The transect Uller Eng seen from the starting point in the east toward the west to the course of the stream, which is marked by large alder trees. The foreground is dominated by wood clubrush in the former Alder thicket. Photo: Erik Vinther 13-07-2015 ©

The 74m transect is divided into 37 plots, each 2x2m. In each plot, the coverage is assessed in % for each of the occurring plant species. This plot is dominated by lesser pond-sedge, with a coverage of 100%. Not much light gets through to the soil, but common rush and the yellow big trefoil are also observed in the plot. In each plot, there may be several layers in the vegetation so that the total coverage may exceed 100% Photo: Erik Vinther 14-07-2015 ©

Cleaning of the core after describing the soil profile. Photo: Erik Vinther 31-05-2021 ©

It is important to know the water level and water supply to the meadow and fen. Several studies show that the supply of groundwater provides the most species-rich plant communities. The water conditions in Uller Eng along the transect have been examined at the distances 10m, 22m, 28m, 40m and 68m from the beginning of the transect. In addition, the water conditions have been studied in the nearby and very well-developed spring. We installed piezometers of 1.3m and 2.2cm diameter. Photo: Erik Vinther 31-05-2021 ©

Based on the core, you can get an overview of the soil conditions. Water level measurements can begin after a month or two when there is an equilibrium between the piezometer and the water level. Photo: Erik Vinther 31-05-2021 ©

Piezometers designed to show whether the groundwater has an upward gradient are fitted with slits in the lower part of the piezometer. The piezometer is placed so that the slits enter the sandy clay layer, which is found under the peat layer. If the water level in the piezometer is above the water level in the piezometer with slits up to 5 cm from the ground, the groundwater is rising. This is called pressurized water. In some places, the pressurized water is so powerful that the water in the piezometer is above the surrounding terrain. This is the case in the tube at a distance of 22 m from the beginning of the transect, and to an even greater extent in the piezometer in the spring, where the water level can be up to 12.5cm above ground. Photo: Erik Vinther 31-05-2021 ©

The picture shows piezometers at a distance of 28m from the beginning of the transect. The piezometer protrudes approx. 30 cm above the ground and is fitted with a plug with a small hole. In this way, it is ensured that the piezometer is not blocked by insects, snails, etc., and at the same time the water column can move freely up and down the piezometer. Photo: Erik Vinther 01-08-2021 ©