Topsoil Moisture Depletion and Recharge below Young Norway Spruce, White Birch, and Treeless Gaps at a Mountain-Summit Site

Background and Objectives: Mineral topsoil moisture is a very important component of the hydrological balance in forests. The closely related to forest type, its woody species composition, stand age, structure through interception evapotranspiration. We aimed investigate response precipitation three treatments: under young Norway spruce, white birch, grass-dominated treeless gap at an acidic mountain site Jizerské hory Mts., Czech Republic. study was conducted 18- 21-year-old stands during four growing seasons. Materials Methods: analyzed parameters were: rainfall amounts measured by on-site automated station, root penetration using auger, soil continuously electric sensors, as well derived such interception. Results Conclusions: Even within small patches treatments, water content found be higher vegetation compared both tree species. In addition, spruce significantly more saturated than birch. average growing-season capacity treatment ranged from 1.4 2.2 mm, 2.1 2.6 1.2 respectively. Soil mostly decreased periods flushing stabilized transitions dormant seasonal effects were particularly obvious birch stand. crucial factors decreasing included rooting depth density, which may predispose preferential pathways for infiltration. This validated birch’s capability decrease content, can beneficial secondary-waterlogged sites.