Contribution of Rangelands in the development of farming systems in the north part of Evros prefecture

Traditionally, extensive husbandry is a fundamental activity for the north part of Evros prefecture. However, no integrated rangeland management plan exists for this area, resulting in uncontrolled distribution of the grazing animals in space and time. Consequently, rangelands are degraded either by overgrazing or by undergrazing. The aim of this research was to evaluate the existing condition of the rangelands of North Evros and to formulate an integrated management plan. Eight experimental areas were established in grasslands, shrublands and silvopastural systems in the regions of Derio, Pentalofos and Pragi. In each of these areas permanent plots were fenced in the autumn of 2008, in order to protect them from grazing so as to evaluate the effects of grazing and to calculate vegetation utilization. Plant cover, floristic composition, herbage yield were measured and grazing capacity was calculated. In Pragi plant cover, herbage yield and grazing capacity were high while the utilization percentage was low. In the contrary, in Dereio plant cover was high, while herbage yield and grazing capacity were low and utilization percentage was high. In Pentalofos plant cover, herbage yield and grazing capacity were moderate while the utilization percentage was low. It seems that Pragi rangelands were undergrazing while in Dereio were overgrazed. Therefore, a proper grazing management in space and time is necessary for the proper utilization of the rangelands by the farmers.