Environmental conditions of new sites of Morchella steppicola Zerova (Ascomycetes, Morchellaceae) in Slovakia (Central Europe)

The steppe morel ( Morchella steppicola ) was the subject of a study in Slovakia, a country that represents the northern limit of its distribution in this part of Central Europe. A total of 30 sites were selected for the collection of environmental data and information on current landscape management practices. The soils at the studied sites are predominantly neutral to slightly alkaline in nature, exhibiting a pH range of 6.6–7.75 with an average value of 7.25. These soils are primarily derived from loess or sandstones. The sites represent thermophilic habitats, predominantly in the form of pastures or dry steppic grasslands, situated at altitudes ranging from 97 to 326 metres above sea level. Among 30 studied sites, eight are characterised by the presence of man-made landscape features. The threats to habitats of M. steppicola in Slovakia are discussed, with reference to the cessation of grazing at some sites and the potential overgrowing by shrubs and trees, resulting in forests.