The management of temperate herbaceous environments by mowing and grazing: How to rationalize the biological description of the flora?

Abstract

The biological descriptors for grassland species found in the literature are detailed, together with their extreme states. The main combinations for the descriptor states are reviewed, illustrated by examples of type taxa in temperate climates (especially in the Armorican Massif). Grazing and mowing are compared using eight characteristics. The most appropriate descriptors (phenology including the growing seasons compared with possible rest periods, and the reproductive and germination periods; height of the plants...) are used to propose possible avenues for management plans. These concern the calendar for intervention, the selection of the harvesting exploitation system (cutting height and intervals between harvests), the type of harvesting exploitation (mowing or grazing).