Kurzbeschreibung
The distribution data for the mountain pine (Pinus mugo) do not apply in oceanic northern germany where the raised mires are mainly treeless, nor to continental eastern Europe where the longer drying periods in the summer months and the severe snowy winters allowthe Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) to take its place. The widest spectrum of tree species on mire soils is found on the eutrophic or mesotrophic fens or transitional mires. In cultivated or modified mires, species more chraracteristic of river meadows and terrestrialised mires are no longer able to compete. These include: ash (Fraxinus excelsior) pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), and even the black alder (Alnus glutinosa). They are replaced by aspen (Populus tremula), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), and brown birch (Betula pubescens) and its crosses with silver birch (Betula verrucosa), together with Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus syvestris).
Synopsis
This volume brings together recent research on the processes in mires, including their physical, chemical, hydrological and palaeoenvironmental properties. This research is examined in the context of the exploitation of the peat resource and more recently the attempts to conserve and regenerate the remaining mire remnants. The contributors attempt to integrate the basis of mires research with the practical requirements of understanding how peat resources have been used and how they might be protected and best managed
