Analysis of groundwater level changes in clearcutting area of chosen forest habitats

Abstract

Changes of the groundwater levels in the area of clearcutting in a swampy habitat and moist mixed broadleaved forest are analysed in the paper. The aim of the research is to evaluate the influence of clearcutting on the amount of changes in groundwater levels. The research was carried out in two forestries located on the southern tip of Greater Poland, belonging to Siemianice Experimental Forest Farm. The analysis is based on data from wells located in ash-alder swamp forest in Marianka forestry and moist broadleaved forest in Laski forestry. The research is based on the relation of groundwater levels in wells located in clearcutting and observation wells. The received relationship of groundwater levels helps estimate changes in groundwater table, depending on its depth before clearcutting. The research shows increases of groundwater levels in the area of clearcutting. Increments are significantly higher in moist broadleaved forest than in ash-alder swamp forest.