Response of vegetation to the surface fire in the pine forest Peucedano-Pinetum W. Mat. (1962) 1973 in the Kampinoski National Park

Fires that are one of the most classic disturbance of plant communities have had a great impact on the development of Scots pine communities. Restoration of vegetation disturbed by fire in this type of community starts almost immediately after disturbance. The intensity of fire significantly influences the future composition of vascular plant species and also the rate of change. The aim of the study was to describe the effect of intensity of the surface fire on the forest floor vegetation response and to preliminary attempt to characterize the syndynamic processes occurring after the disturbance. The research was conducted in Scots pine forest Peucedano−Pinetum in the Kampinoski National Park (central Poland). We established 45 permanent study plots, including 17 not burnt (control) and 28 burnt ones. Each plot covered area of 100 m². On each plot at first we separated the areas which were not burnt, surface burnt and characterized by complete burnout of the organic horizon of the soil. Than we measured the thickness of this horizon. Additionally the volume of organic matter burnt within each plot was calculated. Vegetation was sampled using Londo scale in the year of fire (2015) and the year after (2016). We used DCA ordination and UPGMA classification methods. Recorded species were divided into forest and non−forest groups and additionally for trees and shrubs, and the others, containing dwarf shrub, herb, bryophyte and lichen species. The linear regression method was used to estimate the relationship between measured parameters, vegetation change and changes in the species richness of distinguished groups. Two processes of vegetation reaction were observed. The first was classified as regeneration and occurred within surface burnt plots. Its characteristic feature included the higher increase in forest species richness than in case of non−forest species. The other process was defined as secondary succession alike. It occurred on plots with highest burnout of soil organic matter horizon. The increase of richness of non−forest species predominated within it. The change between two processes is smooth and depends on the participation of area with complete burnout of soil organic horizon within plot. The results show, that more than one process of recovery of community can occur in the same site and it depends especially on the proportion of soil organic horizon area burnout

Application of bryophytes and lichens in the bioindicative assessment of the vertical differentiation of forest ecosystem habitat conditions on the example of windthrowns in the Kampinos National Park

Ecological indicator values (EIV) are a commonly used tool for assessing habitat conditions in various ecosystems. They are relatively rarely used for the analysis of epiphytic communities, which results from objective difficulties in the study of this group of organisms in full height gradient on settled trees. Windthrows provide a rare opportunity to fully analyse the biota diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the EIV variability for bryophytes and lichens in the vertical gradient, from terrestrial to different epiphytic exposures. The fieldworks were carried out on two windthrow areas in the Kampinos National Park (central Poland). A set of floristic lists was prepared within five distinguished parts of trees (trunk base, lower trunk, upper trunk, lower crown and upper crown) and three parts of their uproots (pit, bottom root plate and top root plate) for three species (oak, birch, pine). Ten individuals of each tree species were selected. The average values of five ecological indicator values (light, temperature, continentality, humidity and acidity) were calculated within the examined parts of trees and their uproots. The significance of differences between bryophyte and lichen EIV within same parts of trees and their uproots was checked using Wilcoxon paired test. The significance of differences of EIV calculated for bryophytes and lichens pulled together between distinguished tree and uproot parts were checked with Kruskal−Wallis or Mann−Whitney tests. Ordination of researched parts in terms of their EIV was carried out using NMDS method. The values of individual EIV obtained with the use of bryophytes and lichens for the examined parts of trees and their uproots differed significantly in most cases. The values of temperature and continentality in most cases were significantly higher for lichen, which may indicate the need for additional calibration of these indicators for these groups of organisms. The use of both groups of organisms in bioindication has increased the quantity and quality of available ecological information. The research confirmed the usefulness of ecological indicator values as a tool for analysing general habitat conditions in forest ecosystems

Current state, habitat and potential invasiveness of Montia linearis (Douglas ex Hook.) Greene in Poland

Montia linearis is a vascular plant originating from western North America. The expansion of this species has been observed for several decades. For the first time M. linearis was found in Europe in 1989. Further six populations were documented by 2004 within the continent: three in Poland, two in Denmark and one in Hungary. Apart from discovering a new population of M. linearis, we confirmed two out of the three previously known localities of the species in Poland. All the currently known populations of M. linearis occupied predominantly meadow habitats, especially intensively managed sites. Some individuals were also found in disturbed sites with bare soil. The studied species inhabited soils of various types with broad range of fertility as well as humidity. Montia linearis populations reached densities up to 87 individuals per 0.04 m2. The number of seeds produced by an individual was between 10 and 55 in 90% of the studied specimens, however much more fertile specimens were also observed. As the previously presented hypothesis of M. linearis dispersal with rail transport seemed not to be well supported, the connection between the M. linearis presence and cattle husbandry is considered. It is possible that the species can be transferred with living animals or manure. The species was able to survive for at least 26 years within once inhabited site. Further spread of M. linearis within Europe is highly probable. The aim of the study is to: (i) describe the current state of populations of M. linearis in Poland, (ii) provide information on habitat preferences and biology of the species, (iii) assess the invasiveness potential of M. linearis in Poland

Application of cluster analysis to distinguish the tendencies of vegetation changes on the example of the dynamics of communities affected by surface fire in the Peucedano-Pinetum community in the Kampinoski National Park

The programme of testing the progeny of permanent seed stands, parent trees, seed orchards and seedling seed orchards that has been run in Poland enables to determine the genetic value and silvicultural quality of the progeny of components of primary forest material. A better knowledge of population variability and adaptability to particular environmental conditions also allows for the updating and verification of principles regarding the use of the seed base in testing regions, as well as the determination of possibility for forest reproductive material to be transferred. The article presents the research on assessment of survival and growth among progeny from 26 permanent seed stands of silver fir that originates from Lublin, Radom and Łódź Regional Directorates of the State Forests, at four testing grounds located in the Kielce, Suchedniów, Tomaszów and Zwierzyniec forest districts. Each research plot was founded with 4 replicates, each with 3−year−old saplings. After 5 years of growth, mean rates of survival ranged from 70.4% at the Kielce site to 92.7% in Tomaszów. The lowest survival rate (30.5%) was noted for local origin (Starachowice), while the highest (93.8%) characterised the local standard from Zwierzyniec. Mean height varied from 54.1 cm in the case of the Suchedniów to 80.0 cm in the case of Tomaszów, albeit with the shortest firs originating from the Starachowice local standard and the tallest from the Tomaszów local standard. Analysis of variance components revealed that the environmental conditions (described by study area) played major role in shaping the variability. This effect was responsible for around 75% of the variance in height and 60% of that relating to survival. In contrast, origin (genetic factor) was most likely responsible for 7% of the noted variance in height or 4% of that relating to survival

Modelling the stability of Cladonia-Scots pine forest (Cladonio-Pinetum Juraszek 1927) within Bory Tucholskie National Park using the repeated chronosequence method

Cladonio−Pinetum Juraszek 1927 forest is protected in Europe as the Natura 2000 habitat. Nowadays its naturalness is often considered to be doubtful. In spite of the many research, the knowledge about ecology and dynamics of this community is still insufficient. The aim of the research is to define the stability of the community within ‘Bory Tucholskie' National Park. The site is located in the area of the best developed patches of the habitat, in north−western Poland. Two datasets of relevés were used. The first comes from published data and includes 123 relevés made in year 2000. The other comes from own fieldworks performed in 2014. Due to the high homogeneity of geology and soils of the study site, repeated chronosequence method could be used to compare both datasets. The information about herb and moss layers of all relevés was compared using DCA method. The change in community was measured as a shift in the position within the main gradient of DCA over 14−year period. It was calculated for 122 pairs of relevés. Than the model of the speed of community change was computed for the main gradient. We used two methods of calculation of duration of the lichen−rich pine forests. The first was based on the calculated ranges of distinguished associations and the other used the model of cover of species connected to Cladonio−Pinetum forest. As the speed of community change in the gradient and the distance between distinguished communities were known, the time of community duration could be computed. According to obtained results, Cladonia−Scots pine forest (Cladonio−Pinetum) and lichen rich fresh pine forest (Leucobryo−Pinetum with Cladonia) of ‘Bory Tucholskie' National Park will last for 64−109 years. This result shows, that the considered Natura 2000 habitat is unstable. It is the possible development stage within managed forest stands and active conservation is necessary where its preservation is needed

The materials to determine the eastern range border of acidophilous oak forest Calamagrostio arundinaceae-Quercetum petraeae in Poland – two new stands of the association in the southern part of Mazovian Voivodeship

Acidophilous oak forests Calamagrostio arundinaceae-Quercetum petraeae (Hartm. 1934 Scam. et Pass. 1959) are mostly known from the western part of Poland, while its eastern border has not been determined accurately. In order to address this issue, we performed a phytosociological analysis of two newly identified stands of acidophilous oak forest located in the southern part of the Mazovian Voivodeship near Kiedrzyn (vicinity of Nowe Miasto nad Pilicą) and Mikówka (vicinity of Białobrzegi). For comparison, we also examined the distribution of known patches in the region (Łódź and Mazovian Voivodeships) against this association’s background of the eastern range border. Within the identified sites, a total of 10 phytosociological relevés were taken and soil samples were collected from a depth of 10 cm. The content of organic matter, soil pH and sieving analysis were performed in the laboratory. The phytosociological material was ordered and numerically classified to obtain a division into two groups of relevés: typical for this association (seven relevés) and a degenerated form (three relevés), which has an increased share of pine in the stand. All our relevés were similar to acidophilous oak forests from the Wielkopolska region and thus different from oak-pine forests of eastern Poland. Habitat conditions of the patches and the bonitation of oak were analogous to patches of this association from other parts of Poland. Furthermore, the sites we studied are located between known locations from the Bolimowska and Kozienicka Forests and are therefore connecting these two previously known areas of occurrence. This indicates that the range of the Calamagrostio-Quer- cetum association is at least a few dozen kilometres wider in this part of the country than the assumed range

Changes of woodland plant communities during the period 1959-2016 on the permanent study plot in the compartment 319 of the Bialowieza National Park

The long−term changes of vegetation cover at the level of woodland community taking place between 1959 and 2016 on the permanent study plot located in the compartment 319 of Białowieża National Park are discussed. In 1959 two distinctive woodland community types occurring on sample plot were distinguished: subboreal mixed pine−oak forest (Serratulo−Pinetum) and hornbeam−lime forest (Tilio−Carpinetum). The phytosociological investigations, carried out almost 60 years later, revealed that in case of both communities, significant, directional changes of their floristic composition took place. Particularly high rate of change occurred in case of the phytocoenosis representing the Serratulo−Pinetum community. In 1959 it contained a full set of characteristic plant species. During the study period, this community type representing the Vaccinio−Piceetea class, was replaced by the initial form of lime−hornbeam forest belonging to the Querco−Fagetea class. Also, in case of the previous Tilio−Carpinetum association, the significant changes in the floristic composition occurred, although not as large as in case of Serratulo−Pinetum community. 60 years ago this community type contained several plant species typical for thermophilous oak forests. Nowadays, it represents a typical form of lime−hornbeam association. The changes in both community types were mainly related to the strong expansion of lime and hornbeam, which took place during the study period and involved the whole study plot. As a result, the vegetation occurring on the study plot is much more homogenous now than it was ca. 60 years ago. The maintenance of Serratulo−Pinetum phytocoenoses distinguished by a high floristic diversity calls for active protective measures in all cases where such measures are allowed and where this community type can potentially develop

Changes of the herb layer species richness within Scots pine forest of the dune belts in the Kampinos National Park (central Poland) at the beginning of XXI century

Scots pine forest are of the main economic importance to the forest management in lowland Europe. Large areas of spontaneous pine forest, including old−growths, are located on two vast dune belts of the Kampinos National Park (central Poland). These forests grow on oligotrophic sandy soils with deep groundwater level. This makes the area unique to study long−term changes in this type of pine forest communities. The aim of the work was to assess the changes in the species composition and richness of undergrowth of Scots pine forests at the beginning of the XXI century. The study was conducted on 10 permanent and 53 semi−permanent plots located within stands of Peucedano−Pinetum and Querco−Pinetum associations on both dune belts of Kampinos National Park. The fieldworks were performed in 2001 and 2002, and repeated in 2015 and 2018. Based on Ward’s cluster analysis we described five local forms of plant communities. Seven species groups were distinguished and changes in their richness assessed using one sample Wilcoxon test. Each species group included species characteristic and/or differentiating for a given set of syntaxonomical units. The results confirmed the hypothesis of gradual decrease of the total species richness. The median of species richness change was –0.308 species per year and was statistically significant. The changes were bigger within the local forms of the Querco−Pinetum association in comparison to Peucedano−Pinetum. The decrease was connected especially with dry grassland and heathland species (characteristic for syntaxons of Koelerio−Corynephoretea and Nardo−Callunetea classes) as well as with coniferous forest generalist species (characteristic for syntaxons of Vaccinio−Piceetea and Cladonio−Vaccinietalia). The results suggest that the two main processes shaping the species composition at the beginning of XXI century within pine forest located on the dune belts of Kampinos National Park may be identified as (i) fluctuation, and (ii) simplification, manifested by species richness decrease. This is probably connected with forest regeneration after past human use and disturbance

Synanthropization of vascular plant flora in the Wieliszewskie Legi Nature Reserve (central Poland)

Understanding human influence on vegetation dynamics is important from both conservation and human management perspectives. The Wieliszewskie Łęgi Reserve, located in central Poland, is a young forest area that was cut off from the flood waters of the Narew river in 1963, but since then has been constantly and intensively supplied with water from overflows under the dike. On the southern side, adjacent to the reserve, there are patches of valuable meadows, rushes and scrub communities. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of synanthropization of the flora in the Wieliszewskie Łęgi reserve and to assess changes occurring in its vegetation. The vascular plant flora of the reserve and its southern vicinity was surveyed in 2017 and the plant communities within the study area were mapped. In the area of the reserve, we observed a total of 264 vascular plant species, whereas for the entire area under study, 314 spe- cies were recorded. Of these, 14 were classified as valuable. The high species richness was mainly due to the presence of a large number of apophytes – native species quickly colonizing sites transformed by man. Therefore the degree of naturalness of the reserve's flora was relatively low, which is most likely due to the lack of refugia for typical forest species. A number of plant communities of non-forest, scrub and forest character, typical for swampy, wet, semixeric as well as dry habitats were recorded. Succession, manifested by the disappearance of non-forest and scrub communities and progression of forest communities, is superimposed on the processes of transformation into semixeric oak-hornbeam communities in the highest areas and carr com- munities in the lowest areas. A low proportion of kenophytes (16 species) and a zero value of the index of fluctuation changes indicate a relative resistance of the reserve to invasion by alien species