Necessity for knowing which types of grassland are accompanying constantly flood protection dike in the lower Mureş river, follows from high complexity of these plant formations and their remarkable floristic richness.Regarding the state of degradation where many natural grassland in the area are, due to overexploitation and lack of interest in the application of methods for their rehabilitation, relatively good condition in which grasslands on the sides of protection dyke are, represent a model for optimal intensity of exploitation for all the meadows around the area. Research conducted are based on the principles largely applied in phytocenologic and floristic studies of natural pastures, and generally an vegetation cover in Europe. European phytocenologic school is based on assumption that the floristic composition of plant formations faithfully reflect all ecological factors of the biotope that they occupy and the main attention is directed to study this composition. Following research shows significant differences between meadows installed on the slope with northern exposition with mesophytic character where dominant genus is Arrhenatherum elatior, and meadows on the slope with southern exposition with xerophytic character where dominant genus is Festuca rupicola. Also, on the southern slope is observed greater diversity of types of meadows, where there are large sectors dominated by Haynaldia villosa and relatively large patches of Aegilops cylindrica, while on the northern slope meadow of Arrhenatherum elatior is forming a continuous band. By floristic composition and structure, these meadows can provide basic samples of natural grassland vegetation of the Banat plain. For conservation of these meadows, is recommended to extend the protection measures implemented throughout the lower meadow of river Mures on the protection dam. Main protection measure does not require additional material costs, and is to continue the current traditional mode of exploitation, as meadows. Diversity of floristic composition of these meadows gives value to this area and ensure a fauna diversity that is recomended to be highlighted by detailed studies.

grasslands; natural reserve "Forest Cenad"; flood protection dike

Presentation: oral