Laboratory of Physical, Hydro Physical, Chemical and Microbial Properties of Forest Soils

Description and data on the research infrastructure/laboratory: 
The laboratory represents a system for studying a complex of soil properties, with a focus on solving the issues of changes in physical, hydro physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, such as the amount of organic carbon and its stable and labile forms in relation to the stability of the soil structure depending on forest management. The laboratory also focuses on determining the amount and dynamics of soil moisture measured by non-destructive methods, determining the retention properties of forest soils in changing climatic conditions with significant periods of drought and subsequent torrential rainfall. The subject of research is also the assessment of the amount of basic macro elements in relation to the growth of forest trees and the diversity of herbaceous and grass synusia. Attention is also paid to the study of the cycle of substances and nutrients in the soil and the issues of biodiversity of soil microorganisms at the functional level, assessing their role in the functioning and stability of forest ecosystems, and in connection with different management of forest soils and stands, and because of climate change. Currently, methodologies are being designed and tested for visualizing the root system of forest trees using non-destructive forms of measurement. 

List of equipment:  

Justification of uniqueness/strategic importance: 
The Pedological Laboratory is a specific laboratory that is dedicated specifically to forest soils with a primary focus on forestry issues, but also on the protection of forest soils in times of global climate change. In forestry issues, the topic of soil as a habitat factor for the growth of forest trees, carbon sequestration, nutrient and water cycling in forest soils in relation to forest management dominates. From the perspective of forest soil protection, the laboratory focuses on the protection of forest soils from their physical, chemical and biological degradation and the prevention of soil erosion during times of extreme precipitation. 

Assigning research infrastructure to one or more research areas: