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Forests, Volume 16, Issue 2 (February 2025) – 176 articles

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20 pages, 4133 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Juniper on the Soil Properties of Pine Stands in the Taiga Zone of the European North
by Maria Vladimirovna Medvedeva and Boris Vladimirovich Raevsky
Forests 2025, 16(2), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020365 - 17 Feb 2025
Abstract
This study was performed on the territory of Northern Europe in the Middle taiga subzone of Karelia. The work was conducted at two test sites (Site I, Site II) located in a pine forest in the coastal area of Lake Segozero. In these [...] Read more.
This study was performed on the territory of Northern Europe in the Middle taiga subzone of Karelia. The work was conducted at two test sites (Site I, Site II) located in a pine forest in the coastal area of Lake Segozero. In these territories, areas under juniper (UCB) and under lingonberry-blueberry plant microgroups (CB) were isolated. This article presents the results of the effect of juniper on the properties of the upper soil horizon, forest litter (O), and mineral podzolic horizon (E (UCB)). The forest floor (O), and the mineral podzolic horizon (E) of soils located under the lingonberry-blueberry plant microgroup (CB) were selected as controls. The volume weight; acidity; content of total C, total N, total K, and total P had differences in different horizons (O, E) of the soils at the studied sites (Site I, Site II; CB, UCB). The results showed a tendency for C and N reserves to increase in the upper soil horizon under juniper. K and P reserves in this soil horizon tended to decrease. An increase in catalase activity was found in soils under juniper (Site I, II—UCB), which indicates a change in redox conditions. An increase in the rate of cellulose decomposition was noted in UCB sites compared with CB, which is consistent with the results of other studies. Mathematical and statistical analysis confirmed the formation of vegetative microgroups (CB and UCB) in cranberry pine (Site I, Site II) and also allowed us to identify conjugate pairs of chemical parameters (nitrogen reserves, C, catalase activity, and cellulose-destroying ability of soils) that differ in these sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Storage and Cycling in Forest Soil)
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29 pages, 2127 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Forestry Enterprises in China Using Geospatial Technology and Models
by Qiang Ma, Honghong Ni, Xiangxiang Su, Ying Nian, Jun Li, Weiqiang Wang, Yali Sheng, Xueqing Zhu, Jiale Liu, Weizhong Li, Jikai Liu and Xinwei Li
Forests 2025, 16(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020364 - 17 Feb 2025
Abstract
Forestry enterprises play a pivotal role in economic development, ecological civilization construction, and sustainable development. This study employs GIS-based spatial analysis to examine the distribution patterns and interrelationships of forestry enterprises, investigating their key determinants and spatial heterogeneity. The findings provide valuable insights [...] Read more.
Forestry enterprises play a pivotal role in economic development, ecological civilization construction, and sustainable development. This study employs GIS-based spatial analysis to examine the distribution patterns and interrelationships of forestry enterprises, investigating their key determinants and spatial heterogeneity. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to optimize industrial structures and enhance national ecological security. This research develops a comprehensive evaluation index system to assess the factors influencing forestry industry development in China. Nine factors are considered: human resources, economic development, industrial structure, technological support, trade development, financial environment, natural conditions, urbanization, and transportation. Using panel data from 367 cities in 2020, the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) method quantifies the influence of these factors and their spatial variations. The results show the following. (1) Forestry enterprises in China exhibit persistent spatial clustering. The eastern regions have a notably higher concentration than the western regions, and new enterprises are increasingly concentrated in a few hotspot cities in the east. (2) The spatial center of forestry enterprises has steadily moved southeast. Initially, the distribution was balanced in the eastern regions, but it has become highly concentrated in the southeastern coastal areas. (3) Regarding spatial autocorrelation, regions within the northwest cold spot cluster have been disappearing entirely. The northeast and southwest hotspot clusters have shrunk significantly, while the southeast hotspot cluster has remained large. (4) Permanent population size and green land area are the most strongly positively correlated with forestry enterprise distribution. Patent authorizations, orchard area, and forest land area also show positive effects. In contrast, road density and total import/export volume are negatively correlated with the number of forestry enterprises. This aligns with the structure of China’s forestry industry, which relies more on natural resources and market demand than on economic development level or financial environment. (5) The factors influencing forestry enterprise distribution show significant spatial variation, driven by regional factors such as resources, economy, and population. These factors ultimately determine the spatiotemporal distribution of forestry enterprises. This study provides data-driven insights to optimize the distribution of forestry industries and formulate more effective ecological protection policies. Full article
22 pages, 3375 KiB  
Article
Impact of Microplastics on Forest Soil Properties in Pollution Hotspots in Alluvial Plains of Large Rivers (Morava, Sava, and Danube) of Serbia
by Tara Grujić, Elmira Saljnikov, Dragosav Mutavdžić, Marina Jovković, Slobodan Stefanović, Vladimir Miladinović, Slobodan Krnjajić, Snežana Belanović Simić and Žaklina Marjanović
Forests 2025, 16(2), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020363 - 17 Feb 2025
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental problem, while the products of its degradation, microplastics (MPs), appear everywhere on Earth. Data on MPs in agricultural soils have appeared lately, but a significant knowledge gap exists regarding forest soils. In Serbia, municipal waste is [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental problem, while the products of its degradation, microplastics (MPs), appear everywhere on Earth. Data on MPs in agricultural soils have appeared lately, but a significant knowledge gap exists regarding forest soils. In Serbia, municipal waste is often dumped in forests, creating environmental problems that have not been documented. To explore the impact of waste dumping and MPs on forest fluvisols, we evaluated MPs from topsoils of three waste dumps and adequate visibly plastic non-contaminated forest sites located in alluviums of the largest rivers in Serbia. For assessing the influence of environmental factors on soil MPs, samples were taken in three forest vegetational seasons, in two years. The impact of MPs on soil structure, chemistry, and microbial respiration (MR) was examined. Undisturbed soil columns from uncontaminated sites with added known MP particles were used to estimate the dynamic of MP transfer through the topsoil. Large aggregate formation, soil coarse sand content, specific mass, porosity, and available P, but not MR were affected by contamination. Seasonal and annual environmental changes significantly influenced the behavior of MPs in forest luvisols. MPs effectively penetrated the deeper layers of soil columns within 3 months, with strong accumulation in the 0–10 cm layer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Environmental Changes on Forest Soil Quality and Health)
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19 pages, 5720 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Effects of Three Tree Species on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Communities During Land-Use Change from Farmland to Forests
by Yi Jian, Jing Lin, Changlong Mu, Yuqi Wang, Zhenyang He, Gang Chen and Wei Ding
Forests 2025, 16(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020362 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 31
Abstract
In recent decades, much of China’s farmland has been transformed into forests due to the Conversion of Farmland to Forests and Grasses Project. While past research has mainly examined soil nutrients and water conservation, less attention has been given to soil microbial communities. [...] Read more.
In recent decades, much of China’s farmland has been transformed into forests due to the Conversion of Farmland to Forests and Grasses Project. While past research has mainly examined soil nutrients and water conservation, less attention has been given to soil microbial communities. This study examined the effects of converting farmland to forests of Pleioblastus amarus (PA), Populus deltoides (PD), or Zanthoxylum bungeanum (ZB) on the soil physiochemical properties, enzymes, and microbial communities, using abandoned land (AL) as the control, over a period of five years. The results showed that PA increased the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, although not significantly, while significantly boosting the C:N and C:P ratios and urease activity compared to the AL. PD notably reduced the amylase and cellulase activities, as well as the fungal Shannon index. Additionally, the beta diversity of both the bacterial and fungal communities in the PA stand was clearly distinct from that of the AL and the other tree species. The SOC content, total potassium content, and cellulase activity showed significant correlations with bacterial communities. Moreover, the bacterial community changes in the PD and ZB stands were mainly driven by the genera Steroidobacter, Roseisolibacter, and Serendipita, and were negatively correlated with the SOC content, C:N and C:P ratios, and cellulase activity. In contrast, the fungal community changes in the PA stand were primarily influenced by the order Capnodiales, family Capnodiaceae, genus Chaetocapnodium, and species Chaetocapnodium philippinense, which were positively correlated with the soil pH, C:N and C:P ratios, and cellulase activity. Furthermore, “Metabolism” was identified as the primary bacterial function, and converting farmland to forest altered the fungal nutritional type from Saprotroph to Pathotroph–Saprotroph–Symbiotroph, particularly in the PA stand. These findings indicate that converting farmland to forest, particularly with bamboo P. amarus, significantly impacts the bacterial and fungal communities in the soil and changes the fungal trophic type due to the carbon source and cellulase activity of this tree species. Full article
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17 pages, 7747 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile Analysis of the NF-Y Transcription Factor Gene Family in Eucalyptus grandis
by Juan Li, Chaoyan Gong, Li Zhuang, Guangyou Li, Jianmin Xu and Zhaohua Lu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020361 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 53
Abstract
The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor family identified in plant organisms consists of NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits, known for their pivotal role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Despite extensive studies on the NF-Y gene family across [...] Read more.
The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor family identified in plant organisms consists of NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits, known for their pivotal role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Despite extensive studies on the NF-Y gene family across various species, the understanding of the NF-Y gene family in Eucalyptus is incomplete. This study aimed to identify 31 EgrNF-Y genes (7 EgrNF-YA, 16 EgrNF-YB, and 8 EgrNF-YC) in Eucalyptus grandis, all displaying conserved core regions. The chromosome distribution analysis showed that these genes were unevenly distributed on 11 chromosomes. The protein interaction analysis revealed EgrNF-YA1/A4/A6 as central within the EgrNF-Y protein network, interacting extensively with other EgrNF-Y proteins. Prediction of promoter cis-elements suggested that the expression of EgrNF-Y genes may be affected by various hormonal and abiotic stresses. Tissue-specific expression patterns indicated the widespread presence of all 30 EgrNF-Y genes across different tissues. EgrNF-YB1 and EgrNF-YB11 are implicated in regulating E. grandis flowering, whereas the upregulated expression of EgrNF-YB6/B11/B13 under phosphorus deficiency is involved in phosphorus absorption and utilization. This study lays a foundation for further understanding of the evolutionary diversity of the NF-Y gene family and serves as a reference for future studies in woody plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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19 pages, 3642 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen-Fixing Plants Enhance Soil Phosphorus Availability by Promoting Transformations Among Phosphorus Fractions in a Subtropical Karst Forest
by Yu Zhu, Zhizhuo Gao, Lijun Liu, Jie Li, Tongbin Zhu, Jiangming Ma, Thomas H. DeLuca and Min Duan
Forests 2025, 16(2), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020360 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 71
Abstract
Nitrogen (N)-fixing plants are commonly employed in the restoration of degraded terrestrial ecosystems due to their ability to increase soil N capital and boost ecosystem productivity. Given the close coupling between N and phosphorus (P) in soil, the effects of N-fixing plants on [...] Read more.
Nitrogen (N)-fixing plants are commonly employed in the restoration of degraded terrestrial ecosystems due to their ability to increase soil N capital and boost ecosystem productivity. Given the close coupling between N and phosphorus (P) in soil, the effects of N-fixing plants on soil P fractions and availability in karst forests remain largely unexplored. Herein, we compared soil P pools, fractions, and availability in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of N-fixing and non-N-fixing plants, and explored associated drivers, such as soil, microbial, and plant properties, in a subtropical karst forest. The results showed that the N-fixing plants increased total P, inorganic P, and available P in both the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The nitrogen-fixing plants increased soil labile P (LP) and non-labile P (NLP), but decreased moderately labile P (MLP), particularly in the rhizosphere soils, due to transformations among different soil P fractions. Soil P fractions were primarily influenced by soil inorganic P, root and leaf N, and microbial biomass N in the N-fixing plant treatment, whereas soil inorganic P, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dissolved organic N (DON) were the key factors in the non-N-fixing plant treatment. Consequently, soil properties, microbial attributes, plant nutrients, and soil P fractions collectively exerted both direct and indirect effects to increase soil P availability in the N-fixing plant treatment. In contrast, soil P fractions directly and soil properties indirectly influenced soil P availability in the non-N-fixing plant treatment. Our results revealed the unique role of N-fixing plants in driving soil P availability in subtropical karst forests. These findings are essential for developing effective strategies for P nutrient management and guiding the selection of appropriate plant species for vegetation restoration in karst regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Variation & Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Forests)
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29 pages, 8944 KiB  
Article
Relationships and Spatiotemporal Variations of Ecosystem Services and Land Use in Alpine Ecosystems: A Case Study of the Daxing’anling Forest Area, Inner Mongolia
by Laixian Xu, Youjun He, Liang Zhang, Chunwei Tang and Hui Xu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020359 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 57
Abstract
Quantifying the dynamic changes and relationships between ecosystem services (ESs) and land use change is critical for sustainable ecosystem management and land use optimization. However, comprehensive discussions on the spatiotemporal variations of ESs and their relationships with land use intensity (LUI) are lacking, [...] Read more.
Quantifying the dynamic changes and relationships between ecosystem services (ESs) and land use change is critical for sustainable ecosystem management and land use optimization. However, comprehensive discussions on the spatiotemporal variations of ESs and their relationships with land use intensity (LUI) are lacking, particularly in the context of significant climate warming. Systematic analyses of the forestry management unit scale are limited, leading to considerable uncertainty in sustainable ecosystem management, especially in alpine ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere, where ESs have significantly degraded. The study focuses on the Daxing’anling forest area, Inner Mongolia (DFIAM), a representative sensitive alpine ecosystem and crucial ecological security barrier in Northern China. Utilizing the InVEST model, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations in land use and four essential ESs, water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), soil conservation (SC), and habitat quality (HQ), from 2013 to 2018. We also assessed the dynamic relationships between LUI and these ESs using a four-quadrant model. Our findings indicate the following: (1) Land use types in DFIAM remained relatively stable between 2013 and 2018, with forest being the dominant type (approximately 93%). During this period, areas of forest, cropland, impervious surfaces, and bare land increased, while areas of grassland, water, and wetland decreased. Although the overall change of LUI was gentle, a spatial pattern of “high in the southeast and low in the northwest” emerged, with low LUI areas showing slight expansion. (2) WY, SC, and HQ decreased, while CS increased from 2013 to 2018. The spatial distributions of these ESs showed higher values in the center and lower values at the edges, with forests demonstrating a strong capacity to provide multiple ESs. (3) The relationship between LUI and the four ESs from 2013 to 2018 was predominantly negative, primarily situated in Quadrant II, indicating that increased LUI inhibited ES supply capacity. Within Quadrant II, the distribution range of LUI, WY, and HQ decreased, while CS remained stable and SC increased. Furthermore, Quadrant III (positive correlation) accounted for a large proportion (19.23%~42.31%), highlighting the important role of non-anthropogenic factors in ES changes. Overall, most ESs in the DFAIM showed a decline while LUI remained relatively stable, with predominantly negative correlations between LUI and ESs. The increased LUI driven by human activities, and other non-human factors, may have contributed significantly to ES degradation. To improve ESs, we proposed implementing differentiated land use planning and management, systematic ecological protection and restoration strategies, a multi-level ecological early-warning monitoring and evaluation network, ecological corridors and buffer zones, and a collaborative management system with multiple participation. These results provide scientific guidance for the sustainable management of alpine ecosystems, enhancement of ESs, and formulation of land resource protection policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
15 pages, 3405 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Interconnections of Forest Biomass and Economic Density in the Yellow River Basin, China
by Yaopeng Hu, Jiahui Zhai, Qingjun Wu, Xuanqin Yang, Yaquan Dou and Xiaodi Zhao
Forests 2025, 16(2), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020358 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 20
Abstract
Forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, and their biomass serves as a key measure for assessing the biological productivity and carbon cycle of terrestrial forest ecosystems. Recognizing the factors that impact forest ecosystems is essential for assessing their health [...] Read more.
Forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, and their biomass serves as a key measure for assessing the biological productivity and carbon cycle of terrestrial forest ecosystems. Recognizing the factors that impact forest ecosystems is essential for assessing their health and developing effective conservation strategies to preserve species diversity and ecological equilibrium. This study considered forest biomass as the explained variable, economic density as the explanatory variable, and human activities, land use, and forestland protection as the control variables. Panel data encompassing 448 counties within the Yellow River Basin (YRB) for the years 2008, 2013, and 2018 were utilized as inputs for ArcGIS spatial analysis and two-way fixed-effects modeling. This approach aimed to evaluate the impact of socio-economic factors on forest biomass. The findings indicate that, (1) from both temporal and spatial viewpoints, the distribution of forest biomass in the upper reaches of the Yellow River demonstrated an improvement over the period from 2008 to 2018. Notably, in 2013, there was a significant reduction in the forest biomass distribution in the middle and lower sections, although the levels remained substantially above the average for those regions. Throughout the period from 2008 to 2018, the overall forest biomass within the YRB displayed a spatial distribution pattern, with elevated levels observed in the western areas and diminished levels in the eastern regions. (2) A one-unit increase in economic density led to a 1.002% increase in forest biomass. In the YRB, a positive correlation was observed between the economic density and forest biomass, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the river. (3) In the upstream region, forest biomass was strongly negatively correlated with cultivated land but significantly positively correlated with forest land protection. In the middle reaches, although population growth and arable land expansion led to a decrease in forest biomass, primary industry development and urbanization promoted forest biomass growth. The development of primary industries other than planting, such as the forestry industry, can contribute to the forest biomass. Moreover, in the downstream area, a strong negative correlation was observed between the number of permanent residents and forest biomass. We recommend modifications to human activities to enhance the forest biomass and the preserve forest ecosystem stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biometrics, Inventory, and Modelling of Growth and Yield)
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8 pages, 3046 KiB  
Review
The Potential Risk Posed by Emerald Ash Borer to Cultivated and Wild Olive Trees
by Don Cipollini
Forests 2025, 16(2), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020357 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 9
Abstract
Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an Asian woodborer that is a destructive pest of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees throughout North America and in parts of Asia and Europe. It has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees worldwide in [...] Read more.
Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an Asian woodborer that is a destructive pest of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees throughout North America and in parts of Asia and Europe. It has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees worldwide in the past two decades and has shown some ability to infest novel hosts, most notably white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus L.). Here, I review the evidence that this beetle can succeed on cultivated olive (Olea europaea L), a close relative of white fringetree. Studies and observations thus far indicate that, while young trees are largely resistant to EAB larval development, adults will oviposit on olive trees, can feed on their foliage and produce viable eggs, and that larger, older and possibly stressed trees have the potential to support larval development to the adult stage in the field. Emerald ash borer will soon interact with cultivated olive trees in the wild in parts of the U.S. and in Europe, and the realized risk to olives by this beetle will be revealed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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10 pages, 3575 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Fluctuation of Non-Structural Carbohydrates in Different Organs of Four Tree Species in Subtropical Forests
by Minggang Guo, Guoqin Liang, Feng Lu, Biyun Yu, Yangyang Chen, Diego Ismael Rodríguez-Hernández, Xiao Suo and Xiali Guo
Forests 2025, 16(2), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020356 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 22
Abstract
Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are important carbon pools in trees, and previous studies have mainly focused on the concentration of NSC in tree organs such as leaves, branches, trunk, and root, separately. However, the seasonality of the concentration of NSC in different organs among [...] Read more.
Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are important carbon pools in trees, and previous studies have mainly focused on the concentration of NSC in tree organs such as leaves, branches, trunk, and root, separately. However, the seasonality of the concentration of NSC in different organs among tree species in the subtropical forests is less known. In this study, we measured the seasonal dynamics of the concentration of NSC in four tree species (Nothotsuga longibracteata W. C. Cheng, Pinus kwangtungensis Chun ex Tsiang, Schima superba Gardn. et Champ, and Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don) in subtropical forests at organ levels including canopy, trunk, and root. The results showed that the concentration of NSC in conifer species was higher than that in broadleaf species. Also, the average concentration and range of the concentration of NSC were higher in the canopy than in other organs. The concentration of NSC decreased at the beginning of the growing season and increased at the end of the growing season for all species. Specifically, the concentration of NSC in tree species was significantly higher in the dry season than that in the wet season. Our results revealed the seasonal dynamics of NSC in different organs, which is beneficial to a better understanding of the growth strategies of different tree species in subtropical regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Phenology Dynamics and Response to Climate Change)
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16 pages, 2334 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Input Residual Network for Non-Destructive Prediction of Wood Mechanical Properties
by Jingchao Ma, Zhufang Kuang, Yixuan Fang and Jiahui Huang
Forests 2025, 16(2), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020355 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) are crucial indicators for assessing the application value of wood. However, traditional physical testing methods for the mechanical properties of wood are typically destructive, costly, and time-consuming. To efficiently assess these properties, this study [...] Read more.
Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) are crucial indicators for assessing the application value of wood. However, traditional physical testing methods for the mechanical properties of wood are typically destructive, costly, and time-consuming. To efficiently assess these properties, this study proposes a multi-input residual network (MIRN) model, which integrates microscopic images of wood with physical density data and leverages deep learning technology for rapid and accurate predictions. By using larger convolution kernels to enhance the receptive field, the model captures fine microstructural features in the images. Batch normalization layers were removed from the ResNet architecture to reduce the number of parameters and improve training stability. Shortcut connections were utilized to enable deeper network architectures and address the vanishing gradient problem. Two types of residual blocks, convolutional block and identity block, were defined based on input dimensional changes. The MIRN method, based on multi-input residual networks, is proposed for non-destructive testing of wood mechanical properties. The experimental results show that MIRN outperforms convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and ResNet-50 in predicting MOE and MOR, with an R2 of 0.95 for MOE and RMSE reduced to 46.88, as well as an R2 of 0.85 for MOR and an RMSE of 0.44. Thus, this method offers an efficient and cost-effective tool for wood processing and quality control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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14 pages, 4674 KiB  
Article
Growth and Energy Characteristics of Arboreal Wood Irrigated with Treated Effluent in Degraded Soil of Semi-Arid Regions
by Victor Junior Lima Felix, Salomão de Sousa Medeiros, Vanderléia Fernanda dos Santos Araújo, Pedro Nicó de Medeiros Neto, Rodrigo Santana Macedo, Robson Vinício dos Santos, Vânia da Silva Fraga and Milton César Costa Campos
Forests 2025, 16(2), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020354 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 234
Abstract
The management of forest species in the recovery of degraded areas of semi-arid regions is mainly limited by the availability of water and nutrients. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the growth, yield, and energy characteristics of the wood of [...] Read more.
The management of forest species in the recovery of degraded areas of semi-arid regions is mainly limited by the availability of water and nutrients. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the growth, yield, and energy characteristics of the wood of two forest species of the Brazilian semi-arid region subjected to deficient irrigation with sewage effluent by drip in degraded soil. For this, a field experiment was conducted in an agroforestry system with two native species of the Caatinga biome: sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth) and aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão), intercropped with forage palm (Opuntia stricta (Haw) Haw). The wastewater used was domestic, coming from kitchen and bathroom sinks, which underwent primary and secondary treatment. The irrigation treatments were applied in the first two years: in the first year, water supply in the volume of 0.5 L/plant/week (WS0.5), treated effluent in the volume of 0.5 L/plant/week (TE0.5), and treated effluent in the volume of 1 L/plant/week (TE1). In the second year, all treatments were leveled at 0.5 L/plant/week, and in the following two years, all irrigation treatments were discontinued. Growth variables were monitored and, at the end of the study period, wood production was calculated and energetic analyses were performed. The Richards model adjusted satisfactorily to the growth variables for the species studied. The treated effluent at a volume of 1 L/week increased the yield in condensed liquid and decreased the volatile materials (VM) of sabiá, while in aroeira it increased the basic density and VM, with a decrease in the gravimetric yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties)
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19 pages, 12245 KiB  
Article
Development of Full Growth Cycle Crown Width Models for Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) in Southern China
by Zheyuan Wu, Dongbo Xie, Ziyang Liu, Linyan Feng, Qiaolin Ye, Jinsheng Ye, Qiulai Wang, Xingyong Liao, Yongjun Wang, Ram P. Sharma and Liyong Fu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020353 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
This study focused on 16,101 Cunninghamia lanceolata trees across 133 plots in seven cities of Guangdong Province, China, to develop a comprehensive full growth cycle crown width (CW) model. We systematically analyzed the dynamic characteristics of CW and its multi-scale influencing mechanisms. A [...] Read more.
This study focused on 16,101 Cunninghamia lanceolata trees across 133 plots in seven cities of Guangdong Province, China, to develop a comprehensive full growth cycle crown width (CW) model. We systematically analyzed the dynamic characteristics of CW and its multi-scale influencing mechanisms. A binary basic model, with the diameter at breast height (DBH) and height (H) as core predictor variables, effectively reflected tree growth patterns. The inclusion of age groups as dummy variables allowed the model to capture the dynamic changes in CW across different growth stages. Furthermore, the incorporation of a nested two-level nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model, accounting for random effects from the forest block- and sample plot-level effects, significantly improved the precision and applicability of the final model (R2 = 0.731, RMSE = 0.491). This model quantified both macro- and micro-level effects of region and plot on CW. Our findings showed that the two-level NLME model, incorporating tree age groups, optimally accounted for environmental heterogeneity and tree growth cycles, resulting in the best-fitting statistics. The proposed full growth cycle CW model effectively enhanced the model’s efficiency and predictive accuracy for Cunninghamia lanceolata, providing scientific support for the sustainable management and dynamic monitoring of plantation forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biometrics, Inventory, and Modelling of Growth and Yield)
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19 pages, 3402 KiB  
Article
Seed Quality and Seedling Production of Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum, and Pseudotsuga menziesii
by Carolina Moraes, Marcio Carlos Navroski, Mariane de Oliveira Pereira, Luciana Magda de Oliveira, Ivan Adelke Miranda, Bruno Nascimento, Alessandro Camargo Angelo, Marcos Felipe Nicoletti, Adelar Mantovani and Daniel Pereira da Silva Filho
Forests 2025, 16(2), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020352 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Given the ecological significance and potential for afforestation and carbon sequestration of these species, this study contributes to optimizing nursery practices for successful regeneration and conservation efforts. Thus, this research assessed the physical and physiological seed quality and seedling production of Sequoia sempervirens [...] Read more.
Given the ecological significance and potential for afforestation and carbon sequestration of these species, this study contributes to optimizing nursery practices for successful regeneration and conservation efforts. Thus, this research assessed the physical and physiological seed quality and seedling production of Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. For seed characteristics the following were tested: (I) Tetrazolium at concentrations: 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%; (II) moisture content and thousand-seed weight; (III) in-lab germination; and (IV) the classification of seeds’ viability through the use of a seed blower. Meanwhile, seedling production was tested: (I) five compositions of substrates and (II) doses of a controlled-release fertilizer (14-14-14): 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 g L−1, for S. giganteum. The seed evaluations revealed no significant effect of tetrazolium concentrations on determining their viability. The water content results classify all species as orthodox. All species’ seeds were classified as small according to the weight of a thousand seeds. A maximum of 41% germination was observed for both S. sempervirens and S. giganteum, this value was 56% for P. menziesii, attributed to non-viability and emptiness. The seed blower increased germination by more than 20% for S. giganteum and almost 40% for P. menziesii. Seedling production was affected by the substrates, and a dosage of 4.0 g L−1 of the controlled-release fertilizer is recommended for S. giganteum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecophysiology and Biology)
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20 pages, 4781 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Dynamics and Microenvironmental Drivers of Transpiration in Scrub Rhizophora mangle L. Trees from Yucatan
by Gabriela Cerón-Aguilera, Laura Yáñez-Espinosa, Ileana Echevarría-Machado, Rodrigo Méndez-Alonzo, Jorge Herrera-Silveira, Roberth Us-Santamaría, Julio Alberto Salas-Rabaza, Karina Elizabeth González-Muñoz and José Luis Andrade
Forests 2025, 16(2), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020351 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
Scrub mangrove forests, dominated by Rhizophora mangle L., are characterized by high porewater salinity, which might compromise individual sap flow rates (SF) due to seasonal and diurnal microenvironmental variations. We tested the functional, anatomical, and SF responses of 12 individuals to microenvironmental variables [...] Read more.
Scrub mangrove forests, dominated by Rhizophora mangle L., are characterized by high porewater salinity, which might compromise individual sap flow rates (SF) due to seasonal and diurnal microenvironmental variations. We tested the functional, anatomical, and SF responses of 12 individuals to microenvironmental variables such as solar radiation, photosynthetic photon flux, wind speed, evaporative demand, and porewater salinity, measured using an in situ weather station. Measurements were made in the dry and rainy seasons in the Yucatan Peninsula, using Granier heat dissipation sensors, installed on tree branches. During the rainy season, SF was twice as high as that during the dry season (0.22 ± 0.00 L h−1 and 0.11 ± 0.00 L h−1, respectively), despite lower evaporative demand. In both seasons, negative relationships between SF with vapor pressure deficit (VPD; dry τ = −0.54; rainy τ = −0.56) and with photosynthetic photon flux (PPF; dry τ = −0.97; rainy τ = −0.98) were found, indicating a strong hydraulic coupling to atmospheric conditions. Sap flow and transpiration rates of this R. mangle scrub mangrove forest exceeded those of some tropical dry deciduous forests, suggesting adaptations that support water transport in saline environments. The clustered xylem vessels of R. mangle ensure safe sap flow year-round. As an evergreen species, it contributes water to the atmosphere all year-round, underscoring its critical role in the tropical ecohydrological environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Relations in Tree Physiology)
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20 pages, 4539 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Oak Forest Management Models on Seasonal Variability in Soil Properties at Sites with Igneous and Sedimentary Subsoil
by Jiří Volánek, Pavel Samec, Ladislav Holík, Aleš Bajer and Marie Balková
Forests 2025, 16(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020350 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Traditional forest management models could potentially be used to combat changes in environmental conditions by stimulating soil properties and supporting tree growth. In this study, we compare the effects of different oak (Quercus petraea /Matt./Liebl.) forest models [coppice, coppice-with-standard, stocked coppice (reference)] [...] Read more.
Traditional forest management models could potentially be used to combat changes in environmental conditions by stimulating soil properties and supporting tree growth. In this study, we compare the effects of different oak (Quercus petraea /Matt./Liebl.) forest models [coppice, coppice-with-standard, stocked coppice (reference)] on seasonal variability in soil properties at upland igneous and sedimentary sites (280–418 m a.s.l.). Soils were sampled at 0–5 and 10–15 cm in 50 × 50 m model and reference plots in January, April, July and October between 2015 and 2019, and soil organic matter, soil respiration, enzyme activity, pH and water-holding capacity were determined. The effects of forest model and seasonality were then compared using time-series analysis, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis. Overall, the models differentiated subsurface soil horizons from the topsoil and their feedback varied between sites. While water-holding capacity increased at the igneous stands, acid phosphomonoesterase activity increased and nitrogen content decreased at the sedimentary site. While the most significant negative influence of the forest model on soil properties was observed at the sedimentary site, the greatest increase in soil organic matter and water holding capacity was registered at the igneous coppice-with-standards site. Consequently, using the appropriate forest management model on different subsoil types could be valuable for improving carbon sequestration and drought resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Modelling of Soil Properties in Forest Ecosystems)
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13 pages, 10260 KiB  
Article
Biological Characteristics of the Scale Insect Matsucoccus sinensis (Hemiptera: Coccoidae), a Pest Damaging the Chinese Red Pine Forests
by Danchun Li, Jinqian Liu, Jing Yang, Hao Qi, Yuan Lin, Wei Lei, Wenyu Zhang, Nehal Shaarawy, Youssef Dewer, Suqin Shang and Zuolin Fu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020349 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
The Chinese red pine, Pinus tabulaeformis, is one of the most important evergreen conifer trees in China. It is widely planted in southern Gansu Province and is commonly used for garden trees, hedges, windbreaks, and soil and water conservation. However, Matsucoccus sinensis [...] Read more.
The Chinese red pine, Pinus tabulaeformis, is one of the most important evergreen conifer trees in China. It is widely planted in southern Gansu Province and is commonly used for garden trees, hedges, windbreaks, and soil and water conservation. However, Matsucoccus sinensis, a scale insect, has become a major pest of the P. tabulaeformis forests, and its life history and biological characteristics remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological characteristics, male cocoon emergence, adult mating period, and egg developmental period of M. sinensis, providing valuable insights for its prevention and control. We conducted continuous observation of the different developmental stages of M. sinensis, both in the laboratory and in P. tabulaeformis fields. The least squares method was used to calculate the egg developmental period of M. sinensis. Our results showed that the scale insect is a monophagous species with one generation occurring per year. The second-instar nymphs overwinter on the needles in the medium shell and reproduce sexually, without parthenogenesis. Male M. sinensis adults reach their peak appearance at the end of April in the study region. The peak emergence of male cocoons occurred between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and the adult mating period lasted from 11:00 AM to 13:00 PM. The larvae of M. sinensis attack the needles of P. tabulaeformis. The nymphs crawled and moved to the inner base of the needles, with first- to third-instar nymphs fixing themselves to the needles to feed. The effective accumulated temperature and starting temperatures for the development of M. sinensis eggs were found to be 86.1 °C and 3.5 °C, respectively. Overall, understanding the biology and life history of M. sinensis is essential for identifying key developmental stages and determining the optimal timing for pest control, ultimately aiding in the development of targeted management strategies to protect P. tabulaeformis forests from this emerging pest. Full article
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27 pages, 1418 KiB  
Review
Balancing Non-Timber Services with Biomass Production via Sustainable Forest Management: A Review of Conflicting Demands and Suggested Approaches
by Diogenis A. Kiziridis, Eleni Salonikidou, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou and Dimitrios Fotakis
Forests 2025, 16(2), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020348 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 237
Abstract
Forest management can be implemented for various demands, including biomass or energy production, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services, all related to forest utilisation and sustainability. However, these demands can conflict, with biomass production potentially hindering biodiversity conservation, and a focus on [...] Read more.
Forest management can be implemented for various demands, including biomass or energy production, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services, all related to forest utilisation and sustainability. However, these demands can conflict, with biomass production potentially hindering biodiversity conservation, and a focus on climate mitigation or ecosystem services possibly limiting wood production. The aim of the present study was to review the literature related to these conflicts and identify best practices for balancing demands in the context of policies and management tools in the European Union (EU). We found that while EU policies promote sustainability, there is insufficient integration between the biodiversity, carbon storage, and biomass production objectives. We additionally found that by integrating datasets and models, such as by interconnecting models for carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and biomass production, predictions and hence workarounds for addressing these competing demands can be more accurate. Based on these findings, we recommend adopting a more holistic approach in forest management strategies, considering both ecological and socio-economic factors for long-term sustainability. This review provides insights for policymakers, forest managers, and other stakeholders, for navigating the trade-offs between different forest ecosystem services, and for supporting informed decision-making in the development of effective forest policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)
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20 pages, 4530 KiB  
Article
Mapping Forest Aboveground Biomass Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data Based on the XGBoost Algorithm
by Dejun Wang, Yanqiu Xing, Anmin Fu, Jie Tang, Xiaoqing Chang, Hong Yang, Shuhang Yang and Yuanxin Li
Forests 2025, 16(2), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020347 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Aboveground biomass (AGB) serves as an important indicator for assessing the productivity of forest ecosystems and exploring the global carbon cycle. However, accurate estimation of forest AGB remains a significant challenge, especially when integrating multi-source remote sensing data, and the effects of different [...] Read more.
Aboveground biomass (AGB) serves as an important indicator for assessing the productivity of forest ecosystems and exploring the global carbon cycle. However, accurate estimation of forest AGB remains a significant challenge, especially when integrating multi-source remote sensing data, and the effects of different feature combinations for AGB estimation results are unclear. In this study, we proposed a method for estimating forest AGB by combining Gao Fen 7 (GF-7) stereo imagery with data from Sentinel-1 (S1), Sentinel-2 (S2), and the Advanced Land Observing Satellite digital elevation model (ALOS DEM), and field survey data. The continuous tree height (TH) feature was derived using GF-7 stereo imagery and the ALOS DEM. Spectral features were extracted from S1 and S2, and topographic features were extracted from the ALOS DEM. Using these features, 15 feature combinations were constructed. The recursive feature elimination (RFE) method was used to optimize each feature combination, which was then input into the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model for AGB estimation. Different combinations of features used to estimate forest AGB were compared. The best model was selected for mapping AGB distribution at 30 m resolution. The outcomes showed that the forest AGB model was composed of 13 features, including TH, topographic, and spectral features extracted from S1 and S2 data. This model achieved the best prediction performance, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.71 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 18.11 Mg/ha. TH was found to be the most important predictive feature, followed by S2 optical features, topographic features, and S1 radar features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
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18 pages, 2532 KiB  
Article
Exploring Thematic Evolution in Interdisciplinary Forest Fire Prediction Research: A Latent Dirichlet Allocation–Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers Model Analysis
by Shuo Zhang
Forests 2025, 16(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020346 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 223
Abstract
Facing the severe global wildfire challenge and the need for advanced prediction, this study analysed the evolving research in forest fire prediction using an LDA-BERT similarity model. Due to climate change, human activities, and natural factors, forest fires threaten ecosystems, society, and the [...] Read more.
Facing the severe global wildfire challenge and the need for advanced prediction, this study analysed the evolving research in forest fire prediction using an LDA-BERT similarity model. Due to climate change, human activities, and natural factors, forest fires threaten ecosystems, society, and the climate system. The vast existing literature on forest fire prediction makes it challenging to identify research themes manually. The proposed LDA-BERT model combines LDA and BERT. LDA was used for topic mining, determining the optimal number of topics by calculating the semantic consistency. BERT was employed in word vector training, using topic word probabilities as weights. The cosine similarity algorithm and normalisation were used to measure the topic similarity. Through empirical research on 13,552 publications from 1980–2023 retrieved from the Web of Science database, several key themes were identified, such as “wildfire risk management”, “vegetation and habitat changes”, and “climate change and forests”. Research trends show a shift from macro-level to micro-level studies, with modern technologies becoming a focus. Multidimensional scaling revealed a hierarchical theme distribution, with themes closely related to forest fires being dominant. This research offers valuable insights for the scientific community and policymakers, facilitating understanding these changes and contributing to wildfire mitigation. However, it has limitations like subjectivity in theme-representative word selection and needs further improvement in threshold setting and model performance evaluation. Future research can optimise these aspects and integrate emerging technologies to enhance forest fire prediction research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Fires Prediction and Detection—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2093 KiB  
Article
Estimation of the Optimal Seed Production Management Cycle of a Miniature Seed Orchard, Based on the Crown Recovery Process and Spatiotemporal Light Variation After Pruning
by Michinari Matsushita
Forests 2025, 16(2), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020345 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Seed orchards play important roles in supplying good seeds. Miniature orchards have the advantages of reducing management areas, but rapid crown development will decrease light intensity and seed production. Block-rotation cycles within an orchard need to be evaluated to optimize total seed production [...] Read more.
Seed orchards play important roles in supplying good seeds. Miniature orchards have the advantages of reducing management areas, but rapid crown development will decrease light intensity and seed production. Block-rotation cycles within an orchard need to be evaluated to optimize total seed production per unit time and area. The development of tree height and primary branches, as well as spatial light variation over the years after pruning and defoliation manipulation were evaluated in a miniature orchard of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl. set on the Pacific side of Japan. Just two years after manipulation, the branches of the upper-crown parts had grown so long that they were touching each other, and the light environments of the lower-crown parts had become drastically darker. Next, based on the crown development and light variation and the relationship between cone production and light intensity, we performed a simulation of total cone production over the years in a hypothetical orchard composed of multiple blocks. Then, the simulated total cone production was compared between the block-rotation cycles, where crown management was performed every three or four years. Compared to the three-year block rotation, the distribution of within-tree cone production for the four-year block rotation was more biased towards only the upper crown, since the lower crown became suddenly darker. It was estimated that cone production for the entire tree and the entire seed orchard would be lower than in the three-year block rotation. The approach and findings of this study will be useful for improving seed orchard management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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18 pages, 5755 KiB  
Article
Wildfire Impacts Pinus tabulaeformis Forests on Soil Properties, Actinobacteriota, and Enzyme Activity in Northern China: Direct Effects or Mutual Interactions?
by Guanhong Liu, Bingyi Li, Jia Li, Ze Gu and Xiaodong Liu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020344 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Wildfires are significant disturbances that reshape soil ecosystems, impacting soil properties, microbial communities, and enzyme activities. In Pinus tabulaeformis forests in northern China, the effects of wildfire on soil health, particularly on Actinobacteriota and enzymatic functions, remain poorly understood. This study investigates both [...] Read more.
Wildfires are significant disturbances that reshape soil ecosystems, impacting soil properties, microbial communities, and enzyme activities. In Pinus tabulaeformis forests in northern China, the effects of wildfire on soil health, particularly on Actinobacteriota and enzymatic functions, remain poorly understood. This study investigates both the direct and indirect effects of fire severity on these factors and examines how fire-induced changes in soil properties mediate microbial and enzymatic responses. Our findings show that wildfire significantly alters soil chemical properties, including an increase in soil pH and a reduction in organic carbon and water content, particularly under high fire severities. These changes directly impact microbial communities, with Actinobacteriota showing resilience under light and moderate fire intensities but declining under high severity, especially in subsoil layers. Soil enzymes, such as urease and protease, played a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of fire on nutrient cycling. Their activity promoted nutrient availability, aiding ecosystem recovery, even as fire intensity reduced overall soil fertility. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) further revealed that the relationships between fire severity, soil properties, Actinobacteriota, and enzyme activity are shaped by both direct thermal effects and complex indirect interactions mediated by changes in soil moisture and nutrient levels. This study underscores the importance of considering both direct fire effects and the mutual interactions between soil properties, microbial communities, and enzymatic activities in post-fire recovery. The findings highlight that while high-severity fires disrupt soil health and microbial dynamics, soil enzymes can help regulate these impacts by enhancing nutrient cycling and supporting ecosystem stability. These insights contribute to a better understanding of wildfire-induced soil degradation and provide actionable strategies for enhancing post-fire soil restoration and microbial management in fire-prone ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire Ecology and Management in Forest—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 5421 KiB  
Article
Effects of Oasis Evolution on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Function in Arid Areas
by Junhu Tang, Haiqiang Zhu, Xinyu Ma, Zhaolong Ding, Yan Luo, Xiaofei Wang, Rui Gao and Lu Gong
Forests 2025, 16(2), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020343 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Soil is an important link in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements. The soil environment, especially the soil water, nutrients, and salts, undergoes profound changes in the process of oasis evolution. As a key component of the soil ecosystem in an [...] Read more.
Soil is an important link in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements. The soil environment, especially the soil water, nutrients, and salts, undergoes profound changes in the process of oasis evolution. As a key component of the soil ecosystem in an oasis, soil microbial communities are strongly influenced by environmental factors and have feedback effects on them. However, the response of the soil microbial community structure and function to the process of oasis evolution and its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the effects of different land-use types, including cotton field (CF), orchard (OR), forest land (FL), waste land (WL) and sand land (SL), on the soil microbial community structure and function were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing. The results showed that the cotton field had the highest soil water content, showing a significant difference compared with the other land-use types. Forest land had the highest soil pH, also showing a significant difference compared with the other land-use types. Among the land-use types with different degrees of oasis evolution, Pseudarthrobacter and Actinomycetota were the dominant phyla, with higher relative abundance. The main metabolic pathways in the cotton field, sand land, and waste land were L-glutamine biosynthesis, ornithine cycle, and nitrate reduction V. The soil total salt, moisture content, pH, and available potassium were the important soil physicochemical factors influencing soil microorganisms. This study will deepen our understanding of the role of soil microbial communities in the process of oasis evolution and provide a scientific basis for ecological restoration and desertification control in arid areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Cycling in Forest Soils)
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15 pages, 2141 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Dependent Soil Organic Carbon Turnover in Taiwan’s Forests Revealed by Stable Carbon Isotope Analysis
by Li-Wei Zheng, Meng Wu, Qianhui Li, Zhenzhen Zheng, Zhen Huang, Tsung-Yu Lee and Shuh-Ji Kao
Forests 2025, 16(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020342 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
High-standing islands, such as Taiwan, offer unique opportunities to study soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics due to their steep terrains, rapid erosion, and strong climatic gradients. In this study, we investigated 54 forest soil profiles across northern, central, and southern Taiwan to assess [...] Read more.
High-standing islands, such as Taiwan, offer unique opportunities to study soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics due to their steep terrains, rapid erosion, and strong climatic gradients. In this study, we investigated 54 forest soil profiles across northern, central, and southern Taiwan to assess SOC inventories and turnover using stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analyses. We applied Rayleigh fractionation modeling to vertical δ13C enrichment patterns and derived the parameter β, which serves as a proxy for SOC turnover rates. Our findings reveal that SOC stocks increase notably with elevation, aligning with lower temperatures and reduced decomposition rates at higher altitudes. Conversely, mean annual precipitation (MAP) did not show a straightforward relationship with SOC stocks or β, highlighting the moderating effects of soil drainage, topography, and local hydrological conditions. Intriguingly, higher soil nitrogen levels were associated with a negative correlation to ln(β), underscoring the complex interplay between nutrient availability and SOC decomposition. Overall, temperature emerges as the dominant factor governing SOC turnover, indicating that ongoing and future warming could accelerate SOC losses, especially in cooler, high-elevation zones currently acting as stable carbon reservoirs. These insights underscore the need for models and management practices that account for intricate temperature, moisture, and nutrient controls on SOC stability, as well as the value of stable isotopic tools for evaluating soil carbon dynamics in mountainous environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Carbon Storage in Forests: Dynamics and Management)
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20 pages, 3720 KiB  
Article
Availability, Accessibility, or Visibility? A Study of the Influencing Factors of Greenspace Exposure Behavior in Fuzhou Urban Parks
by Na Liu, Mengbo Wu, Jingjing Wang, Jingyi Wei, Xiong Yao and Zhipeng Zhu
Forests 2025, 16(2), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020341 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has led to increasingly serious problems, such as the heat island effect and environmental pollution, which seriously endanger people’s health. Greenspace exposure behavior, that is, the way and characteristics of people’s contact with greenspace (including frequency and duration of stay), is [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization has led to increasingly serious problems, such as the heat island effect and environmental pollution, which seriously endanger people’s health. Greenspace exposure behavior, that is, the way and characteristics of people’s contact with greenspace (including frequency and duration of stay), is the key to exerting the health benefits of greenspace. There is little research on the factors influencing greenspace exposure behavior, which cannot reveal the mechanism of maintaining people’s physical and mental health by promoting greenspace exposure behavior. Therefore, using typical urban parks in Fuzhou as a case study, indicators of greenspace availability, accessibility, and visibility were identified from objective park characteristics and subjective crowd evaluation. The factors influencing greenspace exposure behavior were analyzed using bivariate correlation tests and multivariate linear regression analysis. The results indicated that, among objective park characteristics, the per capita green park area negatively impacted greenspace exposure behavior, while the green view index positively influenced it (p < 0.05). Regarding subjective crowd evaluation, subjective indicators positively impacted greenspace exposure behavior except for the condition of activity areas. In addition, subjective factors, especially subjective visibility indicators, are more predictive of greenspace exposure behavior than objective factors. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in further refining the research framework for quantifying and evaluating park greenspace exposure, and enriching the theoretical connotation of research on park greenspace exposure behavior. The research results suggested park greening strategies for the relevant departments, enhanced the greenspace exposure behavior, and improved people’s physical and mental health. Full article
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24 pages, 43113 KiB  
Article
Determining the Accuracy of Structural Parameters Measured from LiDAR Images in Lowland Oak Forests
by Jelena Kolić, Renata Pernar, Ante Seletković and Mario Ančić
Forests 2025, 16(2), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020340 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Data on forests (e.g., height, diameter at breast height and volume) are increasingly being collected using remote sensing methods, leading to improved forest inventories. At present, a popular method for data collection is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR [...] Read more.
Data on forests (e.g., height, diameter at breast height and volume) are increasingly being collected using remote sensing methods, leading to improved forest inventories. At present, a popular method for data collection is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR sensors, which allow for a more detailed assessment of structural parameters in both space and time, facilitating the practical application of more complex forest management systems. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to measure the structural elements of stands (e.g., volume, basal area, tree count, height, diameter at breast height, crown width, and area) from LiDAR images and determine the accuracy of the obtained results. The research was conducted in a 5500 ha area containing some of the most valuable forests in Croatia, namely, lowland oak forests. The results of this study show that there are no statistically significant differences between the diameters and heights measured in the field and those from LiDAR images and, consequently, no difference in the calculated volume. This study also concluded that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles with various sensors can significantly reduce fieldwork while achieving the same accuracy in the results, thus leading to substantial savings in both time and money. Full article
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12 pages, 3013 KiB  
Article
Incubating Pallet Wood Samples Does Not Enhance Detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
by Maria L. Inácio, Joana Barata, Ana Paula Ramos, Ana Fundurulic, David Pires and Luís Bonifácio
Forests 2025, 16(2), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020339 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
Among the most concerning threats impacting global forest ecosystems is the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934) Nickle, 1970), the causal agent of pine wilt disease. In Europe, effective management of this pest requires comprehensive regulatory and monitoring strategies, including [...] Read more.
Among the most concerning threats impacting global forest ecosystems is the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934) Nickle, 1970), the causal agent of pine wilt disease. In Europe, effective management of this pest requires comprehensive regulatory and monitoring strategies, including the annual collection of thousands of wood samples from symptomatic trees and their surroundings, inspection of wood packaging materials like pallets, and the trapping of the insect vector, Monochamus spp., through national networks. Insects and wood samples are sent to official laboratories, where the latter are sometimes incubated at 25 °C for 15 days, aiming to maximize the probability of the detection of the nematode. This study expected to elucidate the effect of the wood incubation process on the detection of B. xylophilus by analyzing wood samples from pallets and green wood obtained from pine stands, both harbouring nematodes in adult and juvenile stages. Additionally, the investigation sought to assess how the presence of fungi, which serve as a food source for the nematodes, enables B. xylophilus to persist in treated pallet wood that is colonized by these fungi. The results indicated that the incubation period is unnecessary for detecting B. xylophilus in pallets, except when the wood is heavily colonized by fungi providing suitable nutrition for the nematodes, although such occurrences are expected to be rare. Furthermore, this study found no significant differences in population growth between the two stages of the nematode’s life cycle. This suggests that second-stage juveniles present in wood samples, despite not undergoing sexual differentiation, do not hinder the reproductive capacity of B. xylophilus. The risk of a potential infestation in treated pallet wood is unlikely if the treatment has been performed correctly, and the incubation does not contribute to increasing the probability of detecting the PWN. Conversely, for samples obtained from trees, the incubation period significantly enhances nematode detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Pine Wilt Disease)
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18 pages, 14560 KiB  
Article
Potential Distribution and Response of Camphora longepaniculata Gamble (Lauraceae) to Climate Change in China
by Yanzhao Zhu, Hanzhi Zhao, Yidi Liu, Minghui Zhu, Zitong Wan, Yujie Yan, Xiaoying Wang, Ya Xiang, Shanshan Gao, Chenlong Jiang, Yingying Zhang and Gang Zhao
Forests 2025, 16(2), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020338 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Camphora longepaniculata is an endangered evergreen tree listed as National Class II Protected Tree Species in China, highly valued for its medicinal and economic importance. Currently, research on this species has primarily focused on its pharmaceutical properties, while its potential distribution and responses [...] Read more.
Camphora longepaniculata is an endangered evergreen tree listed as National Class II Protected Tree Species in China, highly valued for its medicinal and economic importance. Currently, research on this species has primarily focused on its pharmaceutical properties, while its potential distribution and responses to climate change remain insufficiently explored. In this study, 36 valid occurrence records and 11 environmental variables were utilized to predict its potential distribution and assess its response to future climate scenarios. The MaxEnt model revealed that the current distribution of C. longepaniculata largely aligns with its predicted suitable habitats, with the primary range located in Sichuan Province. Furthermore, this model identified the highly suitable habitats to be predominantly concentrated in Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces under climate change. Among the environmental variables, annual precipitation (bio12), minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), and elevation (dem) were the most influential, collectively contributing over 70% to the model’s predictive accuracy. Future climate projections compared to the current distribution suggest a northward expansion of suitable habitats for C. longepaniculata, although Sichuan Province is predicted to remain the core habitat under future scenarios. Kernel density analysis of occurrence points indicated that the largest concentration of distribution points is near the Sichuan Basin, reinforcing the importance of this region as a stronghold for the species. Based on the results of potential distribution and kernel density analysis, in situ conservation, artificial cultivation, and the establishment of wild protected areas and local germplasm banks are recommended for stable, suitable habitats, such as Sichuan Province and parts of Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces. This study not only sheds light on the potential geographical distribution of C. longepaniculata and its response to climate change but also provides a scientific basis for the development of targeted conservation strategies for this species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Responses of Trees and Forests to Climate Change)
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11 pages, 2751 KiB  
Article
Stage- and Tissue-Specific Expression of MET1 and CMT2 Genes During Germination in Abies koreana E.H.Wilson
by Sun-cheon Hong, Koeun Jeon and Kyu-suk Kang
Forests 2025, 16(2), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020337 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Abies koreana E.H.Wilson (Korean fir), an endangered high-altitude conifer native to South Korea, is facing severe population decline due to climate change and low germination rates. While ecological factors have been studied, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying its seed development are still [...] Read more.
Abies koreana E.H.Wilson (Korean fir), an endangered high-altitude conifer native to South Korea, is facing severe population decline due to climate change and low germination rates. While ecological factors have been studied, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying its seed development are still poorly understood. DNA methylation, regulated by MET1 and CMT2, plays a critical role in the stability of gene expression during seed development. This study investigates the expression patterns of MET1 and CMT2 across 12 developmental stages, from pre-germination to post-germination, with a focus on shoot and root tissues. RNA-seq data were analyzed to identify MET1 and CMT2, and expression patterns were validated using RT-qPCR. MET1 showed high sequence conservation with conifers such as Pinus sylvestris, indicating potential conservation of CG methylation mechanisms among conifer species. CMT2 showed lower sequence conservation across species, indicating reduced evolutionary conservation compared to MET1. Tissue-specific analysis showed MET1 being predominantly active in shoots during cotyledon development, while CMT2 was upregulated in roots at later stages. These findings highlight the dynamic and tissue-specific roles of DNA methylation in the seed development of A. koreana, contributing to a better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in its germination and early growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Tree Breeding, Testing, and Selection)
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Review
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on the Sources and Formation Processes of Forest Soil Organic Matter Under Climate Change
by Zhentao Shen, Kai Yue, Yan Peng, Hui Zhang, Cuihuan Li and Yan Li
Forests 2025, 16(2), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020336 - 13 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Forest soil organic matter (SOM) is a critical component of forest ecosystems and plays a vital role in the global carbon (C) cycle. Global climate change profoundly affects forest SOM dynamics, particularly its sources and formation processes, which are crucial initial stages of [...] Read more.
Forest soil organic matter (SOM) is a critical component of forest ecosystems and plays a vital role in the global carbon (C) cycle. Global climate change profoundly affects forest SOM dynamics, particularly its sources and formation processes, which are crucial initial stages of the forest soil C cycle. Therefore, understanding these processes and the impacts of climate change is essential for developing effective forest management strategies and climate policies. In this study, VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research published from 1975 to 2024, retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database, focusing on the sources and formation processes of forest SOM under climate change. The analysis covers annual publication trends, author co-occurrence networks, publication distributions by country and region, keyword clustering, and evolving keyword trends, integrating both quantitative results and a literature review to provide an understanding of the research progress in the field. The results highlight continuous growth in research publications, which can be categorized into four stages: initial emergence, sustained exploration, rapid development, and deep expansion. A solid theoretical foundation and good research strength have been established, driven by prominent academic groups led by researchers such as Jari Liski, as well as leading countries, including the United States and China. The research progress is divided into four topics: the sources of forest SOM; the formation processes of forest SOM; the impacts of climate change; and measurement methods and model-based analysis techniques, which mainly elaborate upon plant-, microbial-, and soil fauna-derived aspects. Research hotspots have evolved from basic C and nitrogen (N) cycles to in-depth studies involving microbial mechanisms and multiparameter climate change interactive effects. This study provides an overview of the research progress and hotspots in the field, offering basic knowledge and theoretical support for potential future research and climate change mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Carbon and Nutrient Cycling in the Forest Ecosystems)
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