Soil properties as a component of predisposition factors of Norway spruce forest decline in the Hanušovická highland mountain zone

• Published in: Journal of forest science (Praha) 2005-12, Vol.51 (12), p.527-538
• Main Authors: Vavříček, D., Samec, P., Šimková, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: drought episode; forest decline; hanušovická highland; norway spruce stand; stress
• ISSN: 1212-4834; 1805-935X
• DOI: 10.17221/4585-JFS

Mature Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) stands affected by decline symptoms were selected in the northern part of the Hanušovická highland (Czech Republic) at Jeřáb Mt. foot and summit (1,003 m a.s.l.). Spruce stand (SS) 1 (700 m a.s.l.) was situated in conditions of the fir-beech forest altitudinal zone (FAZ). SS 2 (880-900 m a.s l.) was situated in conditions of the spruce-beech FAZ. Research plots (RPs) of the area 400 m2 were selected in the stands according to the different level of damage and stand diversity. On the basis of the complex soil analysis it was proved that the soil environment could be a part of stress factors, influencing the predisposition of non-natural Norway spruce monocultures at mountain locations of the Krkonoše Mts.-Jeseníky Mts. elevation. High Al3+ concentrations in soil mineral horizons were determined in a direct correlation with decline of stand enclaves on the selected RPs. The concentrations of Al3+ and limiting content Mg2+ make root systems exist mainly in H-horizons or Ae/Ep-horizons. This causes stand predisposition to climatic drought and drought episodes.