Grassland Evaluation and Maintenance Options in Different Pannonian Habitats

The tasks and objectives of grassland management have changed significantly in recent decades. One of the key elements of adapting to climatic and economic challenges of the present age is the optimal use and future sustainability of grasslands. This need formed the basis for modernising Ferenc Balázs's plant stand assess-ment method to develop a fast, efficient and widely applicable method for evaluation of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage in grasslands, as well as the economic value of pastures. The three-dimensional coenological survey technique is low cost, does not require technical infrastructure, and empirically considers the species' preference by livestock. Based on our investigations in the presented case study, the revised Balázs method which combines coenological survey data and plant height measurement is well suited for estimating the yield of grasslands and determining the relative forage value of grasslands. Combining vegetation cover and weight data with ecological and diversity indicators also offers opportunities for nature conservation. As the method is non-destructive and involves little trampling, it is particularly suit-able for monitoring grassland habitats with high density of protected plant and animal species.