Bieszczady Mountains Research Articles

Sediment detachment in piping‐prone soils: Cohesion sources and potential weakening mechanisms

AbstractSoil piping is a widespread land degradation process that may lead to gully formation. However, the processes involved in sediment detachment from soil pipe walls have not been well studied, although their recognition is a crucial step to protect soils from piping erosion. This study aims to recognize the factors affecting cohesion and to identify the mechanisms which are likely to be responsible for the disintegration of soil. The study has been conducted in mid‐altitude mountains under a temperate climate (the Bieszczady Mountains, the Carpathians, SE Poland). The research was based on the detailed field and laboratory analyses of morphology, and the physical and chemical properties of soil profiles with and without soil pipes. Moreover, experiments with flooding the undisturbed soil samples using different solutions (deionized water, ammonium oxalate, dithionate citrate, 35% hydrochloric acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide) were conducted in order to check the role of air slaking, the removal of soil organic carbon (SOC), and Fe and Al oxides on sediment detachment. The obtained results have confirmed that soil pipes develop in quite cohesive soils (silt loams), which allow the formation and maintenance of pipes with a diameter up to 30 cm. Soil cohesion, and thus susceptibility to piping, are impacted by the content of major oxides, soil particle size distribution, biological activity and porosity. The tested soils affected by piping erosion have a lower content of Al2O3 and Fe2O3, and free Fe (Fe(DCB)), lower clay content, higher biological activity (more roots and animal burrows), higher porosity, and more and larger pores than the profile without soil pipes. The experiments have indicated that especially SOC along with Fe and Al oxides are an important cohesion source in the study area. This suggests that the removal of SOC, and Fe and Al oxides may weaken and disintegrate aggregates in soil pipes. Further study of soil leaching and tensile strength will broaden understanding of which chemical processes control where pipes will develop in other cohesive piping‐prone soils. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘GO TO BIESZCZADY!’: TOURISM IN THE WESTERN BIESZCZADY MOUNTAINS IN THE 1930s

Purpose. The aim of the study is focused on the development of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains in the 1930s, the period being a turning point which started to change the perception of the region and its opportunities for further progress in the field. Method. To present a comprehensive image of the issue in question, individual subsections covered in the study are devoted to available contemporary sources of tourist information, including maps and guidebooks, the creation of an activity profile of selected organisations, institutions and societies which had undertaken various steps and made investments in the tourist infrastructure. Furthermore, the contemporary transportation network and accommodation possibilities are discussed to outline the most severe limitations of tourism in the region. A depiction of marked tourist trails allowing first trips in the Western Bieszczady Mountains to be undertaken was also provided. To convey the intended study, historical-type methodology was applied. Findings. The conducted analysis indicates that one of the most significant issues hindering the development of tourism in the region was the unsatisfactory transportation network, and especially the quality of roads and lack of means of transport which would successfully link eastern and western railroads, allowing further touristic exploration and development of tourist infrastructure, especially places of accommodation. Furthermore, analysis of the contemporary sources indicates that the previously negative perception of the Western Bieszczady Mountains among tourists and specialists in the field had started to change. Research and conclusions limitations. The final conclusion, stating that the 1930s may be treated as a turning point in the development of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains, at least in terms of their perception, can be drawn thanks to analysis of the available primary sources issued in the covered period. Practical implications. The presented discussion demonstrating the development of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains in the covered period of time may constitute very useful material for any further research devoted to the history of tourism in Poland, and especially for studies discussing the history of mountain tourism in the Polish Carpathians. Originality. The study offers the first comprehensive discussion provided in Polish literature solely devoted to the topic in question. Previous sources are very limited in terms of analysed primary sources or treat the subject, especially the discussed period of time, as short introductory paragraphs or subsections in the discussion of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains. Type of paper. Monographic article.

Substratum sedimentology and topography of two riparian peat bogs in the Bieszczady Mountains (Carpathians)

Substratum sedimentology and topography of two riparian peat bogs in the Bieszczady Mountains (Carpathians)

Application of Complete Gradient Clustering Algorithm for analysis of wildlife spatial distribution

Abstract Animal grouping is a very complex process that is triggered by a number of factors: habitat, social structure, season, predators' pressure etc. Proper identification of sites where natural concentrations of animals occur, is crucial for the explanation of such behaviour and for species and habitat management. Therefore, the selection of methods allowing to distinguish parts of a home range where a true tendency for aggregation takes place from areas where population density even if high, may be accidental, is so important. In this study, an innovative approach extending the possibilities provided by kernel density estimation was applied for analysis of species' distribution. The main purpose of our research was to identify areas of highest concentrations of animals and subsequently the main drivers for their habitat selection patterns. The data we used were collected within the home range of the European bison (wisent) Bison bonasus population in Bieszczady Mountains, a part of the Carpathians in the southeast of Poland. We considered both winter and vegetation seasons and used species presence data as determinant for selection of wisent habitats. The kernel density estimator of the data was first constructed to characterize spatial distribution. Next, by means of the Complete Gradient Clustering Algorithm, clusters corresponding to animal presence records were detected. Total numbers of observations belonging to main clusters were significantly higher than 50% (Herd 1: 65% vs. 61%, Herd 2: 75% vs. 93%). The results confirmed the natural tendency of wisents to aggregate. Moreover, the occurrences of concentration points (modes) were connected with the vicinity of feeding points or good conditions for grazing. Our results indicate that for both herds, the numbers of main clusters in winter were smaller than in the vegetative season (Herd 1: 4 vs. 5, Herd 2: 4 vs. 6). This is also justified because wisents merge into larger groups during winter around feeding points or in sites less exposed to wind or low temperatures. It is worth stressing that the algorithm does not require any assumptions concerning the data or the desired number and shape of clusters. This allows it to discover real structures within the dataset. In summary, we show how the commonly used nonparametric estimation technique can be adapted in a novel and effective approach for analyzing spatial processes in wildlife populations. The proposed methodology reveals powerful results for further investigation and refinements, especially when we consider an influence of environmental factors of various types.

Long-term observation of magnetic pulsations through the ELF Hylaty station located in the Bieszczady Mountains (south–eastern Poland)

Ground-based measurements of ultra- and extremely low-frequency waves (ULF/ELF) carried out in 2005–2016 (the 23rd and 24th solar cycle) at the ELF Hylaty station in Bieszczady Mountains (south–eastern Poland) were used to identify the days (360 days) in which magnetic pulsation events (MPEs) occurred. To reveal sources of MPEs at the Sun we considered their correlation with the basic indices describing solar activity. Our analysis, like earlier studies, did not reveal a significant positive correlation between the MPE detection rate and the sunspot numbers (SSN). On the other hand, we showed that MPEs are strongly correlated (correlation coefficient ≈0.70) with moderate (Dst < −70 nT) and intense (Dst < −100 nT) geomagnetic disturbances expressed by the Disturbance Storm Index (Dst). We recognized all sources of these geomagnetic storms associated with the considered MPEs. Only 44% of the MPEs were associated with storms caused by CMEs listed in the CDAW LASCO CME catalog. 56% of the MPEs were associated with storms caused by other phenomena including corotating interaction regions (CIRs), slow solar wind or CMEs not detected by LASCO. We also demonstrated that the CMEs associated with the MPEs were very energetic, i.e. they were extremely wide (partial and halo events) and fast (with the average speed above 1100 km s−1). CMEs and CIRs generally appear in different phases of solar cycles. Because MPEs are strongly related to both of these phenomena they cannot be associated with any phase of a solar cycle or with any indicator characterizing a 11-year solar activity. We also suggested that the low number of MPEs associated with CMEs is due to the anomalous 24 solar cycle. During this cycle, due to low density of the interplanetary medium, CMEs could easily eject and expand, but they were not geoeffective.

Non-urban public bus transport against the COVID-19 pandemic – evidence from the Low Beskids and the Bieszczady counties

Mid-March 2020 surprised societies of many countries with restrictions resulting from a need to curb the spread of a pandemic caused by a new type of coronavirus. Poland joined this group very quickly. The growing isolation of society also had an impact on non-urban public transport, especially one that was operated at the carriers’ own risk. The author of the article had a database, current as of spring 2019, with the number of bus connections in the area of six counties covering the ranges of the Low Beskids and the Bieszczady Mountains. This was an ideal starting point for trying to answer the question what the situation is like almost exactly a year later. Based on a study conducted in early April 2020, a catastrophic picture of public transport in the area has emerged. In the case of Bieszczady and Lesko Counties, there was a total lack of local bus connections. In Sanok, Krosno, Jasło and Gorlice Counties, the network of connections serving mainly the capitals of these units of administrative division has been severely limited. One of the main reasons for the observed process is suspension of school activities. This is also accompanied by a reduction in adult mobility resulting from a fear of a serious disease and a greater tendency to use other means of transport, as well as resignation from commuting by people working in jobs where remote work is possible or in companies that suspended their activity. Maintaining this situation poses a threat of huge economic problems for carriers. If it continues for many months, it may result in difficulties in traveling to schools that may appear after the holidays.

Parasitological monitoring of European bison in the Bieszczady Mountains

The aim of our study was to determine the level of parasitic infections in European bison (Bison bonasus) in the Bieszczady Mountains on the basis of coprological methods: flotation, decantation and the Baermann technique. 429 faecal samples were collected from European bison in the following Forest Districts: Baligród, Komańcza, Lutowiska, Stuposiany, Lesko and Cisna. Examination of faeces revealed the presence of eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes from the Trichostrongylidae family, as well as Nematodirus sp., Aonchotheca sp. and Trichuris sp., larvae of lung nematodes Dictyocaulus viviparus, eggs of tapeworms Moniezia sp. and oocysts of 7 species of coccidia, belonging to the genus Eimeria (E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. pellita, E. bukidnonensis, E. subspherica, E. ellipsoidalis and E. brasiliensis). The population of European bison in the Bieszczady Mountains turned out to be the only free-living herd not infected with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. The level of parasitic infections, observed during present study, was low and did not indicate clinical signs of parasitic disease, thus it did not require deworming.

The implementation of “The St. Gallen Model for Destination Management (SGDM)” in the Polish Carpathians: A case study of six Bieszczady communes

The Bieszczady mountains are one of the ranges of the Polish Carpathians. Their natural and cultural amenities attract thousands of Polish and international tourists each year. Despite many protected zones existing in this area (e.g. Bieszczadzki National Park, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Nature 2000 areas), the Bieszczady mountains face various environmental and social problems which have arisen from their dynamic but often chaotic tourism development. The lack of a common vision of long-term tourism development (on communal and regional levels) is one of the main challenging issues which public and private bodies are confronted with. The paper presents the results of the implementation of an innovative approach, i.e. the St. Gallen Model for Destination Management (SGDM), in selected Bieszczady communes. This method offers a clear advantage for key destination actors by allowing them to enter a process of holistic destination management. The article is the first attempt at SGDM application in Poland.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu) in Fine Roots Under Three Species of Alders (Alnus spp.) Plantation at Different Soil Substrates Addition on the Reclaimed Combustion Wastes Landfill

In the study, we have analysed the impact of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) on fine root biomass and the associated level of bioacumulation heavy metals in fine roots under alder plantings (Alnus incana, A. glutinosa and A. viridis) growing on technosols developed from combustion wastes and extremely poor quaternary sands excavated by sand mining. The control sites were located in natural habitats in the Bieszczady Mountains within the natural range of the occurrence of the investigated alder species. Results showed that the bioaccumulation index of heavy metals in the alder roots depended on technosol properties, in particular, pH and texture, and, to a lesser extent, on the total content of heavy metals in soil. Additionally, it was found that in some concentration ranges, Pb and Cr had a stimulating effect on the growth of fine roots.

Detection of Soil Pipes Using Ground Penetrating Radar

Soil piping leads to land degradation in almost all morphoclimatic regions. However, the detection of soil pipes is still a methodological challenge. Therefore, this study aims at testing ground penetrating radar (GPR) to identify soil pipes and to present the complexity of soil pipe networks. The GPR surveys were conducted at three sites in the Bieszczady Mountains (SE Poland), where pipes develop in Cambisols. In total, 36 GPR profiles longitudinal and transverse to piping systems were made and used to provide spatial visualization of pipe networks. Soil pipes were identified as reflection hyperbolas on radargrams, which were verified with the surface indicators of piping, i.e., sagging of the ground and the occurrence of pipe roof collapses. Antennas of 500 MHz and 800 MHz were tested, which made possible the penetration of the subsurface up to 3.2 m and 2 m, respectively. Concerning ground properties, antenna frequencies and processing techniques, there was a potential possibility to detect pipes with a minimum diameter of 3.5 cm (using the antenna of lower frequency), and 2.2 cm (with the antenna of higher frequency). The results have proved that soil pipes meander horizontally and vertically and their networks become more complicated and extensive down the slope. GPR is a useful method to detect soil pipes, although it requires field verification and the proper selection of antenna frequency.

Runoff trends in a changing climate in the Eastern Carpathians (Bieszczady Mountains, Poland)

The aim of the study is to identify trends in the river runoff and their potential factors in the seminatural catchments of the Bieszczady Mountains (Eastern Carpathians, SE Poland). Five forested and mountainous catchments with full series of runoff, temperature and precipitation data for the period 1986–2015 were selected. Trends in hydrological and meteorological parameters were evaluated with nonparametric Mann-Kendall test and Theil-Sen estimator. Results show that runoff has changed in the seasonal basis while annual runoff remains unaffected. The significant identified trends are an increase in winter runoff and a decrease in autumn (September) runoff. There is a clear increasing trend in air temperature (annual, summer and autumn), whereas sum of precipitation has not changed. The decreasing trend in autumn runoff is the result of a delayed response to the increase in air temperature, evapotranspiration, sunlight hours and duration of dry periods in summer. On the other hand, the winter runoff increase might be caused by several factors: the higher rainfall sum, more frequent precipitation events, shorter river ice cover duration and the increase in air temperature (Nov, Dec). Demonstrated changes in recent streamflow are similar to the results of trend analyses in mountainous catchments in the temperate climate zone in Europe. Hydrological conditions in the Eastern Carpathians seem to be relatively resistant to a changing climate so far.

Colonisation by enchytraeids as a suitable indicator of successful biological reclamation of post-mining technosols using alders

Enchytraeids and earthworms were studied in a reclaimed sand mine, at a combustion waste disposal site and in natural forest stands in the Bieszczady Mountains. The study verifies the influence of three alder species (Alnus incana, A. viridis, A. glutinosa), reclaimed mine soil substrates (RMS) and combustion waste (CW) on annelid communities. Earthworms were absent in RMS and CW. Enchytraeid densities varied, from almost 2000 ind. m−2 (individuals per m2) to >9000 ind. m−2 in RMS and CW and to 30,000–60,000 ind. m−2 in natural forest soils. Soil properties strongly correlated with enchytraeid density were pH, silt content and organic carbon content. In total, eight genera and thirteen species were recorded. In combustion waste technosols, species tolerating dry conditions and high pH predominated (e.g. Henlea ventriculosa). In sand mine soils, species diversity was very low (Shannon index 0.16), but Hemifridericia bivesiculata was recorded, a species that was known within Europe only from Hungary. Alder trees, especially A. glutinosa, allowed enchytraeids to reach high population density. In soil afforested by A. glutinosa the succession stage was more advanced than in soil under A. incana because, in variants with A. glutinosa, more species classified as belonging to the transitional stage of succession (Fridericia spp.) or even preliminary climax stage of succession (Cognettia sphagnetorum), were recorded. In the variant with A. incana, Enchytraeus spp. predominated. These are considered pioneer species. The study of enchytraeids confirmed that alders should be recommended for biological reclamation.

Two new species in Hieracium sect. Alpina (Asteraceae) from the Eastern Carpathians in Poland

Two apomictic, polyploid (x=9) species in Hieracium sect. Alpina are described from the Western Bieszczady Mountains, Eastern Carpathians, Poland, and illustrated with photos of the holotypes. These are H. jasiewiczii (4x) which combines the morphological features of H. alpinum and H. bifidum, and H. wojcickii (4x) of presumably hybrid origin between H. alpinum and H. pseudobifidum. Both new species are probably relicts originated from diploid, sexual H. alpinum with a wider primary range covering also the Western Bieszczady Mountains, which presently occurs only in the Romanian and Ukrainian Carpathians.

Classification of mountain soils in a subalpine zone – a case study from the Bieszczady Mountains (SE Poland)

Abstract The aim of the study was to test the suitability of the 6th edition of Polish Soil Classification (SGP6) in reflecting the typical features of subalpine Bieszczady Mts. soils in comparison with the 5th edition of Polish Soil Classification (SGP5) and the newest version of World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). Five soil profiles located in differentiated in terms of the parent material, topography and vegetation conditions of the natural environment were investigated. On the basis of described morphology and determined properties soils were classified according to different soil classifications. All soils under study were featured by presence of thick A horizons and high content of soil organic carbon accumulated even very deep in the profiles. Some of the mineral topsoil layers were classified as umbric/umbrik horizons. Moreover cambic/kambik horizons were present and in some cases also weak redoximorphic features occurred. The SGP6 enabled to distinguish soils with a thick, organic carbon-rich A horizons as umbrisols, a newly created subtype of grey soils. Furthermore, the soil taxonomic position according to SGP6 was more detailed in relation to the soil trophic status (in case of brown soils) and occurrence of weak redoximorphic features. That was reflected in number of subtypes to which analyzed soils were classified – 4 in SGP6 vs 2 in SGP5.

Degradation and renaturalization of soils affected by tourist activity in the Bieszczady Mountains (South East Poland)

AbstractThe main aims of this study were to determine the degree of soil degradation caused by hikers along tourist trails in broad‐leaved forests and subalpine meadows in the Bieszczady Mts. (SE Poland) using the entire thickness of the soil profile and to determine both the direction and rate of renaturalization of degraded soils experiencing renaturalization over different periods of time. Seven representative plots (out of 25) were selected for detailed study. On the research plots, three different but representative research sites arranged perpendicularly to the trail were selected: (a) type R representing soil located in the center of the fenced area and still experiencing renaturalization, (b) type T representing soil on the tourist trail currently being used, and (c) type N representing natural soil showing lack of signs of trampling. The studied soils affected by tourists have become degraded substantially over time to a varying degree. This was manifested by a truncation of the soil profile and by soil compaction. The maximum depth of erosion was found to be ~0.5 m. Stones forming a ‘post‐erosional pavement’ play a crucial role in limiting deeper soil erosion. Both the loosening of renaturalized soils resulting from freeze–thaw cycles and from needle‐ice formation occur relatively quick, although the formation of a topsoil A horizon is a slow process. A humid climate and soils exhibiting high‐soil organic matter content and high‐cation exchange capacity due to their loamy texture facilitate relatively fast restoration of the vegetation cover, which protects the soil from erosion.

Genetic differentiation and asymmetric gene flow among Carpathian brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations-Implications for conservation of transboundary populations.

The abundance and distribution of large carnivores in Europe have been historically reduced. Their recovery requires multilevel coordination, especially regarding transboundary populations. Here, we apply nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers to test for admixture level and its impact on population genetic structure of contemporary brown bears (Ursus arctos) from the Eastern, Southern, and Western Carpathians. Carpathian Mountains (Europe). Nearly 400 noninvasive brown bear DNA samples from the Western (Poland) and Eastern Carpathians (Bieszczady Mountains in Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine) were collected. Together with DNA isolates from Slovakia and Romania, they were analyzed using the set of eight microsatellite loci and two mtDNA regions (control region and cytochrome b). A set of 113 individuals with complete genotypes was used to investigate genetic differentiation across national boundaries, genetic structuring within and between populations, and movement between populations. Transboundary brown bear subpopulations (Slovakia and Poland) did not show significant internal genetic structure, and thus were treated as cohesive units. All brown bears from the Western Carpathians carried mitochondrial haplotypes from the Eastern lineage, while the Western lineage prevailed in the brown bears from the Bieszczady Mountains. Despite similar levels of microsatellite variability, we documented significant differentiation among the studied populations for nuclear markers and mtDNA. We also detected male‐biased and asymmetrical movement into the Bieszczady Mountains population from the Western Carpathians. Our findings suggest initial colonization of the Western Carpathians by brown bears possessing mtDNA from the Eastern lineage. Genetic structuring among populations at microsatellite loci could be a result of human‐mediated alterations. Detected asymmetric gene flow suggests ongoing expansion from more abundant populations into the Bieszczady Mountains and thus supports a metapopulation model. The knowledge concerning this complex pattern can be implemented in a joint Carpathian brown bear management plan that should allow population mixing by dispersing males.

Fine root biomass and the associated C and nutrient pool under the alder (Alnus spp.) plantings on reclaimed technosols

In the study we have analysed the increment of fine-root biomass (FRBI) and the associated pool of carbon and nutrients (N, S, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na) under alder plantings (Alnus incana, A. glutinosa and A. viridis) growing on technosols developed from combustion wastes and extremely poor quaternary sands excavated by sand mining. The control sites were located in natural habitats in the Bieszczady Mountains within the natural range of the occurrence of the investigated alder species. The fine root biomass depended on the type and properties of the technosols substrate but did not differ between the alder species. The highest fine root biomass (>1000 g m−2) was found in the nutrient-poor sandy soils (SS) of a former sand pit, whereas technosols formed from combustion waste was <301 g m−2, and the lowest (below 264 g m−2) was in natural soils. The results indicate an important role of fine roots in the development of the carbon and nutrient pools in technosols. This is particularly important in the case of barren sandy soils where a deficit of nutrients is balanced by an efficient circulation and release of elements in the decomposition process of dead organic matter, largely connected to the fine roots biomass.

Pilot study for the presence of fungal metabolites in sheep milk from first spring milking

IntroductionA mini-study of 20 raw milk samples was conducted to examine the spectrum of fungal metabolites in sheep milk from the first spring milking.Material and MethodsSamples were collected from randomly selected ewes in two animal flocks from the Bieszczady Mountains and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsOut of ~700 bacterial, fungal, and plant metabolites tested for, only one mycotoxin – Enniatin B – was detected in sheep milk samples (18/20; 0.0055–0.0121 μg/kg; 0.0078 μg/kg average).ConclusionsThe results indicated that there was no high-level exposure to fungal metabolites via consumption of raw sheep milk during the sample collection period.

Lumbricidae Biodiversity at the Sites in Bieszczady Mountains (Poland) After 25 Years

Lumbricidae Biodiversity at the Sites in Bieszczady Mountains (Poland) After 25 Years

Accessibility of Brzozów by public transport on a local, regional and national scale

Abstract Major changes can be observed in the way that the public transport system in Poland operates as a result of the structural and ownership transformations of the former state-owned Motor Transport Company (Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacji Samochodowej [PKS]). An analysis was carried out of the town’s existing public transport connections in order to determine the impact of these changes on the mobility of the residents of a small town. The town of Brzozów was selected for the research. After August 2013, PKS Krosno S.A. withdrew from the provision of services on many bus routes in that area. The external accessibility of public transport in Brzozów was presented at three scales: local, intra-regional and national. Each of these has its own characteristics, and the bus routes provided on each of these scales have different significance for the inhabitants and the functioning of the economy. Accessibility by public transport in Brzozów is very good and strongly correlated with the city’s functional links on local, regional and national scales. The main transport axis of the city is the route connecting Rzeszów (the capital of Podkarpackie Province) with the Bieszczady Mountains (an area of great value for tourism). On the local market, the desire to adapt the carriers’ provision to the needs of students and the employees of large companies, while providing for university students on the market for long-distance transport, provided the main motivations for changes in the public transport system in the area of Brzozów Municipality.