Vegetation communities characteristics of meadows and their relationship with soil factors in the Southern Transylvanian Basin

Abstract

Southern Transylvania supports ecologically rich semi-natural meadows, maintained by traditional agricultural practices that support a diverse flora and fauna, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management. This study focused on the relationship between meadow communities and soil properties at the Cobor Biodiversity Farm in Brașov County, which covers approximately 400 ha with a diverse mosaic of meadow communities. To represent this diversity, 25 key sectors were selected, with two plots chosen within each, totaling 50 plots. Sampling occurred from late May to early June and again in late August The samples were analyzed for pH, total humus, nitrogen, extractable phosphorus (PAL), and extractable potassium (KAL). In total, 250 vascular plant species from 42 families were identified, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae being the most prominent. Shannon Index increased significantly in August, while other metrics showed slight, non-significant changes. Phosphorus had a significant positive effect and potassium a significant negative effect on evenness, while nitrogen and pH showed non-significant negative correlations. No soil variables significantly influenced species abundance or richness, though some showed weak, non-significant trends.Four meadow communities were caracterised: Festuca pratensis, F. rupicola, F. rubra and Agrostis capillaris and Molinia caerulea each occupying distinct ecological niches. Adapted low-intensity management − through controlled grazing, limited mowing, no fertilization and water regulation − is indispensable for maintaining species diversity and controlling dominant species in the studied meadows.