Εffect of abiotic factors on grasslands diversity

Grasslands diversity is the expression of the interaction of abiotic factors, as they differentiated along altitude gradient and the biotic ones (plants). The aim of this research was to study the effect of abiotic factors on grassland diversity. The research was conducted on Othrys mountain grasslands in central Greece at altitude range between 800 – 1500 m. The abiotic parameters which are related with plant’s growth, as soil nitrogen and organic matter content and phosphorus concentration were measured from soil samples that were taken in depth of 0-20 cm from soil surface. Also the topographic parameters of experimental areas as altitude, inclination and exposition were measured. The plants’ diversity index of Shannon – Weiner and Equitability were calculated from plants’ density measurement. The results showed that diversity increased in grasslands with altitude >1200 m. Also it was found that the interaction of the  topographic (altitude, inclination) and soil (nitrogen, phosphorus)  variables contributed to the increase of perennial grass and legume species and so to these grasslands diversity.