Biebrza National Park and to assess the influence of short-term grazing on the sward. During a 3-year period, phytosociological studies, measurements of the sward cover and height, as well as an assessment of the botanical composition of meadows were conducted in places grazed and excluded from grazing. The grasslands were mowed once a year at the turn of July and August, with the exception of mid-forest meadows. The area studied was dominated by communities of the Molinion alliance. Horses kept at a very low stocking rate reduced the height and cover of the sward. In the short-term, weather conditions, especially the duration of floods, had an even greater impact on the species composition of communities than grazing. Therefore, in order to protect the Molinia meadows, apart from extensive mowing, it is necessary to maintain appropriate habitat conditions, especially in terms of controlling the moisture, and conduct its regular monitoring.
ISSN:2077-0472
2077-0472
DOI:10.3390/agriculture13020325