Linking groundwater level fluctuations and water quality to vegetation and habitat condition in blanket bog ecosystems in Ireland

Blanket bog vegetation was linked to hydrological regimes (water table fluctuations). Total organic carbon (TOC) results suggesting flushing of organic carbon from the peat with precipitation after prolonged drought. Effects of deterioration in water quality and flow regimes are apparent with anthropogenic alteration of peatlands.

Vegetation mapping demonstrated that blanket bog ecosystems consist of a mosaic of different vegetation communities.<br><br><br>Revised mapping methods and condition assessments have potential to estimate the value ecosystems services to water in areas lacking detailed ecohydrological data by assessing hydrological regimes and vegetation composition and structure. This allowed the development of a ‘tool’ that can be used to indicate both vegetation condition and hydrological regime, which could be used for future blanket bog assessment.

Results from this investigation may be used to inform future management of blanket bog environments across Ireland and possibly internationally.