Study in Biebrza Wetlands using optical and microwave satellite data

This study was conducted during 2003-2009 in Biebrza Wetlands, a NATURA 2000 and Ramsar Convention test site situated in Northeast Poland. It is one of the largest in Europe natural rich biotope with the large amount of unique spices of flora and important zone for nesting and wintering for fauna. Protection of wetlands that are very sensitive ecosystems are of great importance in nature conservation for carbon and water cycles. Changes of soil water content affect plant cover and lead to elimination or preference of certain species. Controlling soil moisture is essential for protection of peat-forming plant communities and slow down drying processes against mineralization and carbon exhaust. Data from optical and microwave satellite images and soil-vegetation ground measurements were analyzed to develop methods for monitoring and mapping soil-vegetation parameters over wetlands. This study was conducted in the framework of national grant N N526021733 and ESA projects AOID.122 and AOALO.3742.