Macrophyte distribution in the River Vils (Oberpfalz, Bavaria)

1
Macrophyte distribution in the River Vils (Oberpfalz, Bavaria)
Alexander Kohler1, Esther Sonntag1, Matthias Köder1, Karin Pall2, Uwe Veit1, GeorgHeinrich Zeltner1 & Georg A. Janauer3
With 6 figures and 1 table in the text
Abstract: The macrophyte vegetation of the eutrophic River Vils (Oberpfalz, Bavaria) was
surveyed and mapped in summer 1999. Regarding carbonate content, the river is of medium
to rather hard. The macrophyte diversity is relatively high. In the Vils 26 tracheophytic
hydrophytes, 24 tracheophytic amphiphytes and 37 helophytic species were found. The
picture is dominated by eutrophent elements like Potamogeton pectinatus, Ceratophyllum
demensum, Sparganium emersum and others. Floristic specialities in the Vils are the hybrids
Potamogeton x fluitans and Potamogeton x schreberi. The distribution diagram shows
patterns for several species in the river course. According to changes in the floristic
composition and river-morphological structures, the river could be divided into five reaches
(A-E). These reaches were characterized regarding Relative Plant Mass (RPM) and species
numbers as well as Mean Mass Index and Relative Area Length. The RPM values in
combination with species numbers revealed important new aspects regarding biodiversity and
the dominance of macrophyte species. Additionally the macrophyte distribution across the
river was described by five transects.
1
University of Hohenheim, Institute of Landscape and Plant Ecology (320), D - 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
Systema, Bio- und Management Consulting GmbH, Bensasteig 8, A – 1140 Wien, Austria
3
University of Vienna, Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Department of Hydrobotany,
Althanstrasse 14, A – 1090 Vienna, Austria
2
2
Introduction
The eutrophic, carbonate-rich River Vils is a tributary to the Naab in the German Danube
catchment. Industrial and urban pollution as well as diffuse loading from agricultural areas
through which the river flows, results in a critically loaded system over long stretches. Some
reaches have improved due to construction of sewage treatment plants. Several barrages and
other management impacts have changed the river bed of the Vils to a great extent. In spite of
these anthropogenic influences, the river still has a remarkable and especially rich macrophyte
vegetation. This was surveyed for the first time in Summer 1990 (JUNGE et al. 1991) and the
survey was repeated by our team in Summer 2000 (SONNTAG et al. 2000). The following
problems were investigated:
-
What is the macrophyte composition in a eutrophic and turbid running water?
-
Are there species with a distinctive distribution pattern along the river and is it
possible to differentiate floristic, ecological river zones?
-
In which way can the vegetation of the river with its five reaches be characterized
quantitatively by means of the parameters Mean Mass Index, Relative Plant mass and
species numbers?
-
Which additional information does the investigation of the macrophytic distribution
across the river provide concerning the characterization of the vegetation?
Survey area
The Vils is a typical river in a hilly landscape of medium elevation. The catchment area is
1096 km2 and comprises the "Oberpfälzer Hügelland", which is dominated by sandstones
(Keuper, Buntsandstein), and the "Nördliche and Mittlere Frankenalb" (Figure 1). South of
the town of Amberg, the river runs through a deep cut valley in jurassic limestone. The
3
gradient is between 5 and 1.5‰. The main land use types are agriculture (47%) and forestry
(42%). From the source to Vilshofen, the saprobic quality is "critically loaded" (quality class
2-3) and from there on to the confluence with the Naab it is "fairly loaded" (Quality class 2)
(Figure 2, WWA-Info.1 1996, cited after SONNTAG et al. 2000). In the upper reaches the
structural quality of the river is "near natural", and some reaches in the lower stretch of the
river are of the same quality (Figure 2). Overall only 10% of the river is of near-natural
quality.
The total water hardness of the Vils is between 10 and 19.8° DH ("medium hard" to "rather
hard" water, Höll, 1996). Water hardness, as well as carbonate hardness (8-16° K.H.), rises in
the jurassic stretch. Electrical conductivity rises down river from 370-595 µS.cm-1. The pH is
close to 8.0, which is typical for water rich in hydrogen-carbonate (SONNTAG et al. 2000).
In several stretches, the aquatic vegetation was cut with electrical underwater scythes. After a
severe decrease in the aquatic vegetation only a stretch in the middle of the river channel is
now being cut.
Methods
The entire river from the source to its confluence with the Naab (87 km length) was surveyed
following the method of KOHLER (1978). The quantitative assay is described by JANAUER et
al. (1993), KOHLER & JANAUER (1995), PALL & JANAUER (1995). A more detailed description
was given by SONNTAG et al. (2000).
Results
Occurrence of macrophytes in the River Vils
4
Macrophyte taxa and growth forms are collated in Table 1. The floristic list is divided into
hydrophytes, amphiphytes and helophytes.
Several macrophyte species of the Vils River are noted in the "red list of Germany". Butomus
umbellatus, Groenlandia densa, Potamogeton alpinus, Potamogeton berchtholdii, P. nodosus,
P. perfoliatus, and Eleocharis ovata and Matteuccia struthiopteris are endangered in Bavaria
on level 3 ("endangered", Rote Liste gefährdeter Pflanzen Deutschland, 1996) (all authors of
the species names are claimed in T. 1). The hybrids of Potamogeton, P. x fluitans and
P. x schreberi are probably rare taxa (all authors of the species names are claimed in T. 1).
Little is known about their distribution and habitat conditions in Southern Germany and they
should be looked for in other water bodies. P. x schreberi was found in the Vils near
Hahnbach in 1936 (GLÜCK 1936) (all authors of the species names are claimed in Table 1).
Regarding neophytic species in the Vils, Elodea canadensis is the only agriophytic neophyte
among the hydrophytes. The ubiquitous and spreading Elodea nuttallii was not (yet) found in
the Vils by 1999 (all authors of the species names are claimed in T. 1). In the riparian reach
Arch angelica and Impatiens glandulifera are notable neophytic plants.
Pattern-building macrophyte species
Some macrophyte species show distinctive distribution patterns in the run of the river (Figure
3). The highly eutraphent bleustophyte, Ceratophyllum demersum (indicator value 3.18,
SCHNEIDER 2000) is widely distributed but it is missing in the upper reaches and near the
mouth (from survey stretch 109 down river). Sagittaria sagittifolia is also eutraphent (IW
2.98), occurring down river of survey stretch 19 but is missing near the mouth. Potamogeton
nodosus (highly eutraphent: IW 3.10) has two centres of occurrence. Ranunculus fluitans (IW
3.00) is found below the confluence of the Rosenbach into the town of Amberg. Several
hydrophytic species are missing in the uppermost reach. These are Myriophyllum spicatum
5
(IW 2.83), P. pectinatus (IW: 2.88) and E. canadensis (IW 2.55). Callitriche hamulata (IW
1.80), P. crispus (IW 2.88) and Nuphar lutea (IW 3.15). In the lowermost reaches of the river.
Berula erecta (IW 2.65) occurs only downriver of survey stretch 1.09. P. berchtholdii (IW
2.40) has its focus of occurrence in the lower half of the river.
A direct ecological relationship between habitat parameters and the pattern of occurrence of
species is not possible, because the number of chemical data are not sufficient. Yet, based on
the changes in floristic composition and those of river morphology, the Vils could be divided
into five reaches (A – E, SONNTAG et al. 2000). These reaches will be compared regarding
their Relative Plant Mass (RPM)-diagrams, which only contain "higher" hydrophytes and
amphiphytes (tracheophytic species). A more detailed comparison regarding Mean Mass
Indices and other aspects is given by SONNTAG et al. (2000).
Mean Mass Index and Distribution Ratio "d"
In the entire river only five species occur with high MMO-and MMT-values (>3, Figure 4).
These species are hydrophytic: M. spicatum, E. canadensis, and P. pectinatus, and the
amphiphytes Phalaris arundinacea and Sparganium emersum (type 1, JANAUER et al. 1993).
Clumped occurrence (type 2) is typical for P. perfoliatus, Ranunculus trichophyllus, R.
peltatus and some amphiphytes like Glyceria maxima, Sparganium erectum and B. erecta.
According to their respective MMO-/MMT-values P. lucens, G. densa, B. umbellatus,
Schoenoplectus lacustris, Alisma plantago-aquatica, P. x fluitans, M. verticillatum, P. alpinus
are rare taxa. This is not surprising regarding oligo-traphent species like G. densa (IW 1.83)
and P. alpinus (IW 1.55) in a river with eutrophic conditions. Eutraphent taxa like B.
umbellatus (IW 2.98) and P. lucens (IW 2.65) are dominant in other eutrophic rivers, e.g. in
the province of Schonen in Southern Sweden (KOHLER et al. 2000, SIPOS et al. 2000,
SONNTAG et al. 1999).
6
A quantitative expression for the proportion of individual river reaches inhabited by certain
species is the Distribution Ratio (which is numerically equivalent to the Relative Area-Length
Lr, Figure 2). A wide distribution in the river (> 50%) is typical for the hydrophytes M.
spicatum, P. pectinatus, E. canadensis and C. hamulata, and the amphiphytes P. arundinacea
and S. emersum. Values between 40-50% are reached by P. crispus, C. demersum, L. minor,
P. berchtholdii, N. lutea, Spirodela polyrhiza, Callitriche cophocarpa, Myosotis scorpioides
and S. sagittifolia, and the haptophyte, Fontinalis antipyretica. The distribution ratios (d) of
all other species are much lower.
Relative Plant Mass and Species Numbers
The Relative Plant Mass (RPM)-values were calculated only for tracheophytic hydrophytes
and amphiphytes. RPM-values >10% are only reached by the amphiphytes P. arundinacea, S.
emersum and by the hydrophyte, P. pectinatus (Figure 5). Upon comparison, the river reaches
A – E show remarkable differences regarding the dominance and diversity of the species. In
river zone A, where no tracheophytes occurred, the amphiphytic P. arundinacea dominated
(48% RPM). In river zone B the dominant species is the hydrophytic E. canadensis (28%),
followed by P. arundinacea (19% RPM). River zone C has no highly dominant species.
P. arundinacea, P. pectinatus and S. emersum reach values between 13%-10%. In river
zone D, S. emersum dominates (23% RPM), followed by P. arundinacea, M. spicatum and
E. canadensis (12-10% RPM). The lower reach of the river (zone E) is dominated by
B. erecta (16% RPM).
A highly interesting result is the species number of hydrophytes and amphiphytes in the river
and in the floristic-ecological river zones A – E.
26 hydrophytic species out of a total of 50 recorded is a very high value regarding conditions
in running waters in Southern Germany. With respect to the fact that only 10% of the Vils is
7
structurally close to natural conditions, this is a remarkable fact. In Southern Sweden, where
the river structure is rarely ever influenced, but the rivers are similarly eutrophic, species
numbers are between 61 (Kävlingean, hydrophytes 30), and 51 (Björkaän, hydrophytic
species: 21, SIPOS 2001). River zones A – E show remarkable differences in species numbers
in the field. In river zone, E only eight species occur, which comprise no tracheophytes.
Species richness increases down-river (zone B: 26, zone C: 38 species), whereas the highest
number of tracheophytic hydrophytes is reached in zone C, where 20 taxa were found.
In addition to the longitudinal survey of the Vils five transects were mapped. Transects of one
metre width and 1 x 0.4-1.5 m aerial units were placed in characteristic and/or floristically
interesting locations. Within the survey units of the belt transect the cover (%) of the
macrophyte species present was estimated, which is graphically displayed in a bar diagram
(Figure 6).
•
the first transect was in the upper reach of survey stretch 80. The river is 3 m wide and a
maximum of 0.275 m deep. The substrate is sandy, the flow is slow with little turbulence.
only a few helophytes can live on the deep banks. Persicaria lapathifolia grows on the
bank. R. peltatus forms thick swathes in the middle of the river (cover 75-100%).
Neophytic E. canadensis is ubiquitous over the whole width of the river bed with
changing cover. P. crispus grows in the southern half of the river only (cover up to 50%).
•
The 2nd transect was located in survey stretch 2.20 m north of the bridge at VilseckSorghof. The river is 9 m wide and 0.9 m deep. The flow is slow and the substrate is
gravel. M. spicatum is distributed over the whole transect in all depths, E. canadensis
occurs only near the banks.
•
Transect 3 was located in survey stretch 34. The river is 10.4 m wide. The side is close to
the road between sewage treatment plants at Hallenbach and Kümmersbuch. The substrate
in the centre of the channel is gravel, closer to the banks it is muddy. The southern bank
8
was filled in with large gravel. Maximum depth is 1.35 m. Flow is slow. Amphiphytic
S. emersum is found across the whole transect, except in the fresh fill-in in the south. High
cover is reached by P. crispus, P. pectinatus (up to 100%), and E. canadensis (up to 75%).
•
Transect 4 was located in survey stretch 46, 100 m south of the bridge in Traßelberg. The
banks are constructed with rip-rap, the river bottom is comprised of gravel and / or stones.
The river 11 m wide and maximum depth is 0.48 m. Flow is slow. M. spicatum and the
haptophyte, F. antipyretica grow almost across the whole transect. R. fluitans is dominant
in the middle of the channel (cover 25-75%).
•
The last transect was in the lower reach of the Vils, survey stretch 113, in Schmidmühlen.
River width is 15.5 m, maximum depth is 0.7 m. Turbulent flow is found over gravel and
stone substrates. In the river centre C. hamulata occurs with medium and high cover. All
other species grow closer to the banks. There B. erecta and S. emersum can reach high
cover (50-75%).
Discussion
The Vils represents a eutrophic, calcium, hydrogen-carbonate rich river of medium elevation.
The species inventory is a mirror to the conditions imposed by water chemistry and the
eutrophic background. Significant eutraphent species like P. pectinatus, C. demersum,
S. sagittifolia, S. emersum, and S. erectum dominate the vegetation over large stretches. The
analysis of the aquatic vegetation was surprising. In comparison with other eutrophic rivers,
rich in calcium hydrogen carbonate in southern Sweden (SIPOS et al., 2000, SONNTAG et al.,
1999), the species richness of the Vils is of quite the same order. The Rivers Björkanon and
the Kavlingeön showed species numbers (tracheophytic hydrophytes and amphiphytes) of 51,
and 61 taxa, respectively. In the Vils, 50 species occurred. Tracheophytic species are 26 taxa
in the Vils, 21 taxa in Björkaän and 30 taxa in Kävlingeän. This is remarkable, because the
9
Vils has only 10% of river reaches in near natural conditions regarding river structure and
morphology. In comparison the two rivers in southern Sweden are natural to near-natural over
most of their length.
Experience with the species inventory of eutrophic rivers makes it probable that they are a
type of aquatic biotopes, which are not only characterised by high species numbers, but rather
comprise ecosystems in which a number of rare and even endangered taxa have found a
refuge. In the Vils several species were found, which are in the red list of Germany and
Bayern (ROTE LISTE
GEFÄHRDETER
PFLANZEN DEUTSCHLANDS, 1996). Among them is the
genus Potamogeton. It must be stated also, that in the Vils, Potamogeton hybrids are
occurring for which there is no clear present knowledge regarding scarcity, endangerment,
and habitat conditions, which should be investigated in the future. P. x fluitans and P. x
schreberi are the two hybrids to be named for the Vils.
In the Vils, as in other rivers, several species show distinct patterns of distribution along the
river course. In originally oligotrophic rivers the distribution pattern of species is often an
expression of different trophic conditions. In eutrophic rivers, the distribution pattern cannot
be explained by habitat related parameters. This may be due, in part, to a lack of sufficient
ecological data. In running waters the absence and / or the distribution of species may have
different reasons than those based on habitat parameters (e.g. CAIRNS 1974).
Although the Vils can be compared with eutrophic rivers in southern Sweden in terms of its
florisitic compositions (e.g. occurrence of common eutrophic elements) definite floristic
differences can be seen. A typical, highly dominant amphiphytic "Leitart" (characteristic
species) Butomus umbellatus found in the rivers of the province of Schonen, was detected in
the Vils only as a single individual. Another typical amphiphyte, S. latifolium, occurring in
Swedish rivers, is totally absent in the Vils.
10
Some macrophyte species show distribution patterns in the river (Figure 3). No tracheophytic
hydrophytes were present in the upper reaches near the source of the river. The distribution
pattern of Ceratophyllum demersum, a highly eutraphent species, can be correlated with the
high nutrient levels in the river reaches dominated by it. The occurrence of Sagittaria
sagittifolia may be explained by impounded reaches and very fine sediments in the river bed.
A very strict differentiation according to floristic-ecological river zones was not done in the
Vils, because many of the distribution patterns could not be explicitly explained, even though
five river zones (A – E) were distinguished. Several parameters were found to be
characteristic (species number, relative plant mass, etc.).
River zone A is characterised by the absence of tracheophytic hydrophytes and the dominance
of amphiphytes. Very low discharges and, in part, extremely strong shading are the most
probable reasons for this phenomenon. The species number is very low (8) in this reach near
the source. The amphiophyte, Phalaris arundinacea dominates with 48% RPM. The adjacent
river zone B already favours hydrophytes, among which Elodea canadensis is dominant (28%
RPM). The total species number increases to 26 (12 hydrophytic) species. River zone C is the
most species rich of the Vils: here 38 species occur, among which are 20 tracheophytic
hydrophytes. The RPM diagram shows that no highly dominant species occur here and the
respective ratios of the taxa vary across a wide range. The high biodiversity of this zone can
be explained by the relatively high structural and morphological diversity in the numerous
survey stretches in association with close to natural conditions. In river zones D and E the
species number decreases again (total: 37, hydrophytic 30 species, total 17, hydrophytic 15
taxa, respectively). Zone D is dominated by Sparganium emersum, zone E by Berula erecta.
The examples discussed above show that the RPM diagrams in combination with species
numbers of tracheophytic, amphiphytes and hydrophytes are a valuable new instrument to
evaluate and compare individual river reaches and to characterise different zones in a
11
qualitative and quantitative way. The Relative Area Length (which is equivalent numerically
to the distribution ratio d) and the Mean Mass Indices have been found to be useful
parameters for comparison of running waters and their ecological zones. All these parameters
are tools for describing dominance, diversity, Mass Ratios and areas of macrophytes in rivers.
They are not only a scientific tool for describing the ecology , but they are also useful for
management tasks regarding biotopes and species in rivers. Long-term studies have shown
that with the help of these numerical tools, definite statements about the effects of river
pollution human impacts and restoration measures in rivers can be made (PALL et al. 1999,
VEIT et al. 1997).
Conclusion
The macrophyte vegetation of the eutrophic River Vils (Oberpfalz, Bayern) was surveyed and
mapped in Summer 1999. Regarding carbonate content the river is of medium to rather hard.
Due to changes in river morphology over the pasted centuries only a few stretches are close to
natural regarding the run of the river and its structural features.
In spite of these changes the macrophyte diversity is relatively high in the Vils and comes
close to eutrophic rivers in southern Sweden, which are structurally intact and close to natural
conditions. In the Vils 26 tracheophytic hydrophytes, 24 tracheophytic amphiphytes and 37
helophytic species were found. The picture is dominated by eutraphent elements like
Potamogeton pectinatus, Ceratophyllum demersum, Sparganium emersum and others. A few
oligotraphent species like Potamogeton alpinus and Groenlandia densa were also detected.
Floristic specialities in the Vils are the hybrids Potamogeton x fluitans, and P. x schreberi.
The distribution diagram (Figure 3) shows patterns for several species in the river course. The
mass development of Ceratophyllum demersum, Potamogeton nodosus and Ranunculus
fluitans is probably based on higher nutrient levels. Sagittaria sagittifolia is focused in
12
impoundments with fine sediments and avoids reaches with sandy or gravel bed-sediments.
Berula erecta occurs in turbulent, quick flowing and in shallow river reaches near the mouth.
According to changes in the floristic composition and river-morphological structures, the river
could be divided into five reaches (A – E). These reaches were characterised regarding
Relative Plant Mass (RPM) and species numbers for tracheophytic amphiphytes and
hydrophytes. The macrophyte distribution across the river was described by 5 transects.
Important results were found using the RPM values and species number. The relationships of
dominance and biodiversity of macrophytes were much different in five river zones, where
the highest species number was found in zone C. However, in contrast to the other floristic
zones, the RPM diagrams showed no real dominants here. The high species richness in this
river reach may be due to the very near natural morphological and structural characteristics of
the river.
The methodology regarding the survey of the aquatic vegetation and the preparation of
numerical derivatives of field data (KOHLER & JANAUER 1995) also proved successful for the
eutrophic Vils River. The RPM values in combination with species numbers revealed
important new aspects regarding biodiversity and the dominance of macrophyte species (see
SIPOS 2001).
Acknowledgements
The authors received generous support by many institutions. The Wasserwirtschaftsamt
Amberg is thanked for accommodation, boats and numerous background data on the
hydrology and physical and chemical conditions of the river. Specials thanks go to Mr.
Viehauser and his colleagues of Flussmeisterei Amberg, who supported us all the time in the
best way possible. The investigation was financially supported by the Geschwister-StauderSchenkung.
13
References
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Jena, 486 pp.
HÖLL, K. (1996): Wasser - Untersuchung, Beurteilung, Aufbereitung, Chemie, Bakteriologie,
Virologie, Biologie. 7. Aufl. - de Gruyter Verlag Berlin, 592 pp.
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Charakterisierung und vergleichenden Beurteilung der Gewässervegetation. - Ber. Inst.
Landschafts- Pflanzenökologie Univ. Hohenheim 2: 59-70.
JUNGE, M., MELZER, A. & ZIMMERMANN, S. (1991, n. p.): Submerse Makrophytenvegetation
der Vils/Opf. - Endbericht über die Untersuchungen in der Vegetationsperiode 1990.
KOHLER, A. (1978): Methoden der Kartierung von Flora und Vegetation von
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KOHLER, A. & JANAUER, G. A. (1995): Zur Methodik der Untersuchung von aquatischen
Makrophyten in Fließgewässern. - In: STEINBERG, CH., BERNHARDT, H. & KLAPPER, H.
(Hrsg.): Handbuch Angewandte Limnologie. VIII-1.1.3. Ecomed Verlag.
KOHLER, A., SIPOS, V., SONNTAG, E., PENKSZA, K., POZZI, D., VEIT, U. & BJÖRK, S. (2000):
Makrophyten-Verbreitung und Standortqualität im eutrophen Björka-Kävlinge-Fluss
(Skåne, Südschweden). - Limnologica 30: 281-298.
PALL, K. & JANAUER, G. A. (1995): Die Makrophyten-Vegetation von Flußstauen am Beispiel
der Donau zwischen Fluß-km 2552,0 und 2511,8 in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Arch. Hydrobiol. Suppl. 101, Large Rivers 9/2: 91-109.
14
PALL, K., JANAUER, G. A. & DOKULIL, M. (1999): Sanierung der Alten Donau in Wien Entwicklung der Makrophytenbestände. - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Limnologie,
Tagungsber. 1998 Klagenfurt: 269-277.
ROTE LISTE GEFÄHRDETER PFLANZEN DEUTSCHLANDS (1996): Bundesamt für Naturschutz
Bonn-Bad Godesberg (Hrsg.). 744 pp.
SCHNEIDER, S. (2000): Entwicklung eines Makrophytenindex zur Trophieindikation in
Fließgewässern. - Shaker Verlag, Aachen, 182 pp.
SIPOS, V., KOHLER, A. & BJÖRK, S. (2000): Makrophyten-Vegetation und Standorte im
eutrophen Björka-Fluß (Südschweden). - Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 122: 93-152.
SIPOS, V. (2001): Makrophyten-Vegetation und Standorte in eutrophen und humosen
Fließgewässern - Beispiele aus Südschweden und Ungarn. Diss. Univ. Hohenheim.
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Makrophyten-Vegetation und Standorte im eutrophen Kävlinge-Fluß (Skåne,
Südschweden). - Ber. Inst. Landschafts- Pflanzenökologie Univ. Hohenheim, Beih. 9,
113 pp.
SONNTAG, E., KÖDER, M., KOHLER, A., PALL, K. & ZELTNER, G.-H. (2000): MakrophytenVegetation und Standorte der Vils (Oberpfalz, Bayern). - Ber. Inst. LandschaftsPflanzenökologie Univ. Hohenheim, Beih. 10: 59 pp.
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WWA-INFO (1996): Wasserwirtschaftsamt Amberg: Die Vils in der Oberpfalz. – Druckhaus
Oberpfalz, Amberg, 4 pp.
15
Figures
Fig. 1:
Examination area of the River Vils with its catchment area and the natural land
units.
Fig. 2:
Water quality (saprobity system) and structural quality of the River Vils according
to WWA-INFO (1996).
Fig. 3:
Distribution diagram of hydrophytic, amphiphytic, helophytic and haptophytic
species from the spring (left side) to the mouth (right side) of the River Vils.
Fig. 4:
Mean Mass Index (white: MMO, black: MMT) and „Relative Area Length“ (d)
for the complete River Vils.
Fig. 5:
Relative Plant Mass (RPM) for the River Vils and its five reaches. Species with an
RPM value < 1 % are represented in the „residual“.
Fig. 6:
Macrophytic distribution across the river at five different sites in the River Vils.
16
Tables
Tab. 1:
Species list of the River Vils.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
10
10
0
0
0
40
40
30
20
30
8
1996
Ran glu
10
residual
Pot ber
residual
Gro den
Cha his
Jun sub
Pot ber
residual
Spa eee
Pot ber
Jun art
Cha vul
Ran tri
Elo can
Ver ana
residual
Spa nat
Cha his
Ran tri
Pha aru
Jun sub
Cha vul
Pot pec
Agr sto
Gro den
1972
Myo sco
Elo can
Ran glu
Jun sub
Ran glu
Pot pec
Nas oem
Ver ana
Nas oem
RPM [%]
1972
Gro den
Jun art
Spa eee
Ran tri
Pot pec
Ran tri
Nas oem
Jun art
Ver ana
Agr sto
Agr sto
Pha aru
Men aqu
Pot col
Ber ere
residual
Agr sto
Ground water ditches
residual
Ran tri
Lem min
Jun sub
Ran glu
Cha vul
Pot col
Ran glu
Pot pec
Friedberger Ach
residual
0
Pot pec
1992
Spa eee
10
Nas oem
1987
Pot ber
14
Pha aru
1982
Agr sto
30
Pot col
1978
Elo can
20
Cha vul
40
30
Jun sub
40
Ran glu
0
Jun sub
8
Ver ana
30
Pha aru
20
Nas oem
40
30
Pot col
40
Agr sto
0
Ver ana
0
Nas oem
10
Pot col
30
Ver ana
30
Pot pec
40
Pha aru
40
Pot col
0
Pha aru
0
Ber ere
30
Men aqu
40
30
Ber ere
0
Men aqu
0
Ber ere
40
RPM [%]
10
Men aqu
20
Ber ere
residual
Gly flu
Ran flu
Agr sto
Spa eee
9
RPM [%]
Zan pal
Pot pec
Pot cri
Myo sco
30
Men aqu
residual
Gly flu
Pot cri
Myo sco
10
Pha aru
Nas oem
Myr spi
Ber ere
Zan pal
Ran tri
Elo can
RPM [%]
40
30
Ber ere
Ran glu
Gro den
10
Men aqu
Ran glu
Cal obt
Ver ana
Nas oem
Myr spi
20
RPM [%]
10
Men aqu
Myo sco
Pot cri
Agr sto
Ver ana
Cal obt
Pot pec
10
Pha aru
Ber ere
Ran tri
Elo can
RPM [%]
9
RPM [%]
residual
Agr sto
10
Pha aru
Nas oem
Myr spi
Zan pal
Ran tri
Elo can
Ber ere
RPM [%]
40
Men aqu
residual
Spi pol
Pot col
Lem min
Cal obt
Nas oem
Pot cri
Elo can
Ver ana
Myr spi
Ber ere
Pha aru
Myo sco
Pot pec
RPM [%]
20
RPM [%]
10
Pha aru
Cal obt
Myo sco
Fon ant
Nas oem
Ver ana
Lem min
Pot cri
Elo can
Myr spi
Pot pec
Ber ere
Ran tri
Zan pal
10
residual
Pot ber
Fon ant
Nas oem
Myo sco
Agr sto
Myr spi
Cal obt
Ran glu
Pot cri
Elo can
Myr ver
Ber ere
Ran tri
Zan pal
RPM [%]
0
Ver ana
Pha aru
Ran tri
Zan pal
Pot pec
RPM [%]
Fig. 3
20
12
1978
20
11
1982
20
8
1987
20
9
1992
20
16
1996
20
14
Fig. 4
Myr spi
Myr spi
Pot pec
Pot pec
Elo can
Elo can
Cal ham
Cal ham
Pot cri
Pot cri
Cer dem
Cer dem
Lem min
Lem min
Pot ber
Pot ber
Nup lut
Nup lut
Spi pol
Spi pol
Cal cop
Cal cop
Ran cir
Ran cir
Ran tri
Ran tri
Pot per
Pot per
Gro den
Gro den
Pha aru
Pha aru
Spa eme
Spa eme
Myo sco
Myo sco
Sag sag
Sag sag
Ver bec
Ver bec
Cal pal
Cal pal
Ror amp
Ror amp
Gly max
Gly max
Agr sto
Agr sto
Spa ere
Spa ere
Ber ere
Ber ere
Ver a-a
Ver a-a
Men aqu
Men aqu
Ang arc
Ang arc
But umb
But umb
Fon ant
Fon ant
12
3
4
MMT
5
MMO
0
0,25
0,5
d
0,75
1
Pot per
Spa
ere
20
10
0
residual
Pot cri
Spi pol
Ror
amp
Myo
sco
Pot ber
Cal
ham
Gly
max
Myr spi
Spa
eme
RPM (%)
20
residual
Ran cir
Cal pal
Pot nod
Ver bec
Myo
sco
Cal
ham
Sag
sag
Spa
ere
Myr spi
Spa
eme
Pha
aru
RPM (%)
Pot nat
Ver bec
Per lap
Spa
eme
Cal
ham
Elo can
RPM (%)
residual
Cal pal
Myo sco
Agr sto
Ver bec
Gly dec
Nas off
Pha aru
RPM (%)
48
Ror
amp
Myo
sco
Cal cop
Myr spi
Spa
eme
Ber ere
RPM (%)
residual
Per lap
Ror amp
Cal cop
Spi pol
Lem min
Ver bec
Pot ber
Spa ere
Nup lut
Ber ere
Cer dem
Myo sco
Sag sag
Pot cri
Gly max
Cal ham
Myr spi
Elo can
Pot pec
Spa eme
Pha aru
RPM (%)
Fig. 5
30
Vils, all sections
20
H: 11+15=26
A: 10+14=24
10
G: 50
0
30
zone A
20
H: 0+0=0
A: 7+1=8
10
G: 8
0
30
zone B
20
A: 5+9=14
H: 6+6=12
10
G: 26
0
zone C
30
20
H: 11+9=20
A: 11+6=17
10
G: 37
0
30
zone D
H: 10+7=17
A: 8+12=20
10
G: 37
0
30
zone E
A: 8+7=15
H: 7+8=15
G: 30
Fig. 6
Transect 1 in section 80
S
N
0
depth (m)
0,2
width (m)
0
1
2
3
Rumex aquaticus
Epilobium roseum
Persicaria lapathifolia
Potamogeton crispus
Callitriche hamulata
Elodea canadensis
Ranuculus peltatus
W
Transect 2 in section 2
O
0
depth (m)
0,2
0,4
0,6
0,8
1,0
width (m)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Callitriche hamulata
Phalaris arundinacea
Carex acuta
Elodea canadensis
Potamogeton pectinatus
Potamogeton berchtoldii
Myriophyllum spicatum
Sparganium emersum
Transect 3 insection 34
N
S
depth (m)
0
0,2
0,4
0,6
0,8
1,0
1,2
1,4
width (m)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 10,4
Spirodela polyrhiza
Filipendula ulmaria
Potamogeton crispus
Ceratophyllum demersum
Sagittaria sagittifolia
Potamogeton pectinatus
Elodea canadensis
Sparganium emersum
Transect 4 in section 46
NO
SW
0
depth (m)
0,2
0,4
width (m)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Phalaris arundinacea
Potamogeton pectinatus
Fontinalis antipyretica
Myriophyllum spicatum
Callitriche hamulata
Sparganium emersum
Agrostis stolonifera
Ranunculus fluitans
Transect 5 in section 113
W/NW
O/SO
0
0,2
0,4
0,6
width (m)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Potamogeton berchtoldii
Phalaris arundinacea
Chlorophyta indet.
Fontinalis antipyretica
Sparganium emersum
Berula erecta
Callitriche hamulata
coverage (%)
0-25
25-50
50-75
75-100
13
14
15 15,5
depth (m)
Tab. 1
Species list of the River Vils (Oberpfalz, Bavaria)
Species
Abbreviation
Occurrence
Growth form
(Cal cop)
(Cal ham)
(Cer dem)
(Elo can)
(Gro den)
(Lem min)
(Lem gib)
(Myr spi)
(Myr ver)
(Nup lut)
(Pot alp)
(Pot ber)
(Pot xfl)
(Pot cri)
(Pot luc)
(Pot nat)
(Pot nod)
(Pot xsc)
(Pot per)
(Pot pec)
(Ran flu)
(Ran pel)
(Ran tri)
(Ran spe)
(Spi pol)
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
sr
sr
mp
sr
sr
ac
ac
sr
sr
fl
sr
sr
sr
sr
sr
fl
fl
fl
sr
sr
sr
sr/fl
sr
(Agr sto)
(Ali p-a)
(Ang arc)
(Bar vul)
(Ber ere)
(But umb)
(Cal pal)
(Gly dec)
(Gly flu)
(Gly max)
(Men aqu)
(Myo sco)
(Nas off)
(Per amp)
(Per lap)
(Pha aru)
(Ror amp)
(Ror pal)
(Sag sag)
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
am
am
am, h
am, h
am
am
am
am
am
am, h
am
am
am
am, f
am
am, h
am
am
am
Hydrophytes
Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn.
Callitriche hamulata Kütz ex W.D.J. Koch
Ceratophyllum demersum L.
Elodea canadensis Michx.
Groenlandia densa (l.) Fourr.
Lemna minor L.
Lemna gibba L.
Myriophyllum spicatum L.
Myriophyllum verticillatum L.
Nuphar lutea (L.) Sibth. & Sm.
Potamogeton alpinus Balb.
Potamogeton berchtoldii Fieber
Potamogeton x fluitans Roth
Potamogeton crispus L.
Potamogeton lucens L.
Potamogeton natans L.
Potamogeton nodosus Poir.
Potamogeton x schreberi G. Fisch.
Potamogeton perfoliatus L.
Potamogeton pectinatus L.
Ranunculus fluitans Lam.
Ranunculus peltatus Schrank
Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix
Ranunculus spec.
Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid.
ac
Amphiphytes
Agrostis stolonifera L.
Alisma plantago-aquatica L.
Angelica archangelica ssp. litoralis (Fr.) Thell.
Barbarea vulgaris R. Br.
Berula erecta (Huds.) Coville
Butomus umbellatus L.
Caltha palustris L.
Glyceria declinata Bréb.
Glyceria fluitans (L.) R. Br.
Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmb.
Mentha aquatica L.
Myosotis scorpioides L.
Nasturtium officinale R. Br.
Persicaria amphibia (L.) Delarbre
Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre
Phalaris arundinacea L.
Rorippa amphibia (L.) Besser
Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser
Sagittaria sagittifolia L.
Tab. 1
Schoenoplectus lacustris (L.) Palla
Sparganium emersum Rehmann
Sparganium erectum L.
Veronica anagallis-aquatica
Veronica beccabunga
(Sch lac)
(Spa eme)
(Spa ere)
(Ver a-a)
(Ver bec)
z
z
z
z
z
am, h
am
am, h
am
am
(Bid tri)
(Car acu)
(Car ela)
(Car bue)
(Car pan)
(Ele ova)
(Epi hir)
(Epi ros)
(Equ flu)
(Eup can)
(Fil ulm)
(Gna uli)
(Imp gla)
(Imp n-t)
(Iri pse)
(Jun buf)
(Jun eff)
(Jun inf)
(Lys vul)
(Lyt sal)
(Phr aus)
(Poa pal)
(Poa tri)
(Ran sce)
(Rum aqu)
(Rum hyd)
(Rum pal)
(Sci syl)
(Scr nod)
(Sol dul)
(Sta pal)
(Sym off)
(Typ lat)
(Val off)
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
(Chl ind)
(Fon ant)
z
z
Helophytes
Bidens tripartita L.
Carex acuta L.
Carex elata L.
Carex buekii Wimm.
Carex paniculata L.
Eleocharis ovata (Roth) Roem. & Schult.
Epilobium hirsutum L.
Epilobium roseum Schreb.
Equisetum fluviatile L.
Eupatorium cannabinum L.
Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.
Gnaphalium uliginosum L.
Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Impatiens noli-tangere L.
Iris pseudacorus L.
Juncus bufonius L.
Juncus effusus L.
Juncus inflexus L.
Lysimachia vulgaris L.
Lythrum salicaria L.
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.
Poa palustris L.
Poa trivialis L.
Ranunculus sceleratus L.
Rumex aquaticus L.
Rumex hydrolapathum Huds.
Rumex palustris Sm.
Scirpus sylvaticus L.
Scrophularia nodosa L.
Solanum dulcamara L.
Stachys palustris
Symphytum officinale L.
Typha latifolia L.
Valeriana officinalis L.
Haptophytes
Chlorophyta indet
Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw.
ac:
sp:
sr:
fl:
acropleustophyte
submersed pleustophyte
submersed rhizophyte
floating-leaved rhizophyte
am: amphiphytes
he: helophytes
oe: other emergent species