Defining the relationship between bulk density and organic carbon content in forest soils using generalised linear mixed-effect models Aleš Kučera, Dušan Vavříček, Karel Drápela, Václav Zouhar, Michal Friedl, Valerie Vranová Carbon Balance and Management, 2025 In this study, we used a generalised linear mixed-effects model (GLMER) to establish a predictive pedotransfer function defining the relationship between forest soil bulk density and total organic carbon. More than 950 soil samples were obtained from four forested areas with a wide range of bedrock (limestone, loess, crystalline volcanic, sandstone, alluvial loam, polygenic loam and transported materials rich in organic carbon) and soil types (Leptosols, Cambisols, Fluvisols, Podzols and Technosols). Model validation was performed by testing against 10% of the data randomly selected from the original dataset (10% dataset) and an independent dataset from the Czech national forest inventory (NFI2 dataset). The GLMER including sample origin locality as random effect displayed a highly accurate predictive capacity. Subsequent analysis avoided model simplification by excluding sample origin and retaining the global GLMER only. For all samples, the final model covered a range from 0.16 to 27.70% for total organic carbon and from 0.27 to 1.94 g cm− 3 for bulk density. Model residuals based on laboratory values were symmetrical with a median value just 0.09 g cm− 3 higher. While validation with the 10% dataset confirmed model parameter validity with high accuracy, validation using the NFI2 dataset indicated slight discrepancies, possibly due to differences in sampling method used. Individual GLMs fitted both validation datasets better than the global GLMER; however, Wilcoxon tests showed better consistency in the original model on the 10% validation data. Consequently, we suggest the global GLMER may prove more suitable for direct use in expressing bulk density from total organic carbon. The pedotransfer functions produced, particularly that based on global GLMER, can be used to express bulk density via total organic carbon content, or vice versa, with high accuracy. While based on a wide range of bedrock/soil types, further studies may be needed in other regions to validate the model for general application. We developed a highly accurate model for calculating forest soil bulk density against total organic carbon. Model extension for total organic carbon was within 0.15–24% intervals and 0.30–1.73 for bulk density. The pedotransfer function can be generalised for forest soils with varying bedrock types and soil classifications. Text: In stony forest soils, calculating bulk density, a key soil property for quantifying soil nutrient storage, can be challenging. We used a generalised linear mixed-effects model to develop a pedotransfer function expressing the relationship between total soil organic carbon and bulk density in temperate forest soils.
Effects of tree features on hydrophysical soil properties in European agroforestry systems: systematic review Anna Mária Mitrová, Tomáš Vichta, Petr Zapletal, Jiří Volánek, Štěpán Neubauer, Valerie Vranová Agroforestry Systems, 2025 Hydrophysical soil properties are critical determinants of agricultural sustainability and ecosystem resilience. These properties influence soil–water dynamics, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. Although the potential of agroforestry to mitigate soil degradation is well-established, a comprehensive synthesis of its effects on hydrophysical properties in European contexts has been lacking. This review systematically analyzes 40 studies examining the effects of woody vegetation in European Agroforestry Systems (EAFS). Findings reveal that woody components generally enhance hydrophysical soil properties across diverse EAFS. A consistent decrease in bulk density and increase in porosity were reported, leading to improved water infiltration, retention, and storage capacities. Hedgerows and shelterbelts were particularly effective in increasing hydraulic conductivity and mitigating surface runoff and erosion, with positive effects localized near woody vegetation. Silvopastoral systems demonstrated significant improvements in soil water content and infiltration rates, particularly in Mediterranean regions. However, variability was evident, influenced by tree age, species composition, spatial configurations, and management practices. Critical research gaps were identified, including limited data on subsoil dynamics, geographic biases favouring Mediterranean systems, and methodological inconsistencies across studies. Addressing these gaps through standardized protocols and multidisciplinary approaches is essential to fully realise the potential of EAFS in enhancing soil functions and adapting agro-ecosystems to climate challenges. Implementing tailored management practices that consider local climatic and edaphic conditions is essential for maximizing the hydrological and ecological benefits of EAFS. Graphical abstract
Substrate Enrichment with Clinoptilolite: Limits and Possibilities for Container-Grown Seedling Propagation Aleš Kučera, Jiří Volánek, Gabriela Tomášová, Ladislav Holík, Marie Balková, Tomáš Vichta, Pavel Samec, Jana Rosíková, Valerie Vranová Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2025 This study examines the benefits of adding clinoptilolite (zeolite) to forest nursery substrates (growth medium) to optimise cultivation of European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings. Ten growth medium variants were tested, each consisting of a basic peat substrate (nutrient-enriched / non-enriched) with the addition of different quantities of zeolite in different forms (ammonium nitrate and potassium sulphate-enriched / non-enriched). Zeolite had a limiting effect on plant growth, with greater seedling growth in substrates with a low proportion of zeolite (5%), and lower root biomass and root: shoot ratios in substrates with higher proportions. In the latter case, exchangeably-bound divalent base cations (Ca2 + and Mg2+) were enriched in both the sorption complex and aqueous solution due to cation exchange. At the same time, antagonistic K + cations were depleted in leaves, despite high concentrations in the substrate. Higher doses also reduced above-ground height/root collar diameter, with substrate type as main cause, irrespective of zeolite content. These findings confirm a dose-dependent effect of zeolite, with low concentrations (5%) stimulating seedling growth and higher doses (especially 20%) leading to impaired rood development, primarily due to K + deficiency caused by Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ antagonism. By identifying physiological thresholds for zeolite use in silvicultural substrates, we provide important new information for ensuring the success of European beech seedling cultivation for climate-resilient regeneration projects.
Covariation of redox potential profiles and the water table level at peatland sites representing different drainage regimes: implications for ecological modelling Markku Koskinen, Jani Anttila, Valerie Vranová, Ladislav Holík, Kevin Roche, et al. Biogeosciences, 2025 Abstract. Reduction–oxidation (redox) reactions are ubiquitous in nature and are responsible for the energy acquisition of all organisms. Redox reactions are electron transfer reactions that necessarily involve two participants: one being oxidised (electron donor) and one being reduced (electron acceptor). The availability of terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) is a major determinant of the extent to which carbon in organic matter can be oxidised in an ecosystem. This is most important under waterlogged conditions, such as in peatlands, where the diffusion of O2, the most effective common TEA, into soil is blocked by water. Under these conditions, alternative TEAs can be used by microbiota to continue organic matter oxidation. Decomposition processes in soil can be characterised by its redox state, i.e. which TEA is responsible for organic matter oxidation at a given time. This can, in principle, be measured as a voltage between the soil solution and a known reference electrode, known as the redox potential. Current soil ecosystem models do not depict the use of alternative TEAs well. This limits their applicability for predicting soil carbon loss under different drainage regimes and, thus, their usefulness for assessing the best management practices for soil carbon preservation and water course protection. The most common determinant of the mode of decomposition presently used in ecosystem models is the water table level (WTL), which relies on the assumption that the redox state of a peatland ecosystem responds predictably to changes in the WTL. We conducted a 2-year redox monitoring experiment in a boreal mesotrophic peatland under three drainage regimes: undrained, short-term drainage, and long-term drainage. In addition, an ombrotrophic plot that had undergone long-term drainage was monitored. Snapshot assessments of the activity of three major metabolic enzymes – arginine deaminase, protease, and urease – were also undertaken at the mesotrophic plots as an indicator of differences in microbial activity between drainage regimes. We found that the WTL was a poor temporal predictor of redox potential but that (1) the position of major transition zones between oxic and anoxic states and (2) enzymatic activities within the peat profile were somewhat determined by the dominant WTL depth. In the undrained plots especially, redox potential values reflecting oxic or suboxic conditions were often found below the WTL, whereas anoxia was present above the WTL at the drained plots. Preceding redox potential was found to affect the activities of protease and urease but not arginine in all plots.
The effect of soil conditions on submountain site suitability for Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) in Central Europe P Samec, J Volánek, L Holík, P Rychtecká, M Balková, V Vranová Iforest, 2023 Norway spruce ( Picea abies [L.] Karst.) occurred rarely at submountain altitudes before reaching its present position as the most important economic tree species in Central Europe. Spruce cultivation outside of natural sites is under constant threat from harmful agents. In this study, we focused on the indication of potentially suitable planting sites for Norway spruce in areas of protected submountain (< 700 m a.s.l) populations using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of soil properties in oak-beech, mixed and spruce stands in the territory of the Czech Republic. The soil A-horizon properties in mixed stands were more similar to those in spruce than in broadleaved stands; stand mixtures resulted in lower soil property separability than the localization of individual populations (57% and 85%, respectively). The suitable sites were defined by acid phosphomonoesterase > 151 µg hour -1 , soil porosity > 63%, aeration > 53%, bulk density < 0.86 g cm -3 , cation exchange capacity < 18 cmol + kg -1 , C org < 9% and N tot < 0.5% in clusters comprising the Bohemian highlands, North Bohemian rock cities and the Outer Western Carpathians. The LDA of soil properties offered a useful tool for assessing both naturalness and forest threats to support sustainable management.
Assessment of slope stability on logged forest-hill slopes using ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography Jiří Hruška, František Kuda, Ladislav Holík, Valerie Vranová Geological Journal, 2023 The use of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) geophysical methods are considered a useful tool for assessing forest soil slope instabilities. These techniques provide a detailed survey regarding changes because of logging operations in an area, where the combination of soil, water, and rock conditions predisposes to the development of slope instabilities. In the current study, such geophysical survey techniques were applied at two localities, Bukovinka and Zemanův žleb near Křtiny (Southern Moravia, Czech Republic), during three sessions over 1 year. The selected survey sites were on different terrains but the same subsurface (sediments of Lower Marine Carboniferous). The condition for their selection was the absence of other major external influences apart from wood harvesting. The GPR and ERT measurements were carried out along the same lines, and changes in the geophysical profiles over time were observed. The results demonstrate the processes that lead to visible changes on both localities in the results of measurements. Both methods showed shifts in some soil properties configuration, separating partial rock masses or even incipient soil/rock movement. The ERT also detected a significant expansion of wet areas inside both studied rock masses, which may be because of the development of new channels for infiltration of rainwater. Considering that the only major external factor that could change the slopes drainage properties was the wood harvesting, it is reasonable to conclude that the observed changes are associated with the logging operations.
Perspective on the status and behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 in soil Giacomo Pietramellara, Shamina Imran Pathan, Rahul Datta, Valerie Vranová, MariaTeresa Ceccherini, Paolo Nannipieri Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2022 Soil contamination by SARS-CoV-2 is highly probable because soil can collect several transporters of the virus, such as fallout aerosols, wastewaters, relatively purified sludges, and organic residues. However, the fate and status of SARS-CoV-2 in soil and the possible risks for human health through contaminated food are unknown. Therefore, this perspective paper discusses the challenges of determining the SARS-CoV-2 in soil and the mechanisms concerning its adsorption, movement, and infectivity in soil, considering what has already been reported by perspective papers published up to May 2021. These issues are discussed, drawing attention to the soil virus bibliography and considering the chemical structure of the virus. The mechanistic understanding of the status and behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in soil requires setting up an accurate determination method. In addition, future researches should provide insights into i) plant uptake and movement inside the plant, ii) virus adsorption and desorption in soil with the relative infectivity, and iii) its effects on soil functions. Models should simulate spatial localization of virus in the soil matrix.
Alteration in the amount of Glomalin in transition from forest to field/meadow Vranová Valerie, Holik Ladislav Soil Use and Management, 2022 Glomalin produced by fungal mycelium represents a significant stabilizing element of soil aggregates and a relatively stable carbon reservoir in the soil. The aim of our research was to investigate the changes in the amount of glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) associated with the transition from forest to meadow or field conditions at the four transects during the 2016 growing season. The method Near Infrared Spectrometry was applied for measuring the amount of GRSP. The measurements have demonstrated that the amount of GRSP decreased both in the points adjacent to the ecotone in the meadow and the field at the Bukovinka and the Proklest A transects. At the two transects, the changes in the amount of GRSP between the forest, the ecotone and the meadow were statistically insignificant except for the point 4 where more GRSP was found out in the meadow and the ecotone than in the forest.
The soil amino acids: Quality, distribution and site ecology Soil Amino Acids Quality Distribution and Site Ecology, 2012
Root exudates of sugar beet: Composition and the significance of their study and azetidin-2-carboxylic acid in sugar beet Listy Cukrovarnicke A Reparske, 2012
Bioavailable amino acids in soil and significance of their study Chemicke Listy, 2011
Significance of amino acids in direct nutrition of crops Listy Cukrovarnicke A Reparske, 2011
Impact of land-use change on seasonal dynamics of total protein flow from roots of mountain meadow plant communities Mountain Ecosystems Dynamics Management and Conservation, 2011
Methods of plant root exudates analysis: A review Peter Dundek, Ladislav Holík, Tomáš Rohlík, Ladislav Hromádko, Valerie Vranová, Klement Rejšek, Pavel Formánek Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 2011
Changes in soil sorption parameters in time: Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ K a r s t.) pure stands exposed to pollution, 1980-1998 Ekologia Bratislava, 2004