Abstract
In the eastern part of the Naardermeer peatlands (the Netherlands) a regional calcium-rich groundwater flow discharges (here often called the seepage area), whereas in the western part infiltration takes place. The ecological consequence of this hydrological pattern is reflected by the pattern in reedland communities. In the seepage area, which is characterized by Thelypteris-reedlands including many rare and endangered species (Caricion davallianae, Calthion palustris), there is a complex gradient of water types. The lime potential in the peat soil is clearly influenced by the hydrological gradient. In the ombrotrophic (poor fen) part of the gradient (containing species of Caricion curto-nigrae) the lime potentials are low and the groundwater contains low amounts of dissolved ions. The rare and endangered species (Caricion davallianae) are restricted to a small area with high lime potentials which is nourished by regional calcium-rich groundwater. High lime potentials were also measured in eutrophic reedlands influenced by brackish groundwater. Several species which generally occur in wet meadows even show a preference for this brackish environment.
In a part of the seepage area succession from rich fen to poor fen and Alnus wood has taken place over a period of 40 years. This development has been caused by the diminishing amount of fresh seepage due to a lowering of the water levels in the surrounding area.
The characteristics of poikilotrophic zones (contact zones between water flows) are discussed in relation to their significance for the preservation of endangered marsh species.
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Abbreviations
- EC25=:
-
Electrical conductivity measured at 25 °C
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Wassen, M.J., Barendregt, A., Bootsma, M.C. et al. Groundwater chemistry and vegetation of gradients from rich fen to poor fen in the Naardermeer (the Netherlands). Vegetatio 79, 117–132 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00044904
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00044904