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Despite suffering dramatic declines due to habitat loss and overexploitation, tortoises and freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia remain understudied. Sustainable forest management offers a promising approach for advancing the conservation of threatened turtle populations. This study examines the effect of reduced impact logging (RIL), a sustainable forestry method, on 2 freshwater turtle species. We examined detectability patterns and habitat relationships for the threatened Malayan flat‐shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota) and the non‐threatened Malayan soft‐shelled turtle (Dogania subplana) in 8 streams within a commercial forest reserve between March and July 2019, in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using single‐species occupancy models, we identified covariates associated with the detection and occupancy probabilities of these species across a post‐harvest recovery gradient (1–21 years since logging). Covariates used in the models were obtained directly from the field or from open‐source remote sensing data. Results for soft‐shelled turtles were inconclusive. In contrast, we found a negative association between monthly rainfall and flat‐shelled turtle detectability. The occupancy probability of flat‐shelled turtles was positively associated with greater distance from logging roads and higher stream flow accumulation. Occupancy probability for flat‐shelled turtles and soft‐shelled turtles was relatively high throughout the reserve (0.79 ± 0.1 [SD] and 0.57 ± 0.22, respectively). These results, suggest that appropriately managed forests, could serve as invaluable conservation areas for imperiled freshwater turtle species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil hydrology seriously affects the prevention of desertification in karst areas. However, water infiltration in the different soil layers of secondary forests and artificial forests in karst areas remains uncertain. This lack of clarity is also the factor that constrains local vegetation restoration. Therefore, monitoring and simulating the priority transport of soil moisture will help us understand the shallow soil moisture transport patterns after artificial vegetation restoration in the local area, providing a reference for more scientific restoration of the ecological environment and enhancement of carbon storage in karst areas. The integration of soil physical property assessments, computed tomography (CT) scanning, dye tracing studies, and HYDRUS-2D modeling was utilized to evaluate and contrast the attributes of soil macropores and the phenomenon of preferential flow across various forestland categories. This approach allowed for a comprehensive analysis of how the soil structure and water movement are influenced by different forest ecosystems and infiltration head simulations (5 mm, 15 mm, 35 mm, and 55 mm) to elucidate the dynamics of water movement across diverse soil types within karst regions, to identify the causes of water leakage due to preferential flow in secondary forests, and to understand the mechanisms of water conservation and reduction in artificial forests adopting a multifaceted approach. This study demonstrated that (1) the soil hydrological capacity of a plantation forest was 20% higher than a natural forest, which may be promoted by the clay content and distribution. (2) Afforestation-enhanced soils in karst regions demonstrate a significant capacity to mitigate the loss of clay particles during episodes of preferential flow and then improve the soil erosion resistance by about 5 times, which can effectively control desertification in karst area. (3) The uniform distribution of macropores in plantation forest soil was conducive to prevent water leakage more effectively than the secondary forest but was incapable of hindering the occurrence of preferential flow. The secondary forest had a very developed preferential flow phenomenon, and soil clay deposition occurred with an increase in depth. (4) Moreover, the results for preferential flow showed that the matrix flow depth did not increase with the increase in water quantity. Short-term and high-intensity heavy rainfall events facilitated the occurrence of preferential flow. Infiltration along the horizontal and vertical directions occurred simultaneously. These results could facilitate a further understanding of the contribution of the plantation to soil amelioration and the prevention of desertification in karst areas, and provide some suggestions for the sustainable development of forestry in karst areas where plantation restoration is an important ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze tree, as well as forest floor and topsoil (0–10 cm) changes, within a period of 37 years and related impact on forest growth in an oak ecosystem in northern Greece. The study was carried out in the area of the Taxiarhis University forest, which is located in central Halkidiki. In the experimental plot, the tree age was 70–72 years, the forest stand was healthy, and the site quality was medium. The parent material of the study area is schist and the topsoil is characterized by high organic matter content and a sandy clay loam texture. For the purpose of this research project, forest floor (O1 + O2) and soil (0–5 and 5–10 cm) samples were collected from 30 sampling points. To study the mycorrhizal colonization (%), 15 root samples were taken. The average tree height in 1981 was 14.2 m and in 2018, it was 19.3 m. The diameter increased by 4.05 and 5.40 cm within 17 (2001–2018) and 37 years (1981–2018), respectively, and the trees grew 5.1 m taller. Higher radial increment (4.2 cm/20 years) was observed only in the predominant trees. In 2018, the forest floor increased its weight by 18.273 kg/ha, compared with 37 years ago. Nutrient amounts increased and there was a balance between the quantity of organic matter on the forest floor and the topsoil. Most of the nutrient amounts in the forest floor and topsoil were higher in 2018 compared with 1981 and the acidity of the soil decreased. Moreover, most of the nutrient amounts were found much higher in the upper part of the topsoil (0–5 cm) than in the forest floor, except for phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc. No significant statistical differences were found for the C/N ratio between 2001 and 2018. The study results highlight the importance of letting oak ecosystems grow and mature rather than cutting them down within the short period of 30–70 years. Also, the importance of coexistence, of ecosystems interconnections, the trees' resilience to stressors such as drought, and the role of mycorrhizal colonization are addressed. Concluding comments address the significance of soil properties in relation to sustainability, especially in the context of the ongoing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest stand mean height is a critical indicator in forestry, playing a pivotal role in various aspects such as forest inventory estimation, sustainable forest management practices, climate change mitigation strategies, monitoring of forest structure changes, and wildlife habitat assessment. However, there is currently a lack of large-scale, spatially continuous forest stand mean height maps. This is primarily due to the requirement of accurate measurement of individual tree height in each forest plot, a task that cannot be effectively achieved by existing globally covered, discrete footprint-based satellite platforms. To address this gap, this study was conducted using over 1117 km2 of close-range Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, which enables the measurement of individual tree height in forest plots with high precision. Besides, this study incorporated spatially continuous climatic, edaphic, topographic, vegetative, and Synthetic Aperture Radar data as explanatory variables to map the tree-based arithmetic mean height (ha) and weighted mean height (hw) at 30 m resolution across China. Due to limitations in obtaining basal area of individual tree within plots using UAV LiDAR data, this study calculated weighted mean height through weighting an individual tree height by the square of its height. In addition, to overcome the potential influence of different vegetation divisions at large spatial scale, we also developed a machine learning-based mixed-effects model to map forest stand mean height across China. The results showed that the average ha and hw across China were 11.3 m and 13.3 m with standard deviations of 2.9 m and 3.3 m, respectively. The accuracy of mapped products was validated utilizing LiDAR and field measurement data. The correlation coefficient (푟) for ha and hw ranged from 0.603 to 0.906 and 0.634 to 0.889, while RMSE ranged from 2.6 to 4.1 m and 2.9 to 4.3 m, respectively. Comparing with existing forest canopy height maps derived using the area-based approach, it was found that our products of ha and hw performed better and aligned more closely with the natural definition of tree height. The methods and maps presented in this study provide a solid foundation for estimating carbon storage, monitoring changes in forest structure, managing forest inventory, and assessing wildlife habitat availability. The dataset constructed for this study is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12697784 (Chen et al., 2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain forests are among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide, even though they are hotspots for numerous taxa. The abandonment of traditional management and large‐scale timber extraction, such as clear‐cutting, has led to a decline in floodplain forest biodiversity. Retention forestry has the potential to facilitate the implementation of an ecologically sustainable forest management approach. Despite the increasing popularity of this method, its potential for spider diversity conservation, especially its comparison with the widespread practice of clear‐cutting, is still poorly studied. We studied the short‐term effect of forestry treatments (dispersed retention with 60% retained trees and clear‐cutting) on the diversity of ground‐dwelling spiders in the floodplain forests along the Lower Morava (March) and Dyje (Thaya) rivers in the Czech Republic. Spiders were sampled using pitfall traps during 2021 (pre‐harvest year) and 2022 (post‐harvest year). A total of 10,005 specimens from 167 species were recorded. Both forestry treatments simplified habitat structure compared with pre‐harvest conditions, resulting in lower beta‐diversity within sites. However, dispersed retention had higher alpha‐ and beta‐diversity than clear‐cuts, indicating that retention provided a more complex‐structured habitat. Dispersed retention and clear‐cuts hosted distinct spider assemblages with characteristic indicator species. Species typical of open and significantly disturbed habitats preferred clear‐cuts, while species typical of forests and (semi‐) open habitats, including threatened species, showed a preference for dispersed retention. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that dispersed retention forestry could serve as an effective management tool for conserving the ground‐dwelling assemblages of spiders in floodplain forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (LCPB), the socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated pressures on populations dependent on forest resources for their subsistence. This study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, integrating advanced remote sensing techniques, including image classification, mapping, and detailed landscape analysis, to quantify alterations in forest cover within the LCPB during the pandemic period. Our findings reveal a consistent trend of declining forested area, characterized by processes of attrition and dissection observed throughout various study phases, spanning from May 2019 to November 2023. This reduction in forest cover, notably more pronounced in the vicinity of Lubumbashi city and the northern zone of the LCPB, proved to be less pronounced between November 2019 and September 2020, underscoring the influence of COVID-19 pandemic-induced confinement measures on forest management practices in the region. However, subsequent to this period of restriction, deforestation activity intensified, leading to significant landscape transformations within the LCPB, primarily attributable to expanded human activities, consequently resulting in a notable decrease in the proportion of land occupied by these natural ecosystems. Consequently, the size of the largest forest patch declined substantially, decreasing from 14.62% to 8.20% between May 2019 and November 2023, thereby fostering a heightened density of forest edges over time. Our findings provide a significant contribution to understanding the complex interactions between the COVID-19 pandemic and deforestation phenomena, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt adaptive management strategies and appropriate conservation measures in response to current economic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In European mountains most beech forest areas have been managed for timber production. This practice has reduced the availability of biomass for the whole forest-dwelling species assemblage and of deadwood for the saproxylic community. Despite most of Italy's beech stands having a long history of management, its effects on forest species remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we studied beetle abundance and diversity in five beech-dominated forests with increasing management intensity in central Italy's Apennines (Tuscany). We assessed if forests with similar management intensity exhibited comparable patterns in beetle diversity, abundance, and commonness versus rarity. Three forests were managed with even-aged shelterwood; one was managed with continuous cover forestry; and one was old-growth. We found 25 beetle families and 195 species across all sites with similar total abundance and richness. However, the representation of the most abundant families varied among sampling sites (ANOVA test: always significant for the total abundance of the most abundant families: F ≥ 2.77, d.f. = 4, p ≤ 0.038). The old-growth forest harbored more threatened species than managed sites. Saproxylic assemblages were similar between the recently cut site and the old-growth forest, and between shelterwood and continuous cover sites. While the similarity gradient among the whole species assemblages reflected geographical proximity, the similarity gradient among saproxylic assemblages reflected the successional proximity among forest management systems. Our research underscores the effects of management on beetle diversity, offering insights for sustainable forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied amphibians that breed in vernal pools on protected lands in western Massachusetts to determine their status and provide baseline population data to agencies. Egg-mass counts were used to determine the breeding effort of Lithobates sylvaticus (Wood Frog), Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander), and A. jeffersonianum (Jefferson Salamander) in 9 vernal pools in a state forest from 2014 to 2017. We also measured water-quality parameters (pH and conductivity) and pool surface area and depth to determine relationships between any of these variables and amphibian egg-mass counts. In a mixed-effects model regression analysis, the effects of survey year, pool area and depth, pH, and conductivity (as fixed effects) were relatively weak, and their relative strength was not consistent for all 3 species, although the effect of area was significant for Spotted Salamanders. Our study identified new populations of the state-listed Jefferson Salamander and identified pools that should be protected during sustainable forestry operations in the state forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article discusses the gender bias present in forestry policies, specifically focusing on community-based forest management in southern countries such as India, Nepal, and Indonesia. While women are involved in deliberative forums, their participation is limited to providing suggestions without direct consideration in decision-making. International frameworks, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, highlight the importance of gender mainstreaming in the forestry sector. The article also highlights the case of the Women's Farmers Group in Papua, which empowers women and increases their participation in forestry activities. The authors suggest that long-term actions and collective action among agencies are necessary for effective sustainable forest management. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Land-use changes significantly impact soil properties in forests, which is an area of concern. Therefore, the effects of changing forest types on soil microbial communities and their functions in northern subtropical forest regions need to be further researched. Methods: We used 16S rDNA sequencing and Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) to assess the variation of soil bacterial communities and potential functions related to carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in two soil layers (0-10 and 10-30 cm) after the conversion of the secondary masson pine (Pinus massoniana, PM) forest to plantations of slash pine (Pinus elliottii, PE) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata, CL) located in Jingde County, Anhui Province, China. Results: The study found that converting coniferous secondary forests to coniferous plantations resulted in a notable increase in soil pH and a decrease in nitrate nitrogen and organic carbon contents. Additionally, soil microbial diversity increased significantly, and microbial community structure changed, particularly in the topsoil. These changes might affect the C- and N-cycling mediated by soil bacteria. The analysis revealed a significant decrease in the abundance of functional groups associated with C-cycling and a significant increase in the abundance of functional groups associated with N-cycling, particularly those associated with denitrification. Soil organic carbon, pH, and ammonium nitrogen were the most critical variables affecting changes in the soil microbial community. Discussion: These findings provide valuable information for ecological restoration and future sustainable forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mycorrhizal symbioses between plants and fungi are vital for the soil structure, nutrient cycling, plant diversity, and ecosystem sustainability. More than 250 000 plant species are associated with mycorrhizal fungi. Recent advances in genomics and related approaches have revolutionized our understanding of the biology and ecology of mycorrhizal associations. The genomes of 250+ mycorrhizal fungi have been released and hundreds of genes that play pivotal roles in regulating symbiosis development and metabolism have been characterized. rDNA metabarcoding and metatranscriptomics provide novel insights into the ecological cues driving mycorrhizal communities and functions expressed by these associations, linking genes to ecological traits such as nutrient acquisition and soil organic matter decomposition. Here, we review genomic studies that have revealed genes involved in nutrient uptake and symbiosis development, and discuss adaptations that are fundamental to the evolution of mycorrhizal lifestyles. We also evaluated the ecosystem services provided by mycorrhizal networks and discuss how mycorrhizal symbioses hold promise for sustainable agriculture and forestry by enhancing nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. Overall, unraveling the intricate dynamics of mycorrhizal symbioses is paramount for promoting ecological sustainability and addressing current pressing environmental concerns. This review ends with major frontiers for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social acceptability of forestry practices plays a key role in defining sustainable forestry policies and strategies. In this study an online survey was distributed among members of environmental, non-governmental, professional, and academic organizations to assess the acceptability of forestry practices in Puerto Rico among members of civic society interested in environmental management issues. Participants were asked about their perception of forest uses, their preference of tree harvesting technologies, methods that may apply in small scale wood production settings, and trust in organizations providing forest information. We also inquired about attitudes towards economic activity in forests and the impact of such activity on recreation and biodiversity. The results show that even though participants do not place a high priority on economic development through forestry activities, acceptance of forest management for wood harvesting will be possible by considering adherence to particular forestry technologies and methods to safeguard current recreation activities and biodiversity conservation. Social acceptability information would be worthwhile when seeking consensus among a broader group of local stakeholders. As a next step we suggest the creation of a council constituted by diverse forestry sector stakeholders that would engage in a strategic planning exercise to delineate a clear road map that can guide short and long-term sustainable forest management, including wood industry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global climate change is one of the major challenges facing the world today, and forests play a crucial role as significant carbon sinks and providers of ecosystem services in mitigating climate change and protecting the environment. China, as one of the largest developing countries globally, owns 60% of its forest resources collectively. Evaluating the carbon sequestration cost of collective forests not only helps assess the contribution of China's forest resources to global climate change mitigation but also provides important evidence for formulating relevant policies and measures. Results: Over the past 30 years, the carbon sequestration cost of collective forests in China has shown an overall upward trend. Except for coastal provinces, southern collective forest areas, as well as some southwestern and northeastern regions, have the advantage of lower carbon sequestration costs. Furthermore, LSTM network predictions indicate that the carbon sequestration cost of collective forests in China will continue to rise. By 2030, the average carbon sequestration cost of collective forests is projected to reach 125 CNY per ton(= 16.06 Euros/t). Additionally, there is spatial correlation in the carbon sequestration cost of collective forests. Timber production, labor costs, and labor prices have negative spatial spillover effects on carbon sequestration costs, while land opportunity costs, forest accumulation, and rural resident consumption have positive spatial spillover effects. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate regional disparities in the spatial distribution of carbon sequestration costs of collective forests, with an undeniable upward trend in future cost growth. It is essential to focus on areas with lower carbon sequestration costs and formulate targeted carbon sink economic policies and management measures to maximize the carbon sequestration potential of collective forests and promote the sustainable development of forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of inoculation on the initial growth of Dalbergia nigra in soils from different land use systems. For this, the inoculant BR 8404 was applied to soil samples collected from different management systems, combined or not with mineral fertilisers. Based on the Dickson Quality Index (DQI), it was observed that the inoculant can replace the use of mineral nitrogen fertiliser for the cultivation of Dalbergia nigra seedlings, except in pasture soil. The soil from angico planting was the most suitable, presenting the best responses in the analysed variables, indicating its suitability for the initial growth of D. nigra seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) provides both financial and expert support for sustainable forest management initiatives and also boosts compliance with such initiatives in Africa. Thus, there is a need to monitor the progress of implementing such initiatives. The objective of this paper is to describe the role of timber harvesting entities in environmental impact discussions, and to also identify the role of EU institutions in promoting forest sustainability in Sierra Leone. Data were collected in a controlled survey from four communities, using a questionnaire formulated according to guidelines recommended by Babbie and Mouton (2010). The reliability test shows a 0.68 internal consistency among the latent variables (Cronbach alpha test). The selected four communities were Bambawo, Dia, Basara, and Menima, with a population of 6 000, 5 400, 7 500, and 5 600 inhabitants, respectively (Stats SL 2021). A Confirmatory Factor Assessment (CFA) was used for a descriptive statistical analysis of the data. The results showed that the environmental impact has an eigenvalue of 1.08, where only variables with a factor loading exceeding 0.5 were used. The paper concludes with discussions and relevant recommendations on mitigating the impacts of timber harvesting on the environment within the study area.

Reproductive characteristics (e.g., pollen, strobili, cones, seeds, and fruit) are one of the main tools in sustainable forestry. However, many biotic (e.g., growth characteristics, species, population, and individual) and abiotic (e.g., edaphic, climatic, geographic, and year) factors can affect these characteristics. In this study, the impact of climatic characteristics, including minimum, maximum, and average temperatures, annual total precipitation, and relative humidity, on female and male strobilus production was examined in three natural populations of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) during three consecutive years (2020–2022). For this purpose, fifty trees were sampled randomly and marked in each population to observe strobilus production. Analysis of variance showed that climatic characteristics were similar (p > 0.05) among years and among populations, while female and male strobilus production showed significant (p < 0.01) differences among years, among populations, and among years within populations. In contrast, interactions of population × year were not significant (p > 0.05) for climatic characteristics. Two populations had the highest strobilus production (155.4 and 82.3 for females and 889.4 and 186.1 for males) in 2022. The studied climatic characteristics had no significant (p > 0.05) effects on strobilus production. The results of the study emphasized similar forestry practices in local areas based on climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant–plant interactions are a central driver for plant coexistence and community assembly. Chemically mediated plant–plant interactions are represented by allelopathy and allelobiosis. Both allelopathy and allelobiosis are achieved through specialized metabolites (allelochemicals or signaling chemicals) produced and released from neighboring plants. Allelopathy exerts mostly negative effects on the establishment and growth of neighboring plants by allelochemicals, while allelobiosis provides plant neighbor detection and identity recognition mediated by signaling chemicals. Therefore, plants can chemically affect the performance of neighboring plants through the allelopathy and allelobiosis that frequently occur in plant–plant intra-specific and inter-specific interactions. Allelopathy and allelobiosis are two probably inseparable processes that occur together in plant–plant chemical interactions. Here, we comprehensively review allelopathy and allelobiosis in plant–plant interactions, including allelopathy and allelochemicals and their application for sustainable agriculture and forestry, allelobiosis and plant identity recognition, chemically mediated root–soil interactions and plant–soil feedback, and biosynthesis and the molecular mechanisms of allelochemicals and signaling chemicals. Altogether, these efforts provide the recent advancements in the wide field of allelopathy and allelobiosis, and new insights into the chemically mediated plant–plant interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest stock volume (FSV) stands as an important indicator in evaluating the potential for carbon sequestration. It is crucial for forest resource management at local, regional, and national scales. In order to achieve an accurate estimation of FSV, this article takes Mengyin County, Shandong Province, China as the research area, builds a random forest (RF) model for four tree species based on airborne Lidar data, and forms a monitoring system of "individual tree - grid - county" granularities. The results demonstrated that all four models exhibited excellent generalization capabilities, with no signs of overfitting. In the test phase, the R2 of the poplar and pine models exceeded 0.9, while the R2 of the cypress model was 0.81, and the rRMSE was controlled within 20%, indicating that the fitting effect of the three tree species models was better; the accuracy of the robinia pseudoacacia model was relatively poor, with R2 of 0.60 and rRMSE of 20.60%. This study provides a feasible method for estimating forest stock volume within the county, which provides strong technical support for forest resource management and planning, and helps promote sustainable forestry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing climatic changes are causing the extinction of numerous species or their withdrawal from previously occupied areas. The environmental and economic significance of introduced species may increase. The aim of the present study was to examine the rate of growth of coniferous species growing in northwestern Poland and to analyze the tree ring width–climate relationships. Six tree species were selected for this study. Two of these species have natural occurrences in Poland: Pinus sylvestris and Larix decidua. The remaining four species were introduced from North America: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Thuja plicata, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Pinus strobus. Samples were collected from 131 trees using a Pressler borer at 1.3 m above ground. Tree ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm. Climatic data were retrieved from a weather station located 23 km from the study plot. The average tree ring width reaches the lowest value for the P. sylvestris chronology (1.62 mm/year) and for P. strobus (1.69 mm/year), and the highest value is reached for T. plicata (2.80 mm/year) and P. menziesii (2.56 mm/year). The analysis of weather conditions in the designated pointer years and the response function analysis indicate that winter and early spring air temperature is the factor responsible for the formation of wide tree rings in the following species studied: P. sylvestris, C. lawsoniana, P. menziesii, and T. plicata. For L. decidua and P. strobus, the climate–growth relationships are different: weather conditions in the previous growth year are important, and it is the weather in the late spring and summer months. Two of the investigated introduced species (T. plicata and P. menziesii) are characterized by very good acclimatization and are best adapted to the new habitat during the current climate changes. These tree species can constitute a basis for replacing native species, which, due to increasingly severe droughts and higher temperatures, are doing less and less well in their current habitats. Foresters wanting to conduct sustainable forest management will look for replacement species that are well adapted to new habitat conditions in order to maintain the continuity of forest cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of logging residues in forestry to reduce the risk of fires, prepare areas for planting new trees, and use them as a valuable resource for the production of wood biofuels. While traditional methods of logging residue disposal include incineration in piles or swaths, this study examines an alternative approach known as the continuous slash-and-burn method. This method, although limited to firehazardous periods due to the use of paraffin, has such advantages as minimal thermal damage to the soil and accelerated decomposition of felling residues. The residues are charred rather than burned completely, increasing soil fertilisation and reducing fire hazard. This feature makes them less attractive to insect pests. Modern logging companies increasingly prefer efficient logging equipment instead of gasoline saws since the former improves the management of logging residues. Manual collection of residues on large stumps allows for forming larger piles. However, this method creates problems when transporting them to processing centers, for example, to upper storage sites. Therefore, the development of innovative transportation methods is a promising direction for further research. Thus, logging residues is a raw material, which is primarily valuable for the production of wood biofuels. Energy efficiency in the collection, processing, and transportation of these residues is crucial for their practical use. The consumed energy should be lower than the energy content of the residues, ensuring the feasibility of converting them into wood biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zagros oak forests in Iran are facing a concerning decline due to prolonged and severe drought conditions over several decades, compounded by the simultaneous impact of temperature on oak populations. This study in oak woodlands of central Zagros forests in Lorestan province analyzed abiotic factors such as climate properties, topographic features, land use, and soil properties from 1958 to 2022. We found that higher elevation areas with steeper slopes and diverse topography show significant potential for enhancing oak tree resilience in the face of climate change. Additionally, traditional land use practices like livestock keeping and dryland farming contribute to a widespread decline in oak populations. Preserving forest biodiversity and ensuring ecological sustainability requires immediate attention. Implementing effective land-use management strategies, such as protecting and regulating human-forest interaction, and considering meteorological factors to address this issue is crucial. Collaborative efforts from stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities are essential to oppose destructive suburban sprawl and other developments. Sustainable forestry practices should be implemented to improve the living standards of local communities that rely on forests and traditional livestock keeping, offer forestry-related jobs, and ensure social security. Such efforts are necessary to promote conservation awareness and sustainable practices, safeguarding this unique and vital ecosystem for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) provides both financial and expert support for sustainable forest management initiatives and also boosts compliance with such initiatives in Africa. Thus, there is a need to monitor the progress of implementing such initiatives. The objective of this paper is to describe the role of timber harvesting entities in environmental impact discussions, and to also identify the role of EU institutions in promoting forest sustainability in Sierra Leone. Data were collected in a controlled survey from four communities, using a questionnaire formulated according to guidelines recommended by Babbie and Mouton (2010). The reliability test shows a 0.68 internal consistency among the latent variables (Cronbach alpha test). The selected four communities were Bambawo, Dia, Basara, and Menima, with a population of 6 000, 5 400, 7 500, and 5 600 inhabitants, respectively (Stats SL 2021). A Confirmatory Factor Assessment (CFA) was used for a descriptive statistical analysis of the data. The results showed that the environmental impact has an eigenvalue of 1.08, where only variables with a factor loading exceeding 0.5 were used. The paper concludes with discussions and relevant recommendations on mitigating the impacts of timber harvesting on the environment within the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable forestry requires efficient regeneration methods to ensure that new forests are established quickly. In Sweden, 99% of the planting is manual, but finding labor for this arduous work is difficult. An autonomous scarifying and planting machine with high precision, low environmental impact, and a good work environment would meet the needs of the forest industry. For two years, a collaborative group of researchers, manufacturers, and users (forest companies) has worked together on developing and testing a new concept for autonomous forest regeneration (Autoplant). The concept comprises several subsystems, i.e., regeneration and route planning, autonomous driving (path planning), new technology for forest regeneration with minimal environmental impact, automatic plant management, crane motion planning, detection of planting spots, and follow-up. The subsystems were tested separately and integrated together during a field test at a clearcut. The concept shows great potential, especially from an environmental perspective, with significantly reduced soil disturbances, from approximately 50% (the area proportion of the area disturbed by disc trenching) to less than 3%. The Autoplant project highlights the challenges and opportunities related to future development, e.g., the relation between machine cost and operating speed, sensor robustness in response to vibrations and weather, and precision in detecting the size and type of obstacles during autonomous driving and planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been considerable research on sustainable forest management due to its importance in ensuring the long-term health of the forests and its industries. Traceability is an important tool to ensure that the wood and wood-based products are produced in a legal, sustainable, and ethical manner. Therefore, various technologies were implemented within the supply chain to monitor and trace the wood with the aim of fulfilling the traceability objectives. Using a systematic literature review, this paper provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the technologies and procedures used in timber traceability and transportation management. It debates traceability tradition and advanced methods such as smart marking, QR (Quick Response) codes, DNA fingerprinting, smartphone apps, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), machine learning, and computer vision since these technologies enable the integrity of the supply chain by documenting the source of wood and following up on the wood in all the stages, beginning from the standing tree until the final customer. The paper also reviews the advancements in wood transportation management systems, including spatial databases, GPS (Global Positioning System), and fleet management systems, which ultimately lead to real-time monitoring and optimisation of transportation routes, leading to improved efficiency and minimal environmental impact. The review results acknowledge that financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, data management uncertainties, acceptance and compliance issues, and stakeholder commitment are still challenges to implementing traceability technology in the forestry sector. Moreover, this review not only highlights how traceability systems promote responsible forestry practices, ensure sustainable timber sourcing, and develop supply chain management, but also the advantages of utilising these technological advances at economic, social, and environmental levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Success of model forests, which are organized to support sustainable management of forests in collaboration with environmental, social, and economic forces on forest-based large territories, depends on the development of civil society index dimensions defined as "stakeholder participation," "organizational structure," "environment," "values," and "impact." In this study, which was carried out within the scope of Yalova Model Forest, situation analysis strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was used as a method. Literature and o'cial documents, expert opinions on "stakeholder engagement," and data obtained through a 30-question survey were used as material. In this study, "historical development," "legal regulations," "activities" of Yalova Model Forest and weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, threats of civil society index and strategies pertaining to them were determined. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was conducted by forming four separate focus groups for four dimensions of the Yalova Model Forest civil society index. According to the results of this study, the stakeholder participation dimension was concluded to be exceedingly inadequate. This is evidenced by advocate stakeholders' insu'cient participation rates in activities, absence of adverse stakeholders in this reconciliation platform, and the fact that 99% of dormant-indi(erent stakeholders are unaware of this organization's existence. Therefore, stakeholder participation dimension should be strengthened and the strategic plans that will be implemented should be prepared with the participation of stakeholders. Otherwise, Yalova Model Forest's existence, as a civil society organization, will be jeopardized. However, active advocate stakeholders' enthusiasm about resolving problems is reassuring for the future of Yalova Model Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the dramatic reduction of forested areas in Azerbaijan, exceeding 50% over the past two centuries, largely due to increased wood production. Focusing on the period between 1880 and 1990, it analyzed the impact of timber harvesting on the composition of dominant tree species, with a special focus on beech trees, in the Galakand forestry area. Utilizing GIS databases and remote sensing techniques, the research assessed the changes in forest cover and species distribution, highlighting the critical transition from lush beech and oak forests to areas dominated by hornbeam, east hornbeam, oak-hornbeam, and juniperus-bush light forests. The study demonstrated the negative consequences of historical overexploitation, advocating for forest farming practices that promote the recovery and preservation of native forest ecosystems. Key findings revealed a marked decline in valuable wood species due to intensive logging activities, particularly between 1880 and 1914, and the detrimental effects of forest renewal cabins established from 1930 to 1970. The outlined measures in the study highlighted that the forest primarily comprises wooded areas (reserves with a completeness of 0.1-0.2, clearings, and clearings), non-forest lands repurposed as pastures and forested pastures with a density ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of sustainable forest management practices to reverse the adverse effects of historical overexploitation and preserve the biodiversity of Azerbaijan's ecosystems. The paper emphasized the necessity of sustainable forest management to reverse the damage and protect Azerbaijan's biodiversity to enhance measures for sustainable forestry, along with the critical role of advanced GIS and remote sensing in monitoring and conserving forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient and sustainable management of forestry resources is crucial in ensuring economic and societal sustainability. The Chinese government has invested significantly in regulations, afforestation, and technology to enhance the forest resource efficiency, reduce technological disparities, and boost productivity growth. However, the success level of this undertaking is unclear and worth exploring. To this end, this study applied DEA-SBM, meta-frontier analysis, and the Malmquist productivity index to gauge the forest resource efficiency (FRE), regional technology heterogeneity (TGR), and total factor productivity growth (MI) in 31 Chinese provinces for a study period of 2001–2020. Results revealed that the average FRE was 0.5430, with potential growth of 45.70%, to enhance the efficiency level in forestry resource utilization. Anhui, Tibet, Fujian, Shanghai, and Hainan were found to be the top performers in forestry utilization during the study period. The southern forest region was ranked highest, with the highest TGR of 0.915, indicating advanced production technologies. The average MI score was 0.9644, signifying a 3.56% decline in forestry resource productivity. This deterioration is primarily attributed to technological change (TC), which decreased by 5.2%, while efficiency change (EC) witnessed 1.74% growth over the study period. The Southern Chinese forest region, indicating an average 3.06% increase in total factor productivity, ranked highest in all four regions. Guangxi, Tianjin, Shandong, Chongqing, and Jiangxi were the top performers, with prominent growth in MI. Finally, the Kruskal–Wallis test found a significant statistical difference among all four regions for FRE and TGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period of ongoing global climate change, ecosystems, including Central European forests, face significant challenges such as summer droughts and heat waves, which increase the climate risks also for the European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), an important and dominant broadleaved tree species in this region. This article provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge on the adaptation strategies of European beech in response to changing climatic conditions, highlighting its ecological demands, development of taxonomy, ecological and economic importance and exploring its resilience, growth characteristics, and challenges such as water regime, pests, diseases, and the impact of climate change. A key finding is that despite the various stressors affecting European beech, adaptive management and the use of mixed forest stands can significantly contribute to its conservation and sustainable use. The importance of integrating the genetic diversity and adaptive capacity of European beech into forestry practices is emphasised. The review of 203 studies highlights the need for further research focused on understanding the interactions between European beech and a changing climate in order to develop more effective strategies for its conservation and sustainable management in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instead, we'd be investing that wood fiber - that biomass - into wood products with a long shelf life, which leads to much bigger carbon emission reductions than what happens when you turn that fiber into wood pellets for bioenergy. Our trees had removed that carbon from the atmosphere and locked it up in the form of wood, but the actual accounting benefits will go to Drax, Britain, because they are the ones who are considered to have I replaced i the burning of fossil fuel with the burning of wood. Biomass, bioenergy, carbon dioxide, climate change, forestry, wood combustion, Drax, sustainable forestry. [Extracted from the article]

Pines (n=121 species) are important elements of forest ecosystems. They are economically and ecologically valuable and are often at the center of efforts to manage forests to reduce the risk of wildland fires. The pattern and process of pine seed dispersal and seedling establishment have important implications for maintaining healthy forests. 75% of pines are dispersed by wind, and 25% are dispersed by scatter-hoarding birds and rodents. Among the wind-dispersed pines, there are about 20 species that attract the attention of seed-caching animals that gather seeds and cache them in soil, so these species are dispersed by a combination of wind and animals. Animal-dispersed pines often occur in semi-arid ecosystems. The seeds cached by animals are a dynamic resource. Animals pilfer each other's caches, move them to new sites and recache them. Some seed reside in dozens of different cache sites between seed maturation and seed germination. Many pines are adapted to fire. This involves serotinous cones (about 24 species), which are dense, woody, and lignified and remain closed at maturity. Serotiny establishes a canopy seed bank that can persist for several decades. Shortly after fire, these cones open and shed seeds onto the burned landscape. Pines often mast, producing large crops of seeds at intervals of several years. These large cone crops satiate the appetites of specialist seed predators, resulting in increased seedling establishment and also increases the effectiveness of seed dispersal. In the past, pines have responded to climate change by shifting geographic ranges, and some pines appear to be responding to warming climates in a similar way. Keywords Animal dispersal * Climate change * Fire * Forest management * Mutualisms * Wind dispersal, Introduction Pines (Pinus spp.) are among the most important, ecologically diverse, and most widely distributed gymnosperms (McCune, 1988; Richardson and Rundel, 1998). Most pines are found in stressful environments including [...]

In the context of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (LCPB), the socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated pressures on populations dependent on forest resources for their subsistence. This study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, integrating advanced remote sensing techniques, including image classification, mapping, and detailed landscape analysis, to quantify alterations in forest cover within the LCPB during the pandemic period. Our findings reveal a consistent trend of declining forested area, characterized by processes of attrition and dissection observed throughout various study phases, spanning from May 2019 to November 2023. This reduction in forest cover, notably more pronounced in the vicinity of Lubumbashi city and the northern zone of the LCPB, proved to be less pronounced between November 2019 and September 2020, underscoring the influence of COVID-19 pandemic-induced confinement measures on forest management practices in the region. However, subsequent to this period of restriction, deforestation activity intensified, leading to significant landscape transformations within the LCPB, primarily attributable to expanded human activities, consequently resulting in a notable decrease in the proportion of land occupied by these natural ecosystems. Consequently, the size of the largest forest patch declined substantially, decreasing from 14.62% to 8.20% between May 2019 and November 2023, thereby fostering a heightened density of forest edges over time. Our findings provide a significant contribution to understanding the complex interactions between the COVID-19 pandemic and deforestation phenomena, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt adaptive management strategies and appropriate conservation measures in response to current economic challenges.

Sustainable forestry is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century, which requires the cultivation of species adapted to the changing climate and, in the case of existing species, the selection of climate-resistant propagation materials. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most important hardwood tree species in Europe. Its ecological and economic importance is outstanding. The species, however, is significantly affected by the change in climate, so it is essential to select the appropriate propagating material for future cultivation and afforestation. The aim of this work was to measure and evaluate the polyphenolic composition of the leaves of different beech provenances to find relationships between average stem diameter, climate index (EQ), ABTS (2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid) antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition to assess the adaptability of the tested beech provenances using factor analysis. According to the results from the altogether 44 identified polyphenols, flavonoid (quercetin, kaempferol) glycosides and flavan-3-ol compounds were the strongest antioxidants, and the two types of compounds probably participate differently in the antioxidant defence system, but both have a significant role. A significant relationship between the concentration of individual polyphenols (Procyanidin B dimer 5, Feruloylthreonic acid, Unidentified 1) and average stem diameter was found: these compounds and factors can be chemical indicators of growth and climatic adaptation and can be used in predicting the future effects of climate change and in the future selection of beech propagation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective logging in the tropics results in carbon emissions but also creates favourable environmental conditions for the regeneration of tree species and carbon recovery. We evaluate tree regeneration and recovery of biomass in selectively logged forests impacted by timber harvesting on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Fieldwork was conducted in two annual cutting areas logged in 2001 and 2009. Plots were established in felling, skidding and log landing sites. Regeneration of functional tree groups characterized by their growth, light demand, timber use, and recovery rates of biomass and carbon were assessed. Regeneration of 68 tree species in 54 genera and 27 families were found. Of these, 50% corresponded to marketable timber species. There was a greater presence of light-demanding seedlings and species in both annual cutting areas. Carbon recovery five and thirteen years after logging was 50.6 Mg ha−1 and 62.7 Mg ha−1, respectively, reflecting an annual gain of 1.51 Mg ha−1. Felling sites presented the highest diversity and carbon recovery and contained the highest quantity of trees >5 cm DBH and proportion of shade-tolerant species, providing a variety of future crop trees. Low logging intensity and practices that reduce impacts can result in the successful recovery of timber species and forest carbon. Community managed forests recover carbon rapidly after low intensity selective logging and serve as carbon reserves. Low intensity selective logging with reduced impact logging practices minimizes harvest disturbance and allows for natural regeneration of timber species. Carbon recovery and capture after selective logging under low intensities provides economic and social opportunities through carbon offset projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber structures and buildings made from sustainable forestry might be the solution for today's ecological challenges when their renewable materials are locally processed with low energy consumption in production. The current market shows a dominance of rectangular cross-sections in engineered timber solutions. Roundwood – a traditional material in the past – is no longer common due to a lack of applications in modern structures, lost knowledge in handcraft skills and the high costs of computerised numerical control-based manufacturing. However, solid timber with a round cross-section outperforms other engineered wood products, such as glued laminated products, in terms of energy consumption and environmental aspects. To overcome restrictions in joint technologies and to increase the usability of roundwood, especially in truss structures, a new type of connector was developed. The investigation was split into two research topics: the connection design in roundwood with modified bonded-in rods and the design of wood-fibre composite moulded connectors, which is described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of species composition of village land forest reserves and their driving factors informs adequate development of effective restoration strategies and sustainable forest management of miombo woodlands. This study assessed the effects of human disturbance as well as environmental variables on woody plant species composition using 24 square plots of 10 x 10 m in a recently declared village land forest reserve in the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot of Tanzania. Ordination analysis technique canonical correspondence analysis was used to identify important vegetation gradients and significant factors that explain the spatial variation in species composition of woody plants. Results showed that, 779 individual woody plants were recorded, of which 379 were seedlings (48.6%), 102 saplings (13.1%) and 298 adults (38.3%). The three most dominant plant species were Brachystegia spiciformis (42.2%), Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (9%) and B. boehmii (8.7%), while the least were Multidentia crassa and Diospyros squarrosa with each species having less than 1% overall abundance. Pterocarpus angolensis, a highly protected and near-threatened tree species, was also recorded but with only very few individuals. Canopy cover and soil pH were the two most important variables explaining the spatial variation in species composition of woody plants. These results emphasise that village forests are important for preserving native and threatened tree species, and improved management should discourage all practices that change natural conditions of canopy cover and soil pH to safeguard the remaining village forests, biodiversity and rural livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU aims at reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and Finland by 2035. We integrated results of three spatially distributed model systems (FRES, PREBAS, Zonation) to evaluate the potential to reach this goal at both national and regional scale in Finland, by simultaneously considering protection targets of the EU biodiversity (BD) strategy. Modelling of both anthropogenic emissions and forestry measures were carried out, and forested areas important for BD protection were identified based on spatial prioritization. We used scenarios until 2050 based on mitigation measures of the national climate and energy strategy, forestry policies and predicted climate change, and evaluated how implementation of these scenarios would affect greenhouse gas fluxes, carbon storages, and the possibility to reach the carbon neutrality target. Potential new forested areas for BD protection according to the EU 10% protection target provided a significant carbon storage (426–452 TgC) and sequestration potential (− 12 to − 17.5 TgCO2eq a−1) by 2050, indicating complementarity of emission mitigation and conservation measures. The results of the study can be utilized for integrating climate and BD policies, accounting of ecosystem services for climate regulation, and delimitation of areas for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the upper tree line, the erect trees of the forest often give way to stunted and twisted trees that continue in a patchy way and these are called Krummholz (crooked woods). Keywords: Mojuntains tree lines; sacred mountains; forests EN Mojuntains tree lines sacred mountains forests 961 966 6 11/10/23 20231101 NES 231101 Mountain forests occur on most of the continents on this planet. The uniqueness of these forests did not stop with their isolation as species have hybridized and continued to adapt (Berlyn et al., [1], [2]; DeLucia & Berlyn, [5]; Richardson & Berlyn, [13]; Richardson et al., [14]). Mountain forests provide mountain peoples with forest products like wood for heat and cooking. [Extracted from the article]

Phosphate (Pi) is an important nutrient element for plant growth and development and it plays an important role in the process of plant life activities. Nitrate is also an essential nutrient element for plant growth and a regulator of various metabolic and developmental pathways. Plant requirements for phosphate and nitrate are interdependent, and the acquisition of one of them must be balanced with the acquisition of the other. Maintaining the steady state of phosphate and nitrate content in plants is a key to the normal development of the plants. However, only a few studies have been carried out on the mechanism of how plants nitrate and phosphate homeostasis regulate. In this paper, we summarized the structure and function of an MYB-related transcription factor NITRATE-INDUCIBLE, GARP-TYPE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REPRESSOR1.2 (NIGT1.2) (also known as HHO2), it regulates phosphate and nitrate uptake in plants. Furthermore, we reviewed the molecular mechanism of NIGT1.2 regulating the dynamic balance of phosphate and nitrate in plants. Under phosphate starvation conditions, NIGT1.2 directly regulates the transcription factor of phosphate transporters PHT1.1 and PHT1.4, increasing phosphate absorption. Conversely, under nitrate starvation conditions, the expression of NIGT1.2 is inhibited by NIN-LIKE PROTEIN (NLP), the inhibition of nitrate transporter by NIGT1.2 will be eliminated, and the expression of nitrate transporter NRT1.1 is upregulated, increasing nitrate absorption. The result will provide the potential guidelines to create high phosphate and nitrate balance uptake and utilization in plants variety for sustainable agricultural and forestry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forestry offsets, recognized for their diverse environmental and social co-benefits, are gaining a growing interest as nature-based solutions to combat climate change. Despite Canada's extensive forest resources, its potential for carbon credit remains largely untapped. This study aims to unveil the prevailing challenges in developing forestry offsets in Canada and propose potential solutions, drawing on insights from in-depth semi-structured interviews (SSIs) with 23 experts in the field. A qualitative thematic analysis highlighted 14 challenges under four major frequently discussed themes: methodological (37%), social (29%), economic (22%), and implementation challenges (12%). Our findings highlighted the urgency of addressing key obstacles, including the impermanent nature of forestry carbon offsets, substantial public knowledge gaps, uncertainties in the cost-effectiveness impacting financial viability, and the need for enhanced capacity for project implementation. Building on the discussions on the identified challenges, this study further presented a comprehensive analysis of the future directions for Canada, emphasizing the importance of addressing key methodological issues, enhancing public and Indigenous education and engagement, and leveraging advanced technologies and innovative approaches like ton-year accounting for economic viability. This paper delivers pivotal insights that have the potential to shape the direction and integrity of the forestry offset markets in both Canada and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]