Halophytic Vegetation in the Pannonian Basin: Origin, Syntaxonomy, Threat, and Conservation

Abstract

After the Pannonian Sea has dried up, the Pannonian Basin has become a major depression in Central Europe. The continental climate and intensive groundwater evaporation from the upper layers of the soil caused the accumulation of salts and the formation of Solonchak and Solonetz soil. A mosaic of very specific halophytic vegetation has developed on these soils. Pioneer, species-poor vegetation of annual succulents of the Therosalicornietea class occupy the exposed bottoms of salt marshes and inland salt lakes. Very similar vegetation of the class Crypsietea aculeatae is developed in periodically flooded bare shores and bottoms of salt lakes, dead oxbows, ponds, and terrain depressions. Typical vegetation of inland salt steppes is included in the class Festuco-Puccinellietea, while

Beyond salinity: Plants show divergent responses to soil ion composition

“…Consistent with the literature (e.g. Chenchouni, 2017; Eliáš et al., 2020; Tóth & Rajkai, 1994; Zlatković et al., 2019), we found distinct differentiation of realized niches in halophytes and associated species along the soil salinity (EC) gradient. However, in line with our hypothesis, halophytes and associated species also differed in their realized niches in relation to concentration gradients of different soil ions.…”

“…For example, judging from the species composition, soil water content, and duration of inundation, which are related to topography, may increase somewhat along the second axis of the CA‐biplot shown in Figure 4. In addition, the variation in species composition might be co‐determined by land‐use or climatic‐related variables (Danihelka et al., 2022; Eliáš et al., 2020).…”

“…We studied one of the major saline areas in Europe, the Pannonian Basin and adjacent areas to the east. Its plains and endorheic basins host mosaics of saline grasslands, herb‐dominated vegetation, and open vegetation dominated by highly specialized annual salt‐adapted species that occur in extensive steppes with diverse microtopographical levels or on salt pans (Danihelka et al., 2022; Dítě et al., 2017; Eliáš et al., 2020; Molnár et al., 2008; Wendelberger, 1943). Given the dependence on stable, seasonally fluctuating groundwater and extensive grazing, halophytic vegetation in the region is vulnerable to land‐use change (Dítě, Šuvada, & Dítě, 2021; Janssen et al., 2016) and of conservation concern (EU Habitats Directive; European Commission, 2013; Šefferová Stanová et al., 2008).…”

Exploring the Potentials of Halophytes in Addressing Climate Change-Related Issues: A Synthesis of Their Biological, Environmental, and Socioeconomic Aspects

“…However, they are also facing many threats and challenges, which impede their conservation and management. One of the major threats for halophytes is habitat loss and/or degradation, caused by numerous factors such as urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, mining, tourism, climate change, and invasive species [137][138][139]. Another major challenge for halophyte conservation is the lack of knowledge and awareness about their ecological importance, economic value, and cultural significance [80,[140][141][142].…”

“…caused by numerous factors such as urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, mining, tourism, climate change, and invasive species [137][138][139]. Another major challenge for halophyte conservation is the lack of knowledge and awareness about their ecological importance, economic value, and cultural significance [80,[140][141][142].…”