PRODUCTION TRAITS OF MAJOR TYPES OF GRASSLANDS IN THE DURMITOR AREA

Research was done on three localities in the area of Durmitor mountain with the aim to determine the production potential, primarily floristic composition and yield of important types of mountain grasslands (Nardetum strictae, Agrostidetum vulgaris and Poetum viollacea). Natural grasslands in this area are of special importance, because their share in the total agricultural area is above 90% and they are often the only source of fodder for ruminants. Although Durmitor is a habitat of many plant species, including some endemic, these grasslands have a simple to semi-complex floristic composition, mostly due to the competitiveness of leading plants. The share of grasses and herbaceous plants in the fresh biomass of fodder is over 61-68%, legumes 3-6%, and plants of other families 29-33%. The highest yield at all localities was obtained on grassland of the Agrostidetum vulgaris type (7.74 - 9.81 t/ha^-1), and the lowest on Nardetum strictae 5.72 - 6.94 t/ha^-1 of fresh fodder. Although most of these grasslands are significantly degraded, their production characteristics can be significantly improved by applying appropriate agricultural techniques and if they are regularly used.