Tomáš Středa

Aerodynamic Parameters of Windbreak Based on its Optical Porosity

Abstract The paper summarizes the results of wind velocity measurement in different distances from windbreak in combination with optical porosity (OP) determination in different periods. Experimental data were obtained by direct measurement of wind speed and OP analyses of images of four windbreaks in Southern Moravia (part of Czech Republic). Wind speed at 2 m above the soil surface in a defined distance from windbreak had been measured since 2006. Thirty images of different phenological stages of selected windbreaks from 2006 to 2010 were analyzed. Windward or leeward images were converted into black and white spectrum. All available measurements were used for a map creation. The highest values of OP (up to 50%) are achieved in non-vegetation period. Due to the high OP variability in height of terminal tree branches “OP reduced” was also assessed (just squares to 2/3 height of windbreaks were evaluated). The wind speed reduction on the leeward side relatively strongly correlated with OP value. The highest correlation was found out when the wind speed measurement at 50 m on leeward side was used. The dependence decreases with increasing distance. Full foliage in summer (10% OP) reduces a wind speed about 60% at 50 m and about 30% at 150 m on the leeward. These values for non-foliaged windbreaks decrease to 80 and 90%. Maximum distance of windbreak effect on wind speed reduction was found out by the extrapolation of the curves constructed using the regression equation of wind speed reduction in dependence on OP and different distances from the windbreak. Regardless of OP value, the reduction effect disappears at a distance of 250 m. The quietest zone of evaluated windbreak with an average height of windbreaks 15-18 m was detected in the area about four times the height (4H). The effect of windbreaks decreases with increasing porosity.

Smart tools of urban climate evaluation for smart spatial planning

Abstract Air temperature and humidity conditions were monitored in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, by a network of meteorological stations. Meteorological sensors were placed across a representative variety of urban and suburban environments. The data collected over the 2011–2014 period are analysed in this paper. The data from reference standard meteorological stations were used for comparison and modelling purposes. Air temperatures at the points of interest were successfully modelled using regression relationships. The spatial expression of point measurements of air temperatures was provided by GIS methods in combination with CORINE land cover layer, and satellite thermal images were used to evaluate the significance of these methods. The use of standard climate information has low priority for urban planners. The impact of the urban heat island on city residents and visitors was evaluated using the HUMIDEX index, as it is more understandable for urban planners than temperature conditions as such. The aim of this paper is the modification, description and presentation of urban climate evaluation methods that are easily useable for spatial planning purposes. These methods are based on comprehensible, easily available but quality data and results. This unified methodology forms a theoretical basis for better urban planning policies to mitigate the urban heat island effects.

Effect of wetting period on infection of orchid flowers by Alternaria alternata and Curvularia eragrostidis

Abstract The effect of different durations of the incubation wetting period on the infection of Dendrobium flowers by two serious pathogens—Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. 1912 and Curvularia eragrostidis (Henn.) J.A. Mey. 1959—was investigated. Cut orchid flowers of the genus Dendrobium were used for the inoculation. The courses of symptom development and mycelium growth were determined. The results indicate that the infection and the subsequent development of disease on the flowers occur rapidly even if the conditions favourable for pathogen germination on the plant tissues persist for only 2 h. However, the proportion of infected flowers was significantly higher after a longer incubation period (6 h). The mycelium growth of the pathogen was also significantly influenced by the length of the incubation period.

Spatial expression of potential wind erosion threats to arable soils in the Czech Republic

Abstract Wind erosion risk strongly depends on soil surface conditions. Aridity or dryness of the climate in the Czech Republic is a typical property for Southern Moravia and Central Bohemia. The study aims to map and assess qualitatively the areas vulnerable to wind erosion using available data and intelligible methodology. The evaluation is based on the number of days when at least once a day dry condition of bare soil surface was recorded. Daily data of soil surface state from 70 climatological stations to 500 m altitude from 1981 to 2010 are used. First, soil conditions from 1st March to 30th April and from 1st September to 31st October were evaluated. Evaluation of erosion risk in May is presented separately in the second phase, because only thermophilous crops (late-sowing crops) can be affected in that time. The results show that mainly in the South and Southeast Moravia, there are areas where up to 60 days with dry soil surface in the spring and autumn occurred. Occurrence of such conditions may represent potential risk of wind erosion for arable soils and therefore potential risk for sown crops and loss of fertile soil surface which is irreplaceable for agricultural activities. The results are applicable for preparation of a concept of wind erosion control measures in the threatened regions.

Temperature and humidity conditions of Macocha Abyss

Abstract The paper deals with the evaluation of temperature and humidity measurements in the vertical profile of Macocha Abyss (Moravian Karst, South Moravia, Czech Republic). The measuring profile on a rock wall is made up of seven HOBO-PRO sensors. Two other meteorological stations are installed at the bottom and near the upper edge of the abyss. The evaluation was designed separately for warm season (June 1, 2008 to August 31, 2008) and cold season (November 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009). In the warm season, distribution of inverse temperatures dominated in the abyss. Temperature differences between the bottom of the abyss and its upper edge reached about 10 ◦ C. At the bottom of the abyss, the minimum temperatures proved to be higher than at its upper edge and in its vicinity. Thermal circulation is evident to the depth of about 60 m. The highest temperatures were observed in the deeper layers of the abyss in the warm period at around 10 a.m. of Central European Summer Time. Towards the upper edge of the abyss, the hour of daily maximum temperature shifts to 2 to 4 p.m. In the cold season, the minimum temperature was observed between 6 and 7 a.m. of Central European Time. A decrease in the accumulation of cold air (cold-air pool formation) was not found in the lower floors of the abyss. This phenomenon does not occur even during clear nights. The depth of 60 m from the upper edge of the area maintains a high relative humidity (above 95%) in the warm season. However, humidity decreases from this depth towards the top of the abyss. In the cold season, the whole abyss is filled with air with relative humidity of 90 to 95%.

Microclimate Evaluation of the Hradec Králové City using HUMIDEX

Abstract Urban environment differs from the surrounding landscape in terms of the values of meteorological parameters. This is often referred to as the urban heat island (UHI), which in simple terms means higher air temperatures in cities. The cause of these changes lies in the different active surfaces in cities, which subsequently results in a different radiation balance. The higher temperatures, however, also affect the living conditions in the city and during very high temperature periods can have negative effects on the health of the city inhabitants. The results presented in this paper are based on measurements taken over several years at locations near Hradec Králové, which is surrounded by different surface areas. Environment analysis was performed using the Humidex index. The obtained results show that replacing green areas with built-up areas affects temperatures in the city, when air temperatures are very high they significantly increase the discomfort of the inhabitants. Differences in the frequency of discomfort levels are observed especially during periods of high temperatures, at lower temperatures these differences are not significant. Higher frequencies of discomfort are observed at locations with artificial surfaces (asphalt, cobblestones, concrete) and in closed spaces. In contrast, locations with lots of green areas almost always have the value of this index lower or more balanced. The results should therefore be a valid argument for maintaining and extending green areas in cities.

Drought severity in intensive agricultural areas by means of the EDI index

Abstract The aim of this work was the evaluation of drought severity development in the Czech Republic for the period 1971-2015 by the means of the Effective Drought Index (EDI). Annual values of the EDI index were determined using the method of effective precipitation for 14 localities spread throughout the Czech Republic (Central Europe). The seven categories were created according to obtained index values for the drought conditions determination for years during the period 1971-2015 through the percentile method. The annual index values were compared with acquired 2nd, 15th, 45th, 55th, 85th and 98th percentiles. Both the years with precipitation unfavourable conditions: 1972, 1973, 1984, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 2015 and the years with precipitation favourable conditions: 1977, 1987, 1995, 2001, 2002 and 2010 were determined. Precipitation conditions in the growing season from 61st to 180th day of the year were also analysed. This evaluation was conducted during the period 1971-2015 through the ten-day index values which were compared with acquired 2nd, 15th, 45th, 55th, 85th and 98th percentiles. Dry growing seasons occurred in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1993. Wet growing seasons occurred in 1987, 2006 and 2010. Trend analysis of annual index values was performed through the Mann-Kendall test. Highly statistically significant increasing linear trends (P < 0.01) were found for four localities (Uherský Ostroh, Vysoká, Znojmo-Oblekovice and Žatec); statistically significant increasing trends (P < 0.05) were found for three localities (Brno-Chrlice, Lednice and Lípa). Based on the extrapolation of the trend, a slightly higher effective precipitation can be expected during the year in a substantial part of the country. However, these findings do not necessarily mean an optimal supply of agricultural land with water. Precipitation exhibits considerable unevenness of distribution through time. Given the increasing evapotranspiration demands of the environment their availability is limited.

The course, stratification and possibility of simulating relative air humidity in winter wheat stand

Abstract The aim of this study was: (i) long-term (2010, 2011 and 2013) evaluation of the relative air humidity in the winter wheat canopy, (ii) finding of relationships between relative air humidity in canopy and computed or measured meteorological values (precipitation totals, evapotranspiration, moisture balance, specific air humidity, volume soil moisture, % of available soil water content, value of soil water potential), (iii) testing of simulation of daily relative air humidity, based on selected meteorological values and potential evapotranspiration (FAO Penman-Monteith method) and actual evapotranspiration, (iv) testing of simulation of relative air humidity hourly values in the wheat canopy, (v) evaluation of dependence between relative air humidity and leaf wetness. The measurement was performed at the experimental field station of Mendel University in Žabčice (South Moravia, the Czech Republic). Data recording for wheat canopy was conducted by means of a meteostation equipped with digital air humidity and air temperature sensors positioned in the ground, effective height of the stand and in 2 m above the ground. The main vegetation period of wheat was divided into three stages to evaluate differences in various growing phases of wheat. The data from nearby standard climatological stations and from agrometeorological station in Žabčice were used for establishment of relationships between relative air humidity in winter wheat canopy and surrounding environment by correlation and regression analysis. Relative air humidity above 90% occurred substantially longer on the ground and at the effective height of the stand in comparison with the height of 2 m. By means of regression analysis we determined that the limit of 90% was reached in the canopy when at the climatological station it was just 60 to 90% for ground level and 70 to 90% for effective height, especially during the night. Slight dependence between measured or computed meteorological variables and relative air humidity in winter wheat canopy was found (r = 0.23 − 0.56 for precipitation totals, r = 0.27 − 0.57 for % of available soil water capacity, etc.). The simulation of hourly values of relative air humidity in wheat canopy is partially possible just when using the data of relative air humidity from the relevant standard climatological station.

Relationship between tree bark surface temperature and selected meteorological elements

Abstract The results were obtained by measurements in 2014 and 2015 in an apple orchard in Starý Lískovec and Těšetice (South Moravia, Czech Republic, Central Europe) into fertile planting of apple trees. The results show that the bark surface temperature during the year slightly differs from the surrounding air temperature. In addition, it is in average a few tenths of a °C higher in the period before the onset of the vegetation and several tenths of a degree lower during vegetation. Causes of these differences appear to be associated with the flow of sap as well as with foliage. Although it can be reasonably assumed that the temperature of the bark surface on the south side will be significantly affected by the global radiation, our measurements did not demonstrate this dependency. It appears that the wind speed had significantly larger influence on the temperature differences in the non-vegetation period as at speeds over 3.5 m s−1, the drop of temperature is so significant that the bark surface is colder than the surrounding air. Comparison of the development of sums of daily and hourly effective temperatures above 10 °C has shown that where daily values do not show significant differences, hourly values differed so prominently that the calculated date of emergence of adult codling moth in the bark surface was approximately one week earlier than with the use of data for air temperatures.

Specifics of soil temperature under winter oilseed rape canopy

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of soil temperature under the winter oilseed rape canopy and to determine relationships between soil temperature, air temperature and partly soil moisture. In addition, the aim was to describe the dependence by means of regression equations usable for pests and pathogens prediction, crop development, and yields models. The measurement of soil and near the ground air temperatures was performed at the experimental field Žabiče (South Moravia, the Czech Republic). The course of temperature was determined under or in the winter oilseed rape canopy during spring growth season in the course of four years (2010 - 2012 and 2014). In all years, the standard varieties (Petrol, Sherpa) were grown, in 2014 the semi-dwarf variety PX104 was added. Automatic soil sensors were positioned at three depths (0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 m) under soil surface, air temperature sensors in 0.05 m above soil surfaces. The course of soil temperature differs significantly between standard (Sherpa and Petrol) and semi-dwarf (PX104) varieties. Results of the cross correlation analysis showed, that the best interrelationships between air and soil temperature were achieved in 2 hours delay for the soil temperature in 0.05 m, 4 hour delay for 0.10 m and 7 hour delay for 0.20 m for standard varieties. For semi-dwarf variety, this delay reached 6 hour for the soil temperature in 0.05 m, 7 hour delay for 0.10 m and 11 hour for 0.20 m. After the time correction, the determination coefficient (R2) reached values from 0.67 to 0.95 for 0.05 m, 0.50 to 0.84 for 0.10 m in variety Sherpa during all experimental years. For variety PX104 this coefficient reached values from 0.51 to 0.72 in 0.05 m depth and from 0.39 to 0.67 in 0.10 m depth in the year 2014. The determination coefficient in the 0.20 m depth was lower for both varieties; its values were from 0.15 to 0.65 in variety Sherpa. In variety PX104 the values of R2 from 0.23 to 0.57 were determined. When using multiple regressions with quadratic spacing (modelling of hourly soil temperature based on the hourly near surface air temperature and hourly soil moisture in the 0.10-0.40 m profile), the difference between the measured and modelled soil temperatures in the depth of 0.05 m was -3.92 to 3.99°C. The regression equation paired with alternative agrometeorological instruments enables relatively accurate modelling of soil temperatures (R2 = 0.95).