@inproceedings{ZaplataKollmannUlrichetal., author = {Zaplata, Markus K. 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} } @misc{PohlWinklerRuecknageletal., author = {Pohl, Lydia and Winkler, Pauline and R{\"u}cknagel, Jan and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Charakterisierung und Stabilit{\"a}t organo-mineralischer Bodenhilfsstoffe aus Eisenhydroxidschl{\"a}mmen}, series = {Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft (DBG) 2023 "B{\"o}den - divers \& multifunktional" 2. - 8. September 2023 in Halle (Saale)}, journal = {Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft (DBG) 2023 "B{\"o}den - divers \& multifunktional" 2. - 8. September 2023 in Halle (Saale)}, pages = {S. 534}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinKoegelKnabneretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid and Zeyer, Josef and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The artificial catchment 'Chicken Creek': A research site to study the development of biogeochemical cycles in initial ecosystems}, 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{SchaafPohleMaureretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Pohle, Ina and Maurer, Thomas and Gerwin, Werner and Hinz, Christoph and Badorreck, Annika}, title = {Water balance dynamics of the constructed Chicken Creek catchment as influenced by 12 years of ecological development}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2018, Vienna, Austria}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2018, Vienna, Austria}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {Experimental catchments with well-known boundaries and characteristics may contribute valuable data to hydrological, critical zone and landscape evolution research. One of the most well-established and largest constructed catchments is the Chicken Creek catchment (6 ha area including a 0.4 ha pond, Brandenburg, Germany) representing an initial ecosystem undergoing a highly dynamic ecological development starting from clearly defined starting conditions. The water balance dynamics of the catchment was calculated using a simple mass balance approach to reveal the impact of ecological development during 12 years. Water storage in the catchment was calculated from a 3D-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. Due to the known boundary conditions and the inner structure of the catchment, we were able to quantify the different storage compartments and their role in hydrologic response. Our results indicate that for small catchments with a highly dynamic ecological development like the Chicken Creek, the knowledge about saturated and unsaturated storage volumes enables a good estimate and closure of the water balance using a rather simple approach, at least in annual resolution. We found a significant relationship between vegetation cover in the catchment and calculated ET. Time series of meteorological, hydrological, soil and vegetation data over 12 years enabled us to characterize the transient development of the catchment and to evaluate the effect of different feedback mechanisms on catchment hydrology. The dataset from the Chicken Creek catchment indicate at least three phases in ecosystem development, where initial abiotic feedbacks (e.g. erosion) were followed by more and more biotic controls (e.g. biological soil crusts, vegetation succession and growth). Data from Chicken Creek in high spatial and temporal resolution provide a valuable database underlining the high importance of abiotic/biotic feedback effects that change the hydrologic functioning and response of the catchment more than the water balance itself revealed and thus have to be included in catchment models.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GerwinRepmannFreeseetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Repmann, Frank and Freese, Dirk and Baumgarten, Wibke and Ivanina, Vadym}, title = {Marginal lands - ecological limitations and economic potentials}, 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 = {S. 362}, abstract = {The term "marginal land" refers to generally unfavourable site conditions for traditional economic agriculture or forestry. The definitions of marginality differ widely and also the scientific perspective on this type of land is very heterogeneous. However, with regard to the fast growing competition for arable lands between agricultural food production and the increasing need for growing renewable resources, such marginal lands could offer a mitigation option. Whereas agriculture is concentrating rapidly on the most fertile soils, the production of biomass as the renewable basis for various products could be shifted to sites with lower soil fertility. This in general is the main objective of the H2020 funded EU project SEEMLA (acronym for "Sustainable exploitation of biomass for bioenergy from marginal lands"). This project aims at an establishment of suitable innovative land-use strategies for a sustainable production of plant-based energy on marginal lands, while improving general ecosystem services. This approach will be tested in selected casestudy regions in Europe on marginal lands with different reasons for their marginality. One of the central tasks of this project was the characterization and classification of the investigated marginal sites according to a common definition. For that reason the Muencheberg Soil Quality Rating (SQR) system1 was adapted and applied at sites in Germany, Greece and Ukraine. This paper gives an overview of the importance and properties of different soil parameters and ecological site conditions for this classification. Even if the occurrence of the single site limitations epends on regional conditions, some generalizations are possible. Based on the respective dominating soil related restrictions, a classification of types of marginality and of marginal lands can be derived also with regard to their land use potentials for renewable resources. Further, cultivating biomass on marginal lands may offer remediation potentials with regard to the described ecological restraints of marginal sites.}, 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} } @incollection{SchaafHinzGerwinetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Hinz, Christoph and Gerwin, Werner and Zaplata, Markus K. and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Ecosystem Development in the Constructed Catchment "Chicken Creek"}, series = {Hydrology of Artificial and Controlled Experiments}, booktitle = {Hydrology of Artificial and Controlled Experiments}, editor = {Liu, Jiu-Fu and Gu, Wei-Zu}, publisher = {Intech Open}, address = {London}, isbn = {978-1-78923-559-3}, pages = {75 -- 93}, 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. We propose a conceptual framework of feedback processes in early states of ecosystem development affected by spatiotemporal environmental drivers. To test this concept, we used 10-year time series of hydrological, biological, geomorphological, and soil data from the constructed catchment Chicken Creek." The 6ha site was left to unrestricted development since 2005 and was intensively monitored. The data showed a very rapid development of the site with an increasing complexity and heterogeneity. In the first years, stochastic signals like the initial substrate conditions and external drivers like extreme weather events were the most important factors resulting in abiotic/abiotic feedback mechanisms shaping the morphology of the site and creating site diversity. Initial abiotic feedback mechanisms between water and substrate were soon followed by abiotic/biotic feedbacks between biological soil crusts, invading vegetation, geomorphology, and hydrology resulting in state transitions of catchment functioning.}, 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} } @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{GerwinSchaafHinzetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Hinz, Christoph and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Monitoring of Ecosystem Development at the Constructed Catchment Chicken Creek}, series = {TERENO International Conference 2014, From Observation to Prediction in Terrestrial Systems, 29 September to 2 October 2014, Book of Abstracts}, booktitle = {TERENO International Conference 2014, From Observation to Prediction in Terrestrial Systems, 29 September to 2 October 2014, Book of Abstracts}, pages = {P2-12}, 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 an unrestricted primary succession. The developing ecosystem offers the opportunity to study most processes occurring at the interface of bio-, pedo-, geo- and hydrosphere. Particularly interactions and feedbacks between different evolving compartments as well as the establishment of ecosystem functions and services can be investigated during the ongoing ecosystem development. The catchment is extensively instrumented since 2005 in order to detect transition stages of the ecosystem. Comprehensive data recorded with a high spatial and temporal resolution include hydrological, geomorphological, pedological, limnological as well as biological parameters. This site offers the unique situation of an early stage ecosystem with highly dynamic system properties. The first years of development were characterized by a fast formation of geomorphological structures due to massive erosion processes at 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 an increasing importance. Feedbacks between developing vegetation and e.g. hydrological features became more and more dominant. As a result, different phases of ecosystem development could be distinguished until now. This observatory offers manifold possibilities to identify and disentangle complex interactions between ecosystem compartments in situ under natural conditions. The originally low complexity of the system is growing with time facilitating the identification of influences of newly developing structures on ecosystem functions. Thus, it is possible to study effects of small-scale processes on the whole system at the landscape scale. In addition, the highly dynamic initial system properties allow the observation of multifaceted changes of ecosystem properties and functions within short periods of time.}, language = {en} } @misc{HuettlGerwinSchaafetal., author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Zaplata, Markus K. 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} } @inproceedings{ElmerSchaafGerwinetal., author = {Elmer, Michael and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Hinz, Christoph}, title = {The constructed catchment 'Chicken Creek' - a landscape observatory to analyze processes and feedback mechanisms during initial ecosystem development}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2014}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2014}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {We investigated the initial development of the landscape observatory 'Chicken Creek', Germany, an artificial catchment with well known boundary conditions and inner structures (Gerwin et al., 2011). Over a period of nine years, we observed considerable changes within the site (Elmer et al., 2013). Both internal and external factors could be identified as driving forces for the formation of structures and patterns in the catchment. Over time, secondary structures and patterns evolved and became more and more important. Invading biota and vegetation succession initialized feedback mechanisms resulting in pattern and habitat formation as well as in increased differentiation, heterogeneity and complexity that are typical characteristics of ecosystems (Schaaf et al., 2013). 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.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HinzSchaafGerwin, author = {Hinz, Christoph and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Competing feedbacks drive state transitions during initial catchment evolution: Examples from post-mining landscape and ecosystems evolution}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2014}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2014}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {Within the context of severely disturbed landscapes with little or no ecological memory, such as post-mining landscapes, we propose a simple framework that explains the catchment evolution as a result of competing feedbacks influenced by the initial conditions and the atmospheric drivers such as rainfall intermittency and intensity. The first stage of the evolution is dominated by abiotic feedbacks triggered by rainfall and subsequent fluid flow causing particle mobilisation on the surface and in the subsurface leading to flow concentration or in some instances to densification of surface and subsurface substrates. Subsequently, abiotic-biotic feedbacks start to compete in the sense that biological activity generally stabilizes substrate by preventing particle mobilisation and hence contribute to converting the substrate to a habitat. We suggest that these competing feedbacks may generate alternative stable states in particular under semi-arid and arid climatic conditions, while in temperate often energy limited environments biological process "outcompete" abiotic processes leading to a stable state, in particular from the water balance point of view for comparable geomorphic situations.}, language = {en} } @misc{HuettlGerwinKoegelKnabneretal., author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid and Schulin, Rainer and Hinz, Christoph and Subke, Jens-Arne}, title = {Ecosystems in transition: interactions and feedbacks with an amphasis on the initial development}, series = {Biogeosciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Biogeosciences}, doi = {doi:10.5194/bg-11-195-2014}, pages = {195 -- 200}, abstract = {In this Special Issue of Biogeosciences on "Ecosystems in transition: Interactions and feedbacks with an emphasis on the initial development", we bring together research on ecosystems undergoing state transitions, including artificially created and naturally formed sites, most of them in an initial stage of development. State transitions of an ecosystem may occur either when a formerly stable system state is disturbed or when a developing system gradually achieves new functions during succession. This special issue presents a collection of observational and experimental studies that focus on processes occurring during state transitions in the development of ecosystems and provide insights into the feedback mechanisms controlling them. These state transitions are studied at multiple scales, ranging from the pore scale to the catchment scale. The contributions collected in this issue can be divided into two main groups: (i) studies dealing with state transition occurring in initial ecosystems without active human interference, and (ii) studies dealing with active restoration of ecosystems after severe disturbances.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaafHinzGerwinetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Hinz, Christoph and Gerwin, Werner and Zaplata, Markus K. and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The role of feedback mechanisms in the initial development of the constructed catchment Chicken Creek}, 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} } @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 K.}, 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{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} } @inproceedings{GerwinSchaafElmeretal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Elmer, Michael and Hinz, Christoph}, title = {The constructed catchment Chicken Creek as Critical Zone Observatory under transition}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2014}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2014}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, 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 an unrestricted 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 evolving compartments during ecosystem development. The catchment is extensively instrumented since 2005 in order to detect transition stages of the ecosystem. Data recorded with a high spatial and temporal resolution include ydrological, geomorphological, pedological, limnological as well as biological parameters.}, 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} } @misc{VesteGerwinBiemeltetal., author = {Veste, Maik and Gerwin, Werner and Biemelt, Detlef and Fischer, Annette 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} } @book{GerwinSchaafBiemeltetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Biemelt, Detlef and Elmer, Michael and Maurer, Thomas and Schneider, Anna}, title = {The artificial catchment H{\"u}hnerwasser (Chicken Creek): Construction and initial properties}, publisher = {FZLB}, address = {Cottbus}, pages = {56}, language = {en} } @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} } @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{VesteBiemeltFischeretal., author = {Veste, Maik and Biemelt, Detlef and Fischer, Annette 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{GerwinRaabBiemeltetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Raab, Thomas and Biemelt, Detlef and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The artificial water catchment "Chicken Creek" as an observatory for critical zone processes and structures}, series = {Hydrology and Earth System Sciences}, volume = {6}, journal = {Hydrology and Earth System Sciences}, number = {2}, issn = {1812-2116}, doi = {10.5194/hessd-6-1769-2009}, pages = {1769 -- 1795}, 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} } @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} } @incollection{HuettlSchneiderGerwin, author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Energielandschaften - Chancen zur Landnutzung nach dem Bergbau}, series = {Bergbaufolgelandschaft}, booktitle = {Bergbaufolgelandschaft}, publisher = {Jovis}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-86859-043-2}, pages = {168 -- 173}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{SchaafGerwinFreeseetal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Freese, Dirk and B{\"o}hm, Christian and Kr{\"u}mmelbein, Julia}, title = {Initiale {\"O}kosystementwicklung, Rekultivierung und alternative Landnutzung in der Niederlausitzer Bergbaufolgelandschaft}, series = {B{\"o}den verstehen, B{\"o}den nutzen, B{\"o}den fit machen, Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, 3. - 9. September 2011}, booktitle = {B{\"o}den verstehen, B{\"o}den nutzen, B{\"o}den fit machen, Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, 3. - 9. September 2011}, publisher = {Dt. Bodenkundliche Gesellschaft}, address = {Oldenburg}, pages = {22 -- 27}, language = {de} } @misc{SchaafElmerFischeretal., author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Elmer, Michael and Fischer, Anton and Gerwin, Werner and Nenov, Rossen and Pretzsch, Hans and Zaplata, Markus K.}, title = {Feedbacks between vegetation, surface structures and hydrology during initial development of the artificial catchment 'Chicken Creek'}, series = {Procedia Environmental Sciences}, volume = {19}, journal = {Procedia Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1878-0296}, doi = {10.1016/j.proenv.2013.06.010}, pages = {86 -- 95}, abstract = {Our investigations at the artificial catchment ´Chicken Creek´ in Lusatia/Germany 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 this initial, probably less complex ecosystem. Intensive measurements were carried out in the catchment with regard to the development of surface structures, hydrological patterns, and vegetation dynamics. 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} } @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} } @inproceedings{RepmannGerwinFreese, author = {Repmann, Frank and Gerwin, Werner and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Nachhaltige Biomasserzeugung zur energetischen Verwertung auf marginalen Standorten in Europa - Bewertung der Standortqualit{\"a}t}, series = {B{\"a}ume in der Land(wirt)schaft - von der Theorie in die Praxis, Tagungsband mit Beitr{\"a}gen des 5. Forums Agroforstsysteme 30.11. bis 01.12.2016 in Senftenberg (OT Brieske)}, booktitle = {B{\"a}ume in der Land(wirt)schaft - von der Theorie in die Praxis, Tagungsband mit Beitr{\"a}gen des 5. Forums Agroforstsysteme 30.11. bis 01.12.2016 in Senftenberg (OT Brieske)}, editor = {B{\"o}hm, Christian}, publisher = {BTU}, address = {Cottbus}, isbn = {978-3-940471-27-7}, pages = {189 -- 195}, abstract = {Der Lehrstuhl Bodenschutz und Rekultivierung der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universit{\"a}t Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU CS) ist Projektpartner in dem von der Europ{\"a}ischen Union im Rahmen des Programms Horizon 2020 gef{\"o}rderten Forschungsprojekts SEEMLA → „Sustainable exploitation of biomass for bioenergy from marginal lands in Europe" → „Nachhaltige Nutzung von Biomasse f{\"u}r Bioenergie von marginalen Standorten in Europa". {\"U}bergeordnetes Ziel des Projektes ist die Ermittlung des Biomassepotenzials, das auf marginalen Standorten innerhalb von Europa nachhaltig produziert und energetisch verwertet werden kann. Die BTU CS hat in diesem Kontext Untersuchungen zur Bewertung der Marginalit{\"a}t von potenziellen Biomasse-Produktionsstandorten in Deutschland, Griechenland und der Ukraine durchgef{\"u}hrt. Zu diesem Zweck wurde das M{\"u}ncheberger Soil-Quality-Rating System (SQR) (M{\"u}ller et al. 2007) eingesetzt.}, language = {de} } @misc{GerwinRepmannGalatsidasetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Repmann, Frank and Galatsidas, Spyridon and Vlachaki, Despoina and Gounaris, Nikos and Baumgarten, Wibke and Volkmann, Christiane and Keramitzis, Dimitrios and Kiourtsis, Fotios and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Assessment and quantification of marginal lands for biomass production in Europe using soil-quality indicators}, series = {SOIL}, volume = {4}, journal = {SOIL}, number = {4}, issn = {2199-398X}, doi = {10.5194/soil-4-267-2018}, pages = {267 -- 290}, abstract = {The cultivation of bioenergy plants in fertile, arable lands increasingly results in new land use conflicts with food production and cannot be considered as sustainable. Marginal lands have been frequently considered as potential alternatives for producing bioenergy from biomass. However, clear definitions and assessment methods for selecting marginal lands and for calculating potentials are still widely missing. The project "SEEMLA" aims at triggering the exploitation of currently underused marginal lands for biomass production for energy purposes. Study sites have been selected in different European countries: Germany, Greece, and Ukraine. The selected sites represent a wide variety of different types of marginal lands. Based on a soil assessment set given by the Muencheberg Soil Quality Rating (SQR) system potentially "marginal" sites have been investigated. The SQR system allows for clearly distinguishing between soils of higher and lower quality. Soils with SQR scores below 40 are regarded as "marginal". They can be classified into different groups with regard to the importance of soil hazard indicators as evaluated by the SQR approach. The calculated SQR scores correlate significantly with biomass yields of bioenergy plants. Further, the SQR method was adapted for use in a GIS study on marginal-land potentials in Europe. Thus, 46\% of the investigated European area could be classified as "marginal" with SQR scores below 40. From that area 22.6\% can be considered as potentially suitable for producing renewable resources after eliminating protected sites or other places not suitable for any kind of land use. Taking the ecological demands of selected bioenergy plants into account it is possible to give first preliminary recommendations for regional crop cultivation. It can be concluded that Europe offers a large potential for renewable resources from marginal sites. However, the implementation into practice is often impeded by missing or varying policies and regulations. A proper implementation needs clear regulations and also incentives for farmers at the European level.}, language = {en} } @misc{HuettlGerwin, author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Landscape Development From Point Zero}, series = {Pacific Science}, volume = {77}, journal = {Pacific Science}, number = {2-3}, issn = {1534-6188}, doi = {10.2984/77.2.11}, pages = {309 -- 325}, abstract = {Severe disturbances of landscapes entail an ecosystem development with the formation of structures and functions which may reach either a new equilibrium state or a state similar to the original ecosystem. Natural disturbances can result from major events such as volcanoes, glaciers, or denudations from landslides. Major disturbance may also evolve from anthropogenic influences such as from mining operations. They all can be considered starting points for the development of ecosystems from 'point zero', which was one central research interest of Dieter Mueller-Dombois. In this paper results from research in the Lusatian post-mining landscapes (Eastern Germany) are presented. Different methodological approaches are discussed. The well-defined 'point zero' of the ecosystem development allows for research on chronosequence designs as well as real time series studies. Chronosequences have been investigated to gain insight into the medium to long-term direction of the development. Real time series are recorded to obtain a more detailed understanding. The paper is structured into three main parts: First, effects of ecosystem disturbances by mining in Lusatia and the initial conditions for restoration are presented. In the following part practical rehabilitation measures and land use options are discussed. Finally, the third part summarizes results of long-term monitoring in an artificial watershed. In conclusion, post-mining landscapes allow for relevant case studies of ecosystem development after severe disturbances. Particularly, the starting point of the initial phase is very well defined which distinguishes these anthropogenically disturbed landscapes from landscapes after natural disturbances.}, 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{HuettlGerwin, author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Forest rehabilitation after disturbance : introduction}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {31}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {1}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2007.05.002}, pages = {145 -- 146}, language = {en} } @misc{ElmerGerwinSchaafetal., author = {Elmer, Michael and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Zaplata, Markus K. and Hohberg, Karin and Nenov, Rossen and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Dynamics of initial ecosystem development at the artificial catchment Chicken Creek, Lusatia, Germany}, series = {Environmental Earth Sciences}, volume = {69}, journal = {Environmental Earth Sciences}, number = {2}, issn = {1866-6299}, pages = {491 -- 505}, language = {en} } @book{GerwinSchillemAschetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schillem, Steffi and Asch, Folkard and Bens, Oliver and Bestajovsky, J{\"u}rgen and Bruns, Christian and Gattinger, Andreas and Hattig, Tom and Hoogen, Heiner and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Raab, Thomas and Rodionov, Andrei and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and Trimborn, Manfred}, title = {Bodenmelioration und Anbauverfahren f{\"u}r trockenheitsgef{\"a}hrdete Standorte (BAtroS)}, editor = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner}, publisher = {FZLB}, address = {Cottbus}, isbn = {978-3-937728-14-8}, pages = {120}, language = {de} } @misc{VesteDominikDimitrovetal., author = {Veste, Maik and Dominik, R. and Dimitrov, M. and Fischer, Annette and Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Novel drone-based system for ecosystem monitoring - application, analysis and interpretation}, series = {EURECO-GFOE 2008, Proceedings}, journal = {EURECO-GFOE 2008, Proceedings}, editor = {Stadler, Jutta and Sch{\"o}ppe, Felix and Frenzel, Mark}, publisher = {Gesellschaft f{\"u}r {\"O}kologie}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-00-025522-9}, pages = {S. 809}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GerwinRaabDimitrov, author = {Gerwin, Werner and Raab, Thomas and Dimitrov, M.}, title = {Interactions between surface structures, runoff and erosion in an artificial watershed during the initial ecosystem development}, 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{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} } @misc{BadorreckSchaafGerwinetal., author = {Badorreck, Annika and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and Moghadas, Davood and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Long-term monitoring program at the constructed catchment "Chicken Creek"}, series = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, volume = {21}, journal = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, pages = {1}, abstract = {Ecosystems are characterized by high complexity and are dynamically changing by abiotic and biotic drivers such as climate, vegetation and soil fauna. Due to feedback processes between compartments, ecosystems show an inherent degree of locally heterogeneous properties and structures at multiple spatial and temporal scales. The constructed catchment "Chicken Creek" represents a unique and outstanding site to study an ecosystem at the initial stage of development. The catchment is located about 20 km south of the city of Cottbus (Germany). The 6-ha catchment area was built in 2005 of coarse-textured quaternary sediments from the adjacent lignite mine and forms a back- and foot-slope that flattens out to a pond. A clay liner of 2-3 m thickness seals the catchment at the bottom, allowing for the formation of a local water body fed by precipitation. After construction the site was left to an unrestricted and unmanaged succession to elucidate the role of structures und processes during the initial establishment of an ecosystem. To study processes of ecosystem development and newly emerging structures the Chicken Creek catchment is equipped with a comprehensive ecological monitoring network. A network of more than 40 wells and two weirs allow for recording groundwater levels, surface runoff and discharge. Meteorological parameters are recorded at three weather stations. Annual aerial photos and vegetation monitoring reveal the floral colonisation of the area. Here, we present the 12 years of diverse and extensive monitoring program which has been launched to measure hydrological, biological, meteorological, and pedological parameters during the ecological development of the catchment area.}, language = {en} } @misc{GerwinSchaaf, author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Dynamic interactions between abiotic and biotic ecosystem compartments - case study Huehnerwasser landscape observatory}, series = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, volume = {21}, journal = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, pages = {1}, abstract = {The Huehnerwasser catchment was constructed 2004-2005 in a post-mining landscape in Eastern Germany and was left for an unmanaged primary ecosystem succession. At the same time a comprehensive monitoring program was launched for observing the expected dynamic development of this 6 ha site. During the following years this artificially created system was subject to a series of fast changes with regard to morphology, hydrology or vegetation cover. In summary, these processes resulted in significant alterations of the original, initial system within a short period of time. This development can be divided up into single phases with dominating processes or groups of processes. A first phase was mainly characterized by interactions between abiotic system components such as water and substrate. However, already in this very early developmental phase biotic components in the form of microorganisms were a crucial system forming factor by means of biological soil crusts. This period was quickly replaced by a second phase with dominating hydrological processes. During this phase the local groundwater body of the system developed to its full extent. With the beginning of the present phase biota gained control of the system behavior. Particularly plants and related processes such as water uptake and evapotranspiration are now responsible for new modifications of the system. The Huehnerwasser site offers an example of young and highly dynamic ecological systems. This transitional development of a very young ecosystem contrasts with the behavior of mature ecosystems with slow and less pronounced changes unless the system is disturbed. In this paper we present insights into a unique landscape observatory which illustrates the dynamic nature of natural systems in fast motion.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafGerwinHuettl, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and Gerwin, Werner and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {15 years of ecosystem development at Chicken Creek catchment: conceptual framework, surprises and conclusions}, series = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, volume = {21}, journal = {Geophysical Research Abstracts}, pages = {1}, abstract = {After completion of the construction in 2005 (Gerwin et al. 2009), a major challenge was to develop and install a cross-disciplinary long-term monitoring program for the 6 ha area to record major environmental parameters adapted to the development of the site (Schaaf et al. 2013). During its first 15 years, Chicken Creek showed a very dynamic development (Elmer et al 2013). Whereas the abiotic geosystem of the first 2-3 years was characterized by heavy erosion and sediment transport, primary succession by invading vegetation and the unexpected formation of soil crusts within few years resulted in more biotic-abiotic feedbacks that controlled catchment hydrology. Our observations over a period of 15 years indicate that even minor variations in initial substrate characteristics (e.g. texture) can have lasting impacts on geomorphical, hydrological and biological development like erosion intensity, groundwater levels or establishment of vegetation patterns. The time-series of monitoring data combined with a structure model of the catchment (Gerke et al. 2013) allowed the closure of the water balance by relatively simple calculations of water storage volumes and the estimation of evapotranspiration (Schaaf et al. 2017). From these data three stages of ecosystem development were derived which are characterized by increasing influence of biota and increasing system complexity.}, 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{GerwinSchaafVesteetal., author = {Gerwin, Werner and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Veste, Maik and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The artificial catchment 'Chicken Creek' ('H{\"u}hnerwasser') as a tool for understanding the interactions of processes and structures of initial ecosystem development}, series = {6th International Symposium on Ecosystem Behaviour BIOGEOMON 2009}, booktitle = {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. 332}, 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} } @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} } @incollection{AschBensBestajovskyetal., author = {Asch, Folkard and Bens, Oliver and Bestajovsky, J{\"u}rgen and Gattinger, Andreas and Gerwin, Werner and Hattig, Tom and Hoogen, Verena and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Rodionov, Andrei and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and Trimborn, Manfred and Schillem, Steffi}, title = {Bodenmelioration und Anbauverfahren f{\"u}r trockenheitsgef{\"a}hrdete Standorte}, series = {Klimaschutz und Anpassung an die Klimafolgen : Strategien, Maßnahmen und Anwendungsbeispiele}, booktitle = {Klimaschutz und Anpassung an die Klimafolgen : Strategien, Maßnahmen und Anwendungsbeispiele}, editor = {Mahammadzadeh, Mahammad and Biebeler, Hendrik and Bardt, Hubertus}, publisher = {IW-Medien}, address = {K{\"o}ln}, isbn = {978-3-602-14847-9}, pages = {287 -- 294}, language = {de} } @incollection{ElmerSchaafBiemeltetal., author = {Elmer, Michael and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Biemelt, Detlef and Nenov, Rossen and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Introduction}, series = {The artificial catchment Chicken Creek - initial ecosystem development 2005-2010}, booktitle = {The artificial catchment Chicken Creek - initial ecosystem development 2005-2010}, editor = {Elmer, Michael and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Biemelt, Detlef and Gerwin, Werner and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, publisher = {FZLB}, address = {Cottbus}, pages = {1 -- 10}, language = {de} }