Research on the Influence of Organic Fertilizing and Mulching on Productivity and Phytodiversity on Oligotrophic Grasslands

Abstract

Organic fertilizers have an influence on the floristic composition of grasslands. Fertilizing with manure favours the phytodiversity of grasslands. The objective of the study was to follow the influence of mulching and organic fertilizing in small quantities and at various time intervals upon dry matter yield and phytodiversity of Agrostis capillaris L. - Festuca rubra L. grassland type in the Apuseni Mountains. Seven treatments ( control ( mowed 1/year ) ; mulch 1/year; mulch 1/year + 5 t/ha manure /year; mulch 1/year + 5 t/ha manure/2 years; mulch 1/year + 10 t/ha manure/2 years; mulch 1/year + 10 t/ha manure/3 years; abandonment ) were evaluated experimentally. Organic fertilizing in low quantities could be a way to maintain the floristic diversity of oligotrophic grasslands in Apuseni Mountains.