The study deals with definition and cross-comparison of soil infiltration capacity at two selected sites located in cadastral territories of Nosislav and Žabčice, Czech Republic. In order to assess the soil infiltration capacity in the areas of interest Niva and Kovál over the course of the 2010 growing season, four trips were made with three measurements taking place during each trip. A method of doublering infiltration measurement was applied, based on the use of two concentric cylinders in field conditions and the subsequent data processing via geographical-empirical method according to Kostiakov. The soil infiltration capacity was assessed with regard to physical properties determined by an analysis of intact soil samples using Kopecky cylinders. The results indicate a reduced infiltration capacity due to soil compaction and also significant differences between the two sites, primarily caused by differences in soil type and, hence, different physical characteristics.
Long-term overgrazing has resulted in grassland deterioration and even desertification on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. In this paper, we examined the characteristics of vegetation and soil properties in the livestock-excluded pastures and the adjacent grazed pastures under two topographic habitats (the flat valley and the south-facing slope). Seven-year exclusion of livestock has enhanced aboveground live biomass, root biomass and litter accumulation. Livestock exclusion has also increased soil bulk density and soil water content, soil organic C concentration, total N concentration and its transformation rate, and soil microbial activity. The results showed that livestock exclusion has facilitated vegetation recovery and improved physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. However, livestock exclusion has significantly decreased graminoid biomass accumulation, especially on the flat valley, the biodiversity also significantly decreased there. The results suggested that long-term livestock exclusion was disadvantageous for palatable forage production and biodiversity protection on the flat valley. Compared to the flat valley, the grassland on the south-facing slope was under more severe degradation, and the reversion was in a slower process. Thus, the optimal grassland management in the livestock-excluded pasture on the flat valley should include a low or moderate grazing intensity or adopt an alternate grazing system, but more effective and even longer livestock exclusion practice should be taken on the south-facing slope.