engleski

Ecogeographical characteristics of local populations sites of red clover in the area of northwest Croatia

Red clover, important agricultural legume forage, is primarily used for dairy cow feeding. Red clover can also repair soil structure, fix atmospheric nitrogen and prevent soil erosion. Until recently the traditional cultivation of red clover prevailed in suitable habitats in Croatia. Abandoning of agricultural production is the reason of meadows succession process which can cause genetic erosion and threatens the survival of species such as local populations of red clover. The aim of this research was to classify sites using their ecogeographical characteristics. In order to carry out classification, geographical, pedological, climatological and floristic composition data were collected from 18 sites in northwestern Croatia. Collected data were then subjected to multivariate analyses. Major differences were found due to altitude and exposition (geographical), soils pH and humus content (pedological), and elevation (climatological). Survey of floristic composition revealed that 152 plant species from 34 families were recorded on the meadows, indicating habitat overgrowth and presence of secondary succession. Hemicryphytes and perennial herbaceous plants were dominant on meadows that are usual characteristic of grassland vegetation. Stratification of sites according to their ecogeographical characteristics could help to improve the course of action aimed at conservation of biological diversity of species in its natural habitats as well as the preservation of genetic resources and their use in breeding purposes.

ecogeographical characteristics; geographical; pedological; climatological; floristic composition; local populations

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