The influence of different land uses on biodiversity

Abstract

Presence of plant species in the agricultural landscape depends not only on environmental factors but also on the spatial and temporal patterns of land use. Knowledge of land use in the past can be explained by the current state of biodiversity and suggest measures for its use in the future in order to preserve the current state. This study was aimed to show how changes in land use affect the current state of biodiversity in the municipalities of Banja Luka and Derventa. For the assessment of biodiversity at farm level were used Shannon diversity index. Higher values of Shannon diversity index (richness and evenness of plant species) in the municipality of Derventa indicate a more favorable distribution of plant species in the plots analyzed as a result of more extensive land use. Richer floristic composition of the analyzed plots on farms in the municipality of Banja Luka indicate their intensive use (mowing and grazing) that is evidenced by an increased presence of annual weeds. Contrary to them at the analyzed plots in the municipality Derventa is noted the presence of the following species Ornitogalum umbellatum L., Rubus ideus and Rumex crispus L. which favors extensive tillage.

Keywords

• biodiversity
• land use
• shannon indexes of diversity