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Description
1. Develop modelling software for carbon and nutrients in forest ecosystems
2. Apply the model tools to long-term monitored forest catchments in Czech Republic, Norway and Sweden
3. Apply tools for addressing future carbon in forested catchments – forests, soils, water
4. Produce predictive maps of sensitivity of forests soil carbon pools in the Czech Republic (year 2050) under different scenarios of the climate change (moderate and severe scenarios) and tree species composition
Summary of project results
The CatchCaN project aimed to address the impacts of climate change on Czech forests, such as increased droughts, floods, and windthrows, as well as the effects of air pollution on forest recovery. The project focused on predicting the future of carbon storage in Czech forests under changing conditions.
The project developed the MOBIUS modelling platform to simulate future changes in forests, soils, and waters under various climate change, forest cover, and air pollution scenarios. The researchers collected data from forest sites in Czech Republic, Norway, and Sweden to calibrate and test the models, which were later applied to predict changes in carbon pools and forest sensitivity in Czech forests. The project also produced maps and documentation on the predicted changes and their implications for national parks and other habitats.
The project:
- Created and tested the MOBIUS platform, which includes hydrological, biogeochemical, and forest growth models, to predict the development of biogeochemistry in water and forest soils.
- Monitored long-term trends in water and soil in small basins in Czech Republic, Norway, and Sweden.
- Observed continued regeneration from acidification at all sites, accompanied by increasing concentrations of humic substances.
- Compiled maps of soil carbon content in the Czech Republic and estimated changes using machine learning methods according to climate development scenarios for 2050.
- Predicted a reduction in soil carbon content with increasing temperatures, especially in mountainous areas.
Summary of bilateral results
The project would not have been successful without bilateral cooperation. Bilateral joint research and mutual collaboration on joint results has strengthened the knowledge of all involved and strengthened the bilateral cooperation which can continue.