Stages of soil development in the coastal zone of a disappearing lake—a case study from central Poland

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of lake disappearance, groundwater table fluctuations, and some aspects of human pressure on stages of soil cover development in the catchment of Lake Rakutowskie. Materials and methods Research was conducted in soil chronosequence composed of eight soil profiles located in 785-m-long transect. Soils were sampled every 10 cm. Physical and chemical properties were determined with the use of disturbed and undisturbed samples. Radiocarbon dates were obtained for the bottom part of peat in each soil profile. The mineral composition of selected soil samples was determined using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Additionally, the hydrological conditions were continuously monitored from July 27, 2013 to September 23, 2014. Results and discussion An increased rate of shallow lakes overgrowth and final disappearance is a commonly observed process in the European lowlands. This paper presents and discusses the influence of changes in the range of the Lake Rakutowskie wetlands complex (central Poland) and water level fluctuations on soil cover transformation in the immediate vicinity of the lake. Five major phases of soil cover development (from Subaquatic Histosols (Limnic) to Hypereutric Regosol (Drainic, Humic)) were hypothetically reconstructed based on detailed studies of soil physical and chemical properties, mineral composition, water level fluctuations, and radiocarbon dating. The degree of peat decomposition in the studied profiles increased with the distance from the contemporary lake surface. Along with the progressive dehydration and mineralization of organic soils, their physical and chemical properties deteriorated, which is visible, e.g., in soil structure, and mineral and chemical composition (especially TOC and TN). Obtained radiocarbon ages of selected samples indicate that the oldest peat layers developed about 5856 cal BCE (6970 ± 70 14C BP), while the youngest were deposited about 1074 cal CE (980 ± 40 14C BP)–1573 cal CE (300 ± 35 14C BP). Hydrological studies indicate a progressive process of lake disappearance. Conclusions The process of soil cover transforming of the studied area takes place relatively quick, mainly recently due to the influence of human activity. Based on these results, it can be predicted that the lake will most likely disappear in a relatively short time, and the soil cover will be entirely in the fifth phase (P5) of evolution.

A Century of Changes in the Surface Area of Lakes in West Poland

“…A similar situation occurred among others in the case of Lake Litworowy Staw (with a decrease in the surface area by 46.4%) [58], where the accumulation of fine sediments and dead vegetal remains provided conditions suitable for overgrowth. Transformations primarily caused by anthropogenic factors resulted in the rapid overgrowth of the surface of former Lake Rakutowskie (central Poland) with reed beds and clusters of willows [59]. Macrophyte succession is favoured by narrow bays sheltered from wind and wave action [60].…”

Dynamics of Organic Nitrogen Compound Mineralization in Organic Soils under Grassland, and the Mineral N Concentration in Groundwater (A Case Study of the Mazurian Lake District, Poland)

“…Research into the biophysiochemical processes occurring in peatlands, in terms of their economic use and environmental impact, is becoming crucial [4,[17][18][19]. Not only are peatlands natural water retention reservoirs in the environment [9,10], but, due to the hydrobioaccumulation processes that occur in them, they also accumulate organic matter [20], which is rich in plant nutrients, particularly nitrogen [11,12].…”

A novel multiproxy approach to detect the impact of charcoal production on the natural environment in NW Poland – project concept and preliminary results

“…The natural forest ecosystems are characterized by complex interrelationships that make them resistant to short-term disturbances (Chapin et al, 2012;Müller, 2010Müller, Łuców et al, 2021. Therefore, knowledge concerning resilience of these ecosystems to past disturbances is essential for their current management (Thom & Seidl, 2016;De Palma et al, 2018;Bartczak et al, 2019;Kruczkowska et al, 2021;Łuców et al, 2022). In this regard, the response and resistance of various types of ecosystems to disturbances caused by both human activity and climate change have been widely studied in the last decade (Kirilenko & Sedjo, 2007;Cole et al, 2014;Ratcliffe et al, 2017;Sabatini et al, 2018;Whitlock et al, 2018).…”

“…We will use the archives such as peat, gyttja and soils. Only by performing results of paleoecological and geochemical analyses, one may study and reconstruct the past events and attempt to interpret the causes and effects recorded in the cores and soil profiles (Lamentowicz et al, 2019;Kittel et al, 2020;Kruczkowska et al, 2021;Łuców et al, 2021;Mroczkowska et al, 2021). A great advantage is working in an area that has a wealth of historical archives from maps to church sources, and information on tax and ownership.…”