ISSN:
1573-5052
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary From 1958 till 1968 planting experiments were executed in the States Nature Reserve “Gerendal” (in the lime and loess district of Southern-Limburg in the Netherlands) with 22 wild Orchid species and 3 hybrids occurring naturally in the forest-, bush- and grassland associations on limy soils, i.e. the Querco-Carpinctum orchidetosum, the Prunus spinosa-Ligustrum vulgare-association and the Mesobrometum koelerietosum. As experimental plot was chosen a 0.40 ha big pasture on lime soil at a south-eastern slope and bordering a mixed hardwood forest. This pasture (Arrhenatheretum, sub-association of Briza media) originated from the Mesobrometum by agricultural improvements. As the Mesobrometum is a suitable site for several Orchid species it was tried to regenerate the Mesobrometum out of the artificial pasture before the planting of orchids was started. This regeneration was stimulated by omission of manure, sheep grazing and by bringing the lime from the subsoil up to the surface. In 1958 26 squares of 1.50×1.50m were dug up in an area of 0.19 ha of the impoverished soil in which the orchids have been planted, either with clod or with bulbs. In 1962 an adjacent part of 0.20 ha was ploughed entirely on which also orchids have been planted in groups. With both methods of soil cultivation the grassed surface was removed first. By counting each year the upcoming orchids, the flowering specimina separately, in the long run it could be determined which species regenerated vegetatively at the spot. After some years it appeared that some species reproduced by spontanuous dissemination. From this fact it could be deduced that probably they had found the suitable environment in the artificially established Mesobrometum. Thus after 10 years it could be determined with some certainty that the following species had been established permanently: Dactylorchis fuchsii, Listera ovata, Gymnadenia conopsea, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Aceras anthropophorum, Orchis militaris, O. simia, O. purpurea, Orchis militaris × O. simia, Orchis militaris × O. purpurea, Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha. Less sure is the solitary establishment of Himantoglossum hircinum, Ophrys insectifera, O. fuciflora and Epipactis atrorubens. Still doubtfull is the behaviour of Cephalanthera damasonium, Orchis morio, O. mascula, O. ustulata, Ophrys apifera, Coeloglossum viride and Epipactis helleborine. Only continued observation and the application of other management measures at different experimental plots can produce more information and finally give decisive answers.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00332846
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