The study deals with the evaluation of runoff response in two paired experimental catchments in headwater area of Blanice river in the Šumava Mts., which differ primarily in land and soil cover. Rainfall-runoff relationships and differences in runoff responses of both catchments were observed from three points of view: i/ on the basis of average balance characteristics and the rate of runoff variability, ii/ on the analysis of chosen rainfall-runoff events, iii/ according to the hydropedological characteristics and retention capacity of catchment.
Generally, catchments differ mainly in long-term runoff characteristics, during rainfall-runoff events the differences decrease. Soil cover is in both catchments rather heterogeneous and water retention of catchment is largely dependent on hydropedological properties of individual soil types and horizons and actual groundwater level.