Daniel Pruchniewicz

This study aimed to determine the impact of arable fields on the diversity and species composition of isolated meadow patches of the order Arrhenatheretalia. The study was conducted in the Sowie Mountains and the adjacent hills (SW Poland). The species composition of the vegetation was analyzed along transects designated from the edge up to 33 m into the meadow patches. The species composition varied significantly in zones directly affected by arable fields, proving their strong negative impact on the vegetation of the mesic grasslands examined. The highest values of the diversity index were recorded 9 m away from the edge, while the lowest values were found in the direct influence zone of arable fields—2 m from the edge. In the case of apophytes, synanthropic species of local origin, the lowest values were recorded within 1 m and the highest values were recorded within 9 m. A significant change in the percentage of graminoids and dicotyledonous herbs was found between 9 m and 33 m from the edge. The study found no significant differences in habitat parameters measured with ecological indicators. Species of the Artemisietea vulgaris class effectively penetrate deep into grassland patches and can visibly degrade their vegetation.

The extensive spread of the invasive black cherry, Padus serotina, has been observed on abandoned agricultural land in Central and Eastern Europe. However, the impact of this species on invaded agroecosystems is still unknown, including the possibility of returning these ecosystems to agricultural production. In order to evaluate the selected soil properties of fallows invaded by P. serotina, their texture, field water capacity, reaction, and content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available forms of potassium and phosphorus were determined for 100 study plots. Taking into account the influence of soil conditions on floristic composition, the area covered by individual plant species in the study plots was also included in the analysis. A relationship was found between the presence of all the developmental stages of P. serotina and an increase in the phosphorus content in the soil. With the growth of a black cherry shrub layer, the content of soil nitrogen and potassium increased. An increasing proportion of P. serotina in the herb layer contributed to soil acidification and reduced the water content available for plants in the arable layer at 20–40 cm. The possible impact of P. serotina on soil properties may be an additional premise when considering the possibilities and benefits of the recultivation of fallow land invaded by this species.