Phragmites australis and Phalaris arundinacea are among the naturally occurring species that are widespread along the Elbe as a federal waterway. Regardless of the location, the presence of both species provides various ecosystem services. These include natural bank protection, but also the provision of habitats for fauna. Although both species occur along the Elbe, there are strong differences in their zonation and distribution. The causes of regional and local patterns are to be clarified in this project. The analysis of site conditions will provide information on species distribution. In addition, the investigation of interactions at the "plant physiology-morphology-hydrodynamics" interfaces will provide insights into the resilience of species to changing environmental conditions - such as changes in water levels, accumulation of extreme weather events and varying sediment concentrations. To this end, methods of statistical and process-oriented modelling are coupled with measurements in field and laboratory studies. The focus of the research work is on the analysis and modelling of 1) vegetation-influenced sedimentation processes and 2) the reaction of the biomass of Phragmites australis and Phalaris arundinacea to varying hydrological and site-dependent conditions as well as 3) experiments on the recolonisation of erosion-damaged sites.
Project Lead Prof. Dr. Boris Schröder-Esselbach
Team Andreas Dahlkamp
Duration 2018-2021
Funding Body Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde