| Abstract [eng] |
The theme of the master thesis is An Evaluation of Plant Communities Including Blue Moon Grass (Sesleria caerulea (L.) Ard.) in Joniškis District, Mikačiai. The object of the research is Sesleria caerulea community growing in Mikaičiai village, Joniškis district. Sesleria caerulea is one of the alpine plant species. Seslerietum uliginosae is classified as rare plant community and the species itself is included in the Lithuanian Red Book (Cat. 2 (V)). In Lithuania the prevalence of Sesleria caerulea is fragmented. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes of Seslerietum uliginosae in the period of 2012–2018. In the investigated area Sesleria caerulea is concentrated in a small area with fragments. In order to achieve the goal of the work, a non-standardized interview was conducted with ecologists of the Kamanos State Nature Reserve, Žagarė Regional Park, Kurtuvėnai Regional Park and the employees of the Mikaičiai Forest District. The ecological conditions of the Sesleria caerulea plant were assessed using the Elenberg`s ecological scale. Field studies performed by route method in 2018. Seslerietum uliginosae community was studied by the method of representative fields and the abundance of species was assessed by modified Braun-Blanquet scale. The results were compared to the results of a research carried out by scientists of the Botanical Garden of Šiauliai University in 2012. Soil samples were used to measure soil acidity, the amount of total nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, mobile potassium and humus. At the present, most populations of Sesleria caerulea in North Lithuania are poor with only a few dozens or hundreds of individuals. The study found that the populiation of Sesleria caerulea in Mikaičiai remained stable over the period of 7 years (4 Braun-Blanquet scores). The ecological conditions of the studied field are very close to the needs of Sesleria caerulea. However, there was a difference between the plant`s light demand (Š=8) and the light conditions of the site (Š=6.77). Sesleria caerulea is a light-weight plant, so the lack of light can threaten its survival in the area. Regular mowing of grassland is important in order to preserve the population of Sesleria caerulea, thus avoiding overgrowth by tall grasses and shrubs. If possible observation of rare plant species should be carried out. In the investigated area an increase of the wetland plant species was detected during the period of 2012–2018. The investigated grassland hadn`t been mowed or grazed there are spreading shrubs and tall grasses. Therefore, the survival of Sesleria caerulea is at risk. |
