Improving the floral diversity in pastures of the Collsacabra massif

Abstract

Pastures are habitats with a high ecological and productive value, and they have been used for centuries for livestock farming. Seminatural pastures, including hay meadows, are the best example. To ensure the conservation of this habitat, it should be managed taking into account the protection of biodiversity. The main purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of different restorative techniques on the floristic diversity and richness of seminatural pastures on the Collsacabra massif (Osona region, Catalonia, Spain). We also analyse the evolution of ecological quality and the impact of several applied techniques on the production of pastures. The study of the ecological improvement and floristic diversity and richness of the meadows was carried out over a period of four years (2015-2018) on seminatural pastures and a sown meadow, applying the following techniques: scattering of mown grass, transplanting of turf, and sowing of seeds. The results show a notable improvement in the two meadows, in both floral diversity and richness, but there are no significant differences between the techniques applied or with respect to the control plots. There are no negative effects on the production of the pastures. The ecological improvement of the meadows appears to follow a positive trend thanks to the techniques applied, but the plots under study should continue to be monitored in order to confirm it.