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This study presents the palaeo-botanical record from the central part of Žitný Ostrov Island on the Danubian Lowland in Slovakia. The record spans almost the entire Holocene period and provides evidence that the wetland species Cladium mariscus (Cyperaceae) was present in this region as late as the Greenlandian period. In addition, the combination of C. mariscus and Carex elata beds were most likely an important part of the littoral zone vegetation during that period. Our investigations are based on plant macro-remain analysis, radiocarbon dating and physical sedimentary analysis of the former Danube side channel. The palaeo-channel infill active in the Late Pleistocene reflects complete hydroseral succession of a terrestrialised palaeo-lake. The earlier of two possible hiatuses in the fossil record was likely associated with a disturbance which caused Cladium mariscus to disappear from the local plant spectra. The most likely drivers of C. mariscus’ decline are a climate change of 8.6 cal ka BP associated with water fluctuations and the local habitat alteration to an eutrophic environment. These are discussed herein together with the isolated scattered populations surviving in the surrounding micro-region throughout the Meghalayan period. Finally, there are only two known remaining C. mariscus sites in the Žitný Ostrov Island area, and the key modern driving factor was the dramatic water regime changes in 19–20th Century caused by anthropogenic impact. These were caused by the construction of drainage canal systems and the transition from alluvial meadows to agricultural land.

Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl subsp. jamaicense (Crantz) Kük. — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF; up to 2 300 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: Lake Nkunga, Alt. 1 900 m, 8 Aug. 2015, SAJIT 003851 (HIB). References: Hoensellaar et al. (2010), Agnew (2013)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 32, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Hoensellaar, K., Verdcourt, B. & Beentje, H. J. (2010) Cyperaceae. In: Beentje, H. J. (Ed.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, 466 pp.","Agnew, A. D. Q. (2013) Upland Kenya wild flowers and ferns, 3 rd edn. Nature Kenya Publications, Nairobi, 733 pp."]}

Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl (Cyperaceae) is a rare species in Europe considered by several authors to be a relict of the early Holocene period. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, Annexes of the Habitat Directive and the Bern Convention. Communities with domination of this species are included in the Green Data Book of Ukraine. Substantial differences in major ecological factors for Cladium mariscus communities in the western (carbonate bogs) and the southern (marshes and floating swamps of the northern Black Sea) regions of Ukraine were shown. The author carried out comparisons of relevés characterizing different communities with Cladium mariscus within Europe. Based on the results of TWINSPAN analysis, four associations were identified, confirmed by floristic indices and ecological data: Cladietum marisci Allorge 1921, Soncho maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. de Bolòs 1957) Cirujano 1980, Dorycnio recti-Cladietum marisci Gradstein & Smittenberg 1977 and Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. de Bolòs 1957) Géhu & Biondi 1988. Thus, in addition to the association Cladietum marisci, a new one was indicated for Ukraine, Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci.

Vereda is the wetland type of the Cerrado, often associated with the buriti palm Mauritia flexuosa. However, in Mato Grosso do Sul veredas may occur without M. flexuosa, generating legal misinterpretation and environmental damages, such as drainage for agriculture. As a case study, we inventoried the flora of natural and drained veredas of the Prata River, pointing out key-species for identification of veredas without M. flexuosa, providing subsidies for their characterization. We recorded 157 species (44 families), most being wet grassland plants and some aquatic macrophytes, 96 species being typical of the flora of veredas, plus woody and weedy species of drained ground. The macrophytes Chara rusbyana, Echinodorus grisebachii, Leptostelma tweediei, Ludwigia major, Nymphaea gardneriana, Piper fuligineum, Sinningia elatior and Utricularia lloydii are from the original flora of undisturbed vereda, the first being a macroalga typical of alkaline swamps. The sawgrass Cladium mariscus subsp. jamaicense occurs on organic soil, associated with filiform tussock grasses and sedges typical of veredas, characteristic in these wetlands, such as Andropogon glaziovii, Anthaenantia lanata, Axonopus comans, Saccharum villosum, Setaria paucifolia, Scleria composita and Rhynchospora albiceps. Our report adds to the scarce knowledge on these wetlands since we found two paludicolous orchids, Cyrtopodium hatschbachii (rare, endangered on the Brazilian redlist) and Bletia catenulata, plus the recent new species Cyperus valiae (Cyperaceae), a sedge endemic to this type of vereda. We present diagnostic indicator species of veredas without M. flexuosa (e.g. Echinodorus grisebachii, Chara rusbyana, Ludwigia sericea, L. major, Lessingianthus bardanoides etc.). As another novelty, we highlight plants indicating drained wetland. Our findings already support an improved law to preserve Cerrado wetlands.

Here we present results of high-resolution palaeoecological studies of the organic deposits accumulated in Lake Jaczno, located in the north-eastern Poland. Plant macrofossils and malacological analyses complimented by radiocarbon dating (AMS) were undertaken to reconstruct Early Holocene succession of the pioneer wetland plants and molluscs in the lake ecosystem. Numerous presence of charcoal pieces (>1 mm) and fungal remains (sclerotia) in the peat layer accumulated on the mineral ground document dry habitat what coincides with warm and dry climate conditions in the early Holocene recorded in this part of Europe. Change to lacustrine environment documented by accumulation of the carbonate gyttja on the highly decomposed peat layer took place ca. 10,500 cal yr BP. The current morphology of Lake Jaczno, in which several basins can be distinguished, suggests that different age of sediments accumulated at the bottom part at our sampling sites might result from different sizes of the buried dead ice blocks, and their heterochronous final melting. The first aquatic plants that appeared in Lake Jaczno were Chara sp., Ceratophyllum demersum and Nymphaea alba. The appearance of Cladium mariscus in Lake Jaczno ca. 9400 cal yr BP was synchronous with the substantial spread of this plant in this region which coincided with increased climate humidity. The first molluscan species that colonized the lake ecosystem were Gyraulus crista and Bithynia tentaculata, species living on macrophytes, and Valvata piscinalis, typical for habitats characterized by a thick layer of plant detritus.

Within the multidisciplinary WASA project, 160 cores up to 5 m long have been obtained from the back-barrier area and off the coast of the East Frisian island of Norderney. Thirty-seven contained basal peats on top of Pleistocene sands of the formerGeestand 10 of them also had intercalated peats. Based on 100 acclerator mass spectrometry (AMS)14C dates and analyses of botanical as well as zoological remains from the peats, lagoonal sediments and the underlying sands, a variety of distinct habitats have been reconstructed. On the relatively steep slopes north of the present island, a swampy vegetation fringe several kilometres wide with carrs of alder (Alnus glutinosa) moved in front of the rising sea upwards of theGeestas it existed then until roughly 6 ka, when the sea level reached the current back-barrier region of Norderney at around −6 m NHN (German ordnance datum). From then on for nearly 4000 years a changing landscape with a mosaic of freshwater lakes and fens existed within this area. It was characterised by various stands ofCladium mariscus(fen sedge), alternating with brackish reed beds withPhragmites australis(common reed) and salt meadows withAster tripolium(sea aster),Triglochin maritima(sea arrowgrass),Juncus gerardii(saltmarsh rush) as well as mudflats withSalicornia europaea(common glasswort). As far as shown by our cores, this highly diverse, and for humans potentially attractive landscape was at least some 4 km wide and followed the coast for about 10 km. Before the rising sea caused diversification of habitats, wet heath as well as dry and dusty sand areas existed. In the course of time, parts of the wet heath turned into raisedSphagnumbogs under an oceanic precipitation regime before this diverse landscape was drowned by the rising sea and finally covered by marine sediments, while the earlier sediments and peats were partly eroded and redeposited.

Miguel-Ruano, M., Sanchez-Carrillo, S. 2020. The decline of aquatic vegetation in wetlands in response to the environmental degradation: the case of the cut-sedge (Cladium mariscus) in Las Tablas de Daimiel and its potential restoration. Ecosistemas 29(3):1963. https://doi.org/10.7818/ECOS.1963 Wetlands disappear at the rate that their biodiversity does. This study evaluates the causes of the serious decline that the cut-sedge (Cladium mariscus) experienced in Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park (PNTD) wetland, where the population has decreased from 1,100 ha in 1956 to 10 ha in 2019. To do this, we have carried out a comparative study in the La Mancha Humeda Biosphere Reserve, using the PNTD's cut-sedge population and the populations of other wetlands where this macrophyte is not in decline (Laguna del Masegar and Lagunas de Ruidera), which were grown in controlled conditions in the laboratory and later transplanted in PNTD wetland. Differences in C and N content, survival and growth rates, and seed viability and germination capacity indicated that the decline in the PNTD cut-sedge population is related to the hydrological degradation of the wetland, which has caused (i) population aging due to long-term use of clonal reproduction, (ii) a very low colonization of environmental-favorable habitats within the wetland due to a limited dispersion of generative propagules by hydrochory and (iii) a genetic isolation of the population due to the lack of hydrological connection with the other wetlands in the Upper Guadiana river basin. Restoration measures must be immediate, to recover stands in key areas of the wetland with specimens from nurseries and in the medium and long-term to promote the expansion of the cut-sedge to other areas of the wetland ecosystem.

We document the long-term development of a spring-fed fen assessing its sensivity to climate changes over the last ca. 4000 years. Our investigation is based on high-resolution, continuous plant macrofossil remains and mollusc records, complemented by pollen, geochemical analysis and radiocarbon dating of Valea Morii, located in the Feleac Hills (Transylvanian Depression) in NW Romania, Central Eastern Europe. Based on our palaeocological data we have distinguished three stages of wet habitat conditions: two stages between 4000 and 2450 cal yr BP and one in the last 800 cal yr BP, and one dry stage between ca. 2450 and 800 cal yr BP. These local habitat conditions appear to reasonably reflect regional climate characteristics. High-resolution analysis of two replicated cores documented a mostly comparable pattern of local plant and mollusc succession, and stable isotope values from ca. 500 cal yr BP. The appearance of C. mariscus during the last two centuries may be related to increased wetness and associated active CaCO3 precipitation, which allowed this plant to colonise the spring-fed fen studied. However, it can be not excluded that the occurrence and spread of a Cladium mariscus population at this site during the last two centuries might have been partly favoured by the warming of the climate after the Little Ice Age. The potential of carbonate oxygen stable isotope values as an indicator of major trends in climatic change, both temperature and humidity, in mountain spring-fed fen deposits is shown. Carbon isotopes in the carbonates were found to be useful in reconstruction of changes in vegetation, soil development and the dissolution of bedrock carbonates, primarily as a reaction to changes in climate humidity.

The fen orchid Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. is one of the most endangered orchids of European wetlands and is listed in the Habitat Directive. In its range L. loeselii occupies different wetland habitats with fluctuating water level. A successful conservation of L. loeselii is based on the availability and conservation of suitable habitats. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of ongoing changes in habitat environmental conditions on L. loeselii. The aim of the study was to find out the effect of environmental factors on chlorophyll a fluorescence of fen orchid L. loeselii in EU protected habitat 7210* Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae near Lake Engure in Latvia. Such environmental factors as vegetation cover, impact of zoogenic factor, temperature, precipitation, and habitat water-level fluctuations were examined. The field study was carried out in 2015 and 2016. For the clarification of the influence of environmental factors on L. loeselii as a non-destructive method, chlorophyll a fluorescence (maximum quantum efficiency of PSII—Fv/Fm) was used. The Fv/Fm parameter was significantly higher in 2016 than in 2015. However, statistical analysis did not show any correlation between dynamics of Fv/Fm parameter during 2015 or 2016 and changes in habitat water level, temperature, or sum of precipitation. It could be influenced by a significant decrease in the number of C. mariscus generative shoots and a significantly higher sum of precipitation, which affected habitat water-level difference between years. In addition, water-level fluctuations were different between years. In 2015, in corresponding time when Fv/Fm parameter measurements were obtained, the water level in the habitat fluctuated within 8 cm while in 2016 within 5 cm in range. This study showed that the chlorophyll a fluorescence (Fv/Fm parameter) of L. loeselii in European Union priority protected habitat 7210* Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae was not affected by single dominant environmental factor. Fv/Fm parameter of L. loeselii is influenced by vegetation cover and habitat water level. Favourable conditions for growth of L. loeselii are provided by balanced water supply.

Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. is an endangered orchid species which occurs in wetland habitats. For successful conservation of this orchid it is necessary to recognize its adaptive traits and special habitat requirements. Therefore, we examined morphological and anatomical traits in relation to the water level, cover of vascular plants and seed viability of L. loeselii in habitats with different water level fluctuations. Field studies of L. loeselii were carried out in nine localities and four habitat types: alkaline fen, calcareous fen with Cladium mariscus, transition mire and quaking bog. The fluctuations of seasonal water level were defined in the range from dry substrate to short time flooding (up to two weeks). Leaf length and width of 30 flowering specimens of L. loeselii as well as angle between the leaf blade and the axis of the inflorescence were measured at each locality. Seed viability and root anatomy were examined in the laboratory. The leaf angle was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by water level in the studied habitat. The leaf length to width ratio in each population of L. loeselii did not show significant differences between the years, but was characteristic for the habitat type. L. loeselii sensitivity to the long-term flooding in the habitat is associated with a lack of aerenchyma in its roots. During short-term flooding specimens of L. loeselii can survive due to a shallow root system and hyponastic leaf movements. As evidenced by seed viability, the most favourable growth conditions for L. loeselii are in the habitats with partially water saturated substrate with balanced water supply.

Leaf wax n-alkanes are often extracted from modern plant material to describe their natural occurrence and understand the factors determining their potential as biomarkers for climate reconstruction. Despite several studies on the topic no standardised approach for n-alkane extraction from leaves has been yet devised. A common issue is the necessity to work on leaf subsamples to reduce co-extraction of unwanted polar compounds (e.g. chlorophyll), as they often interfere with individual steps involved in post-extraction, wet-chemical isolation of leaf wax n-alkanes. However, subsampling can generate biases regarding n-alkane distribution, concentration, and isotopic composition due to heterogeneities along the leaf sheath. Therefore, we propose and test an optimised extraction approach. Using leaves of Cladium mariscus and Typha angustifolia, we compared the effect on n-alkane extraction of two solvent mixtures, two extraction techniques and two sample preparation modalities. We found similar results for the two modes of sample preparation (intact vs. shredded leaf), while the use of the two solvent mixes and the two extraction techniques produced significantly different results. n-Hexane/dichloromethane 9:1 was almost twice as efficient (+97%) than the more commonly used dichloromethane/methanol 9:1, producing higher n-alkane yields while reducing co-elution of highly polar compounds. The best results, both for yield, sample processing time and solvent consumption, were achieved in combination with the accelerated solvent extraction technique, averagely +49% more efficient than ultrasound assisted solvent extraction. Alongside, we investigated the distribution of n-alkanes along the leaf sheath of C. mariscus.

Here, for the first time in SE Poland, we document the long-term development of a rich fen and assess its sensitivity to climate change and human impacts over the last ca. 3500 years. Our results are based on a high-resolution, continuous plant macrofossil remains, mollusc and pollen record, complemented by geochemical, mineral magnetic and physical characterisation, and radiocarbon dating from Bagno Serebryskie rich fen located in SE Poland. Based on the palaeoecological data we distinguished five stages of wet habitat conditions: 5000–3300, 2800–2150, 1600–1100, 750–230, 150–10 cal yr BP and five dry periods at ca. 3300–2800, 2150–1600, 1100–750, 230–150, 10 to − 64 cal yr BP. The pollen and geochemistry records, particularly Pb, show that the first human activity in the study area occurred ca. 3200 cal yr BP and increased markedly from 500 cal yr BP affecting local plant development including the population size of Cladium mariscus. Our study has shown that despite human impact (drainage, fire), Bagno Serebryskie peatland has hosted rare, presently protected species, such as Cladium mariscus for hundreds of years. We conclude that, in common with ombrotrophic bogs, rich fen ecosystems can provide a reliable source of palaeoclimatic and palaeohydrological data. Our study also shows that a large peatland (376 ha) can be as sensitive a palaeohydrological archive as smaller mires.

The Massaciuccoli Lake (northern Tuscany, Italy) Natura 2000 habitat map (1:10,000) was compiled from photo-interpretation and recent phytosociological studies, integrated by field surveys of the vegetation units. Conventional geographical information system procedures were used to select and manage spatial information. The following attributes were assigned to each map polygon: (i) vegetation type, (ii) habitat typology and (iii) percentage cover of the habitat type. Habitat types covering polygons smaller than 50 m2 were treated as points. A total of nine Natura 2000 habitat types were identified and mapped; they cover almost 20% of the study area. The results show that of all sites on the Italian peninsula, Lake Massaciuccoli Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus covers the largest surface area and is crucial for the national conservation of this habitat type. It is also of priority importance in Europe.

The purpose of this work was to conduct plant monitoring in the vicinity of Lake Kravtsovo within the framework of preserving animal and plant world biodiversity. Lake-swamp Kravtsovo - a unique object of the Stavropol upland, here you can study the diversity of almost half of the entire flora and fauna of Stavropol Territory. 139 species of vascular plants were registered in the studied territory, among which 11 are subject to protection – Paeonia tenuifolia L., Cladium mariscus (L.) Ponl, Iris notha M. Bieb., I. halophila Pall., Adonis vernalis L., Calamagrostis canescens (Weber) Roth, Utricularia vulgaris L., Carex panicea L., C. ericetorum Pollich, Lythrum thesioides Bieb, Thelypteris palustris Schott. In the structure of the coenosis, the most part is occupied by forbs – 67 %, then cereals – 27 %, legumes in a smaller amount – 6 %. The composition and structure of the community are changed in some way by grazing of farm animals, land plowing and afforestation (a characteristic increase in the proportion of shrubs and trees). The initial stage of pasture degression and the associated increase in the role of associated grazing species (poisonous, prickly, poorly eaten and weedy) are observed. The horizontal structure of the vegetation cover is also heterogeneous.

We present the paleoecological development of a rich fen located in the dune area on the SE Baltic coast, during the last 7500 years. The Apsuciems Mire hosts rare and endangered plant communities in Europe, such as Schoenus ferrugineus and Cladium mariscus. Analysis at high-resolution of plant macroremains in two peat cores was carried out to reconstruct local vegetation succession and fluctuations in moisture availability on the peatland, while a pollen record was developed to reconstruct plant succession, moisture variability and human activity at the regional scale. Based on the presence or the absence of macroremains of plants that occur in wet habitat e.g. Cladium mariscus, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Alisma plantago-aquatica and Botrycoccocus we distinguished four wet periods ca. 6000, 2000, 1750–1550, 1200–150 cal yr. BP and four dry periods (ca. 7000, 4600–4200, 1800–1750, 1550–1200 cal yr. BP) in the peatland’s development. A water level increase at 1200 cal yr. BP triggered the development of plant communities containing Chara sp., Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, then Cladium mariscus. Our study shows a link between climate change at the regional scale and vegetation development in Apsuciems Mire. We showed that changes in vegetation structure during last 150 years was caused by drainage and human activity.

Late Glacial and Early Holocene vegetation history and lake level fluctuations in NE Poland were described based on high-resolution plant macrofossils analyses and records of pollen, diatoms, and radiocarbon dates. The development of Lake Kojle-Perty began in the Allerod (GI-1c). Cooling during the Younger Dryas (GS-1) led to the development of communities of heliophyte herbaceous plants. Palaeobotanical and lithostratigraphical records demonstrate that abrupt climate changes at approximately 11,600 and 9450 cal. BP resulted in distinct changes in the vegetation and water level of Lake Kojle-Perty. Climate warming in the Younger Dryas–Holocene transition (11,600 cal. BP) caused the development of the terrestrial vegetation dominated by cold deciduous forest (Betula), and appearance of thermophylious aquatic plants: Typha latifolia, Najas marina, and Ceratophyllum demersum. A gradual decrease in the lake level since 11,200 cal. BP is evident from the appearance of plants from shallow lake environments (Potamogeton natans and Hippuris vulgaris). The low water levels since 10,700 cal. BP resulting from increased temperature and evaporation caused the development of peat on limnic sediments. The dry and warm climatic phase with lowest lake level in the lakes of NE Poland were coeval with the expansion of temperate deciduous forests (Corylus and Ulmus) that commenced at approximately 10,500 cal. BP. A distinctive increase in lake levels at approximately 9450 cal. BP is suggested by the development of rush plants such as Cladium mariscus and aquatic plants such as Najas marina, Chara sp., and Nuphar lutea in the shallow parts of Lake Kojle-Perty. The increased lake levels correspond with the expansion of Alnus glutinosa in North-East (NE) Poland. Our reconstructions of the vegetation development and lake level changes align with results from other studies in the region.

Pivovaroff, A.L.; Swift, C.; Battaglia, L.L.; Kunz, B.; Platt, W.J., and Yoder, C.L., 2015. Physiological profiles as indicators of response to hurricane disturbance for three coastal wetland species. Hurricanes alter light and water availability via canopy damage and storm surge delivery and are expected to intensify with climate change. Plant species respond to environmental changes by making physiological adjustments in situ or through distribution changes. Three years after Hurricane Katrina, we compared functional traits and water relations among three species along the coenocline at Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Fairhope, Alabama, U.S.A. Based on posthurricane distribution changes for these species, we hypothesized that (1) Cladium mariscus, whose distribution expanded slightly, is responsive to increased light availability in the disturbed forest at the landward end but is strongly limited by water stress at its seaward edge; (2) Baccharis halimifolia, whose distribution s...

This paper presents a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Wilczkow fen (central Poland). The fen developed in an inactive valley at the onset of the Holocene (~11 ka BP) and peat accumulation lasted until 5.7 ka BP. Multi-proxy reconstructions were made on the basis of palaeobotanical, cladoceran, chironomid, beetle and geochemical analyses. A Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM, unsupervised artificial neural network) of the biotic sequence distinguished four stages of fen history. Stage X1 (11.0–10.7 ka BP) was relatively wet and cool. Organic matter started to accumulate but the habitat conditions remained unstable. Moss, sedge and fern communities then developed. Sedimentary changes reveal an intensive groundwater supply at that time. Numerous and diverse chironomid and cladoceran subfossils indicate nearly permanent aquatic conditions. During stage Y1 (10.6–9.2 ka BP) conditions were dry and the upper peat layer desiccated. Cladocera nearly disappeared whereas chironomids were represented by semi-terrestrial and predatory (Tanypodinae) species. Conditions started to be more reducing. All the remaining samples belonged to the interweaving stages X2 and Y2. Stage Y2 (mostly 9.1–7.3 and 6.0–5.7 ka BP) was also dry but humidity increased towards the top. Oxidizing conditions occurred and the pH became more alkaline, favouring Cladium mariscus. The basin received mostly allochthonous matter input at that time. Stage X2 (mostly 6.8–6.1 ka BP) was humid and warm. The groundwater supply remained low but there was an increase in precipitation, changing local conditions to ombrotrophic. Species-rich chironomid and cladoceran communities were associated with temporary pools. Finally, conditions returned to those characteristic of stage Y2. The presented reconstruction documents long-term abiotic and biotic changes determined by water supply, including groundwater outflow, which have rarely been detected at a multi-proxy scale. We show that inactivated valley fens are sensitive to climate-driven hydrological fluctuations. Kohonen neural networks appear to be a promising method for analysing variability in multi-proxy data.

The sedge, Cladium mariscus, has been identified in Middle Stone Age deposits at the shelter Sibudu, South Africa, where the leaves were used as “bedding” – an informal floor covering for various activities. Cladium mariscus nutlets were recovered from layers 73 000–39 000 years old and are likely to have entered the shelter on the plants harvested for bedding. This paper explores the possibility that, in addition to the use of Cladium mariscus leaves for bedding, the nutlets were collected for food. The underground storage organs and nutlets of many sedge species are eaten by contemporary people and they are known to have been eaten in the past at other sites. Nutritional analysis of the nutlets and rhizomes of Cladium mariscus indicates their potential as a food source, notwithstanding the small size of the nutlets. Although there is no evidence for the preparation of Cladium mariscus for consumption at Sibudu, the abundant nutlets produced by the plants, their nutritional value and the ease of harvesti...

Wildfires can be the most influential phenomena in landscape dynamics and play an important role in determining avian populations. However, the intentional burning of habitats is still a controversial management practice and is legally prohibited in many countries. On the other hand, fires can positively control, or even slow down vegetation succession of reeds and bushes, and, in particular cases, may sustain a habitat for open marsh nesting specialists. One such species is the Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola, a globally threatened habitat specialist that breeds in open fens in Central and Eastern Europe. Because bush and reed encroachment threaten many suitable breeding areas, habitat management is necessary to maintain the open wetlands that Aquatic Warblers require for nesting. To assess whether burning was beneficial, we analysed Aquatic Warbler numbers and distribution in the Chelm calcareous marshes in eastern Poland on plots in different successional stages after accidental fires...

The preservation, restoration, and management of ecologically sensitive wetland plant communities, such as found in the Florida Everglades, require methods to reliably and non-destructively assess their health and performance. The pin-intercept method is a technique commonly used in grasslands for non-destructively estimating aboveground plant biomass. In this study, we developed an algorithm for the estimation of aboveground sawgrass biomass using coupled pin-intercept and harvest methods at A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Our data illustrates a positive relationship between aboveground biomass and the frequency of pin-intercepts as well as leaf area for sawgrass (Cladium mariscus). This pin-intercept method will serve as an effective, reliable tool for conservation and land management efforts in graminoid-dominated wetlands.

The ovule and ovary development was investigated with the aim to establish from what is the scleroid cover of the Cladium mariscus fruit derived. It was proved, that like in other members of the Cyperaceae family, it derives from the ovary.

Predicted changes in sea level and other environmental conditions may threaten the marginal occupancy of coastal wetlands. In a field survey conducted in Weeks Bay, AL, we investigated intertidal wetland plant zonation along environmental gradients. The results of this survey may have implications for coastal wetland resilience both locally and across the Northern Gulf of Mexico as changing environmental conditions exceed plant community tolerances, resulting in “coastal squeeze” phenomena. Within the coastal marsh transition of Weeks Bay, there was heterogeneous micro-topography with a large overlap of plant distributions along the elevation gradient (-0.474–0.661m NAVD 88). In addition to elevation, salinity was a primary indicator of plant zonation for the dominant species in the area: Spartina cynosuroides (Big Cordgrass), Juncus roemerianus (Black Needlerush), and Cladium mariscus ssp. jamaicense (Swamp Sawgrass). Based on our findings, the persistence of these plants in the intertidal zone of Weeks Bay may be especially susceptible to changes in flooding and salinity associated with sea-level rise and the presence of barriers to upslope migration.

Synthetic wastewaters simulating physically pre-treated low-loaded winery effluents were treated for four months with five pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) using different plants. Species under study were Phragmites australis (HSSF-CW2), Lythrum salicaria (HSSF-CW3), Cladium mariscus (HSSF-CW4), and Iris pseudacorus (HSSF-CW5). The designation HSSF-CW1 was not planted, and was used as a control. The mean dissolved oxygen and oxidation – reduction potential values in all HSSF-CWs indicated anaerobic conditions in the bulk liquid. High pollutant-removal efficiencies were obtained. Apparently, the species with higher growth (Phragmites, Lythrum, and particularly Iris) improved total nitrogen (TN) and nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4+) removals, but adversely affected sulphate (SO42−) anaerobic reduction. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were high, although there were no clear indications how the kinds of plants might have influenced this parameter. A statistical analysis of variance indicated that only N-NH4+ removal efficiencies were statistically different owing to the influence of the different plants. In a second 6 month experimental period, polyphenols (13 mg L−1) were added to the synthetic wastewater to study possible inhibition effects. The addition of polyphenols did not seem to cause inhibition effects on COD, TN, and N-NH4+ removals, but clearly negatively affected SO42− removal. A new two-way analysis of variance confirmed that only SO42− removal was negatively affected by polyphenols, while the effects of the different plants were only significant for N-NH4+ removal. Polyphenols were nearly completely removed. First order rate constants obtained for COD, TN, SO42−, and polyphenol removals were similar to those reported by other authors.

Many wetland communities are fire prone or fire dependent, especially those dominated by forbs and grasses. Despite our considerable knowledge about fire effects on wildlife in uplands, there is a relative paucity of information about effects of fire in wetland systems. Long-legged wading birds (herons, egrets, ibises, storks, spoonbills; order Ciconiiformes) may benefit from fire through the exposure of prey after vegetation removal, or through a trophic response of prey to increased availability of nutrients and increased light. We conducted aerial surveys of foraging wading birds in prescribed burns and adjacent unburned areas in the central Everglades, Florida, USA, to determine if wading birds select for burned habitats. We measured aquatic prey density in burned and unburned sawgrass (Cladium mariscus [L.] Pohl ssp. jamaicense [Crantz] Kuk), and densities of prey injured or killed in the fires. We also observed foraging great egrets (Ardea alba L.) in and adjacent to prescribed burns to determine whether foraging success (i.e., capture efficiency and capture rate) differed between burned and unburned areas. Great egrets and white ibises (Eudocimus albus L.) selected for burns and areas of deeper water adjacent to burned areas, and avoided dense, tall, unburned vegetation. Measured densities of prey killed by the fire were very low. Live aquatic prey densities did not differ between burned and unburned sawgrass. Great egrets had higher capture rates in sloughs adjacent to burns than in burned areas, but were more efficient at capturing prey in burned areas than in adjacent sloughs. Prescribed fires created short-term shallow water habitats (burned areas) with limited submerged and emergent vegetation, making prey in burns more vulnerable despite lower densities (availability) compared to adjacent sloughs. This research suggests that prescribed fire in grass-dominated wetlands may attract predators like wading birds primarily because removal of vegetation makes prey easier to capture.

Ecotones are areas of sharp environmental gradients between two or more homogeneous vegetation types. They are a dynamic aspect of all landscapes and are also responsive to climate change. Shifts in the position of an ecotone across a landscape can be an indication of a changing environment. In the coastal Everglades of Florida, USA, a dominant ecotone type is that of mangrove forest and marsh. However, there is a variety of plants that can form the marsh component, including sawgrass (Cladium mariscus [L.] Pohl), needlegrass rush (Juncus roemerianus Scheele), and spikerush (Eleocharis spp.). Environmental factors including water depth, soil type, and occurrence of fires vary across these ecotones, influencing their dynamics. Altered freshwater inflows from upstream and increasing sea level over the past 100 years may have also had an impact. We analyzed a time series of historical aerial photographs for a number of sites in the coastal Everglades and measured change in position of mangrove-marsh ecotones. For three sites, detailed maps were produced and the area of marsh, mangrove, and other habitats was determined for five periods spanning the years 1928 to 2004. Contrary to our initial hypothesis on fire, we found that fire did not prevent mangrove expansion into marsh areas but may in fact assist mangroves to invade some marsh habitats, especially sawgrass. Disparate patterns in mangrove-marsh change were measured at two downstream sites, both of which had multiple fires over from 1948 to 2004. No change in mangrove or marsh area was measured at one site. Mangrove area increased and marsh area decreased at the second of these fire-impacted sites. We measured a significant increase in mangrove area and a decline in marsh area at an upstream site that had little occurrence of fire. At this site, water levels have increased significantly as sea level has risen, and this has probably been a factor in the mangrove expansion.

The aim of this study is to model, under controlled laboratory conditions, the effect of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) on turbulence generated in a water column by an oscillating grid turbulence (OGT). Velocity profiles have been measured by an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (MicroADV). Experimental conditions are analysed in two canopy models (rigid and semi-rigid), using nine plant-to-plant distances ( ppd ), three stem diameters ( d ), four types of natural SAV ( Cladium mariscus , Potamogeton nodosus , Myriophyllum verticillatum and Ruppia maritima ) and two oscillation grid frequencies ( f ). To quantify this response, we have developed a non-dimensional model, with a specific turbulent kinetic energy ( TKE ), f , stroke ( s ), d , ppd , distance from the virtual origin to the measurement ( z m ) and space between grid bars ( M ). The experimental data show that, at z m / z c z m , according to the well-known power law, z m ???2 , and does not depend on the vegetation characteristics. In contrast, at z m / z c > 1, TKE decreases faster with z m and scales to the model variables according to TKE 0 / ( f 2 ?? s 2 ) ??? ( d / ppd ) ??? 0.25 ?? ( z m / M ) ??? 3 . Therefore, at z m / z c > 1 the TKE is affected by the geometric characteristics of the plants (both diameter and plant-to-plant distance), an effect called sheltering. Results from semi-rigid canopies and natural SAV are found to scale with the non-dimensional model proposed for rigid canopies. We also discuss the practical implications for field conditions (wind and natural SAV).

The history of the occurrence of Cladium mariscus (Cyperaceae) in NE Poland at the north-eastern limit of its distribution in Europe is discussed. The decline of the species may be related to gradual oligotrophication of its habitats, caused by the isolation of calcareous deposits and the decline of calcium carbonate in the substratum. The presence of C. mariscus in Kojle and Perty, lakes in NE Poland, is related to the occurrence of calcareous sediments, which may compensate for the lack of sufficient warmth. The occurrence of calcium carbonate in the substratum allows for the growth of C. mariscus in areas that are influenced significantly by a continental climate. The abundance of Ca2+ cations in the substratum compensates for that climatic factor.

Bipolaris salkadehensis sp. nov., isolated from the leaves of Sparganium erectum (Thyphaceae) and Cladium mariscus (Cyperaceae) collected in Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by straight to slightly curved subcylindrical to fusoid conidia with end cells demarcated by thick dark septa and with monopolar and bipolar germination. Morphological data and ITS+5.8S rDNA sequence analyses support B. salkadehensis as a distinct species of Bipolaris .

Summary Recent fieldwork and additional herbarium research on some critical Cyperaceae from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) revealed some interesting facts. Previous claims for the supposedly native species Cladium mariscus and Cyperus michelianus are, at least in part, erroneous and ascribable respectively to the non-native species C. jamaicense and C. pygmaeus. Kyllinga brevifolia is cited for the first time from Gran Canaria as a locally established turf weed. Finally, the identity of Fimbristylis ferruginea in Gran Canaria is thoroughly discussed.

In the initial phase of growth in an oligo-humotrophic lake, Cladium mariscus forms a dense and tall sawgrass bed invading the open water in the form of a floating mat. High densities of submerged evergreen perennial stems of C. mariscus, over two metres high and abundantly fruiting, ensure its persistence, and form a natural barrier to the invasion of other species. Dense mats of sawgrass are formed as a result of clonal and rhizome growth. Although diaspore production is abundant under natural conditions, only vegetative propagation of stems was observed. In different variants of the experiment only seeds wintering on stems of mother plants were capable of germinating. Hard seed coats had an important effect on the germination capacity of seeds.

We studied the phytosociology of plant communities with Schoenus nigricans , a character species of the alliance Caricion davallianae, in western Slovenia. Most of our releves are classified into the new association Astrantio carniolicae-Schoenetum nigricantis, whose stands grow on moist rocks and in the headwater section of springs and small brooks in dolomite wooded areas, especially in the Cerkno region, in the basin of the Idrijca river. Its character species and (geographical) differential species are Schoenus nigricans , Molinia arundinacea , Astrantia carniolica , Palustriella commutata , Carex flacca, Valeriana saxatilis, Salix glabra, Erica carnea and Primula carniolica . In addition to the typical form (subassociation - typicum ) we described also the subassociation with predominating Cladium mariscus ( - cladietosum marisci ). The studied dolomite headwaters are a Natura 2000 habitat type and the sites of several vulnerable and protected species. Their role as a biotope is therefore significant and requires adequate protection. Key words : phytosociology, synsystematics, dolomite springs, Schoenus nigricans , Cladium mariscus , Primula carniolica , Caricion davallianae , Natura 2000, Slovenia Fitocenolosko smo preucili rastlinske združbe zahodne Slovenije, v katerih uspeva vrsta Schoenus nigricans , znacilnica zveze Caricion davallianae . Vecino nasih popisov uvrscamo v novo asociacijo Astrantio carniolicae-Schoenetum nigricantis , katere sestoji porascajo vlažno skalovje in povirja studencev in majhnih potokov v dolomitnih gozdnatih obmocjih predvsem na Cerkljanskem, v povodju Idrijce. Njene znacilnice in (geografske) razlikovalnice so vrste Schoenus nigricans , Molinia arundinacea , Astrantia carniolica , Palustriella commutata , Carex flacca, Valeriana saxatilis, Salix glabra, Erica carnea in Primula carniolica . Poleg tipicne oblike (subasociacija - typicum ) smo opisali tudi subasociacijo s prevladujoco vrsto Cladium mariscus ( - cladietosum marisci ). Preucena dolomitna povirja sodijo med varstveno pomembne habitatne tipe v evropskem merilu (Natura 2000). So rastisca z vec ranljivimi in zavarovanimi vrstami, zato imajo velik biotopski pomen in potrebujejo ustrezno varovanje. Kljucne besede : fitocenologija, sinsistematika, dolomitno povirje, Schoenus nigricans , Cladium mariscus , Primula carniolica , Caricion davallianae , Natura 2000, Slovenija

Synthetic wastewaters simulating physically pre-treated low-loaded winery effluents were treated for four months with five pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) using different plants. Species under study were Phragmites australis (HSSF-CW2), Lythrum salicaria (HSSF-CW3), Cladium mariscus (HSSF-CW4), and Iris pseudacorus (HSSF-CW5). The designation HSSF-CW1 was not planted, and was used as a control. The mean dissolved oxygen and oxidation–reduction potential values in all HSSF-CWs indicated anaerobic conditions in the bulk liquid. High pollutant-removal efficiencies were obtained. Apparently, the species with higher growth (Phragmites, Lythrum, and particularly Iris) improved total nitrogen (TN) and nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4+) removals, but adversely affected sulphate (SO42–) anaerobic reduction. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were high, although there were no clear indications how the kinds of plants might have influenced this parameter. A statistical analysis of variance indicated that only N-NH4+ removal efficiencies were statistically different owing to the influence of the different plants. In a second 6 month experimental period, polyphenols (13 mg L–1) were added to the synthetic wastewater to study possible inhibition effects. The addition of polyphenols did not seem to cause inhibition effects on COD, TN, and N-NH4+ removals, but clearly negatively affected SO42– removal. A new two-way analysis of variance confirmed that only SO42– removal was negatively affected by polyphenols, while the effects of the different plants were only significant for N-NH4+ removal. Polyphenols were nearly completely removed. First order rate constants obtained for COD, TN, SO42–, and polyphenol removals were similar to those reported by other authors.

Breeding success in Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) was studied in peat bogs of eastern Poland during the period 1996–2002. Harriers nested only in the area covered with great fen sedge (Cladium mariscus). The studied Harriers laid from 1 to 6 eggs, on average 4.09 eggs (n = 118). With the progression of the season, no significant decline in clutch size was recorded. The highest values of clutch size were found for pairs nesting in five nest aggregations. Harriers fledged on average 2.49 young per nest and 1.46 young per breeding pair. Early clutches in semicolonies were larger than later ones. Aggregations of five and four nests were found optimal in terms of clutch size, total loss and fledging success. The results of the study agree with the hypothesis that reproductive success may be highest at intermediate colony size.

[EN]: Monitoring bird populations is essential for the proper management of natural areas, since birds serve as indicator species to assess the conservation status of ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to estimate population sizes using methods of the highest possible accuracy and reliability. In this study, the populations of three marsh-dwelling passerines were sampled in the Tablas de Daimiel National Park (central Spain) during the breeding season, using a double independent observer technique. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical Bayesian model with covariates that can simultaneously determine the population size and detectability, as well as factors that significantly affect both parameters. The presence of the two most threatened species, the reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi and the moustached warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon, was significantly and positively related to the coverage of fen sedge Cladium mariscus, an indicator species for waters of high quality and low fluctuation in depth. The bearded parrotbill Panurus biarmicus was the most generalist species with no positive association with any of the studied variables. The moustached warbler was more readily detectable until the beginning of May and early in the morning. [ES]: El seguimiento y evaluación de las poblaciones de aves constituye una herramienta fundamental para la adecuada gestión de espacios naturales, dado su carácter indicativo del estado de conservación de los ecosistemas. Por ello, resulta importante aplicar métodos que permitan la mayor precisión y fiabilidad para obtener tamaños de población. En este trabajo se muestreó la población de tres paseriformes palustres en el Parque Nacional de Las Tablas de Daimiel (centro de España) en época reproductora, a través de la técnica de doble observador independiente. Para el tratamiento de los datos se utilizó un modelo jerárquico bayesiano con covariables que permite determinar simultáneamente el tamaño poblacional y la detectabilidad, así como los factores que afectan significativamente a ambos parámetros. La presencia de las dos especies más amenazadas, el escribano palustre iberoriental Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi y el carricerín real Acrocephalus melanopogon estuvo relacionada significativa y positivamente con el grado de cobertura de masiega Cladium mariscus, especie indicadora de una elevada calidad del agua y un régimen hídrico relativamente poco fluctuante. El bigotudo Panurus biarmicusresultó el más generalista y no seleccionó significativamente ninguna de las variables estudiadas. El carricerín real resultó más fácilmente detectable hasta primeros de mayo y a primera hora de la mañana. To Laura Phillips, Tammy Wilson, Fagan Johnson (USNPS) and Bill Thompson (USFWS) for their help with data from original R+BUGS code.

The effects of aquatic macrophyte (willows and sawgrass) removal on flow velocity, tufa deposition, POM dynamics, and macroinvertebrate community structure were studied in the tufa barrier habitats of the barrage system of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia. Samples were collected from two hydraulic habitats (fast < 100 cm s^-1 and slow < 100 cm s^-1) at both a control (no macrophytes removed) and impact (macrophytes removed) site. Samples were collected with a core sampler (four layers in vertical profile of barrier bed) monthly on 6 dates before and 7 dates after the removal of macrophytes. Macrophytes were removed in May 2002 at the impact site. After the macrophyte removal flow velocity decreased significantly at both hydraulic habitats. Retarded flow resulted in: (a) a decrease in macroinvertebrate density and diversity since most of the taxa were rheophilic (preferring habitats with higher flow velocity) and (b) an increase in POM concentrations (FPOM and UPOM) since decreases in flow velocity facilitate particle deposition in lotic habitats. The effects of macrophyte removal were present, and diminish along the vertical sediment profile of the barrier bed. Tufa deposition was not influenced by the macrophyte removal.

The level of artificial and natural radionuclide concentration as well as heavy metal content were determined in samples of saw sedge and peat collected in the Special Protection Area of peat bogs near Chelm (Poland). Gamma- and alpha-spectrometry with proper sample preparation were used to determine natural gamma-emitters, artificial 137Cs and alpha-radiating plutonium (238Pu and 239,240Pu). Non radioactive elements were determined by AAS. Rather low level of heavy metal concentration in all samples was found, however, the transfer factors were significant. Peat contamination with artificial radionuclides (137Cs and plutonium) was low. Contrary, the concentration of these isotopes in saw sedge was higher than normally observed in non contaminated areas, what is a result of a significant transfer factor.

Phragmites australis tolerates a wider range of ecological conditions than Cladium mariscus and thus may be better adapted to disturbance resulting from human manipulations. We hypothesised that the difference in ecological conditions was related to differences in photosynthetic ability under water stress. We compared the reactions of the two species to water deficit related to the summer drawdown in the Mediterranean regions that may be enhanced by drainage for human activities. Stress tolerance was evaluated in a pot experiment measuring pigment contents, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchanges, growth rates, living and dead biomass, for plants grown in waterlogged conditions or submitted to permanent or temporary drainage. Reed was favoured by the first days of drainage with an increase in CO2 assimilation by approximately 5 mmol m � 2 s � 1 and an increase of the elongation rates from 1 to 1.5 cm d � 1 , indicating waterlogged conditions were not optimal for this species. While pigment content showed no significant effects, growth rate, percentage live above-ground biomass, chlorophyll fluorescence and net rate of CO2 assimilation declined significantly for both species from days 5 to 7 after drying started. Assimilation rates reached 2.3 and 0.3 mmol m � 2 s � 1 on day 9 for sawsedge and reed, respectively. Sawsedge had a 50% greater assimilation rate in the waterlogged conditions, but its responses to water loss in terms of declining growth rate and CO2 assimilation started on day 5 versus 7 for reed. By contrast, the condition of PSII as indicated by chlorophyll fluorescence was affected more in reed. Both growth rates and rates of CO2 assimilation had completely recovered for both species within 3 days of re-wetting. Our results reflect the evergreen character of sawsedge leaves that are hardly damaged by stress but decrease their activity. Reed leaves die upon excessive stress and plants may shed leaf as an adjustment to stress. Sawsedge photosynthesis will be optimal in waterlogged conditions whereas that of reed will be constant within a broad range from slightly drained to mild stress. Those responses to drainage at the leaf scale may partly explain the difference in habitat where both species are usually found. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modifications to the Massaciuccoli wetland (Central Italy) caused by various human activities were examined in relation to the distribution of the local Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) population. From 1993 to1998 we documented the changing distribution pattern of booming males within the marsh, while at the same time gathering information on human utilisation of the habitat. The evolution of the marsh’s layout overtime has been accurately delineated by developing a Geographical Information System. Local customs of marsh utilisation, in particular the illegal setting of fires and the enlarging of hunting pools, had major impacts on its features. The vegetation beds, dominated by Cladium mariscus, proved to be a patchwork mosaic of different-aged plants (from the last fire or cutting), whose densities therefore increased over time. Booming male distribution was uneven within the marsh and varied from one year to the next. The youngest vegetation beds covered more than 50% of the 50 m-buffer zones defined around booming males. A logistic regression model showed that Bitterns favoured unfragmented young vegetation beds (1–3 years). Consideration of the current state of affairs suggests that the necessary renewal of the vegetation could be best achieved through co-ordinated actions carried out in rotation on predetermined plots, covering at least 20 ha in extent and managed at least every 4 years.

To assess whether winter mowing in wetlands fulfils the aim of preventing succession towards drier communities, 34 permanent quadrats (15 m2) were surveyed annually from 1984–1985 to 2000 within large mown and unmown (control) areas (several ha) in a calcareous lake shore fen (W Switzerland). Three trends were noticed: decrease of aquatic species, spread of Cladium mariscus and establishment of woody species (especially Alnus glutinosa and Frangula alnus). None of these trends was prevented by mowing, but mowing did prevent the accumulation of C. mariscus litter and kept woody saplings small. Succession was generally slow and often occurred in the form of sudden, discrete changes. Plant species richness increased with mowing and remained constant without mowing. Soil disturbance by the mowing machine contributed more to the effects of management on species composition than the periodic removal of biomass. It is concluded that mowing every three years in winter is insufficient to preserve semi-aqu...

Despite their common global occurrence, little work has been done on characterising the hydraulic properties of root mats, particularly their hydraulic conductivity (K). A common method for estimating K in the field is the piezometer slug test. In some root mat systems, the piezometer slug test may be the only technique, field or laboratory, which is able to provide reliable estimates of K. We installed 17 piezometers in a Cladium mariscus L. (Pohl) and Phragmites australis Cav. (Streud.) root mat in a UK fen. Tests were initiated by both slug insertion and slug withdrawal. Repeat tests were conducted on some piezometers to check for test consistency. Rapid recoveries after both slug insertion and withdrawal were found, with 90% recovery reached for all tests within 1500 s and for many within 300 s. We found significant and highly reproducible differences between recovery after insertion and recovery after withdrawal, with the latter being more rapid than the former. We invoke a reversible pore blocking mechanism to explain this behaviour. Many of the piezometers showed recoveries after withdrawal broadly consistent with the assumption of a rigid porous medium in which Darcy’s law holds. Tests on four further piezometers were used to examine the impact of piezometer ‘development’, different slug sizes and the use of ‘clean’ water on test behaviour. The results from these test piezometers were difficult to interpret. Nevertheless, it appears that replacing ‘dirty’ water in the piezometer standpipe with clean water leads to more rapid recoveries and reduces the difference between recovery after insertion and recovery after withdrawal. The K of the root mat, as estimated from withdrawal tests on 14 piezometers and standardised to 20C, ranged between 0.00144 and 0.03022 cm s-1. This appears to be at the very top end of K values reported for fen peats and suggests that water can flow readily through this medium given sufficiently large hydraulic gradients.

The present study focuses on the processes taking place in the peatigenic layer (acrotelma), in order to trace the alteration of physical, chemical and petrographical features of the organic sediments in connection with the peat-forming factors. The ulterior aim is to propose a model for interpreting the coal-forming palaeoenvorinmental conditions. Finally, the mobility of the toxic trace elements is evaluated, in case of peat utilization for power generation in the future. Cores from the peatlands of Philippi (Prefecture of Kavala) and Nissi (Prefecture of Pella) in Northern Greece and of Keri (Zakynthos Island) in Southern Greece, were examined. The objective was to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the organogenic sediments hosted in the peatlands and additionally, of the peat-forming plants that grow on the surface of the Nissi and Keri mires. A series of laboratory examinations were performed on the collected samples, including proximate and ultimate analyses, mineralogical determinations by applying X-ray diffraction and SEM, inorganic geochemical analyses using XRF, ICP-OES and ICP-MS, organic geochemical analyses using 13C CP/MAS NMR, FTIR and py-GC/MS techniques and organic petrographical examinations on intact samples. Regarding the mineralogical determinations a method for full quantification of the mineral phases has been developed taking into account the pattern of the organic phases. Additionally the application of X-ray diffraction in oxidized peat residues has been evaluated. The Philippi and Nissi peatlands comprise similar peat-forming environments, since: (a) both developed in intermontane basins, the subsidence of which is controlled mainly by the tectonic activity, (b) Cyperaceae, mainly Cladium mariscus and various Carex spp., constitutes the main peat-forming plants, (c) whereas both are affected by karstic waters. They are fens for most of the peat accumulation period. On the contrary, in Keri the peat accumulation developed in a coastal environment due to paludification controlled both by the tectonic activity and the eustatic sea level changes, and the environment is characterized as a brackish mire, where additionally Scirpus maritimus και Juncus maritimus thrive. Taking in consideration the peat-forming features in the three studied peatlands the coal facies indices were modified in order to reflect more precisely the syngenetic processes in the acrotelma. Additionally a model is provided that describes both qualitatively and quantitatively the characteristics of the organogenic sediments deposited in the telmatic and the limnotelmatic fields. Furthermore, the coalification pathways of the studied sediments are interpreted, in order to obtain diagnostic parameters that can be applied to coal palaeoenvironmental studies.

A three-year study was carried out in Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, a Spanish semi-arid wetland, to describe eutrophication patterns and the responses of the main primaryproducers in contrasting inundation years. Total and dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus, phytoplankton chlorophyll-a(monthly) and emergent macrophyte cover (yearly) were measured together with water levels. Water balances were taken to assessphosphorus and nitrogen annual nutrient budgets. The wetland could be termed hypertrophic. Nutrients displayed distinct seasonality because nitrogen peaked both in winter and summer,whereas phosphorus did so in late spring and early summer. A reduction in both total nitrogen and phosphorus in humid yearsdue to higher water levels was also observed. An important spatial heterogeneity in nutrient content occurred throughout the study, part of which could be ascribed to hydrological fluctuations since the input site showed higher mean values in rainy years. Mass balances suggested that sedimentation played a key role in nutrient dynamics, with macrophyte leaching and waterfowl additions being minor sources. Internalloading was much higher than external loading in this wetland,thereby being responsible for higher sedimentation rates.Phytoplankton chlorophyll-a displayed seasonality, withpeaks in late summer, when macrophyte activity was decreasing.No relationship between either chlorophyll-a and nutrients or hydrological conditions could be ascertained formost sampling stations and years of study. However, the waterlevel-dependent, emergent macrophyte sawgrass (Cladium mariscus) presented a statistically significant relationship with both nitrogen and phosphorus. Our results demonstrate thatmacrophytes must be taken into account in wetland eutrophicationmodels. A conceptual model comparing the responses of primary producers to eutrophication in lakes and wetlands is outlined.

In two fen areas of northeastern Germany, different techniques of re-introduction to establish reed-bed species in formerly intensively used, species-poor, grasslands, after rewetting, were studied under three hydrological regimes (permanent inundation, temporary inundation, border irrigation) with the aims (1) to establish peat-forming vegetation and (2) to enhance species richness. Establishment was successful for nearly all species investigated under all hydrological variants. There were differences between individuals sown and those which had been planted. Wet, but not inundated soil linked with vegetation gaps create ‘safe sites’ which enable successful germination and seedling establishment. The survival rate for both planted and sown individuals was generally high, with the exception of Cladium mariscus, Eupatorium cannabinum and Phragmites australis Recommendations for restoration management include the establishment of the following successful species: Carex acutiformis, C elata and C paniculata to establish peat-forming vegetation; Iris pseudacorus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Lythrum salicaria to enhance species richness.

Material of Carex oederi s.lat. was studied at four localities on the Baltic island of Gotland. Each locality included material referable to C. bergrothii, i.e., tall sedges with long leaves and with comparatively large and broad utricles, as well as material of C. oederi s.str., i.e., short sedges with smaller utricles. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses show continuous variation in C. oederi s. lat. on Gotland and it is concluded that C. bergrothii cannot be recognised as a separate species. However, a large proportion of the phenotypic variance in C. oederi s. lat. on Gotland is due to genotypic differentiation, and C. bergrothii is considered as an extreme ecorype of C. oederi. This ecotype is apparently adapted to grow in deep water on calcareous clay among loose stands of Cladium mariscus.

Relative net primary productivity (NPP) of periphyton communities in the Florida Everglades were determined and compared under emergent macrophyte canopies typical of enriched and unenriched Everglades habitats. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) reaching the periphyton communities were reduced only by 35 % in sawgrass (Cladium mariscus) habitats but by 85 % or more in dense stands of cattail (Typha domingensis). Photosynthetic rates of periphytic algae and cyanobacteria in sawgrass habitats were about 70 % of those in open water slough habitats. NPP of periphytic communities within the cattail habitat was severely reduced by 80 ± 8 per cent of rates in the open communities. Greatly reduced inorganic and organic P concentrations occurred in water of habitats with high periphytic photosynthesis, whereas inorganic and organic nitrogen concentrations were lower in the nutrient-enriched, more reducing cattail habitats. Putative causes for these observations are related to the suppression of periphytic photosynthesis by macrophytic shading.

[EN]: Monitoring bird populations is essential for the proper management of natural areas, since birds serve as indicator species to assess the conservation status of ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to estimate population sizes using methods of the highest possible accuracy and reliability. In this study, the populations of three marsh-dwelling passerines were sampled in the Tablas de Daimiel National Park (central Spain) during the breeding season, using a double independent observer technique. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical Bayesian model with covariates that can simultaneously determine the population size and detectability, as well as factors that significantly affect both parameters. The presence of the two most threatened species, the reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi and the moustached warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon, was significantly and positively related to the coverage of fen sedge Cladium mariscus, an indicator species for waters of high quality and low fluctuation in depth. The bearded parrotbill Panurus biarmicus was the most generalist species with no positive association with any of the studied variables. The moustached warbler was more readily detectable until the beginning of May and early in the morning., [ES]: El seguimiento y evaluación de las poblaciones de aves constituye una herramienta fundamental para la adecuada gestión de espacios naturales, dado su carácter indicativo del estado de conservación de los ecosistemas. Por ello, resulta importante aplicar métodos que permitan la mayor precisión y fiabilidad para obtener tamaños de población. En este trabajo se muestreó la población de tres paseriformes palustres en el Parque Nacional de Las Tablas de Daimiel (centro de España) en época reproductora, a través de la técnica de doble observador independiente. Para el tratamiento de los datos se utilizó un modelo jerárquico bayesiano con covariables que permite determinar simultáneamente el tamaño poblacional y la detectabilidad, así como los factores que afectan significativamente a ambos parámetros. La presencia de las dos especies más amenazadas, el escribano palustre iberoriental Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi y el carricerín real Acrocephalus melanopogon estuvo relacionada significativa y positivamente con el grado de cobertura de masiega Cladium mariscus, especie indicadora de una elevada calidad del agua y un régimen hídrico relativamente poco fluctuante. El bigotudo Panurus biarmicusresultó el más generalista y no seleccionó significativamente ninguna de las variables estudiadas. El carricerín real resultó más fácilmente detectable hasta primeros de mayo y a primera hora de la mañana., To Laura Phillips, Tammy Wilson, Fagan Johnson (USNPS) and Bill Thompson (USFWS) for their help with data from original R+BUGS code.

The Nissi Fen is located in a 12 km 2 intramontane basin in northwestern Greece. Since the last glacial, limnotelmatic and pure telmatic conditions, controlled mainly by karstic springs and partly by surface waters, favoured peat formation in the basin, resulting in the accumulation of a peat deposit up to 15 m thick. The present fen occupies a large area of almost 9 km 2 . Flora cover comprises mainly Cyperaceae ( Cladium mariscus and Carex species), while Phragmites australis extend along the banks of a river flowing through the basin, as well as around a lake in the southern part of the fen. These species also contributed to the peat formation. The Nissi peatland shows many genetic similarities to the Philippi peat deposit, Eastern Macedonia, and may be considered as a recent analogue to the lignite deposits in the basins of Ptolemais, Western Macedonia and Megalopolis, the Peloponnese.

Dynamics of hydrophytic and helophytic vegetation is analyzed in relation to environmental changes from 1956 until the present day. These changes are mainly related to hydrological characteristics and water quality. In the case of submerged vegetation, community changes are related to alterations of the salinity and eutrophication regime, manifested in a decreased coverage and the extinction of some species. In the case of the helophytic vegetation, changes are associated with the fragmentation of the original vegetation patches, originally dominated by Cladium mariscus. Nowadays emergent vegetation is dominated by Typha domingensis, Phragmites australis, and, in the last years, by annual vegetation, nitrophilous taxa and woody species (Tamarix canariensis, T. gallica). This vegetation type indicates wet and saline conditions in soils. Despite these changes at the structural level, there is also evidence of a considerable increase in the biomass that accumulates every year in the wetland and which accelerates wetland siltation in the long term.