Phytosociological and ecological aspects of the dunes on the Isle of Rügen, Baltic sea

Abstract

Foredunes, white-, grey- and brown dunes have an important function in coastal protection. Although a close syngenetic connection exists between these neighbouring ecosystems, they are considerably differentiated phytosociologically and ecologically. Whilst on foredunes and white dunes the predominating plant species are characteristic of Ammophiletea, on the grey dunes, species characteristic of the Festuco-Brometea and the Sedo-Scleranthetea are found, and on the brown dunes species of the Nardo-Callunetea.

Going through the white-, grey- and brown dunes, the salt and lime content and the pH are decreasing. In grey- and brown dunes the formation of humus starts and a lower pH develops. On the grey dunes, which are sparsely vegetated, the air temperature, soil moisture, air moisture and evaporation are extremely fluctuating daily. The climate values in the brown dunes are relatively constant. There is a close connection between the ecology of the dune types and their specific function in coastal protection.