The Beskids Bulletin -- Content of 2/2008

Abstract: Drápelová, I., Kulhavý, J., 2008: Deposition flows and chemical composition of seepage waters in stands with spruce monoculture managed in different ways -- results in 2007. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 117--124
Concentrations of various ions in atmospheric precipitation, throughfall and lysimetric waters in a spruce monoculture were monitored during the year 2007. The total amount of precipitation, mean annual concentrations of ions in bulk precipitation and throughfall and deposition flows of sulphur and various forms of nitrogen were evaluated on differently managed research plots at Bílý Kříž in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids and compared with data obtained in previous years. The total amount of precipitation in the open plot was 1281.6 mm. Bulk deposition of nitrogen and sulphur in the open area amounted to 1164 mg N per m2 and 841 mg S per m2. These values do not leave the line from previous 7 years, which was 985--1144 mg N per year and 739--1101 mg S per year and m2. Canopy leaching of basic cations increased in the following order: Ca < Mg < K.
Keywords: Nitrogen deposition, sulphur deposition, seepage water, soil solution, throughfall, Moravian-Silesian Beskids, Norway spruce, liming, thinning

Abstract: Hadaš, P., 2008: Potential deposition flows of sulphur, nitrogen and hydrogen ions in the Jablunkovsko territory in 2004. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 125--130
The "Jablunkovsko" territory has been recently affected by the extensive yellowing of spruce forests leading even to the gradual decline and dieback of individual trees. Stress factors to be considered at the present time on the basis of hypotheses concerning the damage and dieback of forest stands are climatic and air-pollution stresses. In a situation of combined climatic and air pollution stress induced for example by the introduction of acid deposition, the climatic stress would assume the role of a predisposition factor. The causal relation between the change of health condition and the deposition of sulphur, nitrogen and hydrogen ions can be demonstrated by the fact that localities in which the damage to forest stands occurs show some of the critical loads exceeded. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the deposition flows of sulphur, nitrogen and H+ acid deposition in the forest stand and in the soil (in the forest ecosystem), to compare them with the critical loads of hydrogen ion deposition for spruce (CLH), and the critical load of nutritional nitrogen (CLNt) for coniferous stands. The spatial distribution of potential acid throughfall deposition indicate that the CLH value for spruce being exceeded on nearly 30% of the area of the Jablunkovsko territory. With respect to eutrophication, the area of about 9% shows an exceeded critical load of nutritional nitrogen (CLNt) for coniferous stands.
Keywords: acidification, eutrophication, sulphur, nitrogen and hydrogen ions depositions

Abstract: Heroldová, M., Suchomel, J., Purchart, L., Homolka, M., 2008: The role of granivorous rodents in beech forest regeneration in the Beskydy Mts. (Czech Republic). -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 131--134.
Forest seed crop, particularly beechnuts and acorns, significantly influence the population dynamics of granivorous rodents negatively affecting the development of forest stands. In seven beech stands of various age and at various altitude, we determined the actual food supply for seed--eating species. The average feeding supply biomass in autumn 2007 was 23.23 g . m2. To evaluate effects of seed--eating species on forest regeneration we found out information on the population density of seed--eating species (wood mouse 12 individuals/ha; bank vole 1 ind./ha) but also data on the consumption of forest seeds by the species. Under laboratory conditions, daily consumption of beechnuts was determined for two dominant forest species as bank vole (Myodes glareolus /Pallas/) and yellow--necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis /Mel./). Our test took 10 days. In M. glareolus (n = 5; mean body mass 21 g), daily consumption ranged from 2.2 to 3.4 g (mean 2.8 g) of beechnuts (seeds of Fagus sylvatica /L./), i.e. on average 12 beechnuts per day. In A. flavicollis (n = 5, mean body mass 26 g), daily consumption ranged from 3.0 to 5.5 g (mean 4.25 g), i.e. about 19 beechnuts per day (0.23 g = mean weight of 1 beechnut). In any of the species, waste feeding did not occur during beechnut consumption. The weight of individuals was in correlation with the weight of consumed food (r = 0.91, p < 0.01). Both of these rodents were able to lower the harvest by removing 43% of the total amount of the seeds. Results obtained can contribute to the evaluation of the effect of M. glareolus and A. flavicollis on seed losses and thus to the elucidation of their importance in the process of the natural regeneration of broadleaved species.
Keywords: beech mast biomass, granivorous rodents, daily consumption rate, mountain beech forest, regeneration

Abstract: Jaloviar, P., Szeghö, P., Kucbel, S., 2008: The influence of coarse woody debris decomposition degree on selected fine roots' parameters of Norway spruce natural regeneration in NNR Babia hora. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 135--142
The paper analyses the influence of coarse woody debris (CWD) decomposition degree on basic quantitative parameters of root systems of Norway spruce natural regeneration individuals with the height under 20 cm in the conditions of a high-elevation primeval forest. The analysis of covariance has confirmed the influence of decomposition degree and age on the root systems' weight, total length, vo¬lu¬me, surface and number of root tips. The analysis has shown the root systems of seedlings with the height under 20 cm growing on the CWD in 7th decomposition degree have smaller size compared to those growing on CWD in lower decomposition degree. In the case of the proportion of the finest root fraction with the dia¬me¬ter under 1 mm no significant influence of the age was found. On the other hand the decrease of this proportion in the upper decomposition degrees is obvious.
Keywords: coarse woody debris, mountain forest, natural regeneration, root system

Abstract: Mauer, O., Palátová, E., Beran, F., 2008: The effect of ecotope on root system development in Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.). -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 134--154
The paper brings an analysis of root system development (both skeletal and fine roots) of 19-year old Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) of two provenances (from altitudes 320 m a.s.l. and 1100 m a.s.l.) growing on two provenance plots (540 m a.s.l., lowland, modal cambisol; 820 m a.s.l., slope, ranker podzol) by comparing 36 parameters and traits. Research results show that root system emergence is not affected by provenance but rather unambiguously by site, namely by soil type and terrain slope. The two provenances produced identical to uniform root systems: At the altitude of 540 m a.s.l. an anchoring root system of circular floor projection with a rooting depth of 80 cm; at the altitude of 820 m a.s.l. an elliptical superficial root system with a rooting depth of 45 cm. Provenances on the respective plots did not exhibit any differences either in the fine roots biomass, vitality, and specific length or in the type of functional mycorrhiza.
Keywords: Norway spruce, ecotope, root system, provenance

Abstract: Merganič, J., Merganičová, K., Vorčák, J., Ištoňa, J., 2008: Relationship between plant communities and developmental stage of natural spruce forest in the subalpine forest belt of National Nature Reserve of Babia hora. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 155--162
The work presents the results from the survey of plant communities in forest stands of national nature reserve Babia hora. The relevés were collected on 57 sample plots situated at an elevation ranging from 1,222 m to 1,503 m above sea level. The plots are equally divided between the three developmental stages of virgin forests. The analysis revealed that in the studied area no plant species can be accounted for the differentiation between the developmental stages. Our results indicate that in the conditions of Babia hora two types of cyclical changes of plant species occur: a small and a large cycle of plant communities. The analysis of the influence of developmental stage on the proportion coverage of plant species with the same Ellenberg's indicator value showed that environmental ecological conditions are not affected by the developmental stage of virgin forest. The status of forest stands (permanently released canopy) and specific climate conditions of Babia hora are preconditions for spatially homogenous plant communities.
Keywords: virgin forest, developmental stage, plant community, Ellenberg's indicator value, covariance analysis

Abstract: Saniga, M., 2008: Structure and dynamics of natural regeneration in the spruce natural forest in the National Nature Reserve Pilsko. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 163--170
This paper deals with the dynamics of spruce regeneration processes for a time span of 30 years according to developmental stages in the natural spruce forest in the NNR Pilsko, Oravské Beskydy Mts. Obtained results from this phase of research confirmed that conditions for dynamics and height growth of spruce regeneration are unsuitable in the final phase of growth stage and in the optimal stage (tab. 1). Abundance of individuals points to lower dynamics and its transition to higher category of spruce regeneration in the initial phase of breakdown stage. The evaluation of growth medium impact did not confirm the importance of coarse woody debris for spruce regeneration in the NNR Pilsko. Low proportion of CWD in the third degree ("c") of decomposition and less suitable climatic conditions are the main reasons for lower abundance of spruce regeneration.
Keywords: natural spruce forest, natural regeneration

Abstract: Saniga, M., Balanda, M. ,2008: Natural regeneration of the Norway spruce natural forest in the National Nature Reserve Kosodrevina. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 171--178
Primary objective of this work was the assessment of natural regeneration processes in the Norway spruce natural forest at its upper limit in the National Nature Reserve Kosodrevina. Dynamics of regeneration processes was quantified by numbers of individuals per hectare, specified by five height categories for each experimental plot. The evaluation of natural regeneration in the experimental plots involved analysis of growth medium impact as well (soil or coarse woody debris). The impact of seedbed was examined in 2006.
Analysis of regeneration processes in the natural Norway spruce mountain forest confirmed that initial phase of breakdown stage generates optimal conditions for a continuous generation replacement. The number of individuals recorded in this stage ranged from 3.501 pcs . ha−1 (in 2006) to 1.800 pcs . ha−1 (in 1986). But on the other hand, research on regeneration dynamics in optimal stage showed that suitable conditions for germination, establishment and partial growth of seedlings were in advanced phase of this stage. From 2.167 pcs . ha−1 (in 1996) to 1.034 pcs . ha−1 (in 2006) were found in this plot. In the growth stage, from 257 pcs . ha−1 (in 1976) to 57 pcs . ha−1 (in 1996) were found. Low values of abundance in this stage suggest that recruitment of new trees is permanently discontinuous.
At the upper forest boundary, coarse woody debris as a growth medium has the unsubstitable function for a continuous developmental stage replacement. Proportion of individuals that used CWD for seedbed was 59.45% in initial phase of breakdown stage, whereas in optimal stage it was 7.4%.
Keywords: developmental stages, natural regeneration, coarse woody debris

Abstract: Tůma, I., Fiala, K., Holub, P., 2008: Can stands of fern Athyrium distentifolium reduce leaching of base cations from soil similarly as grass stands do in mountain areas under enhanced nitrogen input? -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 179--182
The first results of lysimetric studies indicate that in stands of fern A. distentifolium, even at higher input of nitrogen, leaching of basic cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) from soil was lower than that from bare soil without ferns. Acidity of lysimetric waters was also lower. Thus populations of Athyrium distentifolium /Opiz/ fern seem to play an important role on deforested area affected by higher nitrogen depositions.
Keywords: Beskydy Mts., Ca2+, lysimetric water, Mg2+, pH

Abstract: Tužinský, L., 2008: Water balance under spruce stand in growing season 2006 and 2007. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 183--190
Presented paper sums up results from the research of some chosen water balance components (interception, stem-flow, run-off, evapotranspiration, soil moisture) during the growing season 2006 and 2007. As for the water balance output components the interception represents 30 %, water runoff to the subsoil varies between 33--40%, surface runoff represents less than 1 % and the total water consumption for evapotranspiration aprox. 50 % of precipitation is also significantly influenced by the transformation influence of the forest stand and it varies between hydrolimits of the full water capacity and the wilting point. The highest soil water supply (the category of very good available water supply) was observed in spring. Towards summer the soil water supply decreases. The minimal water supplies are generally observed in summer (July, August). The critical boundary of the wilting point hydrolimit can be reached after a longer lasting warm and dry season, usually affecting only upper soil layers.
Keywords: water balance, soil water, interception, evapotranspiration, run-off

Abstract: Valouch, L., Tomášková, I., Pokorný, R., 2008: Water release by Norway spruce stand during extreme humid conditions. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 191--198
This contribution focuses on changing water balance of young Norway spruce fo¬rest stand (25 year) located at the Experimental research site Bílý Kříž in the Beskydy Mts. during extreme dry and wet periods in summer 2006. Water released by forest stand (i.e. evapotranspiration, ETR) was evaluated using two methods: eddy-covariance and Bowen ratio. Transpiration (as an active part of ETR) was evaluated on the base of sap-flow rate measurements. During the dry period (no precipitation, hardly available ground water, high evaporative demands) water balance of forest stand became highly negative. Transpiration participated on ETR by 40--45 % during both extreme periods. During the normal period, transpiration formed about 73% of ETR.
Keywords: eddy-covariance, evapotranspiration, sap flow, vapour pressure deficit

Abstract: Vavříček, D., Pecháček, J., Staněk, L., Pancová Šimková, P., 2008: Soil taxonomical units and influence of species composition on the selected qualitative humus parameters in the flysch belt of the National Nature Reserve Čertův Mlýn (6th and 7th forest vegetation belt). -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 199--208
The Moravian Silesian Beskids are situated in the northwestern section of the Extend Western Carpathians characteristics. The isolated peaks with unusual sites heterogeneity and biodiversity can be found there. Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karsten) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) dominate in the National Nature Reserve Kněhyně -- Čertův mlýn in the altitude 865 to 966 m. The basic soil units were determined on the selected experimental sites. Soil taxonomical units of Podzols predominate. Specific evaluation based on the selected parameters or group of selected parameters should be used for confirmation of determined soil units. The ration of oxalate iron to total iron is the main parameter for differentiation of Cambisols, Entic Podzols and Podzols. On the contrary, soil acidity values (as independent parameter for site evaluation or its detail interpretation) can be misleading in response to anthropogenic pressure as acid or basic deposition. Species compositions of the stand types have significant influence on the qualitative parameters of humus substances in the top-soil layers. The spruce litter has significant negative influence on the humus quality in the organic horizons and also in the top-soil horizons. There is opposite trend with predominate deposition of the beech litter.
Keywords: Soil taxonomy, organic substance, chemical properties, humus, pedogenic substrate

Abstract: Vencurik, J., Kucbel, S., 2008: Diameter increment of Norway spruce and silver fir in a selection forest of Oravské Beskydy Mts. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 209--214
The paper analyses the impact of tree species (Norway spruce, silver fir) and height position of the tree on its diameter increment and crown efficiency in a selection forest of Oravské Beskydy Mts. The results have confirmed great variability of the stem diameter increment, that ranges from 0.39 to 10.83 mm per year. In the lower tree layer the diameter increment of Norway spruce is distinctively smaller in comparison to that of shade-bearing silver fir. However generally (regardless of tree layer) the impact of tree species is not significant. The results have revealed the tree layer has no significant influence on the stem diameter increment as well. The reason of this is an excessive harvesting of upper layer trees, that has a positive impact on diameter increment of Norway spruce and silver fir individuals in the lower and middle layer of the selection forest. The crown production efficiency of Norway spruce is lower in comparison to the silver fir. For the equal basal area increment Norway spruce needs approximately 30% (upper layer trees) to 60% (lower layer trees) larger crown surface area than the silver fir.
Keywords: diameter increment, Norway spruce, silver fir, selection forest

Abstract: Vícha, Z., Oceánská, Z., Bíba, M., Jařabáč, M., 2008: The precipitation -- outflow process in the Beskidian experimental watersheds in the year 2007. -- Beskydy, 1 (2): 215--222
Same as 2006, the hydrological year 2007 was climatically normal, except temperatures in the two experimental watersheds in the Beskids. Yearly precipitation sums are not significantly different, compared to the long-term series. In the Červík (CE) watershed the biggest daily rainfall was 67.0 mm, on November 5th, and in the Malá Ráztoka (MR) watershed it was 76.4 mm on September 6, 2007, however not any dangerous outflow wave was recorded. Winter months were characterized by deficit of snow. The average yearly temperatures were 9.2ºC in CE and 8.8ºC in MR, the highest values in the last 54 years of measuring. The research in the two small watersheds did not confirm any substantial hydrological differences, caused by recent human activities. It would be useful to complete the regional strategies of forest development by the data on pedohydrology, to stabilize the precipitation -- outflow balance in these head watersheds CE and MR.
Key words: forest hydrology, experimental watersheds, accelerated renewal of forests, nature close forest management, interaction of the precipitation and outflow elements