Cryptogams, often neglected in vegetation dynamics studies, compose a large part of
biomass and contribute to the biodiversity of sandy grasslands. Since the work of
Verseghy (1970s), their productivity has not been analyzed in Hungary. We studied
the lichen and bryophyte dynamics (hereinafter called cryptogams) at two Eastern Hungarian
dry sandy grassland sites. The sites of Corynephorus canescens and of Festuca vaginata
dominance, respectively, belonging to the community Festuco vaginatae–Corynephoretum
have been monitored. We aimed at (1) quantifying the diversity and biomass of the
cryptogamic communities; (2) exploring the cryptogamic response to management changes;
and (3) studying the effect of experimental management (fencing) on the cryptogamic
assemblages. The sites have been compared in 2013 and 2018, respectively. Forty microplots
per site per management have been analyzed in both years. Samples of lichens and bryophytes
were hand-sorted, dried and then measured. Fencing has led to increased biomass of
cryptogams within a few years. Lichens in general benefited comparatively more from
exclosure than bryophytes. The increase in lichen biomass (especially that of Cladonia
rangiformis) is clearly due to the over 10-year absence of grazing. The only lichen
favored by moderate grazing is the legally protected C. magyarica. Short spells of
low-intensity grazing can promote the species richness of cryptogams in the community.
