Forest ecosystems are long-lived and resilient, yet they are increasingly facing dynamic and strong manifestations of climate change. Drought, high temperatures or extreme precipitation fluctuations can fundamentally affect the vitality and long-term stability of stands in a short time. In order to understand these processes and be able to evaluate them in a timely manner, it is necessary to monitor the condition of forests with much higher spatial and temporal accuracy than has been possible so far.

Our department focuses on understanding the mechanisms that control tree growth, vitality and resilience to dynamic and changing climate and environmental conditions. We combine advanced field research, new technologies, the large-scale national monitoring network DendroNetwork and modern modelling approaches. By linking structural, ecophysiological and climate data at national and international levels, we create a comprehensive picture of how forests respond in real time across a wide range of conditions, which allows us to predict how they will evolve in future climates. The aim is to provide scientific evidence for the response of forest ecosystems to climate change and thus support adaptive strategies and sustainable forest management.

Key infrastructure

DendroNetwork (https://dendronet.cz/) – is a large-scale research infrastructure focused on real-time biomonitoring of forest ecosystems using modern technologies and methods for the entire Czech Republic. The network allows monitoring of tree growth, vitality (especially drought manifestations) and responses of forest stands to climate change. Data obtained from the DendroNetwork provide valuable information for scientific research, forest management and formulation of adaptation strategies.

Research pillars

1. Forest structure and functional architecture

We investigate how three-dimensional forest structure affects light conditions, microclimate, competition and growth processes. Using laser scanning, 3D reconstructions and advanced models (e.g. radiative transfer models, machine learning) we assess how forest structure affects production, vitality and important ecosystem functions under conditions of intensifying climate change. 3D reconstructions are also used for more accurate interpretation of remote sensing products.

2. Ecophysiology and growth dynamics

We study the relationship between photosynthesis, carbon allocation and growth. Another key research direction is the study of the influence of environmental limits, such as drought or temperature extremes, on tree growth. We identify moments when carbon uptake is decoupled from actual growth and reveal ecophysiological boundaries that limit growth. Modern measurements allow us to characterize the seasonality of processes, the sensitivity of woody plants and the main factors determining their vitality and resilience.

3. Quantification and modeling of forest response

In collaboration with other departments, we integrate real-time growth data, forest inventory, remote sensing, and models for more accurate predictions of productivity, resilience, and stress responses. We develop nowcasting methods based on systematic biomonitoring. We translate direct measurements on individual trees to stand and national levels, which allows for continuous assessment of drought manifestations, growth constraints, and the overall state and dynamics of forest ecosystems.

4. Applications for resilience and sustainable management

We translate scientific knowledge into practical tools for forestry practice, government and policy making. We support adaptive management, early warning of drought and loss of vitality, and the refinement of carbon balances at the national level.

Integration framework

The department integrates forest structural analysis, ecophysiology, real-time biomonitoring and modelling into a comprehensive system. This multi-level approach allows for monitoring processes and their dynamics from individual trees to national scales. The result is tools and indicators that support sustainable management, strengthen the resilience of forest ecosystems and contribute to effective adaptation to climate change.

International cooperation

We collaborate with a number of renowned institutions and top scientists in the field across Europe and beyond. Thanks to cooperation and international projects, we are able to expand DendroNetwork and connect it with monitoring in other countries, thus advancing the entire scientific field. Examples of this collaboration are:

University of Cambridge (Prof. U. Büntgen ), The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest , Snow and Landscape Research WSL (Dr. R. Zweifel, Dr. P. Fonti ), Technical University of Munich (Prof. R. Peters) CREAF Barcelona (Dr. R. Poyatos ), University of Agriculture in Krakow (Prof. J. Socha, Dr. P. Hawryło ), Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO, Prof. S. Solberg ) Norwegian University of Life Science (NMBU, Dr. D. Creek), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; Germany, Dr. R. Grote), University of Zagreb, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology ( assoc . prof. S. Mikac ), Federal Research and Training Center for Forests , Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW) (Dr. K. Lapin ), University of Bonn (Prof. Z. Malenovský ), Freie Universität Berlin (Prof. F. Faßnacht ), Aalto University (Prof. M. Rautiainen , Dr. A. Hovi ), Center d’Etudes Spatiales de la Biosphère (Prof. J.-P. Gastellu-Etchegorry ), Tartu Observatory , University of Tartu (Dr. J. Pisek), University of Idaho (Dr. Jan Eitel ).