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Results 211 to 240 of 527:

Residual damage in different ground logging methods alongside skid trails and winching stripsOriginal Paper

N. Badraghi, J. Erler, S.A.O. Hosseini

J. For. Sci., 2015, 61(12):526-534 | DOI: 10.17221/50/2015-JFS

To assess the residual damage a 100% inventory method was employed in pre-hauling and post-hauling, alongside skid trails and winching strips. Inventory was executed within 6 m from each side of the skid trail or winching strip centreline (12 m width). Besides the data analysis to choose the best alternative depending on residual damage the Analysis of Multiple-criteria Approval (MA) was applied. In the winching strip, our results demonstrated that depending on the density of standing residual trees the most unfriendly alternative to standing trees was a short-length method (SLM) which damaged 27.9% of the total standing trees and the best alternative was a tree-length method (TLM) (11.89%). The most unfriendly alternative to regeneration in winching and skidding operations was SLM with damaged 21% and 9% of all seedlings, respectively. In the winching strip TLM is the best alternative depending on the number of damage trees but 72% damage degree was deep. Alongside the skid trails the highest number of damaged trees occurred in TLM (44 stems) and the lowest was in the long-length method (LLM) (10 stems); according to the density of trees also the greatest damage to trees occurred in TLM (16.73%) and the lowest was in LLM (3.13%). In addition (in winching and skidding operations), 14.31, 8.79 and 18.19% of residual trees and 9, 11 and 16% of individuals of regeneration were damaged in TLM, LLM and SLM, respectively. The results of data analysis (by SPSS and MA) indicated that the friendly alternative to residual stand in the north of Iran is a long-length method.

Impact of logging intensity on stem density, basal area and biodiversity indices five years after logging in a Caspian hardwood forestOriginal Paper

Farshad KEIVAN BEHJOU, Omid GHAFFARZADEH MOLLABASHI

J. For. Sci., 2017, 63(4):167-172 | DOI: 10.17221/103/2016-JFS

The aim of the present study was to analyse the impacts of different logging intensities after five years from logging including non-logged, low (3.4 felled stems per hectare), medium (5.2 felled stems per hectare) and high (7.1 felled stems per hectare) treatments on stem density, basal area, canopy cover, and forest biodiversity indices. The study area was located in northern Iran. Data was collected on a set of 120 circular plots with 5 m radius from both non-logged and logging areas. Stem density, basal area, and percentage of canopy cover were measured. Biodiversity study was done by measuring two diversity indices including Simpson's and Shannon-Wiener's, two richness indices including Margalef's and Menhinick's and two evenness indices including Pielou's and Hill's indices. The results indicated that the treatment with the medium logging intensity was found to cause the highest amount of positive effects on stem density, basal area, and biodiversity indices. It is concluded that harvesting intensity should be limited to a medium level (approximately 5 felled trees per hectare) during each logging operation to improve forest biodiversity indices.

Status of an indigenous agro-forestry system in changing climate: A case study of the middle Himalayan region of Tehri Garhwal, India

C. P. Kala

J. For. Sci., 2010, 56(8):373-380 | DOI: 10.17221/113/2009-JFS

The agro-forestry system is one of the best known indigenous practices for livelihood. In view of instant decline in the rainfed hill agro-forestry system the present study was undertaken in the hilly villages of Uttarakhand state of India with the major objective to assess the status and effects of various factors on this centuries old indigenous agro-forestry system. The survey documented a total of 26 herbaceous food crop species and 21 woody species that were raised by farmers in the selected villages of Uttarakhand. A total of 37 plant species available in the agro-forestry system and used for curing various ailments by traditional healers were also documented during the survey. The major cereals produced by farmers were Oryza sativa L., Echinochloa frumentoacea Link., Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertner and Triticum aestivum L. The indigenous system of cropping was locally called as Baranaja that revolved around the production of > 12 varieties of crops. Besides food, the species grown in the agro-forestry system were used for multiple purposes. Water scarcity, migration of youth in search of employment and changing socio-economic and climatic conditions were some of the major reasons for declining agro-forestry system and abandoning the agricultural land.

Accuracy of Structure from Motion models in comparison with terrestrial laser scanner for the analysis of DBH and height influence on error behaviourOriginal Paper

D. Panagiotidis, P. Surový, K. Kuželka

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(8):357-365 | DOI: 10.17221/92/2015-JFS

With the advantage of Structure from Motion technique, we reconstructed three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional image sequences in a circular plot with a radius of 6 m. The main objective of this research was to clarify the potential of using a low cost hand-held camera for evaluation of the stem accuracy reconstruction, through the comparison of data from two different point clouds. The first cloud comprises data collected with a digital camera that are compared with those collected by direct measurement of the FARO® Focus3D S120 laser scanner. Photos were taken in a circular plot of pine trees using the stop-and-go method. We estimated the Euclidean distance for corresponding points for both clouds and we found out that most of the points with error less than 11 cm are concentrated mainly on the ground. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between height above ground and error, the error is more pronounced for points located higher on the stems. As expected, no dependence was found between the error of the points and the diameter at breast height of their respective stems.

Influence of agricultural crops adjacent to forest on woody species browsing: Is it advantageous to have a tasty neighbour?Original Paper

J. Kamler, M. Homolka

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(1):41-46 | DOI: 10.17221/71/2015-JFS

Preference of biotopes and selection of food by wild herbivores are more complicated in a cultural landscape used for agriculture than in natural conditions. Agricultural management significantly affects the feeding as well as cover conditions of the environment and changes in quality and accessibility of food sources occur throughout the year. We studied the consumption of agricultural crops and impact on tree shoots by herbivores in a mosaic landscape. Large herbivores utilized the food supply on the lands outside the forest environment during winter and early spring and in summer. In summer the cereal grains were preferred by herbivores and accounted for a significant share in their diet. The intensity of shoot browsing differed between the localities and between the studied woody species but was not lower due to the presence of attractive crops near the forest. The utilization of food outside the forest may help the animals to survive the winter but the potential of this food for reducing tree browsing in the forest is low.

Innovative approaches in forest management - the application of a business model to designing a small-scale forestry strategyOriginal Paper

Richard PEK, Marcel RIEDL, Vilém JARSKÝ

J. For. Sci., 2017, 63(9):393-400 | DOI: 10.17221/17/2017-JFS

The strong market competition forces forest owners to find innovative approaches to forest management, and business models are becoming integral parts of successful innovations and business strategies. This paper deals with the applicability of a business model (as an innovation tool) for small forest owners. The main objectives were to design a business model applicable in the forestry sector and to find the innovative business alternatives for the small-scale forest owner reflecting the local situation (in a case study in the Czech Republic). The extended business model CANVAS was used. The embedded data was evaluated on the software developed at the Savonia University in Finland where business opportunity and competitive advantage were the main evaluation criteria. As a result, a proposed strategy was advised to be followed. The biggest added value of the extended CANVAS model is giving an objective and unbiased evaluation of the situation of small forest owners. The business model design proved a usable and applicable tool to be used in forest management, for the research has shown that the quantitative data should be complemented by qualitative research in order to get the complex view.

Productivity and cost of farm tractor skidding

N. Gilanipoor, A. Najafi, S.M. Heshmat Alvaezin

J. For. Sci., 2012, 58(1):21-26 | DOI: 10.17221/4804-JFS

In this study, productivity rate and operation cost of farm tractor were evaluated in a mountainous natural forest. Data for the study came from a detailed time study in the Research and Educational Forest of Tarbiat Modares University (REFTMU) and was used to develop a multiple linear regression model to predict the skidding cycle time. The results showed that effective independent variables of skidding time were skidding distance and slope of skid trail (P = 0.01). Average productivity rate ranged from 2.43 to 2.60 m2.h-1. Total time and effective time, respectively. Total cost of the system was 10.24 USD.h-1 whereas 4.58% of the cost of skidding resulted from personal delay. The cost and productivity resulting from this study emphasized the importance for foresters to consider a farm tractor when designing skidding operations in young stands or prescribing a combination of two machines in mature stands.

Financial and socio-economic impacts of nature conservation on forestry in Slovakia

M. Kovalčík, Z. Sarvašová, M. Schwarz, M. Moravčík, M. Oravec, J. Lásková, J. Tutka

J. For. Sci., 2012, 58(10):425-435 | DOI: 10.17221/14/2012-JFS

The article deals with financial and socio-economic impacts of nature conservation in forest and wood industries of Slovakia. The paper presents costs and losses of state budget, forest enterprises and wood-processing companies caused by restrictions related to Act No. 543/2002 on Nature and Landscape Protection. Total financial impacts were calculated at 26.98 mil. EUR and total socio-economic impacts based on revenues of the wood-processing industry at 167.81 mil. EUR, which means a loss of 2,268 jobs. These financial and socio-economic impacts were partially compensated, the sum of compensations reached 2.79 mil. EUR.

Impact of climatic conditions on the reproductive phenological phases of European hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in SlovakiaOriginal Paper

J. Škvareninová

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(2):47-52 | DOI: 10.17221/55/2015-JFS

The work presents the results of phenological observations of flowering and fruit ripeness of the European hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in Slovakia in two time periods: 1964-1983, and 1994-2013. The phenological stations at elevations from 100 to 875 m a.s.l. were grouped to 7 elevation zones, each 100 m wide. In the first studied period, flowering started on 19 March on average, while in the second period it started 5 days earlier. The average duration of flowering equal to 7-9 days did not depend on the elevation, but on the air temperature and weather patterns in the different elevation zones. During the first period, the average elevation gradient of flowering was 5.6 days per 100 elevation meters, while in the second period it was reduced to 3.5 days in the entire elevation profile. In the elevation zones between 300 and 500 m, a high correlation (P < 0.01) between the onset of flowering and elevation was reduced to a moderate level of correlation due to changing environmental conditions. In 1994-2013, the ripeness of hazel nuts started on average on 30 August in Slovakia, showed low variability and moderate correlation with elevation. The phenological elevation gradient was 2.9 days per 100 m of elevation.

Changes of forest abiotic environment in the Western Carpathians assessed using phytoindicationOriginal Paper

W. Żelazny

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(4):133-142 | DOI: 10.17221/8/2014-JFS

To avoid ecosystem degradation, forestry planning needs to be based on current information about the state of forest environment. Phytoindication is an inexpensive tool that allows tracking the environmental change at fine spatial scales. The present study uses this approach to assess changes within abiotic conditions of forests in the area of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids Mts. (Czech Republic). Phytosociological relevés collected in 2013 at 118 permanent plots were compared with records from the 1960s and 1970s. The changes were expressed using average Ellenberg's Indicator Values and units of the Czech Forest Typological System. Persisting soil acidification was detected, and linked to industrial deposition and planting of Norway spruce beyond its natural range. Conversion towards a higher share of broadleaved species was suggested to support soil recovery.

The first contribution to the fauna of psocids (Insecta: Psocoptera) in forests in the Drahanská vrchovina Hills (Czech Republic)Original Paper

D. Mazáč

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(5):211-222 | DOI: 10.17221/97/2015-JFS

Taxocenosis of psocids (Psocoptera) was studied in the territory of the Drahanská vrchovina Hills in the Czech Republic. Representative research plots were selected in forest ecosystems with natural species composition and spatial structure (small-scale strictly protected areas) as well as in forest ecosystems with altered tree species composition and spatial structure. Research was conducted in three altitudinal vegetation zones (AVZ): in 2nd communities of Fagi-querceta s. lat. (beech-oak forests), 3rd Querci-fageta s. lat. (oak-beech forests) and 4th Fageta abietis (beech forests with fir). Research plots are situated at altitudes ranging between 275 and 540 m a.s.l. In the 2013 growing season, totally 3,474 imagoes and 2,532 nymphs of 32 psocid species were collected. Of those, 748 imagoes of 25 psocid species were collected in Fagi-querceta. The occurrence of Caecilius burmeisteri, Caecilius flavidus and Graphopsocus cruciatus was eudominant. 2,194 imagoes of 23 psocid species were found in Querci-fageta, eudominant were there Caecilius flavidus and Caecilius burmeisteri. 532 imagoes of 18 psocid species were found in Fageta abietis, eudominant were there: Caecilius flavidus, Peripsocus subfasciatus and Caecilius burmeisteri. In respect to the species composition, 3rd AVZ and 4th AVZ are similar to each other while 2nd AVZ is less similar.

Relation between selected indicators of forest stand diversity and quality of timber production in managed Central European forestsOriginal Paper

J. Merganič, K. Merganičová, R. Marušák, L. Tipmann, L. Šálek, L. Dragoun, R. Stolariková

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(3):97-106 | DOI: 10.17221/94/2015-JFS

The present study examines the relationship between the quality of timber production and the species and structural diversity of forest stands. The data used came from a regional forest inventory of the University Forest Enterprise "Kostelec nad Černými lesy", Czech Republic. The inventory was performed from 2009 to 2011 on 1,188 sample plots that represented 86 strata defined by the combination of three variables: site (5 categories), age (12 categories) and canopy cover (5 categories). On each sample plot, we quantified 171 partial biodiversity indicators that represented species or structural diversity. The quality of timber production was specified by four indicators quantified using local assortment tables. In total, we analysed 58,824 univariate linear regressions describing the relationships between diversity indicators and timber quality in individual strata. The results revealed that their relationship changes with stand age. The proportion of the best-quality assortments increases with the increasing species richness in all age categories.

Analysis of coniferous species to identify and distinguish juvenile and mature woodOriginal Paper

M. Nawrot, W. Pazdrowski, R. Walkowiak, M. Szymański, K. Kaźmierczak

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(4):143-153 | DOI: 10.17221/78/2013-JFS

We conducted to describe methods used to differentiate the zones of juvenile and mature wood in stems of coniferous species and to present the importance of good identification of the shares of both types of wood to ensure a rational use of the raw material and final quality of wood products. This study describes in more detail a novel method to separate the juvenile and mature wood tissue in stems of European larch using cluster analysis in the form of the k-means algorithm. Moreover, guidelines were also shortly described for forest management which could result in a reduction of the share of juvenile wood in stems of forest trees.

The assessment of forestry companies in the Czech Republic with focus on profitabilityOriginal Paper

M. Levá, H. Čermáková, M. Stárová, H. Vostrovská

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(3):116-125 | DOI: 10.17221/88/2015-JFS

The paper deals with the evaluation of economy of forestry companies. The evaluation stems from the results of economic analyses of enterprises that are further monitored in the context of forestry and development of economic financial ratios of evaluated companies. Furthermore, the evaluation is based on real possibilities of companies stemming from resources which they have at their disposal and on the facts that occurred in the selected companies in the monitored period. The development of important factors influencing the whole branch of forestry and their real state are introduced in the first part of the paper. After that, methods used in financial analysis of enterprises are described. The fact that forest land in the Czech Republic covered 2.66 million hectares in 2014 and its proportion in the total area of the country is 34% adds importance to the topic (Czech Statistical Yearbook 2015).

Inventory of rodent damage to forests

J. Kamler, K. Turek, M. Homolka, P. Baňař, M. Barančeková, M. Heroldová, J. Krojerová, J. Suchomel, L. Purchart

J. For. Sci., 2011, 57(5):219-225 | DOI: 10.17221/115/2010-JFS

Conversion of coniferous monocultures to more stable mixed stands is one of the crucial tasks of present forestry in the Czech Republic. One of the factors hampering this process is the activity of small rodents that can cause severe damage to young plantations in winter. Little knowledge is still available of the ecology of small mammals in the forest environment and of the factors influencing their distribution and extent of damage. In order to acquire relevant information on rodent impacts on forest regeneration, we mapped the cumulated damage to forest plantations in 13 regions within the Czech Republic in 2007 and 2008. We checked 19,650 trees of eight species on 393 plots. Broadleaves were affected by browsing much more than conifers (20% and 4%, respectively). Of the monitored species, beech was damaged the most frequently (26% individuals). Browsing intensity differed among the regions (6-60% browsed individuals). The least damaged were the plantations at the altitudes below 400 m a.s.l.; on higher located plots the browsing intensity showed no trend. The proportion of damaged trees increased with plantation age up to 6 years, then it did not vary significantly. This study has confirmed that rodents are an important factor with a negative influence on the regeneration of broadleaves. Bark browsing in young trees is affected by several factors and the prediction of damage is complicated. Further research should improve the prediction of the bark browsing threat to young plantations and at the same time the efficiency of protection against rodent-caused damage.

Testing of microbial additives in the rooting of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) stem cuttings

I. Repáč, J. Vencurik, M. Balanda

J. For. Sci., 2011, 57(12):555-564 | DOI: 10.17221/21/2011-JFS

Laboratory-produced alginate-bead inoculum of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi Cortinarius sp. and Gomphidius glutinosus, fungal commercial products ECtovit® and Trichomil®, bacterial commercial product BactoFil B®, and commercial rooting stimulator Vetozen® were applied to a peat-perlite (1:2, v:v) rooting substrate of Norway spruce stem cuttings collected from 4-year-old nursery-grown seedlings immediately before the insertion of cuttings into the substrate. The application of beads free of fungi and the substrate without an additive were the other treatments. The cuttings were rooted in vessels (60 cuttings per vessel, 180 per treatment) placed in a glasshouse and arranged in a randomized complete block design. The cuttings were estimated for one growing season (approximately for 26 weeks) after their insertion into the rooting substrate. Rooting % of the cuttings ranged from 45 (mycelium-free beads) to 75 (control) according to treatments, 64 on average. No significant differences among treatments were found in % of ECM morphotypes, total ECM colonization of roots (%), and growth parameters of shoots and roots of the cuttings. The applied microbial additives were not sufficiently efficient to form treatment-related ectomycorrhizas that were formed by naturally occurring ECM fungi. Inoculation by the ECM fungus Cortinarius sp. and application of Trichomil had a partial stimulative effect on the shoot growth of cuttings. Shoot and root growth parameters were not significantly correlated with total ECM colonization, except for a negative dependence of the root number in Trichomil treatment. A higher concentration of K but lower concentrations of Ca and Mg in Ectovit treatment than in the other treatments were detected.

Predicting the earthwork width and determining the annual growth loss due to forest road construction using artificial neural network and ArcGISOriginal Paper

S. Peyrov, A. Najafi, A.R. Nourodini

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(7):337-344 | DOI: 10.17221/110/2015-JFS

The area of forest destruction as well as the annual growth loss due to road construction before constructing a road was predicted. To do this, road cross sections of 88 points along the 10 km proposed road were predicted using Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network with two input parameters of hillside slope and rock share within MATLAB software. Then according to the predicted width, the area of road earthwork as well as the area of roadside with a 10 m width was calculated in ArcGIS software. Finally, by overlaying the inventory network layer on the road map and by knowing the annual growth (m3) for each plot the growth loss of the area of road earthwork was calculated and one-third of the annual growth increment was considered to calculate the growth loss of the roadside. According to the results, for the construction of a 10 km long road in the region, 12.98 ha of forest area is destructed due to road construction, of which 5.36 ha is destructed resulting from earthwork operations and 7.61 ha occurs in the roadside and its growth is influenced by road construction. With the construction of the road, in total, 32.606 m3 of growth will be lost annually, of which 22.221 m3 is due to road earthwork that is completely removed from the forest annual growth cycle and 10.384 m3 of the growth loss belongs to the roadside which is decreased resulting from road construction.

Silvicultural potential of northern red oak and its regeneration - ReviewReview

S. Miltner, I. Kupka

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(4):145-152 | DOI: 10.17221/115/2015-JFS

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra Linnaeus) is a promising species which could help to mitigate the sanitary problems. Northern red oak is also a commercial species and offers many environmental services. Northern red oak prefers rather dry acidic sites commonly found in Bohemia. The literature confirms that the species is quite fertile but acorn production is highly variable. Northern red oak seedlings develop a long tap root during their first year, which enhances their survival and performance. Different silvicultural systems are proposed and pros and cons are discussed in this review including their influences on forest floor and soil.

Assessing economic pressure on the forest fund of Maramureș County - RomaniaOriginal Paper

C.C. Draghici, D. Peptenatu, A.G. Simion, R.D. Pintilii, D.C. Diaconu, C. Teodorescu, R.M. Papuc, A.M. Grigore, C.R. Dobrea

J. For. Sci., 2016, 62(4):175-185 | DOI: 10.17221/72/2015-JFS

Romania is also included among the European Union countries where deforested areas have radically increased in recent years, with mountain areas being the most affected. The pressure on the forest fund was analysed in the Maramureş County, as one of the most deforested counties of Romania. In view of assessing the forest area evolution, forested and deforested areas have been calculated for the period 2001-2012, using the Global Forest Change 2000-2012 database provided by the Department of Geographical Sciences, Maryland University. The economic pressure quantification was monitored by developing a database on economic activities based upon the loggings carried out in the period 2001-2012. This database comprises the number of companies, their turnover, profit and the number of employees for the economic sectors causing pressure on the forest fund. The outcomes show a dramatic increase in deforested areas, amounting to over 16,500 ha in the Maramureș County. Nearly 5,000 ha have been deforested in Borșa, the commune with the largest deforested areas in the period 2000-2012, causing major imbalances to the local ecosystem.

Economic evaluation of natural forest park using the travel cost method (case study; Masouleh forest park, north of Iran)Original Paper

S. Mohammadi Limaei, H. Ghesmati, R. Rashidi, N.Yamini

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(6):254-261 | DOI: 10.17221/84/2013-JFS

We evaluated recreational and socioeconomic values of Masouleh forest park, north of Iran. Travel Cost Method (TCM) or Clawson method was used for evaluation. Therefore, 96 questionnaires were distributed among the visitors. The results indicated that the variables such as travel time to the park, travel costs, age and education were effective variables in using the park. The results show that there is a significant relation between travel time and the number of visitors whereas by increasing travel time the number of visitors decreased. Furthermore, there is a significant relation between the number of visitors as a dependent variable and travel costs whereas when the travel cost increases, the number of visitors decreases. Results indicated that the willingness to pay decreased by increasing the entrance fee. The models estimated an average willingness to pay 12,500 Iranian Rials per visit. The results also indicated that the average round trip travel cost was 85.5 (10,000 Iranian Rials).

Why was browsing by red deer more frequent but represented less consumed mass in young maple than in ash trees?!Original Paper

B. Konôpka, J. Pajtík

J. For. Sci., 2015, 61(10):431-438 | DOI: 10.17221/70/2015-JFS

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) are considered amongst tree species as some of the most attractive forage for red deer (Cervus elaphus). The aim of this paper is to estimate branch and foliage mass browsing by red deer in young Sycamore maple and European ash in Central Slovakia and to analyze interspecific differences in browsing frequency and quantity. Altogether 665 ash trees and 701 maple trees were measured for height and stem diameter at the ground level. Red deer browsing, defined as leader shoot or lateral branch cropping, was recorded for all trees. A combination of the diameter of browsed branches and branch regression models allowed for the estimation of browsed (potentially consumed) mass by red deer. Results show that browsing occurred more frequently on maple (5 cases per tree) compared to ash (3 cases per tree); however, more total branch biomass was consumed in ash (10.7 g per tree) compared to maple (2.6 g per tree). This is because browsed branches were larger in ash than in maple. We assume that the difference in the size of browsed branches between ash and maple is relative to species-specific branch morphological and structural features.

Selected results of the survey focused on the economic assessment of forest ecosystem servicesOriginal Paper

P. Hlaváčková, D. Březina, J. Meňházová

J. For. Sci., 2015, 61(7):282-290 | DOI: 10.17221/12/2015-JFS

A survey was conducted in the Training Forest Enterprise called Masaryk Forest in Křtiny (TFE Křtiny) in order to determine the extent of recreational use of the area, visitors' travel costs and their willingness to pay for services provided by the forest ecosystem of TFE Křtiny in the years 2013-2014. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the partial results of the research from 2013 and 2014 which was focused on the economic assessment of the recreational potential of the TFE MF Křtiny. The busiest roads in the forest road network and bike trails located in the Bílovice nad Svitavou forest district were selected. The results can be used to assess the impact of the forest enterprise on the economic and social development of the area, to measure the attractiveness, quality and facilities offered in the forest.

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 parts of the aboveground biomass (ca 40%). Needles and stem wood accounted for approximately 26 and 28% and stem bark only for 6%. At the age of 22 years, the investigated substitute blue spruce stand accumulated: N - 336 kg, P - 28 kg, K - 138 kg, Ca - 159 kg, Mg - 28 kg per hectare. Thinning with the consequent removal of aboveground biomass (54% of trees, 40% of basal area at the age of 16 years) represented a loss of ca 8.7 thousand kg/ha of total biomass, which contained 53 kg of N, 5 kg of P, 22 kg of K, 26 kg of Ca and 4 kg of Mg. The removal of biomass in areas previously degraded by acid deposition may result in the deficiency of Ca and Mg because of their low content in forest soil. On the other hand, thinning supported the faster growth of trees left after thinning and consequently faster biomass and nutrient accumulation.

Effect of repeated fertilization on stem growth in old stands of Pinus sylvestris in South East NorwayOriginal Paper

O. Haveraaen, L.H. Frivold

J. For. Sci., 2015, 61(2):72-79 | DOI: 10.17221/110/2014-JFS

We studied effects of repeated applications of nitrogen on stem growth of mature Scots pine at four sites with yield potential around 3 - 4.5 m3 ha‑1 yr‑1. Treatments included control (0) and fertilization with ammonium nitrate at 100 and 200 kg N ha‑1. Some plots were supplied with corresponding doses of urea. Applications were repeated up to five times, at five to twenty years intervals. Plot size was 22 x 22 m with buffer zones of 4 m. Measurements were made on an inner plot, 14 x 14 m. Tree ring widths usually reached a maximum two to four years after fertilization, returning to about the original level after seven to ten years. Responses were larger to 200 than to 100 kg N ha‑1. Annual volume increment over the experimental period was 1.5 to 2.0 m3 ha-1 larger in plots provided with 200 kg N ha-1 than in control plots, or even more as the buffer zones of 4 m did not completely exclude tree roots from growing into neighbouring plots.

Some methodological aspects of the National Forest Inventory and Monitoring in Slovakia

Š. Šmelko, J. Merganič

J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(10):476-483 | DOI: 10.17221/26/2008-JFS

The work presents the conceptual information about the National Forest Inventory and Monitoring in Slovakia. It introduces some methodological approaches to the field data collection (determination of tree heights by two-phase method, regression formulas for tree volumes and assortments of forest tree species, quantification of deadwood volume in sample plots) and biometrical models prepared for data processing and generalisation of the results. The design and conception of Slovak National Forest Inventory and Monitoring were set with the aim to enable providing complex and integrated information about the state and changes of production and ecological characteristics of the forest ecosystems.

Climate change, air pollution and global challenges. Understanding and perspectives from forest researchReview

R. Matyssek, N. Clarke, P. Cudlin, T.N. Mikkelsen, J.P. Tuovinen, G. Wieser, E. Paoletti

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(8):351-352 | DOI: 10.17221/73/2014-JFS

Climate change, air pollution and global challenges. Understanding and perspectives from forest research R. Matyssek, N. Clarke, P. Cudlin, T.N. Mikkelsen, J.P. Tuovinen, G. Wieser, E. Paoletti Developments in Environmental Science 13. Elsevier Ltd., Oxford, 2013 622 pages, ISBN 978-0-08-098349-3. € 142.31.

Production impacts of forest tree breeding on an example of Norway spruce

J. Kobliha, M. Slávik, V. Hynek, J. Klápště, J. Stejskal

J. For. Sci., 2010, 56(8):348-352 | DOI: 10.17221/34/2010-JFS

The present paper evaluates the height, diameter and stem volume of parental tree progenies. These Norway spruce progenies are compared with the control estimated from tables. The control was overperformed in all measured growth parameters. Heights of selected spruce progenies at the age of 26 years ranged from 9.2 m (K10) to 10.7 m (K2). The control height was 6.4 m. In the evaluation of diameters, progeny K4 showed the best mean dbh (13.7 cm) while the progeny K17 was rated as the thinnest (10.5 cm). We compared these data with the control diameter of 6.5 cm. The mean volumes of selected material varied from 0.097 m3 (K9) to 0.047 m3 (K17) while the kontrol presented 0.0172 m3. Keywords: economic efficiency; forest tree breeding; growth; Norway spruce; production

Analysis of herbicide effects on Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) natural regeneration

V. Hart, M. Nentvichová-Hartová, P. Tauchman

J. For. Sci., 2010, 56(5):209-217 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2009-JFS

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) natural regeneration under parent stand after weed suppression was investigated in the area of the Training Forest Enterprise in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. The study evaluates two measurements made in a two-year interval. The parent stand, where Douglas fir grows in mixture with our domestic tree species, is one of the oldest and most productive stands at the Training Forest Enterprise in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. Herbicides for the control of weeds were applied onto three permanent experimental plots under the parent stand. Measurements done on the plots show a high potential of natural regeneration in areas where the negative impact of forest weeds was suppressed. This conclusion is acknowledged by the high seedling number found on research plots treated with herbicides. The number of Douglas fir seedlings varied from 21,600 per hectare counted on the plot treated with Dominator to 26,650 seedlings on the plot with Velpar treatment even six years after the soil preparation. Statistical analysis confirmed that the seedling number on the plot without any chemical preparation was significantly lower, only 950 individuals per hectare (χ2 = 926.84, df = 3, P << 0.01).

Outlook of logging perspectives in the Czech Republic for the period 2013-2032Original Paper

M. Synek, J. Vašíček, M. Zeman

J. For. Sci., 2014, 60(9):372-381 | DOI: 10.17221/37/2014-JFS

The aim of the submitted work was to analyze the outlook of logging perspectives in the next two decades (2013-2032) for all forests in the territory of the Czech Republic. The analyses made use of the national database of forest management plans and guidelines. For the purpose of these analyses, the forests were divided into commercially exploitable forests and forests commercially exploitable with restrictions. The latter ones included protection forests and the category of special purpose forests, i.e. 31c - forests in the territory of national parks and national nature reserves, and 32a - forests occurring in the first zones of protected landscape areas, and forests occurring in nature preserves and nature monuments. In addition to the potential total volume of timber logging, perspectives were studied separately for coniferous and broadleaved tree species as well as for individual main tree species. The derived model mean annual cut of 15.51 mil. m3 corresponds to the current timber production in the Czech Republic. Results of the analyses indicate that reduced logging of coniferous, namely spruce, timber is to be expected in the next twenty years.

Time consumption and productivity analysis of timber trucking using two kinds of trucks in northern IranOriginal Paper

R. Mousavi, R. Naghdi

J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(5):211-221 | DOI: 10.17221/10/2013-JFS

Increasing productivity and reducing cost in long-distance transportation have become increasingly important in the logistics of forest harvesting operations. This paper presents the research results of the performance of loading with Volvo 4500 BM and timber trucking using two types of common trucks in the Nav watershed in Iran. Both trucks can carry logs shorter than 7.8 m in length. The study used a time study based on empirical data for loads collected from one procurement district in the Nav watershed. The models included the following explanatory factors: driving distance, number of logs, and load volume. The time consumption and productivity of loading and timber trucking depends on several variables such as volume and number of logs per cycle. To evaluate the current transportation system in the Nav watershed, the empirical time study was conducted. Since transportation includes several phases and since many factors affect the work performance, significant variation in the total transportation time was observed. This makes planning and cost accounting more difficult. The models developed in the study are a promising way to support route planning and optimization, and cost and profitability calculation for trucking en­trepreneurs and the forest industry. The average productivity of log transportation was 2.84 and 3.4 m3.effective h-1 for the dump truck and chassis truck, respectively. The average hauling unit cost was 18 and 15 USD.m-3 in the dump truck and chassis truck, respectively.

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