Medium‐term vegetation dynamics and their association with edaphic conditions in two Hungarian saline grassland communities

Abstract

Medium‐term (5.5 years) changes in the cover of major species in “Artemisia saline puszta” (Ass) and “Pannonic Puccinellia limosa hollow” (PPlh) grassland communities in the Kiskunság region, Hungary, were monitored and analyzed in relation to abiotic factors (e.g. air temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, salinity and alkalinity). Soil salinity varied considerably, indicating leaching and desalinization of surface layers as the most typical process occurring in the region. Yearly average covers of Artemisia santonicum and Plantago maritima were negatively and positively related to surface soil salinity, respectively, in accordance with their salt tolerance. Multiple regression analysis showed soil pH and salinity to be the most important factors determining yearly average cover of plants at Ass. Increasing pH increased the cover of A. santonicum and P. maritima, but decreased the cover of Podospermum canum. Increasing salinity decreased the cover of A. santonicum and P. canum. At PPlh, pH of groundwater had a positive effect and the lakewater level had a negative effect on the cover of Puccinellia limosa. The results provide information on the ongoing changes in the soil properties and the resulting changes in plant composition in these Hungarian salt‐affected grasslands.

Fine-scale vertical position as an indicator of vegetation in alkali grasslands – Case study based on remotely sensed data

“…These differences likely correspond to environmental gradients (soil type, salt accumulation and water balance) which are strongly correlated to elevation patterns (Tóth and Kertész, 1996;Tóth, 2010). At the association level the vertical elevation gradient could be detected, but vertical position of certain associations overlapped.…”

Species and functional diversity of arthropod assemblages (Araneae, Carabidae, Heteroptera and Orthoptera) in grazed and mown salt grasslands

“…These differences are often highlighted in salt grasslands (e.g. Tóth, 2010;Deák et al, 2014b). Salt meadows are generally situated in low-lying depressions characterized by moist habitat conditions and moderate or low soil salt content.…”

“…Salt meadows are generally situated in low-lying depressions characterized by moist habitat conditions and moderate or low soil salt content. The vegetation of salt meadows is generally tall and dense, producing high plant biomass, but species-poor (Deák et al, 2014b;Tóth, 2010). Salt steppe patches can develop in higher elevated areas, and are typical dry habitats with moderate or low soil salt content (Deák et al, 2014a).…”

Multi-indicator sensitivity analysis of climate change effects on landscapes in the Kiskunság National Park, Hungary

“…The water shortage resulted in notable alterations, e.g. in soil and vegetation of alkaline and non-alkaline wetlands (Bagi, 1988;Iványosi Szabó, 1994;Biró et al, 2008b;Molnár et al, 2008b;Hoyk and Sipos, 2010;Tóth, 2010;Puskás et al, 2012;Boros et al, 2013). Kovács (2007) estimated that 33% of the natural vegetation is endangered in the Danube-Tisza Interfluve Region, and sensitivity of forests in landscapes with high levels of groundwater decrease was shown by Ladányi et al (2011).…”