LIFE TRŠCA: What is remote sensing and how is it used in wetlands?

In wetlands, sensors are used to monitor changes in water levels, vegetation, and soil conditions. For example, satellite images allow scientists to determine whether wetlands are shrinking or expanding. They can also identify how different plants are growing and how they are affected by droughts, floods, pollution, and changes in land use. Satellite images can be used to distinguish between different plant species. This method is very useful because it allows large and hard-to-reach areas to be studied without lengthy and expensive fieldwork. This helps us to better understand and protect wetlands, which are important for nature and people because they purify water, reduce the extent and frequency of flooding, and are home to many plants and animals.
 

How the reed beds of Lake Cerknica have changed over time

Reed beds are an important part of the ecosystem at Lake Cerknica, as they have a beneficial effect on water quality, contribute to healthy soil function, and provide a habitat for numerous animal species. Scientists used satellite images to study how the reeds of Lake Cerknica have changed over the last 40 years. They found that water and temperature are the key factors affecting the vitality of the reeds.

 

What did they find?

• Droughts and floods are the main causes of changes in reed beds
• Excessively high water levels at the beginning of the growing season slow down the respiration of submerged parts of common reeds, which negatively affects their growth
• An early drop in water levels at the end of spring causes drought, which damages reed beds
• A warm spring stimulates reed growth
• A combination of low temperatures and high water levels reduces the vitality of the reed beds
• Years when the reed beds were weakened were usually followed by years when the situation improved. Natural fluctuations in the water level of Lake Cerknica keep the reed beds in balance

Reeds and human influence

• Excessive mowing causes reeds to become weaker and more susceptible to decay
• Mowing stands at the wrong time reduces the likelihood of lush reed growth in the following growing season
   

Why is this important?

Reed beds are very important for the balanced functioning of the ecosystem at Lake Cerknica, so it is important to ensure that they remain healthy. Scientists now have a better understanding of how changing conditions affect common reeds. However, these findings would not have been possible without the use of satellite imagery. Annual monitoring of water levels and adapted mowing, especially in years when the reed beds are weakened by natural conditions, will ensure that healthy reed beds are preserved in the future.

This article was prepared by the Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Ljubljana.