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Vertical variation in swelling properties of Norway spruce bark depending on tree age and bark moisture content
AbstractIn forest ecosystems, interception of rainwater on foliar and woody surfaces and the subsequent partitioning into stemflow is largely controlled by physical and hydrological properties of bark. Few forest ecohydrology studies have explored the role of bark properties (e.g., thickness, density) on bark water storage capacity and stemflow production. Even fewer have explored how different phases of water (e.g., liquid, vapor) may affect bark through bark swelling properties across the stem and how the degree of swelling affects tradeoffs between bark water storage and stemflow generation. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze changes in a bark swelling index (BSI) vertically along stems of Picea abies (Norway spruce) after exposure to both water vapor and liquid water, as a function of tree age and bark moisture content. We found that tree age influenced BSI and bark moisture content, wherein BSI was ∼ 6.5% lower in older trees (70 years) compared to younger trees (35 and 50 years), and average moisture content was 10.4–13.2% lower. BSI increased when bark was exposed to hygroscopic water vapor and reached maximum swelling after 1 day of water saturation. BSI also increased from the base of the tree to 20–30% of total tree height, beyond which BSI remained relatively stable across all age classes. Enhanced understanding of bark swelling mechanisms as a result of stem position, age, and moisture content and exposure provide stronger foundations for understanding canopy hydrologic partitioning and the fate of rainwater moving through forest canopies.
Acidity and Salinization of Soil Following the Application of Ashes from Biomass Combustion Under Different Crop Plant Species Cultivation
Ashes from biomass combustion (BAs) are a valuable source of plant nutrients, making them suitable for fertilizing crops. BAs also contain components that directly affect soil environmental conditions, leading to improved growth and development of plants. Their deacidifying properties allow BAs to serve as a substitute for calcium fertilizers. However, they contain substantial amounts of components that can increase soil salinity, which can have negative effects. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of BAs on changes in pH and salinity of haplicluvisol soil under the cultivation of various plant species. The study also analyzed the effects of BAs on the content of total forms of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) in the soil. The BAs used in the experiment were sourced from a combined heat and power plant that combusts forest and agricultural biomass. These BAs are distributed as a product for fertilizing agricultural land. However, their application is not subjected to further monitoring. The results indicated that the application of different doses of BAs significantly affected the pH of the analyzed soil. Compared to control objects, a significant increase in pH was observed, with these changes dependent on the species of the cultivated plant. Additionally, even the smallest doses of BAs caused an increase in the electrolytic conductivity (EC) of soil solutions, which serves as a measure of soil salinity. Despite the increase in the average EC value, the application of BAs did not alter the salinity class. The use of BAs also significantly influenced other analyzed parameters. An increase in the average content of total forms of Ca, Mg, K, and Na in the soil was observed, along with a higher degree of soil saturation with alkaline cations, compared to the control and the soil condition before the experiment. The changes in the analyzed soil parameters were significantly influenced not only by the different doses of BAs but also by the species of the cultivated plant. The greatest fluctuations in the obtained values were observed in soil under winter rape cultivation, while the smallest fluctuations were noted in soil under spring barley and potato cultivation.