Alternative stable states in a wet calcareous dune slack in The Netherlands

Evidence is presented for the occurrence of alternative stable states in a wet calcareous dune slack on the Frisian island of Texel, The Netherlands. An early pioneer stage (0.5 kg m–2 total standing crop) and a more productive later successional stage (2.9 kg m–2) occur side by side, with sharp boundaries between them. The pioneer vegetation has been recorded at the site for more than 62 yr. These features indicate the occurrence of a positive-feedback mechanism that has led to alternative stable states. Analyses of ground and surface water composition, and decalcification depths, indicated t... Mehr ...