Effect of a compost fertilizer on the productivity and botanical composition of a natural grass stand under mountain conditions

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of compost of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L.) and fresh cattle manure on the yield and the change in the botanical composition of a natural grass stand under mountain conditions. The annual application of compost in a natural meadow of a transitional type with Chrysopogon gryllus–Agrostis capillaris, increased significantly (P <0.001) the amount of dry matter in the treated variants from 57.77% (at a fertilizer rate of 3000 kg/dka) to 73.79% (at a fertilizer rate of 2000 kg/dka) compared to the untreated control. Grass stands fertilizerd at a rate of 2000 kg/dka increased to the highest degree the presence of legume components (from 44.7% to 71.2%) in the biomass, which is a prerequisite for the production of fodder with a high crude protein content. The compost application had a positive impact on the grass mass composition and contributed to positive changes in the group of desirable legume and grass meadow species. An increased share of useful legume (Trifolium pratense, T. hybridium, T. agrarium and Lotus corniculatus) and grass meadow species (Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Cynosurus cristatus and Poa pratensis) and stimulation of their productive potential was found. In the fertilized variants, the percentage share of weeds participate followed a downward trend compared to the control. Fertilizing with compost of bracken and manure is a highly effective measure and can be recommended to increase hay yields in natural grass stand (а transitional type with Chrysopogon gryllus-Agrostis capillaris) in the conditions of the Central Balkan Mountain. URL: https://www.upjs.sk/pracoviska/botanicka-zahrada/odborne-aktivity/contents-abstracts/