Journal of Forest Science - Latest articles
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Changes in the concentration of CO2 in forest soils resulting from the traffic of logging machines
Luboš Staněk, Jindřich 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, Kateřina Moťková, Šárka Petrová, Pavlína Máchová, Adam Véle, Martin Fulín, Petr Hošek
J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(5):218-236 | DOI: 10.17221/4/2025-JFS
Corrigendum in: J. For. Sci. 2026 Feb 27;72(2):106. doi: 10.17221/16/2026-JFSThe 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,...
Understanding societal priorities for forest ecosystem services: Survey insights from 'Forestry Days 2024' in Slovakia
Zuzana Sarvašová, Jozef Pajtík, Zuzana Dobšinská
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 Šulitka, Ivan Kuneš, Martin Baláš, Kateřina Pešková, Přemysl Šedivka, Tomáš Holeček, 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 Černá Opava tributaries in the Jeseníky Mountains
Vít Šrámek, Věra Fadrhonsová, Kateřina 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 Zlatuška, 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...
Impact of technical water retention on European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) resilience and growth dynamics
Zdeněk Vacek, Ivana Tomášková, Zdeněk Fuchs, Václav Šimůnek, Stanislav Vacek, Jan Cukor, Lukáš Bílek, Josef Gallo, Karel Zlatuška, 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 Kubišta
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, Aleš Kůs, 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 Košice, Banská Štiavnica, 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
Tomáš Kotek, Jindřich 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, Luboš Staněk, Jindřich 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 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...