Research is focused on the study of relationships between organisms, their environment and processes that influence the functioning of ecosystems. Within ecosystem ecology, we examine energy flows, nutrient cycles, and interactions between biotic and abiotic components of nature. In soil ecology, on the other hand, the focus is on the composition, structure and function of the soil, its inhabitants (microorganisms, plants, animals) and their influence on soil processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter or carbon storage. Both disciplines are key to understanding the sustainability of ecosystems, the protection of biodiversity and the efficient management of natural resources.
Ecosystem ecology and ecosystem restoration
- The group conducts research dealing with the interaction of individual components of ecosystems and their changes during primary succession, these findings are subsequently applied to the development of restoration methods for severely disturbed ecosystems.
- Intensive research is carried out in the area of geochemical cycles and their interactions with ecosystem processes and thus forms an integral part with the design of ecosystem ecology. The main content is the study of individual biogeochemical cycles and their interactions, as the main driver of changes in the development of ecosystems, and at the same time monitoring the influence of structural changes in ecosystems caused by other factors (e.g. the influence of the climate gradient on the biogeochemical cycles of given ecosystems). Special attention is paid to the biogeochemical cycles of biogenic elements (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) in relation to other key elements and natural conditions.
- In terms of the structural development of ecosystems, the research focuses on the interactions of the underground and above-ground parts of the ecosystem, the interactions of plants, soil organisms and the abiotic environment of soils and their importance in the dynamics of ecosystem development and the renewal of biogeochemical cycles.
- The main model ecosystems are dynamically developing ecosystems after large-scale disturbances such as mineral extraction, agricultural activity or restoration of oligotrophic ecosystems using the topsoil removal method. These types of ecosystems enable the monitoring of temporal changes both directly and with the help of chronosequences, i.e. groups of similar areas of different ages. Currently, we are intensively engaged in both the long-term monitoring of several chronosequences, especially on dumps after coal mining, and the comparison of the development of ecosystems after similar disturbances along climatic gradients.
- Team:
prof. Mgr. Ing. Jan Frouz, CSc.
RNDr. Mgr. Ondřej Mudrák, Ph.D.
SoilScope - Soil Biodiversity Group
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We are a contributing group for the SOB4ES project, which operates on a European scale. The project aims to develop an integrated framework that illustrates the impact of soil biodiversity on ecosystem services over time and across different regions. This framework will help assess ecosystem conditions, implement soil biodiversity-friendly management interventions, identify restoration and conservation targets, and translate scientific knowledge into effective policies and solutions.
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Our team will play a crucial role in the SOB4ES project by collecting soil biodiversity data, analysing patterns under land use changes, and providing land management and policy advice.
- Team:
doc. RNDr. Ladislav Miko, Ph.D.
Mgr. Ing. Andrés A. Salazar-Fillippo, Ph.D.