THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM WATER LEVEL DRAWDOWN, SIMULATING A SCENARIO OF GLOBAL CLIMATIC WARMING, ON THE VEGETATION COMPOSITION OF A BOREAL PEATLAND IN CENTRAL FINLAND

摘要

This study provides a better understanding of the potential implications of global climatic warming on the vegetation of Sphagnum dominated peatlands. The drainage of a part of the study site began 55 years ago. Vegetation composition of the drained and natural areas was compared along six transects and analysed by ordination and cluster analyses. In response to drainage, vegetation composition changed and it was not related to the often observed natural mire margin-mire expanse gradient. This study suggests that for Sphagnum dominated peatlands, climate change might induce a change of current vegetation communities that will be more adapted to drier ecohydrological conditions.