Journal of Forest Science, 2014 (vol. 60), issue 2

Proposal of using GIS for multi-criteria evaluation of environmentally friendly use of skidding technologies in forestryOriginal Paper

M. Synek, M. Klimánek

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(2):51-60 | DOI: 10.17221/88/2013-JFS  

The aim of the study was to propose and verify a model which, based on multi-criteria evaluation of selected input data, determines the category in terms of the environmentally friendly use of individual skidding technologies for each stand. A farm tractor, skidder, cable system, forwarders, and forwarders in combination with harvesters were selected as model skidding technologies. The selected input parameters included: slope inclination, ground bearing capacity, risk of logging-transportation erosion development, presence and size of obstacles, skidding distance, terrain shape and age of stands. Weights of input parameters for multi-criteria evaluation...

Development and dynamics of mountain spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karsten) stand regenerationOriginal Paper

K. Malík, J. Remeš, S. Vacek, V. Štícha

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(2):61-69 | DOI: 10.17221/98/2013-JFS  

We summarized development and dynamics of natural regeneration in mountain spruce forests in areas affected by bark beetle gradation in the Šumava National Park. Detailed measurements of the regeneration were carried out using Field-Map technology (www.fieldmap.com) on ten permanent research plots. Research plots included the forests with decaying tree layer, stands in partial decline and stands with a generally healthy, or only partially damaged tree layer. Differences in rates of regeneration are very significant between the particular types of plots, especially in the youngest age class. Differences are also evident in the seedling height under...

Micropropagation of Shorea robusta: an economically important woody plantOriginal Paper

M. Singh, S. Sonkusale, Ch. Niratker, P. Shukla

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(2):70-74 | DOI: 10.17221/80/2013-JFS  

Shorea robusta is a valuable tree species which provides good quality timber along with other useful materials like seeds which can be used as a source of starch. Woody plants are difficult to regenerate under in vitro conditions and only some success has been achieved so far. Here we have presented the data for successful in vitro regeneration of S. robusta using nodal explants. Shoot proliferation and rooting were also successfully achieved in subsequent subcultures. The best medium for shoot initiation and proliferation was found to be WPM with 1.0 mg.l^-1 BAP and 0.5 mg.l^-1 NAA and 1.0 mg.l^-1...

Long-term influence of applied amphibolite powder on the chemistry of soil supporting Norway spruce plantationOriginal Paper

I. Kuneš, M. Baláš, V. Balcar

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(2):75-83 | DOI: 10.17221/89/2013-JFS  

The article assesses the effects of amphibolite applied to the planting holes of spruces on the soil chemistry. The sampling was conducted fourteen growth seasons after the establishment of the experimental spruce plantation. In both treatments (control and amphibolite) the soil samples were taken from the interior of the planting holes as well as from the intact area around the planting holes. Fourteen growth seasons after application the effects of the pulverised amphibolite were not marked despite being detectable. In comparison with the control the soil in the planting holes of the amphibolite treatment showed significantly higher soil reaction,...

On the potential policy use of some selected biodiversity indicators: limitations and recommendations for improvementsShort Communication

Z. Benedek

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(2):84-88 | DOI: 10.17221/72/2013-JFS  

In order to facilitate the use of biodiversity indicators in policy making at the country level, a few and well-established indices should be suggested. Promising candidates include biodiversity-related indices of the Convention on Biological Diversity; their current use and performance are evaluated through a Hungarian case study. Especially indices of the ecosystem level have already been in use, but they are not necessarily useful measures of the state of biodiversity in their current form. For example, ecosystems suggested globally for monitoring (forests and marine habitats) are not present in all the countries, thus the way of ecosystem selection...