Ecological functions of vegetation as potentials of ecosystem services (floodplain alder forest in the Tríbeč microregion)

Abstract

Ecological functions of a black alder riparian forest (Aegopodio-Alnetum glutinosae) as capacities for the provision of ecosystem services were analysed and indicated by an inductive (bottom-up) approach. In July 2015, species richness and diversity of the forest stand were analysed in Hlboká valley, near Husárka water reservoir, Tríbeč Mountains, western Slovakia, by phytocoenological relevé, aboveground biomass of the herb layer and litter mass were estimated by a harvest method. The quantitative data obtained for the forest vegetation were used for estimation of capacities (potentials) of the floodplain forest to provide non-market ecosystem services. The forage, melliferous and therapeutic potential were estimated and calculated by Jurko’s methods of ecological and socio-economic evaluations of vegetation. Aboveground biomass (production potential) of the forest understorey community was relatively high (seasonal maximum standing crop 59.03 g·m<sup>–2</sup> in dry mass). The result of evaluation of the forage potential of the alder forest was higher than 50%, it means medium forage quality community. The melliferous potential was evaluated close to 190% (= high potential). The share of medicinal plants in the studied plant community was higher than 30%, referred to as extremely rich therapeutic potential. The analyses confirmed that the forest community represents high potentials for providing production ecosystem services.