Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Admission. The high biodiversity of moist broadleaved forests is correlated, among others, to the wide fertility gradient and variability of soil conditions. Microhabitat conditions play a crucial role in this case, as they are shaped by the access of light to the forest floor, undergrowth and stand vegetation, habitat moisture, and physical and chemical properties of soil. Aim of the study. The study aimed to determine the variability of soil conditions of selected patches of moist broadleaved forests with a dominance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L). Material and methods. The analysis of soil conditions was carried out in three forest sub-compartments described as moist broadleaved forests dominated by European ash (share > 60%). Within each stand, three soil pits were dug (the distance of individual soil pits was max. 60 m). The variability of topography determined the location of soil pits. The analysis included a description of soil profiles and selected physicochemical properties of soil samples (including soil texture, organic matter content, soil and litter pH, and calcium carbonate content). Results and conclusions. As a result of the analyses significant variability of soils was described. Within a given sub-compartment, two or three soil types were distinguished (brown, colluvic, black earth, postmurshic, and limnic soil) or different soil subtypes. Moreover, other soils were shown as those given in the forest taxation descriptions, which is valuable information when planning a higher density of typological areas within moist habitats. The results constitute a useful hint for soil and ecological research. One should strive to plan a greater density of research plots to understand the edaphic conditions better. It is essential when looking for relationships between the habitat and the health status of European ash, which suffers as a result of lowering groundwater table levels and the disease caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.