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Abstract
Soils and native vegetation were investigated in 24 sites in the hilly and mountainous province of Elassona, central Greece. Most soils consist of coarse alluvial material that originated from the weathering of hard limestone or schist. Mostly are acidic, and the coarse texture enhances the leaching of exchangeable cations. Mean soil organic matter is greater than values recorded in the lowlands. Low content of available phosphorous (P) was observed in certain soils, and this may be attributed either to P fixation in the clay minerals or to parent material. Copper (Cu) content was low in 11 samples, and the content of exchangeable calcium (Ca++) was lower than the critical level in two thirds of samples. Similarly, low values were recorded for exchangeable magnesium (Mg++) and potassium (K+). Results from annual plants have shown low nitrogen (N) content and partial deficiency in Ca, K, and Mg, which reflects the particular soil and climatic conditions. Furthermore, in certain samples Cu, manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were found at deficiency levels. Samples from perennial plants were selected from sites where vegetation was degraded. Results revealed nitrogen (N), Mn, and Cu deficiency, and the values for micronutrients iron (Fe), Zn, and boron (B) were greater than critical levels. Practices and measures are suggested to improve soils and to restore the degraded vegetation, such as application of lime material in the acidic soil for correction of pH, rational water management, cultivation of crops with low water requirements, banning of overgrazing in areas vulnerable to erosion, winter cover of slopes with pasture and fodder crops, establishment of permanent shrubs, reforestation of certain hilly and mountainous areas, and training of farmers. Findings of this study can assist local authorities in managing natural resources in a more rational and sustainable manner. Establishment of pasturelands in combination with rational grazing management should be of high priority to sustain livestock production.
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