The Research Site Vrchslatina – an experimental design and the main aims

Abstract

The research site “Vrchslatina” was established in the spring of 2009 with the aim of studying production processes and the structure of net primary productivity in young forest stands. The beech and spruce stands grown at the site were selected because they originated from natural regeneration and are nearly of the same age. In 2009, we established 5 research plots in each stand with the aim of measuring basic tree characteristics. Moreover, we excavated entire trees to construct allometric relations for the specific tree compartments. In the consecutive years (2010, 2011 and 2012), we also included grass communities dominated by Calamagrostis epigejos in our studies. Besides studying production processes of all tree compartments (i.e. for trees: foliages, branches, stem, coarse and fine roots, for grasses and herbs: below- and above-ground parts), we monitored several atmospheric characteristics, followed by soil characteristics and eventually added a measurement of soil respiration. The results indicated that forest stands (even though they were in their initial growth stages) sequestrated much more carbon than the grass communities. Moreover, we proved the considerable influence of climatic conditions (especially the sum of precipitation) in the particular years for net primary productivity.

Above-ground net primary productivity in young stands of beech and spruce

“…Since NPP and biomass allocation may be effected by climatic conditions, we measured temperature and precipitation at the site. Monthly means for 2009 -2012 as well as monthly means for a reference periods from 1961 to 1990 are shown in the paper of KONÔPKA et al (2013b). On this site, we selected two neighbouring stands of pure European beech and pure Norway spruce, both naturally regenerated after a stand clearance with ages between circa 12 -14 years.…”

“…A more detailed description of the research site is given in KONÔPKA et al (2013b). Since NPP and biomass allocation may be effected by climatic conditions, we measured temperature and precipitation at the site.…”

“…This amount was determined from an allometric model, i.e. by using sample trees taken in September 2009, minus the mass of needles accumulated in litter collectors (see also KONÔPKA et al, 2013b) in the period between September 2009 and April 2010. If this "starting" needle amount is marked as B 2010 , then, biomass of spruce needles in the specific years is calculated by means of the algorithms:…”

Canopy closure altered biomass allocation in young spruce stand

“…In 2006, the complex of young spruce clusters increased under a sparse canopy of mature trees that were subsequently harvested in the next 2-3 yr. Aerial photographs (see Konôpka et al 2013) show that only a few individual mature trees existed on the site in 2002 and those trees were located outside of the study plots. By 2006, no mature trees remained on the site.…”

Foliage and fine roots in terms of growth efficiency - a comparison between European beech and Norway spruce at early growth stages

“…The young forest stands originated from natural regeneration and their age was around 14 years. More detailed descriptions of the site and forest stands are given in Konôpka et al (2013a).…”