Thesis-1998-Joyce.pdf (31.15 MB)
Management of European floodplain grasslands for plant biodiversity
thesis
posted on 2010-11-05, 14:28 authored by Christopher B. JoyceEuropean floodplain grasslands are characterized by periodic flooding and regular
management, usually cutting and grazing as part of an agricultural system. Past
losses and ecological degradation have been due largely to river regulation and either
agricultural intensification or abandonment and have resulted in a substantial
reduction in area across Europe. Nevertheless, the remaining resource supports
considerable biodiversity and a high level of biological production. A better
quantitative understanding of the functioning of these grasslands is required in order
to establish effective conservation management within a sustainable land use system.
The thesis examines the impact of key management factors on three important
functional characteristics of the biodiversity of floodplain plant communities, namely
plant diversity (measured by species diversity), cover (%) and primary production
(above-ground biomass), on two floodplain grasslands of the River Trent, UK and a
third on the the Luznice river, the Czech Republic. Field investigations of the effects
of cutting, grazing, cessation of management, the influence of floodborne litter, and
the impact of fertilizer nitrogen were undertaken over periods of between one and
three seasons. These demonstrated that floodplain grassland plant communities are
sensitive to variations in management and that impacts on communities are mediated
particularly through effects on plant competition. Productive competitive species
were encouraged both by abandonment and fertilizer application whereas cutting and
grazing management, and the imposition of litter, favoured stress-tolerating
perennials. Species diversity decreased both with high inputs of litter and additions
of fertilizer. Plant community responses and competitive strategies of key species are
discussed in the context of biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and
management of European floodplain grasslands.
History
School
- Social Sciences
Department
- Geography and Environment
Publisher
© Christopher Brian JoycePublication date
1998Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.286006Language
- en