Origin and spatial distribution of roadside vegetation within the forest and agricultural areas in Szczecin Lowland [West Poland]

The paper presents research results of roadside vegetation which were carried out along public roads with hardened surface within the forest and agricultural areas in Szczecin Lowland (West Poland). Mosaic of habitat conditions observed along roadsides was suitable for development over 39 syntaxa from 10 classes of vegetation. The significant diversity of roadside vegetation of anthropogenic origin was found in agricultural regions, whereas within the forest areas mostly autogenic roadside vegetation were observed. Spatial distribution of roadside plant associations was related to the zonal structure of roadside profile. Anthropogenic associations were connected with narrow stripes adjoining to the roads but autogenic ones prefered roadside ditches and slopes. Majority of plant associations, regardless of the way of land use, found suitable habitat conditions in the roadside ditches.