1

Questionnaire

Summary of the main activities of ascientific Organisation

of the SlovakAcademy of Sciences

Period:January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006

  1. Formal information on the assessed Organisation:
  1. Legal name and address

Institute of Forest Ecology, SlovakAcademy of Sciences

Štúrova 2

960 53 Zvolen

The SlovakRepublic

  1. Executive body of the Organisation and its composition
  1. Head of the Scientific Board

RNDr. Ján Kulfan, CSc.

  1. Basic information about the research personnel
  1. Number of employees with a university degree (PhD students excluded) engaged in research and development and their full time equivalent work capacity (FTE) in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and average number during the assessment period
  1. Organisation units/departments and their FTE employees with the university degree engaged in research and development

  1. Basic information on the funding
  2. Total salary budget[1] of the Organisation allocated from the institutional resources of the SlovakAcademy of Sciences (SAS) in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and average amount for the assessment period
  1. URL of the Organisation’s web site
  1. General information on the research and development activity of the Organisation:
  1. Mission Statement of the Organisation as presented in its Foundation Charter

The Institute of Forest Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (in the further text the Institute or IFE) was established by the decision No 689/1 of the Presidium of Slovak Academy of Sciences dated 17th June 1987.The Institute started operating on 1st July 1987 and becameeconomically independent on 1st July 1990. Itbecamea contributory organizationon 1st January 1993.

The Institute is located in the town of Zvolen (main office). There are two work places associated with it, namely the Branch for Woody Plants Protection located in Nitra and the Research Station at Staré Hory. The performance of Institute is not limited in timeframe.

According to the foundation charter No 397/0214/95 dated 30th June 1995, the Institute´s mission is the following:

The Institute focuses on the basic and also applied research in forest ecology. Understanding changes, processes and stressors important for the stability, structure, production and protection of forest ecosystems feature prominently in the Institute´s research programme.Activities of the Institute are associated withthe study of forest ecosystems and their components like soil, water, air, fungi, plants and animals. The study of ties between and among these components and their environment (seeproduction ecology, ecotoxicology, etc.) is an integral part of the Institute´s research activities too. The principal area of research covers the broad spectrum of forest ecosystems in the western Carpathians.

Study of introduced and native woody plants is thefurther research priority of the Institute.It includes taxonomy, biology, protectionand use of woody plants inthe forest and urban landscapes. Particular emphasis is placed on endangered tree species and their protection.

The knowledge of forest ecosystems, their structure and development obtained at the Institute is used in preparation of measures aimed to mitigate or eliminate negative effects of natural and anthropogenic stressors on forests and their components. The Institute is actively looking for methods that can clarify the role of particular stressors in the forest development or forest decline, respectively. Also, it concentrates on measures which should be taken to modify the growth proceses of trees or improve forest health (links to forestry practices) and/or environmental quality (links to nature conservation).

The Institute provides advisory and expert services related to the research activitiesoutlined above.

In the form of doctoral studies theInstitute ensures education in forest ecology and related disciplines.

The Institute spreads knowledge on forest ecology and management of forest/natural resources.

  1. Summary of R&D activity pursued by the Organisation during the assessed period, from both national and international aspects and its incorporation in the European Research Area (max. 10 pages)

The Institute of Forest Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Zvolenis a unique work place in the area of forest ecology research. Together with its Branch for Woody Plants Biology in Nitra and Research Station at Staré Hory it covers a wider geographical area in the West Carpathians. Its activities extend, in some areas of research, the European Research Area (see below).
In 2003 - 2006 the Institute was solving (mostly in participation) 9 major projects within the European Research Area, of them 4 projects under the Framework Programme of the European Union (Carbomont and Merci - 5th FP, ERA ENV and AGRI Mapping 6th FP), 2 projects of European Community (LAPBIAT, one project being supported under the prestigious Marie Currie Fellowship), etc. Three projects in the category “other international funded projects” and 10 projects in the category “important international projects without direct funding” were solved. Cooperation with the ChineseAcademy of Sciences, China, and that with the Rudgers University, USA,extends the Institute´s activities outside the European Research Area (see the questionnaire).
The Agency for the Promotion of Research and Development (APVV/APVT) supported between 2003 and 2006 altogether 10 different projects, of which 7 were coordinated by the Institute. The ScientificGrantAgency of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education (VEGA) provided grants to 21 projects, of which 20 were coordinated by the Institute. A total of 14 other national projects were solved in the Institute as well (see the questionnaire).
Publication activity in the Institute is documented by publications in monographs, CC journals, numerous journals indexed in databases other than Current Contents and in proceedings from scientific meetings, and by citations (see the questionnaire).
The Institute edits the international journal Folia Oecologica. The journal deals with ecology, main emphasis being placed on forest ecology and related disciplines/areas.Another journal, Tichodroma, is national, co-edited by the Institute.
Between 2003 - 2004 the Institute actively cooperated with research institutions in Slovakia (e.g. Technical University Zvolen, Slovak University of Agriculture Nitra, Comenius University Bratislava, Matej Bell University Banská Bystrica,University of Prešov, National Forestry Centre Zvolen, State Nature Conservation, etc.). Also, its cooperation with foreign institutions was developing successfully(e.g.with Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry, Palacky University Olomouc - the Czech Republic , University of Turku, U. of Joensuu - Finland, University of London - England, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences – Sweden, University of Cologne - Germany, University of Vienna, Konrad Lorenc Institute for Ethology - Austria, Forest Research Institute Sofia - Bulgaria, Chinese Academy of Sciences - China, Rutgers University – USA)and many other institutions.
Since 2002 the Institute has been a member of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO, Austria).

In 2003 - 2006 the Institute was required to provide ecology expertises on important national problems such as, for example, forest ownership, spread ofindustrial and technological parks (e.g. Eurovalley Záhorie), environmental problems around industrial smelters (e.g. aluminium plant in Ziar nad Hronom, magnesite plant at Lubenik) and in forest areas affected by strong wind currents (e.g. Tatra Mountains, large scale windthrow in November 2004), impactson environment (e. g. ski centre Donovaly Liptovské Revúce), threatened species and their habitats (e.g. associated activities with the European network of protected areas NATURA 2000), etc. (see the questionnaire). Study of sustainable development of the TatraNational Park, made with the Institute´s participation, was awarded the second position in the national competition. Activities in the legislative were primarily reflected by the Institute´s participation in preparation of the Forest Act (the Institute was mainly contributing by advisory comments). The Institute also participated in theNational Forest Inventory in SR (membership in methodological commission) coordinated by the National Forestry Centre and in preparation of the Forestry (Green) Report for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic. Key research activities in soil sciences, biodiversity research and forest protection were reflected by the Institute´s participation in the project Prognosis of Development of Science and Technology by 2015 coordinated by the Prognostical Institute of SAS. Undoubtedly, the Institute played important role in the research and protection of woody plants in woodlands and urban areas. Its position in the research of ornamental and introduced tree species is unique not only in the home country.
Research activities were accelerated after the international conference “ForestEcologyState and Perspectives” held in Zvolen in 2003 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Institute´s foundation. In 2003 - 2006 theywere also connected with the Centre for Scientific Tourism in Slovakia, etc. The Institute hostedregarded researchers from abroad. Some of them were staying over two months (e.g. prof. W. Topp, University of Cologne, Germany).
In 2003 - 2006 researchers from the Institute regularly gave presentations for university students in the Slovakian universities, actively participated in educational commissions, including commissions on doctoral education. The Institute was accredited to provide doctoral education in (1) Ecology, (2) Plant Protection and (3) Ecology of individuals and populations under the study programme Ecology and Protection of Biodiversity. One diploma student and two doctoral students from Germany were staying and carrying out reseach in the Institute over the period of two months (S. Miethaner) or three months (Ludwig Strasser, Tobias Hahner). This was the further important recognition of the Institute in the European Research Area.
Also, knowledge-disseminating activities of the Institute were promising in 2003 - 2006. They were set very high indeed, not only in the development of forest science. Dr. M. Saniga was awarded the second prize of the Literary Fond for 2006 for making amazing publicity to nature and nature conservation. The Institute was also developing activities to accelerate and improve communication on forest science among the public (see e.g. meeting in Ispra, Italy, organized in 2006 under the activities of the 6 Framework Programme). Ing. K. Sládeková from the Institute took part in the meeting where shewas awarded the certificateof Directorate General Joint Research Centre. These activities were later continued by the Institute´s success in obtaining support from the Agency for the Promotion of Research and Development. Under the project “Forest is not just trees” the Institute is coordinatingcontacts between other research institution in Slovakia and the media. The further project, coordinated by M. Saniga,is focusing on children´s education in ecology, restoration ecology and nature conservation.

Selected results (2003-2006)

Changes in land-use influence sources, sinks and fluxes of carbon in European mountain areas. Under the 5th Framework Programme of EU we performed (as investigators in the project CARBOMONT) research in the Poľana area - locality Snohy, Central Slovakia, on hemi-surface area of above-ground organs of plant populations of non-mown and mown meadows. Detailed analyses of plant communities were made with regard to species composition and production. The study from PoľanaMountains and numerous case studies from the other regions of Europe enable generalisation of the results.

There are numerous studies on forest tree physiology focusing on dynamics of photosynthetic and fluorescence characteristics made in changing environmental conditions (global change, etc.). Under 5th Framework Programme of EU (as investigators in the project MERCI) we participated in an experimental study, the aim of which was to determine daily dynamics of photosynthetic and fluorescence characteristics. We performed experiments in the conditions of „increased“ and „normal” concentrations of CO2 in the vertical profile of spruce crowns.

Some projects of the Framework Programme are more educational than scientific. Nevertheless, they are highly regarded. We took part (as investigators within a wider international team) in the educational project ERA ENV of the 6th FP, the main goal of which was to integrate associated candidate countries and new EU member states in the European research area by environmental approaches. A total of 2,750 brochures, 5,000 leaflets, 2,750 CDs were distributed to educate the target groups on global change and ecosystems.

Dissemination of information about potential partners in the 7th FP is of crucial significance. In the project EU AGRI MAPPING of the 6th Framework Programme we presented the Institute´s structure and Institute´s research activities (altogether 20 researchers involved) ( The aim of the project supported by the European Commission (DG Research) is to involve the research institutions in the former “candidate countries” in the structures of the 7-th Framework Programme of the EU. The project provides main platform for coordination of research in the field of soil science and food.

Integration to the European Research Area (ERA) is connected with tasks followed by the EU institutions. In framework of the National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCA) project we determined priorities in Slovakia so as to meet the duties set by environmental conventions on biological diversity, climate change and soil degradation. We participated in the partial theme „Desertification“. The role of the Institute in the project was crucial. We have gathered unique scientific data on disturbed areas in Slovakia throughout time. They now provide a basis for further research and development of legislation.

Inclusion of the Institute in ERA was reflected by its participance in the projectBioSoil. The project is a part of the European scheme “Forest Focus” which is also focusing on forest soil research. Following the Directives of the European Parliament, we compiled methods and made training activities in soil science. Also, we described soils on 15 study plots according to Guidelines for Forest Soil Profile Description (2006) and classified them by MKSPS (2000) andWRB (1998).

In Slovakia, apparently, there is a deficiency in raw materials. The peat deposits have already been exhausted and those which remain are often protected in the form of wetlands. The current deficit can be bridged over with a new raw material - alginite. The alginite is a sedimentary rock. It was formed by sedimentation in tertiary lakes, in calderas of basalt volcanoes filled in with precipitation water. The substance contains a high proportion of organic material (algae). The high content of organic compounds and nutrients makes this material an efficient fertilizer. The alginite has excellent water-retention properties. There is a growing interest to use it also abroad, e.g. in deserted and semi-deserted areas. Apart from the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, the rock is rich in trace elements such as Zn, Cu, Mo, Mn, Se, Co and B. The average contents of non-essential elements like Cd, Hg, As and Pb are lower than the limit set for organic-mineral fertilizers. In alginite, concentrations of toxic elements Cr and Ni overreach threshold values. However, the toxic effects of these elements can be lowered or eliminated if alginite is composted together with the organic waste. It is evident that some amounts of Cr and Ni in alginite are not accessible to plants. This is why, following thorough consideration, we have recommended alginite (Envigeo company) for the use e.g. in tree nurseries, in gardening or cultivation of seedlings or as a soil-improving agent. Alginite can also be used as an agent in aforestation of sandy soils. It supports the growth of woody plants in areas strongly modified by pollutants, industrial barrens included.

Changes in micronutrients concentrations (Mn,Fe, Zn, Cu) in beech leaves were studied after felling of different intensity. In some cases felling of trees significantly affected concentrations of micronutrients.

We carried out dendro-chronological analysis of beech stems to specify the influence of cutting on radial increment. The decrease in the stand density was reflected by significantly increased increment in all social groups of trees examined. Lowering of stocking by 10 % was found to result in increase of radial increment by 17 % in average.

A method to determine dry weight of beech leaves using calculations coefficients was found. The invention has been patented (see the questionnaire).

Forest decline in the northern areas of Slovakia is of crucial significance for forestry practices and nature conservation. The method to characterize the extent and intensity of dieback of spruce stands (decline of a new type) has been developed. Three types of damage and dieback have been distinguished. A classical type of dieback “A” was the most frequent, occurring almost in all mature spruce stands, especially in forest margins. The damage types “B” and “C” were not restricted to forest margins only.The study of natural spruce forests in the Tatra Mountains (performed on transects) revealed considerable differences in ecological conditions. The lack of nutrients in forest soils, accumulation of acid spruce litter on the ground and leaching effect of precipitation was reflected by the low values of active reaction (pHH2O) in the upper (0-5 cm) mineral layer. The results form the basis for management of fragile mountain spruce forests.

Analyses of physiological characteristics showed that spruce stands in the region of Horný Spiš have had impaired their antioxidant system (very low concentrations of carotenoids), increased sensitivity to tropospheric ozone, low temperatures and solar radiation.

Warming up the atmosphere and global change, undoubtedly, will have adverse effects on many organisms, including insects. Comparative basis is therefore needed to evaluate these changes throughout time. Participation in the EC programme LAPBIAT enabled us to carry out research on insects (Lepidoptera and Coleoptera) in the forests of northern Lapland, Finland and Norway, some 500 km north of the arctic circle. The research continued in the Tatra Mountains. Using the same methods as in Finland we collected insects in three mountain valleys (Bielovodská, Velická andTomanova valley), focusing on bark beetles and their distribution in the timber line area. Bark beetles were found to be more abundant in the trees forming the timber line (ecotone) than in the trees below (forest) and above the timber line (sole trees). Results enable comparisons on wider scale.

Similarly, the phytocoenological study was performed in the forests of Stará Planina Mountains, Bulgaria. On 27 plots regularly monitored by the Forest Research Institute, Sofia, we described soil properties, phytocoenoses and collected plant material for comparisons with that from Slovakia. It is likely that comparisons made at distant areas enable more precise indication of changes in the forest structure in the conditions of global change.

Research activities were continued in the beech forests of StaráplaninaMountains, Bulgaria.The aim was to evaluate frequency and extent of necrotic damage on beech stems, and to find out the agents of necrotic disease. Values of index of necrotisation (ISN) in selected localities in the mountain ranges Vitosha and Stara planina, Bulgaria, ranged from 0.72 to 1.12. In Slovakia such low values of ISN were obtained only in the seven localities out of 52 examined. The ISN values in Slovakia were shown more favourable than those from Northern Hungary (ISN in the range from 1.11 to 1.18). We gathered unique information on distribution of necrotic diseases in the Carpathians (Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania).