Species composition and vegetation structure after cessation of grazing management in a grassland of the Ioannina plateau
The aim of this work was to examine how cessation of grazing for four years and applying only clipping as well as N affect application ground cover, species composition, frequency, and diversity in a grassland of the Ioannina plateau. In spring, the cover was not differentiated between the two management systems and there was a gradual increase from 1993 to 1995 in autumn. The total percentage of grasses was increased after stopping grazing in spring and autumn, because of the increase of Bromus hordeaceus and Alopecurus urticulatus percentages and frequency especially after N addition. The results concerning the total legumes and forbs were the opposite of grasses. Of perennial grass Holcus lanatus cover and frequency were also reduced with clipping especially after N addition. In the clipping system, frequency of legumes and forbs was lower even without N addition, because of the decrease of Trifolium spp. and Ranunculus sardous. The species number and diversity were not differentiated after stopping grazing but they were reduced after N addition.
Pastoral activity in mount Paiko during the last three millennia, evidence by palynological and historical data
Grazing lands constitute a significant part not only of the present vegetation cover of mount Paiko but also of the past as shown by a palynological study. The pollen diagram of this area depicts the historic vegetation changes through a period of three millennia. The data- indicators of grazing activity are pointed in the diagram showing fluctuations that reflect periods of increased and reduced pastoral activity. According to these data, the pollen diagram can be distinguished in eight separate phases, each of defined duration, which are related with given historical data of the area.
Seasonal changes characteristics in the forage quality and quantity of the pseudoalpine and low grasslands
The grasslands of Greece constitute vital forage resources for the grazing animals since they provide green herbage in different seasons. Forage production of the grasslands of middle and low elevations zone produce vegetation inappropriate for grazing during summer period. On the contrary for the same period, the herbage production of the pseudoalpine grasslands covers the grazing animal needs. The knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative features of grasslands in specific environments and the understanding of how they can be influenced by seasonal as well as yearly changes in climatic variables could be a useful tool for their rational management. In this paper, the effects of edaphic and climatic factors on species composition and the quantity and quality of forage pseudoalpine and low elevation grasslands are presented. Data on soil characteristics, species composition, monthly changes in the forage quantity and quality were collected. Results show that seasonal and yearly changes in forage production of grasslands depend mainly on the amount and the distribution of rainfall. June was the month for peak production of the pseudoalpine and May for the low grassland. Forage quantity of the low grassland was influenced by the rainfall of the months October and November, while the production of the pseudoalpine grassland was influenced by the rainfall during the growing season (March to May).
A contribution to the study of the flora of West Evritania, with an emphasis to pastures
The area of West Evritania (Greece) includes a number of heterogeneous environments such as high mountains, rivers, lakeshores and areas of low altitude, which are expected to support a rich flora. Nevertheless, the floristic data for the area are scarce and incomplete. In this work the area under study is delimited geographically, and our preliminary floristic results are presented, all based on plant collections of at least 630 specimens from altitudes ranging between 300 and 2000 m. Special emphasis is given to pastures and areas under grazing pressure of various intensity. A floristic list is given and a detailed catalogue of the 2001 collection localities is also provided. Preliminary observations related to the influence of human activities on the flora and the biotopes are briefly reported. The long lasting human impact (grazing, wood cutting, fires, cultivation) is responsible, particularly in certain localities, for the degradation of the natural environment and for floristic rearrangements.
The illegal grazing act in Central Greece during the years 1970 – 1995
Forest ecosystems play an important role in the development of human society. They grant a great number of products and many other services, also contribute to cultural and economical development of humanity. During the past, forest and forestlands had been suffering from significant destruction. Forest fires, irrational grazing, poaching, illegal felling, encroachment are some of the illegal acts which have reduced and degraded forests. This paper introduces the basic legislative provisions related to grazing in Greece. It also analyses the forest law that regulates the way of grazing and the punishments that are levied to violators. In addition, it reports the number of forest offenses related with illegal grazing acts. The results show that they have been written 19027 illegal grazing acts. In prefecture of Aitoloakarnania was noticed the maximum number of these acts. Besides, it has been noticed a gradual reduction of illegal grazing acts.
