Remotely sensed hydrological isolation : a key factor predicting plant species distribution in fens

In fens the species composition, vegetation structure and succession rate are determined by vegetation management and water chemistry, particularly by the base status and nutrient status. Base-rich and nutrient-rich surface water causes fens to become eutrophied, which leads to an increased biomass production. When part of fens becomes isolated from this surface water (hydrological isolation), it acidifies due to acidic and oligotrophic rainwater dominance. One consequence of decreasing water quality due to continuing acidification and eutrophication, is the disappearance of the rare plant spe... Mehr ...