Grassland diversity of submontane valleys under influence of soil and management types

The vast majority of grassland communities in the submontane areas of the temperate climate zone are the result of centuries of human activity and develop under the influence of habitat conditions. Identifying the main factors responsible for their diversity is crucial for their maintenance in a changing landscape. In a model area where traditional management is still practiced (the Wielopolka catchment, Western Carpathians, Poland), 15 separate study sites were selected and studied, combining plant communities with soil parameters, topography, and management types. The research was conducted in 2012–2015. The main soil factors determining grassland community diversity were soil moisture, P 2 O 5 , and CaO content, although total sorption capacity had a lesser effect. Soil moisture and fertility were correlated with landscape relief, with higher values recorded in valley bottoms with humus-rich colluvial/alluvial soils. The highest diversity indices were related to thermophilous, sporadically mown/grazed meadows located on the top of the valleys. Habitat moisture, which was related to topography and soil type, followed by traditional land-use practices, was the main factor determining grassland diversity in the study area. A variety of soil types, especially those with high calcium content, enhanced local diversity. Maintaining communities with high diversity indices was linked to extensive traditional management practices, such as grazing and mowing with varied frequency. To preserve meadow diversity, it is necessary to support traditional management practices, as without external support they become economically unviable for landowners.