Phytosociology and Dynamics of Calcareous Grasslands in Kemeri National Park, Latvia

Ecology, phytosociology, and regional characteristics of and management effects on calcareous grasslands in Kemeri National Park (Latvia) were studied. The data set included 181 phytosociological releves. According to TWINSPAN division and mean Ellenberg values the releves were classified into four major groups at association level and classified as Sesleria caerulea-Primula veris community (alliance Bromion), Sesleria caerulea-Inula salicina community, Molinietum caeruleae community, and Carex hostiana community (alliance Molinion). Environmental factors were analysed by DCA using the mean Ellenberg values. The variances in species composition were mainly influenced by moisture, the only factor significantly differing among the phytosociological groups. The recent management has not directly affected the present species richness and vegetation structure at community level. Some aspects of grassland dynamics and conservation are discussed.