Soil compaction effects on the germination and growth of valonia oak seedlings (Quercus ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis)
The effect of soil compaction on the germination and growth of valonia oak, a promising for reforestation practices species, was studied in this paper. Soil compaction is considered as a key factor affecting the success of a reforestation and has not being studied for the particular species so far. For that purpose, an experiment was conducted under controlled conditions where acorn germination and seedlings survival was recorded under three different conditions: with normal soil bulk density equal to 0,7 g/cm3, with medium of 1,1 g/cm3 and high soil compaction of 1,4 g/cm3. It is concluded that acorn germination is not affected by soil compaction. Similarly, soil under normal conditions and under high compaction does not affect the growth of the seedlings. On the contrary, medium soil compaction negatively affected seedlings survival.
Production and nutritive value of forage in grasslands at different altitudinal zones of Epirus and Thessaly regions
Grasslands are valuable and of vital importance areas for the future of livestock breeding in Greece. In this paper, the results of a research conducted in 2008 in four different grassland ecosystems of Epirus and Thessaly, concerning botanical composition, dry matter production, chemical composition and digestibility of forage are presented. Grasslands were located on four (4) altitudinal zones, that is: a) low elevation zone (2 areas), b) middle elevation zone and c) high elevation zone. A total of sixteen (16) grazing exclosures were established, four plots (4) in every zone. The results show that a) grasses were the dominant species in all altitudinal zones, b) the highest forage production was found in the low elevation zone grasslands of Epirus with 351.0 g/m2, whereas the lowest forage production in high elevation zone grasslands with 211.8 g/m2, c) vegetation of the high elevation zone grasslands contained the highest amount of crude protein (16,31%), whereas the low elevation zone grasslands contain the smallest amount (11,91%), d) the fiber content of forage was higher in the low elevation grasslands I and II (57,15% and 62,30%, respectively) than in high elevation zone grasslands (49,38%), and e) the in vitro digestibility of forage was greater in the high elevation zone (0,783) than in the low elevation zone of Thessaly (0,618).
The contribution of rangeland resources of Evros prefecture in life quality: A methodological approach
The rangelands, the largest natural resource of Greece, contribute significantly to rural development and quality of local people’s life. Evros prefecture is an area with a large number of pasture land areas and quite significant development of cattle – breeding. The aim of this paper is the investigation of the opinions of local people for importance of rangeland resources in improving life quality. The investigation was realized using questionnaires in 2009. For the process of the data were used: a) descriptive statistics and b) the method of non linear analysis in principal components with optimal scaling. The results have shown that citizens of the prefecture attach important value to rangelands and understand their role and their contribution in improving life quality.
Large Scale Grazing Systems (LSGS) in Greece
Large scale grazing systems (LSGS) are large areas with common characteristics as far as the natural environment and animal husbandry are concerned and have derived from the interaction of man and nature. They include a large number of rare landscapes and important ecosystems with high biodiversity and offer opportunities for recreation and tourism. In the LSGS, small groups of people survive under harsh environmental and social conditions, preserving the landscape and the ecosystems. In these systems a plethora of pastoral products is produced, most of which are of high nutritive value. Ten LSGS have been identified in Greece, which belong to three biogeographical zones: a) Mediterranean Mountains (North Pindus, South Pindus, North Peloponnesus), b) Mediterranean North (Thrace, Central Macedonia) and c) Mediterranean South. The last one is divided to the mainland sector (Western Epirus, Eastern Thessaly, Southeast Peloponnesus) and the island sector (Central Crete, Dodecannisa). In each of these LSGS the main vegetation types related to animal husbandry are mentioned and the grazing systems in the past and today are described. The purpose of the research is to study the interactions between animal husbandry and plant biodiversity as well as the diachronic evolution of these systems.
Landscape evaluation using Geographic Information Systems: the case of Special Protection Area (SPA) «Potamos Pineios – Antichasia Ori»
The description, analysis and evaluation of a landscape are the first steps in its protection, as reflected by the recognition of the ecological, socio-economic and aesthetic value. The site “River Pineios – Antichasia Οri” has a total extent of 55.225ha and is part of the NATURA 2000 network (GR 1440005, SPA). The aim of this study was: (a) to evaluate the “quality” of the landscape based on Multicriteria Analysis and Geographic Information Systems, and (b) to identify areas, within a protected area, that need strict protection. The criteria were divided into five groups (vegetation, land uses, topography, human disturbance, access) and evaluated by artificial scales and the use of “weighting” for each group and variable separately. The technique of overlapping (weighed overlay) was used for the synthesis of thematic maps – criteria and the production of the final composite digital map which contains all the criteria used.
