Grassland management and land use history shape species composition and diversity in Transylvanian semi‐natural grasslands

Abstract

Aims Semi‐natural grasslands are among the most biodiverse habitats in Europe, and they are of great conservation and agricultural value. However, changes in land use like grazing intensification and the cessation of traditional management have dramatic effects on the extent and biodiversity of these ecosystems. In this study we investigated how current management practices and land use history shape species composition and diversity patterns in semi‐natural grasslands of the Eastern hills of the Cluj region. Location Eastern hills of Cluj (“Dealurile Clujului de Est” ‐ ROSCI0295) Natura 2000 conservation site and close surroundings, Transylvania, Romania. Methods We surveyed plots in extensively and intensively grazed grasslands, grasslands mown by hand or heavy machinery, and abandoned grasslands. To quantify grassland continuity, we analysed a series of historical cadastral and more current maps ranging from the 18th to the 21st century. Results Species composition was significantly influenced by current management, grassland continuity and environmental factors. Mown and extensively grazed grasslands had more grassland and forest edge specialists than abandoned and intensively grazed grasslands. In addition, there was a positive relationship between the number of grassland specialists, forest edge species and grassland continuity, while the number of ruderal species related negatively to grassland continuity. The highest diversity values were recorded in traditionally mown grasslands. However, diversity‐related variables were poorly reflected by grassland continuity. Conclusions This study provides evidence that short‐term abandonment may not be as detrimental for grasslands as often suggested, and intensive grazing results in the greatest loss in species diversity. Grassland continuity tightly influences the persistence of grassland specialist species. Thus, we recommend land use history to be included in the selection and identification of high‐nature‐value grasslands by prioritizing conservation efforts for older grasslands.

Responses of Diversity and Productivity to Organo-Mineral Fertilizer Inputs in a High-Natural-Value Grassland, Transylvanian Plain, Romania

“…Each phytocenosis, with its own characteristics, can be influenced by humans and, therefore, new types of grasslands appear [ 2 ]. Organized experiments, both nationally and internationally, have shown that the intensification of grassland systems greatly reduces the specific richness, installing valuable forage species (generally nitrophilic species), which offer rich biomass crops and high-quality fodder [ 13 , 17 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The formation of specific groups as a result of the application of inputs demonstrates that fertilizer treatments have produced major changes in the phytocenosis of grasslands [ 27 ].…”

Vegetation Dynamics in a Loess Grassland: Plant Traits Indicate Stability Based on Species Presence, but Directional Change When Cover Is Considered

“…In comparison, long time uncultivated linear-shaped habitats in verges covered by dry grassland fragments in the Great Hungarian Plain maintained an average diversity of 2.2 [ 37 ]. In Transylvania (Romania), for grazed grasslands and hand mowed grasslands, Shannon diversity values were around 2.7–3.2 [ 38 ], whereas, for mountainous semi-natural grasslands, diversity values of 2.36–2.68 were reported, depending on various conservation treatments [ 39 ]. Beyond local geographical regions, like in Sweden, grazed semi-dry grasslands’ diversity ranged from 2.4 to 3.3 [ 40 ], whereas grasslands developed on limestone bedrock maintained diversity of 2.2–3.1 [ 41 ].…”

Impact of Land Use Changes on the Diversity and Conservation Status of the Vegetation of Mountain Grasslands (Polish Carpathians)

“…A number of studies indicate that the species composition of communities, their diversity and the occurrence of rare species are related not only to the current management but also to the habitat history [21,22]. The historical land use and land use sequences shaped the vegetation of Swedish semi-natural grassland more so than the current management.…”

“…The highest diversities of grassland plants have been found in pastures continuously grazed since the 18th century [21]. The continuity of extensive mowing and grazing has a positive effect on the occurrence of grassland and forest edge specialist species [22]. The spatial context is also important: the present and historical habitat connectivity influences fine-scale plant species diversity in grazed temperate semi-natural grasslands [23].…”