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This paper deals with the verification of models for the calculation of the contact area with the soil using data measured during the testing of a tractor-and-trailer unit. The main emphasis was put on the method of calculating the contact area by means of a super ellipse. The comparison included calculation models with the input parameters of contact length and contact width of the tyre. These parameters were compared with values measured in the field where the main variables were tyre dimensions, inflation pressure and load. Results of comparisons show that the method of calculating the contact area using a super ellipse exhibited the best match with the measured values of all compared calculation models (81% in super ellipse with measured half-axes and 75% in super ellipse with calculated half-axes). As to trailer tyres, the match of measured values and those calculated using a super ellipse was even 95%. In the second step, also some empirical models for calculating the contact area were compared with the measured data, not entered by contact length and contact width as variables. Some of these models show a very good match with the measured data, which can be compared, or it is even higher than the calculation by means of a super ellipse. With the specified tyre deformation, however, we consider the model of calculation using a super ellipse as more appropriate for determining the size of contact area as it focuses on the geometry of tyre contact with the ground.

The paper deals with a new method of innovative assessment of the supported effects and ecosystem services of forests using the actual amount of their increased costs. Among the most important research findings and significance of the new method is that it contributes to the body of knowledge on valuation and payment for ecosystem services. The focus of the research task is to help address the current difficult economic situation of forest owners resulting from the impacts of climate change. The study aims to determine what work quantifies the amount of compensation for the provision of supported ecosystem services that is sufficient for owners by using hypothesis testing. The evaluation of the supported effects was carried out in a case study in the area of the Chrudim-Podhůra Recreational Forests in the Czech Republic. The results of the evaluation were quantified in two experimental spreadsheets of the results, a comparative analysis of the evaluation results was performed, and hypothesis testing was conducted. The innovative methodological approach to the assessment of supported effects can be easily modified and used to assess the actual amount of increased costs of other ecosystem services of the forest.

Sri Lanka, as a developing tropical country, faces serious environmental challenges. Forests, as important ecosystems of Sri Lanka, are under pressure from intensive human activities and climate change. Invasive species represent a great hazard to autochthonous plant species and ecosystems, which are, at the same time, hosts to extraordinarily high biodiversity, of which a high percentage is endemic. In this paper, we reviewed the most challenging environmental problems of Sri Lanka and suggested the improvement of a number of them through silvicultural measures and cooperation with international experts, namely Czech foresters. We also reviewed the main forest biomes and addressed the specific problems and management of different forest types.

This research investigates the intricate connection between indigenous knowledge and sustainable forest management, with two main objectives. It seeks to explore and outline indigenous knowledge, elements, and practices that support sustainable forest management (SFM). It aims to uncover the invaluable traditional insights and practices that have helped preserve and ensure the responsible use of forest ecosystems. Also, it investigated global environmental policies that support indigenous knowledge since the inception of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A narrative review method was employed to review and analyse peer-reviewed contents and reports to deduce ancestral or traditional wisdom, knowledge, practices, and beliefs from existing studies. The paper extracted data from existing literature from scholarly peer-reviewed journals. It aims to provide useful information for policy-makers, forest managers, and indigenous communities, to promote SFM and the sustainable development goals related to a sustainable environment. The study found that indigenous knowledge (IK) which includes ethnobotanical knowledge and plant selection, mixed land use, seed banks, and cultural beliefs such as sacred groves and taboos are some traditional practices, beliefs, and cultural knowledge that support SFM and can be integrated into international and national environmental management policies which the two-eyed seeing framework (TESF) seeks to promote. The framework highlights the potential of implementing IK into SFM. Also, the Akwé: Kon Guidelines, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), are some global environment policies that recognise traditional people and indigenous knowledge since the commencement of the CBD in the nineties. The paper recommends, for a future study, investigating the applicability of the Akwé: Kon Guidelines in international and national projects and programs that impact traditional sacred lands, forests and rivers, and indigenous people. Also, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement need to fully acknowledge the supporting role of indigenous knowledge and people in climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions, especially in Africa, since the majority of the world's population constitutes indigenous people who inhabit healthy standing forests and ecosystems.

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 to facilitate the comparison of individual measurement points (sites) and soil depths. The soil temperature values and their dynamics during the year differ between the measurement point in the forest shelterbelt (90-0) and those in the field. Additionally, the field measurement points exhibit some degree of variation, with the more distant field measurement point (180-90) displaying distinct characteristics from the closer field measurement points (90-45, 90-90). During the winter months (December, January, February), the temperature increases with soil depth, being highest within the windbreak. In spring (February and March), the temperature at different soil depths starts to equalise; however, in April, the temperature decreases with soil depth. Throughout the summer, the measurement station within the windbreak has lower temperatures than in the field, where the soil shows higher temperatures at all depths compared to the windbreak measurement station. In August, the temperature differences in depth begin to equalise again. In September, the temperature trend reverses, and from October, the temperatures increase with soil depth, especially in the lower layers of the soil. The temperature trend in November has a more or less winter character. Soil temperatures in the forest shelterbelt are lower in the summer months and higher in the winter months than in the field. The protective effect of the windbreak is more pronounced at measurement stations closer to the belt, as the temperatures at the farthest field measurement station are higher in summer and lower in winter compared to the closer field measurement stations.

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 and non-native Robinia pseudoacacia) in the Deliblato Sands, Serbia. Our results showed that the species composition significantly differed in the four habitats. Each habitat had some species that were significantly concentrated in them. Most of the diagnostic species in the Quercus-Tilia forests were forest specialist plant species, while those in Populus alba forests were species associated with warmer and drier habitats, whereas the plantations hosted diagnostic species with broader ecological tolerances. Native species richness, total species diversity, and functional and phylogenetic diversity were similar in the four studied habitats, which can be explained by the combined effects of light regime and naturalness. We assessed low naturalness (i.e. high degradation) in plantations, which can be expected to reduce diversity. However, higher light availability was probably able to compensate for this effect. Non-native plantations, especially Robinia pseudoacacia plantations, were the most degraded and hosted the highest non-native species richness, implying that they are ecologically undesirable. In light of our results, we suggest that near-natural forest stands should be protected and efforts to restore these forests should be given high priority. Furthermore, it is advisable to continue with a forestry strategy that involves replacing non-native plantations with native ones, such as Tilia tomentosa, in the Deliblato Sands.

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 inconsistent; in 2021, minimal visible O₃ injuries were observed, while these were more frequent in 2022, notably on Fagus sylvatica leaves. The altitude effect on O₃ concentration indicates greater vegetation damage at higher altitudes. In contrast, the AOT40F-altitude relation was not significant. The 2021 vegetation season was characterised by lower temperatures and higher relative air humidity and soil moisture in comparison to 2022. Stomatal conductance conditions were similar in both years, except for lower soil moisture in 2022. Soil moisture, air humidity, and temperature together accounted for about 50% of the variance in visible injury in 2022. The findings suggest that the AOT40F capability for predicting damage to vegetation is limited and highlight the importance of future research focusing on stomatal O₃ flux-based approaches.

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 chains. It was further found out that although the specific energy E_m = 77.8 Ws·cm^–2 is by ca. 7% lower in the square chain than in the round chain, Student's t-test did not reveal any statistically significant difference in the data on the specific energy consumption of round and square chains, i.e. the influence of the chain design on the specific energy consumption of the chain at cutting was not clearly demonstrated. Other findings, for example, showed that working with a loose saw chain on the guide bar impairs parameters of the chain operation or that energy demands of cutting with the saw chain are directly proportional to wood density (hardness) and increase with the decreasing wood moisture. Yet another finding was learning the energy flow structure, which indicated that 46% of total power input is consumed by the electric motor alone for its operation while only about 7% goes for driving the chain movement along the bar (without cutting) and power input required for cutting is approximately 46%.

A short-rotation coppice (SRC) system for bioenergy production is vital to supporting climate change mitigation by absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing carbon as biomass. However, SRC's operation also released some greenhouse gas emissions, affecting the environment. This study aims to assess the potential environmental impacts through the life cycle assessment method in bioenergy production from the SRC system. Data was collected through a literature review and database, and the impact categories were then analysed using Sphera LCA for Experts Education License software (Version 9.2.1.68, 2020). In managing plantations for bioenergy production, plants during one rotation (15 years) will be harvested every 3 years (harvesting cycle). Then, there will be five harvesting cycles during a single rotation. The result showed that the first cycle had the highest environmental impacts because the inputs (fuel, lubricant, electricity, fertiliser, and pesticides) in this cycle were higher than others. The highest contribution comes from the first and end cycles as 3 200 and 2 700 kg CO₂ eq, respectively. Meanwhile, cycles 2, 3, and 4 contribute to the carbon footprint as 2 500 kg CO₂ eq for each cycle. Based on input, fuel consumption has resulted in higher environmental impacts than lubricants, fertilisers, and electricity consumption. In conclusion, energy consumption (fuel, lubricant, and electricity) and agrochemicals (fertilisers and pesticides) have released emissions and affected the environment. In the future, fuel and agrochemical consumption should be reduced to minimise the negative environmental impacts in the short-rotation coppice system.

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. The research was conducted in the Czech Republic. The obtained data was subjected to statistical analyses (Student's t-test; correlation analysis). The results of the study confirm the long-term influence of soil compaction by the traffic of forest machinery on the CO₂ concentration in soil in both seasons (cold and warm). The concentration of CO₂ in the air of compacted soil was always significantly higher in both periods than the CO₂ concentration in the air of non-compacted soil (control). Thus, the negative influence of soil compaction was clearly demonstrated as a result of a single pass of forestry machines over the soil surface.

Forest bathing is gaining attention for its health and well-being benefits, leading to growing interest among academics, policymakers, and practitioners. While most studies have focused on its physiological and psychological effects, less is known about how different stakeholders perceive the characteristics that make forest bathing effective and meaningful. This study explored expert and non-expert perspectives on forest bathing in Italy through the Q-methodology, aiming to identify shared and divergent views on key aspects such as site features, accessibility, and perceived benefits. The results highlighted four distinct viewpoints: a scientific-health-oriented perspective emphasising medical efficacy (mainly experts); a preference for more naturalness and ecological integrity (mainly non-experts); a possible socio-economic opportunity (mainly non-experts); and a preference for a more managed forest environment with supporting structures (mainly experts). Despite differences, consensus emerged on several points, including the cultural and physical relevance of forest bathing and the importance of inclusive accessibility while preserving low-impact environments. The findings highlighted the potential of Q-methodology to capture the plurality of stakeholder voices, offering a basis for more inclusive planning and policy development in the context of nature-based well-being initiatives.

In recent decades, Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands have become increasingly vulnerable to frequent droughts and associated outbreaks of secondary biotic pests, resulting in significant degradation of forest ecosystems. To preserve their production and ecological functions, it is necessary to apply well-adapted silvicultural practices that mitigate the risk of stand decline. This study examines the effects of two thinning intensities (moderate and heavy) on stand productivity and resilience under varying site conditions. Three long-term research sites with paired differently thinned plots located within and outside the natural range of Norway spruce in the Czech Republic were analysed. Tree-ring width measurements were used to calculate radial growth trends and four resilience indices (resistance, resilience, recovery and average relative growth reduction). Across sites Blaník (BL), Tetřeví Boudy (TB) and Železná Ruda (ZR), basal area increment (BAI) differed significantly between thinning intensities (BL: P = 0.044; TB: P = 0.0076; ZR: P < 0.001), with moderate thinning showing higher BAI at BL and TB, whereas heavy thinning reduced growth at the waterlogged TB site. Site-specific differences in tree growth responses to negative pointer years were evaluated, particularly concerning drought events. Resilience metrics computed for five drought pointer years (1976, 2000, 2003, 2015, 2019) showed no consistent differences between thinning intensities; however, at ZR, heavy thinning yielded higher resilience (Rs) and resistance (Rt) in 2015 and 2019. During drought years, the average relative growth reduction (ARGR) ranged from 3% to 31%, with the lowest values under moderate thinning. Overall, moderate thinning enhanced stand productivity and resilience, whereas heavy thinning had adverse effects at the waterlogged site. These results highlight the need to adapt silvicultural practices to local ecological conditions to ensure long-term stability and productivity.

Mountain ecosystems, especially those at the highest altitudes, are sensitive to current climate change. Proxy archives may provide an insightful tool to better understand ongoing changes and evaluate future scenarios. Trees have traditionally been used as such archives, as they often respond sensitively to environmental change. Thus, we studied tree-ring records of forest-line species Abies densa Griff. growing in the Eastern Himalayas, central Bhutan, to evaluate the effect of climate on the growth of this species. The annual chronologies were generated using standard dendrochronological methods and then compared with climatic data from the CRU TS database. The results demonstrate a negative effect of summer temperatures on the width of the annual rings, suggesting possible stress caused by higher temperatures during the monsoon season. On the other hand, a positive effect of temperatures on tree growth was observed during late winter months. The response to rainfall was mixed, with a positive effect on growth in November and a negative effect in May and January, suggesting a later onset of the vegetation season. To our knowledge, we present the first dendroclimatological study on this long-lived species in central Bhutan, portraying its potential for future climate and environmental research and applications.

Forest management of durmast oak stands [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] is focused on the production of high-quality assortments for the furniture industry. Due to various forest management factors and impacts of climate change, their vitality and quality are often reduced. Sudden illumination of the oak trunk caused by management cuts can lead to epicormic shoot formation. This study compared two localities and nine long-term research plots at the stand age of 62–68 years in Slovakia. While one locality was affected by the massive dieback of oak in the past, the other was not. The epicormic shoot occurrence was monitored separately in the lower and upper parts of the trunk, depending on selected quantitative tree parameters and on the various management methods. The formation of epicormic shoot was influenced especially by DBH, crown width and crown volume. The occurrence of shoots was always markedly higher in the upper part of the trunk compared to the lower one. During a 35-year period, the development of the proportion of epicormic shoots in the lower part of the trunk in the locality with massive dieback of oak confirmed a higher occurrence on control plots compared to the managed plots with thinning interventions. It showed that the occurrence of epicormic shoots in durmast oak stands was influenced not only by different methods of management but also by the dieback effect in the past. Promoting more intensive thinning in early-stage oak stands is advised, as it prompts trees to develop larger crowns with limiting formation of epicormic shoots.

The response of carabid beetles to extensive livestock farming and vegetation structure in two traditionally managed 'dehesa' ecosystems was investigated. From March 2011 to January 2012, sampling was done, using pitfall trapping, on two forestry farms located in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park (Córdoba, Spain), both with hunting use, but one of them also with a heavy livestock load. On each forestry farm, two sampling plots were selected according to the vegetation structure. Faunal differences were proved through the ecological indices, and the faunal uniqueness was checked by the Coldwell and Coddington Complementarity Analysis. To identify the most influential factor on the carabid biodiversity, a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was performed. Results show that abundance and richness are higher in the plots with open vegetation, similarly like the number of recorded tribes. Nevertheless, the ecological indices do not reflect any significant differences. The complementarity between different vegetation structures exceeds that of the exploitation types. In fact, the GLMM analysis indicated that the livestock itself does not have a significant effect on the fauna. In addition, all exclusive, rare or endemic species came from the closed vegetation plots, suggesting that these areas may act as a reservoir of unique species in terms of biodiversity.

Disturbing the remaining forest ecosystem in the Cibodas Botanical Garden (CBG) has affected the dynamics of the soil macroarthropod communities. This study was conducted in three remaining forest locations in the CBG with different levels of disturbance. Soil macroarthropod samples were collected using the pitfall trap method with 30 traps and analysed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Pielou's evenness, Simpson's dominance, and Margalef's species richness to assess the dynamics of the soil macroarthropod community. This study analysed how these communities respond to different levels of disturbance in the garden, namely Jalan Akar (JA; low), Wornojiwo (WJ; moderate), and Ciismun (CI; high), which were influenced by tourism activities and local environmental conditions. The results showed that individuals from the Hymenoptera group accounted for 60.05% of the total number of soil macroarthropods found. Site WJ, which experienced moderate disturbance, had the highest number of individuals and species richness of soil macroarthropods. In contrast, site CI, which experienced high levels of disturbance, had a lower number of individuals and lower species richness, diversity and evenness indices. Site JA, which experienced low levels of disturbance, exhibited higher diversity and evenness indices. These results demonstrate that disturbance affects the presence of soil macroarthropods at their respective levels of disturbance. However, analysing the spatial distribution of soil macroarthropods in each studied taxon using the Morisita index revealed that they were dominantly clustered and exhibited varied distribution patterns. The study concludes that maintaining minimal disturbance is essential to preserve soil biodiversity and ecological balance in managed forest ecosystems such as the Cibodas Botanical Garden.

To enhance the biomechanical database of plant root systems for soil reinforcement and erosion control in arid and semi-arid regions, and to provide a scientific basis for selecting superior native shrub and herb species in forestry and grassland measures for desertification control in central and western Inner Mongolia, this study investigated the root-soil interfacial friction characteristics of five typical native plant species – Caragana korshinskii and Hippophae rhamnoides, the semi-shrub Hedysarum mongolicum, and the perennial herbs Medicago sativa and Astragalus adsurgens – in two widely distributed non-zonal soils: loessial soil and aeolian sandy soil. Single-root pull-out tests were conducted on indoor-prepared root-soil composite samples to examine their responses to varying soil moisture levels. The results showed that within a soil moisture range of 4.6% to 20.6%, the single-root pull-out resistance and shear strength of all five species in both soil types followed a quadratic model Y = ax² + bx + c (with all multiple correlation coefficients > 0.5), initially increasing and then decreasing with rising moisture content. Peak values occurred at 8.6% moisture, with consistently higher values observed in loessial soil than in aeolian sandy soil. This indicates an optimal soil moisture level for maximising root-soil interfacial friction resistance. Among the species, Hippophae rhamnoides and Medicago sativa exhibited superior pull-out performance in both soils, with Hippophae rhamnoides showing greater sensitivity to environmental variations in loessial soil. Redundancy analysis identified soil type and moisture content as key factors explaining variations in root pull-out shear strength. These findings demonstrate that mixed-species plantations, leveraging complementary root traits, can form more complex and stable root-soil structures, thereby enhancing surface soil mechanical stability. Further research is needed to elucidate the adaptive mechanisms linking plant traits, environmental conditions, and biomechanical characteristics.

The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is the second most planted tree species worldwide, and the most common in Hungary. Phenotypic traits, particularly flowering patterns, are well-established indicators of the species' response to climate change. This study examined four forest subcompartments across three Hungarian regions: Northern-Central, Eastern and Southern-Central. The aim was to identify climatic factors correlating with the onset and duration of the flowering period. Additionally, the relationships between these factors and nectar weight and sugar concentration were defined. Results indicate a strong negative correlation between precipitation levels and flowering time: lower accumulated and average precipitation during the spring months of the preceding year was associated with a delayed flowering period in the following year (r = –0.922, r = –0.918, P = 0.05). However, when examining the 14-day period (r = 0.829) before blooming or examining from 1 January (r = 0.929, r = 0.890), the results indicate that other environmental factors may play a more dominant role. Furthermore, the number of chill and heat days was found to affect the starting date (R² = 0.819, R² = 0.765).

Tree-ring analysis is a valuable tool for understanding long-term climate patterns and their influence on tree growth. This study investigates the climate–growth relationships of Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon) in Doi Khuntan National Park, northern Thailand (at elevations of 850 to 1 035 m a.s.l.), to reconstruct past climate and inform forest management. Using 48 cross-dated increment cores, we developed an 83-year chronology (1936–2018). Standard dendrochronological methods and regression models were applied. The radial growth of P. kesiya was primarily influenced by moisture availability, showing significant positive correlations with March rainfall (r = 0.39, P < 0.01) and April–July relative humidity (r = 0.45, P < 0.01). Growth was negatively correlated with April–July mean temperature (r = –0.47, P < 0.01), indicating that warmer wet seasons induce stress. False-rings served as complementary intra-annual drought proxies, linked to cool-dry transitional periods. Multiple regression models explained 40.6% of radial growth variance and 65.6% of false-ring frequency variance. Reconstructed climate series revealed significant warming trends since the 1930s, most pronounced in April extreme minimum temperature, which increased by +0.98 °C over the study period (Mann-Kendall test, P < 0.01). These findings highlight the vulnerability of montane pine forests to increasing temperatures and atmospheric dryness, providing a multi–proxy baseline for climate change adaptation.

Headwater streams are key pathways for carbon (C) transfer from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. Sediments and plant litter constitute major C pools in streams, yet their roles in regulating dissolved carbon (DC) exports remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations and export through monthly sampling over one year in a subtropical forest headwater stream. DOC export peaked during the wet season (98.9 ± 171.8 kg·h^–1), whereas DIC export showed no significant seasonal variation. During the wet season, C pool characteristics were more strongly related to DOC dynamics, whereas during the dry season they were more closely associated with DIC dynamics. DOC concentrations in sediments and plant litter were positively related to stream DOC concentrations, while higher total carbon (TC) storage showed weak relationships with DC exports. These results indicate that C pool characteristics influence stream C dynamics mainly through C quality rather than pool size, and that different C pools exert different effects on DOC and DIC dynamics. However, hydrological variables – especially stream discharge – exerted the strongest control on DC export. Together, these findings indicate that hydrology controls C export, whereas C pools regulate the composition of DC in headwater streams.

Climatic microrefugia allow some forest tree species to persist outside their main distribution range by locally decoupling site conditions from the regional climate. At its western, oceanic range margin in the Swiss Prealps, the Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) occurs on large boulders embedded within subalpine forests dominated by Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.]. We hypothesised that these landforms generate a continental-like microclimate enabling P. cembra persistence under otherwise sub-oceanic conditions, and we aimed to quantify this phenomenon. Using high-resolution data loggers, we measured air and soil temperature, thermal amplitudes, and soil moisture on the summits and at the bases of ten limestone boulders over a two-year period. Linear mixed-effects models revealed a pronounced microclimatic decoupling between positions. Boulder summits were consistently warmer and drier during the growing season. In contrast, during winter, summits were significantly colder, while boulder bases remained thermally stable due to persistent snow insulation. The strongest microclimatic divergence occurred in spring, when temperatures at the bases remained stable near 0 °C, whereas summit temperatures were markedly warmer and more variable. This continental-like microclimate likely promotes P. cembra persistence. Our results highlight the importance of topographic heterogeneity for maintaining marginal tree populations.

This study examines height growth and its driving factors in stools and standard trees, the two key structural components of coppice-with-standards stands. We focused on sessile oak [Quercus petraea agg. (Matt.) Liebl.] stands over 90 years old at two contrasting sites near Brno (South Moravian Region, Czech Republic): one actively managed and one left unmanaged for more than 40 years as a strict nature reserve. Tree heights were analysed using two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests and multinomial logistic regression. A total of 1 239 trees were measured (584 stools and 655 standards). Standard trees were the tallest on average (21.8 m), significantly exceeding all the stool categories, whereas managed triple-stem stools were the shortest (15.97 m). Across all categories, unmanaged stands generally reached greater heights than managed stands did, except for standard trees. The forest type, exposure and slope had significant effects on height class probabilities, whereas elevation was important only for smaller trees. Overall, the results demonstrate that both the tree type and site conditions strongly influence height growth in Q. petraea coppice-with-standards stands, with management history leaving a clear biological legacy in the present-day stand structure.

Mexico ranks among the countries with the highest deforestation rates, increasing the demand for high-quality forest seedlings of valuable species such as Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl., which face germination limitations due to seed dormancy and low viability. Ionising radiation has emerged as an alternative pregermination treatment capable of inducing adaptive responses in plants through hormesis. This study evaluated the effects of different doses of gamma radiation (⁶⁰Co) and high-energy X-rays (linear accelerator, 6 MeV) on the germination, growth, and quality of P. pseudostrobus seedlings. A total of 1 440 seeds were irradiated per radiation source with 12 doses (0–25 Gy) and sown under nursery conditions in a completely randomised design. Germination parameters, morphological traits, photosynthetic pigment content, and quality indices were analysed. With both radiation sources, low doses (0.5–1.5 Gy) significantly enhanced germination, chlorophyll content, and seedling height and diameter, while doses above 15 Gy inhibited these responses. The LD₅₀ (median lethal dose) was estimated at 20 Gy for gamma rays and 12 Gy for X-rays, whereas GR₅₀ (median growth reduction dose) exceeded 45 Gy in both treatments. These findings demonstrate that low radiation doses elicit a beneficial hormetic effect in P. pseudostrobus, representing a viable biotechnological approach to improve seedling production and ecological reforestation efficiency.

The paper examines the impact of biotic factors – mainly pests and pathogens – on the degradation of Betula spp. in the forests of Ukrainian Polissia. The taxonomic structure of the identified mycobiota includes representatives of 9 genera, 8 families, 5 orders, 4 classes, and two divisions (Ascomycota 44.4%, Basidiomycota 55.6%). Xylotrophic Basidiomycetes, particularly Fomitopsis betulina and Fomes fomentarius, pose the greatest threat due to their ability to destroy wood tissues. The bacterial pathogen Lelliottia nimipressuralis, the agent of wetwood, also plays a major role, impairing xylem water transport and causing systemic physiological imbalance in affected trees. Entomofauna significantly contributes to degradation processes. A total of 31 insect species were recorded, belonging to five orders, 24 families, and 29 genera, with Coleoptera being the most numerous (32.3%). The most harmful are xylophagous species (e.g. Agrilus betuleti, Rhagium mordax) and phytophagous species (e.g. Geometra papilionaria, Parornix betulae), which cause mechanical tissue damage and facilitate secondary infections. The results indicate that pathogenic complexes intensify under environmental stress, accelerating the decline of Betula spp. stands. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing phytosanitary monitoring and adaptive management measures to mitigate further degradation risks in the birch forests of Polissia.

The review synthesises current knowledge on the hydrological and hydrochemical risks associated with large-scale clear-cutting following unprecedented bark beetle outbreaks in Central Europe. By analysing 107 sources published primarily between 2000 and 2026, we evaluate the divergent impacts of natural forest dieback versus intensive salvage logging. The rapid loss of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] canopy has fundamentally altered the microclimate, shifting the energy balance from latent to sensible heat flux, which results in ground temperature increases of up to 5.2 °C. Hydrological consequences include a 16–48% reduction in interception and a cessation of transpiration, leading to an increase in annual water yield by 6–21% and potentially accelerated peak discharges, particularly in headwater catchments where maximum flows can increase by over 50%. The synthesis highlights a critical 'nitrate pulse' exceeding 50 mg·L^–1 in managed areas, contrasting with higher hydrochemical resilience in unmanaged stands. We emphasise that forest management must ensure sufficient soil protection during the logging and wood transportation, which can reduce hydraulic conductivity by over 40%. The role of logging residues is important because they cover and protect the soil environment. The study concludes that utilising pioneer species and spontaneous succession in combination with timely artificial reforestation represents a superior strategy for stabilising the microclimate and restoring hydrological functions.

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is an ecologically and silviculturally important tree species in Central European forests due to its high production potential and increasing relevance under ongoing climate change. Therefore, its regeneration and promotion are of key importance for both ecosystem functioning and sustainable forest management. This study evaluates the potential of natural (four localities) and artificial (ten localities) regeneration of silver fir under close-to-nature silviculture across two natural forest areas (Křivoklátsko and Český kras; Brdská vrchovina) at altitudes of 362–570 m a.s.l. in Czechia. The objective was to assess the growth potential of fir regeneration across six contrasting site type categories on 62 research plots: acidic (3K, 4K), nutrient-rich (3B), loamy (3H), nutrient-medium (3S), gleyed nutrient-medium (4O) and gleyed acidic (4P) categories; and to quantify game browsing damage. The highest natural regeneration density was recorded on 4O sites, reaching on average 182 800 pcs·ha^–1, while the lowest density was observed on 4P (25 600 pcs·ha^–1). Compared to the overstory composition, regeneration layers showed a marked increase in the proportion of silver fir. In contrast, the highest annual height increment of natural regeneration was found on 4P (10.6 cm), significantly exceeding that on 3S (2.1 cm). Browsing damage ranged from 11.0% (3S) to 19.2% (4O). In terms of artificial regeneration, the highest annual height increment was recorded at site type 3H (38.4 cm), whereas the lowest was observed at site type 3B (15.2 cm). Our results show that fir regeneration is mainly driven by site conditions and ungulate browsing, providing a basis for targeted silvicultural and game management to support its long-term persistence.

The article aims to raise the knowledge on how the Northern red oak affects the soil formation and nutrient cycling compared to Scots pine during the early-stage reclamation of nutrient-poor mineral soil that originated in the deep soil layers in a former sand quarry. Furthermore, the aim is to also answer the question if the admixture of red oak helps to regenerate the soil properties more effectively than pure stands. Three treatments were established: pure red oak, pure pine, and a mixed stand, where organic [composite samples of L+F (litter and fermented), F+H (fermented and humic)] and mineral (A, C) soil horizons were analysed. The oak significantly outperformed the pine in the soil amelioration, showing elevated pH, higher base saturation, and enriched concentrations of basic cations in the humus horizons. The lower litter accumulation under the oak reflected the enhanced decomposability of its litter. A pattern of reduced cation exchange capacity, but the elevated base saturation of the oak soils suggested the development of a nutrient-rich microenvironment with a diminished risk of aluminium toxicity. Phosphorus remained critically limiting. The mixed stand exhibited intermediate properties closer to the pine stand, with the synergistic effects currently limited. Our results support red oak as an effective reclamation species for infertile post-mining soils, though sustained amelioration requires a decades-long perspective and integrated forest management strategies.

Forest ecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services (ES), including timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and cultural functions. Integrating these often conflicting objectives into forest management planning represents a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDA) problem. This study proposes a practical MCDA framework for evaluating selected ecosystem services within the Czech forest management planning system (LHP/LHO). The framework integrates forest growth simulation, ecosystem service indicators, GIS data, and MCDA methods. Five indicators were evaluated: wood production, carbon stock, erosion risk, biodiversity, and cultural ecosystem value. Criteria weights were derived using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), while management scenarios were ranked using TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and PROMETHEE methods. A pilot simulation over a 100-year horizon compared four forest management scenarios: clear-cutting, shelterwood, selective, and non-intervention management. Selective management achieved the highest multifunctional sustainability [composite sustainability index (CSI) = 0.855], combining relatively high production with strong ecological and cultural performance. Clear-cutting management maximised short-term production but showed higher erosion risk and lower biodiversity. The study demonstrates the potential of MCDA to support transparent multifunctional forest management under Central European conditions.

Uneven-aged forest management and Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) are increasingly discussed as adaptive silvicultural approaches capable of improving forest resilience under climate change, increasing disturbance frequency, and growing uncertainty in forest ecosystems. However, the conversion of structurally homogeneous stands into uneven-aged structures represents a complex optimisation problem involving economic performance, structural stability, regeneration continuity, and long-term sustainability. This study presents a multi-period optimisation framework based on size-class dynamics, transition matrices, and Liocourt-based structural regulation. The model is formulated as a quadratic optimisation problem that maximises net present value while simultaneously minimising deviations from a target uneven-aged diameter distribution. A hypothetical case study was developed to analyse the conversion of structurally homogeneous stands toward uneven-aged structures regulated by Liocourt distributions. The optimisation experiments included extensive sensitivity analyses involving combinations of q-ratio, target basal area, recruitment intensity, growth dynamics, and mortality parameters. Results demonstrate that recruitment and lower diameter class dynamics represent the dominant drivers of successful structural conversion, while harvesting alone cannot compensate for insufficient regeneration inflow. The analysis further confirms that Liocourt distributions should not be interpreted as universal biological equilibria but rather as regulatory and optimisation targets dependent on ecological, silvicultural, and economic conditions.

Forest fires are becoming an increasingly serious environmental and social problem, driven by climate change and growing anthropogenic pressure. While their ecological aspects have been widely studied, less attention has been paid to social perception and its impact on fire management. The aim of this study is to analyse the social perception of forest fires among respondents residing in Poland, with particular emphasis on levels of knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risk. A quantitative (Computer-Assisted Web Interview, CAWI) survey was conducted between November 2025 and February 2026, involving 246 participants. Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, correlation analysis, and the Relative Importance Index. The results indicate a moderate level of knowledge combined with predominantly negative attitudes toward forest fires. Significant differences were observed between socio-demographic and professional groups, with higher levels of knowledge recorded among respondents associated with forestry. A discrepancy was identified between perceived and actual knowledge, as well as a tendency to prioritise direct and visible effects of fires over long-term climatic consequences. Although some respondents recognised fire as a natural ecological process, the level of acceptance and understanding of management practices, such as controlled burning, remained limited. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening environmental education, improving risk communication, and increasing public awareness of integrated fire management methods. Given the non-probability and forestry-skewed sample, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory and cannot be generalised to the Polish population. Nevertheless, they provide insight into patterns of forest-fire perception that may inform further representative studies.