Alluvial meadows, or flooded meadows – our meadow communities with the lushest plant growth – are located exclusively on the temporarily flooded floodplains along the rivers. They owe their lushness to the very fertile soil, which is improved by the nutrient-rich sediments carried by floods. Depending on the height of the ground (the position on the floodplain), as well as the flow rate of the river, the duration of the flood and the amount of sediments carried by the flood water can vary quite a bit. The humidity conditions in different parts of the floodplain also vary from dry to constantly wet. The vegetation is often dominated by tall grasses and sedges.
Only the alluvial meadows that are not significantly affected by drainage ditches or are not heavily overgrown or forested deserve conservation. Alluvial meadows are also important as breeding and habitat grounds for many animal species.
In Estonia, alluvial meadows have been preserved extensively along larger rivers – Emajõgi, Kasari, Halliste, Raudna, Piusa, Põltsamaa, Pedja rivers – as well as near lakes (Lake Peipsi and others).
Includes the habitat type 2212 (wet floodplain grassland site type) according to Paal.