Wielkopolska region covers the area of North European Plain with particularly unfavorable water conditions. These conditions are determined by the climate prevailing in the region, namely relatively low annual rainfall and high evapotranspiration with usually unfavorable distribution of these meteorological elements over a year. Important modulating influence can be attributed also to some non-climatic physiographical characteristics typical in vast parts of the region, mainly soil properties. In addition, evapotranspiration may be stimulated locally by vegetation. The paper comprehends initial results of hydrologic balancing of lowland catchment typical for the region of Wielkopolska. The balancing was carried out in Trojnaka Stream catchment placed in Puszcza Zielonka forest (the central Wielkopolska). High forest cover proportion, deep layer of sandy soils and high evapotranspiration shape the storage capabilities in the tested catchment. The balancing covered the average annual rainfall year (2001/2002) following average long-term rainfall period. The Period of the negative retention changes occurred from the end of April until the mid of September. The maximum decrease and increase of storage change depth occurred respectively in June (-27,7 mm) and February (50,2 mm). Average specific discharge in investigated catchment equaled 2,5 dm3∙s-1∙km-2 with maximum and minimum runoff depth respectively in January (8,8 mm) ...
The paper covers research on physiographic features and anthropogenic factors influence on natural pond water storage. The problem was investigated both at the level of the Dopływ spod Nowej Wsi catchment (27.53 km2) and the smaller spatial unit Bagna Ramuckie natural pond (12.4 ha). Dynamics of physiographic features, changes of hydrographical network and anthropogenic factors including water, land and forest management practices were investigated. The decisive factor modulating processes of water storage rebuilding for investigated spatial units seems to be dynamics and long-term directional changes of air temperature. Rebuilding of pond water storage occurred after a 40-year period of air temperature decrease and the decline of water storage after a 20-year period of air temperature increase. Precipitation had minor significance in modulating pond water storage in long-term periods, because lack of long-term precipitation trends in analysed period. Although in short-term periods precipitation have important modulating impact on a decline of pond storage. The decline occurred after the dry period from 1989 to 1995 as a result of high deficit of climatic water balance. Spectacular rebuilding of pond water storage occurred in Bagna Ramuckie after the cold and wet period from 1956 to 1965. Non-climatic physiographic features and anthropogenic factors did ...
The aim of the research described in this paper is to classify groundwaterlevel patterns in pine stands of forest fresh sites. The approach has been employedwith the view to facilitate explaining interactions between physiographic characteristicsand groundwater dynamics in prospective research. The methods whichhave been employed so far for explanation of groundwater level dynamics interactionswith local physiographic conditions do not let to draw firm conclusions. Theclassification of groundwater dynamics patterns requires employing more sophisticatedmethods, because of a relatively extensive range of groundwater dynamicssite-to-site variability expressed, e.g., by amplitude and cycle period. The methodsof groundwater patterns classification proposed in the literature focused either onhydrogeological criteria or, if related to forest ecosystems, focused on water balanceelements in forest habitats.The area selected for investigation represented typical features for theNorthern European Lowland forests defined by soil and form of terrain patternshaped by the last glacial period (Vistulian glaciation) and dominant share of ScotsPine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in stand species composition. The research period coveredthe 2002-2007 hydrological years. The measurement used in analysis covered35 sites equipped with measurement wells. ...
The research area is located in Uroczysko Warta, Czeszewo Forest District, Jarocin Forest Division. The Uroczysko Warta is a forest, situated on flood plain terrace on the left bank of the Warta River, between 332 and 337.5 km of its course and the confluence section of the Lutynia River (0 to 3.2 km). Mean annual precipitation for the period of 1951 - 2000 is 546 mm. Variability of annual precipitation is very high: every 10 years precipitation is ca 380 mm and a cyclicity is observed for episodes of wet and dry years. Assessment of seasonal variability of ground water level was performed on the basis of monitoring data for the period from March 2009 to May 2011collected from 26 piezometers. In addition data series of water stages from 7 gauging staffs installed in oxbow lakes and Lutynia River were utilized. Groundwater levels were measured automatically. Flood plain forests are the most complex forest ecosystems. River channelization, construction of embankments, river damming and construction of reservoirs resulted in reduc-tion of flooding events fraquency and degradation of flood plain forests. In Poland only 0.2% of total area of flood plain forest habitats is covered by flood plain forests. Uroczysko Warta ...
The paper discusses the issue of restoration of wetland areas. Wetland ecosystems are considered as the most endangered. The main scope of research was to develop a program - set of task which employment would trigger reestablishment of the environment conditions similar to natural. The range of research methods included inventorying of vegetation, and flora species, inventorying relief of terrain, measurment of water discharge and water stages, identification of peat layer depth and pond depth. Temporal damming was performed. Archive cartographic material was analyzed. The investigated area included the meadow environment, pond, and four peat bog areas located in forest-rural landscape in Kołtki-Kierzkowo in the central Pomerania region. It was indicated that for all investigated sites water conditions were transformed by anthropogenic activities. The main factor affecting hydrologic conditions was drainage of water by drainage systems constructed in the past for porpoise of improvement of land productivity. The results of temporal damming, analysis of local physiographical conditions showed that program of restoration of hydrologic conditions throughout stopping of surface flow can bring out required environmental effect. Proposed activities of active protection include preparing of damming constructions and stimulation of vegetation succession in direction to restore natural wetlands. ...
The aim of this study was (1) to assess relationships binding hydroclimatic factors and radial growth of pedunculate oak and European ash growing on active terraces of river valleys; (2) to compare the growth reaction of these species from this location. Research site was located in a floodplain valley, within mid-course of the lowland section of the Warta River in the Lasy Czeszewskie Forest, Poland. The Warta River (length 808 km, basin area: 54,529 km2) is a mid-size European river, a tributary of the Odra River draining the North European Plain to the Baltic Sea. The sampled forest stand was an old growth composed of pedunculate oak and European ash mixed with other mature tree species. The main conclusions are: (1) ash in com-parison to oak growing on the same site located on floodplains appeared to be both more sen-sitive to hydroclimatical features and less ecologically flexible as far as monthly pattern of wa-ter requirements is concerned, therefore adaptation to changing climatic conditions and drought may be a greater ecological challenge for ash than for oak in river valleys; (2) stream-flow could be considered as the parameter that substituted precipitation well, or even was more important than precipitation, as far ...
The paper covers research on groundwater level depth dynamics in unevenaged forest stands of swamp habitats as influenced by meteorological conditions (air temperature and rainfall). The research period comprised hydrological years 2002–2005 with 7 experimental plots examined. The area of investigation was located in Puszcza Zielonka ca 6 km NE of Poznań. Variability of groundwater levels, especially at shallow water locations, tends to show cyclic regularity, modulated for particular years by irregularity of weather conditions – mainly the precipitation and temperature, but physiographical features such as soil, vegetation, drainage network, water bodies, surface relief affect water conditions significantly nevertheless as a exclusively modulating factor. The results of the research prove the main effect of air temperature and precipitation on pattern of groundwater level dynamics in forest swamp habitats as a general regularity. The above mentioned conclusion supports additionally the results of recent research on climatic water balance for the area of experimental plots location. Anyway, the question arises about no expected distinction in groundwater level depth between the extreme years as far as precipitation is concerned (the years 2003, 2002 and 2005). No groundwater level dynamics decrease along with increase of groundwater level depth observed was another irregularity. Probably significant, ...
The paper covers research on groundwater level depth dynamics in unevenaged forest stands of swamp habitats as influenced by meteorological conditions (air temperature and rainfall). The research period comprised hydrological years 2002-2005 with 7 experimental plots examined. The area of investigation was located in Puszcza Zielonka ca 6 km NE of Poznań. It has been found that the highest dynamics of groundwater level depth occurs for the experimental plots of the middle-aged stands, the lowest dynamics of groundwater depth level occurs for the older forest stands (80 to 100 years) and in lesser extent in the youngest forest stands (up to 20 years). However it should be noted that the research data were collected in a short time span, thus the conclusions concerning relations between groundwater level and forest stand age described here should only be considered as a initial thesis requiring further explanation to be proven or rejected in the course of further research. ...
One of the most significant problems in contemporary climatology of cli-mate warming. Although not confirmed beyond any doubt, still numerous factors indicate climate change within the recent, relatively short period of time. Opinions presented in literature on the subject vary considerably - from extreme positions, forecasting disastrous effects in many regions worldwide to the claim that "the problem of climate change has been exaggerated against all proportions".The Zielonka Forest is situated in mid-part of the Warta river basin, in the central part of the Wielkopolska region. The natural landscape is of postglacial type (Würm glaciation) with morainic plateaus - plain or rolling, gravel and san-dy soils as the main features. Pine and oak are the dominant tree species in forest stands. The predominant habitats are: fresh mixed coniferous forest, fresh conif-erous forest, moist coniferous forest and alder. Transitional climate of Puszcza Zielonka is distinguished by relatively significant nonstationality expressed e.g. by parameters of temperature and precipitation dynamics. For the period from 1848 to 2008 year, the directional changes of precipitation time series were not indi-cated at 0,05 level of significance. The trends are statistically insignificant for each month of the year, half-year, vegetation and hydrologic year periods. However the periodicity ...
Wildlife crossings are resource-demanding structures constructed to minimalize impacts of human-made barriers (e.g. road and railway corridors) on the natural environment. Therefore monitoring of functionality of these engineering constructions is vital. The aim of monitoring is to control if implemented technical and biological solutions have been accepted by the wildlife. The paper concerns functionality analysis of wildlife overpass crossings constructed in the area of S3 expressway junction with A3 motorway. The research method was direct observation bats flight activity through gateway area at reference sections. It shows that constructed section of S3 motorway disturbed natural bat migration routes. The flights of bats at collision elevation 4 m over road level are 20% of total flight frequency occurring outside gateway sections. Efficiency of bat flight guiding on wildlife crossings depends on many factors e.g. biometric parameters of trees, road surface level declination in comparison with surrounding terrain level at the crossing area, location of clearings in the vicinity of crossings.The wildlife crossing analyzed in the paper is accepted by bats, however its functionality should be improved both by implementing technical modifications - increasing width of gates, decreasing of road surface level in comparison with terrain level and by ...
The aim of the present work is a description of a multi-year complex field research (hydrological, chemical and geotechnical) carried out in the area of the "Lasy Rychtalskie" Forest Promotion Complex "Lasy Rychtalskie". The work focused on characterizing the present state, forecasting future changes, as well as indicating the stability threats which the areas face. Forest promotion complexes are functional areas of a particular ecological, educational and social significance. The Lasy Rychtalskie Complex is situated within the grounds of the Syców Forest Inspectorate and its name is taken from the section called Rychtal. The area of the forests is famous for its Pinus sylvestris L ecotype, as well as unique genetic values, confirmed by scientific research. The field investigations were carried out on the marshlands of the forests in focus. Three experimental plots, microcatchments and 6 transects transverse to the forests roads, situated either within the area of the catchments or in their close neighbourhood, were selected for the detailed research. The selected catchments are situated on the marshlands. 51 groundwater measurement wells, alongside with 3 Thomson overflows situated on watercourses were installed on the experimental plots. Soil samples were collected from all drillings for standard laboratory tests of mechanical, ...
The aim of the paper is to illustrate the results of the long-term research performed on swamp areas of the Forest Promotional Complex (FPC) “Lasy Rychtalskie”. The research project comprehended hydrological, chemical and geotechnical field studies performed on forest swamp areas to assess current state conditions of forest management and forest ecosystems, predict changes and identify the threats to ecosystem stability. The Forest Promotion Complexes are a functional areas in peculiarities about to ecological meaning, educational and social. The own name FPC “Lasy Rychtalskie” is accepted from a situated forests on precinct Rychtal of Forest Inspectorate Syców. This forests of precinct are celebrated from ekotype ordinary pine, about unrepeatable genetic values, confirmed in scientific investigations. The study covered forest swamp areas of the FPC “Lasy Rychtalskie”. To detailed investigations are selected three experimental areas, microcatchments and 6 transects transverse to forest roads situated or in frames above mentioned areas or in their immediate nearness. Chosen microcatchments are situated, that lie in wholes on marshland areas. On experimental areas are installed 51 of wells to measurements of ground water levels and 3 Thomson overflows on rivers. From all of bore-holes were received samples of soils to standard researches in laboratory – ...
Natural and anthropological climate changes are due to reason why unfavorable water resources are changed. The Forest Promotion Complexes are a functional areas in peculiarities about to ecological meaning, educational and social. The area of the FPC Lasy Rychtalskie have high retention potential. Surface outflow is relatively low ca 4% of annual precipitation and occurs in the winter half-year extending into May. The prognosis of groundwater level changes expressed by groundwater level dynamics was created on the basis of negative annual rainfall trend. The projection was calculated on assumption that significant changes in forest swamp ecosystems would occur provided that average groundwater depth level decrease by 50% of the actual groundwater level depth. The reduction of groundwater level depth as the outcome of this scenario can be expected in 100-year period. Pragmatic action to be taken should prevent from the outflow of the water from the areas. The earlier carried earlier out chemical tests did not reveal any excessive accumulation of chemical pollutants in soils, as well as surface and groundwater. ...
