The aim of this paper was to evaluate the link between environmental conditions and the vegetation pattern of mountain peatlands drained for forestry. We assumed that (a) water chemistry and soil properties differ between the investigated peatlands types—from fen to bog, (b) the vegetation pattern is dependent on water chemistry and soil properties, and (c) water chemistry and soil properties play different roles in determining peatland patterning. For our study, five ecologically and topographically diverse forestry‐drained shallow peatlands in Central Sudetes, Poland, were selected. A comparison between the studied peatlands and environmental variables was done by discriminant analysis, whereas vegetation–environmental relationship was analysed by canonical correspondence analysis. Results demonstrated that pH, HCO3−, NO3−, and Ca2+ best explained the variation in water chemistry (approximately 74%), whereas base saturation, pHwater, and plant‐available phosphorus best explained the variation in soil properties. Plant assemblages within the peatlands exhibited three vegetation clusters that did not always correspond to peatland ecological type. The vegetation was mostly affected by water chemistry (explained up to 54% of variation), rather than by soil properties. Vegetation within such ecosystems seems to be a good indicator of differences in water chemistry, caused by differences in bedrock (soligenic fen peatlands) or atmospheric inputs (ombrogenic bogs). Our results will help improve our understanding of vegetation–environment relationships in degraded mountain peatland ecosystems in the temperate climate zone. They might also be useful for proper planning of restoration and monitoring of these ecosystems.
Abstract:The paper presents results of fl oristic investigation conducted within the territory of waste dumps in Lower Silesia: landfi ll of municipal waste Wrocław-Maślice, post-metallurgic waste heap in Siechnice, serpentine dumping grounds in Grochów and slag heaps in Bielawa.The investigated fl ora was analyzed with regard to species composition, participation of geographical-historical groups, live forms (according to classifi cation by Raunkiaer), as well as selected ecological factors: light indicator (L), thermal indicator (T), soil moisture (W), trophic indicator (Tr), soil reaction (pH), value of resistance to increased heavy metals content (M). On 4 waste dumps there were found 269 species of vascular plants, belonging to 51 families. Only 5 species occurred on 4 sites, which provides for 2% of all plants recorded. The most numerous families are Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae. Apophytes dominate in waste dumps fl ora Hemicryptophytes are the most numerous group.Analysis of the fl oras (selected ecological factors) of investigated objects has shown general similarities, but also apparent differences. The most signifi cant differences concerned two parameters: trophism (Tr) and resistance to increased heavy metals content (M).
Abstract. The aim of this paper was to assess the degradation stage of fen peatland located in the north-western part of the Opolskie voivodeship in accordance with "peatland degradation stages" classification. Understanding of the current state of peatland will be helpful in the future management and possible restoration. Field survey including vegetation and soil research were carried out in May 2013, soil material for laboratory analysis were collected by using "Instorf" peat sampler from four sampling points. Obtained results allowed to classify the study area (located within a larger peatland complex along the Prosna river valley) to minor stage of degradation, with spontaneous changes in vegetation community and soil cover. Only few species of plants typical for fen peatlands were recorded. Moreover, soil cover research did not confirm mursh forming process, typical for strongly degraded peatland areas. Obtained results may indicate that possible future restoration will bring the expected effect. It is very likely, that fen peatland vegetation will regenerate spontaneously, provided that diaspores of the key peat-forming plant species are available in the soil.
Drainage and peat extraction may have a negative impact on existing hydrological conditions and, consequently, on the conditions of wetland ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess human impact on the studied Trzcińskie Mokradła Peatland by comparing the concentrations and trace element (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni) pools in the study area (extracted vs. non-extracted areas of peatland). The concentration of trace elements in organic soils and their pools were analysed in relation to their depth in the soil profiles, content of organic matter, soil pH values and the degree of decomposition of organic materials (peat, mursh). Fifteen soil profiles (90 samples) were examined. The total soil elements content was determined after digestion in a mixture of HCl+HNO3. The element pools were calculated and expressed in g m−2 of soil in 0–30 cm and 30–50 cm layers. Soils showed acidic or slightly acidic reactions. The high concentrations of Pb and Zn were mainly observed in the upper horizons. The deeper layers enriched with mineral fractions were also enriched in metals like Cr and Ni.
Research involved 3 swamp meadows affected by murshing process: Czarnocin III and Lubczyńskie Łęgi located in Goleniowski district and Pucka Island situated within the borders of Szczecin. There were recognized, in total, 42 species of herbaceous plants representing 7 phytosocjological classes. Particular areas differednot only in the number of species (from 8 on Pucka Island to 24 in Czarnocin III), but also in their percentage composition. The species recognized belong to 17 families. The most numerous one proved to be grasses (Poaceae)-including as many as 13 species On the examined meadows there dominate species from Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class. Environmental requirements of these species were quite similar.
Two peat bogs were studied in the Bory Dolnośląskie, the forest complex in Lower Silesia (Poland). An Instorf drill was used to collect two peat profiles from the deepest places. The macroremains analysis showed that after the initiation of peat-forming processes phytocoenoses responsible for the deposition of transition sphagnum peat were developed at both locations. Later on, the development of both peat bogs differed. The smaller peat bog continued to develop, whereas the big bog was shifted to ombrotrophic water regime. Therefore, phytocoenoses accumulated 1.3 m of Sphagnum peat. The peat-forming process was initiated at different times in both sites. For the smaller peat bog, it took place during the Atlantic period, while in the case of the larger peat bog -several thousand years later. The first identified forest phytocoenoses in the Atlantic period are mesophilic multi-species deciduous forests. Dry coniferous forests and mixed birch-pine forests grew in dry habitats. Riparian forests occupied lower grounds. In the Subboreal period, the oak-hazel communities initially developed and mixed coniferous forests were partially replaced by light oak forests. The encroachment of spruce, fir, hornbeam, and beech resulted in the development of dry ground forests, including beech-fir woods. The importance of riparian forests increased, whereas in dry grounds pine and mixed coniferous forests continued to occur. In the Subatlantic period, the transformations in forest communities were associated with the spread of hornbeam, beech, and fir and thereby vast fertile habitats were colonized by dry ground communities and beech woods. Pine and mixed forests as well as riparian forests were of lesser importance. Pollen records from the last 500 years showed the clear presence of humans. It was evident from the presence of cereal and weed pollen and from the disturbances in the pollen records caused by peat extraction in the Middle Ages.
Thirty tussocks of Carex appropinquata Schum. from various parts of the peatlands in the Biebrza River valley were analysed. The results confirmed the variability of the shape in tussocks and a considerable range of their height (15-34 cm). The group of tussocks from the vicinity of the river Kosódka was higher (usually exceeding 25 cm) and had a characteristic pole-like shape. The shape of the tussock and especially the slope of its sides determine to a high degree the possibility of development of other species growing on the tussocks. Two different parts can be distinguished in the structure of the tussock. The outer layer (of ash content on average 6,5%) is built mainly of leaf sheaths of Carex appropinquata and numerous roots of other species growing on the tussocks. The inner layer consists mainly of thick roots of the sedge and few fine roots of other species. The ash content in that layer ranges from a dozen or so to as much as 26%. The number of Carex appropinquata nuts varies between layers of the tussock and between tussocks, and decreases towards the basis of the tussock. The number of nuts may to some degree characterize the fertility of individual plants, and changes in fertility of the same individual over a period of several dozen years
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