Dynamics of Soil Properties in Conjunction with the Vegetation in the Course of Natural Postagrogenic Overgrowing of Hayfields (Kostroma Oblast)

Abstract

In abandoned south-taiga hayfields overgrowing with forest species, the biomass of the grass layer decreases even before the formation of a closed tree stand. Actual acidity increases in the upper part of the soil profile, which is adequately reflected in the species composition of the living ground cover. This trend is manifested more clearly in light soils. In soils of a hayfield meadow affected for many years by grazing prior to mowing, the content and reserves of organic carbon are significantly higher in comparison with hayfields not affected by grazing. After the termination of haymaking activities, the content and reserves of organic carbon in the upper part of the soil profile go down. Overall, long-term grazing slows down the postagrogenic dynamics of organic matter in soils of dry meadows.