Investigation of the relationship between the effects of changing environmental factors along the climate gradient along the Danube on the composition and production of sandy grasslands, as well as on some physical, chemical and biological soil properties

The sandy areas along the Danube River with extreme dry, unfavourable conditions might have diffuse or sudden variations in the composition and value of the grass and other biomass causing challenge to planning and managing land use. The objective of the proposed research is to understand relationships between the climatic gradient, the soil conditions and the grassland characteristics including floristic composition, ceonology, and feed value. The established relationships could be applied for proper management and planning. One of the major objectives of the proposed research is to combine the pedological and botanical knowledge to understand the impact of the climatic gradient. Based on our preliminary studies, three Festuca taxa are assumed to occur on the open sandy grasslands subject to the study.