Forests

26 pages, 9324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Prescribed Burning on Species Diversity of Understory in Pinus yunnanensis Forests of Southwestern China

by Xiaona Li, Yinxixue Pan, Huiping Pan, Han Yang, Ailing Yang, Jin Wang, Yuanjie Xu and Qiuhua Wang

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081312 (registering DOI) - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

The Pinus yunnanensis forest of southwestern China represents a unique and ecologically critical vegetation type, historically shaped by fire disturbances. To mitigate catastrophic wildfire risks, prescribed burning has been widely implemented as a management tool in these ecosystems. However, its effects on plant [...] Read more.

The Pinus yunnanensis forest of southwestern China represents a unique and ecologically critical vegetation type, historically shaped by fire disturbances. To mitigate catastrophic wildfire risks, prescribed burning has been widely implemented as a management tool in these ecosystems. However, its effects on plant community structure and biodiversity remain insufficiently quantified. To investigate the specific changes in plant community characteristics caused by prescribed burning, this study was conducted in the Pinus yunnanensis forest in Zhaobi Hill, Xinping county. Our results revealed that prescribed burning induced differential effects on understory communities while exerting negligible effects on canopy tree composition. In the shrub layer, the number of shrub species decreased from 26 to 20, accompanied by a complete extirpation of arboreal saplings. Dominance hierarchies shifted markedly, transitioning from Lithocarpus mairei and Pinus yunnanensis regeneration cohorts in unburned plots to fire-adapted species Duhaldea cappa and Craibiodendron stellatum. Concomitantly, the average height of shrubs had a significant reduction in burning plots. Contrastingly, the number of herb species increased from 30 to 37 in burning plots, with non-significant alterations in abundance, height, and importance values. Prescribed burning significantly decreases the α species diversity of shrubs, but only has minimal effects on the α species diversity indices of herbs. Overall, prescribed burning appears to be the primary factor affecting the species diversity index of shrubs, while altitude, forest structure, and soil nutrient content exert greater influences on the species diversity index of the herbaceous layer. Prescribed burning was the dominant factor shaping the community structure and species diversity of the shrub layer, and the missing saplings of trees in the shrub layer might influence future forest succession in the long term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)

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15 pages, 4511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tree-Ring-Based Analysis of Populus euphratica Radial Growth Response to Extreme Drought Across Lower Tarim River Sections, Xinjiang, China

by Xiaodong Xie, Weilong Chen, Xiaoting Pan, Tongxin Wang, Jing Che, Yexin Lv and Mao Ye

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081311 (registering DOI) - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

The lower reaches of the Tarim River in Xinjiang, China are home to desert riparian vegetation dominated by Populus euphratica, which play an important role in windbreak and sand fixation, as well as maintaining the ecological balance of arid regions. Based on [...] Read more.

The lower reaches of the Tarim River in Xinjiang, China are home to desert riparian vegetation dominated by Populus euphratica, which play an important role in windbreak and sand fixation, as well as maintaining the ecological balance of arid regions. Based on dendrochronology, this study analyzed the response of Populus euphratica radial growth to hydrothermal factors in the lower Tarim River region, assessed its resistance and resilience to extreme drought events, developed a multivariate regression model for resilience–hydrothermal factor relationships, and revealed the differential response of its ecological resilience to these factors. The results showed that the maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures and saturated water VPD (vapor pressure deficit) during the spring and growing season were the most significant and positively correlated with Populus euphratica growth. The radial growth of Populus euphratica was negatively correlated with maximum and mean summer temperatures. By region, Yingsu (YS) and Kaerdayi (KE) were more sensitive to seasonal climatic factors. The effect of groundwater on the radial growth of Populus euphratica was the strongest factor, with a highly significant negative correlation (p < 0.01), showing that the radial growth of Populus euphratica slowed with increasing depth of groundwater. The VPD, spring drought severity, and growing season groundwater variability all had a significant effect on Populus euphratica resistance, whereas Populus euphratica resilience was mainly significantly associated with growing season drought severity and summer groundwater variability. Radial growth was positively correlated with spring temperatures and the VPD and negatively correlated with summer temperatures (p < 0.01). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)

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37 pages, 26053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Belt as a Strategy to Counter Urban Expansion in Lomas del Paraíso, Lima—Peru

by Doris Esenarro, Patricia Vasquez, Paola Ramos, Adán Acosta-Banda and Laurente Gutierrez

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081310 (registering DOI) - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

This research proposes a green belt as a strategic response to urban expansion in Lomas del Paraíso, Villa María del Triunfo, Lima. Uncontrolled urban growth threatens the local ecosystem, exacerbates the lack of public spaces, and limits employment opportunities. The study employs an [...] Read more.

This research proposes a green belt as a strategic response to urban expansion in Lomas del Paraíso, Villa María del Triunfo, Lima. Uncontrolled urban growth threatens the local ecosystem, exacerbates the lack of public spaces, and limits employment opportunities. The study employs an integrated methodology that includes urban, community, and especially environmental analysis. This involved the collection of climatic data, and the identification of local flora and fauna, supported by digital tools such as Google Earth, AutoCAD 2023, Revit, and 3D Sun-Path. The proposal incorporates urban, environmental, technological, and community-based design strategies grounded in permaculture principles, circular economy frameworks, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These approaches emphasize the symbiotic relationship between the community and the Lomas ecosystem. The feasibility and potential impact of the proposed green belt were compared with similar case studies, such as Medellín’s metropolitan green belt (Jardín Circunvalar) and the Arví Ecotourism Park. These benchmarks highlight the relevance of community involvement and user awareness in ecological preservation. In conclusion, implementing a green belt in Lomas del Paraíso would not only curb unregulated urban sprawl but also enhance community–nature connectivity and promote sustainable development through integrated environmental, social, and urban strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Human Well-Being through Urban Forestry: Strategies for Planning, Policies and Management)

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12 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrogenic Transformation of Soil Organic Matter in Larch Forests of the Discontinuous Permafrost Zone

by Anjelica Kondratova, Kazuto Sazawa, Naoya Wada and Semyon Bryanin

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081309 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The increasing frequency of wildfires in larch forests across the discontinuous permafrost zone of Eastern Eurasia heightens the vulnerability of soil organic matter (SOM) under a warming climate. However, post-fire SOM thermal stability in this frequently burned forest region remain poorly understood. We [...] Read more.

The increasing frequency of wildfires in larch forests across the discontinuous permafrost zone of Eastern Eurasia heightens the vulnerability of soil organic matter (SOM) under a warming climate. However, post-fire SOM thermal stability in this frequently burned forest region remain poorly understood. We assessed the long-term effects of wildfire on SOM structure and thermal stability in burned and unburned larch forests using complex analytical approaches: pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TMAH-py-GC/MS) and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The focus was on the upper mineral soil horizon, where fire impacts may persist for decades. Sixteen years post-fire, total carbon content did not differ significantly between burned and control soils. Nonetheless, the molecular composition and thermal properties of SOM showed marked post-fire alterations. Burned soils exhibited higher proportions of lignin-derived compounds and reduced levels of short-chain fatty acid methyl esters. A lower degradation temperature (T50) and a higher thermal mass loss of labile fractions indicate a decrease in the thermal stability of SOM after fire. Our study shows that recurrent forest fires in larch forests of the Russian Far East decrease the thermal stability of soil organic matter, thereby increasing its vulnerability to subsequent fire degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)

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20 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Regional Financial Development on the Resilience of Wood-Processing Enterprises

by Yiqing Lin, Zhaoge Liu and Weiming Lin

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081308 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

A common challenge faced by global wood-processing enterprises (WPEs) is their frequent exposure to external shocks. The improvement of regional financial development (RFD) may help WPEs enhance their resilience, thereby enabling them to mitigate external shocks. Against this backdrop, it is worth investigating [...] Read more.

A common challenge faced by global wood-processing enterprises (WPEs) is their frequent exposure to external shocks. The improvement of regional financial development (RFD) may help WPEs enhance their resilience, thereby enabling them to mitigate external shocks. Against this backdrop, it is worth investigating whether RFD’s improvement can enhance WPEs’ resilience. However, the literature that addresses this issue is scarce. Based on the data of WPEs in mainland China from 2008 to 2016, we evaluate RFD’s effect on WPEs’ resilience. The findings are as follows: RFD can positively affect WPEs’ resilience, and multi-dimensional stability tests confirm the robustness of this result. RFD produces indirect positive effects by enhancing WPEs’ financing capacity and reducing their financing costs. Heterogeneity tests reveal that the RFD’s positive effect manifests in three distinct wood-processing sub-sectors. Crucially, its impact proves significantly greater on small and micro WPEs than on medium and large-sized ones. Furthermore, the positive effects are stronger for WPEs located in central and western provinces and non-municipal districts versus those situated in eastern provinces and municipal districts. Compared with technology- and capital-intensive WPEs, labor-intensive ones benefit more from RFD’s improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science)

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26 pages, 4049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forest Habitat and Substrate Interactions Drive True Slime Mould Diversity Across Poland

by Tomasz Pawłowicz, Tomasz Oszako, Konrad Wilamowski, Monika Puchlik, Krzysztof Sztabkowski, Igor Żebrowski, Gabriel Michał Micewicz, Gabriel Kacper Malej and Oliwia Kudrycka

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081307 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

True slime mould assemblages respond acutely to microhabitat structure, which may constitute potential indicators of forest dynamics; however, large-scale syntheses integrating habitat scale and substrate specificity remain exceedingly scarce. By collating 3085 occurrence records into eight ecologically coherent habitats and ten substrate guilds, [...] Read more.

True slime mould assemblages respond acutely to microhabitat structure, which may constitute potential indicators of forest dynamics; however, large-scale syntheses integrating habitat scale and substrate specificity remain exceedingly scarce. By collating 3085 occurrence records into eight ecologically coherent habitats and ten substrate guilds, we quantified richness, entropy, turnover and indicator strength via rarefaction, Chao1/ACE, Shannon–Simpson indices,

β

-diversity partitioning, NMDS, PERMANOVA and IndVal

_{g}

analysis. Broadleaved deciduous forests accounted for 37.9% of observations and hosted the most taxa, while lignicolous samples in both deciduous and bog–mire contexts dominated species counts; open grasslands were compositionally depauperate. Species replacement, not nestedness, structured assemblages (

β_{SIM} / β_{SOR} \approx 0.82

), and habitat plus substrate explained two-thirds of variance. Indicator analysis isolated six habitat-diagnostic genera (notably Cribraria, Hemitrichia and Licea) and, at species resolution, highlighted Diderma niveum, Fuligo septica and Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa as high-fidelity bioindicators of montane grassland, bog–mire and broadleaved forest conditions, respectively. Taken together, our findings lay the groundwork for employing true slime moulds to identify habitat types and assess their ecological condition, while underscoring the conservation value of dead wood retention and structural heterogeneity. The benchmarked indicator set we provide enables rapid assessments and establishes a temporal baseline for tracking climate- and management-driven change in Central European Eumycetozoa diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Patterns and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)

33 pages, 10859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Integrated Fire Management and Closer-to-Nature Forest Management: A Holistic Approach to Wildfire Risk Reduction and Ecosystem Resilience in Quinta da França, Portugal

by Tiago Domingos, Nikolaos Kalapodis, Georgios Sakkas, Krishna Chandramouli, Ivo Gama, Vânia Proença, Inês Ribeiro and Manuel Pio

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081306 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The escalating threat of climate-driven wildfires, land abandonment, wildland–urban interface expansion, and inadequate forest management poses an existential challenge to Mediterranean oak ecosystems, for which traditional fire suppression has proven insufficient. This paper presents a combination of integrated fire management (IFM) and closer-to-nature [...] Read more.

The escalating threat of climate-driven wildfires, land abandonment, wildland–urban interface expansion, and inadequate forest management poses an existential challenge to Mediterranean oak ecosystems, for which traditional fire suppression has proven insufficient. This paper presents a combination of integrated fire management (IFM) and closer-to-nature forest management (CTNFM) in a representative mixed Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) forest at Quinta da França (QF), in Portugal. It is structured around three main objectives designed to evaluate this pioneer integrated approach: (1) to describe the integration of IFM and CTNFM within an agro-silvo-pastoral landscape; (2) to qualitatively assess its ecological, operational, and socio-economic outcomes; and (3) to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of two key nature-based solutions (NbSs), that is, prescribed burning and planned grazing, in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest resilience and biodiversity. By strategically combining proactive fuel reduction with biodiversity-oriented silviculture, the QF case provides a replicable model for managing analogous Mediterranean forested areas facing similar risks. This integrated approach supports forest multifunctionality, advancing both prevention and adaptation goals, and directly contributes to the ambitious targets set by the European Union’s New Forest and Biodiversity Strategies for 2030, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and fire-resilient future for such Mediterranean landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)

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30 pages, 6337 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Ecological Resilience and Urban Health: A Global Analysis of Research Hotspots and Trends in Nature-Based Solutions

by Dongge Han, Jun Xia and Donglei Wu

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081305 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

With rapid urbanization and increasing climate risks, cities are facing complex challenges related to environmental degradation and public health. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1555 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000–2025), using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to map global [...] Read more.

With rapid urbanization and increasing climate risks, cities are facing complex challenges related to environmental degradation and public health. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1555 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000–2025), using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to map global research trends, hotspots, and thematic evolution in the field of NbS and urban health. Results show that research interest in NbS has significantly accelerated since 2020, with Europe leading in publication output and international collaboration. Keyword analysis reveals that early studies focused on ecosystem services and climate adaptation, while recent trends emphasize governance, public participation, and environmental justice. The study also constructs a knowledge framework that illustrates how NbS contributes to urban heat mitigation, carbon management, health co-benefits, and resilience governance. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the NbS field and offers theoretical insights and empirical references for integrating NbS into urban planning, health strategies, and environmental governance, with practical relevance for cities worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Greening Our Cities: Urban Forests as a Nature-Based Solution for Air Pollution and Urban Heat Stress)

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26 pages, 10493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Climate and Land Use Impacts on Water Yield in the Upper Yellow River Basin: A Forest-Urbanizing Ecological Hotspot

by Li Gong and Kang Liang

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081304 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Understanding the drivers of water yield (WY) changes in ecologically sensitive, data-scarce watersheds is crucial for sustainable management, particularly in the context of accelerating forest expansion and urbanization. This study focuses on the upper Yellow River Basin (UYRB), a critical headwater region that [...] Read more.

Understanding the drivers of water yield (WY) changes in ecologically sensitive, data-scarce watersheds is crucial for sustainable management, particularly in the context of accelerating forest expansion and urbanization. This study focuses on the upper Yellow River Basin (UYRB), a critical headwater region that supplies 60% of the Yellow River’s flow and is undergoing rapid land use transitions from 1990 to 2100. Using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model and the Future Land-Use Simulation (FLUS) model, we quantify historical (1990–2020) and projected (2025–2100) WY dynamics under three SSP scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585). InVEST, a spatially explicit ecohydrological model based on the Budyko framework, estimates WY by balancing precipitation and evapotranspiration. The FLUS model combines cellular automata (CA) with an artificial neural network (ANN)-based suitability evaluation and Markov chain-derived transition probabilities to simulate land-use change under multiple scenarios. Results show that WY increased significantly during the historical period (1990–2020), primarily driven by increased precipitation, with climate change accounting for 94% and land-use change for 6% of the total variation in WY. Under future scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585), WY is projected to increase to 217 mm, 206 mm, and 201 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the influence of land-use change is expected to diminish, with its contribution decreasing to 9.1%, 5.7%, and 3.1% under SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585, respectively. This decrease reflects the increasing strength of climate signals (especially extreme precipitation and evaporative demand), which masks the hydrological impacts of land-use transitions. These findings highlight the dominant role of climate change, the scenario-dependent effects of land-use change, and the urgent need for integrated climate–land management strategies in forest-urbanizing watersheds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Hydrology)

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21 pages, 8659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution Trends and Driving Force Analysis of Vegetation Greenness in Yunnan Province

by Zeng Liu, Chang Liu, Chengcheng Zhang and Meng Wang

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081303 - 10 Aug 2025

Abstract

Vegetation greenness is a key indicator for evaluating vegetation growth status and ecosystem health, playing an important role in ecological protection and management. Given the unique geographical location of Yunnan Province, studying the spatiotemporal variation in vegetation greenness and its driving factors provides [...] Read more.

Vegetation greenness is a key indicator for evaluating vegetation growth status and ecosystem health, playing an important role in ecological protection and management. Given the unique geographical location of Yunnan Province, studying the spatiotemporal variation in vegetation greenness and its driving factors provides a theoretical basis for environmental protection and ecological construction in the region. This study is based on MOD13A3 NDVI data, this study combined climate, socioeconomic, and air quality data, and applied Theil–Sen Median analysis, Mann–Kendall test, Hurst index trend analysis, coefficient of variation (CV), pixel-wise partial correlation analysis, and multivariate residual regression analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal variation trends and driving factors of the NDVI in Yunnan Province. The results showed the following: (1) From 2001 to 2020, the NDVI in Yunnan Province exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with a multi-year average of 0.6342. Spatially, the NDVI showed a pattern of higher values in the south and west, and lower values in the north and east. In 40.11% of the study area, the NDVI is expected to continue increasing in the future. (2) Among the driving factors, temperature and precipitation (climate factors), GDP (socioeconomic factor), and O₃ and PM_2.5 (air quality factors) had the strongest positive correlations with the NDVI. The average contributions of climate, socioeconomic, and air quality factors to NDVI changes during the study period were 0.3436, 0.1153, and 0.2186, respectively. (3) Over the past two decades, the combined influence of climate, socioeconomic, and air quality factors has significantly driven NDVI increases in Yunnan Province, jointly contributing to NDVI growth in 61% of the area. Therefore, it is recommended that Yunnan Province optimizes governance strategies based on dominant driving factors through zonal management, strengthens pollution source control in key areas, promotes the adoption of clean energy alternatives, and establishes an integrated monitoring system for vegetation and air quality to precisely identify the lag effects of air pollution on vegetation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Meteorology and Climate Change)

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23 pages, 6600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research Analysis of the Joint Use of Sentinel-2 and ALOS-2 Data in Fine Classification of Tropical Natural Forests

by Qingyuan Xie, Wenxue Fu, Weijun Yan, Jiankang Shi, Chengzhi Hao, Hui Li, Sheng Xu and Xinwu Li

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081302 - 10 Aug 2025

Abstract

Tropical natural forests play a crucial role in regulating the climate and maintaining global ecosystem functions. However, they face significant challenges due to human activities and climate change. Accurate classification of these forests can help reveal their spatial distribution patterns and support conservation [...] Read more.

Tropical natural forests play a crucial role in regulating the climate and maintaining global ecosystem functions. However, they face significant challenges due to human activities and climate change. Accurate classification of these forests can help reveal their spatial distribution patterns and support conservation efforts. This study employed four machine learning algorithms—random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—to classify tropical rainforests, tropical monsoon rainforests, tropical coniferous forests, broadleaf evergreen forests, and mangrove forests on Hainan Island using optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) multi-source remote sensing data. Among these, the XGBoost model achieved the best performance, with an overall accuracy of 0.89 and a Kappa coefficient of 0.82. Elevation and red-edge spectral bands were identified as the most important features for classification. Spatial distribution analysis revealed distinct patterns, such as mangrove forests occurring at the lowest elevations and tropical rainforests occupying middle and low elevations. The integration of optical and SAR data significantly enhanced classification accuracy and boundary recognition compared to using optical data alone. These findings underscore the effectiveness of machine learning and multi-source data for tropical forest classification, providing a valuable reference for ecological monitoring and sustainable management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

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29 pages, 2717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SNP-Based Genetic Analysis of Dimensional Stability and Wood Density in Eucalyptus pellita F.Muell. and Hybrids

by Oluwatosin Esther Falade, Benoit Belleville, Antanas Spokevicius, Barbara Ozarska, Gerd Bossinger, Listya Mustika Dewi, Umar Ibrahim and Bala Thumma

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081301 - 9 Aug 2025

Viewed by 44

Abstract

Dimensional stability is a key trait for structural wood applications such as flooring, yet its genetic basis in Eucalyptus pellita F.Muell. and its hybrids remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is essential for improving processing efficiency and product quality through targeted breeding. This [...] Read more.

Dimensional stability is a key trait for structural wood applications such as flooring, yet its genetic basis in Eucalyptus pellita F.Muell. and its hybrids remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is essential for improving processing efficiency and product quality through targeted breeding. This study assessed variation in shrinkage and density, their relationships with growth and chemical traits, and associated genetic markers. Wood samples from E. pellita, E. pellita × E. urophylla S.T.Blake, and E. pellita × E. brassiana S.T.Blake were collected from two plantation sites in northern Australia. Radial and tangential shrinkage and density were measured alongside growth and chemical traits. SNP genotyping was conducted to identify markers linked to these physical properties. Significant differences were observed among hybrid types. E. pellita × E. urophylla recorded the lowest tangential unit shrinkage (0.06%), while E. pellita × E. brassiana had the highest basic density (651 kg/m³). Shrinkage and density showed moderate to strong correlations with growth and chemical traits. Several SNPs were associated with these properties; all were located in the intergenic region near Eucgr.A00211. Among these, only one SNP exceeded the −log₁₀(p) significance threshold. These results provide early genetic insights and potential candidate markers for improving wood quality in Eucalyptus breeding programs. This exploratory study, constrained by a small sample size (n = 58), identifies putative SNPs for future validation in broader, multi-environment trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Processing of Wood and Lignocellulosic Materials: From Molecular Engineering to Industrial Implementation)

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16 pages, 2995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Network Structure and Species Roles in Epiphyte–Phorophyte Interactions on a Neotropical Inselberg Woody Vegetation

by Talitha Mayumi Francisco, Dayvid Rodrigues Couto and Mário Luís Garbin

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081300 - 9 Aug 2025

Viewed by 48

Abstract

Using metrics from network theory allows us to understand the structural organization of epiphyte communities and identify the host trees (phorophytes) that are fundamental to their establishment. In this study, we applied ecological network metrics to examine the structure of interactions between vascular [...] Read more.

Using metrics from network theory allows us to understand the structural organization of epiphyte communities and identify the host trees (phorophytes) that are fundamental to their establishment. In this study, we applied ecological network metrics to examine the structure of interactions between vascular epiphytes and phorophytes in a woody inselberg community in southeastern Brazil. The recorded network comprised 30 epiphyte species and 13 phorophyte species, exhibiting a nested structure, low specialization (H₂′), low connectance, and low modularity, like other epiphyte–phorophyte networks. The main roles in the network were played by the generalist epiphyte Tillandsia loliacea and the lithophytic phorophytes Tabebuia reticulata and Pseudobombax petropolitanum, which interacted with 100% of the recorded epiphytic species. Epiphyte species were organized vertically into modules that correlate with the ecological zones of the phorophytes, suggesting that their distribution responds to microclimatic variation along the vertical gradient. These results reinforce the importance of particular phorophyte species as key structuring agents of epiphytic communities and highlight their central role in extreme environments such as inselbergs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interaction Between Epiphytes and Host Plants: Structure, Pattern and Processes)

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15 pages, 10085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate–Growth Sensitivity Reveals Species-Specific Adaptation Strategies of Montane Conifers to Warming in the Wuyi Mountains

by Xiao Zheng, Jian Yu, Yaping Hu, Xu Zhou, Hui Ding and Xiaomin Ge

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081299 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 129

Abstract

Subtropical high-elevation mountain ecosystems are crucial for regional climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. However, the patterns of conifer radial growth in response to climate change in these regions remain unclear, significantly hindering the development of effective adaptive forest management strategies. This study examined [...] Read more.

Subtropical high-elevation mountain ecosystems are crucial for regional climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. However, the patterns of conifer radial growth in response to climate change in these regions remain unclear, significantly hindering the development of effective adaptive forest management strategies. This study examined Pinus taiwanensis and Cryptomeria fortunei, two dominant species in the Wuyi Mountains, using dendroclimatological methods to systematically analyze their long-term climate–growth relationships. The main findings include the following: (1) P. taiwanensis radial growth was significantly and positively associated with summer mean and maximum temperatures (in both the current and previous year), with no significant correlation to precipitation or minimum temperatures. In contrast, C. fortunei growth showed a positive relationship with previous autumn precipitation and a negative correlation with previous winter precipitation; (2) moving-window analysis revealed that P. taiwanensis maintained consistent temperature sensitivity, with an increasing response to summer warming in recent decades. Meanwhile, C. fortunei displayed phase-specific responses driven by precipitation and minimum temperatures. These results demonstrate divergent climate-response strategies among subtropical conifers in a warming climate: P. taiwanensis exhibits temperature-sensitive growth, whereas C. fortunei is primarily regulated by moisture availability. The findings provide critical insights for the adaptive management of subtropical montane forests, highlighting the need for species-specific strategies to maintain ecosystem services under future climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Signals in Tree Rings)

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16 pages, 3127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Change Patterns of Understory Vegetation Diversity and Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Community Structure in a Chronosequence of Phellodendron chinense Plantations

by Chuan Xie, Peng Song, Zhiyu Zhang, Qiuping Gong, Jiaojiao Wu and Zhipeng Sun

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081298 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 109

Abstract

The effects of Phellodendron chinense plantations on soil properties, microbial characteristics, and the plant diversity across forest age remain poorly understood. In this study, four forest ages (2-, 5-, 8-, and 12-year-old) were examined to compare soil nutrient status, rhizosphere microbial community composition, [...] Read more.

The effects of Phellodendron chinense plantations on soil properties, microbial characteristics, and the plant diversity across forest age remain poorly understood. In this study, four forest ages (2-, 5-, 8-, and 12-year-old) were examined to compare soil nutrient status, rhizosphere microbial community composition, and plant diversity. Our results showed that understory vegetation comprised 56 plant species from 29 families, with species richness significantly increasing with forest age. Rhizosphere soils showed a marked decline in pH and a significant increase in organic carbon, while nutrient dynamics followed distinct trends: P and Mg exhibited continuous accumulation; N displayed unimodal patterns; and K and Ca initially decreased before rising. Microbial community structure shifted significantly with forest age—the dominant bacterial phylum transitioned from Proteobacteria in young stands to Acidobacteriota in mature forests, whereas fungal communities underwent a successional sequence from Basidiomycota (2a) to Ascomycota (5–8a) and finally to Rozellomycota (12a). Correlation analyses demonstrated that plant diversity (S index) was positively correlated with P, K, Ca, and Mg, whereas fungal Shannon diversity was primarily driven by soil N and pH. These findings indicate that forest age mediates plant–soil-microbe interactions through rhizosphere environmental changes. For sustainable plantation management, we recommend (1) dynamically optimizing understory vegetation composition, (2) regulating soil pH and moisture during key growth stages, and (3) selecting compatible companion plants to enhance rhizosphere conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)

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25 pages, 2136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decoding China’s Smart Forestry Policies: A Multi-Level Evaluation via LDA and PMC-TE Index

by Yafang Zhang, Yue Ren, Jiaqi Liu and Yukun Cao

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081297 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 143

Abstract

Smart forestry is gaining global prominence as countries seek to modernize forest governance through digital technologies and data-driven approaches. In China, smart forestry serves as a central pillar of ecological modernization, with policy playing a pivotal role in shaping its development. This study [...] Read more.

Smart forestry is gaining global prominence as countries seek to modernize forest governance through digital technologies and data-driven approaches. In China, smart forestry serves as a central pillar of ecological modernization, with policy playing a pivotal role in shaping its development. This study addresses these gaps by proposing an integrated evaluation framework combining thematic modeling via Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and structural assessment using the Policy Modeling Consistency–Text Encoder (PMC-TE) index. A total of 82 national and provincial policy documents (2009–2025) were analyzed to identify 13 core topics and categorize instruments into supply-side, demand-side, and environmental types. To assess structural coherence, a PMC-TE index was constructed based on a nine-variable, 32-indicator framework, with results visualized through three-dimensional PMC surfaces. Structural evaluation based on the PMC-TE index indicates that while most policies fall within the “good” or “excellent” range, notable gaps remain between policy objectives and the instruments employed to achieve them. Beyond China, the proposed framework provides a replicable tool for evaluating smart forestry governance in other countries undergoing digital transitions. The findings further highlight the need to enhance demand-side participation, strengthen closed-loop governance mechanisms, and promote cross-sectoral coordination to achieve greater policy coherence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation, Transition and Reconstruction of Forestry Oriented by Policies)

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23 pages, 17755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Aboveground Biomass of Mangrove Forests in Indonesia Using Spatial Attention Coupled Bayesian Aggregator

by Xinyue Zhu, Zhaohui Xue, Siyu Qian and Chenrun Sun

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081296 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 188

Abstract

Mangroves play a crucial part in the worldwide blue carbon cycle because they store a lot of carbon in their biomass and soil. Accurate estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for quantifying carbon stocks and understanding ecological responses to climate and human [...] Read more.

Mangroves play a crucial part in the worldwide blue carbon cycle because they store a lot of carbon in their biomass and soil. Accurate estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for quantifying carbon stocks and understanding ecological responses to climate and human disturbances. However, regional-scale AGB mapping remains difficult due to fragmented mangrove distributions, limited field data, and cross-site heterogeneity. To address these challenges, we propose a Spatial Attention Coupled Bayesian Aggregator (SAC-BA), which integrates field measurements with multi-source remote sensing (Landsat 8, Sentinel-1), terrain data, and climate variables using advanced ensemble learning. Four machine learning models (Random Forest (RF), Cubist, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)) were first trained, and their outputs were fused using Bayesian model averaging with spatial attention weights and constraints based on Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISAs), which identify spatial clusters (e.g., high–high, low–low) to improve accuracy and spatial coherence. SAC-BA achieved the highest performance (coefficient of determination (

R^{2}

) = 0.82, root mean square error = 29.90 Mg/ha), outperforming all individual models and traditional BMA. The resulting 30-m AGB map of Indonesian mangroves in 2017 estimated a total of 217.17 ×

10^{6}

Mg, with a mean of 103.20 Mg/ha. The predicted AGB map effectively captured spatial variability, reduced noise at ecological boundaries, and maintained high confidence predictions in core mangrove zones. These results highlight the advantages of incorporating spatial structure and uncertainty into ensemble modeling. SAC-BA provides a reliable and transferable framework for regional AGB estimation, supporting improved carbon assessment and mangrove conservation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

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18 pages, 1904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Site Index-Based Approach for Arid Lands: A Multivariate Ecological Assessment for Shrubby Species

by Martín Martínez-Salvador, Alfredo Pinedo-Alvarez, Sandra Rodríguez-Piñeros, Raúl Corrales-Lerma, Ricardo D. Valdez-Cepeda, Fidel Blanco-Macias, Griselda Vazquez-Quintero, David E. Hermosillo-Rojas and Adrián Hernández-Ramos

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081295 (registering DOI) - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 221

Abstract

Development of site index models for shrubby species in arid ecosystems remains a challenge, due to the absence of dominant height–age relationships and the complexity of ecological drivers in these environments. In this study, a multivariate approach to classify site quality for Agave [...] Read more.

Development of site index models for shrubby species in arid ecosystems remains a challenge, due to the absence of dominant height–age relationships and the complexity of ecological drivers in these environments. In this study, a multivariate approach to classify site quality for Agave lechuguilla Torr, a wild non-timber species of ecological and economic importance in northern Mexico, was performed. Data were collected from 112 sampling plots where the abundance, height, basal diameter, and crown diameter for the A. lechuguilla plants were measured. Sites were grouped into three site index categories (low, medium, and high) using the Importance Value Index (IVI). Afterward a classical discriminant analysis (CDA) was applied to derive linear functions capable of classifying new sites into these predefined categories. Statistical assumptions of multivariate normality, homogeneity of covariance matrices, and low multicollinearity were met. The discriminant functions showed high classification accuracy (95.54%), with full correct classification of low and high site index categories. Additional validation through MANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the separation of groups and the ecological coherence of the selected variables. This approach provides a simple, practical, and replicable model for assessing shrubland site quality using field measurable features. It also offers a tool for sustainable harvesting and conservation of A. lechuguilla. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Guidelines for Sustainable Forest Management: Vegetation and Soil and Water Conservation in Arid Areas)

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19 pages, 9147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Forest Canopy Structures and Leaf Area Index Using a Five-Band Depth Image Sensor

by Geilebagan, Takafumi Tanaka, Takashi Gomi, Ayumi Kotani, Genya Nakaoki, Xinwei Wang and Shodai Inokoshi

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081294 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 156

Abstract

The objective of the study was to develop and validate a ground-based method using a depth image sensor equipped with depth, visible red, green, blue (RGB), and near-infrared bands to measure the leaf area index (LAI) based on the relative illuminance of foliage [...] Read more.

The objective of the study was to develop and validate a ground-based method using a depth image sensor equipped with depth, visible red, green, blue (RGB), and near-infrared bands to measure the leaf area index (LAI) based on the relative illuminance of foliage only. The method was applied in a Itajii chinkapin (Castanopsis sieboldii (Makino) Hatus. ex T.Yamaz. & Mashiba )forest in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and validated by comparing estimates with conventional methods (LAI-2200 and fisheye photography). To apply the 5-band sensor to actual forests, a methodology is proposed for matching the color camera and near-infrared camera in units of pixels, along with a method for widening the exposure range through multi-step camera exposure. Based on these advancements, the RGB color band, near-infrared band, and depth band are converted into several physical properties. Employing these properties, each pixel of the canopy image is classified into upper foliage, lower foliage, sky, and non-assimilated parts (stems and branches). Subsequently, the LAI is calculated using the gap-fraction method, which is based on the relative illuminance of the foliage. In comparison with existing indirect LAI estimations, this technique enabled the distinction between upper and lower canopy layers and the exclusion of non-assimilated parts. The findings indicate that the plant area index (PAI) ranged from 2.23 to 3.68 m² m⁻², representing an increase from 33% to 34% compared to the LAI calculated after excluding non-assimilating parts. The findings of this study underscore the necessity of distinguishing non-assimilated components in the estimation of LAI. The PAI estimates derived from the depth image sensor exhibited moderate to strong agreement with the LAI-2200, contingent upon canopy rings (R² = 0.48–0.98), thereby substantiating the reliability of the system’s performance. The developed approaches also permit the evaluation of the distributions of leaves and branches at various heights from the ground surface to the top of the canopy. The novel LAI measurement method developed in this study has the potential to provide precise, reliable foundational data to support research in ecology and hydrology related to complex tree structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

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28 pages, 8921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LUNTIAN: An Agent-Based Model of an Industrial Tree Plantation for Promoting Sustainable Harvesting in the Philippines

by Zenith Arnejo, Benoit Gaudou, Mehdi Saqalli and Nathaniel Bantayan

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081293 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 172

Abstract

Industrial tree plantations (ITPs) are increasingly recognized as a sustainable response to deforestation and the decline in native wood resources in the Philippines. This study presents LUNTIAN (Labor, UNiversity, Timber Investment, and Agent-based Nexus), an agent-based model that simulates an experimental ITP operation [...] Read more.

Industrial tree plantations (ITPs) are increasingly recognized as a sustainable response to deforestation and the decline in native wood resources in the Philippines. This study presents LUNTIAN (Labor, UNiversity, Timber Investment, and Agent-based Nexus), an agent-based model that simulates an experimental ITP operation within a mountain forest managed by University of the Philippines Los Baños. The model integrates biophysical processes—such as tree growth, hydrology, and stand dynamics—with socio-economic components such as investment decision making based on risk preferences, employment allocation influenced by local labor availability, and informal harvesting behavior driven by job scarcity. These are complemented by institutional enforcement mechanisms such as forest patrolling, reflecting the complex interplay between financial incentives and rule compliance. To assess the model’s validity, its outputs were compared to those of the 3PG forest growth model, with results demonstrating alignment in growth trends and spatial distributions, thereby supporting LUNTIAN’s potential to represent key ecological dynamics. Sensitivity analysis identified investor earnings share and community member count as significant factors influencing net earnings and management costs. Parameter calibration using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm yielded an optimal configuration that ensured profitability for resource managers, investors, and community-hired laborers while minimizing unauthorized independent harvesting. Notably, even with continuous harvesting during a 17-year rotation, the final tree population increased by 55%. These findings illustrate the potential of LUNTIAN to support the exploration of sustainable ITP management strategies in the Philippines by offering a robust framework for analyzing complex social–ecological interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Operations and Engineering)

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14 pages, 2198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Cost Production of Brazilian Mahogany Clones Based on Indole-3-Butyric Acid Use, Clonal Mini-Hedge Nutrition and Vegetative Propagule Type

by Rafael Barbosa Diógenes Lienard, Annanda Souza de Campos, Lucas Graciolli Savian, Barbara Valentim de Oliveira, Felippe Coelho de Souza and Paulo André Trazzi

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081292 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 119

Abstract

Swietenia macrophylla King, commonly known as Brazilian mahogany, is a high-value neotropical tree species currently threatened due to intensive logging in previous decades. Technologies aimed at clonal production are essential for this species’ conservation and sustainable use at times of climate change and [...] Read more.

Swietenia macrophylla King, commonly known as Brazilian mahogany, is a high-value neotropical tree species currently threatened due to intensive logging in previous decades. Technologies aimed at clonal production are essential for this species’ conservation and sustainable use at times of climate change and increasing demand for ecological restoration. The aim of the present study is to develop a low-cost protocol for mahogany clonal propagation through mini-cutting by assessing clonal mini-hedge nutrition, vegetative propagule type and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) application effects on rooting and early clone growth. The experiment was conducted in nursery under controlled conditions based on using basal and apical mini-cuttings rooted in a low-cost mini-greenhouse subjected to three nutrient solution concentrations (50%, 100%, and 200%) and five IBA doses (0–8000 ppm). The mini-cutting technique proved efficient and led to over 90% survival after the hardening phase. The 200% nutrient solution concentration allowed balanced performance between cutting types and optimized clonal yield. IBA concentration at 4000 ppm accounted for higher root percentages at the bottom of the tube and the trend towards higher dry biomass production at 160 days. The results highlighted mini-cutting’s potential as a viable mahogany conservation and sustainable production technique. It also supported tropical forestry sector adaptation to challenges posed by climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Environment Changes on Tree Seedlings and Clones Development)

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18 pages, 5018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening and a Comprehensive Evaluation of Pinus elliottii with a High Efficiency of Phosphorus Utilization

by Huan Liu, Zhengquan He, Yuying Yang, Yazhi Zhao, Huiling Chen, Shuxin Chen, Shaoze Wu, Qifu Luan, Renying Zhuo and Xiaojiao Han

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081291 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 96

Abstract

To investigate the responses and mechanisms of slash pine under low orthophosphate (Pi) stress and to identify Pi-efficient lines, we analyzed 12 indices related to biomass, root traits, and tissue Pi concentration across 13 slash pine lines subjected to varying Pi treatments. The [...] Read more.

To investigate the responses and mechanisms of slash pine under low orthophosphate (Pi) stress and to identify Pi-efficient lines, we analyzed 12 indices related to biomass, root traits, and tissue Pi concentration across 13 slash pine lines subjected to varying Pi treatments. The composite assessment value of low-phosphorus tolerance (D) was calculated by evaluating these 12 response indicators through principal component analysis, in conjunction with the fuzzy membership function method. Nine low-phosphorus tolerance factors (LPTFs)—including above-ground fresh weight (0.69), below-ground fresh weight (0.52), total root length (0.56), root surface area (0.63), root volume (0.67), above-ground Pi concentration (0.78), below-ground Pi concentration (0.52), bioconcentration factor (0.77), and P utilization efficiency (−0.76)—showed significant correlations with D (p < 0.05). Utilizing these nine LPTFs, cluster analysis classified the 13 lines into the following three groups according to their low-phosphorus (P) tolerance: high-P-efficient, medium-P-efficient, and low-P-efficient lines. Under low Pi and Pi-deficiency treatments, line 27 was identified as a high-P-efficient line, while lines 1, 6, and 9 were classified as low-P-efficient lines. Notably, eight genes (SPX1, SPX3, SPX4, PHT1;1, PAP23, SQD1, SQD2, NPC4) and five genes (SPX1, SPX3, SPX4, PAP23, SQD1) were significantly up-regulated in the roots and leaves of both line 27 and line 9 under low-phosphorus stress, respectively. However, the high-P-efficient line 27 exhibited a stronger regulatory capacity with a higher expression of two genes (SPX4, SQD2) in the roots and nine genes (SPX1, SPX3, SPX4, PHT1;1, PAP10, PAP23, SQD1, SQD2, NPC4) in the leaves under low Pi stress. These findings reveal differential responses to low Pi stress among slash pine lines, with line 27 displaying superior low-P tolerance, enabling better adaptation to low Pi environments and the maintenance of normal growth, development, and physiological activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecophysiology and Biology)

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17 pages, 4991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understory Plant Diversity in Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. Plantations Under Different Mixed Planting Patterns

by Minsi Wang, Hongting Guo and Jiang Jiang

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081290 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 82

Abstract

The composition and structure of understory plants are crucial for forest ecosystem succession and stability. This study examined the impact of various Cunninghamia lanceolata mixed plantation patterns on understory biodiversity, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable management. Six patterns were evaluated [...] Read more.

The composition and structure of understory plants are crucial for forest ecosystem succession and stability. This study examined the impact of various Cunninghamia lanceolata mixed plantation patterns on understory biodiversity, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable management. Six patterns were evaluated using sample plots at Guanshan Forest Farm in Jiangxi Province, China. Understory vegetation diversity, biomass, and soil properties—including total nitrogen, available nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total potassium, available potassium, soil organic matter, and pH—were quantitatively analyzed. Significant differences in diversity among the patterns were revealed. The ‘Cunninghamia lanceolata + Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yen C. Yang + Schima superba Gardner & Champ’ mixed plantation exhibited the most pronounced enhancement of understory plant diversity, whereas the ‘C. lanceolata + Liquidambar formosana Hance’ pattern demonstrated the least significant effects among all treatments. Significant correlations were detected between soil nutrients and diversity indices. Mixed patterns enhance diversity through expanded ecological niches and optimized microenvironments, thereby strengthening ecological functions and management efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Biodiversity)

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16 pages, 7600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passive Long-Term Acoustic Sampling Reveals Multiscale Temporal Ecological Pattern and Anthropogenic Disturbance of Campus Forests in a High Density City

by Xiaoqing Xu, Xueyao Sun and Hanbin Xie

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081289 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 159

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in high-density forest urban areas have attracted growing attention and are increasingly recognized as critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). University campus forests, functioning as ecological islands, possess unique acoustic characteristics and play a vital role [...] Read more.

Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in high-density forest urban areas have attracted growing attention and are increasingly recognized as critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). University campus forests, functioning as ecological islands, possess unique acoustic characteristics and play a vital role in supporting urban biodiversity. In this case study, acoustic monitoring was conducted over the course of a full year to objectively reveal the ecological patterns across temporal scales of the campus sound environment, by combining acoustic indices’ visualization combined with statistical analysis. The findings indicate (1) the existence of ecological sound patterns across different temporal scales, closely associated with phenological cycles; (2) the identification of the specific timing affected by the different species‘ activities, such as the breeding season of birds, the chirping time of cicadas and other insects, as well as the fluctuations in the intensity of human activities, and (3) the development of a methodological framework integrating a visualization technique with statistical analysis to enhance the understanding of long-term ecological dynamics. The results offer a foundation for promoting the sustainable conservation of campus biodiversity in high-density urban settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soundscape in Urban Forests—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 9524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shrub Extraction in Arid Regions Based on Feature Enhancement and Transformer Network from High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images

by Hao Liu, Wenjie Zhang, Yong Cheng, Jiaxin He, Haoyun Shao, Sen Bai, Wei Wang, Di Zhou, Fa Zhu, Nuriddin Samatov, Bakhtiyor Pulatov and Aziz Inamov

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081288 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 156

Abstract

The shrubland ecosystems in arid areas are highly sensitive to global climate change and human activities. Accurate extraction of shrubs using computer vision techniques plays an essential role in monitoring ecological balance and desertification. However, shrub extraction from high-resolution GF-2 satellite images remains [...] Read more.

The shrubland ecosystems in arid areas are highly sensitive to global climate change and human activities. Accurate extraction of shrubs using computer vision techniques plays an essential role in monitoring ecological balance and desertification. However, shrub extraction from high-resolution GF-2 satellite images remains challenging due to their dense distribution and small size, along with complex background. Therefore, this study introduces a Feature Enhancement and Transformer Network (FETNet) by integrating the Feature Enhancement Module (FEM) and Transformer module (EdgeViT). Correspondently, they can strengthen both global and local features and enable accurate segmentation of small shrubs in complex backgrounds. The ablation experiments demonstrated that incorporation of FEM and EdgeViT can improve the overall segmentation accuracy, with 1.19% improvement of the Mean Intersection Over Union (MIOU). Comparison experiments show that FETNet outperforms the two leading models of FCN8s and SegNet, with the MIOU improvements of 7.2% and 0.96%, respectively. The spatial details of the extracted results indicated that FETNet is able to accurately extract dense, small shrubs while effectively suppressing interference from roads and building shadows in spatial details. The proposed FETNet enables precise shrub extraction in arid areas and can support ecological assessment and land management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

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27 pages, 5688 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tree Biomass Estimation in Agroforestry for Carbon Farming: A Comparative Analysis of Timing, Costs, and Methods

by Niccolò Conti, Gianni Della Rocca, Federico Franciamore, Elena Marra, Francesco Nigro, Emanuele Nigrone, Ramadhan Ramadhan, Pierluigi Paris, Gema Tárraga-Martínez, José Belenguer-Ballester, Lorenzo Scatena, Eleonora Lombardi and Cesare Garosi

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081287 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 189

Abstract

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) enhance long-term carbon sequestration through tree biomass accumulation. As the European Union’s Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation now recognizes AFSs in carbon farming (CF) schemes, accurate tree biomass estimation becomes essential for certification. This review examines field-destructive and remote sensing [...] Read more.

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) enhance long-term carbon sequestration through tree biomass accumulation. As the European Union’s Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation now recognizes AFSs in carbon farming (CF) schemes, accurate tree biomass estimation becomes essential for certification. This review examines field-destructive and remote sensing methods for estimating tree aboveground biomass (AGB) in AFSs, with a specific focus on their advantages, limitations, timing, and associated costs. Destructive methods, although accurate and necessary for developing and validating allometric equations, are time-consuming, costly, and labour-intensive. Conversely, satellite- and drone-based remote sensing offer scalable and non-invasive alternatives, increasingly supported by advances in machine learning and high-resolution imagery. Using data from the INNO4CFIs project, which conducted parallel destructive and remote measurements in an AFS in Tuscany (Italy), this study provides a novel quantitative comparison of the resources each method requires. The findings highlight that while destructive measurements remain indispensable for model calibration and new species assessment, their feasibility is limited by practical constraints. Meanwhile, remote sensing approaches, despite some accuracy challenges in heterogeneous AFSs, offer a promising path forward for cost-effective, repeatable biomass monitoring but in turn require reliable field data. The integration of both approaches might represent a valid strategy to optimize precision and resource efficiency in carbon farming applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

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12 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rubus magurensis (Rosaceae): A New Bramble Species from the Northern Carpathians (Poland)

by Mateusz Wolanin, Krystyna Musiał and Marcin Nobis

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081286 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 162

Abstract

Rubus magurensis Wolanin, M. Nobis & Oklej. (Rosaceae), a new species from the Northern Carpathians, described and illustrated here, is a tetraploid (2n = 28) belonging to the subgenus Rubus series Micantes. Among the most characteristic features of this species are first-year [...] Read more.

Rubus magurensis Wolanin, M. Nobis & Oklej. (Rosaceae), a new species from the Northern Carpathians, described and illustrated here, is a tetraploid (2n = 28) belonging to the subgenus Rubus series Micantes. Among the most characteristic features of this species are first-year stems that are almost glabrous, leaflets most often arched downward, and inflorescences leafy to the apex with a few simple oval leaves in the upper part, which make this species easy to recognise. This species resembles R. tabanimontanus Figert, from which it differs in having smaller primocane prickles, digitate to subpedate leaves, larger flowers, and inflorescences leafy to the apex. Rubus magurensis is currently known from 11 populations located in southeastern Poland (7 ATPOL 2 × 2 km units). Most of them were found in the central part of the Low Beskid Mts., with two populations located in the northwestern part of the Strzyżów Foothills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)

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18 pages, 4885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiplication of Axillary Shoots of Adult Quercus robur L. Trees in RITA^® Bioreactors

by Paweł Chmielarz, Conchi Sánchez, João Paulo Rodrigues Martins, Juan Manuel Ley-López, Purificación Covelo, María José Cernadas, Anxela Aldrey, Saleta Rico, Jesús María Vielba, Bruce Christie and Nieves Vidal

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081285 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 146

Abstract

Adult trees of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) are recalcitrant to vegetative propagation. In this study, we investigated the micropropagation of five oak genotypes corresponding to trees aged 60–800 years in a liquid medium. We used commercial RITA bioreactors to study the [...] Read more.

Adult trees of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) are recalcitrant to vegetative propagation. In this study, we investigated the micropropagation of five oak genotypes corresponding to trees aged 60–800 years in a liquid medium. We used commercial RITA bioreactors to study the influence of the explant type, the culture medium, shoot support and number of immersions. Variables evaluated included the number of normal and hyperhydric shoots, shoot length, multiplication coefficient and number of rootable shoots per explant. All genotypes could be cultured in temporary immersion. Basal stem sections attached to callus grew better than apical sections and developed less hyperhydricity. For long-term cultivation, Gresshoff and Doy medium was the best of the three media evaluated. All genotypes produced vigorous shoots suitable for rooting and acclimation. This is the first protocol to proliferate adult oak trees in bioreactors, representing significant progress towards large-scale propagation of this and other related species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)

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10 pages, 2260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Elemental Analysis for the Determination of the Geographic Origin of Tropical Timber from the Brazilian Legal Amazon

by Marcos David Gusmao Gomes, Fábio José Viana Costa, Clesia Cristina Nascentes, Luiz Antonio Martinelli and Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081284 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 139

Abstract

Illegal logging is a major threat to tropical forests; however, control mechanisms and efforts to combat illegal logging have not effectively curbed fraud in the production chain, highlighting the need for effective methods to verify the geographic origin of timber. This study investigates [...] Read more.

Illegal logging is a major threat to tropical forests; however, control mechanisms and efforts to combat illegal logging have not effectively curbed fraud in the production chain, highlighting the need for effective methods to verify the geographic origin of timber. This study investigates the application of multi-elemental analysis combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to discriminate the provenance of tropical timber in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. Wood samples of Hymenaea courbaril L. (Jatobá), Handroanthus sp. (Ipê), and Manilkara huberi (Ducke) A. Chevalier. (Maçaranduba) were taken from multiple sites. Elemental concentrations were determined via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and CA was applied to evaluate geographic differentiation. Significant differences in elemental profiles were found among locations, particularly when using the intermediate disk portions (25% to 75%), and especially the average of all five sampled portions, which proved most effective in geographic discrimination of the trunk. Elements such as Ca, Sr, Cr, Cu, Zn, and B were especially important for spatial discrimination. These findings underscore the forensic potential of multi-elemental wood profiling as a tool to support law enforcement and environmental monitoring by providing scientifically grounded evidence of timber origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)

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22 pages, 1048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forests and Green Transition Policy Frameworks: How Do Forest Carbon Stocks Respond to Bioenergy and Green Agricultural Technologies?

by Nguyen Hoang Dieu Linh and Liang Lizhi

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081283 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 120

Abstract

Forests play a crucial role in storing excess carbon released into the atmosphere. By mitigating climate change, forest carbon stocks play a vital role in achieving green transitions. However, limited information is available regarding the factors that affect forest carbon stocks. The primary [...] Read more.

Forests play a crucial role in storing excess carbon released into the atmosphere. By mitigating climate change, forest carbon stocks play a vital role in achieving green transitions. However, limited information is available regarding the factors that affect forest carbon stocks. The primary objective of this analysis is to investigate the impact of green agricultural technologies and bioenergy on forest carbon stocks. The empirical investigation was conducted using the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) technique. Results using the MMQR approach indicate that bioenergy is beneficial in augmenting forest carbon stores at all levels. A 1% increase in bioenergy is associated with an increase in forest carbon stocks ranging from 3.100 at the 10th quantile to 1.599 at the 90th quantile. In the context of developing economies, similar findings are observed; however, in developed economies, bioenergy only fosters forest carbon stocks at lower and middle quantiles. In contrast, green agricultural technologies have an adverse effect on forest carbon stocks. Green agricultural technologies have a significant negative impact on forest carbon stocks, particularly between the 10th and 80th quantiles, with their influence declining in magnitude from −2.398 to −0.619. This negative connection is observed in both developed and developing countries at most quantiles, except for higher quantiles in developed economies. Gross domestic product (GDP) has an adverse effect on forest carbon stores only in developing countries, whereas human capital diminishes forest carbon stocks in both developed and developing nations. Governments should provide support for the creators of bioenergy and agroforestry technologies so that forest carbon stocks can be increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Assessment Research in Agroforestry Products, Environmental, and Renewable Resources Issues)

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