An attempt to classify groundwater level depth in pine forest stands on fresh sites

The aim of the research described in this paper is to classify groundwater level patterns in pine stands of forest fresh sites. The approach has been employed with the view to facilitate explaining interactions between physiographic characteristics and groundwater dynamics in prospective research. The methods which have been employed so far for explanation of groundwater level dynamics interactions with local physiographic conditions do not let to draw firm conclusions. The classification of groundwater dynamics patterns requires employing more sophisticated methods, because of a relatively extensive range of groundwater dynamics site-to-site variability expressed, e.g., by amplitude and cycle period. The methods of groundwater patterns classification proposed in the literature focused either on hydrogeological criteria or, if related to forest ecosystems, focused on water balance elements in forest habitats. The area selected for investigation represented typical features for the Northern European Lowland forests defined by soil and form of terrain pattern shaped by the last glacial period (Vistulian glaciation) and dominant share of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in stand species composition. The research period covered the 2002-2007 hydrological years. The measurement used in analysis covered 35 sites equipped with measurement wells.