Analysis of plant communities growing in small wetland areas in meadows

摘要

The aim of the experiment was to assess the role of meadow wetlands in preserving the variety of plants both as individual species and as plant communities. Field research was carried out between 2008 and 2011 in meadow depressions of the Siedlce Plateau in east-central Poland. The area of the reservoirs ranged from 2700 m2 to 850 m2. To assess plant communities, homogeneous plots were selected and phytosociological rcleves were done using the Braun-Blanquet method. The research involved not only plant inventory but also vegetation community analysis together with its classification. Among the plants growing near meadow ponds, are species typical for peat bogs and alder swamp woods but also for fresh and moderately wet meadows or common in bulrush plant areas. The ecosystems studied in the research consisted of a wide variety of rare or endangered species with a considerable diversity in plant communities. The class Phragmitetea represented the most numerous group, which is a proof that the wetlands gradually evolve ro dry land. The research showed that small water reservoirs in meadows are important in preserving biodiversity among plants and in maintaining plant communities. Moreover, those reservoirs, connecting fragmented ecosystems, are alsoelements of ecological corridors.