Forests

22 pages, 3396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vegetation Management and Site Conditions on Volume, Biomass and Leaf Area Allometry of Four Coniferous Species in the Pacific Northwest United States

by Carlos A. Gonzalez-Benecke^*

, Herman N. Flamenco and Maxwell G. Wightman

Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090581 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4560

Abstract

Allometric equations are useful tools for calculating tree and stand-level attributes, such as above-ground biomass or stem volume, using simple measurements that can be obtained from stand inventory data. These equations tend to be species-specific and can be affected by site conditions and [...] Read more.

Allometric equations are useful tools for calculating tree and stand-level attributes, such as above-ground biomass or stem volume, using simple measurements that can be obtained from stand inventory data. These equations tend to be species-specific and can be affected by site conditions and silvicultural treatments. Forest vegetation management treatments (VM) are an important component of reforestation programs in the Pacific Northwest of the United States; however, no study has investigated the impact of these treatments on crop tree allometry. In this study we assessed the long-term effects of two contrasting VM treatments on the allometry of sixteen-year-old Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western redcedar, and grand fir trees growing in Oregon’s central Coast Range (CR) and fifteen-year-old Douglas-fir and western redcedar trees growing in Oregon’s Cascade foothills (CF). The VM treatments included a control which received only a pre-planting herbicide application and a VM treatment consisting of five consecutive years of vegetation control after planting. The equations developed in this study were species-specific and were not affected by VM with the exception of western redcedar foliage biomass. For western redcedar, tress of similar diameter had more foliage biomass when growing on plots without VM after planting. The allometry of Douglas-fir and western redcedar was also found to be affected by site, such that trees of similar diameter and height had larger stem volume when growing at the CR site than the CF site. This difference in stem volume was found to be the result of differences in stem tapering. There was a strong relationship between stand basal area and leaf area index that was the same for all species tested and was unaffected by site. The equations presented in this study are useful for calculating stem volume, leaf area and individual tree and component biomass for stands of the studied species that are of similar age. Full article

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

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10 pages, 1581 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Effect of Combined Herbivory by Wild Boar and Small Ruminants on the Regeneration of a Deciduous Oak Forest

by Eleni M. Abraham¹

, Paraskevi Sklavou¹, Aikaterini Loufi¹, Zoi M. Parissi¹ and Apostolos P. Kyriazopoulos^2,*

¹ Laboratory of Range Science (236), Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece

² Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada PC 68200, Greece

Forests 2018, 9(9), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090580 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3575

Abstract

The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems [...] Read more.

The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems including its regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effect of wild boar and small ruminants herbivory on the regeneration of a deciduous oak forest in northern Greece. Eight sites were selected in an even aged stand of similar canopy cover and forest site quality: four sites with long-time use mainly by wild boar and four sites with long-time grazing by sheep and browsing by goats. A plot of 150 m² in each of the sites was fenced in order to be protected from herbivory. The plant cover and number of oak seedlings and acorns was measured in both grazed and protected plots for four consecutive years. The plant cover increased in the protected plots independent of the type of animals. The seedling cover decreased about 29% and 9% in sites where small ruminants and wild boars foraged respectively. Similarly, the number and the weight of acorns significantly decreased in the sites grazed by small ruminants mainly during the mast year of the oaks. Forest management has to control the small ruminants grazing in terms of intensity, timing, and duration in order to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem. Full article

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

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15 pages, 1959 KiB

Open AccessReview

What Are Intermediate-Severity Forest Disturbances and Why Are They Important?

by Justin L. Hart^*

and Jonathan S. Kleinman

Department of Geography, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090579 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6276

Abstract

The classification of discrete forest disturbance events is usually based on the spatial extent, magnitude, and frequency of the disturbance. Based on these characteristics, disturbances are placed into one of three broad categories, gap-scale, intermediate-severity, or catastrophic disturbance, along the disturbance classification gradient. [...] Read more.

The classification of discrete forest disturbance events is usually based on the spatial extent, magnitude, and frequency of the disturbance. Based on these characteristics, disturbances are placed into one of three broad categories, gap-scale, intermediate-severity, or catastrophic disturbance, along the disturbance classification gradient. We contend that our understanding of disturbance processes near the endpoints of the disturbance classification gradient far exceeds that of intermediate-severity events. We hypothesize that intermediate-severity disturbances are more common, and that they are more important drivers of forest ecosystem change than is commonly recognized. Here, we provide a review of intermediate-severity disturbances that includes proposed criteria for categorizing disturbances on the classification gradient. We propose that the canopy opening diameter to height ratio (D:H) be used to delineate gap-scale from intermediate-severity events and that the threshold between intermediate and catastrophic events be based on the influence of residual trees on the composition of the regeneration layer. We also provide examples of intermediate-severity disturbance agents, return intervals for these events, and recommendations for incorporating natural intermediate-severity disturbance patterns in silvicultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbance, Succession, and Development of Forests)

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21 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

25 Years of Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management: How Intergovernmental C&I Processes Have Made a Difference

by Stefanie Linser^1,2,*, Bernhard Wolfslehner^1,2, Simon R. J. Bridge³, David Gritten⁴, Steven Johnson⁵, Tim Payn^6,7

, Kit Prins⁸, Rastislav Raši⁹ and Guy Robertson¹⁰

¹ Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, 1180 Vienna, Austria

² European Forest Institute, Forest Policy Research Network, 1180 Vienna, Austria

³ Natural Resources Canada—Canadian Forest Service, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4, Canada

⁴ RECOFTC—The Center for People and Forests, Bangkok 10903, Thailand

⁵ International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), International Organizations Center, Yokohama 220-0012, Japan

⁶ Scion—New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

⁷ Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand

⁸ Independent Forest Sector Consultant, 1227 Carouge, Switzerland

⁹ Forest Europe Liaison Unit Bratislava, National Forest Centre, 960 92 Zvolen, Slovakia

¹⁰ U.S. Forest Service, Research and Development, Washington, DC 20250, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090578 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 14361

Abstract

Growing concern about forest degradation and loss, combined with the political impetus supplied by the Earth Summit in 1992, led to the establishment of eleven intergovernmental, regional, and international forest-related processes focused on the use of criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest [...] Read more.

Growing concern about forest degradation and loss, combined with the political impetus supplied by the Earth Summit in 1992, led to the establishment of eleven intergovernmental, regional, and international forest-related processes focused on the use of criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management (SFM). Up to 171 countries have participated in these processes to apply C&I frameworks as a tool for data collection, monitoring, assessment, and reporting on SFM and on achieving various forest-related UN Sustainable Development Goals. Based on an expert survey and literature analysis we identify six interlinked impact domains of C&I efforts: (1) enhanced discourse and understanding of SFM; (2) shaped and focused engagement of science in SFM; (3) improved monitoring and reporting on SFM to facilitate transparency and evidence-based decision-making; (4) strengthened forest management practices; (5) facilitated assessment of progress towards SFM goals; and (6) improved forest-related dialog and communication. We conclude that the 25-year history of C&I work in forestry has had significant positive impacts, though challenges do remain for the implementation of C&I and progress towards SFM. The work should be continued and carried over to other sectors to advance sustainability goals more broadly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Forest Management: Past, Present, Future)

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16 pages, 1438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Harvest Residues to Nutrient Cycling in a Tropical Acacia mangium Willd. Plantation

by Nguyen Van Bich^1,2,*, Alieta Eyles¹, Daniel Mendham³, Tran Lam Dong², David Ratkowsky¹, Katherine J. Evans¹

, Vo Dai Hai², Hoang Van Thanh², Nguyen Van Thinh² and Caroline Mohammed¹

¹ Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 98, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia

² Silviculture Research Institute (SRI), Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences (VAFS), 46 Duc Thang, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi 11910, Vietnam

³ CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 12, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia

Forests 2018, 9(9), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090577 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5749

Abstract

Harvest residues can play a crucial role in conserving nutrients for recycling in forests, but little is known about the rates of decomposition and nutrient release from these residues following logging in tropical acacia plantations. In this study, we examined the biomass and [...] Read more.

Harvest residues can play a crucial role in conserving nutrients for recycling in forests, but little is known about the rates of decomposition and nutrient release from these residues following logging in tropical acacia plantations. In this study, we examined the biomass and nutrient content of harvest residue components (bark, leaves, and branches) using the litterbag technique for a 1.5-year-period following harvest of a seven-year-old Acacia mangium plantation in Northern Vietnam. At harvest, the total dry biomass of harvest residues was 18 t ha⁻¹ comprising bark (8.9 t ha⁻¹), branches (6.6 t ha⁻¹), and leaves (2.5 t ha⁻¹). The retained bark on site conserved 51% N, 29% P, 32% K, 64% Ca, and 24% Mg content from harvest residues for recycling. Decomposition rate of the leaves was the most rapid (k = 1.47 year⁻¹; t_0.5 = 0.47 year), then branches (k = 0.54 year⁻¹; t_0.5 = 1.29 year), and bark (k = 0.22 year⁻¹; t_0.5 = 3.09 year). During decomposition, the loss of nutrients from harvest residues was K ≈ Ca > N > P> Mg. Decomposition of harvest residues and the associated rate of nutrient release can potentially supply a significant amount of nutrients required for stand development in the next rotation. Full article

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

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19 pages, 2160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Rotation Age and Thinning Regime on Visual and Structural Lumber Grades of Douglas-Fir Logs

by Eini C. Lowell^1,*, Eric C. Turnblom², Jeff M. Comnick² and CL Huang³

¹ USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, 620 SW Main Street Suite 502, Portland, OR 97205, USA

² School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

³ School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment, Formerly (While Contributing to This Project) University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090576 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4626

Abstract

Douglas-fir, the most important timber species in the Pacific Northwest, US (PNW), has high stiffness and strength. Growing it in plantations on short rotations since the 1980s has led to concerns about the impact of juvenile/mature wood proportion on wood properties. Lumber recovered [...] Read more.

Douglas-fir, the most important timber species in the Pacific Northwest, US (PNW), has high stiffness and strength. Growing it in plantations on short rotations since the 1980s has led to concerns about the impact of juvenile/mature wood proportion on wood properties. Lumber recovered from four sites in a thinning trial in the PNW was analyzed for relationships between thinning regime and lumber grade yield. Linear mixed-effects models were developed for understanding how rotation age and thinning affect the lumber grade yield. Log small-end diameter was overall the most important for describing the presence of an appearance grade, generally exhibiting an indirect relationship with the lower quality grades. Stand Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD) was found to be the next most uniformly important predictor, its influence (positive or negative) depending on the lumber grade. For quantity within a grade, as log small-end diameter increased, the quantity of the highest grade increased, while decreasing the quantity of the lower grades differentially. Other tree and stand attributes were of varying importance among grades, including stand density, tree height, and stand slope, but logically depicted the tradeoffs or rebalancing among the grades as the tree and stand characteristics change. Structural lumber grade presence was described best by acoustic wave flight time, log position (decreasing presence in upper logs), and an increasing presence with rotation age. A smaller set of variables proved useful for describing quantity within a structural grade. Forest managers can use these results in planning to best capture value in harvesting, allowing them to direct raw materials (logs) to appropriate manufacturing facilities given market demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Properties and Processing)

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12 pages, 2702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Root Surface Enzyme Activity of Ericaceous Plants and Picea abies Growing at the Tree Line in the Austrian Alps

by Lixia Wang^1,2,*

, Burenjargal Otgonsuren³

, Wenbiao Duan⁴ and Douglas Godbold^1,5

¹ Institute of Forest Ecology, Universität für Bodenkultur (BOKU), Peter Jordan Strasse 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria

² CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China

³ Department of Ecology, Mongolian University of Life Science, Zaisan 17024, Mailbox 57, Khan-Uul District, Ulaanbaator 17024, Mongolia

⁴ School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China

⁵ Global Change Research Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Department of Landscape Carbon Deposition, Na Sádkách 7, 37005 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic

Forests 2018, 9(9), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090575 - 17 Sep 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5208

Abstract

Plants with ericoid mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal associations coexist at the tree line and in many boreal forests. Both ericoid mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal roots are known to produce extracellular enzymes, but ericoid mycorrhizal fungi have been demonstrated in vitro to have higher enzyme activities. [...] Read more.

Plants with ericoid mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal associations coexist at the tree line and in many boreal forests. Both ericoid mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal roots are known to produce extracellular enzymes, but ericoid mycorrhizal fungi have been demonstrated in vitro to have higher enzyme activities. On hair roots of four ericoid mycorrhizal species (Rhododendron ferrugineum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris) and on ectomycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal root tips of Picea abies growing at the tree line (1700 m) in the Austrian Alps, potential activities of eight extracellular root enzymes were estimated. Our results show that the activities of all the different extracellular root enzymes were generally similar among the ericaceous plant species. The mean laccase enzyme activity of ectomycorrhizal root tips of Picea abies was significantly higher than that of both the hair roots and fine roots of the ericaceous species. Leucine-amino-peptidase activity on hair roots was significantly higher than on non-mycorrhizal fine roots for the ericaceous vegetation. However, the mean activity of β-glucuronidase of the ericaceous species was significantly higher in fine roots compared to the hair roots. Generally extracellular root enzyme activity is not higher on ericaceous roots compared to ectomycorrhizas of Picea abies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology of Fine Roots and Mycorrhizas in Forests)

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15 pages, 3204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Forest Management Practices on Moth Communities in a Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière) Plantation

by Mi Young Moon¹, Sung-Soo Kim¹, Dae-Seong Lee¹, Hee Moon Yang², Chan-Woo Park², Hyun Seop Kim³ and Young-Seuk Park^1,4,*

¹ Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea

² Forest Ecology and Climate Change Division, National Institute of Forest Science, Seoul 02455, Korea

³ Forest Technology and Management Research Center, National Institute of Forest Science, Pocheon 11186, Korea

⁴ Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea

Forests 2018, 9(9), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090574 - 17 Sep 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4121

Abstract

Biodiversity in forests is strongly affected by forest management practices, such as clearcutting and aggregated retention. Therefore, the assessment of the effects of forest management on biodiversity is a major concern in forest ecology. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the [...] Read more.

Biodiversity in forests is strongly affected by forest management practices, such as clearcutting and aggregated retention. Therefore, the assessment of the effects of forest management on biodiversity is a major concern in forest ecology. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the effects of forest management practices, after one year, on the abundance, species richness, community composition, and functional groups of moths in forests. The moths were sampled in four different forest stands: three stands (clearcutting, aggregated retention, and no cutting) in a planted Japanese larch forest and one stand in a natural Mongolian oak forest. The results revealed that the moth communities changed in response to the changes in vegetation after the implementation of forest management practices, and clearcutting increased the abundance and species richness of herbivorous and warm-adapted species. The structure and function of moth communities were affected by the forest management practices such as clearcutting and aggregated retention, which were reflected by a decrease in community indices and change in moth community composition with changes in vegetation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Insects and Pathogens in a Changing Environment: Ecology, Monitoring & Genetics (IUFRO Joint Meeting of WP7.03.05 & 7.03.10))

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17 pages, 4259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Spatial and Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Forest Species via Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling

by Óscar Rodríguez de Rivera^1,2,*

, Antonio López-Quílez¹

and Marta Blangiardo²

¹ Department of Statistics and Operational Research. University of Valencia. Faculty of Mathematics. C/Dr. Moliner, 50. Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain

² MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK

Forests 2018, 9(9), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090573 - 16 Sep 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5690

Abstract

Climatic change is expected to affect forest development in the short term, as well as the spatial distribution of species in the long term. Species distribution models are potentially useful tools for guiding species choices in reforestation and forest management prescriptions to address [...] Read more.

Climatic change is expected to affect forest development in the short term, as well as the spatial distribution of species in the long term. Species distribution models are potentially useful tools for guiding species choices in reforestation and forest management prescriptions to address climate change. The aim of this study is to build spatial and spatio-temporal models to predict the distribution of four different species present in the Spanish Forest Inventory. We have compared the different models and showed how accounting for dependencies in space and time affect the relationship between species and environmental variables. Full article

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

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17 pages, 4354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Productivity and Costs of Two Beetle-Kill Salvage Harvesting Methods in Northern Colorado

by Hee Han^1,2

, Woodam Chung^1,*

, Ji She¹, Nathaniel Anderson³ and Lucas Wells¹

¹ Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

² Division of Forest Industry Research, National Institute of Forest Science, Seoul 02455, Korea

³ Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Missoula, MT 59807, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090572 - 15 Sep 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4194

Abstract

Two ground-based timber harvesting methods have been commonly used for beetle-kill salvage treatments after a bark beetle epidemic in northern Colorado. A “lop and scatter” method uses a mobilized stroke delimber to delimb and buck trees at the stump, leaving tree tops and [...] Read more.

Two ground-based timber harvesting methods have been commonly used for beetle-kill salvage treatments after a bark beetle epidemic in northern Colorado. A “lop and scatter” method uses a mobilized stroke delimber to delimb and buck trees at the stump, leaving tree tops and limbs on the forest floor, while a whole-tree harvesting method brings the entire tree to the landing where it is delimbed and bucked, and thus produces logging residue piles at the landing as a byproduct. We conducted a detailed comparative time study of the two harvesting methods to develop productivity and cost models and compared the performance of the two methods under various site conditions. We applied the productivity and cost models to lodgepole pine forest stands totaling 3400 hectares of the Colorado State Forest State Park to estimate salvage harvesting costs for each forest stand and identify the least costly harvesting options. The results show that the estimated stump-to-truck timber production costs were $30.00 per oven dry ton (odt) for lop and scatter and $23.88 odt⁻¹ for the whole-tree method in our study harvest unit. At the forest level, the estimated average stump-to-truck costs were $54.67 odt⁻¹ and $56.95 odt⁻¹ for lop and scatter and whole-tree harvesting, respectively. Skidding distance and downed trees affect the harvesting costs of both methods, but their influence appears to be more significant on the whole-tree method. Full article

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

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15 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ten-Year Responses of Underplanted Northern Red Oak to Silvicultural Treatments, Herbivore Exclusion, and Fertilization

by Graham S. Frank^1,2,*, Ronald A. Rathfon¹ and Michael R. Saunders¹

¹ Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

² Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, 252 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090571 - 15 Sep 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4915

Abstract

Establishing adequate advanced oak reproduction prior to final overstory removal is crucial for regenerating oak forests in the eastern U.S. Many management approaches exist to this end, but benefits associated with any individual technique can depend on the suite of techniques employed and [...] Read more.

Establishing adequate advanced oak reproduction prior to final overstory removal is crucial for regenerating oak forests in the eastern U.S. Many management approaches exist to this end, but benefits associated with any individual technique can depend on the suite of techniques employed and the geographic location. At four mixed-hardwood upland forest sites in central and southern Indiana, we tested factorial combinations of deer fencing, controlled-release fertilization, and various silvicultural techniques (midstory removal, crown thinning, and a shelterwood establishment cut) for promoting the growth and survival of underplanted red oak seedlings. Crown thinning resulted in slow growth and low survival. Midstory removal and the shelterwood establishment cut were nearly equally effective for promoting seedling growth. Seedling survival was strongly influenced by fencing, and differences in survival between silvicultural treatments were minimal when fencing was employed. Fertilization had minimal effects overall, only increasing the probability that unfenced seedlings were in competitive positions relative to surrounding vegetation. We suggest that underplanting oak seedlings can augment natural reproduction, but the practice should be accompanied by a combination of midstory removal and fencing, at a minimum, for adequate growth and survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hardwood Reforestation and Restoration)

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14 pages, 2200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Density into Dispersal and Establishment Limitation Equations in Tropical Forests

by Marinés De la Peña-Domene^1,2,*

and Cristina Martínez-Garza¹

¹ Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico

² Coordinación General de Adaptación al Cambio Climático del Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático, Ciudad de México 14210, Mexico

Forests 2018, 9(9), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090570 - 15 Sep 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3892

Abstract

Plant recruitment in tropical forests reflects the chance that seeds arrive at a site resulting in seedling establishment. To inform tropical forest restoration, we ask how seed and seedling densities differentially affect dispersal and establishment limitation in successional habitats in a tropical agricultural [...] Read more.

Plant recruitment in tropical forests reflects the chance that seeds arrive at a site resulting in seedling establishment. To inform tropical forest restoration, we ask how seed and seedling densities differentially affect dispersal and establishment limitation in successional habitats in a tropical agricultural landscape. Methods: In Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, we calculated indices of dispersal and establishment limitation using data on seed rain and seedling establishment in old-growth forest, secondary forest, and fenced pasture. We present an index that considers variations in dispersal- and establishment-limitation including density-weighted calculations. Results: There were greater dispersal and establishment limitations in pasture than in forests. Substantial differences in both dispersal and establishment limitation occurred among the 33 species for which seed and seedling data were available. Only 5% of all species had mid to low limitation in both dispersal and establishment. In contrast, 60% of all species showed high dispersal and establishment limitation. Plant recruitment in pastures is impeded by low seed arrival, given that 77% of the recorded species showed extremely high dispersal limitation (>90%). Conclusions: The low capacity of most species to arrive, seeds to germinate and seedlings to establish in pastures slow down succession back to forest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Forest Renewal Issue: New Problems and Findings in the Establishment of Tree Regeneration)

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14 pages, 2401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Allometric Equations for Estimating Shrub Biomass in a Boreal Fen

by Annie He^1,*, Gregory J. McDermid¹

, Mir Mustafizur Rahman¹

, Maria Strack², Saraswati Saraswati² and Bin Xu³

¹ Department of Geography, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada

² Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada

³ NAIT Boreal Research Institute; 1R2, 8102 99 Ave Peace River, AB T8S 1R2, Canada

Forests 2018, 9(9), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090569 - 15 Sep 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6425

Abstract

Allometric equations for estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) from easily measured plant attributes are unavailable for most species common to mid-continental boreal peatlands, where shrubs comprise a large component of the vegetation community. Our study develops allometric equations for three dominant genera found in [...] Read more.

Allometric equations for estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) from easily measured plant attributes are unavailable for most species common to mid-continental boreal peatlands, where shrubs comprise a large component of the vegetation community. Our study develops allometric equations for three dominant genera found in boreal fens: Alnus spp. (alder), Salix spp. (willow) and Betula pumila (bog birch). Two different types of local equations were developed: (1) individual equations based on genus/phylogeny, and (2) a general equation that pooled all individuals regardless of genera. The general equation had a R² = 0.97 (n = 82), and was not significantly different (p > 0.05) than any of the phylogenetic equations. This indicated that a single generalized equation is sufficient in estimating AGB for all three genera occurring in our study area. A closer look at the performance of the general equation revealed that smaller stems were predicted less accurately than larger stems because of the higher variability of leafy biomass found in small individuals. Previously published equations developed in other ecoregions did not perform as well as our local equations. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EU Legislation on Forest Plant Health: An Overview with a Focus on Fusarium circinatum

by Anna Maria Vettraino^1,*

, Roel Potting²

and Rosa Raposo³

¹ Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, via S. Camillo de Lellis, snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy

² Office for Risk Assessment and Research, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, P.O. Box 43006 Utrecht, The Netherlands

³ National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology and agrifood—Forest Research Centre (INIA-CIFOR), Ctra. Coruna km. 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Forests 2018, 9(9), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090568 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5775

Abstract

The increase in arrivals of new forest pests highlights the need for effective phytosanitary legislation and measures. This paper introduces legislation targeted at prevention and management of potential introductions of forest pests and pathogens. An overview is given on plant health regulations on [...] Read more.

The increase in arrivals of new forest pests highlights the need for effective phytosanitary legislation and measures. This paper introduces legislation targeted at prevention and management of potential introductions of forest pests and pathogens. An overview is given on plant health regulations on global and regional level with detailed information on the situation in the European Union (EU). The current and new European legislation is discussed, and a particular focus is given on eradication and contingency plans for Fusarium circinatum. We identified key aspects relevant for the improvement of the efficacy of measures aimed to prevent alien pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pine Pitch Canker—Strategies for Management of Gibberella Circinata in Greenhouses and Forests (PINESTRENGTH))

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26 pages, 3896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Native Plant Diversity and Composition Across a Pinus radiata D.Don Plantation Landscape in South-Central Chile—The Impact of Plantation Age, Logging Roads and Alien Species

by Steffi Heinrichs^1,*

, Aníbal Pauchard^2,3 and Peter Schall¹

¹ Department Silviculture and Forest Ecology of the Temperate Zones, University of Goettingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany

² Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 3349001, Chile

³ Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Santiago 8320000, Chile

Forests 2018, 9(9), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090567 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5270

Abstract

Alien tree plantations are expanding globally with potential negative effects for native biodiversity. We investigated plant species diversity and composition in a Pinus radiata landscape in south-central Chile, a biodiversity hotspot, by sampling understory vegetation in different plantation age classes, along forest roads [...] Read more.

Alien tree plantations are expanding globally with potential negative effects for native biodiversity. We investigated plant species diversity and composition in a Pinus radiata landscape in south-central Chile, a biodiversity hotspot, by sampling understory vegetation in different plantation age classes, along forest roads and in natural forest remnants in order to find effective conservation measures for native biodiversity. Plantations, including different age classes and roadsides, maintained high native species richness at the landscape scale but supported a completely different community composition than natural forests. Thus, natural forest remnants must be conserved as plantations cannot replace them. Certain natural forest species occurred frequently in mature plantations and can represent starting points for retaining natural elements in plantations. Generalist native and alien species benefited from plantation management, mainly in young plantations and along roadsides. Stand maturation and a closed canopy, though, reduced alien species occurrences within plantations. Along roads, shade-tolerant aliens should be monitored and removed as they can potentially invade natural forests. Native species conservation in plantations requires a holistic approach of the full mosaic of land uses including the protection of remaining natural forests, alien species monitoring along roadsides and patches with continuous canopy cover to reduce pressure by alien species. Full article

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

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23 pages, 1976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Disturbance on Tree Community Dynamics in Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) Ecosystems

by Jeremy T. Amberson, Megan P. Keville and Cara R. Nelson^*

Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090566 - 13 Sep 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4501

Abstract

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.), an ecologically important tree species in high-elevation ecosystems of western North America, is threatened by white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola Fischer) and increased pressure from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) due to climate [...] Read more.

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.), an ecologically important tree species in high-elevation ecosystems of western North America, is threatened by white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola Fischer) and increased pressure from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) due to climate warming. In addition, there is concern that fire suppression may be leading to successional replacement of whitebark by late-seral trees. Despite widespread knowledge that the tree is in decline, there is limited understanding of its successional dynamics, particularly in forests disturbed by white pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle. Our objective was to examine how disturbances have affected forest composition, structure, and seedling regeneration over a 22-year period (1990–2012) at 19 sites in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State (USA). Over that time, 13 sites (68%) were infected by white pine blister rust, 11 (58%) were disturbed by mountain pine beetle, and 5 (26%) experienced wildfire. Tree community composition changed significantly during the study period, primarily due to significant mortality of mature (≥20-cm diameter at breast height) whitebark pine. Despite loss of mature whitebark trees, we found little evidence of successional replacement by other tree species. Whitebark seedling density was unrelated to basal area of mature whitebark pine, but positively correlated with the presence of herb and shrub cover. Our results demonstrate the value of long-term repeated measurements for elucidating successional dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Restoration of Whitebark Pine)

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14 pages, 3294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cycas micronesica Trees Alter Local Soil Traits

by Thomas E. Marler^1,*

and Murukesan V. Krishnapillai²

¹ College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam 96923, USA

² Cooperative Research and Extension, College of Micronesia-FSM, Yap Campus, Yap 96943, Federated States of Micronesia

Forests 2018, 9(9), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090565 - 13 Sep 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4612

Abstract

Cycad plants possess uncommon morphological, chemical, and ontogenetic characteristics and they may introduce localized changes in soil traits that increase habitat heterogeneity. We used mature Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill trees growing in a range of soil types in Guam, Rota, and Yap to [...] Read more.

Cycad plants possess uncommon morphological, chemical, and ontogenetic characteristics and they may introduce localized changes in soil traits that increase habitat heterogeneity. We used mature Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill trees growing in a range of soil types in Guam, Rota, and Yap to quantify differences between the soils beneath target trees and paired non-target soils away from cycad trees. The chronic presence of a C. micronesica tree introduced numerous localized changes in soil traits, increasing the heterogeneity of elemental stoichiometry in the community. Nitrogen, carbon:phosphorus, and nitrogen:phosphorus were increased in target soils among every soil type. Carbon increased and phosphorus decreased in most target soils. The habitats revealing the greatest number of elements with differences between target and non-target soils were the habitats with acid soils. The greatest number of metals exhibiting differences between the target and non-target soils occurred in the impoverished sandy habitat. This is the first report that indicates a cycad tree increases community spatial heterogeneity by localized changes in soil chemistry. Contemporary declines in cycad populations due to anthropogenic threats inadvertently decrease this spatial heterogeneity and its influences on primary producers in the landscape then cascading effects on the food web. Full article

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

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17 pages, 3233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drought-Affected Populus simonii Carr. Show Lower Growth and Long-Term Increases in Intrinsic Water-Use Efficiency Prior to Tree Mortality

by Shoujia Sun^1,2, Lanfen Qiu³, Chunxia He^1,2, Chunyou Li⁴, Jinsong Zhang^1,2 and Ping Meng^1,2,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China

² Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China

³ Beijing Key Laboratory of Ecologic Function Assessment and Regulation Technology of Green Space, Beijing Institute of Landscape Architecture, Beijing 100102, China

⁴ College of Landscape and Travel, Agricultural University of Hebei Baoding, Baoding 071000, China

Forests 2018, 9(9), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090564 - 13 Sep 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4818

Abstract

The Three-North Shelter Forest (TNSF) is a critical ecological barrier against sandstorms in northern China, but has shown extensive decline and death in Populus simonii Carr. in the last decade. We investigated the characteristics—tree-ring width, basal area increment (BAI), carbon isotope signature ( [...] Read more.

The Three-North Shelter Forest (TNSF) is a critical ecological barrier against sandstorms in northern China, but has shown extensive decline and death in Populus simonii Carr. in the last decade. We investigated the characteristics—tree-ring width, basal area increment (BAI), carbon isotope signature (¹³C_cor), and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE)—of now-dead, dieback, and non-dieback trees in TNSF shelterbelts of Zhangbei County. Results from the three groups were compared to understand the long-term process of preceding drought-induced death and to identify potential early-warning proxies of drought-triggered damage. The diameter at breast height (DBH) was found to decrease with the severity of dieback, showing an inverse relationship. In all three groups, both tree-ring width and BAI showed quadratic relationships with age, and peaks earlier in the now-dead and dieback groups than in the non-dieback group. The tree-ring width and BAI became significantly lower in the now-dead and dieback groups than in the non-dieback group from 17 to 26 years before death, thus, these parameters can serve as early-warning signals for future drought-induced death. The now-dead and dieback groups had significantly higher δ¹³C_cor and iWUEs than the non-dieback group at 7–16 years prior to the mortality, indicating a more conservative water-use strategy under drought stress compared with non-dieback trees, possibly at the cost of canopy defoliation and long-term shoot dieback. The iWUE became significantly higher in the now-dead group than in the dieback group at 0–7 years before death, about 10 years later than the divergence of BAI. After the iWUE became significantly different among the groups, the now-dead trees showed lower growth and died over the next few years. This indicates that, for the TNSF shelterbelts studied, an abrupt iWUE increase can be used as a warning signal for acceleration of impending drought-induced tree death. In general, we found that long-term drought decreased growth and increased iWUE of poplar tree. Successive droughts could drive dieback and now-dead trees to their physiological limits of drought tolerance, potentially leading to decline and mortality episodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological Responses to Abiotic and Biotic Stress in Forest Trees)

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11 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution Changes of Phosphorus in Soil–Plant Systems of Larch Plantations across the Chronosequence

by Fanpeng Zeng^1,2, Xin Chen¹, Bin Huang¹ and Guangyu Chi^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China

² University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

Forests 2018, 9(9), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090563 - 13 Sep 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3777

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important factors influencing the growth and quality of larch plantations. A systematic knowledge of the dynamic changes of P in soil–plant systems can provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of larch plantations. We determined [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important factors influencing the growth and quality of larch plantations. A systematic knowledge of the dynamic changes of P in soil–plant systems can provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of larch plantations. We determined the concentration, biomass, and accumulation of P in five tree components (i.e., leaf, branch, bark, stem, and root), and the concentrations of various soil P fractions of larch plantations in 10-, 25-, and 50-year-old stands in northeast China. Our results showed that the N:P ratio and P concentration in leaves increased with stand age, indicating that the growth of larch plantations might be limited by P in the development of stands. The N:P ratio and P concentration in roots, and P resorption efficiency, increased with stand age, indicating the use efficiency of P could be enhanced in older stands. The concentrations of soil-labile P fractions (Resin-P, NaHCO₃-Pi, and NaHCO₃-Po) in 25- and 50-year-old stands were significantly lower than those in 10-year-old stands, indicating the availability of soil P decreases with the development of larch plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling in Forest Soils)

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14 pages, 2165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fine-Root Responses of Populus tomentosa Forests to Stand Density

by Huijuan Bo¹, Chunyan Wen¹, Lianjun Song², Yatao Yue¹ and Lishui Nie^1,*

¹ College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

² Huayang Forest Tree Nursery, Xingtai 054700, Hebei, China

Forests 2018, 9(9), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090562 - 13 Sep 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4572

Abstract

Stand density directly affects the distribution of ecological factors such as light, heat, and water in forest communities and changes the diversity and structure of undergrowth species, thereby affecting soil health. Fine roots can provide water and nutrients to plants rapidly in the [...] Read more.

Stand density directly affects the distribution of ecological factors such as light, heat, and water in forest communities and changes the diversity and structure of undergrowth species, thereby affecting soil health. Fine roots can provide water and nutrients to plants rapidly in the fierce competition of soil resources, so as to get rid of environmental factors. This study examined the fine-root responses of the Populus tomentosa clone S86 to three stand densities (plant × row spacing: 2 × 2 m, 4 × 3 m, 4 × 5 m). We measured the biomass, morphology, and nitrogen content of lower- (1–3 order) and higher-order (>3 order) fine roots, and analyzed soil chemical properties in 10–30 cm. The soil from the density (2 × 2 m) stands showed lower soil organic matter content, available nitrogen, available phosphorous, and available potassium than others. Obviously, lower and higher-order fine roots were different: biomass of the >3 order accounted for 77–87% of the total biomass, 1–3-order fine-root diameter around 0.28–0.38 mm, while >3-order fine root were 1.28–1.69 mm; the length of 1–3-order fine root was longer than the >3 order, and root length density, specific root length, and nutrient content between the 1–3 and >3 orders were different. At 2 × 2 m, 1–3-order fine-root biomass was the highest, 132.5 g/m³, and the 1–3-order fine-root length, diameter, surface, root length density was also the highest; at the same time, the 1–3-order fine-root total nitrogen and organic matter content was also the highest, while the >3 order was highest under 4 × 3 m or 4 × 5 m. The findings of this study show that stand density affected the available nutrient content of the soil. When soil resources were poor, the biomass, morphology, and chemical content of fine roots were adjusted to increase the nutrient absorption rate, particularly in the lower-order roots. Full article

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

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16 pages, 4693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photosynthetic Capacity, Stomatal Behavior and Chloroplast Ultrastructure in Leaves of the Endangered Plant Carpinus putoensis W.C.Cheng during Gaseous NO₂ Exposure and after Recovery

by Qianqian Sheng¹ and Zunling Zhu^1,2,*

¹ College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China

² College of Art & Design, College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China

Forests 2018, 9(9), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090561 - 12 Sep 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4391

Abstract

Foliar uptake of gaseous NO₂ mainly occurs through the stomata and disrupts normal plant growth, but no detailed reports about the physiological responses of plants exposed to NO₂ are available. In this study, to study leaf physicochemical responses, stomatal characteristics and [...] Read more.

Foliar uptake of gaseous NO₂ mainly occurs through the stomata and disrupts normal plant growth, but no detailed reports about the physiological responses of plants exposed to NO₂ are available. In this study, to study leaf physicochemical responses, stomatal characteristics and chloroplast structure, we observed the leaves of Carpinus putoensis W.C.Cheng after exposure to NO₂ (6 μL/L) for five time periods (0, 1, 6, 24, and 72 h) and after 30 days of recovery following NO₂ exposure. Our results showed that short-duration exposure to a high concentration of NO₂ had significant negative impacts (p < 0.05) on the chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and chloroplast-related physicochemical processes of C. putoensis leaves; with the exception of one hour of NO₂ exposure, which was helpful for plant physiological responses. Moreover, NO₂ exposure significantly increased the thickness of the palisade/spongy tissue and caused swelling of the thylakoids within the chloroplasts; this thylakoid swelling could be reversed by removing the pollutant from the air flow. Restoration of unpolluted air alleviated the toxic effects of NO₂, as indicated by an increased chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, and PSII maximum quantum yield. These results could support the development of a treatment for roadside trees that are exposed to NO₂ as a major road pollutant. Full article

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

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13 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study of the Pathogenicity of Fusarium circinatum and other Fusarium Species in Polish Provenances of P. sylvestris L.

by Kateryna Davydenko^1,2,*, Justyna Anna Nowakowska³, Tomasz Kaluski⁴, Magdalena Gawlak⁴, Katarzyna Sadowska⁴, Jorge Martín García^5,6

, Julio Javier Diez^6,7

, Adam Okorski⁸

and Tomasz Oszako⁹

¹ Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden

² Faculty of Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, Kharkiv State Zooveterinary Academy, 62341 Kharkiv, Ukraine

³ Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland

⁴ Institute of Plant Protection—National Research Institute, Władysława Węgorka 20, 60-318 Poznań, Poland

⁵ Department of Biology, CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

⁶ Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid–INIA, Avenida de Madrid 44, 34071 Palencia, Spain

⁷ Department of Plant Production and Forestry Resources, ETSIIAA, Avenida Madrid 57, 34004 Palencia, Spain

⁸ Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10727 Olsztyn, Poland

⁹ Forest Research Institute, Department of Forest Protection, 05090 Sękocin Stary, Poland

Forests 2018, 9(9), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090560 - 12 Sep 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4678

Abstract

The fungal pathogen Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of Pine Pitch Canker (PPC), a disease which seriously affects different species of pine in forests and nurseries worldwide. In Europe, the fungus affects pines in northern Spain and Portugal, and it has also [...] Read more.

The fungal pathogen Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of Pine Pitch Canker (PPC), a disease which seriously affects different species of pine in forests and nurseries worldwide. In Europe, the fungus affects pines in northern Spain and Portugal, and it has also been detected in France and Italy. Here, we report the findings of the first trial investigating the susceptibility of Polish provenances of Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L., to infection by F. circinatum. In a greenhouse experiment, 16 Polish provenances of Scots pine were artificially inoculated with F. circinatum and with six other Fusarium species known to infect pine seedlings in nurseries. All pines proved highly susceptible to PPC and displayed different levels of susceptibility to the other Fusarium spp. tested. The findings obtained indicate the potentially strong threat of establishment of an invasive pathogen such as F. circinatum following unintentional introduction into Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pine Pitch Canker—Strategies for Management of Gibberella Circinata in Greenhouses and Forests (PINESTRENGTH))

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20 pages, 3502 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effect of Species Complementarity on Financial Return in Mixed Stands of European Beech and Scots Pine in Northern Spain

by Fernando García-Robredo

Department of Forestry and Environmental Engineering and Management, School of Forestry, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Forests 2018, 9(9), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090559 - 12 Sep 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4163

Abstract

The research on mixed-species forestry has rapidly increased in recent decades because there is a growing interest in these types of stands for environmental reasons. Their positive influence on ecosystem biodiversity, stability and resilience, as well as their role in the new challenge [...] Read more.

The research on mixed-species forestry has rapidly increased in recent decades because there is a growing interest in these types of stands for environmental reasons. Their positive influence on ecosystem biodiversity, stability and resilience, as well as their role in the new challenge brought up by the adaptation to global change, have been the object of many research works. However, the economic implications of mixed-species forest management have not deserved the same attention. The objective of this work is to study the effect of species interactions on productivity, and to economically assess this effect. This research is focused on the analysis of financial return and risk in even aged mixed stands of Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica in Northern Spain. Growth and yield projections for monospecific and mixed stands of Scots pine and European beech were made by means of a previous model developed from a set of the Spanish National Forest Inventory plots in the region of Navarre. Data from yield tables for both species were used. The effect of species proportion on total stand yield was assessed and transgressive overyielding was found for some mixing ratios. A data series on average stumpage price for both species in Spain over a 29-year period was compiled and the joint probability distribution of price data was used to generate 500 price scenarios. Different management alternatives based on species proportion and rotation age were considered and evaluated in terms of profitability and risk. Some management recommendations can be derived from the results obtained, which point at an optimum mixing ratio from 30% to 40% Scots pine and 70% to 60% European beech. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Facilitation in Mixed Species Forests)

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13 pages, 2889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenology and Synchrony of Scymnus coniferarum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with Multiple Adelgid Species in the Puget Sound, WA, USA

by Molly N. Darr^1,*, Rachel K. Brooks², Nathan P. Havill³, E. Richard Hoebeke⁴ and Scott M. Salom¹

¹ Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

² School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

³ Northern Research Station, Forest Service, USDA, Hamden, CT 06514, USA

⁴ Museum of Natural History and Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090558 - 11 Sep 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3546

Abstract

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae, is an invasive pest of Tsuga spp. in eastern North America. Scymnus coniferarum is a predaceous beetle that was collected from HWA in the western United States. Limited knowledge of this insect in its native [...] Read more.

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae, is an invasive pest of Tsuga spp. in eastern North America. Scymnus coniferarum is a predaceous beetle that was collected from HWA in the western United States. Limited knowledge of this insect in its native habitat led to studies to evaluate its potential for biological control of HWA. Seasonal abundance was sampled at six sites in Tacoma, WA, twice monthly, for one year on different host trees of potential adelgid prey. Tree species included Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus contorta, Pinus monticola, and Tsuga heterophylla. Scymnus coniferarum adults were found on all conifer species, except P. menziesii. Each conifer species supported a different adelgid species, suggesting S. coniferarum feeds on multiple adelgid species. More S. coniferarum were found on pine than hemlock. DNA barcoding of S. coniferarum found two distinct clusters that differed by 6% divergence. Beetles in each cluster were co-habiting the same conifer species, and they could not be distinguished morphologically. Further taxonomic studies are needed to understand the significance of DNA barcode sequence divergence. Because S. coniferarum was more frequently associated with pine adelgids than HWA, and because of remaining taxonomic uncertainty, S. coniferarum may not be suitable for HWA biological control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Forest Invaders)

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15 pages, 18082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Changes of Selected Hardwoods Due to Weather Conditions

by Ivan Kubovský^1,*, Eliška Oberhofnerová², František Kačík^1,2

and Miloš Pánek²

¹ Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolen, Slovakia

² Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16521 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic

Forests 2018, 9(9), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090557 - 11 Sep 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4479

Abstract

The study is focused on the surface changes of five hardwoods (oak, black locust, poplar, alder and maple) that were exposed to natural weathering for 24 months in the climatic conditions of Central Europe. Colour, roughness, visual and chemical changes of exposed surface [...] Read more.

The study is focused on the surface changes of five hardwoods (oak, black locust, poplar, alder and maple) that were exposed to natural weathering for 24 months in the climatic conditions of Central Europe. Colour, roughness, visual and chemical changes of exposed surface structures were examined. The lowest total colour changes (ΔE*) were found for oak (23.77), the highest being recorded for maple (34.19). Roughness differences after 24-month exposure (ΔR_a) showed minimal changes in poplar wood (9.41); the highest changes in roughness were found on the surface of alder (22.18). The presence of mould and blue stains was found on the surface of maple, alder and poplar. Chemical changes were characterized by lignin and hemicelluloses degradation. Decreases of both methoxy and carbonyl groups, cleavage of bonds in lignin and hemicelluloses, oxidation reaction and formation of new chromophores were observed. In the initial phases of the degradation process, the discoloration was related to chemical changes; in the longer period, the greying due to settling of dust particles and action of mould influenced the wood colour. The data were confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The obtained results revealed degradation processes of tested hardwood surfaces exposed to external environmental factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Properties and Processing)

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17 pages, 1642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Phylogenetic Community Structure of the Seedling Layer Following Hurricane Disturbance in a Human-Impacted Tropical Forest

by Liza S. Comita^1,2,*

, María Uriarte³, Jimena Forero-Montaña⁴, W. John Kress⁵, Nathan G. Swenson⁶, Jill Thompson^4,7, María Natalia Umaña¹ and Jess K. Zimmerman⁴

¹ Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, CT 06511, USA

² Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa Ancón, Panama

³ Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA

⁴ Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, P.O. Box 70377, San Juan, PR 009325-8377, USA

⁵ Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA

⁶ Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA

⁷ Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, UK

Forests 2018, 9(9), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090556 - 11 Sep 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5666

Abstract

Disturbance plays a key role in shaping forest composition and diversity. We used a community phylogeny and long-term forest dynamics data to investigate biotic and abiotic factors shaping tropical forest regeneration following both human and natural disturbance. Specifically, we examined shifts in seedling [...] Read more.

Disturbance plays a key role in shaping forest composition and diversity. We used a community phylogeny and long-term forest dynamics data to investigate biotic and abiotic factors shaping tropical forest regeneration following both human and natural disturbance. Specifically, we examined shifts in seedling phylogenetic and functional (i.e., seed mass) community structure over a decade following a major hurricane in a human-impacted forest in Puerto Rico. Phylogenetic relatedness of the seedling community decreased in the first five years post-hurricane and then increased, largely driven by changes in the abundance of a common palm species. Functional structure (based on seed mass) became increasingly clustered through time, due to canopy closure causing small-seeded, light-demanding species to decline in abundance. Seedling neighbor density and phylogenetic relatedness negatively affected seedling survival, which likely acted to reduce phylogenetic relatedness within seedling plots. Across the study site, areas impacted in the past by high-intensity land use had lower or similar phylogenetic relatedness of seedling communities than low-intensity past land use areas, reflecting interactive effects of human and natural disturbance. Our study demonstrates how phylogenetic and functional information offer insights into the role of biotic and abiotic factors structuring forest recovery following disturbance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Responses to Large-Scale Wind Disturbance)

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19 pages, 5435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generalized Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Individual Tree Crown Ratio Models for Norway Spruce and European Beech

by Ram P. Sharma^*

, Zdeněk Vacek and Stanislav Vacek

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Suchdol, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic

Forests 2018, 9(9), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090555 - 10 Sep 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5056

Abstract

Tree crowns are commonly measured to understand tree growth and stand dynamics. Crown ratio (CR—crown depth-to-total height ratio) is significantly affected by a number of tree- and stand-level characteristics and other factors as well. Generalized mixed-effects CR models were developed using a large [...] Read more.

Tree crowns are commonly measured to understand tree growth and stand dynamics. Crown ratio (CR—crown depth-to-total height ratio) is significantly affected by a number of tree- and stand-level characteristics and other factors as well. Generalized mixed-effects CR models were developed using a large dataset (measurements from 14,669 trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica (L.)) acquired from permanent research plots in various parts of the Czech Republic. Among several tree- and stand-level variables evaluated, diameter at breast height, height to crown base, dominant height, basal area of trees larger in diameter than a focal tree, relative spacing index, and variables describing the effects of species mixture and canopy height differentiation significantly contributed to CR variation. We included sample-plot-level variations caused by randomness in the data and other stochastic factors into the CR models using the mixed-effects modeling approach. The logistic function, which predicts the values between 0 and 1, was chosen to develop the generalized CR mixed-effects model. A large proportion of the CR variation (R²_adj ≈ 0.63 (Norway spruce); 0.72 (European beech)) was described by generalized mixed-effects model without significant residual trends. Testing the CR model against a part of the model fitting dataset confirmed its high prediction precision. Our CR model can be useful for growth simulation using inventory databases that lack crown measures. Other potential implications of our CR models in forest management are mentioned in the article. Full article

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

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24 pages, 3239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification, Prioritization and Mapping of Ecosystem Services in the Panchase Mountain Ecological Region of Western Nepal

by Shankar Adhikari^1,*

, Himlal Baral^2,3

and Craig R. Nitschke³

¹ Ministry of Forests and Environment, Kathmandu, Nepal

² Centre for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor 16115, Indonesia

³ School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, University of Melbourne, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia

Forests 2018, 9(9), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090554 - 10 Sep 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8173

Abstract

Ecosystem services (ES) are critical to human well-being, especially in developing countries. Improved understanding of the status of ES is required to help people improve their quality of life. The status of ES is largely unknown in many regions of Nepal. This study [...] Read more.

Ecosystem services (ES) are critical to human well-being, especially in developing countries. Improved understanding of the status of ES is required to help people improve their quality of life. The status of ES is largely unknown in many regions of Nepal. This study was carried out in one of Nepal’s biodiversity hotspots, the Panchase Mountain Ecological region (PMER), to identify, prioritize and map the major ES in the region. Primary data for the study were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, a transect walk, and field observations. Similarly, secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished reports and satellite images of the study area. The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Thirty-seven ES were identified from the study landscape. Among them, nine were provisioning services, thirteen regulating services, nine cultural services, and six supporting services. Interestingly, the prioritization of ES among stakeholders differed on the basis of their background, particular features of their landscape, professional engagement, and individual interests. For instance, forest users prioritized provisioning services for their daily needs whereas forest managers prioritized regulating and cultural services for overall ecosystem management and aesthetic values. Mapping of the ES from the landscape for 1995 and 2015 identified that forest area and associated ES have likely increased, especially in the upland regions, while agricultural land and their associated ES have decreased. The study can be used as a reference by planners and policy makers in managing ES in the PMER to increase synergies and reduce trade-off among various services. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Surface Runoff and Base Flow Response to Multiple Factors in Pengchongjian Small Watershed

by Lei Ouyang^1,2

, Shiyu Liu^1,2,*, Jingping Ye^1,2, Zheng Liu^1,2, Fei Sheng^1,2, Rong Wang¹ and Zhihong Lu¹

¹ School of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China

² Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Watershed Agricultural Resources and Ecology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330045, China

Forests 2018, 9(9), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090553 - 10 Sep 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4855

Abstract

Quantifying the impacts of multiple factors on surface runoff and base flow is essential for understanding the mechanism of hydrological response and local water resources management as well as preventing floods and droughts. Despite previous studies on quantitative impacts of multiple factors on [...] Read more.

Quantifying the impacts of multiple factors on surface runoff and base flow is essential for understanding the mechanism of hydrological response and local water resources management as well as preventing floods and droughts. Despite previous studies on quantitative impacts of multiple factors on runoff, there is still a need for assessment of the influence of these factors on both surface runoff and base flow in different temporal scales at the watershed level. The main objective of this paper was to quantify the influence of precipitation variation, evapotranspiration (ET) and vegetation restoration on surface runoff and base flow using empirical statistics and slope change ratio of cumulative quantities (SCRCQ) methods in Pengchongjian small watershed (116°25′48″–116°27′7″ E, 29°31′44″–29°32′56″ N, 2.9 km²), China. The results indicated that, the contribution rates of precipitation variation, ET and vegetation restoration to surface runoff were 42.1%, 28.5%, 29.4% in spring; 45.0%, 37.1%, 17.9% in summer; 30.1%, 29.4%, 40.5% in autumn; 16.7%, 35.1%, 48.2% in winter; and 35.0%, 38.7%, 26.3% in annual scale, respectively. For base flow they were 33.1%, 41.9%, 25.0% in spring; 39.3%, 51.9%, 8.8% in summer; 40.2%, 38.2%, 21.6% in autumn; 24.3%, 39.4%, 36.3% in winter; and 24.4%, 47.9%, 27.7% in annual scale, respectively. Overall, climatic factors, including precipitation and ET change, affect surface runoff generation the most, while ET affects the dynamic change of annual base flowthe most. This study highlights the importance of optimizing forest management to protect the water resource. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Afforestation and Reforestation: Drivers, Dynamics, and Impacts)

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17 pages, 5037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subwatershed-Level Lodgepole Pine Attributes Associated with a Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreak

by Howard Williams¹, Sharon M. Hood^2,*

, Christopher R. Keyes¹, Joel M. Egan³ and José Negrón⁴

¹ W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812, USA

² USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula, MT 59808, USA

³ USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804, USA

⁴ USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA

Forests 2018, 9(9), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090552 - 9 Sep 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3544

Abstract

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins; MPB) is an aggressive bark beetle that attacks numerous Pinus spp. and causes extensive mortality in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon; LPP) forests in the western United States and Canada. We used pre-outbreak [...] Read more.

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins; MPB) is an aggressive bark beetle that attacks numerous Pinus spp. and causes extensive mortality in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon; LPP) forests in the western United States and Canada. We used pre-outbreak LPP attributes, cumulative MPB attack severity, and areal extent of mortality data to identify subwatershed-scale forest attributes associated with severe MPB-caused tree mortality that occurred across the Northern Rockies, USA from 1999–2014. We upscaled stand-level data to the subwatershed scale to allow identification of large LPP areas vulnerable to MPB. The highest mortality occurred in subwatersheds where LPP mean basal area was greater than 11.5 m² ha⁻¹ and LPP quadratic mean diameter was greater than or equal to 18 cm. A coarse assessment of federally-owned LPP-dominated forestland in the analysis area indicated about 42% could potentially be silviculturally treated. Silvicultural management may be a suitable option for many LPP forests, and our hazard model can be used to identify subwatersheds with LPP attributes associated with high susceptibility to MPB across landscape spatial scales. Identifying highly susceptible subwatersheds can help prioritize general areas for potential treatments, especially where spatially extensive areas of contiguous, highly susceptible LPP occur. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Causes and Consequences of Bark Beetle Epidemics on Tree, Forest and Ecosystem Processes)

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