@misc{ChabbiSebiloRumpeletal., author = {Chabbi, Abad and Sebilo, Mathieu and Rumpel, Cornelia and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Mariotti, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Origin of Nitrogen in Reforested Lignite-Rich Mine Soils Revealed by Stable Isotope Analysis}, series = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, volume = {42}, journal = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, number = {8}, issn = {1520-5851}, doi = {10.1021/es702377k}, pages = {2787 -- 2792}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafHuettl, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Direct and indirect effects of soil pollution by lignite mining}, series = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, volume = {6}, journal = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, number = {3-4}, issn = {1573-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s11267-005-9028-8}, pages = {353 -- 364}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafHuettl, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Experiences with liming in European countries - results of long-term experiments}, series = {Journal of Forest Science}, volume = {52}, journal = {Journal of Forest Science}, number = {Special Issue}, pages = {35 -- 44}, language = {en} } @misc{BiberSeifertZaplataetal., author = {Biber, Peter and Seifert, Stefan and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Pretzsch, Hans and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Relationships between substrate, surface characteristics, and vegetation in an initial ecosystem}, series = {Biogeosciences}, volume = {10}, journal = {Biogeosciences}, doi = {10.5194/bg-10-8283-2013}, pages = {8283 -- 8303}, abstract = {We investigated surface and vegetation dynamics in the artificial initial ecosystem "Chicken Creek" (Lusatia, Germany) in the years 2006-2011 across a wide spectrum of empirical data. We scrutinized three overarching hypotheses concerning (1) the relations between initial geomorphological and substrate characteristics with surface structure and terrain properties, (2) the effects of the latter on the occurrence of grouped plant species, and (3) vegetation density effects on terrain surface change. Our data comprise and conflate annual vegetation monitoring results, biennial terrestrial laser scans (starting in 2008), annual groundwater levels, and initially measured soil characteristics. The empirical evidence mostly confirms the hypotheses, revealing statistically significant relations for several goal variables: (1) the surface structure properties, local rill density, local relief energy and terrain surface height change; (2) the cover of different plant groups (annual, herbaceous, grass-like, woody, Fabaceae), and local vegetation height; and (3) terrain surface height change showed significant time-dependent relations with a variable that proxies local plant biomass. Additionally, period specific effects (like a calendar-year optimum effect for the occurrence of Fabaceae) were proven. Further and beyond the hypotheses, our findings on the spatiotemporal dynamics during the system's early development grasp processes which generally mark the transition from a geo-hydro-system towards a bio-geo-hydro system (weakening geomorphology effects on substrate surface dynamics, while vegetation effects intensify with time), where pure geomorphology or substrate feedbacks are changing into vegetation-substrate feedback processes.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafHuettlScullion, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Scullion, John}, title = {Preface: EUROSOIL 2004 Symposium in Freiburg, Germany}, series = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, volume = {6}, journal = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, number = {3-4}, issn = {1573-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s11267-005-9020-3}, pages = {233 -- 234}, language = {en} } @misc{ZoennchenSchaafEsperschuetz, author = {Z{\"o}nnchen, Claudia and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Espersch{\"u}tz, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Effect of litter addition on element leaching in young sandy soils}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {177}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {4}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.201300383}, pages = {585 -- 595}, abstract = {The knowledge about element leaching and biogeochemical cycles during initial stages of soil development is very limited. Therefore, we studied the effects of parent material characteristics and plant litter addition on element leaching from young sandy soils in a microcosm experiment. Our objective was to evaluate the function of young soils as a source and/or sink for nutrients during initial pedogenesis and to identify main processes which are involved in the initial development of biogeochemical cycles. The main research questions were: (1) How do differences in parent material characteristics affect nutrient leaching?; and (2) How is nutrient leaching of young soils influenced by litter addition of different plant functional groups (e.g., legume and grass species)? Combined treatments of two minimally weathered parent materials (pure sand and loamy sand) with plant litter of two plant species (Lotus corniculatus L. and Calamagrostis epigejos L.) were investigated in a soil column experiment. In addition, control columns with parent material or plant litter only were included. Carbonate weathering as a main source for calcium leaching was induced by the moderately acidic irrigation solution used in the experiment. It was 7.5 fold greater for the loamy sand parent material compared to the pure sand despite lower carbonate contents in the loamy sand. Leaching of K was very low for both parent materials but greater for the loamy sand parent material, likely due to transfer processes from fixed to exchangeable potassium forms in the clay minerals of the loamy sand. Plant litter addition generally increased leaching losses. Carbonate dissolution was intensified by both plant litter types, especially by L. corniculatus, very likely due to H+ released during nitrification of N released from plant litter and an increase in partial pressure of CO2 from microbial respiration. In contrast, K was largely retained in the soils, probably due to fixation by clay minerals and microbial immobilization. Only the pure sand treated with L. corniculatus litter leached K, resulting in 4-6 fold greater leaching losses compared to all other treatments. Nitrogen released from L. corniculatus litter was almost completely nitrified and was nearly doubled as compared to that from C. epigejos, resulting in greater N leaching. The results of our study allow identifying the general function and processes of vegetation patches in young ecosystems formed as a result of initial parent material characteristics and invading vegetation with respect to litter decomposition, soil solution composition, nutrient retention and leaching, and effects on the soil mineral phase. These patterns are not mere additive effects of parent materials plus plant litter, but reflect differences in biogeochemical process intensities and could result in an increasing heterogeneity of soil properties, nutrient availability, and element leaching fluxes with time.}, language = {en} } @misc{HerbrichZoennchenSchaaf, author = {Herbrich, Marcus and Z{\"o}nnchen, Claudia and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Short-term effects of plant litter addition on mineral surface characteristics of young sandy soils}, series = {Geoderma}, volume = {239-240}, journal = {Geoderma}, issn = {0016-7061}, doi = {10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.10.017}, pages = {206 -- 212}, abstract = {Initial stages of soil development are characterized by structural changes of mineral surfaces over time. The specific surface area (SSA) is closely related to pedogenic properties and soil organic matter (SOM). Interactions between SOM and mineral surfaces induce quantitative and qualitative changes in SSA and corresponding soil properties. However, the knowledge about ranges, effects and mechanisms of organic coverage in the very initial phase of pedogenesis is very limited. Therefore, our objective was to study these processes in young sandy soils and the effects of plant litter addition. Soil samples taken from the constructed catchment "Chicken Creek" were used in a microcosm experiment over 80 weeks. The silt and clay fractions of samples (b63 μm) were analyzed before the experiment and after 40 and 80 weeks. The effects of litter addition and weathering on SSA were assessed using the BET-N2 sorption approach. We found increases of SSA between 16.4\% and 41.6\% within the 80 week experimental period, but a relative reduction in S. A due to organic coverage of these new surfaces after plant litter addition. The removal of the soil organic matter (SOM) by muffling increased SSA (6.8-12.9\%). The results for SSA corresponded to changes in surface specific parameters like cation exchange capacity (CEC), surface enthalpy and the fractional coverage of mineral surfaces by SOM. In conclusion, the results showed that the soilswere clearly in a very initial state of soil development. However, the potential of these young sandy soils to adsorb nutrients and soil organic matter as one of the main important soil functions clearly increased within the relatively short experimental period and changes in SSA indicate relatively large increases in mineral surfaces within short time periods during the initial phase of soil development compared to long-term pedogenesis.}, language = {en} } @misc{UlrichPiwczynskiZaplataetal., author = {Ulrich, Werner and Piwczynski, Marcin and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Winter, Susanne and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Small-scale spatial variability in phylogenetic community structure during early plant succession depends on soil properties}, series = {Oecologia}, volume = {175}, journal = {Oecologia}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-014-2954-2}, pages = {985 -- 995}, abstract = {During early plant succession, the phylogenetic structure of a community changes in response to important environmental filters and emerging species interactions. We traced the development of temperate-zone plant communities during the first 7 years of primary succession on catchment soils to explore patterns of initial species assembly. We found pronounced small-scale differences in the phylogenetic composition of neighbouring plant assemblages and a large-scale trend towards phylogenetic evenness. This small-scale variability appears to be mediated by soil properties, particularly carbonate content. Therefore, abiotic environmental conditions might counteract or even supersede the effects of interspecific competition among closely related species, which are usually predicted to exhibit patterns of phylogenetic evenness. We conclude that theories on phylogenetic community composition need to incorporate effects of small-scale variability of environmental factors.}, language = {en} } @misc{KwakChangNaethetal., author = {Kwak, Jin-Hyeob and Chang, Scott X. and Naeth, M. Anne and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Coarse Woody Debris Increases Microbial Community Functional Diversity but not Enzyme Activities in Reclaimed Oil Sands Soils}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {10}, journal = {PLoS One}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0143857}, pages = {0143857}, abstract = {Forest floor mineral soil mix (FMM) and peat mineral soil mix (PMM) are cover soils commonly used for upland reclamation post open-pit oil sands mining in northern Alberta, Canada. Coarse woody debris (CWD) can be used to regulate soil temperature and water content, to increase organic matter content, and to create microsites for the establishment of microorganisms and vegetation in upland reclamation. We studied the effects of CWD on soil microbial community level physiological profile (CLPP) and soil enzyme activities in FMM and PMM in a reclaimed landscape in the oil sands. This experiment was conducted with a 2 (FMM vs PMM) × 2 (near CWD vs away from CWD) factorial design with 6 replications. The study plots were established with Populus tremuloides (trembling aspen) CWD placed on each plot between November 2007 and February 2008. Soil samples were collected within 5 cm from CWD and more than 100 cm away from CWD in July, August and September 2013 and 2014. Microbial biomass was greater (p<0.05) in FMM than in PMM, in July, and August 2013 and July 2014, and greater (p<0.05) near CWD than away from CWD in FMM in July and August samplings. Soil microbial CLPP differed between FMM and PMM (p<0.01) according to a principal component analysis and CWD changed microbial CLPP in FMM (p<0.05) but not in PMM. Coarse woody debris increased microbial community functional diversity (average well color development in Biolog Ecoplates) in both cover soils (p<0.05) in August and September 2014. Carbon degrading soil enzyme activities were greater in FMM than in PMM (p<0.05) regardless of distance from CWD but were not affected by CWD. Greater microbial biomass and enzyme activities in FMM than in PMM will increase organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, improving plant growth. Enhanced microbial community functional diversity by CWD application in upland reclamation has implications for accelerating upland reclamation after oil sands mining.}, language = {en} } @misc{KwakChangNaethetal., author = {Kwak, Jin-Hyeob and Chang, Scott X. and Naeth, M. Anne and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Coarse woody debris effects on greenhouse gas emission rates depend on cover soil type in oil sands reclamation}, series = {Applied Soil Ecology}, volume = {100}, journal = {Applied Soil Ecology}, issn = {0929-1393}, doi = {10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.12.006}, pages = {124 -- 134}, abstract = {Peat mineral soil mix (PMM) and forest floor mineral soil mix (FMM) are cover soils commonly used for land reclamation, while coarse woody debris (CWD) can be added to create structural diversity and provide an additional source of organic matter. However, the effect of cover soil type and CWD on emission rates of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in reclaimed oil sands soils has not been studied. Soil respiration, CH₄ uptake and N₂O emission rates were studied in a factorial experiment consisting of 2 cover soils (FMM vs PMM) × 2 sampling distances from the CWD (near vs away from CWD). Greenhouse gas emission rates were measured in July, August, and September 2012 and 2013 using static chambers. Soil respiration rates were greater in FMM than in PMM regardless of the distance from CWD at each sampling time (p < 0.05). Rates ranged from 461 to 1148 and 293 to 677 mg CO2 m⁻²h⁻¹for FMM and PMM, respectively, in 2012, and from 355 to 1318 and 235 to 700 mg CO2 m⁻²h⁻¹, respectively, in 2013. The CWD increased soil respiration by 22-33\% in FMM but not in PMM. Soil respiration rates were positively related to microbial biomass carbon (p = 0.004) and nitrogen (p < 0.001). Soil respiration rates decreased from July to September in 2012 and 2013, and were positively related to soil temperature (p < 0.01) but not with soil water content measured at 5 cm depth. Methane uptake rates were greater in FMM (0.026-0.037) than in PMM (0.015-0.028 mg CH₄⁻²h⁻¹. The CWD increased CH4 uptake rates only in July and August 2012 in FMM, and were negatively related to soil water content (p < 0.001) but not to soil temperature. Nitrous oxide emission rates (0.001-0.016 mg N₂O m⁻²h⁻¹) were not affected by either cover soil type or CWD. Global warming potential of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O effluxes was greater in FMM than in PMM and near CWD than away from CWD, especially in FMM. Our study demonstrates that applying CWD for oil sands reclamation increases organic matter decomposition (increased CO₂ evolution), driven by the effect on microbial populations. Results from this study provide support to findings in earlier studies that CWD application benefits vegetation establishment through enhancing soil processes in reclaimed oil sands lands.}, language = {en} } @misc{NsiahSchaaf, author = {Nsiah, Paul Kofi and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {The potentials of biological geotextiles in erosion and sediment control during gold mine reclamation in Ghana}, series = {Journal of Soils and Sediments}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Soils and Sediments}, number = {4}, issn = {1614-7480}, doi = {10.1007/s11368-018-2217-7}, pages = {1995 -- 2006}, abstract = {Purpose Soil erosion is a significant environmental impact of surface mining affecting the initial establishment of vegetation, especially on steep slopes, during reclamation. Consequently, we investigated the potentials of biological geotextiles constructed from two local plants, Pennisetum purpureum and Broussonetia papyrifera, in reducing erosion and sedimentation during reclamation at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. Materials and methods Six experimental plots were constructed on a 33\% slope waste rock, covered with a 70-cm layer of stockpiled subsoil. Concrete gutters, lined with silt fence, were installed at the lower end of each plot to collect eroded sediment. The two kinds of biological geotextiles, BYork^ mat and elephant grass mat, were used with bare ground as control in a randomized block design with two replicates each. Data on sediment yield was collected after each substantial rainfall. The performance of each geotextile in reducing soil loss was expressed as a percentage from the mean total sediment yield. Results and discussion With total precipitation of 306 mm in the period April 18, to July 4, 2016, both elephant grass mat and York mat significantly (p < 0.05) reduced soil loss by 56.6\% and 97.3\%, respectively, compared to the control, indicating both mats were effective in erosion and sediment control. The relatively high performance of York mat was mainly attributed to its more fibers that provided less surface cover (70\%) as well as flexibility of the fibers which enabled the mat to absorb more water during rainfall thus increasing its weight. This increase in weight promoted better drapability, with better erosion and sediment control. Gully formations at the site were primarily due to high concentrated runoff flows from the top of reclaiming benches, with time delays between completion of earthworks, geotextile placement, and seeding of plants as predisposing factors. Conclusions The York mat (YM) and the elephant grass mat (EM) individually acted as cover and protected the highly erodible graded mine slope against the erosive forces of tropical rain and runoff until vegetation establishment. Even so, planning and coordinating the reclamation program such that all earthworks are completed at the end of the dry season to enable geotextile installation and plant seeding at the onset of rains, together with installation of temporary slope drains in preventing gully formations from concentrated runoff flows, are considered to contribute significantly to the general reclamation success at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) and similar mine sites.}, language = {en} } @misc{MoghadasSchaafGerwinetal., author = {Moghadas, Davood and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Badorreck, Annika and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {A web-based platform for terrestrial data repository from Chicken Creek catchment}, series = {Earth Science Informatics}, volume = {12}, journal = {Earth Science Informatics}, number = {4}, issn = {1865-0481}, doi = {10.1007/s12145-019-00385-0}, pages = {671 -- 684}, abstract = {Exploring hydrological and ecological processes plays a key role in understanding ecosystem developments. In this respect, the constructed catchment, Chicken Creek, has been established for fundamental and interdisciplinary scientific research. Since 2005, an ongoing monitoring program has been launched to measure hydrological, biological, meteorological, and pedological parameters during the ecological development of the site. This comprehensive and multidisciplinary monitoring program has produced a diverse large data set. Handling such complex data for research purposes can be a cumbersome task. Consequently, we developed an online data portal (https://www.b-tu.de/chicken-creek/apps/datenportal/) to efficiently handle the data from Chicken Creek catchment. The portal was constructed using Shiny package of the R programming language. This platform provides a web-based data repository allowing for data discovery, download, visualization, and analysis. The data include time series of different parameters from installed sensors, data from laboratory analyses, vegetation data, data from sampling campaigns, and aerial photos. This platform demonstrates the relevancy and potentiality of the R-Shiny for constructing an online data portal to be used for multidisciplinary scientific purposes. The Chicken Creek data portal thus provides a comprehensive and reliable database to give scientists a fast and easy access to all collected data.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafBensFischeretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Bens, Oliver and Fischer, Anton and Gerke, Horst H. and Gerwin, Werner and Gr{\"u}newald, Uwe and Holl{\"a}nder, Hartmut M. and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid and Mutz, Michael and Schloter, Michael and Schulin, Rainer and Veste, Maik and Winter, Susanne and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Patterns and processes of initial terrestrial-ecosystem development}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {174}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {2}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.201000158}, pages = {229 -- 239}, abstract = {Ecosystems are characterized as complex systems with abiotic and biotic processes interacting between the various components that have evolved over long-term periods. Most ecosystem studies so far have been carried out in mature systems. Only limited knowledge exists on the very initial phase of ecosystem development. Concepts on the development of ecosystems are often based on assumptions and extrapolations with respect to structure-process interactions in the initial stage. To characterize the effect of this initial phase on structure and functioning of ecosystems in later stages, it is necessary to disentangle the close interaction of spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystem structural assemblages with processes of ecosystem development. The study of initial, less complex systems could help to better identify and characterize coupled patterns and processes. This paper gives an overview of concepts for the initial development of different ecosystem compartments and identifies open questions and research gaps. The artificial catchment site "Chicken Creek" is introduced as a new research approach to investigate these patterns and processes of initial ecosystem development under defined boundary conditions. This approach allows to integrate the relevant processes with related pattern and structure development over temporal and spatial scales and to derive thresholds and stages in state and functioning of ecosystems at the catchment level.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafPohleMaureretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Pohle, Ina and Maurer, Thomas and Gerwin, Werner and Hinz, Christoph and Badorreck, Annika}, title = {Water Balance Dynamics during Ten Years of Ecological Development at Chicken Creek Catchment}, series = {Vadose Zone Journal}, volume = {16}, journal = {Vadose Zone Journal}, number = {11}, issn = {1539-1663}, doi = {10.2136/vzj2017.04.0074}, pages = {14}, abstract = {Difficulties in quantitatively closing the water balance of catchments arise when upscaling point measurements and from insufficient knowledge of the physical boundaries, inner structure, and storage volumes of natural catchments. In addition, there is a strong need for generalizing the relationship between catchment characteristics and hydrological response. Therefore, experimental catchments with well-known boundaries and conditions could contribute valuable data to hydrological and critical zone research. One of the most well-established and largest constructed catchments is the Chicken Creek catchment (6 ha including a pond, Brandenburg, Germany) representing an initial ecosystem undergoing highly dynamic ecological development starting from clearly defined starting conditions. Directly after completion of the construction, extensive monitoring equipment was installed to track the ecosystem development and to capture the spatiotemporal variability of meteorological, hydrological, ecological, and soil conditions and vegetation succession. In this study, we focused on the water balance dynamics of the Chicken Creek catchment for the period 2005 to 2015 as influenced by ecological development. Water storage in the catchment was calculated from a three-dimensional model of groundwater volumes, soil moisture measurements, and water level recordings of the pond. The catchment water balance equation was resolved for evapotranspiration, the only part that was not measured directly. Time series of meteorological, hydrological, and ecological data for 10 yr enabled us to characterize the transient development of the catchment and to evaluate the effect of different feedback mechanisms on catchment hydrology.}, language = {en} } @misc{HuettlGerwinSchaafetal., author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Hinz, Christoph}, title = {A Critical Zone Observatory for detecting ecosystem transition: the constructed catchment Chicken Creek (Germany)}, series = {Procedia Earth and Planetary Science}, volume = {10}, journal = {Procedia Earth and Planetary Science}, doi = {10.1016/j.proeps.2014.08.009}, pages = {46 -- 51}, abstract = {The constructed catchment Chicken Creek was established in 2005 as an experimental landscape laboratory for ecosystem research. The 6 ha area with clearly defined horizontal as well as vertical boundary conditions was left for natural primary succession. All Critical Zone elements are represented at this site, which allows the study of most processes occurring at the interface of bio-, pedo-, geo- and hydrosphere. It provides outstanding opportunities for investigating interactions and feedbacks between different co-evolving compartments. The catchment has been extensively instrumented since 2005. Data are recorded with a high spatial and temporal resolution and include hydrological, geomorphological, pedological, limnological as well as biological parameters in order to detect transition states of the ecosystem. In contrast to other Critical Zone Observatories, this site offers the unique situation of an early stage ecosystem with highly dynamic properties. The first years of development were characterized by a fast formation of geomorphological structures due to massive erosion of the initially non-vegetated surface. Hydrological processes led to the establishment of a local groundwater body within 5 years. In the following years the influence of biological structures like vegetation patterns gained increasing importance. Feedbacks between developing vegetation and e.g. hydrological features became more and more apparent. As a result, different phases of ecosystem development have been distinguished.}, language = {en} } @misc{UlrichZaplataWinteretal., author = {Ulrich, Werner and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Winter, Susanne and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Fischer, Anton and Soliveres, Santiago and Gotelli, Nicholas J.}, title = {Species interactions and random dispersal rather than habitat filtering drive community assembly during early plant succession}, series = {Oikos}, volume = {125}, journal = {Oikos}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1111/oik.02658}, pages = {698 -- 707}, abstract = {Theory on plant succession predicts a temporal increase in the complexity of spatial community structure and of competitive interactions: initially random occurrences of early colonising species shift towards spatially and competitively structured plant associations in later successional stages. Here we use long-term data on early plant succession in a German post mining area to disentangle the importance of random colonisation, habitat filtering, and competition on the temporal and spatial development of plant community structure. We used species co-occurrence analysis and a recently developed method for assessing competitive strength and hierarchies (transitive versus intransitive competitive orders) in multispecies communities. We found that species turnover decreased through time within interaction neighbourhoods, but increased through time outside interaction neighbourhoods. Successional change did not lead to modular community structure. After accounting for species richness effects, the strength of competitive interactions and the proportion of transitive competitive hierarchies increased through time. Although effects of habitat filtering were weak, random colonization and subsequent competitive interactions had strong effects on community structure. Because competitive strength and transitivity were poorly correlated with soil characteristics, there was little evidence for context dependent competitive strength associated with intransitive competitive hierarchies.}, language = {en} } @misc{GerwinBadorreckSchaafetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Badorreck, Annika and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Hinz, Christoph and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Das H{\"u}hnerwasser-Einzugsgebiet in SO-Brandenburg im {\"U}bergang von einem abiotischen zu einem biotisch kontrollierten Wasserhaushalt}, series = {Hydrologie und Wasserbewirtschaftung}, volume = {62}, journal = {Hydrologie und Wasserbewirtschaftung}, number = {3}, issn = {0012-0235}, doi = {10.5675/HyWa_2018,3_1}, pages = {134 -- 144}, abstract = {Das H{\"u}hnerwasser-Einzugsgebiet ist ein 6 ha großes, k{\"u}nstlich geschaffenes Wassereinzugsgebiet im Tagebau Welzow-S{\"u}d in S{\"u}dost-Brandenburg. Das Zweischichtsystem mit einer Ton- und einer dar{\"u}ber liegenden Sandschicht wurde im Jahr 2005 fertiggestellt und ohne weitere Rekultivierungsmaßnahmen f{\"u}r Forschungszwecke bereitgestellt. Es l{\"a}sst exemplarisch die Untersuchung der initialen Landschaftsgenese zu. Insbesondere die Entwicklung von einem zun{\"a}chst noch abiotisch kontrollierten hin zu einem biotisch gesteuerten System l{\"a}sst sich hier beobachten. In diesem Beitrag werden beispielhaft einige in diesem Kontext aufgetretene Interaktionen zwischen abiotischen und biotischen Strukturelementen vorgestellt. Dies sind zum einen Erosions- und Sedimentationsprozesse und ihre Wechselwirkungen mit der Vegetation. Zum anderen wird der Einfluss der Vegetation auf die Grundwasserentwicklung dargestellt.}, language = {de} } @misc{UlrichPiwczynskiZaplataetal., author = {Ulrich, Werner and Piwczynski, Marcin and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Winter, Susanne and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Soil conditions and phylogenetic relatedness influence total community trait space during early plant succession}, series = {Journal of Plant Ecology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Journal of Plant Ecology}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1093/jpe/rtt048}, pages = {321 -- 329}, abstract = {The total space of traits covered by the members of plant communities is an important parameter of ecosystem functioning and complexity. We trace the variability of trait space during early plant succession and ask how trait space co-varies with phylogenetic community structure and soil conditions. Particularly, we are interested in the small-scale variability in trait space and the influence of biotic and abiotic filters. We use data on species richness and soil conditions from the first 7 years of initial succession of an artificial catchment in north-eastern Germany. Total functional attribute diversity serves as a proxy to total trait space. Total trait space steadily increased during succession. We observed high small-scale variability in total trait space that was positively correlated with species richness and phylogenetic segregation and negatively correlated with total plant cover. Trait space increased with soil carbonate content, while pH and the fraction of sandy material behaved indifferently. Our results indicate that during early succession, habitat filtering processes gain importance leading to a lesser increase in trait space than expected from the increase in species richness alone.}, language = {en} } @misc{GerwinSchaafBiemeltetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Biemelt, Detlef and Fischer, Anton and Winter, Susanne and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The artificial catchment "Chicken Creek" (Lusatia, Germany) - A landscape laboratory for interdisciplinary studies of initial ecosystem development}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {35}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {12}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2009.09.003}, pages = {1786 -- 1796}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafElmerFischeretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Elmer, Michael and Fischer, Anton and Gerwin, Werner and Nenov, Rossen and Pretzsch, Hans and Seifert, Stefan and Winter, Susanne and Zaplata, Markus Klemens}, title = {Monitoring the formation of structures and patterns during initial development of an artificial catchment}, series = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, volume = {Vol. 185}, journal = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, number = {7}, issn = {0167-6369}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-012-2998-x}, pages = {5965 -- 5986}, abstract = {The objective of this paper is to present observations, results from monitoring measurements, and preliminary conclusions about the development of patterns and structures during the first 5 years of development of an artificial catchment starting from point zero. We discuss the high relevance of initial system traits and external events for the system development and draw conclusions for further research. These investigations as part of a Collaborative Research Center, aim to disentangle and understand the feedback mechanisms and interrelationships of processes and their co-development with spatial and temporal structures and patterns by studying an initial, probably less complex ecosystem. Therefore, intensive measurements were carried out in the catchment with regard to the development of surface structures, hydrological patterns, vegetation dynamics, water chemistry, and element budgets. During the first 5 years, considerable changes within the catchment were observed. Both internal and external factors could be identified as driving forces for the formation of structures and patterns in the artificial catchment. Initial structures formed by the construction process and initial substrate characteristics were decisive for the distribution and flow of water. External factors like episodic events triggered erosion and dissection during this initial phase, promoted by the low vegetation cover, and the unconsolidated sandy substrate. The transformation of the initial geosystem into areas with evolving terrestrial or aquatic characteristics and from a very episodic to a more permanent stream network and discharge, together with the observed vegetation dynamics increased site diversity and heterogeneity with respect to water and nutrient availability and transformation processes compared with the more homogenous conditions at point zero. The processes and feedback mechanisms in the initial development of a new landscape may deviate in rates, intensity, and dominance from those known from mature ecosystems. It is therefore crucial to understand these early phases of ecosystem development and to disentangle the increasingly complex interactions between the evolving terrestrial and aquatic, biotic, and abiotic compartments of the system. Long-term monitoring of initial ecosystems may provide important data and parameters on processes and the crucial role of spatial and temporal structures and patterns to solve these problems. Artificially created catchments could be a suitable tool to study these initial developments at the landscape scale under known, designed, and defined boundary conditions.}, language = {en} } @misc{WinterZaplataRzannyetal., author = {Winter, Susanne and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Rzanny, Michael and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Fischer, Anton and Ulrich, Werner}, title = {Increasing ecological multifunctionality during early plant succession}, series = {Plant Ecology}, volume = {220}, journal = {Plant Ecology}, number = {4-5}, issn = {1573-5052}, doi = {10.1007/s11258-019-00930-3}, pages = {499 -- 509}, abstract = {Ecological multifunctionality quantifies the functional performance of various important plant traits and increases with growing structural habitat heterogeneity, number of plant functional traits, and species richness. However, the successional changes in multifunctionality have not been traced so far. We use quantitative plant samples of 1 m2 plots from the first 6 years of initial vegetation dynamics in a German created catchment to infer the temporal changes in plant functional trait space and multifunctionality. Multifunctionality at the plot level was in all study years lower than expected from a random sample of the local pool of potential colonizers and was lowest at intermediate states of succession. In each year species containing a specific set of traits occurred with limited but focused functionality. The observed average low degree of multifunctionality contrasts with recent models predicting a tendency towards maximum multifunctionality during plant community development. However, variability in multifunctionality among plots increased during succession and the respective multifunctionality distribution among plots was increasingly right skewed indicating an excess of plots with relatively high multifunctionality. This relative excess of plots with high multifunctionality might act as an important trigger of community development paving the way for new species and functions to become established.}, language = {en} } @misc{GerwinRepmannSchaafetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Repmann, Frank and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Bodenver{\"a}nderungen durch Waldbr{\"a}nde - Stoffvorr{\"a}te und Stoffverlagerungen}, series = {Jahrestagung der DBG 2022 "Grenzen {\"u}berwinden, Skalen {\"u}berschreiten" 5. - 8. September 2022 in Trier}, journal = {Jahrestagung der DBG 2022 "Grenzen {\"u}berwinden, Skalen {\"u}berschreiten" 5. - 8. September 2022 in Trier}, pages = {48}, abstract = {Die zur{\"u}ckliegenden trocken-heißen Sommer haben im S{\"u}den Brandenburgs zu zahlreichen Br{\"a}nden in den dominierenden Kiefernw{\"a}ldern gef{\"u}hrt, einige davon mit katastrophalen Ausmaßen. Dazu geh{\"o}ren die extremen Brandereignisse 2018 bei Treuenbrietzen sowie 2019 bei J{\"u}terbog und Lieberose, die zusammen weit {\"u}ber 1000 ha Waldfl{\"a}che zerst{\"o}rt und dabei auch Ver{\"a}nderungen der betroffenen Waldb{\"o}den verursacht haben. Das seit Mai 2020 von der FNR gef{\"o}rderte Verbundvorhaben Pyrophob befasst sich mit den Auswirkungen von Waldbr{\"a}nden im S{\"u}den Brandenburgs auf die Wald{\"o}kosysteme und mit waldbaulichen Maßnahmen, die mittelfristig zu einer Verringerung der Brandanf{\"a}lligkeit der W{\"a}lder beitragen sollen. Im Rahmen des auf eine f{\"u}nfj{\"a}hrige Laufzeit ausgelegten Verbundvorhabens finden bodenkundliche Untersuchungen auf zw{\"o}lf Versuchsfl{\"a}chen bei Treuenbrietzen und J{\"u}terbog statt. An beiden Standorten werden unverbrannte Referenzfl{\"a}chen mit einbezogen. Erg{\"a}nzend konnten bei Lieberose bereits 2019 nur kurz nach dem Brandgeschehen erste Bodenuntersuchungen durchgef{\"u}hrt werden. Die untersuchten Brandfl{\"a}chen bei J{\"u}terbog und Lieberose sind als Totalreservate ausgewiesen, auf denen auch nach dem Brand waldbauliche Maßnahmen vollst{\"a}ndig unterbleiben. Auf den Fl{\"a}chen bei Treuenbrietzen wurden verschiedene Behandlungsvarianten durchgef{\"u}hrt, zu denen auf einem Teil der Fl{\"a}chen die vollst{\"a}ndige Entfernung der abgestorbenen B{\"a}ume geh{\"o}rte, w{\"a}hrend auf anderen Teilfl{\"a}chen Totholz auf der Fl{\"a}che verblieb. Ziel der bodenkundlichen Arbeiten in Pyrophob ist zum einen eine Charakterisierung der direkten Auswirkungen des Brandes auf Humus und Mineralboden hinsichtlich des Stoffbestandes und bodenbiologischer Prozesse. Zum anderen wird der Stoffaustrag aus dem Oberboden erfasst. Der etwaige Einfluss der unterschiedlichen waldbaulichen Vorgehensweise auf die Bodenverh{\"a}ltnisse wird dabei als ein Indikator f{\"u}r die Auswahl geeigneter Maßnahmen ber{\"u}cksichtigt. In den verschiedenen Untersuchungsvarianten des Vorhabens wurden zu diesem Zweck Humus- und Mineralbodenprofile untersucht. Zudem wurden Mischproben aus dem Ober- und Unterboden entnommen und auf ihren Stoffhaushalt hin analysiert. Auf jeder Untersuchungsfl{\"a}che wurden je drei frei dr{\"a}nende Kleinlysimeter in 10 cm Bodentiefe installiert, um die zeitlichen Ver{\"a}nderungen der Sickerwasserzusammensetzung und die durch den Brand initiierten Stoffaustr{\"a}ge aus dem Oberboden zu quantifizieren. Erg{\"a}nzend finden Untersuchungen zu m{\"o}glichen Auswirkungen der Br{\"a}nde auf bodenbiologische Prozesse wie Streuabbau und Stickstoffmineralisation statt.}, language = {de} } @misc{PohlSchaafGerwin, author = {Pohl, Lydia and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Eisenhydroxidschl{\"a}mme und Tone als m{\"o}gliche Bestandteile neuartiger Bodenhilfsstoffe}, series = {Jahrestagung der DBG 2022 "Grenzen {\"u}berwinden, Skalen {\"u}berschreiten" 5. - 8. September 2022 in Trier}, journal = {Jahrestagung der DBG 2022 "Grenzen {\"u}berwinden, Skalen {\"u}berschreiten" 5. - 8. September 2022 in Trier}, pages = {39}, abstract = {Die Lausitz z{\"a}hlt schon heute zu einer der niederschlag{\"a}rmsten Regionen in Deutschland. Durch den Klimawandel wird diese Situation noch weiter verst{\"a}rkt und die Wahrscheinlichkeit von extremen Trockenperioden w{\"a}hrend der Hauptvegetationsphase wird zunehmen. Einer der zentralen bodenkundlichen Herausforderungen wird es somit sein, die geringe Wasserhaltekapazit{\"a}t der vor allem sandigen B{\"o}den der Region zu steigern. In dem Verbundvorhaben StabilOrg wird daher die Entwicklung neuartiger Bodenhilfsstoffe auf der Basis regional in der Lausitz verf{\"u}gbarer Ressourcen untersucht. Durch die Tagebauaktivit{\"a}ten in der Region fallen große Mengen an Eisenhydroxidschl{\"a}mmen (EHS) an. Hierbei lassen sich 3 Herkunftsschwerpunkte definieren: I) nat{\"u}rliche Eisenhydroxidsedimente aus Fließen, II) EHS aus Grubenwasserbehandlungsanlagen, die durch Kalkung gef{\"a}llt wurden und III) EHS aus Trinkwassergewinnungsst{\"a}tten, die gekalkt und zus{\"a}tzlich durch chemische Flockungsmittel behandelt wurden. Diese sollen mit verschiedenen Tonen und Lehmen als weitere anorganische Komponenten, sowie mit organischem Material (Kompost) gemischt werden. Ziel ist die Herstellung von anorganisch-organische Mischsubstraten, die die bodenphysikalischen Eigenschaften positiv beeinflussen. Erste Untersuchungsergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die untersuchten EHS je nach Behandlung in ihrer mineralogischen Zusammensetzung, sowie den physikochemischen Parametern deutlich unterscheiden. In ersten Experimenten wird untersucht, wie sich diese Mischungen auf die Wasserhaltekapazit{\"a}t von sandigen B{\"o}den auswirken und ob sich dabei Unterschiede zwischen den EHS und in Kombination mit den anderen Ausgangssubstanzen aufzeigen lassen.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinBadorreck, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Badorreck, Annika}, title = {Twelve years of monitoring the ecological development of a constructed catchment}, series = {9th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behavior BIOGEOMON, Litomysl, Czech Republic, August 20-24, 2017}, booktitle = {9th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behavior BIOGEOMON, Litomysl, Czech Republic, August 20-24, 2017}, editor = {Nov{\´a}k, Martin and Kr{\´a}m, Pavel and Step{\´a}nov{\´a}, Mark{\´e}ta}, publisher = {Czech Geological Survey}, address = {Prague}, pages = {42 -- 43}, abstract = {Landscapes and ecosystems are complex systems with many feedback mechanisms acting between the various abiotic and biotic components. The knowledge about these interacting processes is mainly derived from mature ecosystems. The initial development of ecosystem complexity may involve state transitions following catastrophic shifts, disturbances or transgression of thresholds. The Chicken Creek catchment was constructed in 2005 to study ecosystem development of an initial ecosystem at the landscape scale. The world´s largest constructed catchment has a hillslope-shaped 6 ha size with defined boundary conditions and well-documented inner structures1. For 12 years, we have been monitoring the development of different system compartments2,3. The fast formation of patterns and increasing heterogeneity were challenges for the monitoring program. Starting with a regular 20 × 20 m grid in the initially homogeneous system, monitoring installations were continuously complemented by more pattern and patch oriented measurements in order to catch up with both the spatial and temporal dynamics of the catchment. The monitoring program includes both high-resolution temporal recordings (e.g., groundwater levels, discharge, meteorological data, soil moisture), spatial sampling campaigns (e.g., soil properties) and annual vegetation surveys. In addition, we use drone images to document the site development. The presentation describes the monitoring approach and adaptation with examples from vegetation, soil and hydrological data at different spatial and temporal scales. From the monitoring data we were able to derive different phases during initial development that are characterized by abiotic/biotic feedback mechanisms controlling catchment functioning. Detailed monitoring of the Chicken Creek catchment with known boundary conditions and structure information could help in disentangling general feedback mechanisms between hydrologic, pedogenic, biological and geomorphological processes as well as in gaining a more integrative view of succession and its drivers during the transition from initial, less complex systems to more mature ecosystems. Long-term time series of data are the key for a better understanding of these processes and the effects on ecosystem self-organization and resilience.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GerwinSchaaf, author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Potentials of marginal lands - spontaneous ecosystem development}, series = {European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {Marginal lands are often considered as unfertile and not productive. They are widely excluded from modern land use by conventional agriculture. Assessment of soil fertility usually shows very low productivity potentials at least for growing traditional crops. However, it can be frequently observed that natural succession at different types of marginal lands leads to very diverse and nonetheless productive ecosystems. Examples can be found at abandoned former industrial or transportation sites which were set aside and not further maintained - and also in post-mining landscapes. In one of the lignite open cast mines of the State of Brandenburg in Eastern Germany a landscape observatory was established in 2005 for observing this natural ecosystem development under marginal site conditions. The site of 6 ha is part of the post-mining landscapes of Lusatia which are often characterized by poor soil conditions and clearly reduced soil fertility. It is named "H{\"u}hnerwasser-Quellgebiet" (Chicken Creek Catchment) after a small stream that is restored again after destruction by the mining operations. It is planned to serve as the headwater of this stream and was left to an unrestricted primary succession. A comprehensive scientific monitoring program is carried out since the start of ecosystem development in 2005. The results offer exemplary insights into the establishment of interaction networks between the developing ecosystem compartments. After 10 years a large biodiversity, expressed by a high number of species, can be found at this site as the result of natural recovery processes. A large number of both tree species and individuals have settled here. Even if no economic use of the site and of the woody biomass produced by these trees is planned, an overall assessment of the biomass production was carried out. The results showed that the biomass production from natural succession without any application of fertilizers etc. is directly comparable with yields from adjacent post-mining sites where trees are grown in agroforestry systems for bioenergy production. This reflects the general potentials of marginal lands with regard to biomass production.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinBadorreck, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Badorreck, Annika}, title = {Adaptation strategies to monitor the catchment dynamics at 'Chicken Creek'}, series = {European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {The Chicken Creek catchment was constructed in 2005 to study ecosystem development of an initial ecosystem at the landscape scale. The site has an area of 6 ha with defined boundary conditions and known inner structures. Since more than 10 years, we are monitoring the unrestricted development of different system compartments. The fast development, the formation of patterns and increasing heterogeneity were challenges for the monitoring program. Starting with a regular 20 x 20 m grid in the initially homogeneous system, monitoring installations were continuously complemented by more pattern and patch oriented measurements in order to catch up with both the spatial and temporal dynamics of the catchment. The monitoring program includes both high-resolution temporal recordings (e.g. groundwater levels, discharge, meteorological data, soil moisture), spatial sampling campaigns (e.g. soil properties) and annual vegetation surveys. In addition, we use drone images to document the site development. The presentation describes the monitoring approach and adaptation with examples from vegetation, soil and hydrological data at different spatial and temporal scales.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{PohleHuSchaafetal., author = {Pohle, Ina and Hu, Yuzhu and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Hinz, Christoph}, title = {Hydrogeochemical signatures of catchment evolution - the role of calcium and sulphate release in the constructed H{\"u}hnerwasser ("Chicken Creek") catchment}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {The constructed H{\"u}hnerwasser ("Chicken Creek") catchment is an ecohydrological system in an initial state of development. The catchment with an area of 6 ha was built up from quaternary sediments in the post-mining landscape of Lusatia in Eastern Germany and serves as a critical zone observatory for detecting ecosystem transition. The soil substrate is characterized as sands to loamy sands with low carbonate contents but significant amounts of gypsum in the sediments of the catchment. The catchment undergoes a strong transition from an abiotic system in the initial years to a system with growing influence of biota. Concerning the hydrology, a regime shift from surface runoff to groundwater flow dominated processes is significant. It is of interest, whether the catchment transition is also reflected by hydrogeochemical indicators. We assume gypsum dissolution as dominant process at the catchment scale. In order to investigate the hydrogeochemical evolution of the catchment we analysed electric conductivity, calcium and sulphate concentrations and pH-values of biweekly composite samples from 2007-2013 of the atmospheric deposition, of runoff and soil water. The two observation points in the flowing water represent surface runoff and groundwater discharge respectively. Soil water has been analysed at four soil pits in three depths. The monitoring data were provided by the Research Platform Chicken Creek. From the macroscopic data analysis we found an exponential decay of the electric conductivity, calcium and sulphate concentrations in the flowing waters and some of the soil pits. In the flowing water, the decrease slope of the electric conductivity and the calcium and sulphate concentrations is almost identical. The calcium / sulphate molar ratio as an indicator of gypsum dissolution is almost equal to one up to 2010, afterwards more calcium than sulphate is released. The pH-values in the flowing and soil water are generally higher than in the atmospheric deposition, they do show variabilites but no trend behaviour. The time series analyses showed that the interannual variability of the hydrogeochemical properties is less pronounced in the first years of ecosystem development than in the later years. This leads to the conclusion, that in the first years, gypsum dissolution is the major source for calcium and sulphate in the soil and the flowing waters. The increasing interannual variability and changes in the calcium / sulphate ratio in the later years might be interpreted as hydrogeochemical response to the development of vegetation and acidification due to the development of the rhizosphere.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Schaaf, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {An ecosystem approach to evaluate restoration measures in the lignite mining district of Lusatia/Germany}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 13 April - 17 May 2015}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 13 April - 17 May 2015}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaafElmerGerwinetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Elmer, Michael and Gerwin, Werner and Fischer, Anton and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Nenov, Rossen}, title = {Feedbacks between structures and processes during initial ecosystem development in an artificial catchment}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2013, Vienna, Austria, 07 - 12 April 2013}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2013, Vienna, Austria, 07 - 12 April 2013}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {We studied the role of strutures and processes and their feedbacks during initial ecosystem development in the artificial catchment Chicken Creek. During the first seven years, considerable changes within the catchment were observed. Both internal and external factors could be identified as driving forces for the formation of structures and patterns in the artificial catchment. Initial structures formed by the construction process and initial substrate characteristics were decisive for the distribution and flow of water. External factors like episodic events triggered erosion and dissection during this initial phase, promoted by the low vegetation cover and the unconsolidated sandy substrate. The transformation of the initial geo-system into areas with evolving terrestrial or aquatic characteristics and from a very episodic to a more permanent stream network and discharge, together with the observed vegetation dynamics increased site diversity and heterogeneity with respect to water and nutrient availability and transformation processes compared to the more homogenous conditions at point zero. The processes and feedback mechanisms in the initial development of a new landscape may deviate in rates, intensity and dominance from those known from mature ecosystems. It is therefore crucial to understand these early phases of ecosystem development and to disentangle the increasingly complex interactions between the evolving terrestrial and aquatic, biotic and abiotic compartments of the system. Artificially created catchments could be a suitable tool to study these initial developments at the landscape scale under known, designed and defined boundary conditions.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ZaplataKollmannUlrichetal., author = {Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Kollmann, Johannes and Ulrich, Werner and Winter, Susanne and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Elmer, Michael and Gerwin, Werner and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Cover balance or degree of autocorrelation? It is the same and integratively traces pattern formation during succession}, series = {Gf{\"O} 43rd Annual Meeting, Building bridges in ecology, linking systems, scales and disciplines, September 9 to 13, 2013, Potsdam, Germany}, booktitle = {Gf{\"O} 43rd Annual Meeting, Building bridges in ecology, linking systems, scales and disciplines, September 9 to 13, 2013, Potsdam, Germany}, editor = {Jeltsch, Florian and Joshi, Jasmin}, pages = {228 -- 229}, abstract = {It is widely acknowledged that increasing complexity is a key attribute of ecosystem genesis. This is particularly true for primary succession on homogeneous substrates. However, a mechanistic understanding of spatial colonisation and pattern formation during primary succession has not been achieved yet. Thus, we studied this topic for 7 years within an experimental catchment (6 ha) established in the post-mining landscape of eastern Germany. Equidistant permanent plots (120 plots {\`a} 25m²) allowed for autocorrelation analyses, and thus tracing the spatial development of species cover performance. For each species tested, the "cover balance" first increased due to colonization, while decreasing in the course of succession. Drawing a benefit from these temporal trends, we suggested cover balance levels revealed by autocorrelation analyses to best indicate well-defined phases in primary succession at spatial entities. Hence, with the help of this spatial approach, terrestrial succession can be understood now much better at the most general level of the hierarchy provided by Pickett et al. (1987). In accordance with these authors, at subordinated levels of the causal hierarchy differential species performance might get collectively explained by contributing processes or conditions, such as ecophysiological traits, life history strategies, competition and allelopathy of the occurring plant species. Further research is needed to understand their relative contributions to the pattern formation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RisseBuhlHagedornDuemigetal., author = {Risse-Buhl, Ute and Hagedorn, Frank and D{\"u}mig, Alexander and Gessner, Mark O. and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Nii-Annang, Seth and Gerull, Linda and Mutz, Michael}, title = {Dynamics, chemical properties and bioavailability of DOC in an early successional catchment}, series = {Gf{\"O} 43rd Annual Meeting, Building bridges in ecology, linking systems, scales and disciplines, September 9 to 13, 2013, Potsdam, Germany}, booktitle = {Gf{\"O} 43rd Annual Meeting, Building bridges in ecology, linking systems, scales and disciplines, September 9 to 13, 2013, Potsdam, Germany}, editor = {Jeltsch, Florian and Joshi, Jasmin}, publisher = {Gesellschaft f{\"u}r {\"O}kologie}, address = {Berlin}, pages = {S. 377}, abstract = {The dynamics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) have been intensively studied in mature ecosystems, but little is known about DOC dynamics and the significance of DOC as a substrate for microbial activity in early-successional catchments. We determined the concentration, chemical composition, radiocarbon age, and bioavailability of DOC along the hydrological flow path from soil solution to a downstream pond in a recently constructed catchment (Chicken Creek Catchment, Germany). Soil solution, upwelling ground water, subsurface water in an alluvial fan, and pond water all had high DOC concentrations (averaged 6.0 - 11.6 mg DOC L-1), despite small carbon stocks in either vegetation or soil of the catchment. The mean 14C age of DOC in upwelling ground water was 2600 to 2800 years. Solid-state CPMAS 13C NMR revealed a higher proportion of aromatic compounds (32\%) and a lower proportion of carbohydrates (33\%) in upwelling ground water compared to pond water (18\% and 45\%, respectively). 14C age and 13C NMR spectra suggest that DOC was partly mobilized from charred organic matter inherent in the Quaternary substrate. In a 70-days incubation experiment, 20\% of the total DOC was found to be bioavailable, irrespective of the water type. Origin of the microbial communities within the catchment (enriched from soil, stream sediment or pond water) had only marginal effects on overall DOC utilization. Overall, our data suggest that both recent and old DOC support microbial activity during early ecosystem succession, although a large fraction of the DOC is recalcitrant and eventually exported from the catchment once it has been mobilized.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HinzGerwinSchaafetal., author = {Hinz, Christoph and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Elmer, Michael and Fl{\"u}hler, Hannes and Holl{\"a}nder, Hartmut M. and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {State transitions in the artificial catchment Huehnerwasser (Chicken Creek): Ecosystems development 8 years after initialization : abstract}, series = {Soil-mediated Drivers of Coupled Biogeochemical and Hydrological Processes across Scales, AGU Chapman Conference Biosphere II, Tucson, Arizona, USA, 21-24 October 2013}, booktitle = {Soil-mediated Drivers of Coupled Biogeochemical and Hydrological Processes across Scales, AGU Chapman Conference Biosphere II, Tucson, Arizona, USA, 21-24 October 2013}, pages = {S. 34}, language = {en} } @incollection{DillyNiiAnnangSchrautzeretal., author = {Dilly, Oliver and Nii-Annang, Seth and Schrautzer, J. and Schwartze, P. and Breuer, P. and Pfeiffer, Eva-Maria and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Freese, Dirk and Veste, Maik and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Ecosystem Manipulation and Restoration on the Basis of Long-Term Conceptions}, series = {Long-Term Ecological Research Between Theory and Application}, booktitle = {Long-Term Ecological Research Between Theory and Application}, editor = {M{\"u}ller, Felix and Baessler, Cornelia and Schubert, Hendrik and Klotz, Stefan}, publisher = {Springer Netherlands}, address = {Dordrecht}, isbn = {978-90-481-8781-2}, pages = {411 -- 428}, language = {en} } @incollection{Schaaf, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Soil solution}, series = {Initial development of the artificial catchment "Chicken Creek" : monitoring program and survey 2005-2008}, booktitle = {Initial development of the artificial catchment "Chicken Creek" : monitoring program and survey 2005-2008}, editor = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Biemelt, Detlef and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, publisher = {Univ. of Technology, Research Center Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes}, address = {Cottbus}, pages = {45 -- 56}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinBiemeltetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Biemelt, Detlef and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Monitoring of initial patterns and structures in an artificial catchment}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ZimmermannSchaaf, author = {Zimmermann, Claudia and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Characterization of interactions between solid phase and soil solution in the initial ecosystem development phase}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Schaaf, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Initial substrate characteristics and soil solution composition in the artificial catchment 'Chicken Creek'}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, publisher = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, address = {European Geophysical Society}, pages = {17}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ZimmermannSchaaf, author = {Zimmermann, Claudia and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Characterization of interactions between solid and liquid phase in the initial ecosystem development}, series = {Structures and processes of the initial ecosystem development, 1st International Conference assoc. with 4th Meeting of Young Researchers in Earth Sciences (MYRES), 20-24 Sept. 2010, Cottbus, Germany}, booktitle = {Structures and processes of the initial ecosystem development, 1st International Conference assoc. with 4th Meeting of Young Researchers in Earth Sciences (MYRES), 20-24 Sept. 2010, Cottbus, Germany}, publisher = {BTU}, address = {Cottbus}, pages = {S. 145}, language = {en} } @misc{VesteGerwinBiemeltetal., author = {Veste, Maik and Gerwin, Werner and Biemelt, Detlef and Fischer, A. and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Monitoring of ecosystem patterns and processes in an artificial catchment in Lusatia, Germany}, series = {6th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behaviour BIOGEOMON 2009}, journal = {6th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behaviour BIOGEOMON 2009}, editor = {Ukonmaanaho, Liisa and Nieminen, Tiina Maileena and Starr, Michael}, publisher = {Finnish Forest Research Institute}, address = {Vantaa, Finland}, isbn = {978-951-40-2177-0}, pages = {S. 84}, language = {en} } @misc{VesteBiemeltFischeretal., author = {Veste, Maik and Biemelt, Detlef and Fischer, A. and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {The "Point Zero": Monitoring of biogeochemical patterns and processes in an artificial ecosystem (Lusatia, Germany)}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2009, Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, journal = {EGU General Assembly 2009, Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @misc{ZaplataFischerWinteretal., author = {Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Fischer, A. and Winter, S. and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Veste, Maik}, title = {Development of an initial ecosystem - II. Vegetation dynamics and soil pattern in an artificial water catchment in Lusatia, NE Germany}, series = {Gf{\"O} 2009: Dimensions of ecology - From global change to molecular ecology}, journal = {Gf{\"O} 2009: Dimensions of ecology - From global change to molecular ecology}, editor = {Holzheu, Stefan and Thies, B.}, publisher = {Bayreuther Zentrum f{\"u}r {\"O}kologie und Umweltforschung (BayCEER) Selbstverlag}, address = {Bayreuth}, pages = {S. 124}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinKoegelKnabneretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid and Gerke, Horst H. and Schulin, Rainer and Schloter, Michael and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Point zero: the missing link in initial soil formation concepts}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2009, Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2009, Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GerwinSchaafHuettl, author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The artificial catchment 'Chicken Creek' ('Huehnerwasser') as a new research tool for hydrological and ecological studies}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2009, Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2009, Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @techreport{HuettlHauboldRosarSchaafetal., author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Haubold-Rosar, Michael and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Heinkele, Thomas}, title = {Leitfaden zum Einsatz von Kompost und Kl{\"a}rschlamm bei der Rekultivierung}, publisher = {Cottbus}, isbn = {3-937728-02-3}, abstract = {Cottbuser Schriften zur {\"O}kosystemgenese und Landschaftsentwicklung, Band 3, 123 S.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{HuettlKoegelKnabnerZeyeretal., author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid and Zeyer, Josef and Munch, Jean Charles and Gr{\"u}newald, Uwe and Pretzsch, Hans and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Veste, Maik}, title = {Structures and processes of the initial ecosystem development phase in an artificial water catchment}, series = {Plant Life in an Extreme and Changing Environment, Book of Abstracts}, booktitle = {Plant Life in an Extreme and Changing Environment, Book of Abstracts}, pages = {89 -- 90}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinVesteetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Veste, Maik and Biemelt, Detlef}, title = {Monitoring of Soil-Plant-Atmosphere patterns and processes in an artificial catchment}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2008, Wien}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2008, Wien}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @incollection{SchaafGerkeEineckeetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerke, Horst H. and Einecke, Markus and Wecker, Birgit and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Lokale Ungleichgewichte und damit verbundene bodenchemische und hydrologische Prozessdynamik als Merkmale des Stoffhaushalts gest{\"o}rter Standorte}, series = {Entwicklung und Bewertung gest{\"o}rter Kulturlandschaften. Fallbeispiel Niederlausitzer Bergbaufolgelandschaft, Cottbus}, booktitle = {Entwicklung und Bewertung gest{\"o}rter Kulturlandschaften. Fallbeispiel Niederlausitzer Bergbaufolgelandschaft, Cottbus}, editor = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner}, edition = {1. Auflage}, publisher = {Forschungszentrum Bergbaulandschaften}, address = {Cottbus}, isbn = {3-937728-01-5}, pages = {7 -- 48}, language = {de} } @incollection{SchaafHuettl, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Monitoring des Stoff- und Wasserhaushalts von Kippenstandorten als Kenngr{\"o}ße der {\"O}kosystementwicklung}, series = {Entwicklung und Bewertung gest{\"o}rter Kulturlandschaften : Fallbeispiel Niederlausitzer Bergbaufolgelandschaft}, booktitle = {Entwicklung und Bewertung gest{\"o}rter Kulturlandschaften : Fallbeispiel Niederlausitzer Bergbaufolgelandschaft}, editor = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner}, edition = {1. Auflage}, publisher = {Forschungszentrum Bergbaulandschaften}, address = {Cottbus}, isbn = {3-937728-01-5}, pages = {179 -- 193}, language = {de} } @article{EineckeWeckerGerkeetal., author = {Einecke, Markus and Wecker, Birgit and Gerke, Horst H. and Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Untersuchungen zur Bedeutung der kleinr{\"a}umigen Heterogenit{\"a}t f{\"u}r den Wasser- und Stoffhaushalt kohlehaltiger Kippb{\"o}den}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerkeBensetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerke, Horst H. and Bens, Oliver and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and M{\"u}nzenberger, Babette}, title = {Effects of disturbance on the development of water and element cycles of post-mining ecosystems}, language = {en} }