Abstract
The dominance ofPolygonum bistorta in abandoned mountain meadows was studied. Successional and seasonal changes in biomass, nitrogen concentration and content were studied at the community level. During the successionP. bistorta increases its biomass both in absolute and mainly in relative values compared to the surrounding species. Nitrogen stored in its rhizomes seems to be quickly translocated into above-ground parts at the beginning of the growing season. High amounts of nitrogen allow rapid growth of both vegetative and generative plant parts. The success ofP. bistorta is probably the result of efficient use of stored nitrogen, suppression of surrounding vegetation by above-ground cover of leaves and by decrease in the level of soil nitrogen, and the effect of a large amount of litter. Management consisting in the combination of mowing and fertilization is proposed.
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Pecháčková, S., Krahulec, F. Efficient nitrogen economy: Key to the success ofPolygonum bistorta in an abandoned mountain meadow. Folia Geobot 30, 211–222 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02812099
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02812099