Journal of Forest Science - Latest articles
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High light availability offsets low naturalness regarding diversity but cannot compensate for reduced ecological value:
A case study of near-natural forests and tree plantations in Serbia
Khanh Vu Ho, Mirjana Ćuk, Andraž Čarni, Dragana Vukov, Miloš Ilić, László Erdös
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(1):23-39 | DOI: 10.17221/59/2024-JFS 
In Eastern Europe, near-natural forest patches are decreasing and are gradually replaced by non-native plantations. Tree plantations are commonly thought to be simple ecosystems with low conservation value, although this conclusion is mainly based on simple taxonomic diversity indices, which ignore functional and phylogenetic diversity. In this study, our objective was to compare species composition, diagnostic species, taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, as well as naturalness status between two near-natural forest types (Quercus-Tilia and Populus alba) and two common plantation types (non-native Pinus sylvestris...
Assessment of ozone impact on forest vegetation using visible foliar injury, AOT40F exposure index and MDA concentration in two meteorologically contrasting years
Radek Novotný, Leona Vlasáková, Vít Šrámek, Václav Buriánek, Nina Benešová
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(1):40-56 | DOI: 10.17221/57/2024-JFS
This study aimed to evaluate ozone (O3) phytotoxic potential using AOT40F (accumulated O3 concentration over a threshold of 40 ppb for forest protection), document visible foliar O3 injury across eight forest monitoring plots, analyse MDA (malondialdehyde) content in leaves and needles, and assess the relationship between visible injury and plot conditions. Initial findings are based on data from the 2021 and 2022 vegetation seasons. AOT40F values exceeded the critical level of 5 ppm·h–1 at all plots, with higher values in 2022. The correlation between AOT40F and visible injury was...
Phytochemical screening and phytotoxic activity of Pinus ponderosa (Dougl.) Lawson
Mouna Souihi, Marwa Khammassi, Habiba Kouki, Ismail Amri, Mohsen Hanana, Lamia Hamrouni, Yassine Mabrouk
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(1):1-9 | DOI: 10.17221/51/2024-JFS
Developing natural herbicides offers a potential solution to mitigate the drawbacks associated with synthetic pesticides used in an excessive quantity to safeguard agricultural crops. In this study, essential oils extracted via hydrodistillation from Pinus ponderosa needles were investigated for their chemical composition and phytotoxic activity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC/MS) identified twenty-three constituents, constituting 93.87% of the total oil. The predominant components were oxygenated monoterpenes (64.66%), with α-pinene (37.78%), β-pinene (24.32%), and sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, particularly...
The effect of acorn scarification on the growth and root system size of Quercus robur L. seedlings grown in nursery containers
Mariusz Kormanek, Paweł Tylek, Jacek Banach, Zdzisław Kaliniewicz
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(1):10-22 | DOI: 10.17221/47/2024-JFS
The mechanical scarification of acorns, although requiring a significant investment of resources, is a process commonly used in container nurseries for seed preparation. Its aim is to increase the number of germinating seeds and to shorten and equalise the length of their germination period. Research results indicate that scarification also affects the production of seedlings with improved biometric parameters. However, there is limited information available on improving the structure of the root system, primarily due to the limited availability of image analysis systems for these plant parts. This study employed modern measurement methods using WinRhizo...
The distribution of Castanea sativa and its ability to regenerate in the Czech Republic
Jaroslav Holuša, Kamil Holý
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(12):634-637 | DOI: 10.17221/71/2024-JFS
Castanea sativa is a type of cultivated chestnut tree found in the Czech Republic, growing in both lowland and midland regions. These trees are usually planted individually or in pairs, with over half of the plantings located in urban areas. One-fifth of chestnut trees thrive in parks, while chestnut orchards or forest stands make up only one-tenth of the areas where chestnut trees are located. In the Czech Republic, approximately 30 ha are covered by chestnut trees. Regeneration of chestnut trees occurs in only 6% of the localities due to regular lawn mowing. However, 40% of the surveyed forests showed signs of regeneration, demonstrating...
The sex ratio of spruce bark beetles – Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) captured in different types of traps
Marie Zahradníková, Jaroslav Dostál, Petr Zahradník
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(12):603-609 | DOI: 10.17221/55/2024-JFS
In forest protection, various types of trap systems are used against spruce bark beetles to treat the foci of infested areas. Traditionally, these include pheromone traps, treated trap trees, and recently also the application of Storanet insecticide nets used for the sanitation of infested wood (trees), which also serve as treated trap trees when pheromones are applied, and the Trinet P system, a variation to a treated trap tree – a tripod. On an aluminium tripod, there is a Storanet insecticide net baited with a pheromone dispenser similar to other types of trap systems. The sex ratio proves to be a significant aspect in the assessment of individual...
A GLMER-based pedotransfer function expressing the relationship between total organic carbon and bulk density in forest soils
Václav Zouhar, Aleš Kučera, Karel Drápela
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(12):619-633 | DOI: 10.17221/48/2024-JFS
Owing to its role in mitigating CO2 in the atmosphere, the total organic carbon (TOC) stock of soil, a key component of the terrestrial carbon cycle, is of significant interest as regards climate change. To determine TOC stock, it is first necessary to determine the soil's bulk density (BD), determined through intact soil sampling; however, in forest soils, it can be difficult to determine BD in soils with high levels of stoniness and/or tree root coverage. Furthermore, the method is time-consuming and labour-intensive, making it impractical for studies over large areas. In such cases, BD can be determined using a pedotransfer...
Cryptostroma corticale and its relationship to other pathogens and pests on Acer pseudoplatanus
František Lorenc
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(12):610-618 | DOI: 10.17221/41/2024-JFS
In the present study, 20 sycamore maples (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) were evaluated on eight plots (160 trees) affected by sooty bark disease (SBD), caused by Cryptostroma corticale (Ellis & Everh.) P.H. Greg. & S. Waller in Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Mortality and presence of common pest taxa were assessed for each tree. Data were statistically evaluated using frequency and principal component analyses. The presence of C. corticale and Prosthecium pyriforme Jaklitsch & Voglmayr were positively related, with a significantly higher occurrence on dead trees. Rhytisma acerinum (Pers.) Fr. and Aceria...
The effect of mechanical site preparation on sandy soil properties in Scots pine plantations
Ján Židó, Milan Kašiar, Marián Homolák, Erika Gömöryová
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(11):593-601 | DOI: 10.17221/54/2024-JFS
Sandy soils represent an extreme environment for tree growth. Traditionally, site preparation before planting involves removing logging residues (LRR) and ploughing. An alternative method is incorporating logging residues (LRI) into the topsoil which may enhance tree regeneration and seedling growth. The aim of this study was to assess whether and how different site preparation techniques affect soil physico-chemical and microbial properties over the long term. The study was performed in the Záhorská nížina lowland (Slovakia) in September 2020. Soil samples were taken in two 25-year-old Pinus sylvestris (L.) plantations along five soil profiles...
Influence of scattered Greek juniper trees on soil properties in semi-arid woodlands in the northwest of Iran
Younes Rostamikia, Mohammad Matinizadeh, Sohrab Mohtaram Anbaran
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(11):560-573 | DOI: 10.17221/60/2024-JFS
Scattered Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb.) trees have ecological values, such as soil protection and soil erosion reduction in the Irano-Turanian region; however, intensive exploitation puts their habitats at risk. Therefore, knowing the soil characteristics of these habitats plays an important role in their management. The aim of this study was to investigate the soil quality of semi-arid woodlands dominated by a pure Juniperus excelsa community. At three sites in the Irano-Turanian region, soil samples were randomly taken from a depth of 0–20 cm in the eastern direction under the crowns of Greek juniper...
Soil temperature dynamics in the forest shelterbelt and in the field
Aneta Kohútová, Jan Štykar
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(11):545-559 | DOI: 10.17221/52/2024-JFS
This study compares soil temperature data collected between 2019 and 2022 in Hrušky, South Moravia, Czech Republic. Soil temperature was measured at five depths (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 cm) in the forest shelterbelt (windbreak) and at three distances from it to investigate the impact of the shelterbelt on the climatic conditions of adjacent field plots. In particular, monthly averages, calculated from average daily temperatures, were employed to characterise the temperature course. These are calculated as averages of measured temperatures at 15-minute intervals. Absolute and relative differences and, where appropriate, base indices, were calculated...
Impacts of management and changed hydrology on soil microbial communities in a floodplain forest
Jiří Volánek, Martin Valtera, Ladislav Holík, Martin Kománek, Hana Burdová, Josef Trögl, Diana Polanská Nebeská, Jitka Novotná, Pavel Samec, David Juřička
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(11):574-592 | DOI: 10.17221/44/2024-JFS
Long-term human activities substantially altered floodplain regions of temperate Europe. Forest management and extensive changes in hydrology greatly affected natural floodplain soil properties, in which microbes play key roles. This study aims to assess the effects of human activities through a gradient of forest management intensity on soil microbial community (SMC), its biomass, activity, and structure. Soil chemical and physical-chemical properties were used to explain the general associations and within-site variation using principal component analysis (PCA), linear regression (LR) and linear mixed-effect regression (LMER) models. It was found...
Economic parameters of the natural forest regeneration in changing conditions – A case study
Stanislav Novotný, Josef Gallo, Vilém Podrázský
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(10):529-538 | DOI: 10.17221/56/2024-JFS
Natural regeneration is a crucial factor in improving the economy of forest estates. The presented study analysed the economic parameters of three different approaches to forest regeneration: (i) artificial regeneration with Norway spruce, (ii) a 25% admixture of soil-improving and stabilising species (SSTS), and (iii) natural regeneration. The expenses for these specific operations related to individual regeneration methods were derived. These variants were investigated before the bark beetle calamity (2014) and after the outbreak (2023) for management sets (MS) 531, 551, 571, and 591, i.e. for acidic, nutrient-rich, gleyed, and...
Stand structural analyses of grey poplar (Populus × canescens) stands focused on the expected volume in Hungary
Tamás Ábri, Zsolt Keserű, Veronika Honfy, Attila Borovics, Károly Rédei
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(10):539-544 | DOI: 10.17221/53/2024-JFS
Grey poplar (Populus × canescens) is a natural hybrid of white poplar (Populus alba L.) and Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.). It could play a significant role in the afforestation of marginal sites which stretch out on ever more areas due to the negative effects of local climate change. Based on stand structure analyses of grey poplar stands grown on the sandy sites of Hungary, the following relations were found: There is a strong relationship between tree height and stand volume (R2 = 0.7256), as well as between basal area per ha and stand volume (R2 = 0.9158). There is a moderate relationship...
Characteristics of the workplace of harvester operators in Poland
Dominika Gaj-Gielarowiec, Karol Gielarowiec, Grzegorz Szewczyk, Paweł Tylek
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(10):501-511 | DOI: 10.17221/49/2024-JFS
The objective of the presented research was to create an average image of a harvester operator in Poland and to identify factors influencing the degree of mental workload. We used a survey of environmental assessments of workload. The creation of an electronic survey and the support of a company that indirectly employs operators (State Forests) made it possible to reach a large group of surveyed people. The respondents indicated the occurrence of ailments typical of sedentary work at the researched workstation. These included mainly monotony, back pain and numbness in the upper limbs. Stress at work was felt by the majority of respondents; hence...
Mechanical and physical properties of three Eucalyptus spp. clones planted in Thailand
Trairat Neimsuwan, Kitipong Tangkit, Chakrit Na Takuathung, Nopparat Kaakkurivaara, Ponthep Meunpong, Narinthorn Jumwong, Pattama Sangvisitpirom, Tomi Kaakkurivaara
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(10):512-528 | DOI: 10.17221/34/2024-JFS
Eucalyptus plantations are an important source of raw materials for the Thai forest products industry. Despite its economic value, only a few noncomprehensive papers have been published about the wood properties and fungal susceptibility of eucalyptus. Our study covered the most commonly used commercial eucalyptus clones with a wide variety of sizes from eastern Thailand. We assumed that the properties of the clones would differ based on the tree sizes. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of diameter at breast height (DBH), size, and clone type on wood properties and mould susceptibility. The optimal usage of each log...
Preliminary results from simultaneous planting of Fagus sylvatica and pioneer species on calamity clearings
Antonín Martiník, Zdeněk Adamec, David Březina, Jiří Krásenský
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(9):492-500 | DOI: 10.17221/39/2024-JFS
We compared the biological and economic effects of simultaneous artificial regeneration of mixtures of pioneers (birch – Betula pendula Roth or aspen – Populus tremula L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) with plots of monospecific beech. During the period of two years, the height of young beech trees, their mortality, and the regeneration cost were analysed in the following treatments: monospecific beech (9 000 pcs·ha−1), monospecific beech (5 000 pcs·ha−1), beech/birch (5 000/2 500 pcs·ha−1) and beech/aspen (5 000/2 500 pcs·ha−1)....
Vegetation composition, chemical element flows and their interactions in the forested riparian zone: An example from a small stream in Latvia
Līga Pentjuša, Toms Artūrs Štāls, Arta Bārdule, Zane Lībiete, Linda Gerra-Inohosa
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(9):476-491 | DOI: 10.17221/32/2024-JFS
Riparian vegetation plays a major role in maintaining biodiversity and reducing the negative impact of nutrient leaching into aquatic ecosystems. However, the knowledge on the interactions between riparian vegetation and other environmental factors is still incomplete for planning sustainable riparian forest management. The aim of this study was to explore interactions between riparian forest ecosystem components along a small stream. Interactions between vegetation structure, chemical composition of soil and groundwater, as well as chemical element flows via litterfall and precipitation were studied in seven 50 m long transects located in the...
Using marteloscope in selection forestry – Study case from 'Pokojná hora' (Czech Republic)
Jan Kadavý, Jana Kneiflová, Michal Kneifl, Barbora Uherková
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(9):447-457 | DOI: 10.17221/29/2024-JFS
In today's forestry practices, integrated management is the prevailing approach. One method gaining traction is retention forestry, where certain trees, known as biotope trees providing microhabitats (TreMs), are preserved during harvesting operations. This article delves into hands-on training for marking interventions using marteloscope plots, focusing specifically on 'Pokojná hora,' a 1-hectare plot situated in the southeast of the Czech Republic. Field surveys were conducted using FieldMap technology, capturing essential data for all trees: coordinates, species, diameter, height, and health status. Additionally, details such as wood quality, economic...
Age-related phenological and anatomical response of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) under severe summer drought conditions
Dimitrios Tsalagkas, Hanuš Vavrčík, Vladimír Gryc, Kyriaki Giagli
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(9):458-475 | DOI: 10.17221/16/2024-JFS
The year 2018 was distinguished by a warm summer with extended periods of low or no precipitation. In this context, we investigated the intra-annual dynamics of xylem differentiation phases and quantitative vessel anatomy to analyse the age effect on the xylem formation response of younger (50 years) and older (135 years) mature European beech trees under summer drought conditions. The xylem formation dynamics of young and old trees were performed on microcores collected at weekly intervals in the Rájec-Němčice ecological station in the South Moravia region (Czech Republic). The onset of xylem formation was found identical in both age trees, and most...
Effect of the body mass index and length of work on the stress of individual body parts of chainsaw operators
Luboš Staněk, Václav Mergl
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(8):436-445 | DOI: 10.17221/26/2024-JFS
The subject of this study is to point out the issue of various impacts of musculoskeletal disorders in chainsaw operators and their impact on human health. The first goal was to find out whether the body mass index is responsible for excessive stress to individual parts of the body of chainsaw operators at work. The second goal was to determine whether the excessive load to the individual body parts is affected by the time of working with the chainsaw. Questionnaires created for the fulfilment of the goals were distributed to professional forest loggers working in the Czech Republic, which were filled in by 161 of them. Questions in the first part...
Candidate natural enemy assemblage for the biological control of Lymantria dispar L. in oak (Quercus spp.) with different levels of pest infestation
Gloria López-Pantoja, Antonia María Paramio, Sebastiana Malia, Israel Sánchez-Osorio
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(8):420-435 | DOI: 10.17221/14/2024-JFS
Mediterranean Quercus forests have great ecological importance but face numerous threats, including pests. The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L., is a major oak defoliator across its geographical range and has a natural enemy complex that may control its population dynamics. This study aimed to investigate candidate predators (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae, Braconidae, Bethylidae, Ceraphronidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae and Trichogrammatidae; and Diptera: Tachinidae), for the control of L. dispar...
Overstorey leaf production and emergence of sassafras saplings in a southwest Missouri oak woodland: An analysis based upon long-term effects of fire
Sanjeev Sharma, Alexander Wait, Puskar Khanal
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(8):407-419 | DOI: 10.17221/8/2024-JFS
Missouri Ozark woodlands are a unique, but imperilled ecosystem type due to fragmentation, lack of proper management and a changing climate. The management, restoration, and conservation of Ozark woodlands is a conservation priority. The Ozark woodlands contribute to the sequestration of carbon and nutrients through their robust productivity, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the biomass and soil while cycling essential nutrients to support the ecosystem's health and vitality. We have assessed the over- and mid-storey leaf production, collecting leaves in baskets every autumn in a 1 200-ha conservation...
The role of the water regime in a reclaimed limestone quarry
Marcela Burnog, Aleš Kučera
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(8):391-406 | DOI: 10.17221/6/2024-JFS
This study focused on the hydrophysical characteristics of an abandoned limestone quarry in Czechia. Six sites were examined; two sites were undergoing natural succession (the Quarry Wall and Reed Canary Grass plots, which had undeveloped arboreal layers) and four sites were undergoing managed forest reclamation. Of the four forest reclamation sites, three were classified as prospering (the Prospering Lime, Prospering Maple and Prospering Lime + Oatgrass plots) and one was in decline (the Declining Larch + Lime plot). The arboreal layer included small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), and European...
Over- and under-bark volume estimation of European larch timber produced by mechanised harvesting in Czechia
Monika Löwe, Radim Löwe, Martin Jankovský, Pavel Natov, Jiří Dvořák
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(7):381-390 | DOI: 10.17221/28/2024-JFS
In Czechia, harvesters contributed 43% of the total annual timber production in 2022. It is assumed that harvester technology will continue to be used intensively in the future, even though there is a change in the tree species composition of forests after the recent bark beetle outbreak and an increase in the use of close-to-nature forest management. The aim of this study was to analyse the over- and under-bark volume estimates of European larch timber produced by a harvester in Czechia. This study used the M3s price category for volume estimation. This volume was compared with the M3toDE price category. The M3toDE price category underestimated the...
Change in forest species composition and its projections into the economy of forest owners
Václav Šebek, Václav Kupčák, Andrea Janáková Sujová
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(7):368-380 | DOI: 10.17221/21/2024-JFS
Increasing the proportion of broadleaved trees in stands during regeneration raises questions about how these trees will be reflected in the economics of forest owners and whether these owners can influence certain economic aspects during stand management. In this respect, the paper focuses mainly on the revenue side of forestry and, crucially, analyses the selling prices of assortments of tree species groups as offered in public tenders of state forests under the outsourcing business model. The price level of spruce is used as a benchmark for comparisons in the analyses. It is clear that the cultivation of species-diverse forests entails an increase...
Geographical forest zonation: Perspectives, history and use
Petr Dujka, Antonín Kusbach
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(7):335-352 | DOI: 10.17221/5/2024-JFS
The rate of climate change advancement and its predicted impact are valid reasons for intense discourse on the topic of choosing the most suitable silvicultural and adaptation measures for the longevity and sustainability of forest communities. Changes in growth conditions of plants can be expected in both vertical (altitudinal) and horizontal (geographical) directions. The anticipated occurrence rate of these changes should, according to climate models, be higher than the natural adaptability rate of longevous tree species. This study focuses on the possibility of utilising regional geographical units of the Czech Republic (Central Europe) –...
Research on an effective artificial regeneration method for selected commercially important coniferous tree species on a large sanitation cut site situated in the Javorníky Mts., Western Carpathians
Martin Belko, Anna Tučeková, Roman Longauer, Valéria Longauerová, Vladimír Mačejovský, Ivan Horvát
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(7):353-367 | DOI: 10.17221/1/2024-JFS
In response to the decline of Central European spruce monocultures driven by various factors, the Demonstration Object of Reconstruction of Spruce Forests (DORS) was established in Husárik locality, Javorníky Mts., northwestern Slovakia. The area includes the Husárik trial site, where the applicability and efficiency of different artificial regeneration methods are studied. The trial was established on a 24-ha area cleared following the outbreak of spruce bark beetles in 2011. Its altitude is 800 m a.s.l., aspect NW, slope 30%, the soil is Ranker on the soft flysch sandstone bedrock. Our study covered 4 conifers – Norway spruce (spruce),...
Forest carbon and a regional perspective on the effectiveness of financial instruments within the forest bioeconomy
Michaela Perunová, Jarmila Zimmermannová, Tereza Schovánková
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(6):317-334 | DOI: 10.17221/24/2024-JFS
The forest bioeconomy links to a climate-neutral economy for which effective economic and financial promotion is essential to sustainable development. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of financial support on the development of the forest bioeconomy in the Czech Republic in the period 2000–2021. Research objectives were met by applying literature review, time series analysis, spatial data analysis, cartogram and cartodiagram method, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Firstly, regional divergences in financial flows were observed. Owing to the bark beetle calamity, the peak of the financial support was detected...
Integrating indigenous knowledge and culture in sustainable forest management via global environmental policies
Scholastica Akalibey, Petra Hlaváčková, Jiří Schneider, Jitka Fialová, Samuel Darkwah, Albert Ahenkan
J. For. Sci., 2024, 70(6):265-280 | DOI: 10.17221/20/2024-JFS
This research investigates the intricate connection between indigenous knowledge and sustainable forest management, with two main objectives. It seeks to explore and outline indigenous knowledge, elements, and practices that support sustainable forest management (SFM). It aims to uncover the invaluable traditional insights and practices that have helped preserve and ensure the responsible use of forest ecosystems. Also, it investigated global environmental policies that support indigenous knowledge since the inception of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A narrative review method was employed to review and analyse peer-reviewed contents...