Journal of Forest Science, 2013 (vol. 59), issue 8
The proportion of heartwood in conifer (Pinus sylvestris L., Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.) trunks and its influence on trunk wood moisture -Original Paper
M. Millers
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(8):295-300 | DOI: 10.17221/29/2013-JFS 
As the tree age increases, the formation of heartwood takes place in the central part of the tree. Since there is a large difference in the moisture content between sapwood and heartwood in conifers, the proportion of heartwood expressed in percentage is one of the most important factors influencing the average moisture of trunk wood. The aim of the research was to find out the changes in parameters of heartwood proportion and the changes in average trunk wood moisture parameters, depending on the age of the tree. To evaluate and compare the heartwood proportion in pine and spruce trunk and its moisture, sample plots were established throughout the...
A comparative analysis of neck muscle tension in a harvester operator compared with chainsaw and horse skidding operator and with normal human activitiesOriginal Paper
J. Macků, J. Dvořák
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(8):301-305 | DOI: 10.17221/5/2013-JFS
The goal of the experiment was to assess the physical stress experienced by an operator during the use of harvester equipment. Experimental data was obtained from field measurements with a Biofeedback 2000x-pert (BFB) unit, which allows recording of selected physiological parameters on the operator, especially an electromyogram of target muscle groups, body temperature, breathing rate and pulse. Experimental data was interpreted by comparing it with values measured during normal human activities. Measurements were done during logging using a harvester, a chainsaw, while skidding with a horse, while running, and while walking normally. The...
Effects of fertilisation on growth and nutrition of Norway spruce on a harsh mountain siteOriginal Paper
I. Kuneš, M. Baláš, V. Balcar, D. Kacálek, K. Millerová, A. Jančová, O. Nováková, O. Špulák, D. Zahradník, J. Vítámvás, T. Koňasová
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(8):306-318 | DOI: 10.17221/6988-JFS
We evaluated the potential of crushed amphibolite and artificial slow-release N-P-K-Mg fertiliser to stimulate the survival, growth and nutrition of Norway spruce planted on an acidified air-polluted mountain site. Control plots and treatments with slow-release fertiliser (SRF) and amphibolite (AMT) were installed. In the SRF, forty grams of tabletted amendment were applied in the close vicinity of the trees. In the AMT, two kilograms of amendment were incorporated into the soil inside the planting hole of each tree at planting. The SRF application resulted in a significant growth stimulation of spruces. The growth stimulation by amphibolite was perceptible...
Long-term response of understorey cover, basal area and diversity to stand density in a mixed oak forest on the Síkfőkút plot in HungaryOriginal Paper
T. Misik, K. Varga, Zs. Veres, I. Kárász, B. Tóthmérész
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(8):319-327 | DOI: 10.17221/15/2013-JFS
The serious oak decline was reported for the 1979-80 period and 63.0% of adult oaks died in a mixed oak forest in the Síkfőkút site, Hungary. The data were used to obtain (1) quantitative information on diversity indices of shrub layer and shrub canopy, including foliage cover percentage of the shrub layer, mean cover of shrub species before and after the oak decline and (2) structural information on shrub basal area and shrub foliage arrangement. Since 1972 we have determined diversity indices, cover percentage and basal area of shrubby vegetation on the monitoring and plus plots. A negative relation was detected between Shannon-Wiener and Evenness...
Tree health influences diameter growth along site quality, crown class and age gradients in Nothofagus forests of southern PatagoniaOriginal Paper
H. Attis Beltrán, G. Martínez Pastur, H. Ivancich, M.V. Lencinas, L.M. Chauchard
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(8):328-336 | DOI: 10.17221/30/2013-JFS
We examined the influence of tree health on annual diameter increment of trees along gradients in stand site quality, crown classes and tree age in Nothofagus pumilio forests of Southern Patagonia. Healthy trees had higher annual diameter increment than unhealthy trees along all gradients (site quality, crown class, tree age). We argue that tree health could be employed as a qualitative variable in models of tree growth to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon stocks in this forest system.
Prof. Ing. Jaroslav Herynek, CSc., is celebrating his 80th birthdayBiographical Notice
Václav Tlapák
J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(8):337 | DOI: 10.17221/6991-JFS