říční niva

Presented thesis is focused on natural heterogenity and interactions between vegetation and abiotic environment within a well preserved mountain floodplain along the Upper Vltava River (the Šumava National Park, Czech Republic). Detailed analyses of vegetation and hydrochemical parameters were conducted along cross-sectional transects. Both vegetation and hydrological patterns as well as phytosociological characteristics of present vegetation were investigated. Biogeographical importance and biological and hydrochemical diversity of the studied floodplain were emphasised. Two ecologically different zones were distinguished in the floodplain: Zone I was under direct influence of the river, and exhibited higher pH and ammonium content in largely fluctuating groundwater; and Zone II, covering more than half of the floodplain extent, was under the prevailing influence of water coming from the adjacent upland, and exhibited lower pH, higher content of humic acids, and a higher and relatively stable groundwater table. Results were used to propose conservation strategy and management of the studied floodplain and its surroundings.