Journal of Forest Science, 2008 (vol. 54), issue 3
Nutrients in the aboveground biomass of substitute tree species stand with respect to thinning - blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.)
M. Slodičák, J. Novák
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):85-91 | DOI: 10.17221/3032-JFS 
The present paper is the first contribution from the biomass quantification series which is realized by Forestry and Game Management Research Institute in the Krušné hory Mts. (Northern Bohemia). This study is aimed at blue spruce substitute stands. Research was done within the blue spruce experiment Fláje II in the Krušné hory Mts. (800 m above sea level in the spruce forest vegetation zone, acidic category). Results showed that the aboveground biomass of the investigated substitute blue spruce stand without thinning amounted to approximately 56 thousand kg of dry matter per ha at the age of 22 years. Wood and bark of branches are the most important...
Spatial pattern of Norway spruce and silver fir natural regeneration in uneven-aged mixed forests of northeastern Bohemia
Š. Hofmeister, M. Svoboda, J. Souček, S. Vacek
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):92-101 | DOI: 10.17221/2/2008-JFS
Two permanent sample plots (both 0.25 ha) were established in a mixed forest in the Orlické hory Mts. Protected Landscape Area (northeastern Bohemia) to analyze the natural regeneration of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). All the seedlings (height 0.1-0.5 m), saplings (height 0.5 m, d1.3 3 cm) and trees (d1.3 > 3 cm) were localized and measured. The analysis of the spatial pattern and statistical evaluation were carried out by means of Ripley's K-function. All the growth stages of the spruce and the fir showed an aggregated (clump) pattern, whereas...
Stand growth model using volume increment/basal area ratios
G. J. Martínez Pastur, J. M. Cellini, M. V. Lencinas, P. L. Peri
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):102-108 | DOI: 10.17221/3100-JFS
Estimation of stand growth is crucial for forest planning. Estimations were usually done using fixed values, and recently growth equations have been used. An alternative is through stand growth models. The objective was to develop a simple model for Nothofagus pumilio stands with full density along site quality and age gradients. The sample was obtained from 125 stands. Data on forest structure and samples for tree-ring measurement were taken in all trees to estimate growths using biometric models previously developed. The growth values of each plot during the last twenty years were calculated to fit the model, using the ratio of total volume...
Biomass functions applicable to oak trees grown in Central-European forestry
E. Cienciala, J. Apltauer, Z. Exnerová, F. Tatarinov
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):109-120 | DOI: 10.17221/2906-JFS
This study describes the parameterization of biomass functions applicable to oak (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea) trees grown in the conditions of Central-European forestry. It is based on destructive measurements of 51 grown trees sampled from 6 sites in different regions of the Czech Republic important for oak forest management. The samples covered trees of breast height diameter (D) ranging from 6 to 59 cm, tree height (H) from 6 to 32 m and age between 12 and 152 years. The parameterization was performed for total aboveground biomass and its individual components. The two basic levels of biomass functions utilized D...
Wedge prism as a tool for diameter and distance measurement
L. Šálek, D. Zahradník
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):121-124 | DOI: 10.17221/3033-JFS
The wedge prism, which is generally used for the measurement of basal area in diameter at breast height, is also a tool for the measurement of distance as well as for the measurement of diameters at a certain height of the stem, in the upper stem. Measurements using the wedge prism are based on the same principle as measurements using Bitterlich mirror relascope. This method is appropriate for non-destructive determination of stem volume. Moreover, the wedge prism can be used for the sorting of logs in standing trees when the small end of expectant assortment has to be known. As the wedge prism is a common tool for foresters, its usage seems to be...
Rationalization of the performance of a mobile off-road system working in the forest environment with respect to its emission load
A. Janeček, A. Skoupý, R. Klvač
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):125-130 | DOI: 10.17221/3098-JFS
This paper deals with the possibilities of minimizing the emissions of heterogeneous substances/pollutants (SO2, NOx and NCx) per volume unit of processed timber, based on measurements of the design and operating performance of a mobile off-road system working in the forest environment. The forest production system is taken to mean the production system into which the material and resource flow and/or even the workforce flow enter. During the production process the material, power and/or workforce flow is transformed into the final product (processed timber, soil preparation, afforestation, etc.). Operating and/or design...
An estimation of willingness to pay for asparagus (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) collectors in Makawanpur District, Nepal
T. N. Maraseni, J. Maroulis, G. Cockfield
J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(3):131-137 | DOI: 10.17221/3099-JFS
The collection and sale of asparagus (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) is a major source of income for Praja and Tamang castes around the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) in Nepal. However, the forests where asparagus is harvested are becoming depleted threatening the livelihood of collectors. To address this issue, at sustainable harvesting practices, the research reported here applied the contingent valuation method (bidding game) and estimated the average willingness to pay (WTP) of collectors to two asparagus collection scenarios. In the first scenario, if forests under the Department of Forests jurisdiction were managed for sustainable harvesting...