Petr Zapletal

Petr Zapletal is a PhD student at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, specializing in forest ecology and soil science. His research focuses on forest soils, humus forms, ecosystem processes, and the ecological role of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) in the transformation of secondary Norway spruce monocultures under changing environmental conditions. In addition to his doctoral studies, he is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree focused on vocational and environmental education. His bachelor’s thesis is dedicated to the design of free-time educational activities aimed at improving the understanding of soil processes under different forest stand structures.

Alongside his scientific work, he is actively involved in environmental and soil education. Within the SETTI V4 project, he participates in the evaluation of educational materials focused on soil science, contributes to research design development, and collaborates on the creation of new educational and outreach materials aimed at improving public understanding of soils and forest ecosystems.

His broader interests include forest ecosystem functioning, agroforestry, field-based environmental education, and the communication of soil science to both students and the general public. He is also a member of the International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) and the Slovak Agroforestry Association (SAA), reflecting his broader interest in soil organic matter dynamics, agroforestry systems, and interdisciplinary environmental research.