Waterlogged Forests Research Articles

Лось (Alces alces) на південній межі ареалу: стан популяції Центрального Полісся, хижацтво вовка та вразливість до потепління клімату

In the latter less hot years after the decline in the number of elk (2019–2020), the stabilisation and increasing trend in the number of this species have been observed throughout the study area. Due to migrations, the winter elk population exceeds the summer one and amounts to 2 individuals/thousand hectares (40 individuals; against 1.3 individuals/1 thousand hectares in summer) in the Polissia Reserve, and 1–6 individuals/1 thousand hectares (940 individuals) in the Chornobyl Reserve. Data on the vulnerability of elk to climate change are presented. In hot weather at different times of the year, elks may show signs of heat stress. In summer, elk can be inactive, and in the leafless period, when chased by wolves, they can get heat stress and die. In the heat of the day, elk choose swamps, waterlogged forests with a dense tree canopy and better cooling, which are comfortable for these ungulates in the face of global warming. Climate change causes marshes to dry up and overgrow, reduces the moisture content of habitats, and worsens the fodder capacity of the land. In case of even partial restoration of lowland marshes in the Chornobyl Biosphere Reserve, the reserves of summer and winter food for elk may increase by 2–3 times. In the Polissia Reserve, in 2011–2013, lowland bogs with bush willows (Salix) were restored on fallow land near the Zholobnytsia drainage system, creating highly productive habitats for the elk, which is a promising measure for different areas of Polissia. Climate warming has led to an increase in the red deer (Cervus elaphus) population and a decrease in the elk population in the Polissia, and if no special measures are taken, these trends will intensify. Outside of protected areas, given the lack of a high legal status for wolves (Canis lupus), a strategy for conserving the elk population and reducing predation mortality in combination with other elk habitat management strategies can be recommended to hunting ground users, including limiting poaching, restoring the natural regime of forest fires in reserves, improving winter provision of branch fodder, reducing the disturbance factor, and introducing a ban on staying in the forest with dogs for berry and mushroom pickers.

Spatio-Temporal Variability of Methane Fluxes in Boreo-Nemoral Alder Swamp (European Russia)

In 1995–1998 and 2013–2016, we measured methane fluxes (1Q-median-3Q, mgC m−2 h−1) in the Petushikha black alder swamp of the boreo-nemoral zone of European Russia. At microelevations (EL sites), flat surfaces (FL), microdepressions (DEP), and water surfaces of streams and channels (STR) sites, the fluxes comprised 0.01–0.03–0.09, 0.02–0.06–0.19, 0.04–0.14–0.43, and 0.10–0.21–0.44, respectively. The biggest uncertainty of methane fluxes was caused by seasonal variability (the level of relative variability of fluxes is a nonparametric analogue of the coefficient of variation) which comprised 144%, then by spatial variability—105%, and the smallest by interannual variability—75%. Both spatial and temporal variability of methane fluxes at different elements of the microrelief is heterogeneous: the most variable are communities that are “unstable” in terms of hydrological conditions, such as FL and DEP, and the least variable are the most drained EL and the most moistened STR (“stable” in terms of hydrological conditions). The obtained data on the fluxes and their spatial and temporal variability are consistent with the literature data and can be used to optimize the process of planning studies of the methane budget of “sporadic methane sources”, such as waterlogged forests. This is especially relevant for an adequate assessment of the role of methane fluxes in the formation of the waterlogged forests carbon budget and a changing climate.

Headwaters biogeochemistry focused on different rainfall-runoff conditions, and the role of waterlogged areas: a comparative study of Czech mountains

ABSTRACT This study focuses on changes of biogeochemical parameters related to variable rainfall-runoff conditions and to land cover types for eight headwater catchments in Central Europe. Linear regression, Spearman rank correlation, principal component analysis and C/Q (concentration – discharge) hysteresis loops revealed the main relationships. The presence of peatbogs and waterlogged spruce forests had a decisive influence on the biogeochemistry (COD = chemical oxygen demand measured using the permanganate methodMn, humins, Fe, P-PO4 3− TP = total phosphorus, N-NO3 −). The strongest positive correlation of organic matter and Fe is represented in a catchment with the largest area of damaged forest (70%), but with a smaller proportion of waterlogged areas (8%). High flow rates influence greater release of organic matter and N-NO3 −. The catchment with the highest (80%) peatbog cover and the catchment that had undergone revitalization showed similar behaviour in terms of water biogeochemistry. The type of rainfall-runoff event affected the velocity of pH changes, whereas the variability in electric conductivity was also controlled by the catchment characteristics and hydrological preconditions.

New technological solutions for waterlogged forests by cable yarding

The article proposes new technological techniques for clear cutting in swampy areas using standing skylines, new construction of yarder and the technology of its operation. As a result of the research on using the Larix 3T-500 cable yarder in winter and summer, the operational negative peculiarities of tower yarder in waterlogged forests were identified. Analysing data on experimental comparative time studies, some measures to reduce the negative effect of the identified features on yarding, felling, lateral yarding were worked out. General recommendations for work performance in swampy logging areas were developed. Based on the initial data for each bundle (yarding distance, lateral yarding distance, average volume of the bundle, etc.) the calculation in the MathCad program was performed and a regression dependence of the yarder performance was obtained. Obtained numerical data on comparative time studies of the working cycle operations were summarized in bar charts, taking into account the loss of time on operations.

Nest Site Selection and Nest Construction in the Willow Warbler (<i>Phylloscopus trochilus</i> L., 1758) (Sylviidae, Aves) in the Tajga Zone of Northwest Russia

Журнал принимает на русском и английском языках статьи, представляющие результаты научных исследований в различных областях теоретической и прикладной экологии. Приоритет отдается научным статьям, основанным на явно сформулированных гипотезах.

Seven years of arboreal pollen monitoring in the İğneada waterlogged forests (NW Turkey)

This study was carried out in the İğneada Waterlogged Forests (Kırklareli) located downhill of Istranca mountains at 20 km distance to Bulgaria border line and had a shore to Black Sea. These forests have different vegetation types such as waterlogged forest, peat, bog and sand dunes plant communities, sand zone and wetlands. The main arboreal species of these forests are Acer campestre, Acer trautvetteri, Alnus glutinosa, Carpinus betulus, Carpinus orientalis, Fraxinus angustifolia, Fraxinus ornus, Juglans regia, Quercus cerris, Quercus frainetto, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Ulmus leavis and Ulmus minor. Pollen monitoring results were obtained from six different sampling sites in the waterlogged forests around Mert and Saka Lake. The purpose of this study is to determine the modern pollen distribution of these forests and to create a basic calibration scheme for the fossil pollen studies. For this purpose, seven years of modern pollen distribution was monitored between September 2009 and 2016 using Tauber pollen traps which were placed at 6 different points in this study area. These traps were changed once a year in the field and transferred to the Palynology Laboratory of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. The protocol of European Pollen Monitoring Programme (EPMP) was followed in the laboratory methodology. The majority of the pollen influx obtained from the Tauber pollen traps in the İğneada Waterlogged forests belongs to Fraxinus and Carpinus from 2009 to 2016. As a result of this study, the annual arboreal pollen influxes of Fraxinus, Carpinus, Quercus, Acer, Corylus, Ulmus, Hedera helix and Alnus was higher respectively in the years of 2009-2016. Seven-year pollen influx data of these pollen traps reflects the current vegetation.

Tree-ring widths as an indicator of air pollution stress and climate conditions in different Norway spruce forest stands in the Krkonoše Mts.

Abstract The negative effect of air pollution on mountain spruce stands culminated in the 70s – 90s of the 20th century, when an extensive dieback and disturbance of stands occurred in the Krkonoše Mts., the Czech Republic. Dendrochronological analysis was used on ten permanent research plots established in 1976–1980 to document the dynamics of radial increment of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.). The objective was to determine the effect of SO2, NOX and O3 concentrations and precipitation and temperatures on spruce radial growth in climax forests, waterlogged forests and cultivated forests. The results document the strong depression of diameter increment in the period 1979–1991 caused by synergism of climatic extremes and high SO2 pollution in the 80s and 90s of the 20th century. After 2000 climate had prevailing effect on radial growth. Spruce increment was in positive correlation with temperature, particularly with temperature in the growing season and annual temperature of the current year. In general, temperature had a more significant effect on increment than precipitation, mainly in climax and peaty spruce stands. Diameter increment was in significant negative correlation with SO2 and NOX concentrations in all types of stands. Overall, peaty spruce stands were the most vulnerable to air pollution stress. Low radial increments were caused also by climate extremes, historically by strong frosts and winter desiccation in early spring, nowadays in time of climatic changes by extreme drought. Spruce stands have the ability of quickly responding by tree-ring width to both negative and positive impulses related with air pollution and climate.

Epiphytic and epixylic lichens in forests of the Šumava mountains in the Czech Republic; abundance and frequency assessments

Extensive sampling of lichen diversity in forest habitats in the Sumava mountains consisted of 128 plots with 824 sampled objects (single trees, snags, logs, etc.). The survey enabled assessment of regional abundance and frequency of epiphytic and epixylic lichen species. 240 species were recorded with frequencies (i.e. number of plots in which each species was recorded) ranging from 1 to 123 and with total abundance scores (i.e. sum of abundances from all objects) ranging from 1 to 1304. Using the total abundance scores, each species was classified as either: rare (129 species), common (68) or abundant (43). We recognised six types of forest, one formed by human activity and five natural ones. Species richness in the natural forests were in decreasing order: beech forests (167 species), bog and waterlogged forests (147), montane spruce forests (124), ash-alder alluvial forests (92) and ravine forests (68). The relative order of the first four kinds is probably real, but the low number of species in ravine forests is a result of insufficient sampling. All species were characterized by their fidelity and specificity to each forest type. Each natural forest category has a group of species with high fidelity. Many species were recorded in only a single category of forest, which demonstrates that a rich regional lichen biota requires variability in forest types. Forest habitats formed by human impact, mostly plantations of coniferous trees, have fewer species, and distinctly fewer species with high fidelity, than any natural forest category. Throughout the region, mature spruce trees in montane spruce forests have been dying at a rapid rate for over 20 years. This has probably resulted in a decline in those lichens that require high humidity, and an increase of some epixylic lichens, especially nitrophilous species. We did not encounter all species previously recorded in forests in the region, but most of the species missing from our list are either rare or have specialised habitat requirements. In the Red List of the Czech Republic, we suggested changes in categories for 32 species.

Methane and carbon dioxide fluxes in the waterlogged forests of south and middle taiga of Western Siberia

Field measurements of methane and carbon dioxide flux were carried out using portable static chambers in south (ST) and middle taiga subzones (MT) of Western Siberia (WS) from 16 to 24 August 2015. Two sites were investigated: Bakchar bog in the Tomsk region (in typical ecosystems for this area: oligotrophic bog/forest border and waterlogged forest) and Shapsha in Khanty-Mansiysk region (in waterlogged forest). The highest values of methane fluxes (mgC·m-2·h-1) were obtained in burnt wet birch forest (median 6.96; first quartile 3.12; third quartile 8.95). The lowest values of methane fluxes (among the sites mentioned above) were obtained in seasonally waterlogged forests (median -0.08; first and third quartiles are -0.14 and -0.03 mgC·m-2·h-1 respectively). These data will help to estimate the regional methane flux from the waterlogged and periodically flooded forests and to improve its prediction.

Methane and carbon dioxide fluxes in the waterlogged forests of Western Siberian southern and middle taiga subzones

Methane and carbon dioxide fluxes in the waterlogged forests of Western Siberian southern and middle taiga subzones

Physicochemical Indices of Ground Water and Their Geoponic Management, in Coastal Odisha, India

<p>Agriculture can not exist without water. At present the old practice of arbitrary use of water in irrigation sector has become unethical. Odisha is an agrarian state in east coast of India. For better yield of crops, quality of water is intricately related to the aquifer geometry, ground water flow regime and its quality. Coastal Odisha is having an area of 14700 sqkm and demography of 1.26 million. The land has mostly water logged alluvial crop land, deciduous forests or sandy dunes with an astomosed channels of hexa-deltaic rivers. The edaphic factors demand improvement of quality of ground water which is brackish. The physicochemical properties like pH value, electrical conductivity, inorganic constituents (Na<sup>+</sup>, Mg<sup>++</sup>, Ca<sup>++</sup>, K<sup>+</sup>) of ground water used for lift irrigation have been studied. Data from thousand number of wells from the study area are covered in various seasons during the years 2009-2014 along with the yield of the major crop, i.e., paddy. The indices and parameters like EC, SAR, KI, ESP, SSP, MAR, PI and alkalinity of the ground water are determined to show its fitness for irrigation in the area. The different water management policies and present activities are discussed so that the ground water can be used efficiently for irrigation in coastal Odisha.</p>

Influence of peat soils on runoff process: case study of Vydra River headwaters, Czechia

This paper summarizes findings from the hydrological research in the Vydra River headwaters, the Šumava Mts., s-w Czechia, dealing with the hydrological function of local peat soils and their effect on the outflow from the basin. This study represents a part of a long-term research carried out at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. The paper shows how important it is to study the groundwater level in peat soils and its area in a catchment as well as to predict the outflow in distinct weather conditions. There were chosen four small experimental catchments with different peat and waterlogged forest coverage. Rainfall events were selected in various periods within a year with a varying groundwater level (maximum and minimum) in the peat bog. Within these situations flood wave volumes were calculated and all of them were compared regarding the peat bog extension. The presented research also compares various sources of data about peat soils areas and areas of waterlogged forest.

ТИПЫ ВОЗРАСТНОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ ЗАБОЛОЧЕННЫХ СОСНЯКОВ АРХАНГЕЛЬСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

ТИПЫ ВОЗРАСТНОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ ЗАБОЛОЧЕННЫХ СОСНЯКОВ АРХАНГЕЛЬСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Late Quaternary vegetation dynamics from central parts of the Madeira River in Brazil

The present study reconstructs the paleovegetation of a varzea (seasonally flooded) forest in the central parts of the Madeira River floodplain in Brazil using palynological data. Forty-nine cut-bank sediment samples from the Madeira River were processed in the study; from these, ten samples contained pollen: two contained pollen from the Middle Pleniglacial age, one contained pollen from the Tardiglacial age, six contained pollen from the Holocene, and one contained more recently deposited pollen. The Middle Pleniglacial pollen belonged to a primary succession varzea forest, while the Tardiglacial pollen represented a late succession varzea forest. On the other hand, the three Holocene samples showed the characteristic composition of chavascal (water-logged forest) or lacustrine varzea forest, and three samples belonged to a late succession varzea forest. The most recent pollen deposit represented a secondary succession varzea forest. This paleovegetation showed a typical mosaic distribution, which may be explained by the fluvial dynamics, high species richness and diversity in the varzea forest, and the presence of dominant species.

Modern Pollen Distribution at İğneada Waterlogged Forests Between the Periods September 2007 – August 2009

Study has been worked to find out arboreal and non-arboreal pollen influx (cm2/mo) fallen to the ground and relations between striking meteorological parameters at Kırklareli-Igneada waterlogged forests 6 plots between 2007-2009 where significantly high vegetation diversity was provided. Tauber style pollen traps have been installed into the 6 field plots and were replaced monthly. The pollen traps transferred to the laboratory Lycopodium spore tablets were used in accordance with European Pollen Monitoring Program and pollen slides were prepared. The annual pollen influx of Carpinus sp., Fraxinus sp., Hedera helix , Alnus sp., Corylus sp., Acer sp., and Quercus sp. was higher respectively between the period 2007 and 2009. Also, the annual pollen influx of Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Plantago sp., and Ambrosia sp. was higher respectively for the same period. Pollen influx increase significantly along open field conditions and forest canopy for herbaceous plant and arboreal plants respectively. Pollen density was lower at the period between 2008 and 2009 due to higher rain. Keywords: Igneada waterlogged forest, Tauber style pollen trap, Lycopodium , pollen influx.

Structural-functional organization of the soil mesofauna population in bogs and waterlogged forests of northwestern Karelia

The soil mesofauna was studied in two ecological series (oligotrophic and mesotrophic) of bogs in northwestern Karelia. The earlier found differences in the structural-functional organization of the soil mesofauna in the bogs investigated were confirmed. The high indices of the taxonomic diversity and abundance of mesopedobionts were characteristic of the mesotrophic biogeocenoses. Among the factors limiting the activity of the mesopedobionts, the hydrothermal regime and soil acidity played the leading part. In the series of the bog biogeocenoses studied, the abundance of mesopedobionts increased with the increasing soil acidity, lowering the groundwater table and decreasing the content of sodium extracted by the ammonium acetate solution. Zoophages predominated in the trophic structure of the oligotrophic bogs due to the unfavorable conditions for large invertebrates there; in the mesotrophic bogs, myxophages were the dominants. The abundance of myxophages increased in the mesotrophic series simultaneously with the increasing nitrogen content in the soil mesofauna-inhabited soil horizons. In the mesotrophic biogeocenoses, saprophages were not numerous (one species of litter earthworms). Probably, in the bog soils, they are substituted for myxophages.

The hydrological properties of waterlogged and drained forests in Latvia

Almost half (47%) of Latvian forest areas (3611 thousand ha) are considered degraded or partly improved by the hydro-technical drainage. The degradation is caused by very poor soil aeration due to waterlogged conditions. The location of waterlogged forests in Latvia is neither uniform nor occasional. Comparison of the abundance of waterlogged forests and the amount of atmospheric precipitation showed that the waterlogged forests are mainly located in areas with least precipitation. This hydrological phenomenon is connected with water discharge in drainage ditches: even during the dry summers of the years 1963, 1964, 1975, 1976 and 2002 in the drained forests with deep peat soils water flowed continuously in 1 m deep ditches and the discharge exceeded the amount of precipitation. Using the data from 182 sample plots in drained forests with the peat layer depth of 4.2 m, it was found, that coniferous forests are most productive in areas where the peat layer is most dense. One of the possible explanations for this phenomenon is that the most intensive paludification and formation of most dense peat layer are characteristic for the areas with intensive water discharge from confined aquifers. This discharge provides necessary mineral nutrients for the forest soil regardless of the peat layer thickness. The forest productivity may increase several times due to the enhancement of water movement in soil and to improved soil aeration by hydro-technical drainage. Also the flow regime of rivers connected with the drained areas changes considerably, mitigating extremely high and low flow events.

The influence of bark beetles outbreak vs. salvage logging on ground layer vegetation in Central European mountain spruce forests

Changes in the herb and moss layers of mountain spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forests after bark beetle ( Ips typographus (L.)) outbreak were compared with and without forestry intervention. The study area is situated in the Šumava National Park (Czech Republic, Central Europe), where an extensive bark beetle outbreak occurred in the 1990s. Parts of forests were left without interventions, while salvage logging was applied in other areas. Altogether, 18 permanent research plots were established in: (1) climax stands with completely dead canopy, (2) climax stands where salvage logging was applied (clearcuts), and (3) waterlogged stands with only partly dead canopy. Vegetation composition of the ground layer and species numbers were evaluated in 1997 and 2002. The effect of salvage logging on vegetation was greater than that of the bark beetle outbreak itself. Forest herb species and partly also bryophytes survived relatively well under untouched dead canopy. The fewest changes occurred under the partly dead canopy in waterlogged forests. The herb layer expanded in clearcuts originated due to salvage logging, being dominated by grasses. Bryophytes were more susceptible to logging than herbs; their cover in clearcuts was markedly lower and composition changed towards pioneer species. The results show that a natural succession of mountain spruce forests after a bark beetle outbreak, if left without interventions, will probably avoid a pioneer stage and direct recovery of the forests will be possible. Salvage logging had negative effects on species composition of the spruce forests, delayed the forest recovery, and should not be permitted in the national park.

Changes of plant species composition in the Šumava spruce forests, SW Bohemia, since the 1970s

Vegetation dynamics of three forest communities were studied by resampling of relevés recorded in the 1970s in the Bohemian Forest (Šumava Mountains). Results of multivariate analysis (RDA) confirmed significant time changes in species composition of the climax ( Calamagrostio-Piceetum) and waterlogged ( Bazzanio-Piceetum) spruce forests. The changes in the sphagnum-rich waterlogged spruce forests ( Sphagno-Piceetum) are close to the level of significance. The main vegetation changes are represented by a decrease in cover and/or frequency of hygrophilous or sciophilous species (e.g. Athyrium distentifolium, Oxalis acetosella) in climax spruce forests, and an abundant increase of species, indicating a preference to drier stands or better light conditions (e.g. Calamagrostis villosa, Vaccinium vitis-idaea or Avenella flexuosa), in waterlogged spruce forests. We also found a higher proportion of meadow species (e.g. Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra or Luzula multiflora) in the newly recorded relevés from waterlogged forests. Analysis of species number per plot showed a remarkable shift to species-rich communities, especially in waterlogged stands. We tried to find the possible factors responsible for the observed changes. Unfortunately, only indirect measurement of environmental factors using Ellenberg’s indicator values could be used and did not yield sufficient results. Thus, the changes observed in climax spruce forests were ascribed mainly to a decrease in canopy cover, which was directly estimated. In waterlogged forests, a complex of several general factors, which influence the climax spruce forest, had to be taken into account, such as: (i) a decrease in atmospheric acidification during the last 10–15 years and subsequent improvement in soil conditions, especially in waterlogged stands; (ii) fragmentation of forests as a result of bark-beetles attack; (iii) climate warming documented by long-term local meteorological measurements.

Leaf water relations of black alder [ Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.] growing at neighbouring sites with different water regimes

The tree species black alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.] typically inhabits wet sites in central Europe but is also successful on well drained soils. To test the physiological adjustment of the species in situ, conductances, transpiration rates and water potentials (Scholander pressure chamber) of black alder leaves were investigated at two neighbouring sites with different water regimes: alder trees at an occasionally water logged alder forest and alder shrubs in a nearby, much drier hedgerow. Additional experiments with alder cuttings in nutrient culture showed that leaf conductances and gas exchange were both strongly influenced by the substrate water potential. In situ however, there was little spatial variability within the different parts of a crown and we found that physiological regulation at leaf level was hardly influenced by different site water regimes or different tree sizes. Diurnal courses of leaf water relations as well as their regulation at the leaf level (e.g. the hyperbolic relationship between conductances and ΔW) were strikingly similar at both sites. Leaf water potential in black alder was shown to be a consequence of immediate transpiration rates, which were high in comparison to other tree species (up to 4 mmol H2O m–2 s–1), rather than the water potentials being a factor that influenced conductance and, therefore, transpiration. The always high leaf conductances and consequent high transpiration rates are interpreted as a strategy to maximise productivity through low stomatal limitation at sites where water supply is usually not limited. However, at the same time this behaviour restricts black alder to sites where at least the deep-going roots can exploit water.