Photo 1. Red peat moss (Sphagnum capillifolium) and alpine polytrichastrum
moss (Polytrichum alpinum) are vital in maintaining bog physiognomy and
oligotrophic conditions in the Trstenik Mire, as they form compact tussocks
that rise above the bog’s surface. The objective of monitoring is to identify
patterns of change in the abundance of these mosses (and other species,
as well). The aim of transplanting several species of peat moss is to
increase their share in the bog’s vegetation.

ROUTINE MONITORING AT TRSTENIK MIRE

On 9 and 10 July, employees of the Rijeka Natural History
Museum and the Public Institution Priroda carried out routine monitoring
activities at Trstenik Mire near Klana. A primary objective of monitoring,
planned on a multi-annual basis, is to record and identify the number
and coverage of all plant species (located in sample plots along four
radial transects in the central area of the mire) so as to derive a pattern
regarding change. Other objectives are to determine the extent to which
the mowing of purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea) is helpful in revitalising
the bog (only half of the sample plots are mowed), as well as the extent
to which the transplantation of peat moss in sample plots has been successful
(at present, carried out in only nine plots in transect A). Because this
is a multi-annual project, it is necessary to register parameters and
data at approximately the same time every year and to mow the purple moor
grass.

Up to date, monitoring results have shown the mowing
of purple moor grass to be a successful method. In sample plots in which
the grass is routinely removed, it has been observed that the purple moor
grass is retreating and its coverage is considerably less than at the
beginning of the project, although the surviving specimens seem to be
forming denser tussocks (the number of individual shoots per tussock has
increased).

Peat moss was experimentally transplanted three years
ago on nine (micro) plots (peat moss was taken from the drainage canals
where the richest clusters in the entire bog are currently growing). The
transplants have survived three winters and the dry periods of two summers
and continue to grow on all nine sample plots. The data from monitoring
activities up to date suggests that peat moss transplantation could be
one of the more successful methods of bog revitalisation.