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The decomposition of deadwood plays a very important role in the functioning of the forest ecosystem. The present study was conducted with the objectives to: (1) determine the amount of deadwood respiration depending on species and degree of decomposition; (2) determine the extent of the impact of decomposing wood on the amount of respiration in surrounding soil; (3) find a relationship between the amount of respiration and the chemical fractional composition of soil organic matter. Our research has shown that respiration of decaying wood samples was 2-3 times lower compared to soil, regardless of the type of wood and the degree of wood decomposition. The conducted analyses confirmed the influence of the species of wood and the degree of decomposition on the respiration rate in wood samples. More decomposed wood (4th and 5th degree of decomposition) releases more CO2 compared to less decomposed wood and the highest CO2 emissions were recorded for aspen and alder wood. Better understanding of the mechanisms and factors affecting CO2 emissions in forest ecosystem can help reduce climate change.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the retention capacity of catchments situated in the Beskid Wyspowy region of southern Poland. To accomplish this, we employed the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+), a newly developed hydrological model. The large heterogeneity of the catchment area and the limitations of measurement techniques necessitated the use of hydrological models. The study found that forested and pasture areas had higher soil water retention potential than agricultural areas. Furthermore, surface runoff of both catchments correlated negatively with soil water retention potential and evapotranspiration, however, positively with mean annual precipitation. Soil moisture was directly related to mean annual precipitation and electrical conductivity. The research also advocates incorporating the Landscape Hydric Potential (LHP) index into existing hydrologic models, in line with the physical-based SWAT+. Future watershed models based on water balance should be developed to increase resilience to climate change manifestations in the flysh Carpathian Mountains.

The root systems of trees, through the production of biomass and through their exudates, affect the properties of forest soils. There is a lack of basic knowledge about the influence of root systems of basic forest-forming tree species on the properties of forest soils. The purpose of our study was to determine the influence of the roots of six tree species and their root exudates on shaping the physicochemical and biochemical properties of soils. The study included deciduous tree species (ash, hornbeam, oak, beech) and coniferous trees (pine, European larch). The survey was conducted in 2022 in the Miechow Forest District (southern Poland). Each tree species was represented by 5 study plots. The research included analysis of root systems and analysis of surface properties of soil horizons. Exudates were collected using a culture-based cuvette system. Additionally, we determined the morphology, and production of fine roots. Basic physicochemical properties and the activity of enzymes involved in the cycling of C, N, and P were determined in the soil samples. The tree species studied have different morphological characteristics of roots and differences in the exudates secreted. In addition, the studied species differ in the rate of growth of root systems. Significantly higher amounts of secreted carbon from roots were recorded in ash, which had a positive effect on the increase in enzymatic activity. The amount of C from exudates showed a positive correlation with CB, BG and PH activity. The activity of the enzymes studied also correlated with the morphological characteristics of the roots. Root systems also influenced the formation of basic physicochemical properties such as C and N content.

Meteorological simulations using hydrological models are now important for water and environmental resource management. The hydrological system of a catchment cannot be measured precisely in practice. A combination of limited measurements available in space, as well as a need to extrapolate information from available measurements in time, led to the use of the hydrological model. The aim of the study was to assess the catchment retention capacity of the flysh catchments of the Smugawka (19°47-49°33) and Mszanka (20°15-49°44′) rivers located in the Beskid Wyspowy, southern Poland. Due to the large heterogeneity of the catchment area and the limitations of the measurement technique, SWAT+ was employed in our study. Forested and pasture areas had higher soil water retention potential, while lower soil retention potential values are correlated with agricultural areas. Surface runoff of both catchments correlated negatively with soil water retention potential, evapotranspiration, and positively with mean annual precipitation. Soil moisture was related to electrical conductivity and inversely correlated with mean annual precipitation. A study has shown that SWAT+ can be applied to calculate the mean annual continuous evapotranspiration for meadows, forests, and agricultural areas. Curve number may be used as a tool for water retention in floodplains. In line with the physical-based SWAT+, the Landscape Hydric Potential (LHP) index can be incorporated into the existing meteorological data models. In the future, watershed models based on water balance should be developed to increase resilience in the flysh Carpathian mountains to climate change.

The forest floor is the forest’s graveyard. There, broken branches and fallen trunks are laid to rest. However, this deadwood still has an important role to play. New deadwood is still covered in bark—a tissue that protects a living tree’s insides from the outside world. The bark makes it difficult for water to enter the dead tree. It repels the rain and dew, as if the dead tree still needs this protection. Since deadwood cannot rebuild its bark, the bark slowly breaks down over time. As the bark decomposes, rain and dew are no longer repelled, and the deadwood begins to store more and more water. Recent findings show that, as its bark disappears, the amount of water that can be stored by deadwood changes significantly. This role of deadwood on the forest’s water cycle has consequences for soils and the organisms living in deadwood.

Recent research has convincingly shown the advantages of combining environmental magnetism and geochemical analyses for the proxy estimation of anthropogenic pollution due to their atmospheric deposition in local environments. Few studies have also focused on anthropogenic particles deposited on snow. However, papers reporting on Sahara dust particles deposited on snow in central Europe and which involve magnetic methods are missing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the magnetic features of the SDE recorded in snowfall in this part of Europe (i.e. Poland). Our aim was to provide the magnetic characteristics and chemical elemental compositions of a snow horizon containing Saharan dust deposited near the Polish Jakuszyce meteorological station during a snowfall event that occurred from the 1st to the February 7, 2021. Samples of snow with and without Saharan dust were analysed with respect to iron oxide contents (magnetic susceptibility, hysteresis loop, magnetic remanence acquisition) and compared with chemical compositions. Our results revealed the presence of both ferrimagnetic magnetite and antiferromagnetic hematite in the dust-enriched horizon, and the diamagnetic behaviour of the reference layer consisting of 'pure' snow. The samples recorded the presence of geogenic elements such as Al, Fe, Mn, and Ti, anthropogenic elements such as As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and nutrients including Ca and K. The total concentrations of geogenic elements, nutrients, and anthropogenic elements in the snow samples with deposited Saharan dust were, respectively,3700,320, and110 times greater than in the samples without Saharan dust. These findings may serve as reference data for a variety of environmental magnetic studies.

C/N/P stoichiometry offers important indicators of ecosystem function and productivity. The aim of this research was to determine how planting methods in biogroups influence C/N/P stoichiometry in soil and plants. We hypothesised that planting methods, consisting in different initial spacing and shape would affect the growth characteristics of trees, and consequently, change soil properties – microbiological activity, in particular. This research examined two species that have different ecological requirements, silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.), grown in the upper mountain zone, 1200 m above sea level. We established 48 experimental plots with two planting methods and two species in 2011. The soil and plant samples for laboratory analysis were taken in September 2020. In the first planting method 49 seedlings at regular 1 × 1 m spacing in a square plot (PM1) were planted, while in the second method 50 seedlings in two rhombus plots with 50 × 50 cm spacing (PM2) were planted. We determined the basic physicochemical properties and enzymatic activity in soil samples, and we recorded the content of C, N and P in testing needle samples from the trees. We also calculated the C/N, C/P and N/P ratios for both the soil samples and the plants. We found that the formation of biogroups with smaller spacing during stand renewal influenced the selected soil properties; within the biogroups with smaller spacing, an increase in soil biochemical activity was found. Our research confirms that planting methods and species are essential contributors to the C/N/P stoichiometry of soils and plants. The C/N/P stoichiometry of the soil samples from the different species and the different planting methods ranged between 928/37/1 and 1087/42/1. In the case of the Swiss stone pine needles, we noted a narrower C/N/P stoichiometry compared to the fir needles, regardless of the planting method. C/N/P stoichiometry is a useful tool for reflecting the nutrient cycle in mountain ecosystems, and our research shows that in the case of species with higher ecological requirements, stoichiometry can indicate nutrient limitation. In higher mountainous locations, nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies are the main limiting factor. In the case of fir trees, the method of planting helps to reduce nutrient limitation and improve growth characteristics.

In the era of dynamic climate change, it is important to have knowledge on the interactions between climatic factors and processes occurring in the soil environment. The present study aimed to determine how slope aspect and altitude above sea level influence carbon and nitrogen accumulation and dehydrogenases activity of forest soils. The study was conducted in the Beskid Żywiecki in the south-facing part of Poland. Soils of the same texture, with similar vegetation species composition, in different altitude variants (600, 800, 1000 and 1200 m above sea level) and different north-facing and south-facing slope aspect were selected for the study. For each height and slope aspect variant, samples were collected from the surface horizons of soils for further analyses. The basic chemical properties and dehydrogenases activity of the soil samples were determined. Carbon and nitrogen stocks in the surface horizons of the soils were calculated. The analyses confirmed the influence of location conditions on the carbon and nitrogen stocks in mountain forest soils. The stock of carbon and nitrogen increased with the height up to 1000 m a.s.l. In the soils at the highest altitude, the reserve of carbon and nitrogen decreased regardless of the slope aspect variant. There were no statistically significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks between slope aspect variant. The highest dehydrogenases activity was associated with the organic horizons of the soils at the lowest altitude in height gradient. In our study, higher dehydrogenases activity was observed in the north-facing slope soils, and this finding can be explained by more stable thermal conditions.

We investigated the relationships between dehydrogenase activity and the physicochemical properties of mountain soils over three and five years from Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) logging residue spot burning and the occurrence of epigeic carabid beetles. Six study sites were utilised, including 18 study plots (nine plots in a mixed coniferous mountain forest site and nine plots in a mixed broadleaf mountain forest site), with five replicate pitfall traps at each site located in southern Poland. Soil samples from the organic horizon were taken for pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, base cation content, acidity and dehydrogenase activity determination. Carabid beetles were monitored in weekly intervals during the period of July to August 2016. The burning of logging residues led to modified soil properties, especially the dehydrogenase activity. In all the tested variants, the activity was higher in soil samples after the burning in comparison to the control variants. We show no positive correlation between dehydrogenase activity and the number of carabid specimens. The preferences of dominant predatory hygrophilous carabids to acid habitats with weakly decomposed organic matter were proven. Simultaneously, the soil organic matter content was positively related to the carabid abundance. The significant impact of forest site conditions and the date of logging residue burning on the number of caught specimens were confirmed. In contrast, no relationships between the species richness, species diversity, mean individual biomass and spot burning effect were found. This work supports the recommendation of spruce fine woody debris utilisation by spot burning on mountain regions with rich habitats presenting moderate wet conditions and small land falls.

The aim of this study is to compare the C/N/P stoichiometry of deadwood among four tree species at different stages of decomposition. The way in which the relative concentrations of these elements in the soil are directly impacted by deadwood decomposition is also explored. First, hornbeam, alder, aspen and fir logs in different decomposition stages (III, IV and V) were selected and sampled. Second, the concentration and stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous were established. Marked differences in C/N/P stoichiometry were observed between deadwood in an advanced decomposition stage and the soil immediately under the log. The average C/N/P ratio of soil under the influence of deadwood was narrower compared to the C/N/P ratio of deadwood. The C/N/P ratio of studied soils was similar to the expected C/N/P ratio of organic soils or humus. The results indicate that stage of decomposition and tree species have an impact on the elemental stoichiometry of the soil. Thus, C/N/P stoichiometry is a useful indicator of the intensity of nutrient flux from deadwood to the soil.

Deadwood is an important element of properly functioning forest ecosystems and plays a very important role in the maintenance of biodiversity, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. The ...

The roots are a key functional component of belowground systems and one of the main factors influencing the quality and quantity of soil organic matter. Our research aimed to determine the fractional composition of the soil organic matter (SOM) in soils under various tree species on an altitude gradient. In our research, we related the SOM fractions with the root characteristics. There is a lack of information on the relationship between the SOM fractions and the root properties. We assessed labile and heavy fractions of SOM content in forest mountain soils with a climosequence approach. The study plots were established at 600, 800, and 1000 m above sea level in a beech stand (Fagus sylvatica L.) and a fir stand (Abies alba Mill.). In this case, three research plots with beech and fir were designated in each altitude variant. Forest stands growing in the same soil conditions were selected for the study. The research used stands of similar age with the same tree canopy density. The basic physicochemical properties (pH, hydrolytic acidity, carbon and nitrogen content, base cations content) and the fractional composition of the SOM were determined from soil samples. In addition, we determined the basic characteristics of the roots (diameter, length, biomass, decomposition, production). The correlation between soil organic matter fractions and root characteristics was recorded. This study confirmed the importance of climatic conditions in shaping the fractional composition of forest soils. In the highest locations, characterized by lower temperatures, the light fraction of the SOM exhibited the highest C and N content, which is the effect of slower decomposition processes. Apart from climatic conditions, the stabilization of SOM is influenced by the tree species composition of a forest stand. Beech forest stands lead to a larger accumulation of a heavy fraction of SOM. This study indicates a positive correlation between the light fraction of SOM, root biomass, and decomposition rate of roots. Our research shows that avoiding single-species coniferous stands and introducing admixtures of deciduous species, which increase the heavy SOM fraction, is justified in forest management.

Due to the dynamic development of civilization and the increasing demand for energy, pollution by harmful chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds, is a serious threat to forest soils. The aim of the study was to determine the role of texture in the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace elements in forest soils. The areas with different texture ranging from sand through sandy loam to silt loam were selected for the study. The study was carried out in the Chrzanów Forest District in southern Poland (50° 7′ 18 N; 19° 31′ 29 E), which in one of the most intensive industrial emission zones in Europe. The soil samples for properties determination were collected from locations distributed on a regular grid 100 × 100 m (20 points). The samples were collected from the humus horizon (0–10 cm) after removing organic horizon. Basic chemical properties, heavy metal content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content and magnetic susceptibility values were determined in soil samples. Additionally, enzymatic activity and microbiological biomass was determined in the samples. Our study confirmed the importance of texture in PAHs distribution. A strong correlation between PAHs content and silt content in the soils studied was noted. The regression tree analysis confirmed the importance of the silt content, followed by soil organic carbon in PAHs distribution. Organic carbon content and nitrogen content played a predominant role in controlling the microbial activity. In our study, we did not note a relationship between enzymatic activity, microbiological soil biomass and the amount of PAHs. This may be due to the effective sorption and immobilization of PAHs by particles of fine fractions, especially silt. Obtained results confirmed the usefulness of magnetic susceptibility in the assessment of heavy metals contamination of forest soils. We noted high correlation between magnetic susceptibility value and heavy metals content. Moreover, the relationship between magnetic susceptibility and soil texture of the topsoil was also observed.

Disturbances play an essential role in the shaping of temporal and spatial heterogeneity in natural community structures. The aim of this study was to provide an assessment of the deadwood influence on the chemical and biochemical properties of soils in a landslide area. The samples used to determine soil properties were collected from the entire landslide area, with locations distributed on a regular grid (50 × 50 m). The soil samples were collected from directly under the logs, and background soil samples were taken 1 m from the deadwood logs. The effect of the deadwood decomposition process was visible in the total organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content and microbial activity of the soil. An increase in the enzyme activity and microbial biomass of the soil from directly beneath the deadwood was noted. In this study, it was found that a greater stock of deadwood was present in the accumulation zone, which resulted in a stronger effect of the released components on the soil cover. In order to restore landslide soils, microbial activity can be effectively stimulated by leaving deadwood on the landslide surface.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most hazardous organic pollutants due to their toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic properties, wide distribution, recalcitrance and stability in the environment. The study objective is to determine the impact of the species composition of tree stands on PAH accumulation in urban forest soils of Krakow. The study compared the impact of deciduous and coniferous species on similar soils on PAH biodegradation. Basic physicochemical properties, activity of enzymes involved in the nutrient cycle and PAH content were measured in soil samples. Our study shows lower accumulation of PAHs in soils with deciduous tree stands, which are characterized by higher pH and higher biochemical activity expressed by enzymatic activity. There is statistically significant difference in the enzymatic activity in the soils of deciduous tree stands, which results in differences in PAH accumulation. Among the studied deciduous species, soils with Norway maple and locust were characterized by highest enzymatic activity. At the same time, soils under these species were characterized by the lowest PAH accumulation. Among the coniferous species, highest PAH accumulation was observed under pine and spruce, where low enzymatic activity was observed at the same time.

Forest soils are being exposed to nutrient deficiency and acidification at increasing rates as a result of intensive management. Mineral fertilization, however, provides a way to improve soil nutrient balance. The aim of this study is to present the effects of mineral fertilization on the properties of forest soil 11 years after fertilization. Our research investigated the effects of dolomite, magnesite and serpentinite fertilization on the physicochemical properties of the soil, soil biological activity, and fungal diversity. We also determined the condition of a new generation of fir trees after mineral fertilization. In autumn, 2008, fertilizers (dolomite, magnesite and serpentinite, specifically) in the amount of 4000 kg.ha−1 were added to plots in the Wisla Forest District in Poland; one area was left unfertilized to act as the control area for this research. Our results reveal that all fertilization improved the selected soil's physicochemical properties (pH, Ca and Mg content) and accordingly, its biochemical activity; in particular, we found that dolomite (4000 kg.ha−1) contributed heavily to soil improvement. The findings also showed that soil pH and calcium content were strongly dependent on enzymatic activity, while dolomite fertilization resulted in a significant increase in biomass size in the fir trees included in this study. In addition to being associated with the highest plant biomass and amounts of enzymatic activity, dolomite-fertilized soil also had the highest number of fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs): 403, compared to 322 OTUs in the control soil. Finally, the fungal communities in the control soil varied significantly from the fungal communities in soils fertilized with dolomite and serpentinite. The results of this research support mineral fertilization, and in particular, fertilization using dolomite in amounts of 4000 kg.ha−1, to improve soil nutrient supply and to shape the biological activity expressed by the enzymatic activity of forest soils.

Background Peatlands form one of the largest carbon pools in the terrestrial biosphere, representing approximately one-third of the world's soil carbon. The aim of this study is to establish and compare the C/N/P ratio of different types of Histosols. We believe that C/N/P stoichiometry is a good indicator of changes occurring in Histosols, especially those caused by dehydration. Four types of Histosols from lowland and mountain areas were investigated: fibric Histosols, hemic Histosols, sapric Histosols and Histosols drainic. Results We established the concentration and stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous in the Histosols, and found marked differences in C/N/P stoichiometry between the different types – especially the dehydrated samples. The average C/N/P ratio of dehydrated soil was narrower than the C/N/P ratio of soil under the influence of water, which demonstrates that dehydrating Histosols leads to a narrower C/N/P stoichiometry. This is directly related to the intensification of the organic matter mineralisation process and the resulting loss of organic carbon. We recorded a 50% lower carbon stock in the case of Histosols drainic compared to the other types of Histosols. Conclusions The narrower C/N/P stoichiometry in Histosols drainic is the result of an improvement in the ratio of N and P to the C content. Thus, this study demonstrates that C/N/P stoichiometry is a useful indicator of the changes that occur in Histosols as a result of dehydration.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in heavy metal accumulation in yew (Taxus baccata L.) needles depending on gender and age. Trees growing in the same soil and forest conditions were selected for the study. The study was conducted in the botanical garden in the center of Krakow, and study plots were characterized by the same deposition of pollutants. Needles of yew and soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Heavy metal content and basic biochemical parameters were determined in needles samples. The study confirms the importance of gender and, to a greater extent, age of needles in the accumulation of heavy metals by yews growing in an urban agglomeration. On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that male yew individuals have a high tolerance to heavy metal contamination and their high needle concentration. At the same time, female individuals, which are usually less tolerant to environmental stress, seem to have some physiological mechanisms protecting them from excessive heavy metal uptake from the soil. The accumulation of heavy metals in yew needles does not negatively affect the level of their biochemical parameters.

The physiological and behavioural activities of animals have far-reaching impacts on the characteristics and functioning of soil. This includes vertebrates, which are capable of modifying the physicochemical and biochemical properties of soil. To date, however, no species is known to be responsible for the entire process of soil formation, modification and maintenance. Large-bodied birds build nests which they then use for several years or even decades. During nest construction or renovation, birds gather and transport to the nesting site organic and mineral matter that includes tree branches of various sizes, twigs, turf, straw and hay. Over time, during subsequent breeding events, adult birds supply further loads of organic matter to the nest, such as food remains, excrement, pellets, feathers, egg shells and other materials. Taking the White Stork Ciconia ciconia as an example, we have shown that the materials deposited in the nests of large-bodied birds gradually produce ornithogenic soils over the years, with distinguishable layers having different physicochemical characteristics and biochemical activities. The tested nesting substrate met the criteria for ornithogenic material; the layers had appropriate thickness and phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) content. Results of the study indicates that the material contained in White Stork nests have the characteristics of Histosols. Moreover, such nests harbour assemblages of fungi and arthropods that contain species typical of soil mycobiota and fauna, respectively. This study is the first to describe a soil that is formed, modified and maintained entirely by vertebrates and is physically isolated from the ground. Our results highlight the fact that the nests of large birds are unique structures in ecosystems and provide a habitat for a rich and diverse assemblage of organisms.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of soil recovery after a landslide on the nutritional status of a young generation of Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) trees. The study was carried out on the site of a landslide that took place in 2010 in the Gorlice Forest District (Southern Poland). Basic soil properties, macro, and microelements content and enzymatic activity were determined in the soil samples that were collected from across the landslide area, from locations distributed by a grid 10 &times, 10 m (18 points). Plant material samples, collected to indicate nutritional status, were also taken from each point. Results demonstrate that the nutritional status of emerging regeneration depends on soil acidification and soil organic matter content. The pH of the soils on the landslide determines the intensity of nutrient uptake by the young seedlings. The nutrition of young trees varied across the landslide zone, differing in terms of the soil&rsquo, s organic matter content and its chemical properties. In comparison to the depletion zone, the accumulation zone proved to be substantially richer in soil organic matter, resulting in higher soil biochemical activity. The study demonstrates that Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) is improving nutrient cycling in areas disturbed by landslide.

The aim of study was to estimate how the deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition releases dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total nitrogen concentration. The deadwood of seven species (Common alder, Common aspen, Common ash, Silver fir, Norway spruce, Common hornbeam, and Silver birch) were selected. Three logs from each species in the third, fourth, and fifth decay classes were chosen for analysis. The investigation was carried out in Czarna Rozga Reserve in Central Poland. The leachate from deadwood was collected in lysimeters. Concentrations of total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) were determined. In our investigations, the concentration of TOC measure in filtered water samples was equal to DOC. Additionally, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) values were determined in water samples. The results confirmed the importance of the wood species and the stage of decomposition on the concentration of DOC and TN. S...

The article discusses the relationship between rendzinas and types of forest sites and plant communities in lowland, upland and mountain areas in Poland. Rendzinas as soils of forest sites play an important role in the uplands of southern Poland. In mountain areas, their preponderance is limited to the area of the Pieniny and the Western Tatras. The site-forming role of rendzinas in the upland areas depends mainly on geomorphological conditions. Typical rendzinas generally form eutrophic sites of multi-species oak-hornbeam forests, fertile beech forests and thermophilous beech forests. Rendzinas with lithological discontinuities usually create poorer form sites of mixed deciduous forests, which correspond to floristically poorer phytocenoses of acidophilous deciduous forests. In mountain areas, the climate and geomorphological processes form the zonation of vegetation and rendzinas. In vertical layout sites, the rendzinas change from fertile sites of fir and beech forests, through mesotrophic mixed forests sites, to spruce forest on limestone in the upper montane zone.

Can dust and tarry substances that are rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are deposited on leaves, cause changes in the water retention of tree crowns? It is hypothesized that the contact angle between droplets and a leaf's surface and water capacity changes because of the content of PAHs. This angle is treated as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. The goal of this study was to analyse the relationship between rainfall water capacity and wettability of small-leaved lime and poplar in different zones in a city centre during the period from April through November. We implemented a series of simulated rainfall and angle measurements under laboratory conditions of tree twigs collected at three locations inside the city centre and one from an area outside the city. The background for the water capacity values were results acquired from selected PAHs contents determined in leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and images of the leaves' surface were acquired via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on the obtained results, we concluded that there were significant differences in water capacity between the areas for each month. In the city centre, water capacity from April to July was lower than that in the forested area. From July to the end of the growing season, the water capacity was lower in the city compared to the forest area. The contact angle was strongly correlated with water capacity. With a decreasing contact angle, the raindrops increasingly adhered to the leaf surface, and water capacity increased. It was found that the effects of pollution on water capacity cannot be ignored in developing forecasts or in models describing ecosystem and hydrological changes in natural and urbanized environments.