Water Regulation Ecosystem Services Following Gap Formation in Fir-Beech Forests in the Dinaric Karst

This paper investigates how variation in forest structural characteristics affects the water retention capacity of gaps and forests fir-beech Dinaric Karst. Forests are identified as a key element landscape for provision pristine resources, particularly highly vulnerable karst aquifers characterized by rapid infiltration recharge water, high subsurface permeability, heterogeneous underground flow. Indicators hydrologic fluxes (drainage flux, canopy interception, transpiration, soil evaporation) large experimental gap (approximately 0.2 ha size) those nearby old-growth were compared over 13-year period using Brook90 hydrological model their analyzed. In addition, also simulated managed an reference. Water regulation was lowest gap, where drainage flux accounted 81% precipitation sum evaporation (evapotranspiration) 18%. followed 78% evapotranspiration 23%. highest generally similar both forests, 71–72% annual drained to subsurface. The results this study suggest that creation Karst significant long-lasting reduction vegetation due unfavorable conditions successful natural tree regeneration. For optimal ecosystem services Karst, small, irregularly shaped no larger than height should be created, mimicking naturally occurring forests.