|
|
The effect of tree traits an its interactions with soil fauna on forest floor flamability
Martinovská, Aneta ; Frouz, Jan (advisor) ; Vindušková, Olga (referee)
Wildefires are a major disturbant factor, playing a key role in the formation and functioning of ecosystems. We have seen an increase in dangerous fire activity in recent decades. As climate change progresses, the frequency and severity of fires are expected to increase. It is therefore crucial to address this issue in detail. The quantity and flammability of plant litter is one of the main factors determining ignition and fire behaviour. The properties of litter affect the rate of its decomposition and thus its accumulation on the soil surface. At the same time, they affect soil fauna, which can greatly contribute to litter reduction from the soil surface through bioturbation. These influences depend on the species of trees and, moreover, are influenced by the previous evolution of the ecosystem. This work examines the influence of the tree species, soil fauna and soil legacy and their interactions on the combustibility of the forest floor through laboratory experiment and the study of physical quantities that determine combustibility. As part of the experiment, soil profiles of plantation of four tree species were simulated (deciduous: Alnus glutinosa and Quercus robur; and two conifers: Picea omorica and Pinus nigr) with soils in two stages of development: the initial soil, where the litter was...
|
guest ::
