The development of above-ground biomass in unmanaged grasslands and its influence on the leakage of water and the amount of elements found

J. Fiala
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J. Fiala: Research Institute of Crop Production. Prague-Ruzyne, Grassland Research Station Liberec, Czech Republic

Plant, Soil and Environment, 2007, vol. 53, issue 1, 42-50

Abstract: The influence of various forms of farming on unmanaged grasslands was monitored with regard to the accumulation of the above-ground biomass (litter + mulching) and its influence on the leakage of rainfall and the amount of elements in lysimetric waters. In 2001-2005, the highest accumulation was observed in variants 1× mulched in the later term and on green fallow (on average 2.11-1.13 t of dry matter/ha). In comparison with the control site, a conclusive increase always occurred. An interannual increase of dry matter amounted to 0.4-5.2% of the total above-ground biomass. A negative correlative dependency on rainfall leakage on this material was discovered; at a depth of 0.4 m 4-10% of the rainfall leaked, but it had a significant influence on the wash out of Ca, Mg and S. The leakage of water affected a wash out of Nmin, P, K, Ca, Mg and S more than the weight of dry matter of the above-ground biomass. With the exception of P, the elements showed a downward tendency over five years. The above-mentioned forms of farming annually increased the accumulation of the above-ground biomass by 0.05-0.16 t of dry matter/ha; however, they do not endanger underground waters by washing out minerals. After a five-year period, a disturbance of the ecological stability of grassland did not occur.

Keywords: unmanaged grasslands; accumulation of above-ground biomass; lysimetric water; nutrients (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.17221/3192-PSE

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