Integrated ecological research of catchment-lake ecosystems in the Bohemian Forest (Central Europe): A preface

Abstract

Abstract:The Bohemian Forest (Šumava, Böhmerwald) is situated in Central Europe and is among the most acidified lake districts in the world. Deposition of S and N compounds in the area rapidly increased between 1950 and 1980, and reached a maximum in the 1980s. During the 1990s, acid deposition decreased substantially, and current levels are comparable to the early 20 th century for SO 2− 4and NH + 4 , and to the mid 1960s for NO − 3 . These changes in acid deposition have led to a partial recovery of the Bohemian Forest lakes. This paper provides an overview of previous research, and details on the organization and aims of current research on the Bohemian Forest lakes. Available historical data and regular monitoring (since 1984) provide a valuable background for long-term ecological research of the catchment-lake ecosystems that currently focuses on (i) chemical reversal and biological recovery of the lakes, (ii) acidification impacts on in-lake nutrient cycling, (iii) climatic effects on water chemistry, and (iv) catchment processes, including soil biogeochemistry and acidification impacts on vegetation.

Complex Physiological Response of Norway Spruce to Atmospheric Pollution – Decreased Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Unchanged Tree Biomass Increment

“…in the SE part of the mountain range. These lakes and catchments are subjected to long-term ecosystem monitoring and research (e.g., Kopáček and Vrba, 2006 ; Vrba et al, 2014 ; Kaňa et al, 2015 ). The bedrock of the Čertovo and Plešné catchments is characterized by poor mica schist and richer granite, respectively, ( Cháb et al, 2007 ).…”

Disturbance-induced changes in the plant biomass in forests near Plešné and Čertovo Lakes

“…1) are under long-time investigations (Kopáček, Vrba 2006). The plant biomass was analysed by Svoboda et al (2006) for the whole area of the catchments of Čertovo Lake and Plešné Lake.…”

Immission-load-related dynamics of S-SO4 2− in precipitation and in lysimetric solutions penetrating through beech ecosystems

“…Entering the soil in emitted pollutants and in atmospheric precipitation, sulphur displaces basic cations and causes soil acidification (Quilchano et al, 2002). Soil acidification is a long-term, cumulative and dynamically developing process with usually negative effect on sensitive species of forest phytocoenoses (Kopáček and Vrba, 2006;Lošák et al, 2012). The total amount of basic pollutants emitted across the Slovak territory in years 1989-99 has dropped by 57.9%, which represents an annual decline by almost 6%.…”