Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P022
Published online: 22 April 2026
Sheep grazing and grassland regeneration – soil enzymatic activity in Natura 2000
Justyna Wielgos*1, Barbara Futa2, Mariusz Kulik1 and Andrzej Bochniak3
1 Department of Grassland and Landscape Planning, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950, Lublin, Poland
2 Institute of Soil Science, Environment Engineering and Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 7 Leszczyńskiego St., 20-069 Lublin, Poland
3 Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: justyna.wielgos@up.edu.pl
Secondary succession, resulting from the abandonment of traditional land use, poses a significant threat to the biodiversity of dry grasslands across Europe. This study evaluates the effectiveness of restorative sheep grazing within the Natura 2000 site Małopolski Przełom Wisły, using soil enzymatic activity as a key bio-indicator of ecosystem recovery. Over a three-year period, soil parameters were monitored across five distinct habitats, ranging from sandy grasslands (Koelerion glaucae) to thermophilous thorn-scrub (Berberidion).
The results demonstrate that moderate sheep grazing significantly stimulates soil metabolism, particularly in sandy grasslands, where a two-fold increase in dehydrogenase activity was observed compared to ungrazed control plots. Pastoral intervention also improved soil chemical properties, notably increasing total nitrogen (TN) and total organic carbon (TOC) content. Correlation analysis using Ellenberg ecological indicators revealed that enzymatic responses were strongly driven by changes in soil moisture and nitrogen availability. These findings suggest that soil enzymes serve as a sensitive early-warning tool for monitoring habitat restoration success, often preceding detectable changes in floristic composition. In conclusion, sheep grazing remains an essential active conservation measure for maintaining the functional stability of degraded dry grasslands.
This work was supported by the project Financing of research tasks and scientific activities provided for in the Individual Research Plan in 2025 for a participant of the Doctoral School of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin [SD.WRŁ.25.119].
Keywords: dehydrogenases; grassland restoration; sheep grazing; soil enzymes; Natura 2000
How to cite
Wielgos J., Futa B., Kulik M., Bochniak A., 2026. Sheep grazing and grassland regeneration – soil enzymatic activity in Natura 2000. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P022