Mrs.drs. H.G.M. Ketner-Oostra: "Lichen-rich coastal and inland sand dunes (Corynephorion) in the Netherlands: vegetation dynamics and nature management"

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3 Nov 2006 16:00
Unit: Wageningen UR
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. K.V. Sykora (Ecological Organisation and Management of Infrastructure)

 This thesis  describes long-term changes in the lichen-rich dry grassland communities in calcium-poor coastal and inland dunes in the Netherlands. The vegetation of the Terschelling dunes from before 1970 and after 1990 is compared, as is that of the inland Kootwijkerzand dune area.  Some of the changes that have occurred since the 1970s are due to natural succession. Others are caused by human-induced eutrophication and acidification through increased aerial inputs of nitrogen (mainly ammonia) since the 1970s. Large parts of these dunes are dominated by grasses or mosses. The decline of lichens in both areas has also to do with the invasion of the moss Campylopus introflexus, an alien species from the southern hemisphere that is adapted to acid bare sand, producing much humus and speeding up succession.
Another topic covered in this thesis is the evaluation of small- and large-scale management, such as EGM management (Effect-oriented measures against acidification and eutrophication) in both these coastal and inland dune areas in the early 1990s. Recommendations are given for future restoration management to maintain or regain biodiversity. Burning or removing the canopy is not sufficient to regain biodiversity as long as the current N emission still greatly exceeds the critical deposition values for these vegetation communities. The crucial factor to assure the restoration of the former lichen-rich sand-dune communities seems to be in-blowing sand.
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