The impact of former agriculture on habitat conditions and distribution patterns of ancient woodland plant species in recent black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) woods in south-western Poland

Little is known about the influence of former agricultural use of soils on the forest recovery process in post-agricultural black alder (Alnus glutinosa) woods – the most fertile and the wettest forest habitats among the European temperate forest types. Thus, studies focusing on edaphic, hydrological and light conditions responsible for colonization mechanisms present in such woodlands adjoining ancient ones were undertaken in south-western Poland. In the 16 m2 quadrats of the 33 transects laid out perpendicularly across the ancient-recent forest boundary, data were collected on herb layer composition, chemical soil properties, as well as illumination level. Additionally, groundwater level in the spring months was recorded in piezometers. The number and cover of true woodland herbs were higher in ancient woods, regardless of forest type. Soils in ancient woodlands reached higher levels of Al3+, K+, cation exchange capacity (CEC), available K, P, and organic C, whereas their pH was lower. The illumination level of the forest floor was greater in recent woods. Linear regression showed that recent wood age had a negative effect on pH and base cations, but positive on Fe2+, Ca2+, available P and Mg, CEC, and on C and N contents. CCA results showed that woodland age, pH, humus type, groundwater level, available Mg and K were always among those variables having the highest contribution in explaining the distribution pattern of woodland species in recent woods. Total N and available P contents were always higher in ancient woodland soils than in recent, and their content grew with time. Thus, they cannot be treated as indicators of former agricultural use of recent alder wood soils. Urtica dioica, Poa trivialis and Galium aparine, the three competitive herbs, avoided sites with a high level of groundwater, combined with poor illumination level. In order to create the best possible conditions allowing for effective forest recovery in habitats of such high fertility, it is essential to maintain a good water regime and shade in the forest floor. This in turn reduces the competitive exclusion of woodland flora by the aggressive herbs and facilitates the immigration of typical woodland herbs.