Changes in non-forest woody vegetation in the south-western part of the White Carpathians (1949-2011)
Abstract
The non-forest woody vegetation is an important part of the landscape structure and a determining feature of the landscape character. The present study investigates changes in the area of non-forest woody vegetation in the landscape of the south-western part of the White Carpathians (western Slovakia) during the last 60 years.
The study is based on a comparison of landscape metrics interpreted from aerial photographs from 1949, 1986 and 2006. Relations to environmental conditions and its present state (qualitative characteristics) mapped in the field are discussed as well.
Results confirm close relations of the distribution of non-forest woody vegetation to environmental conditions such as elevation, slope, partially to soil and landscape type. As to landscape structure changes, number of patches as well as the total area of non-forest woody vegetation rapidly decreased due to intensification of agriculture and partially extensification in the first observed period and continuing extensification, landscape abandonment and social changes in the second period.