Journal of Forest Science - Latest articles
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Impact of technical water retention on European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) resilience and growth dynamics
Zdenìk Vacek, Ivana Tomá¹ková, Zdenìk Fuchs, Václav ©imùnek, Stanislav Vacek, Jan Cukor, Luká¹ Bílek, Josef Gallo, Karel Zlatu¹ka, Martin Duchan
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(3):124-137 | DOI: 10.17221/92/2024-JFS 
Global climate change (GCC) is putting increasing pressure on forest ecosystems, leading to more frequent disturbances such as pest outbreaks and other climate-related stressors, all of which threaten forest stability. This study examines how different technical water retention measures (infiltration pits) can enhance the resilience of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) to these climatic challenges, focusing on their impact on radial growth, sap flow, and acclimatisation to moisture conditions at two sites in Czechia (430–440 m a.s.l.). Three treatments were compared: a water infiltration pit under a culvert mouth, an infiltration...
Carbon storage and climate mitigation effect in Central European forestry – To be managed, or left unmanaged?
Michal Synek, Emil Cienciala, Jaroslav Kubi¹ta
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(3):149-158 | DOI: 10.17221/74/2024-JFS
This study investigates differences in carbon storage between managed and unmanaged forests in the growth conditions of Central Europe. Norway spruce (Picea abies), European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) dominated forest types were considered, as these are the most common forest species in the Czech Republic. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), as the second most common species, was excluded due to lacking relevant reference data on unmanaged forests. Managed and unmanaged variants of each forest type were assessed in terms of carbon sequestered in biomass, dead wood and harvested wood products (in...
Potential for monetisation and utilisation of wood raw material from pioneer tree species stands in the Czech Republic
Roman Dudík, Petra Palátová, Ale¹ Kùs, David Homolka, Andreas Nikodemus
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(2):99-111 | DOI: 10.17221/101/2024-JFS
Pioneer tree species in the Czech Republic include birch, alder and aspen. From an economic point of view, birch seems to be the most promising. Greater use of timber from pioneer tree species in higher value-added products is currently limited by the low stocks of birch, alder and aspen in forest stands. A price survey was carried out in the Western Highlands region in the central part of the Czech Republic to obtain basic information on the prices of assortments of pioneer tree species. The prices of five assortments of raw timber were surveyed for the period 2019–2023. Very few of the prices of pioneer tree species were found for assortments...
Will cultural and regulatory forest services provide enough balance to provisioning services in forest enterprise portfolios in future? Marketing case studies of selected forest enterprises in Slovakia
Alex Bumbera, Daniel Halaj, Iveta Hajdúchová
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(2):59-71 | DOI: 10.17221/68/2024-JFS
The study aims to identify the difference between the current and future strategic management of forest ecosystem services (FES) portfolios in public enterprises of Slovakia. The case studies focus on forest enterprises in Ko¹ice, Banská ©tiavnica, Kremnica, and Bratislava, representing the best practice examples of providing cultural services in the country. A marketing decision-making model, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix, was used to analyse each company's current FES portfolio. Content analysis assessed the data collected from interviews with managers of the public forest enterprises. Duncker's forest management approaches classification...
Dynamic parameters of lowering loads at gradual tree felling
Tomá¹ Kotek, Jindøich Neruda
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(2):86-98 | DOI: 10.17221/66/2024-JFS
The lowering of loads at gradual tree felling is the riskiest activity performed by tree climbers. During this activity, great forces emerge and act on the felled tree, while the tree climbers use the tree itself to anchor and secure their stance. This research aims to find out whether certain methods of work or the use of certain rigging for lowering loads exhibit positive features in reducing the forces acting on the anchoring point of the rigging system. The work methodology consists of three operations: (i) the calculation of the coefficient of shear friction for the combination of 4 ropes and 5 lowering devices – altogether...
Analysis of selected functional parameters of saw chains
Pavel Nevrkla, Lubo¹ Stanìk, Jindøich Neruda
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(2):72-85 | DOI: 10.17221/64/2024-JFS
Results obtained from the research study focused on the functional parameters of five saw chains tested on a test bench equipped with an electrically driven chain saw brought a number of findings. One of the most important of them is the significant difference between the cutting rates of round and square chains. The cutting rate of square chains R = 27.9 cm2·s–1 is about 12% higher than the cutting rate of round chains. The influence of the chain construction on the chain cutting rate was conclusively demonstrated – the cutting rate of chains with a square profile is higher than the cutting rate of round-profile...
List of reviewers 2024
Editorial Department
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(1):I-II
Corrigendum: The importance of coarse woody debris in dynamic phases exposure in the beech (Fagus orientalis L.) stands of Hyrcanian forests
Vahid Etemad, Mohsen Javanmiri Pour, Zeinab Foolady
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(1):57 | DOI: 10.17221/11/2025-JFS
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 Æuk, Andra¾ Èarni, Dragana Vukov, Milo¹ Iliæ, 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 ©rámek, Václav Buriánek, Nina Bene¹ová
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, Pawe³ Tylek, Jacek Banach, Zdzis³aw 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 Holu¹a, 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, Ale¹ Kuèera, 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
Franti¹ek 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 ®idó, Milan Ka¹iar, 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 ní¾ina 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 ©tykar
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 Hru¹ky, 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
Jiøí Volánek, Martin Valtera, Ladislav Holík, Martin Kománek, Hana Burdová, Josef Trögl, Diana Polanská Nebeská, Jitka Novotná, Pavel Samec, David Juøièka
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 Keserû, 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, Pawe³ 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, Zdenìk Adamec, David Bøezina, Jiøí 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 Pentju¹a, Toms Artūrs ©tāls, 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, Hanu¹ Vavrèík, 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-Nìmèice 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
Lubo¹ Stanìk, 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...