International Mire Conservation Group and International Peat Society
Doi
Abstract
We studied quagmires around 17 soft-water lakes in southern and southeastern Estonia. Vegetation analysis
was carried out at the level of moss and field layer synusiae and plant communities. The aims of the current
study were to elucidate the main factors determining the species richness of these quagmires, in order to
ascertain what types of synusiae and plant communities form their vegetation, and what are their indicator
species. Increasing the pH of peat-water increased the number of bryophyte species and the total number of
species. The number of bryophyte species was positively related to through-flowing lakes and neighbouring
forest vegetation. In total nine societies of bryophyte synusiae, 14 societies of vascular plants and eight
community types were distinguished. Six community types represented minerotrophic quaking fen, and two
types were classified as mixotrophic quaking bog. Our results show clearly a relative independency of
synusiae; similar moss synusiae can associate with synusiae of various vascular plant societies and vice versa
