Vegetation-soil relationships on consolidated limestone of Serbia

Abstract

Understanding the relationships between soil features and grassland vegetation have significant importance for agriculture and nature conservation. The aim of this study was to analyse the soil physical and chemical characteristics influencing plant species composition and species richness of grassland vegetation developed on the consolidated limestone in eastern Serbia. The analyses have been carried out on 22 phytosociological relevés, corresponding mixed soil samples (0-10 cm depth) and 8 soil profiles. The collected soils samples were classified according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (2015). Numerical classification distinguished two grassland vegetation types: Balkan endemic steppe alliance Saturejion montanae and steppe fescue grasslands on deep calcareous soils, alliance Festucion valesiacae. The grasslands of both vegetation types are developed on Leptosols and Phaeozems. According to the results of the Detrended Correspondence Analysis, the most important soil parameters affecting the species composition of steppe grasslands were humus, soil exchange capacity, the content of calcium, total acidity, base saturation, altitude, soil depth and pH.