Naslov
Floristic composition as an indicator of destabilisation of lowland forest ecosystems in Posavina

Autori
Baričević, Dario ; Pernar, Nikola ; Vukelić, Joso ; Mikac, Stjepan ; Bakšić, Darko

Izvornik
Periodicum biologorum (0031-5362) 111 (2009), 4; 443-451

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
floristic composition; destabilisation; lowland forest ecosystems; ecoindicator values; Posavina

Sažetak
The succession of forests in the Posavina region follows a pattern from forests of black alder and ash, over stands of pedunculate oak to pedunculate oak-hornbeam forests. In the past hundred years the lowland area has been affected by a number of factors, among which anthropogenic influences take the primary position. This has resulted in a considerable deviation from normal, natural succession. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the present condition, degree of destabilization and future developmental trends of pedunculate oak stands by drawing on previous pedological, hydrological and vegetational research. One of the best indicators of the above is the ecoindicator values of the floristic composition. Phytocoenological relevés were taken in 25 localities of both stable and destabilized forest ecosystems of pedunculate oak in Žutica Forest. The principles of the Zürich-Montpellier School were applied for this process. The numerical analysis was made by means of SYN-TAX 2000 software. JUICE 6.3 and CANOCO 4.5 were also used to process the relevés, construct the phytocoenological tables and correlate species compositions and vegetation types with ecological factors. The obtained results were compared with the results of earlier ecological research. Phytocoenological research revealed significant changes in the floristic composition. Ecoindicator values of plant species indicate a substantial change in ecological parameters and increased destabilization, which leads to bigger quantities of light, thermophilicity and humidity in sites. In addition, the sites are richer in nitrogen and the soil reaction becomes more basophilic, while central European species replace intermediary ones. The investigated plots show a regression process, contrary to the normal direction of vegetation development in lowland areas. A return has been observed from the final community to transitional communities, and in some localities even to initial and pioneer communities.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Šumarstvo

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