Die Wiederbesiedelung vegetationsfreier Flächen im Brockengebiet im Nationalpark Hochharz

Abstract

Karste, G., Schubert, R.; Wegener, U.: Regeneration of vegetation free areas in the Hochharz National Park. - Hercynia 36 (2003): 217–233.In 1991 we established 18 plots for observing the regeneration of vegetation free areas. The study of the regrowth of these areas became possible after a water pipline was laid from Schierke to the top of the Brocken. The pipeline is about 7 km long and crosses various zones of vegetation (including montane, oreal and subalpine). Only the results of eight representative plots will be analysed in this paper. After three years we already observed that the speed of regeneration is higher in the area near Schierke (650 m above sea level) than on the summit of the Brocken (1142 m above sea level) due to the montainous conditions. Depending on the height above sea level, we found differences also in the types and numbers of plant species. After five years the former vegetation free areas have completely regenerated. Initially we observed a big difference between the species of plants within the investigated plots compared to those found in the surrounding areas. This was due to the debris of granite material used to fill-in over the pipe. After ten years however these differences were no longer observable.