Successive mapping of dune slack vegetation

Abstract

The succession of the dune slack vegetation around an artificial lake was studied by means of successive mapping. A succession scheme was prepared on the basis of comparison of the maps made in various years. This scheme was discussed in terms of systems theory, with reference to a kinematic graph prepared on the basis of the transformations. The succession derived from the vegetation maps was compared with that derived from the permanent plots; the results of this comparison indicated that only a small proportion of the total number of succession lines could be detected with the aid of the permanent plots. In addition, the information that could be derived from the permanent plot analysis depended on the degree of change of the vegetation in the area; more information could be derived from drier areas which showed the least degree of change. The best method for the investigation of the succession proved to be a combination of a restricted number of permanent plots and successive mapping.