Organic coal reserves in field and forest systems vs. Avifauna biodiversity

Abstract

Coal accumulation is closely related to stages of succession.With time, each natural system is subjected to succession processes, i.e. enriched with organic substances as measured by organic coal [Szyszko 2010]. Each natural system in a specific phase of the succession has specific species and a specific content of the organic substances. Obviously, these processes occur with varied intensity, varying with time. The natural system becomes enriched with the progress of succession and creates conditions promoting the occurrence of different species. A stage of succession is closely correlated with the economic activity.Humans stimulate the development of succession processes through their use of natural resources. The occurrence of birds also changes with the change of succession processes. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPEThe objective of this work was to determine the occurrence of birds depending on the use of the area and the content of organic coal in field-and-forest systems as well as to indicate whether the biodiversity of species changes with the change of coal content in natural systems. The above-mentioned issue was analysed from the holistic perspective. The analysis, among other things, involved the evaluation of the natural environment using a single indicator selected to ascertain the condition of the ecosystem and its changes, i.e. organic coal in this case. From the determinist perspective, analysis of bird species occurring in an area, also including indicators and parameters characterizing these species, was done [Dymitryszyn et al. 2011]. MATERIALS AND RESEARCH METHODSThe research area covered the "Martew" forest areas belonging to the Tuczno Forest District located in the Zachodniopomorskie voivodship and the "Krzywda" field-and-forest area of the D&B research studio in Tuczno. Observation areas represented a specific type of the environment or a mosaic of habitats. The observations involved the comparison of a few areas both as regards changes in the content of organic coal and the content of avifauna species. The "Krzywda" research area was established in early 1990s. Observations were carried out in over 172 ha of the fallow land, pastures, wasteland and marshes. These areas formed as a result of the cessation of agricultural production 25 years ago.Observations in the forest took place in three types of habitats: in a 94-year-old beech forest stand formed from the underbrushes after the removal of a 130-year-old pine stand planted in the place of a natural stand; in a 110-year-old pine stand with a beech underbrush planted 47 years ago and in a young pine stand with an addition of birch.