Birch Bog on Anthropogenically Transformed Raised Bogs. A Case Study from Pomerania (Poland)

Renata Gamrat,Ryszard Malinowski,Małgorzata Gałczyńska,Zofia Sotek,Małgorzata Stasińska

doi:10.3390/w11061224

Renata Gamrat, Ryszard Malinowski + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061224

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Abstract

Birch bog is formed on the margins of or within raised bogs, on secondary habitats. The study aim was to understand the vegetation and mycological diversity of birch bog on the background of habitat conditions on raised bogs subject to anthropogenic changes, including 15 areas located on seven bogs. Two of the analyzed areas were located on a peat bog not subject to human impact. Phytosociological and mycosociological relevés were taken and substrate analyses were carried out (pH, humidity, N-NH4, N-NO2, N-NO3 and P-PO4). Based on habitat predictors, two area groups were distinguished, differing primarily in humidity. More humid habitats were present on the margins of bogs, and were characterized by lower acidity and higher N-NH4 and P-PO4 abundance. Despite the fact they were enriched by runoffs from the neighboring arable fields, this was not always reflected in the plant and fungi species richness. Quercus robur appeared on less humid habitats, which may be a symptom of unfavorable changes toward habitat drying. In the majority of cases, changes in the habitat independent of the birch patches located and the human impact type are not yet reflected in the vegetation. However, they may be indicated by the fungal diversity, highest in former peat extraction pits, and lowest in pristine peat.

Highlights

Bogs are among the most valuable ecosystems, due to the rare and valuable species found therein, and due to the fact that they are natural retention basins
The upper layer is characterised by high humidity and higher amounts of N-NH4 and N-NO2 than N-NO3
Changes occurring in the habitat of Vaccinio uliginosi-Batuletum pubescentis birch bog regardless of (1) location of bog patches, (2) anthropopression type, (3) time of anthropogenic impact and (4) intensity of human impact, in most cases are not yet reflected in the vegetation, as found on the basis of a comparison with birch growing in a peat bog not disturbed by humans

Summary

Introduction

Bogs are among the most valuable ecosystems, due to the rare and valuable species found therein, and due to the fact that they are natural retention basins They contain 10% of the freshwater volume of the Earth [1]. Close to 95% of all peat bogs around the world are located in the northern hemisphere in a cold and at the same time humid temperate climate [4]. It is here where the majority of raised bogs are present, supplied solely by rainwater. Such ecosystems are highly susceptible to natural factors, such as unfavourable climatic changes but above all hydrological disturbances resulting from human activity [5]

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