Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Deep layers of sand cover, low water storage capabilities of soil aeration zone and high groundwater depth below terrain level, usually below active tree roots range, cause Puszcza Notecka Forest to be predisposed to drought. Therefore, the water availability to the forest in Puszcza Notecka depends significantly on the dynamics of weather conditions, both on precipitation (input) and evapotranspiration (output). These conditions have grave ecosystem implications and are essential determinants shaping the frames of forest management practices, particularly regarding climate change and instability. We have tried to assess the dynamics of meteorological elements and drought indices during the period 1901-2020, for the annual, monthly, seasonal, and vegetation period. We have assessed the dynamics of air temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, climatic water balance, and drought measures: Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index and Palmer Drought Severity Index. The main changes of climate parameters, including the periods of significant changes of the rate (changepoints) were investigated.