Karolina Mostowik

The purpose of the research was to define the variability of soil temperature and moisture in three profiles in the Połonina Wetlińska Range in the period 23/11/2020–19/11/2021 and to assess the relationship between these parameters and meteorological conditions. Soil temperature and moisture loggers were situated at two depths (20 cm & 45 cm). Research has shown a higher soil temperature at a subsurface depth between the end of April and August. The soil temperature was strongly correlated with the air temperature in the warm half-year. The highest average soil temperature was observed for the southern slope (7,5ºC at both depths). In the cold half-year, low variability of soil temperature, the the insulating role of snow cover, and the lack of soil freezing were discovered. The annual average volumetric soil moisture of the soils studied ranged from 42% to 53% at a depth of 20 cm, and from 39% to 44% at a depth of 45 cm. Among the soils studied, those represented by the lower clay fraction content, the lower bulk density, and the higher organic matter content were characterised by the higher volumetric moisture. An increase in soil moisture, mainly driven by infiltration of rainwater and melting snow, may also be caused by lateral throughflow. Generally, soil moisture was dependent on the previous precipitation totals. Additionally, in the cold half-year, higher soil moisture was related to higher air temperature, whereas in the warm half-year, this relation was opposite. The research revealed a lower variability of soil moisture in profiles located within a forest glade on the northern slope than at the profile located within a meadow, on the southern slope of the Połonina Wetlińska. The variability in soil moisture was lowest during the winter months in the highest elevated profile close to the ridge, whereas the highest variability was observed during the summer on the southern slope. Furthermore, in the warm half-year, evapotranspiration was an important factor resulting in a greater variability of soil moisture at shallower depths of the studied profiles. The higher soil retention capacity in the upper part of the Bieszczady Mountains ranges may affect a more effective recharge of groundwater reservoirs, which feed springs located in the upper part of the slopes