Research

Geobotany covers the field of plant ecology at different spatio-temporal scales, from the individual organ (leaf, stem, root, seed) to plant individuals, plant communities, and ecosystems. Research focuses on the following areas

  • Ecophysiology (growth and metabolic reactions of woody plants to environmental influences, including stress physiology) and ecosystem research (analysis and quantification of material flows),
  • Analysis of vegetation and plant communities (primarily grassland), including environmental and utilization changes,
  • Bioindication and biomonitoring (in particular on the effects of nitrogen and ozone inputs) and
  • Population biology and applied conservation biology (with a focus on restoration ecology).

Research projects are carried out in Central Europe (forest ecosystems and grasslands), Central Asia (riverine forests), Southeast Asia (mountain pine species), and South America (montane forests of the southern beech, genus Nothofagus).

The work of geobotany takes place at the interface of basic and applied research and thus fits into the overarching theme of “Human-Environment Interactions” of Department VI. They also offer links to research areas in other departments at the university, for example in the field of ancient studies.

Equipment and facilities

Lab:

  • Modern equipment for analysing mainly inorganic elements and compounds in plant tissue and soil material (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Ion Chromatography incl. HPLC, Element Analyser for carbon and nitrogen);
  • Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometer for analysing ratios of stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen in solid, fluid and gaseous samples, with cryogenic vacuum extraction system;
  • Tree-ring analysis system (LINTAB);
  • Microscope, digital camera and electronic scan system (WinCELL, WinDENDRO, WinFOLIA, WinRHIZO) for morphological and anatomical analyses of plant structures.

Plant cultivation:

  • Accessible fully air-conditioned climate chamber with nature-like light conditions;
  • 2 air-conditioned climate chambers;
  • Mediterranean House for teaching and exhibition purposes;
  • Greenhouse with connected lab section for plant cultivation and experiments with larger space requirement and common garden facility.

Equipment for field studies:

  • Mobile elevator platform for studies in the forest canopy (up to 29 m height);
  • Mobile systems for studying gas exchange in plants (LI-COR, ADC, Delta-T, Walz);
  • Systems for studying water relations of plants (sap-flow devices according to Granier, Kučera, Dynagage; stem psychrometer, Scholander pressure chambers);
  • Systems for studying vegetation structure (leaf area index: SunScan, digital camera with fisheye lens and WinSCANOPY software).