After a theoretical introduction to the methodology of studying greenhouse gas flows from soils, trees and forest ecosystems, we will focus on practical acquaintance and testing of methods for measuring gas exchange. Students will learn to install measuring systems for investigation of gas fluxes from tree stems and soils, and to operate a portable greenhouse gas analyzer and other measuring devices for additional study of environmental parameters. Furthermore, with the assistance of the lecturer, they will measure CH4 and N2O fluxes from stems and soils and learn to evaluate these data (calculation of CH4 and N2O fluxes and their further processing). During the final colloquium, students will present the measured results in the form of a short scientific lecture followed by a joint discussion. At the end, the students will be examined orally. Content: Introduction to the research topic of greenhouse gas exchange with focus on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in forest ecosystems (overview of the processes of production, consumption, conversion and transport of both gases within soil and woody plants, the role of soil and woody plants as sources and sinks in ecosystem exchange, the role of other components of forest ecosystems, etc.). An overview of the basic methods used to study CH4 and N2O fluxes in forest ecosystems. Installation of chamber systems for measuring greenhouse gas fluxes from trees and soil, work with a portable greenhouse gas analyzer, measuring greenhouse gas fluxes, measuring ancillary environmental parameters. Procedure of processing measured data and calculation of greenhouse gas fluxes from tree trunks and soil, their comparison, evaluation of results.
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