Antonín Buček

Linking the Historical Research with the Growth Simulation Model of Hardwood Floodplain Forests

ABSTRACT: Hardwood floodplain forests of lowland rivers in the temperate zone of Europe represent important refugia for biota in the cultural landscape. Most of these habitats that are in near natural state are included in the system of protected areas and ecological networks. This paper presents the results of an innovative method for the assessment of hardwood floodplain forest management strategy. This method is based on combining the analysis of historical development of the forest ecosystem with the growth simulation model of the forest. The method allows us to understand (explain) the current state of the hardwood floodplain forest ecosystem and to predict its future development taking into account the applied forest management strategy. Application of this method is promising especially in protected areas because it allows us to assess the suitability of the chosen strategy that is included in the protected area management plan. The research was conducted in the area of ‘Bahna’ in Litovelské Pomoraví protected landscape area (Czech Republic). The current management strategy applied on the hardwood floodplain forest ecosystem in the study site is based on a strict non-intervention protection regime. Historical research of the forest ecosystem showed that the studied floodplain forest habitat is a relic of coppice with standards system and thus is the result of intensive forest management in the past. Growth simulation model showed that in the future 40 years the assessed management strategy will not lead to significant changes in the structure or diversity of the tree layer. Considering the conservation objectives of the reserve (maintenance of biodiversity and the present character of the forest ecosystem dominated by ash and oak), the current management plan does not require any significant corrections. The presented results can be applied in discussions about optimal management strategies in protected areas containing hardwood floodplain forest ecosystems, which belong to priority natural habitat types in the Natura 2000 network.

The Application of Geobiocoenological Landscape Typology in The Modelling of Climate Change Implications

Abstract Geobiocoenological landscape typology, which is used in landscape planning in the Czech Republic, includes vegetation zonation of the landscape. Vegetation zones are determined by climatic conditions. Changes in climatic conditions will probably be manifested in the shift of vegetation zones in the landscape. Mathematical geobiocoenological model of vegetation zonation of the landscape is based on the general ecological relationship between the current vegetation zonation and present climatic conditions and the assumption that this general relationship will be maintained in the future. The paper presents the application of the model using the example of the prediction of changes in climatic conditions for the Norway spruce (the first-generation of the model) and grapevine (the second-generation of the model) in the Czech Republic. In the case of the Norway spruce example, the model shows that the predicted changes in climatic conditions will prevent the cultivation of the spruce in the Czech Republic outside its natural range in mountainous areas. The results of the presented model for grapevine show significant enlargement of areas climatically suitable for growing grapes within the studied area.These examples demonstrate the potential for the application of geobiocoenological landscape typology in the modeling of the effects of climate change in the landscape.

Overview of Biotope Types of Socotra Island

Abstract The study describes main biotopes of Socotra Island. The biotopes were distinguished and described during complex field observations on more than 250 localities of Socotra between years 1999-2004. Classification of biotopes is based on differences in physiognomy, structure and species composition of the vegetation component of present biocoenoses. Groups of biotope types differ, above all, in the physiognomy and structure of vegetation. Biotope types are divided according to composition of dominant species. In this manner, 13 groups of biotopes and 39 biotope types were distinguished and described

Application of the Czech Methodology of Biogeographical Landscape Differentiation in Geobiocoenological Concept – Examples from Cuba, Tasmania and Yemen

Abstract Within the area of Central Europe, and especially in the Czech Republic (and former Czechoslovakia), geobiocoenological landscape differentiation has been applied for more than 40 years to create a spatial model of the natural (potential) condition of geobiocoenoses in the landscape. Because long-term objective of geobiocoenology is to contribute to the creation of harmonic cultural landscape by gradual development of a comprehensive system of groundworks for sustainable landscape use, and as Mendel University experts work in various countries, adaptions of geobiocoenology were used also outside Europe, in tropical areas. Examples of such a work could be shown on islands such as Socotra (belonging politically to Yemen), Tasmania, and Cuba.

Tree shape and form in ancient coppice woodlands

Abstract Ancient coppice woodlands are coppice-originated forest stands with a long-term continual development, and with the preserved typical natural and historic elements of old sprout forests. Prominent natural elements in the ancient coppice woodlands are namely old coppice stools. There is, in scientific literature, lack of information about features of ancient coppice stools. Therefore, our contribution aims to describe shape and form of ancient coppice stools, including the most important microhabitat of coppice woodlands – dendrothelms. Based on field survey of 20 localities of important coppice woodlands we recorded 135 ancient coppice stools of 13 tree species and a total of 80 dendrothelms in 9 tree species. Basic features of ancient coppice stools and dendrothlems were measured and evaluated.

Ancient Coppice Woodlands in the Landscape of the Czech Republic

Abstract Ancient coppice woodlands are forest stands of coppice origin with a long-term continual development and preserved typical natural and historic elements of old coppices. Significant natural elements in ancient coppices include polycormons of coppice shoots, pollard trees, trees with holes, dendrotelms, reserved trees, ecotones, glades and significant plant and animal species. Significant historic elements of localities with ancient coppices include archaeological monuments, boundary ditches and walls, boundary stones, boundary trees, myths and legends, sacral objects, old roads and paths, technical objects and plough land remainders. The paper presents differentiation of assumptions for the occurrence of ancient coppices in the territory of the Czech Republic using the COPF coefficient and examples of results from basic regional inventory (Kuřim region) and detailed local survey (locality Lebeďák) of coppice-originated forests. The extinction of the phenomenon of ancient coppice woodlands would mean irreparable impoverishment of the natural and cultural heritage.

Potential geo-ecological impacts of the proposed Danube–Oder–Elbe Canal on alluvial landscapes in the Czech Republic

Abstract The project of a canal connecting the three major Central European Rivers: the Danube, Oder and Elbe, is incorporated into a planned trans-European transport network system. Geographically, the course of the planned canal stretches into the territory of four Central European countries, predominantly that of the Czech Republic. The environmental impacts of the potential construction and operation of the Danube–Oder–Elbe (DOE) Canal is currently widely discussed by experts from various fields. This paper aims to assess some potential impacts of the canal on the alluvial landscapes in the Czech Republic. The method of geo-ecological assessment presented here applies GIS analyses at the larger landscape scale. The results of the geo-ecological assessment of potential impacts of the DOE Canal on the land-use of river floodplains, the fluvial dynamics of streams and the extent of their alluvial plains, and the quantified DOE Canal impact on protected areas and groundwater sources, are presented. The hydrological impact of the DOE Canal will affect a total of 1,975.4 km2 of river basins in the Czech Republic. The DOE Canal will affect 157 sites significant from the perspective of landscape and nature conservation, 7 nature parks and 113 existing water points which are used as groundwater sources. The results show that the most significant disruption of fluvial dynamics of the stream sediment regime would occur in the Protected Landscape Area of Litovelské Pomoraví. In general, the geo-ecological impact of the DOE Canal on the landscape will be very important.