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Hydro-ecological analysis of the Biebrza mire (Poland)

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Abstract

Vegetation composition and structure of 58 sites along gradients in the valley mire of Biebrza, Poland, are related to physical and chemical variables of groundwater and peat. The three most prominent hydrochemical processes in the valley are (a) dissolution of calcite; (b) dissolution of iron, manganese and aluminium; and (c) enrichment with nitrogen and potassium. Major factors determining these processes are vertical flow of the groundwater and river flooding.

Within the rheophilous zone of the mire, calcium-richness of the shallow groundwater and base-saturation of the peat are caused by upward seepage of groundwater originating from adjacent higher grounds. This groundwater movement keeps the larger part of the mire saturated with calcium.

Good correlations exist between hydrochemistry and vegetation patterns. Groundwater-fed sites support a characteristic rich fen vegetation (Caricetum limoso-diandrae) with a low biomass production. The flood-plain vegetation consists of highly-productive communities of Glycerietum maximae and Caricetum elatae. In a belt in the Upper Basin where neither flooding nor upward seepage occurs, succession, probably caused by intensified drainage, leads to a dwarf-shrub vegetation (Betuletum humilis; poor fen).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Studies, University of Utrecht, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508, TC Utrecht, the Netherlands

    Martin J. Wassen, Aat Barendregt, Jacques T. de Smidt & Hans de Mars

  2. Agricultural University, ul. C. Norwida 25, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland

    Adam Palczynski

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  1. Martin J. Wassen
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  2. Aat Barendregt
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  3. Adam Palczynski
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  4. Jacques T. de Smidt
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  5. Hans de Mars
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Wassen, M.J., Barendregt, A., Palczynski, A. et al. Hydro-ecological analysis of the Biebrza mire (Poland). Wetlands Ecol Manage 2, 119–134 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00215319

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