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The paper aims at the analysis of ecological and regional variation of forest communities from the class Alnetea glutinosae in Poland. A previous syntaxonomical position of the association Carici elongatae-Alnetum has been revised. Instead, two new alder-carr associations have been described. They differ in character and differential species, with dissimilar trophic requirements. The group of species with Sphagnum squarrosum is differential for acidophilous bog moss alder carrs (Sphagno squarrosi-Alnetum), while the group of species with Ribes nigrum differentiates mesotrophic black-currant alder carr (Ribo nigri-Alnetum). Both alder-carr associations occur throughout lowland Poland. Their floristic compositions differ regionally. Suboceanic and mid-European species grow in alder carr of western Poland, while boreal and boreocontinental species enter from the northern-east. The studies on the regional variation are based on the analysis of distribution of differential species groups. These have resulted in the delimitation of geographical races of alder carr. Both alder-carr associations differ from one another in their internal variation. Sphagno squarrosi-Alnetum varies greatly from region to region. For this association four geographical races have been distinguished. In the Ribo nigri-Alnetum internal trophic variation plays a more important role. Therefore, it has been divided into four subassociations and two geographical races. In central Poland black-currant alder carr occurs in a form with both geographical races but with different subassociations.
Since anthropogenic activities have become concentrated along rivers, river regulations have strongly reduced the lateral connectivity by separating rivers from their floodplains. Consequently riparian habitat heterogeneity and the related species diversity are degrading, especially in highly modified prealpine rivers. Riverbank revitalisation measures aim at mitigating this degradation and river restoration projects have become widespread. Nonetheless, little knowledge exists about their specific outcome, as standardised monitoring programs are missing. The aim of this study is to systematically compare vegetation change in response to three contrasting measures of bank diversification, i.e. embankment removal, sand input or gravel addition. Moreover, the influence of these measures on adjacent vegetation is studied. Conclusions were drawn on the basis of three common goals of restoration projects: (i) improvement of vegetation structure, (ii) increase of species diversity, and (iii) characteristic species composition. The field work was done along River Inn northeast of Munich. Vegetation structure, species identity and cover as well as selected habitat variables were recorded in a stratified randomised sampling design; variation between measures was analysed using uni- and multivariate statistics. We detected great differences in the effect of the three measures two years after implementation. Embankment removal initiated highly dynamic habitats where plant establishment was difficult. The input of sand led to a rather homogenous species composition, at least partly because the habitats were productive and therefore most likely will develop to tall reed stands or riparian forests. After gravel addition the restored sites remained relatively open, while riparian pioneer species could colonise. Vegetation structure and composition of adjacent reed stands were positively affected. The results indicate how restoration outcomes can vary depending on the specific measures chosen. This confirms the need for careful consideration of the pursued goals and site-specific conditions prior to implementation as well as long-term monitoring after implementation.