Lysimter System

In 2013, our lysimeter system was set up at the Gülpe biological station. This consists of 16 small enclosures that were filled with soil, with marked layers of soil being drawn in at defined depths. The enclosures were left alone for two years to allow natural grassland growth. Since 2016, vole females have been placed in 8 of the 16 enclosures once a year for one week at a time to allow burrowing activity by the animals. Each enclosure is equipped with moisture and temperature sensors, as well as a drain with tipping bucket, to measure water runoff.
Measuring equipment for wind and air temperatures are installed in the immediate vicinity of the enclosures and the vegetation in the enclosures is regularly monitored.