Forest cover in watershed of mountain stream Javorinka in 2010
Abstract
Tatra forests in the watershed of the river Javorinka represent a complex of natural and man-made forest habitats. Utilizing geographic information systems, we were able to identify four classes of forest based on aerial photographs from 2010. These forests are spatially connected with abiotic properties as well as properties of individual stands, according to the forest stand map. Around 20 % of forest cover was in some way associated with the degradation of forest stands. The most degraded stands were alpine spruce forests (Sorbeto-Piceetum), especially in the higher age classes, on the southern to western slopes and in places where the water accumulation flow conditions were lower. We are of the opinion that the natural degradation of these forest communities occurs in the area, and this degradation may be exacerbated by the effects of a changing climate.
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