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This study deals with spontaneous regeneration of fen and steppe meadows and corresponding soil properties on extensively managed ex-arable fields. Our first main aim was to analyse the nature of relations between various vegetation and soil parameters and time since abandonment and to determine the time needed for regeneration. Our second major goal was to determine the main environmental factors influencing regeneration success. Time since abandonment of the studied areas was determined with military maps, aerial photographs and the help of local rangers. Stands which were presumably not ploughed for over 150 years were taken as a reference. Vegetation surveys and soil sampling were carried out in 307 plots with different soil moisture conditions. The correlation with time was tested for relevant vegetation and soil parameters. The influence of different parameters on the species …