Research

As a result of global warming increased exceptional floods and extreme heavy precipitation events take place. So the risk of remobilization of deposits increases. Subsequently radioactive heavily contaminated sediments can be mobilized. At LLC-Laboratory Arsenal radioactivity of the danube compartiments: water (dissolved radionuclides), suspended matter and sediment are continuously monitored based on monthly composite samples and event-related samples during floods since 1984. This is a unique Central European radioecological long time series of measurements. The continuation of this sampling and data collection is of great importance to meet future challenges in radiation protection with regard to potential large-scale environmental contamination.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the most economically important tree species in Austria. Projected temperature increases and major changes in precipitation patterns will have a significant impact on forestry and increase the risk of bark beetle infestation (e.g. 1.97 million m³ of beetle-damaged wood in Austria in 2021). The aim of Adapt4K is to provide foresters and the forestry sector with the latest scientific knowledge on risks to which certain stands are exposed in order to support decision-making for adaptation to future climate change. In addition, this joint action aims to promote more resilient landscape planning and strengthen communication channels between local stakeholders (foresters and forest managers) and the multi-institutional counterparts (BFW, LF4 and BOKU). We have characterized a number of P. abies sites with bark beetle infestation in Austria. The relationship between recent bark beetle infestation, tree ring data and site characteristics is used to predict future infestation risk. Using a citizen science approach, we place foresters at the center of the data collection and decision-making process: site-specific forest data is collected and interpreted to assess the risk of bark beetle infestation. In this way, we hope to raise awareness and increase personal responsibility.

The invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is increasingly migrating into habitat types worthy of protection, where, due to its rapid growth, its low soil, site and climate requirements, its high capability of reproduction via root suckers and stump sprouts, its strong vegetative reproduction and massive production of seeds and due to its allelopathic properties, it endangers rare plant species and associated animal species. In the present project, an attempt is being made to combat invasive Tree-of-Heaven on the dry grassland site Dürrham (Heißlände) in the Lower Lobau, which is worthy of protection, and in the FFH habitat types 91G0 (Pannonian oak-hornbeam forest), 91H0 (Pannonian downy oak forest) and in the FFH habitat type 6210 (Trespen-fescue-limestone dry grassland) on the Bisamberg, respectively. Furthermore, soil as well as potentially susceptible dicotyledonous plants will be sampled and screened for the agent V. nonalfalfae (see below) on both sites in spring 2024 and 2025. The control is to be carried out using the biological control method developed at the Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection (BOKU University) in 2011 on the basis of the native wilt fungus Verticillium nonalfalfae, which has already proven to be sustainable, cost-efficient, but also quickly and specifically effective in numerous series of experiments. The control is therefore also in line with the biodiversity strategy Austria 2030+ of the BMK.