The Beskids Bulletin -- Content of 2/2009

Abstract: Bednářová, E., Truparová, S., 2009: Elevated concentration of ground-level ozone causing a damage of assimilation apparatus of forest woody species. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 119--124

A damage of the assimilation apparatus of forest woody species due to anthropogenous effects can be characterised by means of an analysis of the condition of epicuticular waxes. The structure and amounts of epicuticular waxes on the surface of leaves and needles responds very quickly to environmental changes and indicate the damage of assimilation apparatus already in the latent, initial stages. At present, the damage of forest stands by elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone is one of the Pan-European problems. The most endangered are the forest stands situated in subalpine regions at altitudes above 850 m; here, the measured concentrations of ground-level ozone were very high and this was manifested in a decrease and the destruction of epicuticular waxes on the one hand and the occurrence of necrotic spots on the needle surface on the other. The most intensive degradation of epicuticular waxes was observed in Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) forest stands in the Krušné hory mountains while in the Beskydy mountains, a very small damage was observed only in the latent stage what corresponds with the measured values of ozone concentration. A strong correlation between the ozone concentration and amount of epicuticular waxes were found on six investigated location across The Czech Republic. The index of determination (R2) ranged from 0.88 to 0.96 in years 2006 and 2007 by both first and second years needle.

Keywords: epicuticular waxes, Norway spruce, forest stand, needles, air pollution, ozone, altitude

Abstract: Durło, G. B., 2009: The spatial diversification of the maximum air temperature in various landforms. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 125--136

The knowledge of frequency and probability of the occurrence of the maximum temperature in different forms of sculpture of the earth's surface plays an important role in silviculture, especially in the case of formation of plant communities resistant to stress caused by excessive water losses The spatial diversification of the maximum air temperature in various landforms was investigated. The results of meteorological measurements originated from two regions of southern Poland: the Cracow-Czestochowa Upland and the Beskid Sadecki Mountain Range of the Polish Carpathians. The material contains results of 84 measurement series from 160 experimental posts in 2003--2006 years. The model of diversification of air maximum temperature was elaborated by geostatistical methods and GIS tools. The deviations of the maximum air temperature may be used in the cartographic elaborations concerning the spatial distribution of air temperature in upland and mountain areas where the number of measuring stations is inadequate. The greatest deviations of the maximum air temperature occur in the middle part of gentle slopes of southern exposure, while the smallest ones in the lower part of steep slopes of northern exposure The extremely-high temperature indexes can help identifying the areas where high risk of temperature stress for plants occurs.

Keywords: maximum air temperature, forest, topography, GIS, spatial diversification

Abstract: Heroldová, M., Jánová E., Suchomel J., Purchart L., Homolka M., 2009: Bark chemical analysis explains selective bark damage by rodents. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 137--140

In National Nature Reserve Kněhyně-Čertův mlýn in Beskydy Mountains young trees are affected by bark damage caused by a rodent species. Young tree species were injured selectively as bark of deciduous trees were more attractive for voles than coniferous. Differences were found also in various tree categories as to age. To explain rodent selectivity in bark damage to young trees, bark of spruce, beech and rowan was chemically analysed. These selected trees were all important in mountain forestry regeneration. The bark of younger stems of rowan and beech (C1 category) contained more nutritive substances (fat, crude protein) and the low content of fibre. The highest nutritional quality of the younger (C1) stems of rowan resulted in higher impact (27%). But the older rowan stems were of lower attractivity (10%) than the older beech (37%). Differences between the broadleaved tree bark and spruce bark were significant as to crude protein and the fibre content. Chemical analysis clearly explained selectivity between broad-leaved and coniferous trees.

Keywords: bark damage, bark selection, bark chemical analysis, rowan, beech, spruce, mountain forest regeneration

Abstract: Kucbel, S., Vencurik, J., Jaloviar, P., Berešík, A., 2009: Radial growth dynamics of Norway spruce in Kysucké Beskydy Mts. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 141--148

The paper analyses basic features of radial increment dynamics of Norway spruce in region Kysuce. The study was conducted in a mature mixed beech-spruce forest stand that was managed by the clearcutting system. In the studied stand, 30 Norway spruce individuals from the overstory were selected and cored. The cores were subsequently analysed by the dendrochronological techniques. Standard descriptive statistics were calculated by COFECHA software and the mean ring-width chronology and standardized chronology was produced using the program ARSTAN. Besides the ring widths also the dynamics of basal area increment (BAI) was studied. The identification of past release events in the stand was made by the application of boundary-line method. The results confirmed an obvious decline of radial increment from early 1970's to early 1990's. A positive trend in increasing the radial growth was registered since approximately the mid-1990's. Analysis of disturbance history detected only an overall low percentage of trees showing a release, whereas most of them were of the moderate level. This fact suggests a relatively low intensity of thinnings during the rotation period and their weak impact on radial growth. The identification of a certain proportion of trees with a growth pulse in 1990's confirmed the ability of Norway spruce to response to the improved growth conditions even in a higher age.

Keywords: radial increment, boundary-line method, Norway spruce, tree ring, dendrochronology

Abstract: Kula, E., Kajfosz, R., Polívka, J., 2009: Cambioxylophagous fauna of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelmann) in the Krušné hory Mts. (Czech Republic). -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 149--156

In stands of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) established in the air-polluted area of the Krušné hory Mts. (Ore Mts.) in the 80s of the 20th century, basic cambioxylophagous fauna was defined on standing "bark beetle" trees. Out of eight determined species of cambioxylophages, Dendroctonus micans (Kug.), Ips amitinus (Eich.) and Pityogenes chalcographus (L.) demonstrated decisive effects on the mortality of blue spruce. Through realized tending measures, the actual dieback of particular trees or groups of trees can induce the gradation environment with changes in the health condition and increasing age of blue spruce stands.

Keywords: Picea pungens, Dendroctonus micans, Ips amitinus, Pityogenes chalcographus, cambioxylophagous fauna, Krušné hory Mts.

Abstract: Nič, J., 2009: Dynamics Evaluation of Chosen Forest Communities of Eastern Beskydy Mts. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 157--164

The paper deals with the problem of qualitative and quantitative changes in the phytocoenosis in the area of Eastern Beskydy over 35 years. Phytocoenological relevées of (phytocoenological) plant communities from 1973 and 2008 were compared. To review the changes in the ecological spectrum of communities the ecological analysis according to Ellenberg was used (1992). As for the tree composition the number of fir decreased in favor to beech, as well as the crop density and stand canopy decreased. Thus, the abundance and dominance values changed among observed communities. Partly, changes in the tree composition of phytocoenosis were recorded. The ecological analysis confirmed the shifts in ecological spectrums as for the light, soil acidity and soil nitrogen. On one hand the acidification of these communities is not expressive but on the other hand species of meso- and nitrophylous character subsided and were replaced by acidotolerant species.

Keywords: vegetation dynamics, phytocoenosis, ecological analysis, qualitative and quantitative attributes, communities of the 5th forest altitudinal zone

Abstract: Rozehnal, T., 2009: Silesian Beskydy -- selected spring-drainage and water-quality parameters. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 165--176

Selected chemical composition parameters were monitored in five groundwater springs in Silesian Beskydy Mountains (cadastral units of Nýdek, Bystřice n.O., Písečná -- Czech Republic, and cadastral unit Istebna -- Poland), from two main hydrogeological aquifers of the Silesian nappe units. Sampling and analyses in CR Silesian Beskydy Mts. profiles three only vegetation periods of the years 2002 (period of high precipitation values), 2003 (period of very variable precipitation values), 2004 (below average precipitation with increasing during the beginning and the end of period), with one control sample 2007 (during extremely dry period). All springs are discharging groundwater of the shallow descent cycle from precipitation and snow melting with variable discharge rates in order of tenths l . s−1. This research was realized of view the natural specifics of this area -- microelements As, B, Mo with increased concentrations due to local lithogeochemical bedrock, and indicators of possible anthropogenic impacts -- above all NH4+, SO42−, Cl−, NO32−, NO2−, PO43− ions. The total mineralization (conductivity) of groundwater generally corresponds with Ca, Mg, HCO3, SO4 ions quantity, and shows significant deficit Ca+Mg according to water management criteria. The possible impacts of the historically strong air pollution and environmental acidification to groundwater were not verified. Also, the natural concentrations of three analysed microelements are obviously not increased with respect to drinking water health normatives. The mainly results of analyses are presented in table 1, individual values of indicators and data of precipitation and spring discharges are presented in 9 graphs.

Keywords: Silesian Beskydy Mts., springs, chemical indexes, interpretation

Abstract: Saniga, M., Vencurik, J., Jaloviar, P., Kucbel, S., 2009: Impact of the structure of different selection forest types on their wind resistance in High Tatra National Park. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 177--184

The paper evaluates the impact of two selection forest types with different tree species composition and their static stability against the windstorm that has affected the forest stands of High Tatra National Park in 2004 and uprooted more than 12 000 ha of the forest. The research objects were compartment 707 in protective district Vyšné Hágy and compartment 12041 in protective district Kežmarské žľaby. Studied stands had different tree species composition. In compartment 707, Norway spruce was the dominant tree species with the admixture of Silver fir and Scots pine. In compartment 12041, the Silver fir ratio reached 25% and Norway spruce as the main tree species accounted for 65%. In 1986 permanent research plots (PRP) of 0.25 ha were established in both compartments. This article reports the structure of both selection forests before the calamity (year 1996) and after it (year 2009). Despite the high values of the static stability indicator, which were in the stands nearly equal, the trees of the upper and middle layer were uprooted or broken. In both stands, the lower layer of selection forest was preserved. In compartment 12041, where the fir ratio in tree species composition of the selection forest was 25%, the current amount of fir in the next tree generation increased up to 41% after the windstorm. The regeneration processes in the selection forest structure were sufficient and created conditions for securing the following stand generation. The research results in both investigated stands showed, that the silvicultural interventions in the forests of High Tatra NP should form a selection or mosaic structure in the stands respectively. Their natural tree species composition creates good conditions for the application of close-to-nature management and the maintaining of the next forest generation without additional silvicultural interventions.

Keywords: selection forest, wind, stability, regeneration processes, damage

Abstract: Staszewski, T., Kubiesa, P., Łukasik, W., Zajac, E., 2009: Changes in concentration of Cd and Pb in soil of Pieniński National Park. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 185--194

In 2000 and 2007 research on soil contamination with lead and cadmium in a monitoring network of the Pieniński National Park was carried out. It was observed that the permissible levels of these heavy metals were exceeded in several sites. This refers mainly to forest areas located in the vicinity of Krościenko.
No uniform trend of changes in lead and cadmium concentrations in the soil was observed for the period of 2000--2007.

Keywords: soil contamination, lead, cadmium, national park

Abstract: Suchomel, J., Krojerová-Prokešová, J., Heroldová, M., Purchart, L., Barančeková, M., Homolka M., 2009: Habitat preferences of small terrestrial mammals in the mountain forest clearings -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 195--200

In last ten years strong intention to replace forest monocultures of coniferous species to mixed coniferous -- broadleaved stands which are close to nature composition is promoted. Mountains forests under study are of different character. In Beskydy Mts forests of beech-spruce mixture prevail but in Jeseniky spruce monocultures prevail. In both, reforestation activities are complicated by impact of rodents and influence of industrial immission. Small mammal species were monitored during two successive years on clearings with artificial plantations. In both total abundance of species was similar but with different dominance of the species. Under influence of beech mast year Apodemus flavicollis was dominant in Beskydy Mts but Myodes glareolus in Jeseniky Mts. Higher dominance of Soricidae was in Jeseníky Mts (19%) against Beskydy (6%). The diversity and equitability was similar in both (Jeseniky Mts -- 1.63, Beskydy Mts -- 1.49; 0.84 resp. 0.72). Notable was the high dominance of Microtus agrestis (23 resp. 27%) in both. Abundance of the dominant species was synchronized. Canonic correspondence analyses (CCA) of clearing characteristics show the significant preferences of M. agrestis for higher elevation, more grassy and grassy wastage (higher humidity) environment. This was above all problem of emission clearings. As to M. glareolus, forest weeds preferably of Rubus sp. were responsible for its dominance. These results can contribute to understand rodent habitat preferences and help in prevention against their impact by the way of herb layer management.

Key words: mountains, forest clearings, small mammal species, habitat preference

Abstract: Vícha, Z., Bíba, M., Oceánská, Z., Janová, K., 2009: Hydrological year 2008 in the perspective of 55 years of hydrological research within the experimental watersheds in Beskydy Mts. -- Beskydy, 2 (2): 201--210

The 2008, with respect to the long-term climatic and hydrological characteristics of the Červík (CE) and Malá Ráztoka (MR), was not extraordinary, compared to the averages, as measured in 1954--2007. The year total precipitation amounts were approximately 92% of the long-term averages. In CE July was the richest month in precipitation (192.2 mm), in MR it was August (182.7 mm). In CE there were 3 day of total precipitation amount over 30mm, in MR they were 8, they did not cause more significant flood wave, however. Snow supply in winter was not big, spring melting was slow, in several stages, no bigger outflow culminations recorded. During the year the outflow was regular and close to the averages. Under-average it was only during shorter dry periods, both in the cold and warm period of the year.
The long-term forest hydrological experiment shows the need in deeper insight and explication of water balance relationship in the forest ecosystem. That is why the data, measured in short intervals (minute) are of importance. Improvement of digital measuring in the two watersheds makes the data, as measured by classic methods, much more precise.

Keywords: forest hydrology, experimental watershed, stand regeneration, retention effect of forest, water balance