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This study analyses the professional interests and motivations of people regarding forestry careers. An online survey (N = 162) was conducted in May 2025. The study identifies the profile of a typical forestry candidate as an individual from a rural area, regardless of gender, who prioritises job security and personal satisfaction over high financial reward. The findings confirm that while forestry students show the strongest interest, intrinsic motivation and a personal relationship with nature are the primary drivers across the board. The key results indicate that practical field experience and communication with professionals significantly bolster career interest. Furthermore, the emerging generation of foresters demonstrates an 'ecologically realistic' perspective, favouring sustainable management and biocentric values over traditional paradigms. The study suggests that to combat the declining workforce, forestry communication should leverage these intrinsic values and increase practical engagement during university studies. Respondents assigned the greatest importance to statements reflecting biocentric and ecocentric values, emphasising the intrinsic value of forests, ecosystem impact considerations, and their role in environmental balance and human well-being.

This study analyses the perception of the relationship between forest certification and the production of ecosystem services by Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sustainable forest management (SFM) certification holders. In addition, the psychological constructs that govern the use of certification for ecosystem services are investigated. Specifically, online questionnaire surveys were submitted to a sample of Italian and German forest owners and managers to study reasons for and against and global motives to adopt certification for ecosystem services through the application of Behavioural Reasoning Theory (BRT). Results show that respondents believe that certification can better support ecosystem services related to 'regulation and maintenance' and the conservation of biodiversity. On the other hand, the application of BRT has only been partially useful in explaining the psychological factors towards the adoption of ecosystem services certifications. In any case, attitudes and reasons for certainly had a significant influence on the intention to adopt certifications. Apart from the scientific implications, these results have practical applications for policymakers who can focus on the dissemination of the certification of ecosystem services by trying to support through eco-policies, the attitudes and reasons for expressed by forest owners.

The sustainable management of European forest ecosystems necessitates innovative mechanisation solutions to address operational challenges in hilly, mountainous, and ecologically sensitive terrains. Hybrid-drive unmanned vehicles (HDUVs) present a transformative potential by integrating fuel-electric powertrains with autonomous navigation systems, enabling energy-efficient operations with minimal environmental impact. This review synthesises and critically analyses advancements in three critical domains: (i) dynamic modelling and chassis design for enhanced terrain adaptability, (ii) hybrid powertrain optimisation for reduced emissions and extended operational range, and (iii) the integration of unmanned systems for precision forestry tasks. By examining multi-body dynamics, power management strategies, and AI-driven navigation algorithms, we elucidate the role of HDUVs in improving operational efficiency while mitigating soil disturbance and carbon footprint. The review identifies prevailing research gaps and suggests that future work should prioritise the development of standardised testing protocols and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to align HDUV development with EU biodiversity and climate objectives.

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).

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.

Protecting sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] seeds from rodents is crucial to ensure successful germination and emergence in activities such as artificial regeneration, afforestation, and seedling production. This study examined the effects of 12 natural or nature-identical substances, believed to have repellent properties, on the germination, emergence, and survival of sessile oak acorns under both laboratory and field conditions. Acorns were coated using a diatomaceous clay-based pellet system, and a Y-maze experiment was conducted to evaluate rodent behaviour. As a result of the research, among the tested substances, Ferulago confusa and Foeniculum vulgare were recommended as rodent repellents due to their success in laboratory and field trials. Diesel fuel + hair, a conventional repellent, showed poor performance and is not recommended. This study underscores the potential efficacy of natural or nature-identical coatings for protecting seeds from pests in forestry applications.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Coppice is the oldest form of systematic and sustainable use of forests, and is currently applied on about 29 million ha (about 14% of total forest land area) in Europe. It had its maximum spread in the 16^th century, when an estimated 36% of all forested land in Europe was managed for coppice. Coppice forests were the most important source of fuelwood until the mid-19^th century, when firewood and charcoal were substituted by alternative fuels, and the demand for construction wood increased. Consequently, coppices (both low and coppice-with-standards) started to be converted to high forests, and the process was driven by national policies and/or subsidies, which is still the situation in some European countries. During the 20^th century, coppicing was abandoned in many places across Europe due to the abandonment of the countryside and population migration into cities, as well as changes in socio-economic conditions, technical advances and political restrictions. However, coppicing is still important in many European countries as the main source of firewood for the rural population, who has limited access to other sources of energy. In this context, this paper presents the most important characteristics of this complex abandonment/management/conversion picture, emphasising the pros and cons for the future of coppices across Europe.

This article presents guidelines for assessing the optimal dimensions of forest road pipe culverts, based on input of actual and experimental data to standard engineering techniques. In doing so, we assess the need for (i) changes in the parametrisation of inputs (i.e. culvert micro-catchment dimensions, rainfall and resultant culvert flow, and culvert flow rates during culvert hydraulic dimensioning), and (ii) the need to redesign culvert outlets in relation to flow speed. Our results demonstrate that values for most inputs presently used under current technical practice for forest road pipe culvert sizing are significantly higher than those achieved under experimental conditions. The data on outlet flow velocities strongly suggests that strengthening of culvert outlet aprons will be crucial for their future operation.

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.

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.

As a consequence of climate change and damage to coniferous forests, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the preferred plant species for forest restoration in Central Europe. European beech is generally regarded as pest-resistant. However, its vulnerability to secondary pests, for instance, gall-forming midges, may increase with environmental stress such as long drought periods. We analysed the abundance of two gall-forming insects, Mikiola fagi and Hartigiola annulipes, on European beech at 26 forest sites across the Czech Republic, spanning diverse climatic and environmental conditions, using generalised linear mixed models to evaluate the effects of abiotic factors and host tree characteristics. The results revealed that M. fagi was more abundant on younger trees, in stands with lower canopy closure, and under warmer spring conditions. In contrast, the abundance of H. annulipes declined in drought-affected areas. These patterns demonstrate species-specific responses of gall midges to host tree characteristics and climatic variables, suggesting that climate change may favour higher M. fagi abundance. Accordingly, our findings support the establishment of young beech stands under higher canopy closure, for example, beneath the shading of mature trees.

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.

This study examines the floristic composition, structural attributes, diversity patterns, and distribution of endemic woody species along an altitudinal gradient in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar mountain of northeastern Libya. Stratified sampling was conducted across four elevation zones on the northern and southern slopes. Phytosociological parameters – including density, basal area, importance value index, and diversity indices – were assessed, and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate relationships with altitude and aspect. A total of 61 woody species from 43 genera and 26 families were recorded, highlighting the region's biodiversity. Tree and shrub density and basal area increased with elevation, particularly on northern slopes. Juniperus phoenicea L. emerged as the most dominant tree, while Phlomis floccosa D. Don and Pistacia lentiscus L. dominated the shrub layer. Diversity indices showed negative correlations with altitude, indicating declining species richness and evenness at higher elevations under cooler temperatures and greater environmental stress. Ten endemic woody species were documented, with endemic richness positively associated with altitude, reflecting the role of habitat isolation and environmental filtering. These findings provide essential insights for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and ecosystem management in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar and comparable mountainous ecosystems.

In the present study, 20 sycamore maples (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) were evaluated on eight plots (160 trees) affected by sooty bark disease (SBD), caused by Cryptostroma corticale (Ellis & Everh.) P.H. Greg. & S. Waller in Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Mortality and presence of common pest taxa were assessed for each tree. Data were statistically evaluated using frequency and principal component analyses. The presence of C. corticale and Prosthecium pyriforme Jaklitsch & Voglmayr were positively related, with a significantly higher occurrence on dead trees. Rhytisma acerinum (Pers.) Fr. and Aceria macrorhyncha Nalepa were also positively related. However, the presence of Drepanosiphum platanoidis Schrank was not clearly related to the other evaluated taxa. Furthermore, C corticale was not present on Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides L.) growing on the plots. The results suggest that (i) the mortality of the sycamore was caused by C. corticale, while P. pyriforme was only an accompanying weak pathogen; (ii) R. acerinum, A. macrorhyncha, and D. platanoidis did not cause the mortality of the sycamore and their presence was not related to C. corticale infection; and (iii) planting more resistant maple species on sites susceptible to attack by SBD, particularly when stressed by drought, is recommended.

Green growth promotes sustainable economic development by protecting the environment and efficiently using natural resources. Supporting green growth enhances long-term sustainability, quality of life, and climate change mitigation. This article aims to propose a conceptual framework for implementing green growth indicators in Slovakia by comparing their perception with that of the Czech Republic. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 281 Slovak and Czech forestry enterprises [Nomenclature of Economic Activities (NACE) classification 02.10], with 1 365 responses. The findings highlight significant differences in the approach to green growth indicators between small and large enterprises and between state and non-state enterprises. Additionally, the study examines how Slovakia and the Czech Republic manage these indicators, forming the basis for a conceptual framework for their implementation in Slovakia. The research contributes to the discourse on green growth and sustainability, key concepts in the 21^st century.

The forest certification is a voluntary programme to ensure that the timber harvested from forests is processed in a sustainable manner by following specific standards. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) was introduced in 1999 using the bottom-up approach, and it gives flexibility for a country to set up their own PEFC standard based on current practices in sustainable forest management (SFM), regulation, and governance. This practice has led to the development of various PEFC standards for each country; thus, the impact of PEFC certification differs from country to country. In accordance with that, this study aimed to evaluate the PEFC standard application in developed and developing countries, namely in Sweden and Malaysia. The study also analysed the impact of forest certification on governance and economic aspects within Asia Pacific and Europe. The outcome of this study indicates that the PEFC standards developed by these countries showed similarities; for example, both countries are focusing on social and environmental requirements. Meanwhile, the differences were shown in the criteria, terms used, and the focus area. The impact analysis exhibited that countries are facing similar issues, especially market access and premium prices. This study revealed that each country develops different standards based on current practices, forest diversification, and regulations.

The natural regeneration of the sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] is an important aspect of sustainable forest management, especially given the ongoing global climate change and the need to maintain forest stand stability and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various regeneration methods on the growth of naturally regenerated sessile oak in the Masaryk Forest Training Enterprise Křtiny, Czech Republic. The research was conducted in seven forest stands where regeneration felling was applied after masting in 2022 (winter 2022/2023) using clear-cut (CC) and shelterwood (S) systems. A total of 531 seedlings were collected from these seven research plots, and the following morphological traits were measured: shoot length, root collar diameter, and biomass allocation. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in shoot length, main root length and total seedling length between the CC and S variants. However, there were no significant differences in root collar diameter or any of the dry-mass parameters between the clear-cut with standards (CC1) variant and the shelterwood plots. Individuals from the CC variants have a 10.3–47.0% wider root collar diameter, 22.3–91.4% more dry mass of the root system, and 51.7–90.4% more dry mass of the aboveground part than individuals in the S variants. These results indicate that the early growth of sessile oak seedlings is greatly influenced by light availability: full sunlight stimulates the development of above- and below-ground parts, whereas canopy cover restricts early growth, particularly in terms of height. The findings highlight the need to consider light and site conditions when planning silvicultural treatments aimed at establishing stable and vigorous oak stands in the face of changing climate conditions.

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.

Understanding society's demand for forest ecosystem services (FES) is crucial for effective forest management and the development of supportive instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services (PES). This study surveyed visitors at 'Forestry Days 2024' in Slovakia through face-to-face questionnaires, capturing their views on FES and necessary management changes. Results show that regulating services and biodiversity are prioritised over cultural and provisioning FES. Respondents indicated a clear need for changes in forest management to reflect their FES preferences. Notably, perceptions of specific FES varied by gender, age, forestry background, and forest ownership but not by residence type. Public PES were considered the most acceptable policy for enhancing FES management, providing valuable insight for aligning public preferences with sustainable practices in Slovakia.

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.

Soil degradation resulting from illicit coca cultivation and unsustainable grazing practices poses a major challenge to ecosystem restoration in the Peruvian Amazon. This study evaluates the potential of fast-growing tree species to rehabilitate degraded soils while producing economically valuable timber. Monoculture plantations of Corymbia torelliana (eucalyptus), Calycophyllum spruceanum (capirona), Colubrina glandulosa (shaina), and Cedrelinga cateniformis (tornillo) were established on former coca and pasture lands in the Alto Huallaga Valley. We assessed tree growth and key soil physicochemical properties – including soil organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD), pH, extractable phosphorus (P), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) – in topsoil (0–10 cm) and subsoil (10–40 cm) layers. Eucalyptus and tornillo showed the highest diameter growth, while tornillo plots had significantly higher SOM levels. Soil pH was strongly acidic across all plots, and subsoil P was lowest under tornillo. CEC was highest in eucalyptus and capirona plots. Our findings suggest that tree plantations, particularly with eucalyptus, capirona, and tornillo, represent a viable strategy for the sustainable use and rehabilitation of soils formerly used for coca cultivation and grazing.

The rate of climate change advancement and its predicted impact are valid reasons for intense discourse on the topic of choosing the most suitable silvicultural and adaptation measures for the longevity and sustainability of forest communities. Changes in growth conditions of plants can be expected in both vertical (altitudinal) and horizontal (geographical) directions. The anticipated occurrence rate of these changes should, according to climate models, be higher than the natural adaptability rate of longevous tree species. This study focuses on the possibility of utilising regional geographical units of the Czech Republic (Central Europe) – Natural Forest Areas (NFAs) – for introducing the principles of assisted forest migration to national silviculture policies in order to find solutions for the predicted climate change scenarios. The primary objectives are (i) to review the history of the NFA concept, (ii) to discuss the perspectives of NFAs with regard to climate change, and (iii) to propose possible solutions for further development in comparison with alternative approaches to horizontal classification of the Czech Republic. This study is the first of its kind that provides a complete textual and graphic overview of the NFAs' history from 1959 to 2018, highlighting the purpose of NFAs as both frameworks for the maintenance of the genetic potential of forest tree species' populations and frameworks for long-term strategic management planning. Further development of the concept is discussed in connection with the main principles of assisted forest migration and the possibility of employing geospatial modellation analyses for a more precise definition of current NFA borders. An assessment of the areas' potential is also debated, mainly with an emphasis on the zonality of forest sites.

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is an important introduced tree species in Hungary, particularly in the Nyírség region. This study investigates its diameter growth (DBH) in six forest subcompartments, with stand ages ranging from 20 to 71 years. 5- and 25-year diameter increments were calculated. The distribution of diameter and diameter increment values was also determined. The results show significant growth across all sites. For example, quadratic mean diameter (QMD) increased from 16.4 cm to 30.4 cm over 25 years in the forest subcompartment Encsencs 12A, and from 20.3 cm to 38.4 cm in Ófehértó 2A. Five-year DBH increments ranged from 1.8 cm (± 0.8) in older stands to 4.2 cm (± 0.5) in younger or middle-aged stands. The findings confirm Q. rubra's capacity for steady diameter growth in northeastern Hungary and contribute valuable growth data for future yield modelling and forest management strategies.