Palynology of a section from the raised peat bog ‘Wietmarscher Moor’, with special reference to fungal remains

The results of an analysis of pollen, spores and other micro-fossils (or parts of such fossils) with a characteristic form, from a 195 cm high peat section are reported. It appeared that certain Fungi types are connected with more strongly humified layers, which were presumably formed under drier conditions. Other fungal types show a clear connection with the peat-forming vegetation. An attempt was made to identify the micro-fossils other than pollen grains, which in some cases proved to be possible, A more extensive study is required before more accurate identifications can be arrived at and the emanating interpretations can be substantiated. Attention was paid to cyclic phenomena in the Alnus curve in the diagram. According to calculations with the help of 14C datings, cycles of about 32 years occurred. Further analysis may lead to an answer to the question whether this is a matter of periodic or cyclic phenomena and may reveal the possible cause of the fluctuations. By means of the pollen diagram information was obtained concerning the influence of prehistoric man on the vegetation from about 1700 B.C. to about 300 A.D. It appears that the influence is relatively important in the period between about 700 B.C. and 100 A.D. In this period agriculture on field complexes of the ‘Celtic Field’ type was probably carried out in the neighbourhood of the Wietmarscher Moor. By the beginning of the Christian era Secale pollen appears in the section for the first time. A decrease in population density is marked during the second century of the era. The reliable part of the diagram ends at the 10 cm level which corresponds to a date of about 300 A.D. Through a further analysis of microscopic and macroscopic remains in peat bogs one may expect to gather novel data regarding various aspects of peat analysis discussed in this article.