Xerothermic grassland communites of the alliance Crisio-Brachypodion pinnati Hadac et Klika 1944 em. : Krausch 1961 in northwestern Poland

Xeromesophilous grasslands of the alliance Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati were studied in valleys of the Lower Odra and Płonia rivers. These ecosystems have been included in the Habitats Directive. The preservation state of vegetation, threats to it and the methods of its protection are presented. Results of this study show that Cirsio-Brachypodion in the examined area is represented by the association Adonido-Brachypodietum, and plant community with Salvia pratensis. Adonido-Brachypodietum develops in a typical form and in two variants: Anthericum liliago and A. ramosum. The major threat to these grasslands is posed by plant succession. An effective method of their protection is a return to traditional methods of farming, i.e. to moderate, alternate grazing or hay harvesting.