The effect of wood ash on the structure of plant communities and phytomass yield in a solonetz soil grassland

As a potential nutrient source, we investigated the effects of wood ash doses (10-20-30 g/m2) on a semi-natural grass community formed on saline clay soil. The impact of the wood ash doses was evident in the structural composition of the vegetation, particularly in the higher cover values of Alopecurus pratensis and Poa pratensis sp. angustifolia, which are capable of achieving greater phytomass. The green yields correspondingly followed these structural changes in the vegetation. Notably, the most favorable economically viable plant community and yield levels were measured at the 20 g/m2 dosage, while values decreased at the 30 g/m2 dosage. Our experiment raised several questions, highlighting the justification for broadening the research.