Journal of Forest Science - In Press
Effects of red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) on early soil development during afforestation of nutrient-poor post-mining sandsOriginal Paper
Ondřej Špulák
The article aims to raise awareness of how Northern red oak affects soil formation and nutrient cycling compared to Scots pine during the early-stage reclamation of nutrient-poor mineral soil that originated in deep soil layers in a former sand quarry. Furthermore, it aims to determine whether the admixture of red oak helps regenerate soil properties more effectively than pure stands. Three treatments were established: pure red oak, pure pine, and a mixed stand, litter (L + F, F + H) and mineral horizons were analysed. Oak significantly outperformed pine in soil amelioration, showing elevated pH, higher base saturation, and enriched concentrations of basic cations in the humus horizons. Lower litter accumulation under oak reflected an enhanced decomposability of its litter. A pattern of reduced cation exchange capacity but elevated base saturation of oak soils suggested the development of a nutrient-rich microenvironment with a diminished risk of aluminium toxicity. Phosphorus remained critically limiting. The mixed stand exhibited intermediate properties closer to the pine stand, with synergistic effects currently limited. Our results support red oak as an effective reclamation species for infertile post-mining soils, though sustained amelioration requires a decades-long perspective and integrated forest management strategies.
Evaluation of selected forest ecosystem services in forest management planning using multi-criteria decision analysis: A pilot study in the Czech RepublicOriginal Paper
Jan Kašpar, Zohreh Mohammadi, Meryem Tahri
Forest ecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services (ES), including timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and cultural functions. Integrating these often conflicting objectives into forest management planning represents a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDA) problem. This study proposes a practical MCDA framework for evaluating selected ecosystem services within the Czech forest management planning system (LHP/LHO). The framework integrates forest growth simulation, ecosystem service indicators, GIS data, and MCDA methods. Five indicators were evaluated: wood production, carbon stock, erosion risk, biodiversity, and cultural ecosystem value. Criteria weights were derived using AHP, while management scenarios were ranked using TOPSIS and PROMETHEE methods. A pilot simulation over a 100-year horizon compared four forest management scenarios: clear-cutting, shelterwood, selective, and non-intervention management. Selective management achieved the highest multifunctional sustainability (CSI = 0.855), combining relatively high production with strong ecological and cultural performance. Clear-cutting management maximised short-term production but showed higher erosion risk and lower biodiversity. The study demonstrates the potential of MCDA to support transparent multifunctional forest management under Central European conditions.
Wood properties of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae) from the Amazon: A comprehensive chemical and physical analysisOriginal Paper
Matheus Nunes Amorim, Madson Lucas Galvão, Iedo Souza Santos
The tree species of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., also known as Jackfruit, has traditionally been used in civil and shipbuilding, as well as in sawmills for the manufacture of furniture in Brazil. In this context, the present study aims to characterise the chemical and physical properties of A. heterophyllus wood. To carry out the study, three logs were selected, and three discs of A. heterophyllus were collected in a sawmill located in the municipality of Bragança, Pará, Brazil. Regarding chemical characterisation, the values for ash were (2.30%), lignin (38.93%), holocellulose (43.83%), and extractives (17.23%). As for physical characterisation, the basic density (0.53 g·m–3) was classified as light wood, the radial contraction (2.02%), tangential contraction (3.55%), and volumetric variation (6.34%) were classified as low; lastly, the anisotropy coefficient (1.91%) was classified as normal. In summary, the results reveal that A. heterophyllus wood presents different chemical and physical properties compared to those found in studies already carried out with the same species in other regions of the world. Brazil and the world, as well as presenting different values compared to other Amazonian species. This unique combination gives wood prominent opportunities in different sectors, being particularly promising in furniture production.