Veeman, I. and Verschoor, A. (1999) Conservation and restoration prospects of some groundwater fed mires. Master's Thesis / Essay, Biology.
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Abstract
Drawa National Park is situated around the junction of the Drawa river and the Plociczna river. The area consists of a large sand plane, inter-spaced by gorges and valleys. A large part of the area is forested with mainly pine-wood, which forms the seepage area. In the valleys, the water discharges from the sandy subsoil, feeding rivers, lakes and mires. In this area three mires were studied. All proved to be terrestrialized lakes, all showing some signs of disturbance and a stop in peat formation. The Reserve Kiocie Ostrowieckie is suffering from superficial rainwater accumulation and from peat decomposition. Animals seem to be the main factor in preserving the present Scorpidium scorpioides vegetation. Closing of a superficial ditch seems necessary to restore peat formation and to redirect succession towards groundwater dependent vegetation. The 'Miradz' valley is still suffering from drainage. At the northern end there are signs of rewetting, while at the southern part water, gushing from very active spnngs, cuts deep into the peat layers. On that side the peat is being eroded away most quickly and reconstruction shows a decrease in peat levels of several metres already. Here, the large flow velocities make recovery of the system improbable, while reconstruction of the middle and northern parts may be possible by damming the ditches. In the 'Pusta' valley there is a large area where the peat is decomposing. In the past there must have been a major hydrological event, lowering groundwater levels over 2 metres. A change in the river course of the river Cieszynka may have occurred, thus causing such changes. The valley is still being drained, but the lower part, which terrestnalized most recently, seems more or less undisturbed. Rewetting might prevent forestation and will stop peat decomposition in a large part of the valley. Removal of the standing crop may be necessary for removing nutrients from the system.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2018 07:31 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2018 07:31 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/9247 |
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