Persistent degradation of vegetation on banks of recharge ponds in dune area Meijendel, The Netherlands

Abstract

Causes of persistent degradation of vegetation on banks of aquifer recharge ponds in Meijendel proved to be the nitrate and orthophosphate concentrations in soil and groundwater. The constant supply of nutrient rich recharge water could be the driver of these nutrient concentrations. Also spatial variables (distance from the recharge inlet point and distance between ground - and water level) and the speed and direction of the groundwater flow prove to influence vegetation characteristics. If nitrate and orthophosphate concentrations in the recharge water cannot be decreased, management measures should be concentrated on specific areas where the influence of nutrients is relatively low.