Jerzy Solon

Anthropogenic disturbance and vegetation diversity in agricultural landscapes

Abstract The aim of this study is to present some examples and models associated with the issue of the diversity of vegetation in agricultural landscapes. Research into this matter was carried out in landscapes located in different places in Poland e.g. near Warsaw (central Poland), in the area near Pinczow (southern Poland) and near Lake Wigry (northeast Poland). In particular, this paper is concerned with: (a) the relationship between the intensity of anthropogenic influences and synthetic indices of the diversity of vegetation landscapes, as well as tests of the usefulness of a model based on the Maxwell distribution in the description of the relationships, and (b) the influence of the degree of synanthropisation of plan communities on such topological features of phytocoenoses as the sizes of patches, the number of borders and a shape index. To determine the relationship between the intensity of anthropogenic influences and synthetic indices of diversity for vegetation landscapes, use was made of a model based on a Maxwell distribution, which may be expressed in a generalised form by the formula: Y = a + b × X c ×exp( d + e × X f ). The actual vegetation in the vicinity of Lake Wigry was analysed in order to determine the relationship between topological characteristics of patches of vegetation and the level of anthropogenic impact. Use of the Maxwell model allowed for more than half of the variance to be explained in each of the examples analysed ( R 2 ranged from 0.52 to 0.68). This attests to the usefulness of the model in the description and diagnosis of the influence of anthropogenic impacts on the typological and spatial diversity of vegetation. It follows from the model applied that various measures may be used to describe disturbance and diversity, without losing sight of the general relationships. Analysis of the correlative model allowed us to state that anthropogenic influences increase the values of topological components of the overall spatial diversity of vegetation landscapes (through an increase in the total number, and number of types of plant patches). However, anthropogenic influences may lead to a decrease in diversity (through the lowering of the number of neighbours for each plant community, and through a decrease in the shape index).

Land cover as a factor affecting the structure and modifying the dynamics of a landscape system

Abstract of the landscape from the viewpoint of the structure’s durability, characteristics and speed of change. The research focused on the area surrounding Płock. In the analysed period (1987-2010) slight changes were detected with regard to the land cover, though they were significant in terms of the natural environment. No single dominant process determining land cover change was identified. Fluctuations prevailed (producing a slightly different picture in each microregion), with a fixed pattern maintained. Distribution, shape and spatial location of land cover types are only partly determined by land lie and habitat quality. Fragmentation of the terrain is relatively high, which reflects intense land use, at the same time indicating opportunities to preserve the wildlife and vegetation typical for agrocenoses.

Phytosociological typology and phytoindicator value of young oak and larch forest communities near Pinczów (southern Poland)

Oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) and larch (Larix decidua Mill.) forest plantations of the study area ‘Mlodzawy’ in Poland were analysed. Changes in the syntaxonomic composition and of Ellenbergs indices (light, continentality, moisture, reaction and nitrogen index) were determinated. The results obtained mostly conform to the assumption that the herb layer of both plantations becomes, gradually with tree growth, more similar to each other and to that of mature oak-hornbeam forests. Such statement is justified by: an increase in the share of species common to both plantation types, a significant increase in the number and cover of the Querco-Fagetea character-species, accompanied by a decrease in the number and cover of other character-species, a general decrease in the share of species with extreme climatic and edaphic requirements, accompanied by a gradual increase in the share of number and cover of species with average demands. From the studies it may be concluded that the developmental mechanisms w which determine the direction and trends of changes in the herb layer are mainly common to both plantation types, whereas tree stand species, in spite of different habit, ecological demands, and effect on soil properties, have only slight modification influence.

Współczesne kierunki badań krajobrazowych w kontekście wdrażania Europejskiej Konwencji Krajobrazowej Contemporary directions of landscape study in the context of the implementation of the European Landscape Convention

The aim of the paper is to present and assess the research on landscape ongoing in Poland, and to indicatie possible uses of existing experience in the process by which the European Landscape Convention gains implementation. The authors discuss here basic definitions, and selected examples of research in the field of landscape geography carried out in Poland. They show that the achievements of Polish geographers and landscape ecologists in identifying, analysing and assessing landscapes represents the common scientific tradition of the central part of Europe, considered one of the most comprehensively pursued anywhere in the world. This achievement should therefore constitute the basis for work on a comprehensive methodology by which to identify, delimit and assign value to landscape units, for the purposes of implementation of the European Landscape Convention in Poland. The latter suggestion at this stage reflects the fact that relevant work first arose as long ago as in the 19th century, out of studies in nature and general geography based on field observations and comparative studies, there has never been substantial implementation into practice, nor any wider popularisation in Poland. It further reflects the fact that, notwithstanding the number of years that have passed since the last more wide-ranging regionalisation and typological studies, the theoretical and main methodological basis underpinning the work has retained its value. Clearly ongoing changes in research tools and methodologies necessitate fresh thought and new solutions, but this should not happen through any abandonment of existing bases. There are specialists in the wider field of landscape who trained for decades at Polish academic centers. Their curriculum includes mapping of the landscape, at a detailed and review level, with a view to potential being evaluated, current means of use documented, recommendations made as regards future use, and so on.The new formal and legal situation relating to the requirement that the European Landscape Convention be implemented denotes far-greater involvement of well-trained specialists, both theoreticians and practitioners (dealing with all aspects of the landscape), when it comes to conceptual work on the development of a comprehensive methodology whereby landscape units may be identified, delimited and assigned value. Infuture, they will be bound, not only to participate in, but also to manage, detailed work at the regional level, within landscape audits as recognised by law.

Mapping ecosystem services – a new regional-scale approach

Identifying the potential of ecosystems to provide ecosystem services (ES) is largely dependent on the detail and completeness of the base ecosystem map. The existing guidelines for the construction of this type of map include only a few basic types of ecosystems that work only at a national or international scale and are insufficient to identify the full potential of ecosystem services at local or regional scales. The aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive map of ecosystem types for mapping ecosystem services at a local and regional scale in three selected communes located within young glacial landscape (NE Poland). As a result, a detailed map of ecosystems has been constructed containing 42 ecosystem types including age and habitat categories. This original map is the first detailed cartographic work that can be successfully used to determine the potential for ecosystem services to be provided by areas analysed in large scales. The proposed approach has a universal character and can be also applied to any area analysed at similar spatial scales.