Applied research on the eutrophication and restoration of fen wetlands

Researcher: Jeroen Geurts

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Project runs from 01 February 2002 to 01 February 2006

Added on September 17, 2002

Introduction:

Hydrology, water and peat quality:
which type of management will restore the biodiversity of typical fen communities?

The development of fen wetlands is strongly influenced by water and sediment quality, which are determined by land use and hydrology on a regional and local scale. Eutrophication of surface water and peat, and fixation of the water table are mentioned as the main causes for the decline of these wetlands in the Netherlands. Changes in water quality (e.g. increased alkalinity, sulphate enrichment) have serious consequences for wetland communities, because of increased peat decomposition rates creating turbidity, eutrophication and toxicity. This internal eutrophication plays a very important role in the total eutrophication process.

Aim:

Research:

Experimental research will be carried out to find out which changes in hydrology and biogeochemistry (element cycles) have led to the undesirable decline of typical fen communities. Subsequently this knowledge of key processes and factors will be used to investigate which type of management, or combination of management options, will lead to the restoration of characteristic fen vegetation and fauna communities. The research will focus on aquatic vegetations at the beginning of the succession towards floating raft development.

Web page

http://www-eco.sci.kun.nl/mibiol/geurts.htm

Funding via NWO

Yes

External funding

Yes

Research Group

RU - Environmental Biology