Innovative ecohydrogeological monitoring in karst critical zones: a new study from eLTER Slovenia

In a recently published article in the Journal of Hydrology by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from LTER Slovenia (Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU and Slovenian Forestry Institute) present a novel approach to monitoring ecohydrogeological processes within karst critical zones. The monitoring strategy integrates surface and underground observations, combining adapted sampling methods with advanced monitoring technologies.

Conducted at the Postojna-Planina Cave System eLTER site, within a forested karst aquifer, the research demonstrates the power of integrating measurements of precipitation, soil solutions, and both flowing and percolating cave waters. The study highlights the unique challenges of karst environments—such as ensuring spatial representativeness and protecting sensitive instrumentation in highly dynamic environments.

Ravbar et al. 2025_Fig. 3

As a flagship site for testing monitoring innovations, the Postojna-Planina system provided the ideal setting to assess the strengths of this integrated system. The findings show how this approach significantly improves the understanding of karst processes, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributes to more effective water resource management.

Read the full publication here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.135027

Nataša Ravbar, Metka Petrič, Mitja Ferlan, Uroš Novak, Janez Kermavnar, Lado Kutnar, Aleksander Marinšek, Daniel Žlindra, Blaž Kogovšek, Erika Kozamernik, Cyril Mayaud, David Štefanič, Sara Skok, Janez Mulec, Stanka Šebela, Urša Vilhar,

Integrated multi-scale ecohydrogeological monitoring of spatio-temporal dynamics in karst critical zones,

Journal of Hydrology, Volume 669, Part A, 2026, 135027, ISSN 0022-1694,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.135027.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169426001241)

Explore the site on DEIMS-SDR: Postojna-Planina Cave System