Ecologia Balkanica

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https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/4

p-ISSN: 1314-0213 / e-ISSN: 1313-9940

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 62

Which color are you?: A pilot study on microplastic accumulation in sediments from the Bulgarian Black Sea
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-11-11) Yancheva, Vesela; Stoyanova, Stela; Georgieva, Elenka; Valkanov, Kiril
Microplastic (MP) pollution in marine sediments is an emerging environmental concern, yet data on MP color and size in the Black Sea are scarce. This pilot study analyzed sediments from five Bulgarian coastal locations. These results provide baseline information on MP color and size in Bulgarian Black Sea sediments and highlight the importance of further studies on the environmental behavior and management of colored MPs.
Assessment of some ecosystem services in the region of Rhodope Mountain, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-09-23) Petrova, Slaveya; Zlatkova, Meglena; Nikolov, Bogdan; Dakova, Megi
Human society directly depends on a number of natural products and services such as plant and animal resources, mushrooms and herbs, wood and aggregates, water for drinking and non-drinking purposes, fuels and others. For these reasons, in the last decade, intensive work has been done to deepen understanding of human dependence on natural processes at different temporal and spatial scales, as well as to search for appropriate economic and management criteria and indicators by which to measure the value of these ecosystem services. All of the above mentioned determines the relevance of the current study, related to the analysis of ecosystem services on the territory of two villages, situated into the region of the Rhodope Mountain - Brestnik and Belashtitsa, as a resource for social and ecological development. A total of 22 ecosystem services were identified, of which material ecosystem services include 9 classes, regulating and supporting services - 7 classes, and cultural services - 6 classes. These ecosystem benefits are an object of consumption and a resource for social and ecological development not only for local residents and agricultural producers, but also for visitors to the study area, which highlights their exceptional intrinsic value and the need for their conservation and sustainable use.
A toolkit for assessing cultural ecosystem services at a community level
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-08-10) Petrova, Slaveya; Valcheva, Ekaterina; Bileva, Tatyana; Dakova, Megi
Agricultural systems provide people with multiple benefits (both commodity and noncommodity products). Agroecosystem services in this context describe the anthropogenic contribution to the generation of agroecosystem services. Agroecosystem services include a range of services from agricultural ecosystems – provisioning, regulation, maintenance and cultural services. Agroecosystem services adapt the ecologically based concept of ecosystem services to the specifics of managed agricultural ecosystems, thus making this concept more applicable to economically oriented agricultural production systems and agricultural policies. Based on their specific features and nature, it is accepted to group ecosystem services into four categories – material, regulating, supporting and cultural. The majority of benefits from the group of cultural ecosystem services (e.g., leisure and recreation, aesthetic interactions, traditions and rituals) are intangible and therefore often remain undervalued by society. For these reasons, in the last decade, intensive work has been done to deepen understanding of human dependence on natural processes at different temporal and spatial scales, as well as to search for appropriate economic and management criteria and indicators by which to measure the value of these ecosystem services. In this study, we aimed to present a toolkit for assessing cultural ecosystem services provided by agroecosystems. The data obtained through the proposed toolkit can serve to shape recommendations for the sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems, protecting livelihoods and natural resources, so that agro-ecosystems can continue to deliver ES in addition to food production.
Influence of dietary disaccharides on glycosyl hydrolase profile in ecologically distinct Lactobacillus strains
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-10-22) Ivanova, Lidia; Mollova, Daniela; Dimcheva, Nina; Vasileva, Tonka; Bivolarski, Veselin; Nikolova, Mariana; Iliev, Ilia
This study examines glucosyl hydrolase enzymes from Lactobacilli strains isolated from probiotic foods and beverages (kefir, pickles and sauerkraut). Glycosyl hydrolases play a key role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, supporting gut health and finding wide biotechnological applications. During the screening stage, the metabolic potential of the strains to utilize various carbohydrates in modified, glucose-free media containing specific carbon substrates is tested. This points to the search for specific enzymes such as α-/β-glucosidase and α-/β-galactosidase. The results indicate that glycosidase activity in Lactobacillus varies by strain and is influenced by the available substrate, highlighting their potential applications in functional foods, prebiotic conversion, and the metabolism of polyphenolic compounds.
Implementation of an eco-friendly hybrid vehicle in engineering education: a case study
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-09-22) Shehova, Daniela; Asenov, Stanislav; Kanevski, Hristo; Raydovska, Velislava; Parushev, Anatoliy
This paper aims to present the integration of an ecological hybrid car test bench allowing for real-environment measurements and analyses into engineering education. The hybrid car test bench – Toyota C-HR Hybrid 1.8 (2019), equipped with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, has been tested in the training of students from the Bachelor programs "Automotive Electronic Systems” and “Automotive Engineering” at the Faculty of Physics and Technology of Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” (Bulgaria). The implementation of the hybrid platform in a learning environment proved its potential as a teaching and technological tool, providing opportunities for students to measure exhaust gases emissions, fuel mixtures, fuel consumption and plan models related to the recovery. The inclusion of the hybrid platform in engineering education creates conditions for the development of knowledge and skills related to electromobility, energy efficiency and sustainable technologies, which directly correspond to the optimization of the environmental characteristics of hybrid vehicles.
Ecological aspects of DC-DC converters in hybrid electric vehicles – a review
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-09-22) Asenov, Stanislav; Raydovska, Vladislava; Shehova, Daniela; Kanevski, Hristo; Parushoev, Anatoliy
This paper aims to conduct a literature review on the ecological aspects of energy DCDC converters in hybrid vehicles. Modern technologies that enhance energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions associated with these components are analyzed. The main trends, challenges, and future prospects for developing environmentally sustainable solutions in energy conversion for hybrid cars are presented. Furthermore, the present work emphasizes the necessity of studying and integrating DC-DC converters into engineering curricula to foster innovation and sustainable development in the automotive industry.
Specifics of the biocultural approach and its potential for interdisciplinary studies: on the example of anthropobiotic communit
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-09-16) Penkova, Stoyka; Stoilova, Elitza; Tasheva, Milena
The article makes an attempt at an analytical interpretation of the specifics of the biocultural approach and its potential for interdisciplinary research. Starting from the premise that the interest is incessantly growing in studies viewing the link between man and environment beyond the traditional disciplinary borders, and also that combining the expertise of natural and social sciences is in increasingly greater demand, this article will show the importance of the biocultural approach as an analytic instrument working on the borders between ecology, biology, anthropology and sociology. Linking into one ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and social structures, this approach fosters the analytic and methodological overcoming of hard limits between natural and social sciences. The article dwells on the case of beekeeping as an example of such a biocultural unity of human knowledge and experience in which the biological and the cultural are in dynamic interaction. As a theoretical and empirical contribution, we introduce the concept of anthropobiotic community, understood as a form of joint interaction between man and another form of life – the bee colony. This concept permits rethinking the coexistence of human communities and animal groups based on mutual dependence, care and co-participation in which humans are ‘with’ and not ‘against’ their environment which is ‘between’ humans and the things in it and which can connect then – also affectively, personally, emotionally – as a space of creation of a community, as a new form of togetherness.
Physico-chemical parameters and PCA approach to assess river water quality – a case study (Albania)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-30) Hoxha, Belinda; Shyti, Bederiana; Papajani, Blerina; Mazrreku, Armela; Osmani, Marilda; Basha, Lule
Water quality refers to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for a specific use, such as drinking, industry, irrigation or supporting aquatic life. It is assessed by comparing water’s properties against established standards for various uses. Factors influencing water quality include natural elements like weather and geology, and human activities like pollution and land use. Water Quality Index (WQI) is a widely used tool for summarizing and communicating water quality information. It is a valuable and unique statistical approach that consolidates the experimental results of various physicochemical parameters into a single comprehensive and practical term in order to represent the overall quality status of water. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the ability of statistical methods in water quality prediction, specifically by identifying the most important parameters that influence the Water Quality Index (WQI). This involves the use of statistical techniques to analyze water quality data and identify the main factors that influence the overall water quality, potentially leading to a more efficient and accurate water quality management. The study takes in consideration physico-chemical parameters analyzed in Shkumbini River in Albania. The laboratory data from six sampling points during four years are gathered and analyzed based on water quality standards and statistically with PCA (Principal Component Analysis). The chosen parameters to evaluate water quality are TDS, GH, BOD, pH, DO, Cl, HCO3- and thermotolerant coliforms, which are also used to monitor the suitability of the PCA method in the determination of WQI. The physico-chemical parameters were evaluated against international water standards. Additionally, the PCA method showed that the order of indicators determining the WQI depends on the distance between the variables and the origin. The study reveals that using the PCA method, the recommended nine parameters are sufficient to determine the WQI value, and the cumulative proportion of Component 1, Component 2 and Component 3 explains nearly 63% of the total variance.
Taxonomic Composition and Environmental Drivers of Phytoplankton in Earthen Fish Ponds (Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Dochin, Kostadin; Ivanova, Angelina; Ilieva, Lena; Iliev, Ivan
This study presents a comparative analysis of phytoplankton taxonomic structure and its relationship with environmental factors in earthen aquaculture ponds located in Plovdiv and Trivoditsi, Bulgaria, during the period May–September 2024. A total of 114 phytoplankton taxa were identified across six phyla, with Chlorophyta and Cyanoprokaryota dominating the bio-mass. The results showed a pronounced shift towards higher phytoplankton biomass (PhB up to 60.3 mg L⁻¹) and chlorophyll-a concentrations (up to 133 μg L⁻¹) in the Trivoditsi ponds, associated with blooms of green algae and cyanobacteria. For the first time, the invasive and potentially toxic species Raphidiopsis raciborskii was recorded in Bulgarian aquaculture ponds, contributing up to 15.5% of the phytoplankton biomass during bloom periods. Environmental parameters such as elevated ammonium, phosphate, and COD were positively correlated with increased PhB, chlorophyll-a, and total viable counts (TVC) of heterotrophic bacteria. Redundancy analysis (RDA) highlighted the influence of nutrient enrichment and organic load on the biological variables. The observed co-variation between PhB and TVC suggests the presence of a dynamic microbial loop, where intensive primary production supports hetero-trophic bacterial growth. These findings confirm the role of eutrophic conditions and nutrient availability in shaping phytoplankton and microbial communities in earthen ponds used for aquaculture. This study provides new insights into the ecological interactions in such systems, contributing to future strategies for water quality management and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Seasonal characteristics of precipitation in the region of NAO Rozhen, Bulgaria, for the period 2023—2025
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Paskaleva, Vesselina; Terziyski, Atanas; Kochev, Nikolay; Tenev, Stoyan; Petrov, Nikola
The article presents high-resolution observations of winter precipitation in the region surrounding the National Astronomical Observatory (NAO) Rozhen, Bulgaria, at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level, during the 2023–2025 period. Utilizing an array of advanced meteorological instruments, including the OTT Pluvio²L, Parsivel² disdrometer, WS100 radar sensor, and SHM31 snow depth sensor, we captured detailed in-situ data on precipitation type, intensity, and duration. The integrated sensor system enabled the classification and quantification of various precipitation events such as snow, rain, drizzle, and hail with minute-level resolution. The study features multiple precipitation-related variables, including total amount, intensity, and precipitation type. Seasonal and daily variations in precipitation behavior were documented, with snow dominating the winter period but often accompanied by mixed-phase events. The dataset supports enhanced understanding of precipitation dynamics in mountainous terrain and offers potential for model calibration, climate profiling, and natural air purification assessments. All data is provided in FAIR-compliant formats to support further research and environmental monitoring efforts.
Tracking Volcanic Atmospheric Waves: Insights from the 2022 Hunga Tonga Eruption observed with an Open Sensor Network in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Terziyski, Atanas; Tancheva, Gergana; Jeliazkov, Vedrin; Kochev, Nikolay; Paskaleva, Vesselina
The January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga was one of the most powerful volcanic events of the modern era, generating a vertical plume that reached over 50 kilometres above Earth’s surface. The initial explosion, followed by a high-speed atmospheric jet, triggered waves that circled the globe multiple times. The effects of the eruption on Bulgarian territory were detected and analysed using data from the METER.AC network, which includes a wide array of custom-designed and assembled ground monitoring stations, enhanced by a set of certified professional weather stations. These stations utilise the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm to collect data from a variety of sensors and provide open access to the recorded measurements. We have developed a suite of algorithms to process the collected data through several methods, including semi-automated detection of wave minima and maxima, Fourier spectral analysis, and the integration of data from nearby instruments. This approach enabled us to identify and analyse the first two atmospheric waves that reached Bulgaria and to calculate their average propagation speeds—301 m/s and 315 m/s, respectively. This research highlights the significance and capability of the citizen science network, METER.AC, in providing valuable data for understanding global phenomena, particularly large-scale volcanic events. It also highlights the potential of IoT-based systems and data processing algorithms in advancing atmospheric research and environmental monitoring.
Polyphenol-containing water-soluble bio-composite films as alternative food packaging materials
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Grigorov, Aleksandar; Viraneva, Asya
Historically, the development of better food preservation techniques has been one of the main factors in the prosperity and health of any human population, and with the exponential rise in food demand leads science in search of eco-friendlier solutions. One such path is the development of water-soluble biodegradable coatings based on easily accessible and abundant natural polymer materials. As a common byproduct of the food industry, corn zein is one of the most promising biopolymers for food packaging, offering excellent barrier properties. Its main drawback – poor mechanical strength – can be mitigated with the addition of other biodegradable polymers that would result in the creation of bio-composite materials with controllable properties. Further improvements of such biopolymer coatings can be achieved with the addition of other materials, such as different polyphenols, that may improve their antioxidant properties. The presented paper investigates water-soluble bio-composite films, created by dissolving equal parts zein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in ethanol solution (70:30 ethanol to water ratio). Polyethylene glycol was used as plasticiser in all samples. Two different polyphenols (quercetin and curcumin) were incorporated in the bio-composites at a concentration of 2 mg/cm2. The mechanical properties of the created films were studied with a use of Universal Testing Machine (Lloyd Instrument). The surface morphology was investigated with scanning electron microscopy and the surface free energy was determined with the use of the sessile drop method. The dependence of the normalized surface potentials on the storage time of the charged substrates was studied. Parameters, important for food preservation, such as water vapor permeability, were investigated.
Air quality control in Plovdiv, Bulgaria: the citizens' awareness. Results from a pilot quantitative study
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Mitev, Tihomir; Tchalakov, Ivan; Keskinova, Donka; Parapanov, Petar
Air pollution is a leading risk factor for individual and public health. It is a major environmental stressor responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in Europe every year. Monitoring and controlling air quality is about the importance of managing public health, as is ensuring people are aware of the dangers of polluted air and getting them involved in the issue. The article presents a summary of the results and data analysis from a pilot study conducted in May-June 2025 on the awareness, interest, personal engagement, and assessment of citizens in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) – one of the most polluted cities in Europe – regarding the control of air quality in the city.
Tautomerism influence on QSAR/QSPR modelling of ecotoxicity and physicochemical properties of chemical compounds
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Kochev, Nikolay; Paskaleva, Vesselina; Jeliazkova, Nina
The OECD guidelines for QSAR/QSPR (Quantitative Structure Activity/Property Relationship) modelling and ecotoxicity testing play a significant role in ecological studies by providing standardised, scientifically validated methods to assess the environmental impact of chemicals. Laboratory and terrain tests are combined with QSAR/QSPR models, ensuring consistency, reliability and support for regulatory acceptance, enabling screening and prioritisa-tion, global harmonisation and promotion of alternatives to animal testing. Tautomerism is a fundamental structural phenomenon that can significantly influence the predictive reliability of QSAR/QSPR models used for assessing ecotoxicity and physicochemical properties of chemical compounds. We examine how tautomeric variation affects molecular descriptors, data curation, and model performance. We propose practical incorporation of tautomer information into the model development and cheminformatics pipelines to enhance predictive accuracy and regulatory applicability. By generating exhaustive tautomeric ensembles, our approach sup-ports QSAR/QSPR modelling in line with OECD guidelines for regulatory ecotoxicity endpoints, contributing to the development of robust in silico predictions. By addressing the challenges posed by tautomerism, this work advances the use of computational methods in sustainable chemical safety assessment and supports innovation in non-testing approaches.
Protected Areas as a Context for Effective Science Communication and the Development of Sustainability Competences
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Epitropova, Ani
This study analyses how Bulgarian protected areas can serve as platforms for meaningful science communication and as dynamic contexts for developing sustainability competences and supporting environmental conservation efforts. It focuses on how pre-service education students carry out science communication using digital tools and engage with ecological knowledge, how they interpret and communicate information from primary sources related to Bulgarian protected areas, and to what extent this process supports the development of sustainability competences in line with the GreenComp framework. The analysis covers 49 students’ projects focused on protected areas, developed within a structured educational model specifically designed for the study. The analytical approach focuses on three dimensions: (1) scientific accuracy and completeness of the ecological content—including accurate identification of systematic groups, characterized species of flora and fauna, specific ecosystems, and threats; (2) strategies used to communicate scientific information to non-specialist audiences; and (3) the extent to which students demonstrate key sustainability competences, aligned with the GreenComp framework, including: sustainability knowledge, systems thinking, critical thinking, personal and collective responsibility, collaboration, and initiative. The findings reveal competent patterns in information selection, use of visual and emotional tools, and consistent use of scientifically accurate language. Most students present the characteristics of the protected areas in a detailed, engaging, and scientifically sound manner, demonstrating contextual awareness of local environmental challenges and conservation priorities. These patterns support the use of GreenComp not only as a policy instrument but also as a useful analytical tool for measuring ecological awareness and engagement in academic settings. The study contributes to understanding how science communication and competence development intersect in educational settings, positioning future teachers as key mediators between ecology and society.
Applying DNA barcoding and ecological DNA approaches for biodiversity monitoring in aquatic ecosystems
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-29) Apostolova, Elena; Iliev, Iliya
Molecular ecology is reshaping traditional perspectives on natural systems by integrating advanced molecular techniques into ecological research. This integration offers novel insights into long-standing ecological questions and supports the development of more effective conservation strategies and sustainable resource management. The advent of DNA barcoding, which enables precise species identification using short, standardised genomic regions, has significantly improved taxonomic resolution, particularly for taxa with ambiguous or unresolved classifications. In parallel, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is revolutioni-sing biodiversity monitoring by facilitating the detection of organisms directly from environmental samples, without the need for physical specimen collection. Together, DNA barcoding and eDNA represent a powerful, non-invasive, and efficient toolkit for studying biodiversity, especially in aquatic ecosystems, where traditional survey methods are often constrained. This review synthesises recent advances in the application of these molecular approaches to aquatic biodiversity monitoring, with a focus on their underlying principles, practical applications, methodological challenges, and prospects.
Documentation of the Smooth Snake, Coronella austriaca (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Euboea Island, Greece
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-28) Strachinis, Ilias; Kalogiannis, Stamatios; Katsiyiannis, Philippos; Kouelis, Charis; Stefanopoulos, Platon; Tzoras, Elias
Euboea, the second-largest island of Greece, supports a diverse range of habitats and remains faunistically understudied, despite its proximity to the mainland and the capital of Greece, Athens. We document the first verified records of the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) on Euboea, based on two individuals observed on Mounts Xirovouni and Dirfi. The species is known in Greece only from mainland areas and has also been historically reported from Samothrace Island based on a single museum specimen. The presence of C. austriaca on Euboea expands the known insular distribution of this predominantly mainland species. Our findings highlight the biogeographical importance of Euboea and underscore the need for further surveys to understand better the distribution, habitat use, and conservation status of C. austriaca, and possibly other overlooked reptile species on the island.
Analysis of perennial temperature variations and behavioral ecology of insects for the region of the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-20) Ivanov, Plamen
Climate change is significantly affecting both natural ecosystems and human-managed systems on a global scale. The stressors associated with the Anthropocene are diverse and intricate, including invasive species, habitat degradation, pesticide application, and pollution. However, none of these stressors are as pervasive or interconnected with various other factors as climate change. Consequently, understanding the effects of anthropogenic climate change on natural systems is a paramount challenge for environmental sciences in the 21st century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines climate change as “a shift in the climate's state that can be recognized (using statistical methods) by alterations in the average and/or the variability of its attributes, persisting for a long time, generally for decades or longer”. This definition encompasses any changes in climate over time, whether resulting from natural variations or human-induced activities. Climate-related variables, such as temperature, water availability, and carbon dioxide levels, critically affect the characteristics of ecosystems that facilitate food production, including both freshwater and marine environments, agriculture, and forestry. Any fluctuations in these variables present a risk to global food security. This research, therefore, is crucial in understanding and mitigating this risk.
Evaluation of the water quality of the rivers used for the irrigation of the Korçë field, Albania
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-27) Maho, Adrian; Ajҫe, Sulltane; Mero, Gjergji; Skenderasi, Besnik
Water from multiple sources, including rivers, streams, springs, lakes, irrigation reservoirs and groundwater is used to irrigate agricultural crops. Crop productivity depends not only on sufficient amount of water, but also on its good quality. The quality of irrigation water affects not only plant productivity but also product quality and food safety. The study conducted a dynamic assessment of the water quality of two main rivers, the Devoll River and the Dunavec River, which are used for the irrigation of the Korçë field, Albania. The study evidenced the impact that human activity has on water pollution of these various chemicals during the use of water for family purposes, the disposal of waste into rivers, the treatment of agricultural plants with pesticides, and the cutting down of forests. The analyses of physico-chemical and biological indicators were performed according to standard methods in the Agro-food laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fan Noli University, Korçë. The indicators resulting from the analysis were compared with the standards set by FAO for irrigation water quality and EU Regulation 2020/741. The pollution of the ecosystem of these rivers has led deterioration in their quality indicators. Interventions in wastewater treatment, reforestation, the introduction of biological methods for combating diseases and pests, and the ecological awareness of communities are contributions towards improving the quality of river waters.
Study of the agrobiodiversity of the Lotus corniculatus L. grassland under mountain conditions after the application of organic fertilizers
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-23) Churkova, Katerina
In a research experiment, carried out in 2020-2023 in the Research Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture-Troyan, on the grassland of Lotus corniculatus L., variety "Targovishte 1", the influence of fertilization with the organic fertilizers Blago 5 in doses of 300 and 600 ml/da (varieties 2 and 3) and Fertileader Axis in doses of 500 and 1000 ml/da (varieties 4 and 5) was tested in comparison with an unfertilized control (variety 1). Biodiversity of the untreated crop and agrobiodiversity by botanical groups and weed species composition were studied. The ecological effect of organic fertilization and its impact on the floristic composition of the grassland were determined. The percentage and species contribution of the main botanical groups (grasses, legumes, motley grasses) in the Lotus corniculatus L. grassland changed positively under the influence of fertilization, and the group of motley grasses including plants from different botanical families. There was an increased presence of the shade grass species Lotus corniculatus L. and a reduced number and percentage of representatives of motley grasses in the formed above-ground mass after treatment with the two biofertilizers. Fertileader Axis biofertilizer at a dose of 1000 ml/da proved to be the most effective, stimulating the development of Lotus corniculatus L. in the stand by 82.6% and reducing the number of weedy species (13.6%). The resulting higher relative proportion of Lotus corniculatus L. suggests better quality indicators of grass biomass. The results obtained define the applied biofertilizers as an effective agrotechnical practice, leading to an increase in the presence of economically important grass species and a decrease in the proportion of low-productive variable grasses.

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