Vegetation development of restored floodplains using the case study of the LIFE+ Traisen project | Vegetationsentwicklung in revitalisierten Flusslandschaften am Beispiel des LIFE+-Traisen-Projekts
2018
Egger, Gregory | Mayer, Katharina | Kreuzberger, Markus | Aigner, Susanne
Aims of the LIFE+ Traisen project are to create natural water bodies and flooding areas and increase the biodiversity within the “Europaschutzgebiet Tullnerfelder Donauauen”. To reach the aims, the new river bed was connected with the floodplain area of the Danube. Due to good growth conditions the vegetation development is fast. At more than 50% of the area white willow (Salix alba) and black poplar (Populus nigra) could establish in the first vegetation period. The other areas were covered with tall forbs, reeds and ruderal species. Especially the canary reed grass (Phalaris arundinacea) was able to spread in large scales. Within two years the number of wood decreased, but through natural regeneration they could spread on further areas. Despite deer browsing and light competition woods could establish together with herbaceous species. Invasive species, especially goldenrod (Solidago gigantea, S. canadensis), are found only scattered. All in all, the whole area will be covered by vegetation within the next years. If there will be no hundred year flood, pioneer areas will disappear. Even with deer browsing and light competition, the young willows and cottonwoods will develop into a softwood forest. Between the forests, reed and tall forbs will cover areas tessellated and will be stable for several years.
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