Karkonosze Mountains Research Articles

FRACTIONAL COMPOSITION OF HUMUS IN SELECTED FOREST SOILS IN THE KARKONOSZE MOUNTAINS

This paper describes the fractions of humus compounds present in the organic and mineral horizons of the forest soils in the area of the Karkonosze Mountains. Soil profiles that represented the mountain Podzols and Dystric Cambisol were located on the northern slope along an altitude gradient from 890 to 1255 m a.s.l. Two soils were located under the spruce forest, and one in the subalpine meadow. Soil samples were taken both from the surface organic layers (the ectohumus layer) and from the mineral horizons. Fractionation of humus compounds was made using the modified Turin method. The soils had the texture of loamy sand and sandy loam, an acidic or strongly acidic reaction, low base saturation, and the predomination of aluminum among exchangeable cations. A significant increase in the fulvic fraction (Ia) with depth in the soil profiles was observed that confirmed the high mobility of this fraction in the acid mountain soils, higher in the forest soils, and lower in the meadow soils. The content of fraction I decreased generally with depth in the soil profile; however, a secondary increase was observed in an illuvial Bh horizon of the Podzols. Fulvic acids predominated over the humic acids and this predominance increased with depth in the soil profile. The ratio of the humic to the fulvic acids in fraction I in the ectohumus horizons was influenced by the composition of a biomass inflow. TheCHA:CFA ratio had the highest values under a spruce forest compared to a mixed stand and a subalpine meadow. In the surface horizons of the forest soils, a predominance of humic over fulvic acids was always observed, while in the subalpine meadow soils, the fulvic acids predominated over the humic acids in all soil horizons. Based on this study, it can be stated that the vegetation type and the dominant soil-forming process rather than simply climate factors influence the fractional composition of humus in the mountain soils of the Karkonosze Mountains.

Effect of weather conditions on the incidence of Lophodermium yellow needle blight in the dwarf mountain pine in the Karkonosze and Izerskie Mountains (Poland)

The study aimed to determine, by using a statistical model, the effect of weather conditions on the incidence of Lophodermium yellow needle blight causing by new species for science - Lophodermium corconticum, in the mountain dwarf pine growing in the subalpine Karkonosze Mountains and the Izerskie Mountains (Poland). Needles showed symptoms of yellow spots, gradual discolouration and premature fall in July. The assessment of healthiness of infected mountain dwarf pine needles spanned three years (2011 - 2013) and was conducted in several test sites in the Karkonosze and Izerskie Mountains. The results were analyzed by taking into account the meteorological conditions. Field observations seem to indicate that the highest infestation of mountain dwarf pine occurs in June and July, while September and October see a significantly lower disease index in the Karkonosze Mountains. The lower indices of the infestation of mountain dwarf pine are characteristic for the vegetation in the Hala Izerska high mountain pasture; whereas the environmental conditions prevailing in the Kociol Malego Stawu cirque and above the Samotnia hostel are conducive to the development of Lophodermium yellow needle blight.

Assessment of Imaging Spectroscopy for rock identification in the Karkonosze Mountains, Poland

Abstract Based on laboratory, field and airborne-acquired hyperspectral data, this paper aims to analyse the dominant minerals and rocks found in the Polish Karkonosze Mountains. Laboratory spectral characteristics were measured with the ASD FieldSpec 3 spectrometer and images were obtained from VITO’s Airborne Prism EXperiment (APEX) scanner. The terrain is covered mainly by lichens or vascular plants creating significant difficulties for rock identification. However, hyperspectral airborne imagery allowed for subpixel classifications of different types of granites, hornfels and mica schist within the research area. The hyperspectral data enabled geological mapping of bare ground that had been masked out using three advanced algorithms: Spectral Angle Mapper, Linear Spectral Unmixing and Matched Filtering. Though all three methods produced positive results, the Matched Filtering method proved to be the most effective. The result of this study was a set of maps and post classification statistical data of rock distribution in the area, one for each method of classification.

The application of APEX images in the assessment of the state of non-forest vegetation in the Karkonosze Mountains

Abstract Information about vegetation condition is needed for the effective management of natural resources and the estimation of the effectiveness of nature conservation. The aim of the study was to analyse the condition of non-forest mountain communities: synanthropic communities and natural grasslands. UNESCO’s M&B Karkonosze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve was selected as the research area. The analysis was based on 40 field test polygons and APEX hyperspectral images. The field measurements allowed the collection of biophysical parameters - Leaf Area Index (LAI), fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR) and chlorophyll content - which were correlated with vegetation indices calculated using the APEX images. Correlations were observed between the vegetation indices (general condition, plant structure) and total area of leaves (LAI), as well as fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR). The outcomes show that the non-forest communities in the Karkonosze are in good condition, with the synanthropic communities characterised by better condition compared to the natural communities.

LOSS-ON-IGNITION AS AN ESTIMATE OF TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON IN THE MOUNTAIN SOILS

Due to the ease and low cost of implementation, a commonly used method of determining the humus content in soils is the loss-on-ignition (LOI) method. Several regression equations and transformation factors are reported for LOI conversion to soil organic matter (SOM) or total organic carbon (TOC) content. The vast majority of the conversion factors have been developed for surface horizons of lowland soils, while there are only few findings from the mountainous areas. 476 mineral and 79 organic (forest litter) samples from 31 soil profiles located in different altitude zones of the Karkonosze Mountains and under different vegetation were used for analysis. LOI was determined by the drying-weighing method and TOC by the dry combustion method with CO2 absorption. The average LOI/TOC ratio was about 2, but varied in accordance to LOI value. At the LOI value above 8–10%, the LOI/TOC is maintained at a constant level of 2.0, but with a decreasing LOI it may significantly extend, up to 20 at LOI 8%, respectively) or when using separate regression equations for LOI of 8%. Because of huge TOC overestimation by LOI method at LOI values lower than 8–10%, the conversion LOI to TOC is not recommended, unless the direct measurement of TOC content is currently unavailable (e.g. in archival databases).1

Transformation of physicochemical soil properties along a mountain slope due to land management and climate changes — A case study from the Karkonosze Mountains, SW Poland

The gradients of soil physicochemical properties along mountain slopes and across climate-elevation gradients were studied in the Karkonosze Mountains, focusing on the human-impacted zonality of the vegetation cover. The main focus of the study was the environmental consequences, both human-induced and spontaneous, of vegetation changes in the mountains which may occur due to climate change. In soils developed from granite, a clear altitude-related differentiation of soil properties was manifested by: (i) an increase in total organic carbon (TOC) with elevation; (ii) an increase in exchangeable acidity and aluminum (Alex); (iii) a decrease in pH, (iv) a decrease in base saturation; and (v) finer soil texture and higher content of base cations in the foothills and lower slopes. These altitude-dependent trends have a threshold-type distribution, i.e. the values stabilize at 750–1000ma.s.l. or are reversed in the subalpine zone. Grass vegetation decreased TOC and Alex, but increased soil pH and base saturation compared with forest vegetation at the same altitude zone. Soils under spruce had higher TOC but lower pH compared with beech stands.Present-day changes of mountain area management in Central Europe, i.e. the replacement of spruce monocultures with beech or mixed stands in the lower forest zone and reforestation (mainly with spruce or mountain pine) of abandoned meadows and pastures at and above the timberline significantly influence topsoil properties, but there is a contrasting direction of changes in the lower and upper altitude zones. Expected climate changes may shift the upper limits of the individual forest zones and reinforce the ongoing changes in forest management. The final regional result of changes is difficult to calculate and strongly dependent on the degree of anthropogenic transformation of vegetation cover. However, both the current changes in management practices and possible climate changes will reinforce the existing vertical gradients of mountain soil properties, including the elevation-related increase in TOC, exchangeable acidity and Alex, as well as the decrease in soil pH and base saturation.

Holocene vegetation history and soil development reflected in the lake sediments of the Karkonosze Mountains (Poland)

A 11-m-long lake sediment core of a mountain lake situated at 1225 m a.s.l. in the Karkonosze Mountains (Poland) provided a unique, multi-proxy archive to reconstruct natural and human-induced environmental changes over the entire Holocene period. Pollen analyses allowed for the local and regional reconstruction of vegetation history. The chemical composition of the core and the determination of amorphous Fe and Al phases enabled to trace back soil formation in the surrounding catchment. About 11 ka ago, birch-pine and pine-birch communities started to develop in the Preboreal chronozone. Subsequently, the vegetation cover changed to Corylus– Picea–Abies + Fagus in the higher and middle mountain zones, and to Ulmus– Quercus– Carpinus in the mountain foreland and footslopes. The decline of forests that started in the 11th century because of clearing was accompanied by the expansion of grasses, both as pastures in the mountains and cereal crops in the foreland. At the same time, the mining and smelting gave rise to environmental pollution with heavy metals (Pb, Cu and Zn) at a regional scale. Combined geochemical and palynological data indicated relationships between vegetation type, sediment texture and its elemental composition. This relationship seemed to be linked to climatic conditions and surface erosion intensity. A first progressive soil-forming phase occurred from 10.9 until about 8.4 ka cal. BP. Rapid and strong soil erosion (regressive phase), related to rapid climate deterioration, occurred at about 8.4 ka cal. BP. Thereafter, continuous soil formation (progressive phase) and podzolization in the Boreal and Atlantic continued until about 1 ka BP when strong human impact (deforestation) led again to a regressive soil evolution.

Aktywność spływów gruzowych w polskiej części Karkonoszy w świetle badań lichenometrycznych

While 70 forms created by debris flows have been mapped for the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mountains, only 14 of these have a known time of origin and have been described in available literature. The oldest registered and described flows occurred in 1964, as followed by further events in 1994, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2006. In 2011-2012 and 2014. Lichenometric measurements were carried out for the forms created by debris flows in the Karkonosze Mountains, i.e. the Great Snowy Cirque, the Black Cirque of Jagniątkow, the Small Tarn Cirque, the Łomniczka Cirque and the White Jar nivation niche, in order to investigate levels of activity over the past 150 years. The lichenometric dating was based around lichens of the Rhizocarpon group. A major obstacle proved to be the limited amounts of lichens, or even their total absence in the case of the youngest forms created by debris flows. An exception was the Łomniczka Cirque. On the basis of the lichenometric dating it proved possible to identify three phases to the activity of Karkonosze debris flows. The first of these was characterised by a high intensity of the processes studied, and was associated with the Little Ice Age. As in the Tatra Mountains, this phase was seen to end in the 1920s, and was followed by a period of relative calm, interspersed with a small number of debris flows in the 1930s and 40s, and then in 1964. The next phase of increased activity as regards the transport of rock material within the forms created by flows (and including new debris flows), began in the 1980s, and has continued through to the present day. The debris flows in the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mountains are thus characterised by a course of activity similar to that noted in the Tatra Mountains.

Trichoderma species occurring on wood with decay symptoms in mountain forests in Central Europe: genetic and enzymatic characterization.

The aim of this study was to explore the species diversity of Trichoderma obtained from samples of wood collected in the forests of the Gorce Mountains (location A), Karkonosze Mountains (location B) and Tatra Mountains (location C) in Central Europe and to examine the cellulolytic and xylanolytic activity of these species as an expression of their probable role in wood decay processes. The present study has led to the identification of the following species and species complex: Trichoderma atroviride P. Karst., Trichoderma citrinoviride Bissett, Trichoderma cremeum P. Chaverri & Samuels, Trichoderma gamsii Samuels & Druzhin., Trichoderma harzianum complex, Trichoderma koningii Oudem., Trichoderma koningiopsis Samuels, C. Suárez & H.C. Evans, Trichoderma longibrachiatum Rifai, Trichoderma longipile Bissett, Trichoderma sp. (Hypocrea parapilulifera B.S. Lu, Druzhin. & Samuels), Trichoderma viride Schumach. and Trichoderma viridescens complex. Among them, T. viride was observed as the most abundant species (53 % of all isolates) in all the investigated locations. The Shannon’s biodiversity index (H), evenness (E), and the Simpson’s biodiversity index (D) calculations for each location showed that the highest species diversity and evenness were recorded for location A—Gorce Mountains (H′ = 1.71, E = 0.82, D = 0.79). The preliminary screening of 119 Trichoderma strains for cellulolytic and xylanolytic activity showed the real potential of all Trichoderma species originating from wood with decay symptoms to produce cellulases and xylanases—the key enzymes in plant cell wall degradation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13353-015-0326-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mass fluxes and clay mineral formation in soils developed on slope deposits of the Kowarski Grzbiet (Karkonosze Mountains, Czech Republic/Poland)

Weathering, mineral formation, and transformation processes along slopes are complex. In cool mountainous regions, undisturbed soil development with a strong vertical leaching element may abruptly change as a result of erosion, accumulation, lateral water fluxes and aeolian input. We investigated soils in the eastern Karkonosze Mountains that have developed on silicatic slope deposits. To date, illite, vermiculite and chlorite are the minerals that have been detected in the clay fraction. Although the climate and parent material should be favourable for the formation of smectites, expandable phases were not verified so far. We investigated if expandable phases could be detected and how they related to elemental fluxes along a short slope sequence (1142–1268ma.s.l. on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland). Mass balance calculations indicated intensive mineral weathering together with a significant leaching of Mg, Al, Ca and Mn on the shoulder and foot slope positions. In the middle zone, which has a concave or undulating surface shape, however, the mass balances of several elements (Na, K, Al, P) revealed a less pronounced leaching (corresponding to a lower degree of podsolization) and in some cases even accumulation. At all sites, mass balance calculations and detected soil minerals (e.g. the increase in illite towards the surface together with an increase in Al and K) indicate some aeolian input. Kaolinite was detected in all soil horizons. Its concentration slightly increased towards the soil surface. Together with the pronounced leaching of Ca, part of kaolinite originates from plagioclase weathering. Besides being a weathering product of primary minerals, part of the kaolinite is inherited from the parent material and probably is also due to aeolian input. In all soils, illite was being transformed into vermiculite and smectites (through regularly-interstratified illite-smectite phases). In addition, the content of chloritic components which increases with depth indicated their concurrent weathering and transformation into smectites. Amphibole also may have acted as a source of smectites. Not all smectite is being actively formed in the soil. Most likely due to slope processes (cover beds) that affected even the subsoil, some smectite has been transferred along the slope. Part of the smectite also seems to derive from the parent material. Active formation of expandable clay minerals is related to convex and planar landscape forms. This relationship suggests intense element leaching, inheritance from the parent material and cover bed mixing processes have contributed to the presence of smectite. Along the slope, zones with predominant vertical transport (shoulder, foot slopes) may repeatedly be interchanged with zones dominated by lateral transport (undulating slope, concave forms).

Long-term air temperature variation in the Karkonosze mountains according to atmospheric circulation

The results of meteorological measurements carried out continuously on Mt Śniezka in Karkonosze mountains since 1880 well document the warming observed on a global scale. Data analysis indicates warming expressed by an increase in the mean annual air temperature of 0.8 °C/100 years. A much higher temperature increase was recorded in the last two decades at the turn of the twenty-first century. Mean decade air temperatures increased from −0.1 to 1.5 °C. It has been shown that there are relationships between air temperature at Mt Śniezka and global mechanisms of atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Thermal conditions of the Karkonosze (Mt Śniezka) accurately reflect global climate trends and impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, macrotypes of atmospheric circulation in Europe (GWL) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The increase in air temperature during the 1989–2012 solar magnetic cycle may reveal a synergy effect to which astrophysical effects and atmospheric and oceanic circulation effects contribute, modified by constantly increasing anthropogenic factors.

Application of Ground Penetrating Radar to Identification of Thickness and Structure of Sediments in Postglacial Lakes, Illustrated with an Example of the Mały Staw Lake (The Karkonosze Mountains)

AbstractThis paper has been aimed at demonstrating the applicability of the ground penetrating radar to acquiring basic information on lake sediments and geomorphological conditions of their deposition in the basin of Mały Staw lake. The lake area is one of the most comprehensively studied part of the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mountains. The application of radar soundings enabled a fast and environmentally friendly verification as well as updating the results of previous research on the thickness and structure of the sediments of this glacial lake. Mały Staw lake is formed at the postglacial depression in the granite bedrock. The bottom of the lake is composed of limnic deposits of the maximum thickness reaching up to 15 m. The postglacial formations occurring below them probably contain a buried moraine of the youngest recessional phase. Solid rock is located about 25 meters beneath the current bottom of the lake.

Ecological Approach Presented by Managers of Hospitality Services in the Karkonosze Mountains. The Identification of Activities Reducing Negative Environmental Impacts

Entrepreneurs and managers of tourist destinations, located in the Karkonosze Mountains, are not aware of the advantages resulting from an ecological approach towards performing tourist activities. The purpose of the article is to discuss the research results referring to the identification of the ecological approach presented by local managers and to suggest adequate activities necessary to carry out eco-policy in the sector of tourism.

Airborne fungal spores of subalpine zone of the Karkonosze and Izerskie Mountains (Poland)

The incidence of the airborne fungal spores was determined in the air of subalpine zone of the Karkonosze Mountains and of the Izerskie Mountains in the borderland between Poland and the Czech Republic. The experiment was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at three to four week intervals from May to October. Air samples were taken from three locations in the Karkonosze Mts. and one from the Izerskie Mts. To examine the air, the Air Ideal 3P sampler and acidified PDA medium were used. The results show that Cladosporium cladosporioides was the most abundant spore type in all the sampling locations (up to 30%), followed by Alternaria alternata (16%–20%), Fusarium (up to 10%) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorium (up to 6%). The lower spore counts were recorded in May samples, compared to the other months. In this case the snow cover, that was still present in the area at the beginning of May, may be the reason for the lower, compared to June, July and August samplings, CFU (Colony Forming Unit) counts in that month. The influx of air masses from SE, S and SW sectors in the area under study may affect dissemination of the plant-pathogenic fungi from the Czech Republic and from the South of Europe in general.

Trace elements in soils of upper zone of spruce forest on Szrenica Mount and the Kowarski Grzbiet range in the Karkonosze Mountains

New regular examination of soil contamination with trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cu) in the upper zone of spruce forest in the western (Mount Szrenica) and eastern (Kowarski Grzbiet range) Karkonosze Mountains was carried out as part of the monitoring network of forest ecosystems in the Karkonosze Mountains National Park. Soil samples were taken at the following three depths: forest litter (the whole layer), 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. Clearly raised concentrations of lead were found, particularly in forest litter (mean 83.2 mg⋅kg-1) and in horizons 0-10 cm (mean 73.3 mg⋅kg-1). Copper and zinc occurred in smaller amounts, in the ectohumus layer 47.5 mg Zn⋅kg-1 and 23.8 mg Cu⋅kg-1 (mean concentrations), and in the layer 0-10 cm – 33.7 mg Zn⋅kg -1 and 19.9 mg Cu⋅kg -1 . Zinc and copper concentrations in soils of the upper spruce forest zone did not increase with altitude above mean sea level, and were slightly higher in the eastern part of Karkonosze Mts. (the Kowarski Grzbiet). Concentrations of lead were apparently higher in the western part of the Karkosze Mts. and increased with altitude AMSL.

Mercury accumulation in the surface layers of mountain soils: A case study from the Karkonosze Mountains, Poland

The study was aimed to examine total concentrations and pools of Hg in surface layers of soils in the Karkonosze Mountains, dependent on soil properties and site locality. Soil samples were collected from a litter layer and the layers 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, at 68 sites belonging to the net of a monitoring system, in two separate areas, and in three altitudinal zones: below 900 m, 900–1100 m, and over 1100 m. Air-borne pollution was the major source of mercury in soils. Hg has accumulated mainly in the litter (where its concentrations were the highest), and in the layer 0–10 cm. Hg concentrations in all samples were in the range 0.04–0.97 mg kg −1, with mean values 0.38, 0.28, and 0.14 mg kg −1 for litter and the layers 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, respectively. The highest Hg concentrations in the litter layer were found in the intermediate altitudinal zone, whereas Hg concentrations in the layer 0–10 cm increased with increasing altitude. Soil quality standard for protected areas (0.50 mg kg −1) was exceeded in a few sites. The pools of Hg accumulated in soils were in the range: 0.8–84.8 mg m −2, with a mean value of 16.5 mg m −2, and they correlated strongly with the pools of stored organic matter.

Structural dynamic of social wasp communities (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) in forest areas destroyed by acid rains in the Karkonosze Mountains

The structure of the social wasp communities was studied in the forest areas of the Karkonosze Mts. transformed by acid rains in 1989 and 1994. A significant increase of species diversity (H') was observed in the season of the even year, which resulted from the increased competing interactions between queen mothers. Whereas the distribution of the species' number decreased together with the altitude proportionally to natural distribution of the species' number recorded in the Tatra Mts. On the other hand, the only significantly increased value in the dynamics of Vespinae density in vegetation zones of the Karkonosze Mts. was recorded for the lower subalpine forest. While observing the progressing successive restoration of forests, one can assume that the recorded structural changes in communities of social wasps represent their transitional state.

Local tomography troposphere model over mountains area

The term GNSS meteorology refers to the utilization of the Global Navigation Satellite System's (GNSS) radio signals to derive information about the state of the troposphere. GNSS tomography allows to resolve the spatial structure and temporal behavior of the tropospheric water vapor. This paper presents the verification of GNSS tomography over dense local GNSS network. The paper addresses the problem of obtaining a stable tomographic solution from an ill-conditioned system of linear equations. The main interests are in suitable horizontal and vertical resolution in given conditions. Here the Moore–Penrose pseudo inverse of variance–covariance matrix is used. The minimum constraints solution is obtained with no additional assumptions. The results are validated with the help of simulated weather conditions. Three various scenarios are tested. As general output of this paper the optimal model construction scheme is presented with possible further improvements. The verification of the tomography model based on the local GPS KARKONOSZE, situated in the Karkonosze mountains area in Poland.

The first records of Lordithon bimaculatus (Schrank, 1798) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Poland

The first records of Lordithon bimaculatus (Schrank, 1798) from Poland are presented. Until 2000 this species was not distinguished from Lordithon trinotatus (Er., 1839). It was collected in the Karkonosze Mountains, in the Bialskie Mountains, as well as in the foothills of the Sudety Mountains, in subalpine spruce forests and in colline and montane mixed forests.

Structural dynamic of social wasp communities (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) in forest areas destroyed by acid rains in the Karkonosze Mountains

Structural dynamic of social wasp communities (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) in forest areas destroyed by acid rains in the Karkonosze Mountains