The layering of the soil profile can influence the accumulation of infiltrated water and the way in which subsurface runoff is formed. This paper examines a mountain podzol characterized by clearly developed soil horizons. After these horizons had been identified, distinct soil layers were defined (the eluvial horizon, the spodic horizon (undifferentiated), and weathered bedrock). Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), particle size distribution and bulk density were measured in these layers. A visualization of the distribution of infiltrated water in the podzolic profile was performed using a dye tracer experiment. The accumulation of dyed water and a distinct lateral flow were detected in the eluvial layer. Only limited entry of water into the spodic layer was observed. These effects were caused by changes in soil hydraulic properties (SHP) among the investigated layers. For the spodic horizons, the measured Ks value (crucial SHP) was significantly lower than the Ks values for the other tested horizons. The probable reason for the lower Ks was an accumulation of fine particles and various substances in the spodic horizons, and corresponding changes in the porous system. The observed effects of layering indicate that water can be accumulated and subsurface runoff can be formed over the spodic layer during intensive rain or snow melting.
<p>Due to the spatial heterogeneity, root presence and other specific properties, measurement of forest soil hydraulic properties is difficult. Forests are generally hydrologically important systems that can mitigate negative climate change impact, and specifically, forest soil represents crucial water reservoir. A common forest management strategy is to plant monocultural stands of trees. Due to the differences in trees characteristics, e.g., root system, litter and leaf area, the development of soil undergoes specific changes according to the planted species. The main aim of this study is to investigate the connection between the tree species and hydro-physical properties of forest soil with focus on long term soil moisture and temperature regime monitoring. This research brings an early-stage view to data obtained from May 2021 up to nowadays.</p><p>A set of 55 TDT (time domain transmission) soil moisture and temperature sensors were installed into three nearby locations. In each of those a monoculture stand of beech (<em>Fagus sylvatica</em>), spruce <em>(Picea Abies)</em>, and larch<em> (Larix Decidua)</em> are planted. Half of the sensors are used for measuring the mineral soil moisture in depth of -15 to -29 cm below soil surface and point temperature of -23, -15, +5 cm relative to the surface, the rest is used for measuring the topsoil moisture from the surface to the depth of -14 cm and point temperatures in levels of -8, 0 and +15 cm.</p><p>Results shows distinct differences in soil moisture among tested tree species. After longer period without precipitation (period of soil-water loss), the highest differences in volumetric water content (VWC) were observed. After one-month period without rain in early summer, mean values of VWC for topsoil were 35% for beach, 28% for larch, and 21% for spruce. Overall, the beech stands showed the highest ability to maintain soil water after periods of soil water loss and therefore, potentially exhibited the strongest resistance towards soil drought. By contrast, spruce tends to lose water relatively fast which can be problematic especially in events of long-term drought. For the surface temperature during vegetation season, the highest values were observed in larch stands followed by spruce and the lowest in beach. These findings probably corresponding to different solar radiation permeability of tree canopies. The observed effects of tree species on soil moisture and temperature should be considered for hydrological modelling, future forest planning, and water management improvement of forest soil.</p>
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