Journal of Forest Science, 2013 (vol. 59), issue 3
Orthoptera assemblages of beech stand plots during early succession stages after clearcutting -Original Paper
A. Sliacka, A. Krištín, L. Naďo
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(3):93-100 | DOI: 10.17221/48/2012-JFS 
Open habitats in closed forests are formed by various biotic and abiotic factors. These new habitats differ from their former parent stands in light conditions and vegetation structure facilitating their colonisation by heliophilous insects. We studied interseasonal differences (2010 and 2011) in the Orthoptera assemblages on eight clearcuts in beech forests. Using a sweeping method, altogether 20 species were recorded on the clearcuts in the first year, 26 in the second. In the second year, species number and abundance were higher in all orthopterans and also in the suborder of grasshoppers (Caelifera). In the crickets (Ensifera), interseasonal differences...
Study of briquette properties at their long-time storageOriginal Paper
M. Brožek
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(3):101-106 | DOI: 10.17221/27/2012-JFS
The paper presents the results of laboratory tests aimed at the study of storage place, storage manner and storage time in relation to mechanical properties of briquettes made from spruce shavings. A BrikStar 50 briquetting press with a pressure chamber 65 mm in diameter of the Briklis firm was used for the briquette production. All briquettes were made at the constant adjustment of all parameters of the briquetting press. The briquette properties were evaluated by determination of their density and rupture force. Moreover, mechanical durability, gross calorific value, total moisture and ash content were determined. It follows from the results of...
Norway spruce litterfall and forest floor in the IUFRO thinning experiment CZ 13 - VítkovOriginal Paper
J. Novák, M. Slodičák, D. Dušek, D. Kacálek
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(3):107-116 | DOI: 10.17221/76/2012-JFS
The effect of thinning on litterfall and decomposition of biomass was investigated in Norway spruce IUFRO thinning experiment (CZ-13), Czech Republic. The experiment was established in 1971 in an 8-year-old spruce stand on former farmland. Quantity and quality of litterfall and biomass from humus horizons were analysed in two treatments (1C - no thinning, 2T - heavy thinning at the young age). Forest floor was investigated in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2009 and litterfall was observed in the period 2002-2009. Accumulated dry mass in forest floor after 39 years of existence of spruce stands continually decreased until the age of 46 years (from 80-100 to 30-50...
Assessment of coarse woody debris following selective logging in Caspian forests: implications for conservation and managementOriginal Paper
F.K. Behjou, O.G. Mollabashi
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(3):117-124 | DOI: 10.17221/78/2012-JFS
Information on the amount, distribution, and characteristics of coarse woody debris (CWD) in forest ecosystems is highly demanded by wildlife biologists, fire specialists and ecologists. Owing to its important role in wildlife habitats, fuel loading, forest productivity, and carbon sequestration, coarse woody debris is an indicator of forest health. Two sampling methods including fixed-area plot and line intersect sampling were compared for accuracy and efficiency in measuring CWD. Data were selected from mature beech stands following selective logging in Caspian forests. Line intersect sampling consistently provided estimates similar to the results...
Growth of Norway spruce seedlings after transplanting into silty soil amended with biochar: a bioassay in a growth chamberShort Communication
J. Heiskanen, P. Tammeorg, R.K. Dumroese
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(3):125-129 | DOI: 10.17221/44/2012-JFS
Biochar (BC), the carbon-rich by-product resulting from pyrolysis of biomass, is used for bioenergy and increasingly as a soil additive for carbon sequestration and soil improvement. However, information about the effects of BC on forest productivity and reforestation success, especially on boreal and temperate forest soils, is scant. We examined the effects of two BC types (Canadian and Finnish) added in proportions up to 60 vol.% into a common alluvial silty soil on the growth of transplanted Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) seedlings in a growth chamber. We found no marked differences in seedling growth among the binary growing media...
First observation of Quercus pedunculiflora C. Koch in the Italian PeninsulaShort Communication
R. Carella
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(3):130-135 | DOI: 10.17221/58/2012-JFS
A few individuals of Grayish oak have been observed in the Low Murgia Plateau, Puglia Region. This is the first time that Quercus pedunculiflora C. Koch has been found in Italy. The territory is dominated by olive trees, where spontaneous vegetation occurs only in residual patches in particular along an important old dry erosion stream, Lama Lamasinata. Individuals of Grayish oak are located along a rural road and in a closed abandoned park which is in the vicinity of Lama Lamasinata, near Balsignano, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Low Murgia Plateau. In the area other deciduous oaks such as Italian pubescent oak, the...