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Analysis and modeling of the structure and development of mixed forest stands in the Sudety mountains
Vacek, Zdeněk ; Remeš, Jiří (advisor) ; Hlásny, Tomáš (referee)
The thesis deals with analysis and modeling of the structure and development of selected mixed forests in protected areas of the Sudeten system, especially in the Giant Mountains national parks, Protected Landscape Area Broumovsko and Orlické Mountains, but also in other areas of the Czech Republic. This study is composed of a set of six published manuscripts that are covering three thematic ranges: structure of forest stands, regeneration of forest stands and forest modeling. The main objective of this work was to evaluate a vertical, horizontal and species structure, total diversity and development of mixed forest stands in central Sudetes. The partial aim was to analyse production parameters of forest stands, effect of microrelief and game on natural regeneration and assessment of dead wood in the area of interest. Further, the objective of the study was to develop explicit and non-explicit crown width and slenderness quotient models for Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and to predict the development of mixed forest ecosystem using growth simulations and to evaluate parameters and interactions among stand structure, climatic factors and natural regeneration, using especially analysis of variance, correlation matrix, spatial statistic and multivariate analysis. For this purpose a system of permanent research plots was used, which are regularly monitored since 1980 or were newly established. Using mapping technology FieldMap, selected parameters were measured for tree layer, natural regeneration individuals and dead wood. The results showed that the spatial distribution of beech stands in optimum stadium changes with the altitude from the regular pattern through random to aggregated spatial pattern of beech forests near the timberline. The spatial distribution of natural regeneration is highly aggregated, distribution of stumps is random and horizontal structure of the centroids of the crowns is always more regularly distributed than stems due to crown plasticity. Browsing damage of the leading shoot by game is an important limiting factor for height growth of natural regeneration, especially for silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). The study of the influence of microrelief on the growth of beech regeneration showed that the highest average height was found on slope and pits, while the lowest on the mounds. From the effect of climatic factors on the radial growth of trees, it was found that temperature is a limiting factor for growth in mountain areas, respectively that positive effect of temperature decreases with decreasing altitude and conversely the influence of precipitation increases. Finally, spatially explicit models (as opposed to non-explicit) described a larger part of the crown width variations for spruce and beech and of the slenderness quotient for spruce. The largest contribution to the models after breast diameter was dominant height.
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Biotransfer of selected risk metals into plants and their accumulation and distribution in plant organs
Le Minh, Phuong ; Lachman, Jaromír (advisor)
Contamination of soils with heavy metals is one of the serious environmental problems threatening human being. Heavy metals are considered as the special hazard of soil pollutants because of the adverse effects on the plant growth, the amount, activity of useful microorganisms in soils and the quality of food. Regard to the persistent and toxicity, the heavy metals are toxic when we consider different kinds of pollutants in soils. In the soil, zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) toxicities frequently occur than the other metals because of their precipitation and sorption by the soil. It is a very dangerous situation because when these metals are taken up by plants, they can be transported to the food web and food chains.
In the present study, the accumulation of four heavy metals (mercury, zinc, lead and cadmium) in the whole grain of spring accessions of emmer, einkorn and common spring wheat cultivars and potato (Solanum tuberosum) is reported. Heavy and essential elements were monitored in potato cultivars in the exact field experiments and in hydroponically grown plants. The elements were determined by methods FAAS, ET AAS, and AMA (Advance Mercury Analysis). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 9.0 with the Tukey HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) test (alpha equal to 0.05).
In our study, the concentration of heavy metals decreased in the order zinc (Zn) > lead (Pb) > cadmium (Cd) > mercury (Hg) in the wheat grain. The comparison between three varieties of investigated wheat revealed that the emmer wheat was rich in zinc content (62.12 mg kg-1 dry matter), while the spring wheat had the lowest average concentration of zinc in the grain (40.99 mg kg-1 dry matter). Generally, the values of lead concentration in grain wheat varieties were low (ranging from 0.1268 mg kg-1 dry matter to 0.2950 mg kg-1 dry matter).
The concentrations of mercury in four typical growth stages of wheat (boot stage 10, heading stage 10.2 1/4 of head emerged, leaf-stage 10.2 and stage ripening 11 according to Feekes) were also determined. It has been shown that the concentrations of mercury in different wheat varieties were absorbed differently at different growth stages of plant. Stage 10.2 and leaf stage 10.2 showed the high mercury content (0.0152 mg kg-1 dry matter and 0.0214 mg kg-1 dry matter, respectively). Among individual varieties significant differences were determined.
Amounts of toxic and potentially toxic elements detected in investigated potato tubers are characterized by a large variability within investigated groups. Performing statistical analysis (one way ANOVA) showed that there were no significant differences between two investigated groups of samples (samples from Uhříněves and Valečov in the year 2013 and 2014) considering either one of investigated metals. Measurable levels of mercury were found in smallest amounts in all investigated potato samples comparing to other metals (Cd, Pb).
Plant cells compared to animal cells are characterized by the formation of cell walls. Plasma membrane or cell membrane is a biological active membrane separating the interior of cell from the outside environment. An adjusted method for isolation of protoplasts was developed and adapted for isolation of protoplasts from plant material (potatoes). In our experiment, the plants were grown hydroponically in the Research Institute of Plant Crops Prague-Ruzyně. If we examine the plant membrane, one option is to remove the cell wall by means of special mixture enzymes. Protoplasts were released in the dark at 25 degrees of Celsius for 18 hours. The 70 and 90 microns sieve was used to filter and then centrifugation for 5 minutes at 100 x g. All the steps were carefully carried out to prevent the damage or breakage of protoplasts.
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Structure, development and growing spruce-beech stands in the western Giant Mountains
Bulušek, Daniel ; Vacek, Stanislav (advisor) ; Michal, Michal (referee)
The subject of dissertation is to evaluate the structure, development and silviculture spruce-beech stands in the western Giant Mountains and design of differentiated silviculture of these stand in similar environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the structure of trees natural regeneration and the structure of tree layer, evaluate their current development and to predict future developments and based on detailed analysis of habitat and stand conditions to propose a framework directive management of the studied stands and stands located in similar habitat and stand conditions in the Giant Mountains. For this purpose were used primarily permanent research plots (PRP) 1, 2, 8, 9 and 35 with the dimensions of 50 × 50 m, which were established and regularly monitored since 1980 (PRP 1, 2, 8 and 9), PRP 35 were established in 2004 and a number of other sub-plots. For the evaluation of natural regeneration was on each research plot marked transects 50 × 5 m (250 m2). Measurement of the natural regeneration included all individuals present at the individual transects, whose diameter breast-height diameter was smaller than 7 cm. After measuring all the data was evaluated spatial, species, height and thickness structure. To evaluate the tree layer were measured all individuals on permanent research plot with breast-height diameter greater or equal than 7 cm. The measured data were subsequently evaluated by mathematical-statistical methods. Visualization of the tree layer and development simulation was performed using the growth simulator biodynamic of forest SIBYLA. The results show that the structure stands was on individual permanent research plots very variable. Variability occurred in natural regeneration even within individual transects. Significant differences are evident in the development of stands that provide space for a wide range of near natural differentiated care within of stands type and individual types and subtypes of forest development.
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Effect of climatic and environmental variables on changes in numbers and migratory behaviour of wintering and migrating waterbirds.
Adam, Matyáš ; Musil, Petr (advisor) ; Bejček, Vladimír (referee)
Waterbirds with their specific habitat and food requirements varying during their annual cycle (Riffell et al. 2003; Taft and Haig 2006) are able to indicate the wetland diversity and quality due to their rapid responses on changes in environment (Delany 1999; Fernández et al. 2005; Amat and Green 2010). Remarkable land cover changes and climate warming led to significant shifts in distribution and abundance of many waterbird species across Europe in recent decades (Delany et al. 2006; Fox et al. 2010; Lehikoinen et al. 2013; Pavón-Jordán et al. 2015). To understand the dynamic of migratory birds in space and time and to assess effects of global conditions as well as local conditions of individual sites during their annual cycle there is need of international monitoring and research. Since the start of International Waterbird Census in 1967 both increasing and decreasing trends have been recorded in nearly fifty percent of waterbird species in Western Palearctic (Delany et al. 2006, Wetlands International 2016) and they consequently have affected trends in particular countries, including the Czech Republic. Wetland sites in the Czech Republic are generally situated on the edge of wintering range of most waterbird species (Gilissen et al. 2002), however the prevailing increase in abundance of waterbird species has been recorded here in recent decades (Musil et al. 2011). Though, the considerable growth of winter temperatures has not been noticed in the Czech Republic (Klein Tank et al. 2002; Musilová et al. 2009; Dušek et al. 2013), and the accessibility of the wetland sites, due to their freezing, varies year to year. Hence, we can assume that waterbirds have likely began using the alternative habitats with available food resources, i.e. cold-weather refuges, probably regardless of their conservation status (Musilová et al. 2015). Special protection areas were implemented to Czech legislation in 2004 to protect migratory birds (Birds Directive 2009/147/EC). So far there has not been tested the effectivity and impact of legislative protection on wintering waterbird species. Moreover, some previous studies indicated that SPA network do not match the species distribution pattern (López-López et al. 2007; Briggs et al. 2012; Albuquerque et al. 2013), so this issue urgently calls for scientific research.
The second part of the thesis focused on Greylag Geese, whose abundance has rapidly grown across the Europe in recent decades (Madsen et al. 1999; Fox et al. 2010), and that have become ideal model species to observe their responses to habitats and climate changes as well as their reactions to human disturbance (Fox and Madsen 1997; Ramo et al. 2015). This requires appropriate knowledge of geese distribution, abundance and their behaviour. Since 1930s, when the geese started to be ringed in the Czech Republic, the ringing intensity have markedly varied and have been reflected in numbers of recoveries. In last ten years the intensity have increased (Podhrazský 2010). However, complex of the historical data until 2002 (Cepák et al. 2008) and recent data have not been analysed so far. In the light of recent shifts in wintering ranges and migration phenology of many goose populations these analyses require increased attention. Furthermore, the satellite monitoring of geese is coming to detect more detailed information about behaviour of individuals.
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Growth Assessment of Infants and Growth Charts for Breastfed Children
Dobrovolná, Alena ; Schneidrová, Dagmar (advisor)
This paper discusses the importance of regular monitoring of individual growth of children and the use of current growth charts in practice. It also deals with the introduction of graphs that have been constructed on the basis of measured exclusively breastfed healthy children , and the replacement of the current growth charts , constructed on the basis of measuring the population of children in both suckling and artificial nourished . Graphs for breastfed infants may serve as arguments against the possibility of promoting artificial milk formulas for infants and breastfeeding , which is optimal infant feeding for at least 6 months of age . It is an effort to prevent premature introduction of artificial milk formula and complementary foods among others, as prevention obesity and weight gain in later life . Regular monitoring of growth using growth charts allows early diagnosis of diseases associated with impaired growth and perhaps even a few years before the clinical onset of the disease , which can prevent possible complications in the course of these diseases. The aim of the study was to describe the importance of breastfeeding as a natural child nutrition and its physiological growth. It also describes the importance of the proper use and interpretation growth charts in practice , and the need for...
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The ontogeny of vocalisation in gibbons Nomascus
Hradec, Michal ; Bartoš, Luděk (advisor) ; Pavel, Pavel (referee)
Knowledge of the ontogeny and development of vocalization in primates play a crucial role in understanding the evolution of the human language. Unlike the great apes, gibbons produce a remarkable vocal performance, which includes complex species- and sex-specific patterns. Many studies in the past focused on research of the acoustic pattern in adult individuals. Yet, it remains unclear how the males develop their sex-specific pattern of vocalization.
This dissertation focuses on two specific periods in the ontogenetic development of acoustic structures in male Northern-white cheeked gibbons (Nomascus leucogenys) and Southern-yellow cheeked gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae). The results showed that the first time immature males (juvenile and adolescent) produced female acoustically structured great calls in duets with their mothers. How the great call was structured in immature males differed from the great call of their mothers; the difference being in spectro-temporal parameters from. The most significant difference between juvenile and adolescent males in the production of female vocalization was the presence of a twitter vocalization towards the end of their call. The results show that the twitter was a regular part of female vocalization in juvenile males around four years of age, while younger males produced this vocalization exceptionally. The second period in the ontogeny of vocalization in immature males (adolescent) was characterized by the fact that after five years of age, the development of the male acoustic structure begins. During this period, we did not observe the production of the female vocalization great call in any of the monitored Nomascus gibbon individuals. Results show that the ontogenetic process of the male song in Northern-white cheeked gibbons (N. leucogenys) did not develop in the same sequence as in adults which produced different notes and phrases. The immature male (adolescent male) first time developed the multi-modulation phrase (coda) and the staccato note (syllables) simultaneously at the beginning of this study, but, it was observed that they started producing the boom note four months later. Conversely, the development of the acoustic structure in male Southern-yellow cheeked gibbons (N. gabriellae) was characterized only by the development of a multi-modulation phrase. Development of the staccato syllables was not noted in this species during the study. The results support the interpretation that the development of the male acoustic structure closely corresponds to the growth of the vocal tract and physiological changes associated with reaching sexual maturity.
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Growth and environmental effects of Grand fir cultivation in conditions of the Czech republic
Fulín, Martin ; Podrázský, Vilém (advisor) ; Antonín, Antonín (referee)
Grand fir (Abies grandis /Douglas ex D. Don/ Lindl.) is a species with potential benefits for the implementation of many functions in forest management: namely the function of production, soil improvement, stabilization and landscaping. It was introduced to the Czech Republic, as well as to other European countries, since the first half of the 19th century, mainly by aristocratic families. First plantings were performed in the parks, but gradually also in the forest stands. Another wave of interest in this tree species was associated with the decline of the domestic silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). It was to some extent substitute, for this period comes the greatest number of plantations in the country. The aim of this thesis is, therefore, monitoring of growth and production of the grand fir, but also the evaluation of the effects on the basic characteristics of the soil chemistry, nutrient dynamics and possible degradation effect on forest lands. Research areas were mainly located in the University Forest Enterprise Kostelec nad Černými lesy, but also in other places such as Hrubá Skála at Turnov, forests owned by Kinský at Žďár nad Sázavou and Kynšperk nad Ohří. Monitoring was carried out on already established and monitored middle-aged permanent plots (35 to 55 years), which were assessed at mensurational parameters (position, height, diameter at breast height, ratio of the green crown), in further the quantity and quality of forest floor and upper mineral soil components was studied. This work also contains the measurements of the provenance plot of Forestry and Game Management Research Institute. The results show that the grand fir is a productive tree species that exceeds the stock of domestic conifer tree species and its intensive growth is comparable with Douglas fir. From the perspective of provenance trials is crucial the correct choice of provenance, which achieves better yields and quality of wood. Best provenances come from the island Vancouver and the coast of Washington state. At the soil analysis reaching grand fir better values in comparison with Norway spruce and got it closer to the values of broad-leaved tree species. Thus it can be said that grand fir represents important soil-improving and stabilization tree species.
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Environmental risk assessment of ornamental aquaculture
Patoka, Jiří ; Kalous, Lukáš (advisor) ; Antonín, Antonín (referee)
The ornamental aquaculture comprises both outdoor and indoor keeping of aquatic animals and plants for ornamental purpose which is a very popular hobby with many followers worldwide. It is also commercially profitable for specialized producers and vendors. Associated environmental risks include particularly introduction of non-native species, biological invasions and intensive field capture of exploited and marketed species. Since subsequent regulation, mitigation and eradication of naturalised alien species is very difficult and ineffective in many cases, the most important above all is to prevent new introductions. This trend is accented with a short delay in European legislature. The European Union (EU) currently initiates formation of list of the most invasive alien species. Although invasive potential of certain ornamental species such as red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is well known, the vast majority of traded species has never been tested and analysed from this point of view. Publications attached to this thesis are focused on monitoring and survey of market with ornamental animals, such as fishes and crayfishes, with special emphasis on list of advertised species, size classes, prices, origin and availability on market. With use of predictive models the probability of naturalisation and potential invasiveness of mentioned ornamental species were estimated. These information are supported by analysis of hobbyist behaviour. Results in present thesis highlight known environmental risks associated with ornamental aquaculture and also show detailed information about overlooked risks from the Czech Republic's as well as from EU perspective. Therefore this thesis should to help formation of aforementioned list of the undesirable species.
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Development of nominal and real convergence in Czech and Slovak Republic and entry of the Czech Republic into the EMU
Gajoš, Ondřej ; Žamberský, Pavel (advisor) ; Jiránková, Martina (referee)
The aim of this thesis is to define nominal and real convergence within the area of the European Union and to assess its development on the example of the Czech and Slovak Republics. This dissertation is divided into three integrated sections. The theoretical part analyses basic economic concepts related to the issue of convergence and stability of joint economic units. The topics covered include the Maastricht criteria, their relevance, currentness and possible conflict between nominal and real convergence with the accession of new countries, then the theory of optimum currency area (OCA), theory of endogeneity and exogeneity and the linkage on fiscal policy and fiscal discipline in the environment of the European Union and the eurozone. Special attention is focused on the development of fiscal policy following from the establishment of the Stability and Growth Pact, including its reforms and recent changes in the form of the Euro Plus Pact and the Fiscal Convention. To satisfy the need for quantitative evaluation of given hypotheses, the second (empirical and analytical) part offers two self-constructed indices - the index of real convergence and fiscal discipline index. Based on these indices, relationship between the performance criteria of nominal and the real economy is monitored in the evaluated cohort. The last part of this work is dedicated to synthesis and application of findings from the previous sections upon which conclusions and recommendations for possible entry of the Czech Republic into the euro area are made.
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Vliv buřeně a zvěře na odrůstání kultur douglasky tisolisté
Urban, Martin
The aim of this thesis was to discover the influence of weed and animals on growth of douglas fir cultures at the management-plan area Jindřichův Hradec. Two research areas with weed (Rubus idaeus (L.) and Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth) were founded in 2011 at SLT 4K and 5S. Growth reactions of douglas fir were monitored on these areas, being it areas with weed left without any intervention during the whole vegetation period or areas with regular full-area weed cutting. The following criteria were evaluated: shoot height, root crown thinkness, growth, height of forked tree sprout, crown height, trunk undulation, branching regularity, number of branches, needle length and trunk shape, soil moisture, chemical composition of the assimilation apparatus and the impact of sunshine. Altogether 512 pieces of douglas fir plants were measured. The results show that douglas fir demonstrated higher height growths every year in areas without cutting than in areas with full-scale cutting, Root crown thickness at SLT 4K was also bigger in the areas with weed. On the contrary, cutting proved to have positive effect at SLT 5S and the root crown thickness was slightly higher here. Two areas, where the influence of animals was simulated, were chosen to find out what the impact of animals on douflas fir cultures growth is. 90 plants were measured in each area and terminal bud damage, terminal shoot damage and side branches damage were compared. A control group of 10 plants, that was left without any intervention, was chosen for comparison. Subsequently their regeneration was evaluated. From the results from measured values follows that douglas plants react to damage by animals with higher height growths which balance the growth length of not-damaged plants. Damage did not even significantly influenced the trunk shape, when all types of damages managed to maintain continuous trunk for minimum of 90 percent of plants in both stands.
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