An Ecosystem Valuation Method for Small Water Bodies

The paper discusses the development of a valuation method for small water bodies in a landscape park of agricultural character, since for such an area small water bodies are of considerable importance, primarily hydrological and natural. Analyses were conducted in the Dezydery Chlapowski Landscape Park. The object of the study comprised 13 water bodies differing in terms of landscape, morphological parameters (depth, shape, surface area, shoreline development) as well as aquatic and marsh vegetation. Some of these water bodies are typical in-field hollows, some are located in built-up areas, while two are located in a forest complex. The aim of the presented investigations was to develop a valuation method for small water bodies based on inventoried aquatic and marsh vegetation and including modifications of nature analysis methods such as the phytosociological method by Braun-Blanquet and ecological indexes according to Zarzycki. Using environmental variables statistical models were developed, describing dependencies between individual species and analysed variables. Investigations were conducted in the years 2008-2009, in which phytosociological relevés were prepared during the vegetation season. Analyses concerned vegetation of the littoral zone and the limnetic (open water) zone. The ecological status of water bodies was calculated on the basis of data concerning aquatic and marsh vegetation and the measured surface area of a given water body. Results indicate the advisability of having small water bodies covered with legal protection measures. In turn, the water bodies which underwent severe degradation should be remediated using available measures (dredging, creation of biogeochemical barriers).