engleski

Change of microclimate conditions in beech-fir forests as a result of intensive tree dieback

Owing to intensive tree dieback, salvage cutting is frequent, which leads to disruption of canopy cover and creation of forest openings. The aim of the research was to establish microclimate changes in forest openings. In beech-fir forest association we allocated sample plots in a smaller forest opening of 200 m2 in size, and in a larger forest opening of 1200 m2 in size, with related control plots of 60 x 60 m. Forest openings were incurred by tree dieback. Microclimate elements of air temperature (°C), relative air humidity (%), soil temperature (°C) and soil volumetric water content (%) were measured in the center and at four cardinal direction points on the edges of forest openings, as well as on related control plots. Statistically significant differences were found in air temperature, air humidity and soil volumetric water content between center of the opening, edge of the opening and related control plots p < 0.05. Values of air temperature decreased significantly from the center of the opening towards its edges and the pertaining canopy covered stand. Soil temperature at the edge of the large opening was not significantly lower than the soil temperature in its center. Relative air humidity values in both forest openings were higher in the center of the opening than in the related control plots. Values of soil volumetric water content were significantly higher in centers of forest openings. In smaller opening, significantly lower air and soil temperatures were measured, as well as significantly higher values of relative air humidity and soil volumetric water content in comparison to the larger opening. In all, more favorable microclimate conditions were found in smaller forest opening. Correlations between air temperature and relative air humidity, and soil temperature and soil volumetric water content were negative and strong, while correlations between air and soil temperature and relative air humidity were positive medium to strong, p < 0.05.

Microclimate; forest opening; beech-fir forests; tree dieback

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