Bryophyte communities in mesotrophic fens in the Netherlands

Abstract

Seven bryophyte and three vascular plant community types were described from eight small fens in the Vechtplassen area (prov. of Utrecht, the Netherlands). Clear relationships between the species composition of the bryophyte and vascular plant layer were found. The bryophyte species composition shows a gradual change from quaking fens dominated by Calliergon cordifolium to fens dominated by several species of Sphagnum. Fens dominated by C. cordifolium have relatively high pH and conductivity values and are strongly quaking, whereas fens dominated by Sphagnum have relatively low pH and conductivity values and the peat layer is continuous down to the bottom sediment. A comparison of the present‐day vegetation with an earlier successional scheme for this vegetation type (Segal 1966) indicates a raise in nutrient levels and a decrease in the amount of seepage water welling up at the sites, both due to human activities. We suggest that in early successional phases bryophytes react faster to these changes, whereas in later phases vascular plants react faster.