Analysis of forest vegetation in Koviljski Rit: Comparison of habitats with varying degrees of anthropogenic influence
Koviljski Rit is located along the left bank of the Danube River, between the villages of Kovilj and Gardinovci. It is a rare example of pristine nature, where the original features of a swamp biotope are preserved. Because of its exceptional natural value, Koviljski Rit, along with the swa...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Matica srpska
2016-01-01
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| Series: | Zbornik Matice Srpske za Prirodne Nauke |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0352-4906/2016/0352-49061631133I.pdf |
| Summary: | Koviljski Rit is located along the left bank of the Danube River, between the
villages of Kovilj and Gardinovci. It is a rare example of pristine nature,
where the original features of a swamp biotope are preserved. Because of its
exceptional natural value, Koviljski Rit, along with the swamp in
Petrovaradin, has been under the protection of the Republic of Serbia since
1998, when it was proclaimed a Special Nature Reserve of the first category.
Natural vegetation found in Koviljski Rit includes woodlands composed of
willow and poplar. The majority of the reserve consists of forest plantations
(55.6%), which include habitats influenced by human activities. Based on DCA
(Detrended correspondence analysis) of forest vegetation in Koviljski Rit,
there is a high degree of similarity between natural populations of white
willow and stands of anthropogenic origin. However, in contrast, the same
analysis indicates clear differences between natural and artificial poplar
stands. Moreover, depending on whether they were planted in temporary or
permanent flood plain habitats, significant differences are evident in the
floristic structures of Euro-American poplar forests. Ecological conditions
in habitats of white and Euro-American poplar (Populus x euroamericana/Dode/
Guinier) communities were found to be more similar with respect to
illumination and soil humidity. However, more importantly, the anthropogenic
forests recorded the lowest diversity as a result of regular thinning and
measures implemented through forest management. [Project of the Serbian
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III
43002: Biosensing technologies and global system for continuous research and
integrated management of ecosystems and Grant, no. 31,041th: Forest
plantations as a way to increase reforestation in Serbia] |
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| ISSN: | 0352-4906 2406-0828 |