Fulltext search in archive

The aim of this work was to study the use of different types of wood products by the G20 countries. In the current scenario, every country is concerned about the severe exploitation of forests and the ensuing lack of markets for timber. Production and consumption of wood and wood products by the G20 countries account for 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. Data for the study includes eight major categories of wood products in the G20 countries from 2004 to 2021: industrial raw wood, sawlogs and veneer logs, sawn wood, wood fuel, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, pulp for paper, wood pellets, and other agglomerates. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were used to predict the production, export, and import behaviour of wood and wood products from 2022 to 2030. According to the findings, the G20 countries would consume 1 644.6 million m³ of industrial raw wood in 2030, followed by 984.8 million m³ of sawlogs and veneer logs, 454.7 million m³ of sawn wood, 882.5 million m³ of wood fuel, 406.2 million t of paper and paperboard, 199.4 million t of pulp for paper, and 51.7 million t of wood pellets and other agglomerates. This study provides decision-makers with an analysis of the production and consumption of wood product markets in the G20 countries, which can be used for policy decisions.

The bark beetle, Pityogenes scitus Blandford, 1893 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is one of the main pests in Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson, 1938 (Pinaceae) stands, and it has also been found on other Oriental Pinaceae species. This pest is aggressive and has caused significant loss of host trees, but little is known of its biology and ecology. Based on the field and laboratory observations, this study describes the detailed bioecology of P. scitus. This beetle pest overwinters in larval stage on blue pine (P. wallichiana) trees in Kashmir. After emergence, the adults fly to suitable trees and undergo maturation feeding for 4-6 days. Reproduction is polygamous type. After mating, each of the females makes one gallery with an average length 2.30 (± 0.41 SD) cm. The female lays 26.53 (± 6.32 SD) eggs on an average. The eggs hatch in 5 to 10 days. The larvae have 5 instars and complete their development in 18 to 28 days constructing larval galleries 1.76 (± 0.25 SD) cm in length. The larvae pupate for 13-22 days and finally the adults emerge to attack new suitable trees. The adults live for 28-40 days and the total life-span of this species ranges from 66 to 92 days. The seasonal distribution of various developmental stages and the number of generations were also recorded (5 generations (the last a partial one) per year in Kashmir). In general, the life cycle of P. scitus is similar to those described for other Pityogenes Bedel, 1 888 species.

This study investigates differences in carbon storage between managed and unmanaged forests in the growth conditions of Central Europe. Norway spruce (Picea abies), European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) dominated forest types were considered, as these are the most common forest species in the Czech Republic. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), as the second most common species, was excluded due to lacking relevant reference data on unmanaged forests. Managed and unmanaged variants of each forest type were assessed in terms of carbon sequestered in biomass, dead wood and harvested wood products (in the managed variant). Harvested wood products yielded during two rotation periods were considered, including their substitution effect as well as respiratory losses, to fully assess their contribution to carbon balance. Average carbon storage in the above-ground biomass and deadwood was lower in the managed forest compared to the unmanaged forest in comparable growth conditions. However, this difference is in our model examples compensated by carbon stored in the harvested wood products including their substitution effect in the managed forests of Norway spruce and pedunculate oak. Contrarily, managed European beech forests showed, in our case, slightly lower carbon storage compared to the unmanaged alternative. The estimates for all species are considered to be rather conservative due to the assumed factors affecting the results. Due to generally limited comparative data on unmanaged forests in the region, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Normal log lengths in Norway are 3–6 m (NL), but occasionally there is a demand for short timber with a 2.5 m log length (ST). There are concerns that ST could reduce the forwarders' productivity. Six type stands were created based on harvester data. Different assortment distributions, conditions, and forwarders were simulated in each type stand. It was found that an additional ST assortment almost always decreased productivity (from –15.5 to +4%). Increased forwarding distance (m), more difficult driving conditions, and increased log concentration [m³·(100 m strip road)^–1] decreased the productivity difference between sites with ST and NL and sites with only NL. Increased forwarder size increased the productivity difference between sites with ST and NL and sites with only NL. It is possible to load two stacks of ST on some forwarders. Such loading was more productive than loading one stack on longer forwarding distances, while the opposite was the case on short distances. However, loading two stacks of ST can lead to overloading.

An unprecedented bark beetle outbreak has led to a significant decline in forest cover in Central Europe in the last 10 years, affecting an area estimated at more than 200 000 ha in the Czech Republic. Among the many ecological threats associated with extensive clearings, the potential alteration of hydrological processes is one of the most important. Therefore, after 2022, the precipitation–runoff balance in three catchments in the Jeseníky Mts. area was studied. This study focuses on the rainfall variability within the area, which was measured using 24 rain gauges deployed to cover different altitudes as well as the geographical exposures of the mountain catchments. Precipitation data was evaluated based on seven-day totals within the frost-free period. There was a significant increase in precipitation with altitude (12% increase for every 100 m a.s.l.) but only in less than half (48.7%) of the evaluated periods. No significant trend was demonstrated in the remaining periods, and a negative trend in precipitation with altitude was identified in 8.9% of cases. Additionally, the role of exposure was insignificant, although a tendency towards slightly lower precipitation was found for the eastern exposure at altitudes up to 1 000 m a.s.l., which may be related to the prevailing wind direction. We concluded that even a relatively dense monitoring network is not necessarily sufficient to provide accurate precipitation data in forested catchments, especially in mountain areas. Under such conditions, the use of complex models that also use radar data is recommended.

This paper deals with the comparison of the general public perception and the opinion of state forest managers on image of the state forest enterprise. The research was organised during the period 2015-2019. One group of respondents involved all managers of 23 sub-enterprises of state forest enterprise Lesy SR. The other group consisted of 384 respondents representing the general public residing in the Banská Bystrica region. Structured questionnaire with one open and 16 closed questions was applied for data collection with a help of electronic means. Collected data were processed with descriptive (particularly frequency analysis) and two-dimensional statistical methods. The results of the image inquiry aimed at three issues: (i) perceptions of the forest management effectiveness of the state versus non-state forest enterprises, (ii) perception of marketing strategy and its tools of the state forest enterprise, and (iii) comparison between public awareness/experience with public relations activities of the state forest enterprise.

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.

Dragon trees, arborescent members of the genus Dracaena (Asparagaceae), provide a wide range of ecosystem services and have been ethnobotanically important plants since ancient times. Currently, their relictual distribution is fragmented, populations are isolated and often under threat. We provide a brief overview of scientific studies and the state of knowledge on dragon trees published since 2020, when the last review was published. More than 120 papers dealing with dragon trees have appeared, indicating a significant interest in their research, cultural uses and conservation. The most intensively investigated species are Dracaena cochinchinensis, D. cinnabari, D. draco and D. cambodiana. Almost half of the papers deal with the chemical composition of resin and its bioactivity, in addition to studies on ecology, conservation and genetics. Only a few studies are devoted to taxonomy and ethnobotany.

In 2021, measurements were done at two international provenance research trials for silver fir originating from the same series of experiments. The investigation was carried out in the location Vítkov and Úsov, where both trials were established. Biometric data (tree height, diameter at breast height) were measured and qualitative traits (stem shape, occurrence of stem forking, stem damage, bark pattern, and defoliation) were assessed during the early mature stage of the experiment. Overbark stem volume and per-hectare standing volume were also calculated. Sixty-five provenances of domestic and foreign origin were evaluated in both trials. Although the results do not indicate unequivocally the most suitable or most productive provenance in the trials, provenances of Czech origin including the ones originating from the surrounding natural forest areas perform consistently better than the average. The least productive provenances, on the other hand, were those from parts of Bulgaria, Austria, and especially Italy, which achieved the poorest results even in stem shape. In Czech conditions, therefore, Italian fir provenances have not proved so successful as they have in the United Kingdom.

Assimilation (A) and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency value light response curves [A/PPFD and PSII/PPFD curves (PPFD – photosynthetic photon flux density)] of promising black locust clones (NK2 and PL251) and the registered Üllői clone were analysed to study the net assimilation rates and PSII efficiency within the function of PPFD levels. The natural logarithmic regression functions fitted well to the measured data points for A/PPFD, R² values varied between 0.9515–0.9884. For PSII/PPFD values, we used the exponential regression function with R² ranging from 0.9948 to 0.9989. Except for PL251, the A/PPFD curves of the tested clones increased steadily with increasing illumination levels but flattened at the 600 µmol·m^–2·s^–1 PPFD level due to the effect of photorespiration on the assimilation rate. For PL251, the A/PPFD curve decreased at the 1 200 µmol·m^–2·s^–1 PPFD level. Unlike A/PPFD results, the PSII/PPFD exponential curve decreased as the PPFD level increased. Europe is forecast to experience significant negative climate change factors, including increased drought, heat, and irregular precipitation. Under such conditions, relatively drought-tolerant tree species such as black locust will play a vital role in new afforestation and uninterrupted wood supply. Consequently, growing and improving newly bred black locust clones, including the ecophysiological studies of relatively drought-tolerant clones, is increasingly vital.

Juglans pyriformis Liebm. (Juglandaceae) is a threatened and endemic tree that grows in the cloud forest of Mexico. Natural populations of this species have been reduced due to, among others, changes in land use, overexploitation, and logging, with probable effects on its genetic diversity and structure. To determine the levels of variation and genetic structure of two populations with different silvicultural regimes, six inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers were used to amplify DNA from 35 individuals from a high-logging population and 32 from a low-logging population. The results show a higher polymorphism in the low-logging population (81.5%) compared to the high-logging population (77.4%). The genetic differentiation coefficient (PhiPT) values (0.109), genetic distance (0.134) and STRUCTURE analysis (Fst = 0.2271, P = 0.04) show significant genetic differentiation between populations. Rare, private, and monomorphic bands were detected in both populations. These results confirm the trend of reduced genetic variation due to logging.

In this paper, empirical relationships between diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter (CD), and stem number per hectare (N) were improved in a Paulownia Shan Tong plantation. Various functions of these variables were defined, focusing on growing space (G_s) and stem number per hectare. The linear crown index between CD and DBH seems to be particularly important in predicting stem number per hectare. Based on an analysis of the relationships, a CD-DBH (R² = 0.7254) and a DBH-N graphic model (R² = 0.7302) can be applied widely in plantation forestry. Under suitable site conditions, the investigated Paulownia hybrid can provide a higher increment in DBH than most of poplar hybrids at a certain age. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between the G_s based on CD and DBH. These types of investigations are of fundamental importance in terms of the growing technology of tree plantations.

We compared the biological and economic effects of simultaneous artificial regeneration of mixtures of pioneers (birch – Betula pendula Roth or aspen – Populus tremula L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) with plots of monospecific beech. During the period of two years, the height of young beech trees, their mortality, and the regeneration cost were analysed in the following treatments: monospecific beech (9 000 pcs·ha⁻¹), monospecific beech (5 000 pcs·ha⁻¹), beech/birch (5 000/2 500 pcs·ha⁻¹) and beech/aspen (5 000/2 500 pcs·ha⁻¹). Four plots (differing in soil and altitude) were established in the region of the Czech Republic in autumn 2021. The positive biological effect of these pioneers was detected only in the treatments where the initial planting stock of the pioneers was substantially higher than in that of beech (on average 39 cm vs. 100 cm, respectively). However, the expenses of simultaneous regeneration were about 15% lower compared to plots with monospecific beech in densities like 9 000 pcs·ha⁻¹, and around 35% higher than in the monospecific beech plots with a density of 5 000 pcs·ha⁻¹.

Mediterranean Quercus forests have great ecological importance but face numerous threats, including pests. The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L., is a major oak defoliator across its geographical range and has a natural enemy complex that may control its population dynamics. This study aimed to investigate candidate predators (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae, Braconidae, Bethylidae, Ceraphronidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae and Trichogrammatidae; and Diptera: Tachinidae), for the control of L. dispar in two areas in Andalusia (Spain). We studied 10 Quercus stands (Q. suber, Q. ilex, and Q. pyrenaica), with different L. dispar infestation level. Insects were collected using pitfall and cross-vane traps, during the defoliator's larval period. Four genera comprised 92.2% of all the Carabidae predators found: Steropus Dejean (34.1%), Carabus L. (28.4%), Calathus Bonelli (15.9%), and Platyderus Stephens (13.8%); and four Hymenoptera families comprised 93.7% of the parasitoid specimens collected: Encyrtidae (61%), Ichneumonidae (17.5%), Pteromalidae (10.7%), and Braconidae (4.5%). Both the natural enemy assemblage composition and the abundance per tree varied between geographical areas, as well as between levels of defoliator infestation. The candidate enemy complex was markedly diverse and abundant in stands not infested by L. dispar, where no insecticides had been applied. Our results suggest the importance of generalist predators as natural enemies of L. dispar.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests belong to the most relevant forest types in the Western Ukrainian Roztochia area. The promotion of close-to-nature forest management in Ukraine in the framework of the forest strategy 2 035 supports natural regeneration and the application of diverse felling methods beyond clearcutting. In the present study, natural regeneration was analysed in mixed Scots pine stands on poor and relatively rich soils, after small clearcuts, shelterwood cutting and gap fellings (with or without soil preparation), with respect to tree species composition, species abundance and height growth. It could be shown that Scots pine is the most abundant species in all the felling systems, with on average more than 100 000 plants per ha on poor soils. Other admixed tree species only occur with small shares. Natural regeneration, especially of Scots pine, was less abundant on rich soils and in shelterwood, compared to a small clearcut. After the young plants have established, their abundance declined in the second and third year due to competing herbaceous plants and thick litter.

The article presents the results of research on the impact of Sawadaea bicornis (Wallr.) Miyabe on the state of photosynthetic apparatus in Acer platanoides L. seedlings using a technique of chlorophyll fluorescence induction (ChlF) measurement, which at the present time can be implemented through the use of biosensors. The research was conducted in September 2022 in the territory of the Botanical Garden of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University. To diagnose a violation of the native chlorophyll photosynthesis in fresh leaves of A. platanoides, a portable fluorometer 'Floratest' was used (the selected spectral range for fluorescence intensity measurement was 670–800 nm). The research was carried out on fresh leaves of Norway maple seedlings both not unaffected and affected with powdery mildew. Analysis of the data obtained indicates a high sensitivity of the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence induction to damage by the disease regardless of environmental conditions of local growth of A. platanoides seedlings. The high informativeness of induction changes in chlorophyll fluorescence in the structural organisation of chloroplasts in Norway maple leaves determined by the parameters Fo, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fо, Fv/Fm, (Fm – Fst)/Fst, (Fp – Fо)/Fv was revealed. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using the studied chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to detect severe stress in Norway maple seedlings caused by powdery mildew exposure when the fungus affects more than 50% of the leaf blade area. It is further necessary to conduct dynamic studies throughout the growing season to determine the effectiveness of using these parameters to detect mild stress in the early stages of infection.

The study focused on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European larch (Larix decidua) within very small and four times bigger size gaps following a disturbance at a mixed temperate forest in the Czech Republic. In spring 2013, experimental gap design starts, when 1 m2 circular sampling plots along transects were delineated within four selected naturally occurring canopy openings with size below 20 m2. In December 2013, these initial canopy openings were artificially enlarged by felling to 226 m2 for small and 904 m2 for big gaps. Regeneration was monitored in the next two consecutive growing seasons after disturbance. Light conditions were measured before and after disturbance. Results indicated that four times larger gaps increased twice levels of light conditions, and that diffuse light starts to equilibrate to direct light there. Large gaps were favouring larch regeneration. Beech regeneration was predominant, independently on gap size as the study area belongs naturally to Beech Forest Vegetation Zone, however, the decline of spruce regeneration was presumably linked to drought. Gap size explained variation of larch regeneration in gaps. Contrarily, gap size could not be associated with the prolific regeneration of beech and abysmal regeneration performances of spruce in gaps.

Seedling quality is an important input affecting the outplanted seedling performance. Morphological attributes and association with symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi belong to influential traits determining seedling quality. In this study, the effect of pre-sowing applied commercial additives Ectovit (containing hydrogel and ECM fungi), Mycorrhizaroots (ECM fungi and nutrients) and Vetozen (natural mineral fertilizer) on the growth and ectomycorrhiza formation of Norway spruce seedlings grown in nutrient-poor pure peat in an open nursery site was assessed. Two-year-old bareroot seedlings were transplanted into containers. No significant growth differences were detected between treatments for 1 + 0 seedlings but the values of growth parameters (root collar diameter; stem height; shoot, root and total dry weight) of Ectovit-inoculated seedlings were significantly higher than those in the other treatments including the control after the second (2 + 0 seedlings) and the third growing season (2 + 1). Root-to-shoot dry weight ratio and number of root tips were distinctly higher after the third year compared to the previous two years but they were not significantly different between treatments. Mycorrhizaroots and Vetozen did not have any significant effect on seedling development. Although the occurrence of treatment-specific ECM morphotype was detected in Ectovit-inoculated seedlings, the high total ECM colonization of roots in all treatments including the control indicated a crucial impact of naturally occurring fungi on ectomycorrhiza formation.

Environmental valuation studies in the context of developing countries have become more frequent in recent years. However, literature which reviews and examines the environmental valuation studies is limited. Thus, this paper performed a literature review on forest contingent valuation studies conducted in the Ethiopian context in the past two decades (2000 to May 2022), focusing on two specific objectives: (i) to examine amounts of resources that households are willing to pay (WTP) for forest conservation, and (ii) to identify determinants of households' WTP. Results indicate the mean lower annual WTP of USD 0.41 (2.63 birr) and 7.04 man-days per household in money and labour time, respectively. Whereas the mean upper annual WTP of USD 53.52 per household in monetary payment and 94.34 man-days per household in labour time contribution are found for the management and conservation of forest in Ethiopia. The finding reveals that there is a limited proportion of the examined studies that included and estimated WTP in a non-monetary payment vehicle, implying a need for future researches on the topic. The result shows that demographic and socio-economic variables, physical assets ownership, institutional and infrastructural services and bid price variables were the main determinants of households' WTP. This suggests that the forest conservation intervention program involving public participation in the country needs to consider the identified determinants of WTP in design and implementation of the program. Moreover, the finding indicates the presence of mixed results on the effect and direction in which some determinants of WTP are affected. This recommends a pressing need for comprehensive future studies on the research theme.

In today's forestry practices, integrated management is the prevailing approach. One method gaining traction is retention forestry, where certain trees, known as biotope trees providing microhabitats (TreMs), are preserved during harvesting operations. This article delves into hands-on training for marking interventions using marteloscope plots, focusing specifically on 'Pokojná hora,' a 1-hectare plot situated in the southeast of the Czech Republic. Field surveys were conducted using FieldMap technology, capturing essential data for all trees: coordinates, species, diameter, height, and health status. Additionally, details such as wood quality, economic value, microhabitats, and habitat value were documented for each tree. Forestry engineering students virtually mapped out interventions on the marteloscope plot, testing 11 solution variants across 2 scenarios to strike a balance between economic goals and biodiversity conservation. The plot hosts 155 microsites, predominantly on Fagus sylvatica (common beech) with 108 microsites. The likelihood of TreMs increases with tree diameter, while the correlation between a tree's economic value and its diameter was confirmed. Optimal management suggests maintaining 10 habitat trees per ha to reconcile economic and ecological objectives during harvesting operations. In essence, we contend that the adoption of retention forestry practices coupled with marteloscope training can play a pivotal role in arresting biodiversity decline within forest ecosystems.

Herbivorous ungulate diets affect population performance and overall forest health through balanced interactions on plant-herbivore relations; therefore, understanding them is critical. Faeces are frequently used in ungulate nutritional ecology because they can provide information about animals’ digestive efficiency. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) have different morpho-physiological and ecological constraints, and these differences should be reflected in their faeces. On the other hand, the lack of information about the animal (sex, age, reproductive status, diet selection, etc.) may be challenging for such studies. This study aimed to detect species’ different susceptibility to these factors reflected in animals’ faeces. Thus, we hypothesised that near-infrared reflectance spectrometry (NIRS) could distinguish between the faecal nutrients of two cervids. We collected 94 usable faeces from both species along the forest transect in Bohemian forests in the Czech Republic, covering 2 500 ha. Roe and red deer overlap was determined using the four faecal nutritional components on two axes. No discrimination occurred, refuting our hypothesis and highlighting that out-of-control variables are critical for faecal studies in uncontrolled settings. Fibrous parts explained the most variance (48%), indicating animals’ strong reliance on nutrition quality. Apparently, uncontrolled supplementary feeding produced similar faecal nutrient outcomes during the nutrition-limiting winter, which was theoretically supported by the animal’s response to predation and hunting pressure. The inability of NIRS to identify the source of N in faeces may also explain the lack of discrimination.

Knowledge of mechanisms by which large mammals select rubbing trees (RT) is a major challenge for the effective management of forests and wildlife resources. In this study, we investigated this issue regarding the Wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Moroccan forested site of Sidi Boughaba as a case study. We used data from four sets of variables, namely topography, forest type, landscape composition, and microhabitat, measured at 58 rub and control trees, to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of RT by means of generalized linear mixed models. Our results showed that the RT occurrence increased with a high density of red juniper trees and declined with distance to the nearest footpath. Variation partitioning analysis revealed that the pure fraction of microhabitat was the most robust in explaining this occurrence (adj. R² = 0.17, P < 0.001), followed by that of forest type (adj. R² = 0.05, P < 0.05). A scientific monitoring system must be set up to strike a balance between the availability of forest trees on the one hand and the pressure exerted by wild boars on this internationally importance site on the other. It is imperative to test the geographical generality of our results in other Mediterranean forests.

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.

Forests play a significant role for maintaining the biodiversity. In order to manage sustainable forests, tree species history, distribution, and their future prospects are vital. Using standardized quantitative approaches, the age, radial growth, and size class distribution of Abies pindrow (Himalayan fir) were determined from three different altitudinal sites (i.e. high, middle, and lower). The results indicate that Himalayan fir growing in the high-altitude site (Ayubia, 2 917 m a.s.l.) of moist temperate forests of the Himalayan mountains showed lower radial growth (0.13 cm) than in the middle (Bara Gali, 2 617 m a.s.l.; radial growth = 0.13 cm) and lower (Kuldana, 2 455 m a.s.l.; radial growth = 0.22 cm) altitude sites. Correlation analysis demonstrated that age showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) with diameter at breast height. The tree-ring width chronology (totally 80 core samples) of Himalayan fir was developed from moist temperate forests of Himalayan mountains of Pakistan. At Ayubia site it possesses a long time-span (1703-2020 C.E.), followed by Bara Gali (1862-2020 C.E.) and Kuldana (1864-2020 C.E.). Further, the tree-ring width (TRW) chronology of Ayubia showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with May and June temperature, and a significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) with June and October precipitation, indicating that summer temperatures are the key factor for the radial growth of Himalayan fir. For the Kuldana site, the response of TRW chronology to temperature and precipitation was the same, however, it was significant only for June temperature at Bara Gali. The size class distribution of the high-altitude region (Ayubia) showed a higher number of individuals than the lower altitude region, indicating the lowest disturbance conditions. The absence of individuals in the early size classes and the gap in middle and mature size classes indicate a lower regeneration potential and anthropogenic impact. The pointer year analysis indicated that the Bara Gali forest is more sensitive to abnormal climate events than the other sites. Based on the present study, we suggest that proper attention and conservation strategy should be provided to Himalayan fir growing in the moist temperate forests of Pakistan.

Castanea sativa is a type of cultivated chestnut tree found in the Czech Republic, growing in both lowland and midland regions. These trees are usually planted individually or in pairs, with over half of the plantings located in urban areas. One-fifth of chestnut trees thrive in parks, while chestnut orchards or forest stands make up only one-tenth of the areas where chestnut trees are located. In the Czech Republic, approximately 30 ha are covered by chestnut trees. Regeneration of chestnut trees occurs in only 6% of the localities due to regular lawn mowing. However, 40% of the surveyed forests showed signs of regeneration, demonstrating the species' ability to regenerate under Central European climate conditions.

Sandy soils represent an extreme environment for tree growth. Traditionally, site preparation before planting involves removing logging residues (LRR) and ploughing. An alternative method is incorporating logging residues (LRI) into the topsoil which may enhance tree regeneration and seedling growth. The aim of this study was to assess whether and how different site preparation techniques affect soil physico-chemical and microbial properties over the long term. The study was performed in the Záhorská nížina lowland (Slovakia) in September 2020. Soil samples were taken in two 25-year-old Pinus sylvestris (L.) plantations along five soil profiles in each stand, down to a depth of 30 cm. Results showed a significant increase in carbon and nitrogen concentration and soil moisture in the LRI plot. However, soil pH and phosphorus content significantly decreased. No significant differences were observed in calcium, magnesium, and potassium concentrations between the differently treated plots. The LRI plot also exhibited a significant increase in microbial biomass carbon, N-mineralisation, and catalase activity. The results indicate that different mechanical site preparation methods may impact soil properties over the long term, likely through improved seedling survival and tree growth.

The present study has been done to evaluate the impact of pure ash stand and mixed stand with beech on the herb layer biodiversity and soil properties in the forests of Noor city. There is a unique stand of ash in the forests of Noor city and at 1,900-2,100 m a.s.l., which is rarely seen like that in the northern forests of Iran. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H'), Simpson index of dominance (D), Margalef richness (R₁) and Pielou's evenness were used to analyse biodiversity. Sampling was also conducted to investigate physical and chemical properties of soil (bulk density, acidity, electrical conductivity, soil moisture, soil lime, nitrogen and organic carbon) in each sample plot and at two depths (10 and 20 cm). The total number of 26 soil samples (13 soil samples at either depth) in pure ash stand and 24 soil samples (12 soil samples at either depth) from this type of stand mixed with beech were taken. The results of plant species biodiversity showed that between the pure ash stand and the stand mixed with beech there is a significant difference at the 99% probability level in Shannon-Wiener diversity, Margalef richness, and Simpson dominance. There is also a significant difference at the 95% probability level between the two stands under study in Pielou's evenness index. The results of soil factors also showed that at the depth of 10-20 cm acidity factor showed a significant difference from its adjacent stand at the 99% probability level. There is also a significant difference at the 99% probability level in acidity (0-10 cm) and soil moisture at the depth of 10-20 cm between the two areas, but there is not any significant difference between the areas under study in electrical conductivity and lime factors at the two depths and also in moisture content at the depth of 0-10 cm. It should be noted that between the stand and soil nitrogen, organic carbon and bulk density parameters at both depths (0-10 and 10-20 cm) a significant difference at the 95% confidence level is shown.

Robinia pseudoacacia L. is a deciduous tree planted almost all around the world for a wide variety of uses such as ornamental in urban ecosystems and forest trees in afforestation. This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relations of R. pseudoacacia using some selected populations in Istanbul and Kocaeli cities. For this aim, molecular marker-assisted and DNA sequence-based analyses were performed. According to the results, nine of 15 inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers gave clear and distinguishable bands with a total of 100 loci. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) was calculated as 100% for multi-populations and ranged from 46% to 76% for single populations. Nei's gene diversity value was calculated between 0.165 and 0.251. The lowest and highest PPL were found in populations of Barbaros Boulevard and Dilovası District, respectively. Population structure analysis showed seven different genetic structures for five populations. Internal transcribed spacer 1 region (ITS1) and trnL-F intergenic spacer region were used to examine the phylogenetic relationships of R. pseudoacacia, and both regions showed a high discriminative power at the family level. Based on the findings, R. pseudoacacia, as a forest tree residing in the urban ecosystem, may face the risk of population decline in the upcoming years due to its moderate/low genetic diversity and susceptibility to environmental pressures.

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.

Natural regeneration is a crucial factor in improving the economy of forest estates. The presented study analysed the economic parameters of three different approaches to forest regeneration: (i) artificial regeneration with Norway spruce, (ii) a 25% admixture of soil-improving and stabilising species (SSTS), and (iii) natural regeneration. The expenses for these specific operations related to individual regeneration methods were derived. These variants were investigated before the bark beetle calamity (2014) and after the outbreak (2023) for management sets (MS) 531, 551, 571, and 591, i.e. for acidic, nutrient-rich, gleyed, and waterlogged sites of higher elevations. In all cases, natural regeneration decreased expenses by approximately 2 000 EUR·ha^–1 (50 000 CZK·ha^–1) to 6 000 EUR·ha^–1 (150 000 CZK·ha^–1). The 25% admixture of SSTS increased the expenses. The proportion of natural regeneration subsequently decreased due to the bark beetle calamity from roughly 40% to 10% in recent years, which is comparable with the Czech Republic as a whole.