On these pages you will find current information on publications, new research results and events relating to the Britz intensive monitoring area.

In recent months, it has not only felt like it has rained a lot - this winter has set a new record: For 30 years, precipitation and seepage have been measured alongside other parameters at the forest hydrology test site in Britz near Eberswalde. With 311 millimeters (mm) of rain and snow measured, there was more water than ever before since the time series began. The amount of precipitation is good news for the upcoming growing season. This is because winter precipitation is important for moistening the soil and creates good starting conditions for the plants to sprout in spring.

You can find the full article here (only in german):

Gute Bedingungen für den Frühjahrsaustrieb im Wald

Between February 17 and 19, 2022, stormy conditions also prevailed in north-eastern Germany due to the passage of the storm lows "Ylenia" and "Zeynep". With comparatively low wind speeds of between 80 and 90 km/h, the two storms hit the Britz intensive monitoring area and caused storm damage to several trees. These affected both the approximately 50-year-old Douglas fir and the pine stand, as well as older pines in the buffer area of the lysimeter station. They include various forms of damage. Several trees were uprooted and both trunk breakage at breast height and crown breakage occurred. Among the affected trees are also measuring trees that were equipped with dendrometers for circumference measurement. Just a few weeks earlier, the trees at the test station had had to withstand the storm "Nadia". At that time, only a few Douglas firs fell victim to the storm.

In the "WinMol" project, we dealt with storm damage, further information can be found here:

Project Page "WinMol"