Festuco-Brometea In Western Bulgaria with an Emphasis on Cirsio-Brachypodion Pinnati

A total of 546 releves collected in western Bulgaria and referred to Festuco-Brometea were classified into the alliances Festucion valesiacae, Saturejion montanae, Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati and Chrysopogono-Danthonion calycinae. All releves assigned to alliance Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati were further classified towards lower level which resulted in the description of a new association - Hieracio pilosellae-Festucetum dalmaticae and two new subassociations added to ass. Galio lovcense-Artemisietum chamaemelifoliae. Both associations were ecologically well differentiated on the basis of soil parameters (pH and humus content) as well as some additional factors (exposition, land use, etc.).