Plant Soil Environ., 2006, 52(10):459-467 | DOI: 10.17221/3467-PSE

Ecobiological study of medicinal plants in some regions of Serbia

D. Obratov-Petkovię, I. Popovię, S. Belanovię, R. Kadovię
Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

Ecobiological study of medicinal plants includes the analysis of particular soil features and the ecological indexes of plant species as site indicators. Two experimental serpentine areas in northwest and central Serbia were selected to identify the potential limiting factors for medicinal plant harvesting. Soil analysis is done according to ICP methodology - ICP Forest Manual, Part III, Soil Sampling and Analysis (1998). Floristic and phytocoenological investigations were carried out by Wasthoff-van der Maarel (1973). The assessment of soil quality is based on the calculation of indicator values of available nitrogen (N), heavy metals, and the sensitivity to acidification. According to our results, N (12.1-17.5), acidification (7-12), and indicator values for some heavy metals (0.3-46.5) show a low biological availability. Medicinal plant species at the investigated areas have low values of ecological indexes: N (2.41-2.82), moisture (2.45-2.70) and soil acidity (3.35-3.70). Hydrothermic conditions indicate the predominant presence of sub-xerophytes, semi-sciophytes and mesothermic species. These types of plant species are recommended for exploitation.

Keywords: serpentine parent rock; degraded meadow ecosystem; soil quality; plant indicator values

Published: October 31, 2006  Show citation

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Obratov-Petkovię D, Popovię I, Belanovię S, Kadovię R. Ecobiological study of medicinal plants in some regions of Serbia. Plant Soil Environ. 2006;52(10):459-467. doi: 10.17221/3467-PSE.
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