engleski

The impact of invasive species (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swinge)) removal on tufa deposition and the dynamics of periphyton communities in National Park Krka, Croatia

The impact of invasive species (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swinge)) removal on tufa (i.e., calcite) deposition and periphyton community dynamics among different tufa barrier habitats within National park Krka, Croatia, was studied. The invasive species was removed from an experiemntal reach at Skardinski buk, during July and August 2017. The removal resulted with occurrence of new water pathways. Periphyton samples were collected bimonthly from seven sites (five newly formed water pathways and two previously present) starting in October 2017, two months after the removal of the invasive species. Additional water samples for laboratory analyses were taken. Flow velocity, water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen concentration were measured in situ for each site. Our results suggest that the removal of Ailanthus altissima greatly affected the spatio-temporal hydrological and nutrient (i.e., nitrite, nitrate and orthophosphate) dynamics along the experimental reach. Furthermore, the present results suggest that the newly established water pathways represent favourable habitats for successful microfauna colonization and establishment. Our ongoing research will shed more light on the community structure and dynamics of tufa barriers. This research should help in management plans for those protected areas that involve tufa deposition sites.

tree of heaven, protected area, tufa barrier, protozoa, Skradinski buk, Croatia

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