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The review synthesises current knowledge on the hydrological and hydrochemical risks associated with large-scale clear-cutting following unprecedented bark beetle outbreaks in Central Europe. By analysing 107 sources published primarily between 2000 and 2026, we evaluate the divergent impacts of natural forest dieback versus intensive salvage logging. The rapid loss of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. canopy has fundamentally altered the microclimate, shifting the energy balance from latent to sensible heat flux, which results in ground temperature increases of up to 5.2 °C. Hydrological consequences include a 16-48% reduction in interception and a cessation of transpiration, leading to an increase in annual water yield by 6-21% and potentially accelerated peak discharges, particularly in headwater catchments where maximum flows can increase by over 50%. The synthesis highlights a critical 'nitrate pulse' exceeding 50 mg.L-1 in managed areas, contrasting with higher hydrochemical resilience in unmanaged stands. We emphasise that forest management must ensure sufficient soil protection during the logging and wood transportation, which can reduce hydraulic conductivity by over 40%. The role of logging residues is important because they cover and protect the soil environment. The study concludes that utilising pioneer species and spontaneous succession in combination with timely artificial reforestation represents a superior strategy for stabilising the microclimate and restoring hydrological functions.
Šrámek et al. (Wed,) studied this question.