Measuring microclimate regulation effects of forest- steppe habitat in Central Hungary

Abstract

This pilot study focused on the microclimate regulating effects of different vegetation types of forest-steppe habitat. Between April and December 2023, soil moisture at a depth of 10, 40 and 80 cm was measured at 3-3 sample plots alongside two natural forest edges. Between September and November 2023, air temperature and relative air humidity were recorded at 7 predefined vegetation types of sandy forest-steppe habitat (4 plots/type, 7 types/site, 3 sites, 84 plots in total). Relative soil and air humidity data was analysed with descriptive statistics, while one-way ANOVA was run for air temperature data. Our results show that the inner parts of the forests and forest edges were characterised with significantly higher soil humidity in each soil layer, compared to woodless grasslands. Furthermore, more moderate temperature is present in woody vegetation types compared to grasslands outside of forests. Significant minimum and maximum temperature-raising effects were also observed. No significant differences were detected between locations and vegetation types in air humidity, but methodological changes are necessary in the future. During the study period, microclimate of woody vegetation types was more balanced, compared to grasslands outside forests. Plots at woody vegetation types were characterised by a better soil moisture supply and a significant air temperature regulating effect, which gave a more balanced air temperature as the minimum and maximum values were more attenuated but did not influence the seasonal mean value.