Journal of Forest Science - Latest articles
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Himalayan fir growth in central Bhutan reflects variability in temperature and precipitation
Jiøí Lehejèek, Gabriel Vávrù, Sangay Wangchuk, Miroslav Svoboda, Katrien Boonen
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(10):516-524 | DOI: 10.17221/58/2025-JFS 
Mountain ecosystems, especially those at the highest altitudes, are sensitive to current climate change. Proxy archives may provide an insightful tool to better understand ongoing changes and evaluate future scenarios. Trees have traditionally been used as such archives, as they often respond sensitively to environmental change. Thus, we studied tree-ring records of forest-line species Abies densa Griff. growing in the Eastern Himalayas, central Bhutan, to evaluate the effect of climate on the growth of this species. The annual chronologies were generated using standard dendrochronological methods and then compared with climatic data from the...
Progress and prospects in understanding the effects of forest management practices on soil nitrogen cycling
Lili Liu, Chenyi Yu, Jiayi Yang, Zijun Zhang, Qingwei Guan
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(10):469-481 | DOI: 10.17221/61/2025-JFS
Soil nitrogen (N) cycling plays a pivotal role in forest ecosystem productivity and nutrient regulation. This review synthesises recent advances in understanding how forest management practices influence soil nitrogen cycling and highlights future research priorities for elucidating underlying mechanisms and optimising forest ecosystem functioning (Figure 1). Management interventions such as thinning, species composition adjustment, and understory vegetation control have been shown to affect N inputs and transformation pathways by modifying litter quality, microbial community structure, and N-cycling enzyme activities. However, current findings remain...
Modulating Norway spruce growth and resilience through thinning intensity under climate change conditions
Petra Jablonická, Pavel Horák, Jakub Èerný
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(10):482-500 | DOI: 10.17221/55/2025-JFS
In recent decades, Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands have become increasingly vulnerable to frequent droughts and associated outbreaks of secondary biotic pests, resulting in significant degradation of forest ecosystems. To preserve their production and ecological functions, it is necessary to apply well-adapted silvicultural practices that mitigate the risk of stand decline. This study examines the effects of two thinning intensities (moderate and heavy) on stand productivity and resilience under varying site conditions. Three long-term research sites with paired differently thinned plots located within and outside the natural range of Norway...
The use of LiDAR for the documentation and modelling of cultural heritage sites hidden by the forest canopy
Nikola ®i¾lavská, Stanislav Herber
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(10):501-515 | DOI: 10.17221/53/2025-JFS
The large number of charcoal kiln sites (CHKS) preserved as cultural heritage monuments demonstrates how extensive forest management for charcoal production has influenced the present forest dynamics and contributed to industrial expansion. Therefore, it is necessary not only to have a reliable methodology for detecting and documenting individual kiln sites for management and protection purposes but also to present the results in a meaningful way to the public. The aim is to optimise the data processing workflow from airborne laser scanning (ALS) point cloud to printable model (from LAS format to STL), determine the influence of vegetation cover at...
Criminal tax offences in the Czech timber trade: A judicial practice analysis
Martin Cempírek, Petra Hlaváèková, Dalibor ©afaøík
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(9):456-467 | DOI: 10.17221/36/2025-JFS
This article presents a doctrinal legal analysis of judicial practice concerning criminal tax offences in the Czech timber trade, with a primary focus on VAT fraud. Court decisions were examined thematically to identify key categories of fraud schemes, recurring evidentiary challenges, and patterns of judicial reasoning. Administrative and regulatory frameworks, such as the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), have played only a marginal role in Czech judicial practice, with a single decision explicitly referring to the EUTR. The findings highlight how courts rely on indicators such as fictitious supply chains, economically irrational transactions, and incomplete...
Potential of Thuja plicata and Chamaecyparis lawsoniana in the context of global climate change in the Czech Republic
Pavel Horák, Petra Jablonická, Robert Knott
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(9):426-440 | DOI: 10.17221/51/2025-JFS
The introduction of non-native tree species is considered a potential adaptation strategy to global climate change (GCC) in the forestry sector. As some of the most widespread native species are undergoing stand disintegration due to both abiotic and biotic stressors, the search for alternative species becomes essential. These species can overwhelm native species with both production potential and adaptation to a changing climate. The research focused on climate-growth relationships of two introduced species of the Cupressaceae family, western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) and Lawson's cypress [Chamaecyparis lawsoniana...
Additive volume-equation systems for Pinus ayacahuite and Pinus douglasiana in temperate forests of the Sierra Norte, Oaxaca, Mexico
Wenceslao Santiago-García, Jonathan Ramírez-Arce, Agustín Ramírez-Martínez, Adan Nava-Nava, Juan Carlos Guzmán-Santiago, Elías Santiago-García
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(9):441-455 | DOI: 10.17221/49/2025-JFS
Volume models are essential tools for quantifying timber stocks and optimising forest utilisation. This study aimed to develop additive volume systems based on one- and two-entry simultaneous equations for Pinus ayacahuite Ehrenb. ex Schltdl. and Pinus douglasiana Martínez. Destructive sampling of 55 P. ayacahuite trees and 65 P. douglasiana trees was conducted in the communal forest of Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, southern Mexico. The additive systems were fitted using non-linear seemingly unrelated regression to estimate tree-volume components: stem and branch volumes, with whole-tree volume being the sum of both. The systems...
Development of sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] seed coating material against rodents and evaluation of its performance on seed germination and emergence
Mesut Tandoğan, Mehmet Özdemir, Vedat Aslan, Ahmet F. Hacıyusufoğlu, Ali Ayhan Kul, Emine ªen, Kaan Polatoğlu, Duygu Sultan Oran, Feyza Arıcıoğlu, İlhami Turan, Salih Atmaca
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(9):417-425 | DOI: 10.17221/42/2025-JFS
Protecting sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] seeds from rodents is crucial to ensure successful germination and emergence in activities such as artificial regeneration, afforestation, and seedling production. This study examined the effects of 12 natural or nature-identical substances, believed to have repellent properties, on the germination, emergence, and survival of sessile oak acorns under both laboratory and field conditions. Acorns were coated using a diatomaceous clay-based pellet system, and a Y-maze experiment was conducted to evaluate rodent behaviour. As a result of the research, among the tested substances, Ferulago...
Assessing the accuracy of a root detector in mapping radial tree root distribution
Mochammad Taufiqurrachman, Utami Dyah Syafitri, Goh Mia Chun, Lina Karlinasari
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(8):406-415 | DOI: 10.17221/27/2025-JFS
A root detector is a non-destructive technology developed to indicate the radial distribution of tree roots, which are not often visible on the surface. This study aims to assess the accuracy of the root detector in estimating the radial distribution of both exposed and buried tree roots. Six Agathis loranthifolia Salisb. trees were selected, three with exposed roots and three with buried roots. The Fakopp® root detector, an acoustic-based tool, was used in this study. Root estimation was based on a combination of threshold values (> 400 m·s–1), average values, and the peak of the sound wave velocity. Soil...
Tree growth and soil recovery in Amazonian lands degraded by coca cultivation and grazing
Luis Walther Espinoza-Ambicho, Luis Alberto Valdivia-Espinoza, Warren Ríos-García, Martin Valtera, Luis Alberto Valdivia-Ruiz, Tito Felipe González-Manrique de Lara, Lenka Ehrenbergerová
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(8):393-405 | DOI: 10.17221/47/2025-JFS
Soil degradation resulting from illicit coca cultivation and unsustainable grazing practices poses a major challenge to ecosystem restoration in the Peruvian Amazon. This study evaluates the potential of fast-growing tree species to rehabilitate degraded soils while producing economically valuable timber. Monoculture plantations of Corymbia torelliana (eucalyptus), Calycophyllum spruceanum (capirona), Colubrina glandulosa (shaina), and Cedrelinga cateniformis (tornillo) were established on former coca and pasture lands in the Alto Huallaga Valley. We assessed tree growth and key soil physicochemical properties – including...
Diameter growth performance of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) in northeastern Hungary
Tamás Ábri, Zsolt Keserû, Veronika Honfy, Károly Rédei
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(8):384-392 | DOI: 10.17221/39/2025-JFS
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is an important introduced tree species in Hungary, particularly in the Nyírség region. This study investigates its diameter growth (DBH) in six forest subcompartments, with stand ages ranging from 20 to 71 years. 5- and 25-year diameter increments were calculated. The distribution of diameter and diameter increment values was also determined. The results show significant growth across all sites. For example, quadratic mean diameter (QMD) increased from 16.4 cm to 30.4 cm over 25 years in the forest subcompartment Encsencs 12A, and from 20.3 cm to 38.4 cm in Ófehértó 2A....
Proposal of a conceptual framework for creating a model for the implementation of green growth indicators in the conditions of the Slovak Republic
Samuel Fekiaè, Iveta Hajdúchová, Roman Dudík, Kim Hortenská, Martin Halász
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(8):373-383 | DOI: 10.17221/22/2025-JFS
Green growth promotes sustainable economic development by protecting the environment and efficiently using natural resources. Supporting green growth enhances long-term sustainability, quality of life, and climate change mitigation. This article aims to propose a conceptual framework for implementing green growth indicators in Slovakia by comparing their perception with that of the Czech Republic. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 281 Slovak and Czech forestry enterprises [Nomenclature of Economic Activities (NACE) classification 02.10], with 1 365 responses. The findings highlight significant differences in the approach to green growth...
Silver fir restitution: The role of seedling stock type in adapting to various environmental conditions
Wojciech Kowalkowski, Rados³aw Jagie³³o, Marlena Baranowska, Wladys³aw Barzdajn
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(7):358-371 | DOI: 10.17221/28/2025-JFS
Due to past human activities, Abies alba Mill. (European silver fir) now covers only 0.7% of the forest area in the Sudety Mountains. A large-scale restitution program has been launched to produce, plant, and effectively protect over 200 million seedlings. This study aims to validate commonly used seedling stock types and provide critical insights into identifying the most effective one. Three-year-old bareroot seedlings were produced in the open-canopy nursery (3/0) or under-canopy nurseries in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) (3/0 Sp) or Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst] (3/0 Ns) stands. Two stocks were produced in a...
Key features for forest bathing development: A Q-methodology study applied in Italy
Sofia Baldessari, Alessandro Paletto, Giorgia Di Domenico, Valerio Di Stefano, Sandro Sacchelli
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(7):347-357 | DOI: 10.17221/37/2025-JFS
Forest bathing is gaining attention for its health and well-being benefits, leading to growing interest among academics, policymakers, and practitioners. While most studies have focused on its physiological and psychological effects, less is known about how different stakeholders perceive the characteristics that make forest bathing effective and meaningful. This study explored expert and non-expert perspectives on forest bathing in Italy through the Q-methodology, aiming to identify shared and divergent views on key aspects such as site features, accessibility, and perceived benefits. The results highlighted four distinct viewpoints: a scientific-health-oriented...
Forest ecosystem restoration in the Ore Mountains: A review of silvicultural measures addressing environmental degradation
Veronika Hammerová, Stanislav Vacek, Zdenìk Vacek, Jakub Èerný, Jan Cukor, Josef Gallo, Michal Kubìnka
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(7):323-335 | DOI: 10.17221/34/2025-JFS
The forest dynamics of the Ore Mountains (Kru¹né hory), Czech Republic, reveal a historical decline of natural mixed forests, especially those dominated by the Hercynian mixture and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), due to the expansion of metallurgy and glassmaking in the 15th century. This led to large-scale reforestation with Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.], resulting in single-layered monocultures. Although these monocultures provided valuable timber, they proved highly susceptible to both biotic and abiotic stressors. Throughout the 20th century, the stability of these forests further deteriorated...
Forest as a biological asset – An accounting and tax perspective in the Czech Republic
Petra Hlaváèková, Jitka Fialová, Jiøí Schneider
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(7):336-346 | DOI: 10.17221/31/2025-JFS
This paper analyses the accounting and tax treatment of forests as biological assets in the Czech Republic under Act No. 563/1991 Coll., on Accounting, and its implementing regulations. It compares national approaches with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), focusing on the International Accounting Standard IAS 41 – Agriculture. A comparative-analytical method was used to identify key differences in classification, valuation, and reporting practices. Czech legislation values forests at historical cost and classifies them as non-depreciable land, whereas IFRS requires fair value measurement, capturing biological transformation...
Influence of the amount of water on the growth of one species and four hybrids of Paulownia in the first year of cultivation in Central Europe
Jiøí Kadlec, Kateøina Novosadová, Martin Kománek, Radek Pokorný
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(6):286-296 | DOI: 10.17221/19/2025-JFS
A lack or, conversely, an excess of water during the first growing seasons can bring about a slowdown in the growth of plants, their stagnation or even death. The necessary amount of water is not known for most hybrids of Paulownia. Therefore, one species and four hybrids were subjected to three regimes of watering to find out their impacts on plant height, radial growth, the amount of leaf biomass and leaf area. We planted 30 plants of each species/hybrid into plant pots under a shelter. At the end of the growing season, we measured the above-mentioned parameters. Our results showed that: (i) generally, a mean precipitation of 50 mm...
Climate change and topographic variations affect infestation by Xyleutes ceramica (Walker, 1865) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) in teak plantations in Thailand
Thanapol Choochuen, Jiøí Foit, Ponthep Meunpong, Warong Suksavate
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(6):297-311 | DOI: 10.17221/15/2025-JFS
The teak bee-hole borer [Xyleutes ceramica (Walker, 1865)] is considered one of the most serious pests of teak (Tectona grandis) in Thailand. The present study investigates climatic and topographic variables affecting the infestation of teak trees by X. ceramica in 10 plantations and predicts the risk of infestation by the species under current and future climatic conditions in Thailand. At each plantation, 48 plots evenly distributed among twelve teak stands were sampled. The infested teak trees in the plots were assessed, and the coordinates of the tree positions were recorded. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to assess...
Forest transformation effects on the soil water-holding capacity depend on the forest characteristics and soil properties: A case study in the subtropical regions of southeast China
Jiantao Zhou, Qiao Yang, Xin Peng, Qiqian Wu, Yan Peng, Yutong Zhang, Hualing Jiang, Fuzhong Wu, Kai Yue
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(6):312-322 | DOI: 10.17221/8/2025-JFS
Forest transformation commonly occurs in subtropical areas due to extensive human disturbance. However, we know little about how forest transformation may affect the soil water-holding capacity. Here, we evaluated the effects of forest transformation from natural forests to secondary forests, Castanopsis carlesii plantations, and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations on the soil water-holding capacity, including the soil water content (SWC), maximum water holding rate (Rt), capillary holding rate (Rc), and non-capillary water holding rate (Rn), and assessed the influences of soil...
Forest certification management experience in Asia Pacific and Europe: A case study of Malaysia and Sweden
Shah Badri Mohd Nor, Ahmad Fariz Mohamed, Shamsul Khamis
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(6):269-285 | DOI: 10.17221/3/2025-JFS
The forest certification is a voluntary programme to ensure that the timber harvested from forests is processed in a sustainable manner by following specific standards. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) was introduced in 1999 using the bottom-up approach, and it gives flexibility for a country to set up their own PEFC standard based on current practices in sustainable forest management (SFM), regulation, and governance. This practice has led to the development of various PEFC standards for each country; thus, the impact of PEFC certification differs from country to country. In accordance with that, this study aimed to...
Life cycle assessment of bioenergy production from short-rotation coppice plantation in Hungary
Budi Mulyana, Andrea Vityi, András Polgár
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(5):237-249 | DOI: 10.17221/10/2025-JFS
A short-rotation coppice (SRC) system for bioenergy production is vital to supporting climate change mitigation by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing carbon as biomass. However, SRC's operation also released some greenhouse gas emissions, affecting the environment. This study aims to assess the potential environmental impacts through the life cycle assessment method in bioenergy production from the SRC system. Data was collected through a literature review and database, and the impact categories were then analysed using Sphera LCA for Experts Education License software (Version 9.2.1.68, 2020). In managing plantations for bioenergy...
New knowledge in dragon tree research
Petr Madìra, Fabio Attorre, Kay Van Damme
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(5):205-217 | DOI: 10.17221/9/2025-JFS
Dragon trees, arborescent members of the genus Dracaena (Asparagaceae), provide a wide range of ecosystem services and have been ethnobotanically important plants since ancient times. Currently, their relictual distribution is fragmented, populations are isolated and often under threat. We provide a brief overview of scientific studies and the state of knowledge on dragon trees published since 2020, when the last review was published. More than 120 papers dealing with dragon trees have appeared, indicating a significant interest in their research, cultural uses and conservation. The most intensively investigated species are Dracaena cochinchinensis,...
Changes in the concentration of CO2 in forest soils resulting from the traffic of logging machines
Lubo¹ Stanìk, Jindøich Neruda, Radomír Ulrich
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(5):250-267 | DOI: 10.17221/6/2025-JFS
The aim of the study was to find out whether and how the forest soil compaction resulting from the traffic of forest logging machines results in the increased soil air concentration of CO2, occurring over a longer period of time and in different seasons of the year. Changes in the soil air CO2 concentrations were monitored in two periods: in winter (cold period) and in summer (warm period). CO2 concentrations were measured in compacted and non-compacted soil using a certified measurement. In addition to the soil concentration of CO2, air temperature, soil temperature and soil moisture content were measured....
Changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in resistant and non-resistant forest trees in response to bark beetle attack
Petr Soudek, Jan Rezek, Kateøina Mo»ková, ©árka Petrová, Pavlína Máchová, Adam Véle, Martin Fulín, Petr Ho¹ek
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(5):218-236 | DOI: 10.17221/4/2025-JFS
The response of forest trees to bark beetle attack involves substantial changes in terpene content, which varies between resistant and non-resistant species. Terpenes serve as crucial chemical defences against pests, and their production can be influenced by prior attack history, water stress, and biotic interactions. Moreover, the effectiveness of terpenes in resisting bark beetle attack is influenced by their chemical composition. Different tree species produce different types and amounts of terpenes that can affect their overall resistance levels. In conifers, acyclic and cyclic monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were significantly present in all samples....
Understanding societal priorities for forest ecosystem services: Survey insights from 'Forestry Days 2024' in Slovakia
Zuzana Sarva¹ová, Jozef Pajtík, Zuzana Dob¹inská
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(4):195-204 | DOI: 10.17221/7/2025-JFS
Understanding society's demand for forest ecosystem services (FES) is crucial for effective forest management and the development of supportive instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services (PES). This study surveyed visitors at 'Forestry Days 2024' in Slovakia through face-to-face questionnaires, capturing their views on FES and necessary management changes. Results show that regulating services and biodiversity are prioritised over cultural and provisioning FES. Respondents indicated a clear need for changes in forest management to reflect their FES preferences. Notably, perceptions of specific FES varied by gender, age, forestry background,...
Life cycle assessment of residential heat production from wood pellet combustion in the Northwest region of Russia
Egor Selivanov, Pavel Cudlín
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(4):182-194 | DOI: 10.17221/88/2024-JFS
The increasing global demand for energy and the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuel exploitation have driven interest in sustainable energy solutions, such as wood. The Russian Federation, as one of the world's largest pellet producers, has an opportunity to utilise pellets domestically. This study addresses the lack of publicly available life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on pellet production and utilisation in Russia, specifically examining the environmental impact of residential heat production from locally produced wood pellets. Utilising primary data from the Northwest region, the study follows ISO 14040 and 14044 standards and employs...
Effect of various lengths of cold stratification period on the germination of wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) seed samples harvested in the Czech Republic
Miroslav ©ulitka, Ivan Kune¹, Martin Balá¹, Kateøina Pe¹ková, Pøemysl ©edivka, Tomá¹ Holeèek, Vilém Podrázský
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(4):171-181 | DOI: 10.17221/61/2024-JFS
The paper deals with the assessment of the influence of the length of cold stratification period on the germination parameters of seeds of wild service tree [Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz]. The germination tests (4 × 100 seeds) were conducted in two runs in 2020 and 2021; they were performed for three seed lots and three cold stratification periods (two, three and four months) before the testing of germination in each run. The values of germination energy and germination capacity were assessed, and the germination rate was computed. The results showed that the two-month cold stratification period has not been sufficient to overcome the dormancy...
Status and trend analysis of the production, export and import of wood and wood products in the G20 countries from 2004 to 2021
Vinod Kumar Upadhyay, Ritesh Tailor, Rashmi Ramesh Shanbhag, Narasimha Murthy, Pradeep Kumar Kushwaha, Manish Ranjan
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(4):159-170 | DOI: 10.17221/42/2024-JFS
The aim of this work was to study the use of different types of wood products by the G20 countries. In the current scenario, every country is concerned about the severe exploitation of forests and the ensuing lack of markets for timber. Production and consumption of wood and wood products by the G20 countries account for 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. Data for the study includes eight major categories of wood products in the G20 countries from 2004 to 2021: industrial raw wood, sawlogs and veneer logs, sawn wood, wood fuel, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, pulp for paper, wood pellets, and other agglomerates. Autoregressive...
Rainfall variability in the mountain forest catchments of Èerná Opava tributaries in the Jeseníky Mountains
Vít ©rámek, Vìra Fadrhonsová, Kateøina Neudertová Hellebrandová
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(3):138-148 | DOI: 10.17221/96/2024-JFS
An unprecedented bark beetle outbreak has led to a significant decline in forest cover in Central Europe in the last 10 years, affecting an area estimated at more than 200 000 ha in the Czech Republic. Among the many ecological threats associated with extensive clearings, the potential alteration of hydrological processes is one of the most important. Therefore, after 2022, the precipitation–runoff balance in three catchments in the Jeseníky Mts. area was studied. This study focuses on the rainfall variability within the area, which was measured using 24 rain gauges deployed to cover different altitudes as well as the geographical exposures...
Hydraulic sizing of forest road pipe culverts
Karel Zlatu¹ka, Petr Kupec, Martin Duchan, Alena Tichá, Jan Deutscher
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(3):113-123 | DOI: 10.17221/95/2024-JFS
This article presents guidelines for assessing the optimal dimensions of forest road pipe culverts, based on input of actual and experimental data to standard engineering techniques. In doing so, we assess the need for (i) changes in the parametrisation of inputs (i.e. culvert micro-catchment dimensions, rainfall and resultant culvert flow, and culvert flow rates during culvert hydraulic dimensioning), and (ii) the need to redesign culvert outlets in relation to flow speed. Our results demonstrate that values for most inputs presently used under current technical practice for forest road pipe culvert sizing are significantly higher than...