Site specific factors have an overriding impact on Baltic dune vegetation change under low to moderate N-deposition—a case study from Hiddensee island

Abstract

At three coastal dune sites at the island of Hiddensee, north-east Germany, vegetation cover was mapped during 2002 and compared to vegetation surveys from the late 1980s and 1930s. Abiotic and biotic factors, which have been identified as being critical for coastal dunes in former studies such as disturbance, salt spray or nutrient availability, were measured. Grazing and land-use history were reviewed by literature and interviews. Tall graminoid communities, mainly Carex arenaria, are a common vegetation unit today. Development, distribution of these dominances and possible causes for its occurrence have not been analysed. Generally, older successional vegetation units increased and pioneer stages decreased from the 1930s until 2002. At the geologically youngest site, the southern dunes, grass encroachment by Carex arenaria was highest (ca. 50% cover in 2002), and age and density of trees lower than at the older, central dunes. Landuse changes such as decrease in grazing pressure, additional feeding of livestock, increase in coastal protection measures and subsequent decrease in shifting sands as well as varying availability of groundwater and amount of salt spray are relevant factors for vegetation changes in coastal dunes over the past 70 years. Site-specific land-use differences such as livestock density and land-use history have a stronger influence than atmospheric N-pollution on the vegetation composition of these acidic, coastal dunes under low to moderate N-deposition loads of 6-8 kg N ha −1 yr −1 .

Effects of sand fences on coastal dune vegetation distribution

“…Burial in sand alters all aspects of the plant and the soil micro environment including soil temperature, soil moisture, bulk density, nutrient status, soil pH and oxygen levels (Maun, 2004). Exposure to salt spray hampers sapling establishment and growth (Remke and Blindlow, 2011). Exposure to high wind speeds leads to reduced leaf growth due to shaking, leaf damage due to collision with other plants, increased transpiration rates and water loss, and leaf tip burning (Hesp, 1991).…”

Response of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and spiders (Araneae) to coastal heathland succession

“…We therefore agree with the conservation implications of Bonte et al (2003) and Maes and Bonte (2006), who see the (re)creation of dynamic processes such as wind blow as a key driver for successful management in coastal dune (and heathland) regions. In this regard, the planting of the coastal protection forest leeward along the southern part of the coastal heathland on the island of Hiddensee between 1907 and 1960 (Möbus 2000) is questionable since it reduces wind dynamics and salt influence (Remke and Blindow 2010). The application of modern heathland management measures such as mechanical sod-cutting or mowing may enhance dynamic processes in (coastal) heathlands and could therefore present important tools to restore a typical heathland fauna (for carabids, see den Boer and van Dijk 1994;Schirmel 2010).…”

Vegetation Impact on the Dune Stability and Formation on the Lithuanian Coast of the Baltic Sea

“…Seaside flora not only depends on natural and anthropogenic environmental factors, but they also affect the microclimate and soil of a specific region (Remke, Blindow 2011). On the sand dunes, the natural change of the plant communities is that they are growing; however, their progress is disturbed at places by the artificial reinforcement of dunes, beautification processes and recreational activity.…”