Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.4
3.1
Journals
Forests
Editor’s Choice
share announcement

Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
18 pages, 12766 KB  
Article
Regional Comparison of Atlantic Forest Physiognomies Using GEDI-Derived Structural Metrics
by Marcelo C. S. Bandoria, Hugo T. Seixas, Marcos R. Rosa, Paulo G. Molin and Alfredo P. Queiroz
Forests 2026, 17(6), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17060720 - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1081
Abstract
Remote sensing contributes to characterizing forest structure across heterogeneous tropical regions, yet structural parameters used to compare Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomies remain limited, especially in fragmented landscapes affected by multiple drivers of forest loss and degradation. This study used Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) [...] Read more.
Remote sensing contributes to characterizing forest structure across heterogeneous tropical regions, yet structural parameters used to compare Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomies remain limited, especially in fragmented landscapes affected by multiple drivers of forest loss and degradation. This study used Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) data to compare the structure of old-growth candidate forest polygons in four Brazilian Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomies: Dense Ombrophilous Forest (DOF), Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF), Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (SSdF), and Seasonal Deciduous Forest (SDF). We analyzed canopy height (H), canopy cover (COVER), foliage height diversity (FHD), plant area index (PAI), and aboveground biomass density (AGBD) from GEDI L2B and L4A footprints acquired between 2019 and 2024. Structural differences among phytophysiognomies were significant for all variables (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.001), with small-to-moderate effect sizes (ε2 ≈ 0.05–0.15). The strongest pairwise contrasts occurred for SDF–SSdF and SSdF–DOF, whereas MOF showed greater overlap with the other groups. Across variables, AGBD and H were the most consistent discriminators, and polygon-level summaries strengthened among-group separation. These findings show that GEDI-derived polygon-level metrics can support regional comparisons of forest structure among Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomies and help identify the strongest contrasts in fragmented landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measurement and Modeling of Forest Vegetation Structures with Remote Sensing Technology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 13474 KB  
Article
The Fate of a Wild White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) Population in Ohio 10 Years After Invasion by Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)
by Don Cipollini and Kendra Cipollini
Forests 2026, 17(6), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17060712 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive Asian wood borer that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. White fringetree is a secondary host of EAB in North America that is generally more resistant and resilient than ash. Past [...] Read more.
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive Asian wood borer that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. White fringetree is a secondary host of EAB in North America that is generally more resistant and resilient than ash. Past studies have mostly focused on ornamentally planted and managed trees over short time scales; the long-term fate of this species in the wild is uncertain. We revisited an unmanaged wild population of white fringetree in Ohio ten years after it was first studied, measuring tree size and health, evidence of EAB attack, and woodpecker activity. We hypothesized that EAB attack would have greater negative effects on this population than previously observed in managed populations. In 2024, 68% of trees showed signs of previous attack by EAB with declining health and 15% had evidence of current-year attack. Thirty percent of trees in the study had died. White fringetrees in managed populations have generally fared well in the aftermath of EAB, but trees in this wild population showed substantial attack and damage, some continuing to host EAB for several years. Wild white fringetrees may meet the same fate as ash trees in the face of EAB, but over longer time scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Biodiversity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2246 KB  
Article
Wood Modification Using Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO): Formulation Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of Wood Performance
by Anna Sandak, Faksawat Poohphajai, Amina Selmanović, Rene Herrera-Diaz, Jakub Grzybek, Kelly Peeters, Sasikala Perumal, Edit Földvári-Nagy, Lei Han, Richard Acquah, Joanna Aniśko-Michalak, Mateusz Barczewski, Aleksander Hejna, Marco Fellin, Lex Kiezebrink, Klaas Jan Swager, Hans Heeres, Bert van de Beld and Jakub Sandak
Forests 2026, 17(6), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17060709 - 17 Jun 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 773
Abstract
This study presents a wood modification process using Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) as a fully biobased alternative to conventional, fossil-based and potentially toxic preservatives such as copper salts, organic biocides, and creosote. Standard FPBO was used in the development of 10 formulations, which [...] Read more.
This study presents a wood modification process using Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) as a fully biobased alternative to conventional, fossil-based and potentially toxic preservatives such as copper salts, organic biocides, and creosote. Standard FPBO was used in the development of 10 formulations, which were systematically characterized in terms of pot life, viscosity evolution, density, and pH. Radiata pine samples were subsequently impregnated using a bench-scale reactor, with specimens prepared in multiple geometries to assess treatment performance across different dimensions. The modified wood was comprehensively characterized with respect to moisture uptake, dimensional stability, density, mechanical strength, fixation efficiency, biological durability, and VOC emissions. Additional screening focused on properties relevant to outdoor applications, including aesthetic appearance and colour uniformity after UV exposure. The results enabled the identification of three top-performing formulations, treatments H, A, and E, which exhibited the most favourable balance between durability, environmental performance, and structural integrity. Overall, the findings demonstrate the strong potential of FPBO-based impregnation as a sustainable, multifunctional, and high-performance alternative for advanced wood protection systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Treatments and Modification Technologies—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

41 pages, 14242 KB  
Article
Assessing Community and Protected Area Exposure to Wildfires in Navarra, Spain
by Fermín Alcasena, Alan Ager, Julia Loján, Isabel Pinto, Ignacio García, Pere Gelabert, Mikel Repáraz and Cristóbal Molina
Forests 2026, 17(6), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17060699 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 794
Abstract
The unprecedented 2022 wildfire season in Navarra, northern Spain, marked a turning point in regional wildfire management, when seven simultaneous large fires during a June heatwave burned more than 17,000 ha in just a few days, overwhelming suppression capacity and highlighting the limits [...] Read more.
The unprecedented 2022 wildfire season in Navarra, northern Spain, marked a turning point in regional wildfire management, when seven simultaneous large fires during a June heatwave burned more than 17,000 ha in just a few days, overwhelming suppression capacity and highlighting the limits of a strategy based primarily on ignition prevention and fire suppression. In this study, we implemented a stochastic wildfire modeling system based on the Minimum Travel Time algorithm, historical ignition patterns, spatial fuel data, and spatiotemporal weather variability to assess community and protected area exposure to wildfire. We simulated more than 50,000 fire season replicates under extreme fire weather conditions, estimating annual burn probability across fire intensity classes at 50 m spatial resolution. We then intersected modeled fire perimeters with building footprints representing residential and industrial structures, as well as protected areas, to assess the spatial distribution of exposure across the region. Results showed strong concentration of community exposure, with three fourths of residential and industrial exposure concentrated in just over one third of the total municipal area. Across Navarra, mean annual modeled exposure summed to 120 residential buildings and 16 industrial structures. Across the protected area network, mean annual burned area summed to 90 ha year−1, including 68 ha year−1 at flame lengths greater than 2.5 m, while burned forest area was 16 ha year−1. Protected areas in southern Navarra and forested protected areas in central and northern Navarra showed the highest modeled exposure, identifying priority landscapes where prevention, restoration, and evaluation of managed fire options could support more resilient ecosystems. This study provides a scientific basis for improving wildfire risk governance and strengthening the resilience of communities and protected areas under increasing wildfire pressure in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Fire Detection, Prevention and Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2925 KB  
Article
Genetic Diversity of Broussonetia monoica and Congeneric Species by Novel EST-SSR Markers
by Yonghua Zhang, Chanjuan Lai, Xi Liu, Yunpeng Zhao and Zupei Lei
Forests 2026, 17(5), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17050579 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Broussonetia monoica (Moraceae) is an ecologically, medicinally and economically valuable species but lacks adequate molecular resources for genetic studies. Here, we developed the first set of expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers for B. monoica and applied them to characterize genetic [...] Read more.
Broussonetia monoica (Moraceae) is an ecologically, medicinally and economically valuable species but lacks adequate molecular resources for genetic studies. Here, we developed the first set of expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers for B. monoica and applied them to characterize genetic diversity and Broussonetia species relationships. Transcriptome sequencing of B. monoica generated 185,167 unigenes, from which 8921 candidate polymorphic EST-SSRs were mined. Twenty-one primer pairs (21/27, 77.78%) were successfully validated across 100 B. monoica plants. Cross-species transferability was high (14/18, 77.78%), enabling comparative analysis revealing significant genetic differentiation among the Broussonetia species (FST = 0.284). Seventeen polymorphic loci revealed moderate to high genetic diversity in six B. monoica populations, with significant population structure (FST = 0.119) and sub-structuring into three clusters. Bayesian clustering, principal coordinate analysis, and neighbor-joining trees consistently resolved three Broussonetia species boundaries. These novel EST-SSRs provide robust tools for population genetics, germplasm conservation, and molecular breeding in Broussonetia species, addressing a critical resource gap for this genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetic Diversity and Conservation in Forests)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 15159 KB  
Article
Reduction of Mould Growth on Beech Timbers Through Optimised Drying and Chemical Protection Strategies
by Ivan Klement, Zuzana Vidholdová and Tatiana Vilkovská
Forests 2026, 17(5), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17050561 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 701
Abstract
This study investigates strategies to reduce mould growth on steamed beech wood by evaluating drying-based and fungicide-based protection approaches. The drying-based approach focused on optimising the temperature of warm-air drying parameters to control moisture content and limit mould development. The fungicide-based approach involved [...] Read more.
This study investigates strategies to reduce mould growth on steamed beech wood by evaluating drying-based and fungicide-based protection approaches. The drying-based approach focused on optimising the temperature of warm-air drying parameters to control moisture content and limit mould development. The fungicide-based approach involved testing selected agents, including 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, boric acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, and nano-ZnO, for their effectiveness in preventing mould formation. Mould growth was assessed by macroscopic observation and classified according to standardised intensity levels. The results indicate that adjusting drying parameters alone is insufficient to prevent mould growth, whereas specific fungicide treatments provide effective surface protection. These findings offer practical guidance for minimising mould development on beech wood during drying and storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 12th Hardwood Conference—Sopron)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 8864 KB  
Article
Vegetation-Cover Change Trends Across Different Lengths of Time Series Using NDVI: Contrasting Theil–Sen and Mann–Kendall with Piece-Wise Regression
by Min Wu, Ziheng Huang, Shuang Liu, Zhilong Wu, Tao Hong and Xisheng Hu
Forests 2026, 17(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17050557 - 30 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 705
Abstract
Quantifying vegetation dynamics has become a critical scientific imperative in the context of global ecosystem restoration initiatives targeting degraded forests. Previous studies have explored vegetation-cover change trends at different spatial scales worldwide using the Theil–Sen (TS) estimator and Mann–Kendall (MK) test, yet few [...] Read more.
Quantifying vegetation dynamics has become a critical scientific imperative in the context of global ecosystem restoration initiatives targeting degraded forests. Previous studies have explored vegetation-cover change trends at different spatial scales worldwide using the Theil–Sen (TS) estimator and Mann–Kendall (MK) test, yet few have accounted for the uncertainty in resulting trends across time-series datasets of varying lengths. Taking the coastal zone of Fujian Province in Southeast China as a case study, we investigated the uncertainty of vegetation-cover change trends using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) datasets of different lengths (e.g., 20-year, 15-year, and 10-year) via the TS estimator and MK test. Additionally, piece-wise regression was employed to detect turning points and shifts in vegetation trends between 2001 and 2020. The results indicate significant discrepancies in trend estimation across datasets of different lengths, with consistency ratios ranging from 46.1% to 64.7% among the 20-year, 15-year, and 10-year series. The MK test is more sensitive to time-series length than the TS estimator, with areas of significant change decreasing by over 50% when transitioning from a 20-year to a 10-year dataset. The spatial distribution of trend shifts exhibits a distinct “coastal–inland” polarization pattern, with 2010 as the turning point. Eight modes of vegetation trend shifts were identified based on pre- and post-turning point dynamics. Furthermore, piece-wise regression improved trend accuracy by approximately 15%. This research advances the mechanistic understanding of spatiotemporal vegetation dynamics and supports adaptive ecosystem management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 801 KB  
Review
Silvicultural Measures for the Protection of Early-Stage Forest Regeneration from Deer Browsing: A European Perspective
by Klaudia Strękowska and Jakub Borkowski
Forests 2026, 17(4), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17040499 - 17 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 596
Abstract
Forests worldwide are increasingly affected by climate-driven stressors and large-scale disturbances that impair tree physiology, disrupt water and carbon balance, and increase mortality risk. In this context, successful natural and artificial regeneration is essential for maintaining forest continuity, carbon storage, and biodiversity. However, [...] Read more.
Forests worldwide are increasingly affected by climate-driven stressors and large-scale disturbances that impair tree physiology, disrupt water and carbon balance, and increase mortality risk. In this context, successful natural and artificial regeneration is essential for maintaining forest continuity, carbon storage, and biodiversity. However, regeneration outcomes depend not only on site conditions but also on biotic pressures, especially browsing by cervids in temperate and boreal forests. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesize evidence on how silvicultural methods can reduce browsing damage in forest regeneration and to assess how these methods influence the underlying drivers of cervid pressure through stand structure and forage availability. We examine mechanisms operating at two spatial scales: at the microscale, regeneration type, planting density, structural heterogeneity, planting stock, and how species mixture influences browsing probability and intensity; at the macroscale, how cutting systems and the spatial and temporal arrangement of harvests shape foraging landscapes by concentrating or dispersing browse resources and edge habitats. The reviewed evidence shows that dense, structurally diverse natural regeneration can dilute browsing pressure, whereas uniform artificial regeneration may increase repeated damage, and that species composition and mixture patterns can either protect or expose palatable species. We conclude that integrating microscale regeneration design with landscape-level harvest planning can strengthen stand resilience, reduce dependence on fencing, and support climate-adaptive forest development. To the best of our knowledge, no previous review has synthesized this evidence across both micro- and macroscale silvicultural contexts. Although most of the studies included in this review originate from Europe, we believe that the knowledge presented here is relevant to the majority of boreal and temperate forests worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Management and Conservation in Forests Ecosystems)
27 pages, 3397 KB  
Article
Assessment on Ecological Health Effects of Plant Communities in Typical Urban Green Spaces: A Multi-Scale Comparative Study
by Jiyuan Zhang, Nan Li, Chang Yang, Jingwen Bi, Yawen Shen and Enlong Xia
Forests 2026, 17(4), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17040488 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 722
Abstract
The eco-health effects of urban green spaces are playing a vital role in mitigating urban environmental stress and promoting residents’ well-being. However, the specific differences and dominant factors influencing these effects across different green space types and plant community structures have not been [...] Read more.
The eco-health effects of urban green spaces are playing a vital role in mitigating urban environmental stress and promoting residents’ well-being. However, the specific differences and dominant factors influencing these effects across different green space types and plant community structures have not been fully elucidated. This study selected three typical green spaces in Tianfu New District of Chengdu—regional green space, comprehensive park, and specialized park—and focused on four community structures: tree–shrub–herb, tree–herb, tree-only, and herb-only. Multi-scale in situ monitoring was conducted during summer, and a comprehensive index method was employed for evaluation. The results demonstrated that (1) the tree–shrub–herb multi-layered structure exhibited the optimal eco-health function at the community scale, with a PM2.5 reduction rate of 73.86%, a noise reduction rate of 25.13%, and a negative air ion supply rate of up to 396%, significantly outperforming other structures. (2) The overall effect of regional green space (composite index 10.41) at the site scale was significantly higher than that of comprehensive parks (6.42) and specialized parks (5.87), respectively. (3) The eco-health effect increased with the complexity of the community structure, ranking as: tree–shrub–herb > tree-only > tree–herb > herb-only, highlighting the prominent contribution of the tree layer. Plant diversity showed a positive but non-significant trend. In conclusion, this multi-scale comparative study clarifies the differential impacts of green space types and community structures on the eco-health effect. It is recommended that urban planning prioritizes the layout of regional green spaces and adopts the tree–shrub–herb multi-layered structure as the dominant configuration in design in order to enhance the eco-health effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forests and Ecosystem Services)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6380 KB  
Article
The Overlooked Carbon Reservoir: Marginalization of Mangrove Soils in Climate Change Mitigation Research
by Manoella Martins Molitor, Giovanna Bergamim Araujo Lopes, Antonio Elves Barreto da Silva, Tiago Osório Ferreira, Fellipe Alcantara de Oliveira Mello, Maurício Roberto Cherubin and Hermano Melo Queiroz
Forests 2026, 17(4), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17040475 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 788
Abstract
Mangroves are widely recognized as climate-relevant ecosystems, yet the extent to which soils are incorporated into climate mitigation research remains unclear. This study conducted a hierarchical bibliometric analysis (Scopus, 1950–2025) across five progressively restrictive search levels, moving from general mangrove research (Level 1) [...] Read more.
Mangroves are widely recognized as climate-relevant ecosystems, yet the extent to which soils are incorporated into climate mitigation research remains unclear. This study conducted a hierarchical bibliometric analysis (Scopus, 1950–2025) across five progressively restrictive search levels, moving from general mangrove research (Level 1) to studies incorporating climate change (Level 2), mitigation (Level 3), and soil-related processes (Levels 4 and 5). Results show that although 30,084 articles addressed mangrove broadly, only 25 articles (0.08%) explicitly linked mangrove soils to climate change mitigation, with the majority published after the emergence of the blue carbon concept in 2009. Keyword evolution and network analyses indicate a shift from descriptive ecological themes (e.g., distribution and vegetation dynamics) toward carbon-related and soil-associated processes (e.g., blue carbon, carbon sequestration, soil organic carbon), particularly after the late 2000s, accompanied by gradual diversification into Environmental Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and chemistry-related domains associated with soil processes and mitigation mechanisms. Despite these conceptual advances, keyword analysis shows that mitigation-related studies (Levels 3 and 5) remain largely focused on terms such as “mangroves” (336 occurrences), “carbon sequestration” (187), “organic carbon” (82), and “carbon storage” (62), with limited representation of mechanistic soil processes (e.g., redox-processes, soil greenhouse gas fluxes, carbon–iron–sulfur coupled dynamic) in climate mitigation frameworks. Expanding this integration represents a key scientific frontier for improving the robustness and scalability of mangrove-based climate mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 3449 KB  
Article
Generative AI and Simulation-Based Data Augmentation for Enhanced Object Detection in Low-Data Forestry Environments
by Krzysztof Wołk, Ramana Reddy Avula, Aleksi Narkilahti, Marek S. Tatara, Jacek Niklewski and Oleg Żero
Forests 2026, 17(3), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17030302 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1586
Abstract
Detecting rare ground-level obstacles (e.g., large boulders) in dense boreal forests from low-altitude UAV RGB imagery is challenging due to limited annotated data, strong background clutter, and expensive field labeling. This paper evaluates two complementary synthetic-data augmentation pipelines for low-data forestry object detection: [...] Read more.
Detecting rare ground-level obstacles (e.g., large boulders) in dense boreal forests from low-altitude UAV RGB imagery is challenging due to limited annotated data, strong background clutter, and expensive field labeling. This paper evaluates two complementary synthetic-data augmentation pipelines for low-data forestry object detection: segmentation-guided diffusion inpainting, where SegFormer-derived forest-floor masks constrain Stable Diffusion inpainting to plausible insertion regions, and simulator-based generation in Unreal Engine 5 with controlled domain randomization and automatic annotations. We conduct a ten-fold cross-validation study on a real UAV dataset of 64 images and report both accuracy and stability across folds. Compared to real-only training (mean mAP50 ≈ 0.579; mAP50-95 ≈ 0.350), inpainting improves mean performance (mAP50 ≈ 0.647; mAP50-95 ≈ 0.435) while substantially reducing cross-fold variance and lifting the worst-case fold from 0.301 to 0.619 in mAP50. Simulator augmentation yields slightly lower mean accuracy (mAP50 ≈ 0.546; mAP50-95 ≈ 0.344) but markedly improves robustness by mitigating collapse on difficult splits (minimum mAP50 0.496 vs. 0.301). These results indicate that carefully curated generative augmentation can reduce failure risk and improve generalization in extremely data-limited forestry detection settings without additional field data collection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence, Remote Sensing and Digital Twin Driving Innovation in Sustainable Natural Resources and Ecology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6627 KB  
Article
Reconstructing Late-Holocene Paleoenvironments from the World’s Most Inland Rhizophora mangle
by Gerald Alexander Islebe, Carlos M. Burelo-Ramos, Alejandro Antonio Aragón-Moreno, Nuria Torrescano-Valle, Héctor Abuid Hernández-Arana and Jesús Manuel Ascencio-Rivera
Forests 2026, 17(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17030303 - 27 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
This study presents a multiproxy paleoecological reconstruction from Laguna El Cacahuate, located ~180 km inland in the floodplain of Tabasco, southeastern Mexico, where red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.) forms persistent forest stands under freshwater conditions. We analyzed a 180 cm sediment core [...] Read more.
This study presents a multiproxy paleoecological reconstruction from Laguna El Cacahuate, located ~180 km inland in the floodplain of Tabasco, southeastern Mexico, where red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.) forms persistent forest stands under freshwater conditions. We analyzed a 180 cm sediment core using pollen analysis, X-ray fluorescence geochemistry, and radiocarbon dating to investigate the environmental drivers of inland mangrove expansion. The core spans the last ~5200 years, capturing major shifts in vegetation and hydroperiod change. During the mid-Holocene, herbaceous freshwater taxa (Poaceae, Cyperaceae) dominated the floodplain under variable hydroclimatic conditions and high clastic input. The appearance of Rhizophora mangle pollen around 750 cal yr BP marks a significant ecological transition coinciding with geochemical indicators of stabilized flooding and reduced sedimentation. This inland colonization aligns temporally with increased regional precipitation and possible hydrogeomorphic changes following the 13th-century Plinian eruption of El Chichón. Unlike coastal mangroves, the persistence of Rhizophora under freshwater conditions supports the interpretation of this species as a facultative halophyte and indicates high resilience to long-term hydrological shifts. These findings provide critical insight into the ecological plasticity of mangroves, the paleoenvironmental history of the lower Usumacinta–San Pedro Basin, and the importance of integrating long-term records for wetland conservation strategies under future climate scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Past to Present: Mangroves of the Northern Neotropics)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 4270 KB  
Review
X-Ray Computed Microtomography and Investigations of Wood Structure and the Vascular Cambium
by David A. Collings and Ichirou Karahara
Forests 2026, 17(2), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17020286 - 23 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
X-ray computed microtomography (µCT) provides an important complement to optical imaging for understanding the three-dimensional (3D) organization and function of xylem and wood. Unlike conventional sectioning, µCT is a non-destructive process that produces high-quality data sets that can be rotated, resliced and, following [...] Read more.
X-ray computed microtomography (µCT) provides an important complement to optical imaging for understanding the three-dimensional (3D) organization and function of xylem and wood. Unlike conventional sectioning, µCT is a non-destructive process that produces high-quality data sets that can be rotated, resliced and, following image segmentation, quantified. We highlight examples in which quantitative processing of 3D µCT sets has provided quantitative understanding of xylem and wood including the development and refilling of xylem embolisms, tree ring analyses and the development of interlocked grain. We also highlight two ways through which the µCT imaging of wood, and plants in general, will be improved. While the current staining protocols for plants are non-specific, developments in specific labeling techniques, including modifications of traditional electron microscopy stains for cell walls and recent developments in µCT imaging in non-plant specimens for studying antibody labeling and transgenes, should allow significant improvements in the imaging of xylem and wood by µCT. We also highlight machine learning which is already facilitating improvements in image segmentation and quantification of µCT data sets. When coupled with the recent advances in molecular genetics of the vascular cambium, these improvements in µCT should dramatically increase our understanding of xylem formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Functional Anatomy of Tree Xylem: From Cell Structure to Ecological Roles)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1285 KB  
Review
Climate-Smart Forestry and Its Strong Correlation with Forest Genetic Resources: Current State and Future Actions
by Ermioni Malliarou, Eleftheria Dalmaris and Evangelia V. Avramidou
Forests 2026, 17(2), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17020268 - 16 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1613
Abstract
Climate-smart forestry (CSF) is a comprehensive approach that aims to sustainably enhance wood productivity (production), improve forest resilience and adaptation, sequester carbon (mitigation), and support broader development goals. This strategy is profoundly linked with Forest Genetic Resources (FGR), which are crucial for the [...] Read more.
Climate-smart forestry (CSF) is a comprehensive approach that aims to sustainably enhance wood productivity (production), improve forest resilience and adaptation, sequester carbon (mitigation), and support broader development goals. This strategy is profoundly linked with Forest Genetic Resources (FGR), which are crucial for the adaptive capacity and long-term sustainability of forest ecosystems in the face of the escalating climatic changes. Climate change presents significant risks, including increased air temperatures, altered precipitation regimes, and a rise in extreme weather events, leading to tree mortality, shifts in vegetation distribution, and a potential loss of critical forest functions and services, such as carbon sequestration capacity. While forests have inherent resilience, the rapidity and magnitude of projected changes may exceed their natural adaptive capacity, potentially resulting in local extinction and degradation of ecosystems. This review explores various facets of the interplay between CSF and FGR, emphasizing their role in sustainable forest management. Key areas of focus include: (1) Genetic Diversity, (2) Genotype Selection and Breeding, (3) Modern Breeding Techniques, (4) Molecular Breeding, (5) Genomic Prediction (GP), (6) Breeding Programs, (7) Silvicultural Practices, (8) Adaptation Mechanisms, (9) Phenotypic Plasticity, (10) Migration, particularly Assisted Gene Flow (AGF) and (11) Reproductive Material Management. Ultimately, the study highlights the crucial role of FGR in the resilience of forest ecosystems and proposes future actions for their integration into CSF strategies, including in situ and ex situ conservation, assisted migration, advanced research and development, community involvement, and supportive policy frameworks, all vital for the long-term sustainability and vitality of forest ecosystems in a changing climate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Genetic Resources: State, Pressure, Benefit and Response to Global Change)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 3609 KB  
Review
The Machine-Learning-Driven Transformation of Forest Biometrics: Progress and Pathways Ahead Review
by Markos Progios and Maria J. Diamantopoulou
Forests 2026, 17(2), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17020200 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1605
Abstract
Forest biometrics has emerged as one of the fastest-growing scientific disciplines within environmental sciences. Machine learning (ML), an increasingly essential approach that uses effective algorithms, has proven to be an accurate and cost-efficient solution to forest-related problems. Recently, ML methods have evolved, from [...] Read more.
Forest biometrics has emerged as one of the fastest-growing scientific disciplines within environmental sciences. Machine learning (ML), an increasingly essential approach that uses effective algorithms, has proven to be an accurate and cost-efficient solution to forest-related problems. Recently, ML methods have evolved, from traditional machine learning (TML) algorithms to more sophisticated approaches, such as deep learning (DL) and ensemble (ENS) methods. To uncover these developments, a structured review and analysis of 150 peer-reviewed studies was conducted, following a standardized workflow. The analysis reveals clear shifts in methodological adoption. During the most recent five-year period (2021–2025), DL and shallow neural network (SNN) methods dominated the literature, accounting for 37.5% of published studies, followed by ENS and TML methods, contributing 29.2% and 27.1%, respectively, presenting a marked increase in the utilization of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and related algorithms across the domains of forest biometrics. Nevertheless, overall trends indicate that the benefits of TML methods still need further exploration for ground-based received data. Advances in remote sensing and satellite data have brought large-scale remotely sensed data into environmental research, further boosting ML utilization. However, each field could be strengthened by implementing standardized evaluation metrics and broader geographic representation. In this way, robust and widely transferable modeling frameworks for forest ecosystems can be developed. At the same time, further research on algorithms and their applicability to natural resources proves a key component for comprehensive and sustainable forest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 4586 KB  
Article
Vegetation Stability Against Functional Dynamics in Temperate Deciduous Forests Under Passive Protection: A 32-Year Resurvey
by Kamila Reczyńska, Sandra Chmielewska and Krzysztof Świerkosz
Forests 2026, 17(2), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17020178 - 28 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1417
Abstract
Passive protection is widely assumed to preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity, yet the evidence for long-term vegetation stability in protected temperate forests remains inconclusive. We resurveyed two deciduous forests in SW Poland after 30 years of strict protection to assess temporal changes in [...] Read more.
Passive protection is widely assumed to preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity, yet the evidence for long-term vegetation stability in protected temperate forests remains inconclusive. We resurveyed two deciduous forests in SW Poland after 30 years of strict protection to assess temporal changes in their understory vegetation, functional structure, and habitat conditions. Using paired phytosociological relevés (n = 40), collected using the Braun-Blanquet method, we compared baseline (1989–1991) and recent (2022) data with respect to species frequency, Ellenberg indicator values, basic functional traits, and functional diversity. Species composition proved highly stable: only 10% of vascular plant species exhibited significant changes in frequency in particular layers, largely reflecting the vertical redistribution of woody species rather than species turnover. Habitat conditions showed no significant temporal changes. In contrast, the functional structure of the herb layer changed markedly, with significant increases in community-weighted means of seed mass, plant height, and specific leaf area, accompanied by a significant rise in functional diversity. These shifts were partly driven by the increasing abundance of woody species and some opportunistic and invasive species. Our results demonstrate that functional traits may reveal directional ecological changes in passively protected forests even when species composition and habitat indicators remain unchanged, highlighting the importance of trait-based approaches for long-term forest surveys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth and Stand Dynamics of Unmanaged and Managed Forests Under Global Change)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 5777 KB  
Review
A Review of Remote Sensing Monitoring of Plant Diversity in Tropical Forests
by Xi-Qing Sun, Hao-Biao Wu, Dao-Sheng Chen, Xiao-Dong Yang, Xing-Rong Ma, Huan-Cai Feng, Xiao-Yan Cheng, Shuang Yang, Hai-Tao Zhou and Run-Ze Wu
Forests 2026, 17(1), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010142 - 22 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1475
Abstract
Tropical forests are the most plant-diverse ecosystems on Earth, characterized by extremely high species richness and playing essential roles in ecosystem stability, carbon sequestration, and hydrological regulation. Although remote sensing has been widely applied to monitoring tropical forest plant diversity in recent decades, [...] Read more.
Tropical forests are the most plant-diverse ecosystems on Earth, characterized by extremely high species richness and playing essential roles in ecosystem stability, carbon sequestration, and hydrological regulation. Although remote sensing has been widely applied to monitoring tropical forest plant diversity in recent decades, a systematic understanding of its actual monitoring capacity remains limited. Based on a bibliometric analysis of 15,878 publications from 1960 to 2025, this study draws several key conclusions: (1) Global research is highly unevenly distributed, with most studies concentrated in China’s tropical monsoon forests, Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests, and Mexico’s tropical dry forests, while many other regions remain understudied; (2) The Sentinel-2 and Landsat series are the most widely used satellite sensors, and indirect indicators are applied more frequently than direct spectral metrics in monitoring models. Hyperspectral data, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and nonlinear models generally achieve higher accuracy than multispectral data, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and linear models; (3) Sampling scales range from 64 m2 to 1600 ha, with the highest accuracy achieved when plot size is within 400 m2 < Area ≤ 2500 m2, and spatial resolutions below 10 m perform best. Based on these findings, we propose four priority directions for future research: (1) Quantifying spectral indicators and models; (2) Assessing the influence of canopy structure on biodiversity remote sensing accuracy; (3) Strengthening the application of high-resolution data and reducing intraspecific spectral variability; and (4) Enhancing functional diversity monitoring and advancing research on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Biodiversity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1938 KB  
Article
The Swedish Forest-Based Sector in Turbulent Times
by Ragnar Jonsson
Forests 2026, 17(1), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010141 - 21 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1514
Abstract
The European forest-based sector faces a perfect storm of demographic, geopolitical, climatic, and policy-driven challenges. These multipronged, oftentimes interlinked factors are particularly consequential for export-oriented, forest-rich economies like Sweden. This study provides a qualitative scenario analysis to assess potential futures for the Swedish [...] Read more.
The European forest-based sector faces a perfect storm of demographic, geopolitical, climatic, and policy-driven challenges. These multipronged, oftentimes interlinked factors are particularly consequential for export-oriented, forest-rich economies like Sweden. This study provides a qualitative scenario analysis to assess potential futures for the Swedish forest sector towards 2050, focusing on the impacts of key drivers: geopolitical alignment, European Union (EU) policy implementation, economic and demographic trends, technological progress, and climate change. Two critical uncertainties—Europe’s geopolitical positioning and the policy balance between wood use and forest conservation—form the axes for four contrasting scenarios. Results indicate that, across all futures, volume-based manufacturing in Sweden is expected to stagnate or decline due to high costs and weak EU demand, with bulk production shifting to the Global South. Long-term viability hinges on a strategic shift to high-value segments (e.g., specialty packaging solutions, biochemicals, construction components) and the adoption of advanced technologies. Concurrently, the sector must adapt to increased forest disturbances and diversify tree species, despite industry processes being optimized for current conifers. The study concludes that without a decisive transition from commodity production to innovative, value-added strategies, the Swedish forest sector’s competitiveness and resilience are at serious risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Forest-Based Sector Planning and Management in the Era of Bioeconomy, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3006 KB  
Review
Molecular Crosstalk Underlying Pre-Colonization Signaling and Recognition in Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis
by Rosario Ramírez-Mendoza, Magdalena Martínez-Reyes, Yanliang Wang, Yunchao Zhou, Arturo Galvis-Spinola, Juan José Almaraz-Suárez, Fuqiang Yu and Jesus Perez-Moreno
Forests 2026, 17(1), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010134 - 19 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1650
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is a fundamental mutualism crucial for forest eco-system health. Its establishment is governed by sophisticated molecular dialogue preceding physical colonization. This review synthesizes this pre-colonization crosstalk, beginning with reciprocal signal exchange where root exudates trigger fungal growth, and fungal lipochitooligosaccharides [...] Read more.
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is a fundamental mutualism crucial for forest eco-system health. Its establishment is governed by sophisticated molecular dialogue preceding physical colonization. This review synthesizes this pre-colonization crosstalk, beginning with reciprocal signal exchange where root exudates trigger fungal growth, and fungal lipochitooligosaccharides activate host symbiotic programming, often via the common symbiosis pathway. Successful colonization requires fungi to navigate plant immunity. They employ effectors, notably mycorrhiza-induced small secreted proteins (MiSSPs), to suppress defenses, e.g., by stabilizing jasmonate signaling repressors or inhibiting apoplastic proteases, establishing a localized “mycorrhiza-induced resistance.” Concurrent structural adaptations, including fungal hydrophobins, expansins, and cell wall-modifying enzymes like chitin deacetylase, facilitate adhesion and apoplastic penetration. While this sequential model integrates immune suppression with structural remodeling, current understanding is predominantly derived from a limited set of model systems. Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding species-specific determinants in non-model fungi and hosts, the influence of environmental variability and microbiome interactions, and methodological challenges in capturing early signaling in situ. This review’s main contributions are: providing a synthesized sequential model of molecular crosstalk; elucidating the dual fungal strategy of simultaneous immune suppression and structural remodeling; and identifying crucial knowledge gaps regarding non-model systems and species-specific determinants, establishing a research roadmap with implications for forest management and ecosystem sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 7704 KB  
Article
Impacts of Afforestation on Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics Along the Aridity Gradient in China
by Juxiao Lu, Su Wang, Yajing Dong, Yue Wang, Yafeng Jiang, Hailong Zhang, Wenwen Lv, Wangliang Ge, Ruihua Bai and Lei Deng
Forests 2026, 17(1), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010123 - 16 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182
Abstract
Afforestation is recognized as a highly effective strategy for enhancing ecosystem carbon sequestration. However, the changes and drivers of soil organic carbon (SOC) following afforestation are still debated due to climate differences. Clarifying these responses is critical for improving the effectiveness of afforestation-based [...] Read more.
Afforestation is recognized as a highly effective strategy for enhancing ecosystem carbon sequestration. However, the changes and drivers of soil organic carbon (SOC) following afforestation are still debated due to climate differences. Clarifying these responses is critical for improving the effectiveness of afforestation-based carbon sequestration strategies. In this study, we analyzed nine 20-year-old afforestation sites (coniferous and broad-leaved) along a Chinese climatic gradient to quantify SOC and its fractional changes following farmland-to-forest conversion, and to identify the dominant factors controlling SOC sequestration across climatic gradients and forest types. The results showed that afforestation enhanced SOC (5.1%–210.5%, p < 0.05) in humid and semi-humid regions, but showed no significant effect in semi-arid regions, and it even reduced SOC in arid regions (−19%–−53.8%). Across all climatic zones, mineral-associated organic carbon was the dominant contributor to SOC accumulation throughout the entire soil profile (0–60 cm). Climatic-scale analyses based on the aridity index determined that root and litter C/N ratios were the primary drivers of SOC sequestration in coniferous forests, whereas in broad-leaved forests, they were more strongly controlled by soil physicochemical properties, particularly total nitrogen, bulk density, and soil water content. This study identified that SOC responses to afforestation are strongly mediated by climate and forest type, which is helpful for managers to take targeted measures to increase soil carbon sequestration in forest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1021 KB  
Review
Forest Education: Past, Present, and Future
by Martin Barker
Forests 2025, 16(12), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16121801 - 29 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2391
Abstract
In this narrative review, the purpose is to summarise the current state of forest education using a range of global examples. The literature on forest education is extensive, but the focus tends to be geographically specific or covers a limited period. This ‘story’ [...] Read more.
In this narrative review, the purpose is to summarise the current state of forest education using a range of global examples. The literature on forest education is extensive, but the focus tends to be geographically specific or covers a limited period. This ‘story’ of forest education was led by academic sources in an iterative process. Context is provided by an overview of historical origins. Forestry has been transformed from a discipline that emphasised technical skills associated with timber production into a multidisciplinary pedagogy that incorporates social, ecological, and other dimensions that recognise the intrinsic value of forests. The main challenges in forest education are uncertainty and change. It is widely agreed in the literature that the pace and direction of change for forest education are not keeping up with demand in some parts of the world. The need for change is sometimes impeded by the status quo and a reluctance to adapt, struggles with recruitment, and insufficient resources to incorporate new technology. Forest education may need to adapt, with the inclusion of more interdisciplinary programmes and diversification. This approach may help with recruitment and a sense of relevance. The conclusion is that those working in forest education are alert to the challenges ahead. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends and Challenges in Forest Education)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6563 KB  
Article
Entomopathogenic Fungi from Minnesota Are Virulent Against Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), Adults in a Laboratory Autodissemination Device Assay
by Colin J. Peters, Nickolas N. Rajtar and Robert A. Blanchette
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111742 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 3552
Abstract
The emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is a deadly pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America. Chemical and biological control methods are already in use against EAB, but additional integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are needed to reduce [...] Read more.
The emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is a deadly pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America. Chemical and biological control methods are already in use against EAB, but additional integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are needed to reduce EAB populations in remote, northerly forests on the edge of the infestation front, such as those in northern Minnesota, USA. One entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) isolate, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv) Vuill. CFL-A, deployed in autodissemination devices (ADDs) has previously shown promise in reducing EAB population growth. Additionally, EPF has been found to be associated with EAB in Minnesota. This study assessed the suitability of ten Minnesota-indigenous, and one commercial, EPF strains for potential use in ADDs targeting EAB adults. Fungal isolates spanned five genera, including Beauveria, Purpureocillium, Metarhizium, Clonostachys, and Samsoniella. Of those tested, Beauveria pseudobassiana S.A. Rehner and Humber EAB 16.8, Beauveria bassiana GHA, Metarhizium sp. Meta, and Purpureocillium sp. EAB 59-16-2 consistently reduced the mean survival time (MST) and probability of survival over time for EAB adults dropped into an EPF-containing ADD in the laboratory. Furthermore, these fungi were readily recovered from surface-sterilized EAB cadavers. Future ADD field trials using these isolates are warranted to validate their ability to reduce EAB population growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 11531 KB  
Article
Influence of Urban Greenery on Microclimate Across Temporal and Spatial Scales
by Isidora Simović, Mirjana Radulović, Jelena Dunjić, Stevan Savić and Ivan Šećerov
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111729 - 14 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1410
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of urban greenery on microclimate conditions in Novi Sad, a city characterized by a temperate oceanic climate, by integrating high-resolution remote sensing data with in situ measurements from 12 urban climate stations. Sentinel-2 imagery was used to capture [...] Read more.
This study investigates the influence of urban greenery on microclimate conditions in Novi Sad, a city characterized by a temperate oceanic climate, by integrating high-resolution remote sensing data with in situ measurements from 12 urban climate stations. Sentinel-2 imagery was used to capture vegetation patterns, including tree lines and small green patches, while air temperature data were collected across two climatically contrasting years. Vegetation extent and structural characteristics were quantified using NDVI thresholds (0.6–0.8), capturing variability in vegetation activity and canopy density. Results indicate that high-activity vegetation, particularly dense tree canopies, exerts the strongest cooling effects, significantly influencing air temperatures up to 750 m from measurement sites, whereas total green area alone showed no significant effect. Cooling effects were most pronounced during summer and autumn, with temperature reductions of up to 2 °C in areas dominated by mature trees. Diurnal–nocturnal analyses revealed consistent spatial cooling patterns, while seasonal variability highlighted the role of evergreen and deciduous composition. Findings underscore that urban heat mitigation is driven more by vegetation structure and composition than by green area size, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-canopy trees in urban planning. This multidimensional approach provides actionable insights for optimizing urban greenery to enhance microclimate resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forests and Greening for Sustainable Cities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6090 KB  
Article
Interactive Visualizations of Integrated Long-Term Monitoring Data for Forest and Fuels Management on Public Lands
by Kate Jones and Jelena Vukomanovic
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111706 - 9 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1582
Abstract
Adaptive forest and fire management in parks and protected areas is becoming increasingly complex as climate change alters the frequency and intensity of disturbances (wildfires, pest and disease outbreaks, etc.), while park visitation and the number of people living adjacent to publicly managed [...] Read more.
Adaptive forest and fire management in parks and protected areas is becoming increasingly complex as climate change alters the frequency and intensity of disturbances (wildfires, pest and disease outbreaks, etc.), while park visitation and the number of people living adjacent to publicly managed lands continues to increase. Evidence-based, climate-adaptive forest and fire management practices are critical for the responsible stewardship of public resources and require the continued availability of long-term ecological monitoring data. The US National Park Service has been collecting long-term fire monitoring plot data since 1998, and has continued to add monitoring plots, but these data are housed in databases with limited access and minimal analytic capabilities. To improve the availability and decision support capabilities of this monitoring dataset, we created the Trends in Forest Fuels Dashboard (TFFD), which provides an implementation framework from data collection to web visualization. This easy-to-use and updatable tool incorporates data from multiple years, plot types, and locations. We demonstrate our approach at Rocky Mountain National Park using the ArcGIS Online (AGOL) software platform, which hosts TFFD and allows for efficient data visualizations and analyses customized for the end user. Adopting interactive, web-hosted tools such as TFFD allows the National Park Service to more readily leverage insights from long-term forest monitoring data to support decision making and resource allocation in the context of environmental change. Our approach translates to other data-to-decision workflows where customized visualizations are often the final steps in a pipeline designed to increase the utility and value of collected data and allow easier integration into reporting and decision making. This work provides a template for similar efforts by offering a roadmap for addressing data availability, cleaning, storage, and interactivity that may be adapted or scaled to meet a variety of organizational and management use cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Monitoring and Driving Forces of Forest Cover)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 13809 KB  
Article
Full Orthotropic Mechanical Characterization of Pinus radiata Plywood Through Tensile, Compression and Shear Testing with Miniaturized Specimens
by Moisés Sandoval, Masoud Javadi, Paula Soto-Zúñiga, Juan Pablo Cárdenas-Ramírez, Michael Arnett, Angelo Oñate, Rodrigo Cancino, Erick I. Saavedra Flores and Víctor Tuninetti
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111676 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1224
Abstract
This study introduces and validates a miniaturized testing methodology for the complete orthotropic characterization of structural plywood, including out-of-plane directions that are typically difficult to access. Novel small-scale geometries were developed for tension and shear configurations, with compliance corrections applied to ensure accurate [...] Read more.
This study introduces and validates a miniaturized testing methodology for the complete orthotropic characterization of structural plywood, including out-of-plane directions that are typically difficult to access. Novel small-scale geometries were developed for tension and shear configurations, with compliance corrections applied to ensure accurate stress–strain responses. The method proved reliable and sensitive to mechanical differences arising from veneer architecture, adhesive type, and interfacial bonding. Two sets of 18 mm structural plywood panels—manufactured with distinct adhesive systems, one bio-based (F1) and one phenol-formaldehyde (F2)—were systematically tested under tensile, compressive, and shear loading in ten orthogonal configurations (Tx, Ty, Tz, Cx, Cy, Cz, τxy, τyx, τxz, τyz), following standards NCh 3617, EN 789, and ASTM B831. Tensile moduli were approximately twice the corresponding compressive values, while out-of-plane moduli reached only 6–11% of in-plane values. F1 exhibited higher stiffness in both tension and compression, particularly in transverse directions, due to thicker perpendicular veneers enhancing bending restraint and shear coupling. In contrast, F2 achieved greater peak shear strength owing to its more uniform veneer structure, which improved stress distribution and delayed interlaminar failure. Observed asymmetry between tension and compression reflected microstructural mechanisms such as fiber alignment and cell-wall buckling. The miniature-specimen data provide reliable input for constitutive calibration and finite-element modeling, while revealing clear links between veneer-thickness distribution, shear-transfer efficiency, and macroscopic performance. The proposed framework enables efficient, reproducible orthotropic characterization for optimized, lightweight, and carbon-efficient timber systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Numerical Simulation of Solid Wood and Engineered Wood Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4429 KB  
Article
Formation- and Species-Level Responses of the Atlantic Forest to Climate Change
by Eduardo Vinícius S. Oliveira, Carla Diele Cabral Vieira, Jhonatan Rafael Zárate-Salazar, Wadson de Jesus Correia, Alexandre de Siqueira Pinto and Sidney F. Gouveia
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111674 - 2 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1146
Abstract
The hyper-diverse Atlantic Rainforest on the eastern coast of South America comprises deciduous, semideciduous, and evergreen forest formations. How these formations, both as communities and through their individual species, are responding to climate change remains elusive. Using habitat suitability modeling, we examine the [...] Read more.
The hyper-diverse Atlantic Rainforest on the eastern coast of South America comprises deciduous, semideciduous, and evergreen forest formations. How these formations, both as communities and through their individual species, are responding to climate change remains elusive. Using habitat suitability modeling, we examine the effects of climate change on the distribution of the Atlantic Rainforest assessed both at the species level and the formation level. Additionally, we investigated whether mismatches between species- and formation-level trends are linked to the climatic affinities of species at the formations where they occur. We predicted a decrease in habitat suitability for all deciduous, semideciduous, and evergreen formations, based on individual species models, up to 2100. However, when considering species together as formations, we predicted expansions of deciduous and semideciduous formations and contractions of evergreen formations for the same period. The divergence between the synchronous and individual suitability models for deciduous and semideciduous formations suggests that climate-tolerant species will likely expand their range, replacing those with narrower climate tolerances. This shift may alter the structure and composition of these communities as currently known. Our findings provide valuable insights that can inform strategies for conserving the Atlantic Rainforest, including the development of new regulatory measures, the establishment of protected areas, and the formulation of effective forest management policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling of Forest Dynamics and Species Distribution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 4882 KB  
Review
Detection of Vegetation Proximity to Power Lines: Critical Review and Research Roadmap
by Fardin Bahreini and Amin Hammad
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111658 - 30 Oct 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3680
Abstract
The resilience of power distribution systems is crucial for maintaining the stability and functionality of modern societies. The proximity of natural vegetation to power lines poses significant risks, particularly when combined with adverse weather events. This review paper examines state-of-the-art methods for detecting [...] Read more.
The resilience of power distribution systems is crucial for maintaining the stability and functionality of modern societies. The proximity of natural vegetation to power lines poses significant risks, particularly when combined with adverse weather events. This review paper examines state-of-the-art methods for detecting and managing tree proximity to power distribution lines using advanced machine learning (ML) techniques, including deep learning (DL) applied to remote sensing data. The complex interactions between adverse weather conditions and power outages caused by tree encroachment are explored. The potential of AI-driven monitoring systems to enhance vegetation management strategies, thereby mitigating the risks associated with tree-related power outages, is underlined. A significant gap in the literature is identified, with few studies specifically addressing the application of ML/DL for dynamic monitoring of tree proximity to power lines. A detailed comparative analysis of existing methodologies is provided, emphasizing the unique contributions and limitations of current approaches. Future research directions, including the development of more sophisticated ML/DL models and the integration of multi-sensor data, are outlined. This review serves as a critical resource for researchers, utility managers, and policymakers aiming to improve the resilience and reliability of power infrastructure management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 14889 KB  
Article
Canopy-Wind-Induced Pressure Fluctuations Drive Soil CO2 Transport in Forest Ecosystems
by Taolve Chen, Junjie Jiang, Lingxia Feng, Junguo Hu and Yixi Liu
Forests 2025, 16(11), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16111637 - 26 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1031
Abstract
Although accurate quantification of forest soil CO2 emissions is critical for improving global carbon cycle models, traditional chamber and gradient methods often underestimate fluxes under windy conditions. Based on long-term field observations in a subtropical maple forest, we quantified the interaction between [...] Read more.
Although accurate quantification of forest soil CO2 emissions is critical for improving global carbon cycle models, traditional chamber and gradient methods often underestimate fluxes under windy conditions. Based on long-term field observations in a subtropical maple forest, we quantified the interaction between canopy-level winds and soil pore air pressure fluctuations in regulating vertical CO2 profiles. The results demonstrate that canopy winds, rather than subcanopy airflow, dominate deep soil CO2 dynamics, with stronger explanatory power for concentration variability. The observed “wind-pumping effect” operates through soil pressure fluctuations rather than direct wind speed, thereby enhancing advective CO2 transport. Soil pore air pressure accounted for 33%–48% of CO2 variation, far exceeding the influence of near-surface winds. These findings highlight that, even in dense forests with negligible understory airflow, canopy turbulence significantly alters soil–atmosphere carbon exchange. We conclude that integrating soil pore air pressure into flux calculation models is essential for reducing underestimation bias and improving the accuracy of forest carbon cycle assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Meteorology and Climate Change)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5825 KB  
Article
Multi-Centennial Disturbance History and Terrestrial Carbon Transfers in a Coastal Forest Watershed Before and During Reservoir Development
by John A. Trofymow, Kendrick J. Brown, Byron Smiley, Nicholas Hebda, Rebecca Dixon and David Dunn
Forests 2025, 16(10), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101549 - 8 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3312
Abstract
Multi-centennial C budgets in forested watersheds require information on forest growth, detritus turnover, and disturbances, as well as the transfer to and fate of terrestrial C in aquatics systems. Here, a sediment gravity core was collected from a drinking water reservoir in Canada, [...] Read more.
Multi-centennial C budgets in forested watersheds require information on forest growth, detritus turnover, and disturbances, as well as the transfer to and fate of terrestrial C in aquatics systems. Here, a sediment gravity core was collected from a drinking water reservoir in Canada, and analyzed for temporal changes in charcoal, magnetic susceptibility, carbon, and nitrogen. These indicators were used to assess disturbance history and terrestrial C sequestration in sediments. During the reservoir development period from 1910 to 2012, charcoal flux and magnetic susceptibility increased ca. 10 years after nearby fire and forest-clearing events associated with reservoir expansion. Total C and δ13C gradually declined during the development period, likely due to increased inputs of mineral soil from human activity. Concurrently, total terrestrial C sequestered in sediments, estimated using three or eight marker compounds, ranged between 3557 and 5145 Mg C/100 yrs, accounting for 11%–17% of DOC exports to the reservoir (30,640 Mg C/100 yrs), as estimated from a previously developed terrestrial carbon budget model. In comparison, mixed-severity fires burned around the reservoir during the pre-development period (pre-1910), as evidenced by stand ages and/or increases in charcoal flux. In general, decreased terrestrial C flux was associated with higher-severity fires that burned between 1870 and 1890 and perhaps around 1790. Further, comparisons show that soil erosion was up to 3× greater in the development versus the pre-development period. Overall, this investigation revealed the impact of land use change and fire on watershed carbon budgets and advanced a previously developed pyGC-MS methodology that demonstrated the amount of terrestrial and aquatic C being buried in sediment. It also identified the fraction of terrestrial C that was exported from the forest to the reservoir and sequestered in the sediment, uncommon data that could inform current and future landscape C budget modelling studies in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Erosion and Forests: Drivers, Impacts, and Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3638 KB  
Article
Hydro-Functional Strategies of Sixteen Tree Species in a Mexican Karstic Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest
by Jorge Palomo-Kumul, Mirna Valdez-Hernández, Gerald A. Islebe, Edith Osorio-de-la-Rosa, Gabriela Cruz-Piñon, Francisco López-Huerta and Raúl Juárez-Aguirre
Forests 2025, 16(10), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101535 - 1 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 970
Abstract
Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) are shaped by strong climatic and edaphic constraints, including pronounced rainfall seasonality, extended dry periods, and shallow karst soils with limited water retention. Understanding how tree species respond to these pressures is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience under [...] Read more.
Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) are shaped by strong climatic and edaphic constraints, including pronounced rainfall seasonality, extended dry periods, and shallow karst soils with limited water retention. Understanding how tree species respond to these pressures is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience under climate change. In the Yucatán Peninsula, we characterized sixteen tree species along a spatial and seasonal precipitation gradient, quantifying wood density, predawn and midday water potential, saturated and relative water content, and specific leaf area. Across sites, diameter classes, and seasons, we measured ≈4 individuals per species (n = 319), ensuring replication despite natural heterogeneity. Using a principal component analysis (PCA) based on individual-level data collected during the dry season, we identified five functional groups spanning a continuum from conservative hard-wood species, with high hydraulic safety and access to deep water sources, to acquisitive light-wood species that rely on stem water storage and drought avoidance. Intermediate-density species diverged into subgroups that employed contrasting strategies such as anisohydric tolerance, high leaf area efficiency, or strict stomatal regulation to maintain performance during the dry season. Functional traits were strongly associated with precipitation regimes, with wood density emerging as a key predictor of water storage capacity and specific leaf area responding plastically to spatial and seasonal variability. These findings refine functional group classifications in heterogeneous karst landscapes and highlight the value of trait-based approaches for predicting drought resilience and informing restoration strategies under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Physiology of Forest Plants: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Responses to Environmental Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6302 KB  
Article
The Application of Structural Adhesives in Glulam Beams: A Comparative Study
by Leonor da Cunha Mastela, Pedro Gutemberg de Alcântara Segundinho, Fabricio Gomes Gonçalves, Clara Gaspar Fossi de Souza, Francisco Antônio Rocco Lahr, Daniela Minini, Michel Picanço Oliveira, Maria Alice Romanha Belumat and Caroline Palacio de Araujo
Forests 2025, 16(9), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091421 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2525
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion behavior of wood from an E. urophylla × E. grandis clone using the application of melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF), resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF), and polyurethane (PUR) adhesives in test samples obtained from 12 glulam beams. Adhesives were characterized by their [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion behavior of wood from an E. urophylla × E. grandis clone using the application of melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF), resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF), and polyurethane (PUR) adhesives in test samples obtained from 12 glulam beams. Adhesives were characterized by their pH, viscosity, density, and solid content. The wood–adhesive interface was assessed through the shear strength, percentage of wood failure, delamination, and photomicrograph analysis. A microdensitometer with X-rays and a resistograph were used to determine the material density and drilling resistance of the elements. Adhesive pH values ranged from 6.35 to 9.05. MUF exhibited the highest viscosity (1169 cP), while the adhesive density varied between 1.29 and 1.67 g cm−3. No statistically significant difference in results was obtained for the shear strength in dry conditions. The MUF adhesive showed a lower percentage of wood failure compared to PUR and RF. In the delamination test, the wood beams glued with RF yielded the best results. Photomicrographs revealed the adhesive’s penetration into the wood’s anatomical structure. Densitometry and resistograph profiles accurately represented the beam balancing configuration. The adhesives PUR, RF, and MUF demonstrated suitability for producing glulam beams with the Eucalyptus clone wood evaluated in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Numerical Simulation of Solid Wood and Engineered Wood Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 6143 KB  
Article
Interdisciplinary Approach to Regenerate Contaminated Urban Sites with Novel Ecosystems: The Multi-Layer Analysis of La Goccia Forest, a Case Study in Milan
by Gianluca Rapaccini, Zeno Porro, Laura Passatore, Giovanni Trentanovi, Brenda Maria Zoderer, Paola Pirelli, Lorenzo Guerci, Gabriele Galasso, Lara Assunta Quaglini, Elisa Cardarelli, Silvia Stefanelli, Roberto Comolli, Chiara Ferré, Gabriele Gheza and Massimo Zacchini
Forests 2025, 16(9), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091410 - 3 Sep 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3337
Abstract
In the face of mounting challenges related to limited availability of urban land and ecological degradation, emerging novel ecosystems offer unique opportunities for ecological regeneration, social redefinition of space, and alternative urban visions. This study presents the multi-layer analysis of the Goccia Forest [...] Read more.
In the face of mounting challenges related to limited availability of urban land and ecological degradation, emerging novel ecosystems offer unique opportunities for ecological regeneration, social redefinition of space, and alternative urban visions. This study presents the multi-layer analysis of the Goccia Forest in Milan (Italy), a wild urban woodland that has developed over sealed and polluted post-industrial land, aiming to investigate the potential of this novel ecosystem to sustain Nature-based Solutions (NbSs). Using an integrated approach (surveys on fauna, vascular flora, lichens, analysis of forest evolution, mapping of sealed surfaces, and soil characterization) the research looks at the novel ecosystem as a whole, highlighting its ecological dynamics and Ecosystem Services (ES). La Goccia Forest serves as a prime example of how the implementation of NbSs is intricately intertwined with the spontaneous regeneration of urban brownfields. The present study offers the opportunity to rethink urban policies, ensuring their alignment with the demands of the population and the latest scientific knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tree- and Shrub-Based Phytoremediation: Pollution Control and Ecosystem Services)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1685 KB  
Review
Temperature Effects on Forest Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Mechanisms, Ecosystem Responses, and Future Directions
by Tiane Wang, Yingning Wang, Yuan Wang, Juexian Dong and Shaopeng Yu
Forests 2025, 16(9), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16091371 - 26 Aug 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2361
Abstract
Forest soil greenhouse gas emissions play a critical role in global climate change. This review synthesizes the mechanisms of temperature change impacts on forest soil greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) emissions, the complex response patterns of ecosystems, [...] Read more.
Forest soil greenhouse gas emissions play a critical role in global climate change. This review synthesizes the mechanisms of temperature change impacts on forest soil greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) emissions, the complex response patterns of ecosystems, and existing knowledge gaps in current research. We highlight several critical mechanisms, such as the high temperature sensitivity (Q10) of methane (CH4) and CO2 emissions from high-latitude peatlands, and the dual effect of chronic nitrogen deposition, which can cause short-term stimulation but long-term suppression of soil CO2 emissions. It emphasizes how climatic factors, soil characteristics, vegetation types, and anthropogenic disturbances (such as forest management and fire) regulate emission processes through multi-scale interactions. This review further summarizes the advancements and limitations of current research methodologies and points out future research directions. These include strengthening long-term multi-factor experiments, developing high-precision models that integrate microbial functional genomics and isotope tracing techniques, and exploring innovative emission reduction strategies. Ultimately, this synthesis aims to provide a scientific basis and key ecological threshold references for developing climate-resilient sustainable forest management practices and effective climate change mitigation policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Forest Ecosystem Sustainability: Integrating Plant Physiology, Microbial Ecology, and Spatial Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3081 KB  
Article
Integrating a Newcomer: Niche Differentiation and Habitat Use of Eurasian Red Squirrels and Native Species in a Forest Reserve Under Human Disturbance
by Wuyuan Zhang, Xiaoxiao Liu, Tong Zhang and Guofa Cui
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081360 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1892
Abstract
Understanding the integration of newly recorded species into forest ecosystems is essential for evaluating their ecological impacts on native wildlife diversity. In this study, we examined the spatial and temporal niche dynamics of three sympatric squirrel species within the Labagoumen nature reserve, a [...] Read more.
Understanding the integration of newly recorded species into forest ecosystems is essential for evaluating their ecological impacts on native wildlife diversity. In this study, we examined the spatial and temporal niche dynamics of three sympatric squirrel species within the Labagoumen nature reserve, a temperate forest located in northern China. Particular emphasis was placed on the recently documented Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and its potential interactions with two native species: Père David’s rock squirrel (Sciurotamias davidianus) and the Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus). Using camera trapping data from 91 sites (2019–2024), we examined habitat use, activity rhythms, and niche overlap under contrasting levels of human disturbance. A total of 3419 independent effective photos of squirrels were recorded. S. vulgaris showed a broader spatial distribution and a higher relative abundance index (RAI) in the tourist area, while native species were more abundant in the non-tourist area. All three species showed similar annual activity patterns based on the monthly relative abundance index (MRAI), although native species exhibited an additional activity peak in June–July. Temporal niche overlap (Cih) and the coefficient of overlap (Δ) between S. vulgaris and native species increased during the tourist season, suggesting synchronized activity under high disturbance. In contrast, lower overlap in the non-tourist season indicated stronger temporal partitioning. The daily activity rhythm of S. vulgaris remained stable, while native species displayed more variability, especially in non-tourist areas. S. vulgaris also exhibited a significantly broader spatial niche breadth (Bi), suggesting greater habitat exploitation and adaptability. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed no significant spatial segregation among the three species, indicating successful integration of S. vulgaris into the local community. Our findings emphasize the competitive advantage of S. vulgaris and demonstrate how human activities can restructure forest small mammal assemblages by altering spatiotemporal niche partitioning. We recommend long-term ecological monitoring to assess species diversity changes and guide adaptive conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Richness, Diversity and Habitat Modeling of Wildlife in Forests)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4157 KB  
Article
Automatic Registration of Terrestrial and UAV LiDAR Forest Point Clouds Through Canopy Shape Analysis
by Sisi Yu, Zhanzhong Tang, Beibei Zhang, Jie Dai and Shangshu Cai
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081347 - 19 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
Accurate registration of multi-platform light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point clouds is essential for detailed forest structure analysis and ecological monitoring. In this study, we developed a novel two-stage method for aligning terrestrial and unmanned aerial vehicle LiDAR point clouds in forest environments. [...] Read more.
Accurate registration of multi-platform light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point clouds is essential for detailed forest structure analysis and ecological monitoring. In this study, we developed a novel two-stage method for aligning terrestrial and unmanned aerial vehicle LiDAR point clouds in forest environments. The method first performs coarse alignment using canopy-level digital surface models and Fast Point Feature Histograms, followed by fine registration with Iterative Closest Point. Experiments conducted in six forest plots achieved an average registration accuracy of 0.24 m within 5.14 s, comparable to manual registration but with substantially reduced processing time and human intervention. In contrast to existing tree-based methods, the proposed approach eliminates the need for individual tree segmentation and ground filtering, streamlining preprocessing and improving scalability for large-scale forest monitoring. The proposed method facilitates a range of forest applications, including structure modeling, ecological parameter retrieval, and long-term change detection across diverse forest types and platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Source Data Application for Forestry Conservation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3380 KB  
Article
Edge Effects in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil’s Roraima State
by Paulo Eduardo Barni, Liana Oighenstein Anderson, Luiz Eduardo Oliveira e Cruz de Aragão, Arthur Camurça Citó, Reinaldo Imbrozio Barbosa, Haron Abrahim Magalhães Xaud, Maristela Ramalho Xaud and Philip Martin Fearnside
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081322 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Forest degradation, characterized by the gradual loss of the forest’s ecological and ecosystem functions, has been happening rapidly in the Amazon. Its main anthropogenic vectors are deforestation, forest fragmentation, selective logging, forest fires, and the edge effect. Impacts on the forest canopy and [...] Read more.
Forest degradation, characterized by the gradual loss of the forest’s ecological and ecosystem functions, has been happening rapidly in the Amazon. Its main anthropogenic vectors are deforestation, forest fragmentation, selective logging, forest fires, and the edge effect. Impacts on the forest canopy and biomass can be estimated using satellite images and field data. The present study examines the dynamics of edges created annually by forest clearing and the effects of these edges considering the annual extent and loss of forest biomass between 2007 and 2023 in the municipality of Rorainópolis, located in the southern portion of the state of Roraima, in the far north of the Brazilian Amazon. We (i) delimited the edge areas created annually by deforestation between 2007 and 2023; (ii) tested the hypothesis of the existence of a spatial gradient for forest degradation using the increasing distance from the edge as a reference and the spectral behavior of three vegetation indices (NDVI, NBR, and NDWI) at the pixel level from average values of images from the Landsat-5/8 and Sentinel-2 satellites; and (iii) estimated the biomass exposed to deforestation and the edge effect and the consequent loss of biomass due to these processes. The loss of biomass in the study area due to deforestation totaled 17.1 × 106 Mg in 2023, and the forest edge areas totaled 244.9 km2, containing 10.5 × 106 Mg of biomass. During 2023, we estimated a cumulative loss of 0.92 × 106 Mg (8.73%). Analysis of the three vegetation indices showed that there is a gradient of forest degradation, characterized by an increase in the pixel index value from the edge to the interior of the forest. Forest degradation due to the edge effect is an important source of carbon emissions and should be included in national reports on greenhouse gas emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3397 KB  
Article
Climate-Driven Habitat Shifts and Conservation Implications for the Submediterranean Oak Quercus pyrenaica Willd.
by Isabel Passos, Carlos Vila-Viçosa, João Gonçalves, Albano Figueiredo and Maria Margarida Ribeiro
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081226 - 25 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3822
Abstract
Climate change poses a major threat to forests, impacting the distribution and viability of key species. Quercus pyrenaica Willd., a marcescent oak endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and southwestern France and a structural species in submediterranean forests, is particularly susceptible [...] Read more.
Climate change poses a major threat to forests, impacting the distribution and viability of key species. Quercus pyrenaica Willd., a marcescent oak endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and southwestern France and a structural species in submediterranean forests, is particularly susceptible to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. Aiming to assess its potential loss of suitable area under future climate scenarios, we developed high-resolution spatial distribution models to project the future habitat suitability of Q. pyrenaica under two climate change scenarios (SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) for the periods 2070 and 2100. Our model, which has an excellent predictive performance (AUC of 0.971 and a TSS of 0.834), indicates a predominantly northward shift in the potential distribution of the species, accompanied by substantial habitat loss in southern and lowland regions. Long-term potential suitable area may shrink to 42% of that currently available. This, combined with the limited natural dispersal capacity of the species, highlights the urgency of targeted management and conservation strategies. These results offer critical insights to inform conservation strategies and forest management under ongoing climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate and Land-Use Change Effects on the Biogeography of Woody Plant Species and Biodiversity Conservation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 25345 KB  
Article
Mangrove Damage and Early-Stage Canopy Recovery Following Hurricane Roslyn in Marismas Nacionales, Mexico
by Samuel Velázquez-Salazar, Luis Valderrama-Landeros, Edgar Villeda-Chávez, Cecilia G. Cervantes-Rodríguez, Carlos Troche-Souza, José A. Alcántara-Maya, Berenice Vázquez-Balderas, María T. Rodríguez-Zúñiga, María I. Cruz-López and Francisco Flores-de-Santiago
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081207 - 22 Jul 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3951
Abstract
Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that can severely damage mangrove forests through uprooting trees, sediment erosion, and saltwater intrusion, disrupting their critical role in coastal protection and biodiversity. After a hurricane, evaluating mangrove damage helps prioritize rehabilitation efforts, as these ecosystems play a [...] Read more.
Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that can severely damage mangrove forests through uprooting trees, sediment erosion, and saltwater intrusion, disrupting their critical role in coastal protection and biodiversity. After a hurricane, evaluating mangrove damage helps prioritize rehabilitation efforts, as these ecosystems play a key ecological role in coastal regions. Thus, we analyzed the defoliation of mangrove forest canopies and their early recovery, approximately 2.5 years after the landfall of Category 3 Hurricane Roslyn in October 2002 in Marismas Nacionales, Mexico. The following mangrove traits were analyzed: (1) the yearly time series of the Combined Mangrove Recognition Index (CMRI) standard deviation from 2020 to 2025, (2) the CMRI rate of change (slope) following the hurricane’s impact, and (3) the canopy height model (CHM) before and after the hurricane using satellite and UAV-LiDAR data. Hurricane Roslyn caused a substantial decrease in canopy cover, resulting in a loss of 47,202 ha, which represents 82.8% of the total area of 57,037 ha. The CMRI standard deviation indicated early signs of canopy recovery in one-third of the mangrove-damaged areas 2.5 years post-impact. The CMRI slope indicated that areas near the undammed rivers had a maximum recovery rate of 0.05 CMRI units per month, indicating a predicted canopy recovery of ~2.5 years. However, most mangrove areas exhibited CMRI rates between 0.01 and 0.03 CMRI units per month, anticipating a recovery time between 40 months (approximately 3.4 years) and 122 months (roughly 10 years). Unfortunately, most of the already degraded Laguncularia racemosa forests displayed a negative CMRI slope, suggesting a lack of canopy recovery so far. Additionally, the CHM showed a median significant difference of 3.3 m in the canopy height of fringe-type Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa forests after the hurricane’s landfall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mangrove Wetland Restoration and Rehabilitation Under Climate Change and Human Cumulative Impacts in the 21st Century)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 1661 KB  
Review
Modelling Wood Product Service Lives and Residence Times for Biogenic Carbon in Harvested Wood Products: A Review of Half-Lives, Averages and Population Distributions
by Morwenna J. Spear and Jim Hart
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071162 - 15 Jul 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3135
Abstract
Timber and other biobased materials store carbon that has been captured from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and plant growth. The estimation of these biogenic carbon stocks in the harvested wood products (HWP) pool has received increasing attention since its inclusion in greenhouse gas [...] Read more.
Timber and other biobased materials store carbon that has been captured from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and plant growth. The estimation of these biogenic carbon stocks in the harvested wood products (HWP) pool has received increasing attention since its inclusion in greenhouse gas reporting by the IPCC. It is of particular interest for long service life products such as timber in buildings; however, some aspects require further thought—in particular the handling of service lives as opposed to half-lives. The most commonly used model for calculating changes in the HWP pool uses first order decay based on half-lives. However other approaches are based on average service lives and estimates of residence times in the product pool, enabling different mathematical functions to be used. This paper considers the evolution of the two concepts and draws together data from a wide range of sources to consider service life estimation, which can be either related to design life or practical observations such as local environmental conditions, decay risk or consumer behaviour. As an increasing number of methods emerge for calculating HWP pool dynamics, it is timely to consider how these numerical inputs from disparate sources vary in their assumptions, calculation types, accuracy and results. Two groups are considered: half-lives for first order decay models, and service life and residence time population distributions within models based on other functions. A selection of examples are drawn from the literature to highlight emerging trends and discuss numerical constraints, data availability and areas for further study. The review indicated that issues exist with inconsistent use of nomenclature for half-life, average service life and peak flow from the pool. To ensure better sharing of data between studies, greater clarity in reporting function types used is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biomass Utilization: Implications for Global Sustainable Development)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 11613 KB  
Article
Assessing and Mapping Forest Fire Vulnerability in Romania Using Maximum Entropy and eXtreme Gradient Boosting
by Adrian Lorenț, Marius Petrila, Bogdan Apostol, Florin Capalb, Șerban Chivulescu, Cătălin Șamșodan, Cristiana Marcu and Ovidiu Badea
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071156 - 13 Jul 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2864
Abstract
Understanding and mapping forest fire vulnerability is essential for informed landscape management and disaster risk reduction, especially in the context of increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. This study aims to model and spatially predict forest fire vulnerability across Romania using two machine learning [...] Read more.
Understanding and mapping forest fire vulnerability is essential for informed landscape management and disaster risk reduction, especially in the context of increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. This study aims to model and spatially predict forest fire vulnerability across Romania using two machine learning algorithms: MaxEnt and XGBoost. We integrated forest fire occurrence data from 2006 to 2024 with a suite of climatic, topographic, ecological, and anthropogenic predictors at a 250 m spatial resolution. MaxEnt, based on presence-only data, achieved moderate predictive performance (AUC = 0.758), while XGBoost, trained on presence–absence data, delivered higher classification accuracy (AUC = 0.988). Both models revealed that the impact of environmental variables on forest fire occurrence is complex and heterogeneous, with the most influential predictors being the Fire Weather Index, forest fuel type, elevation, and distance to human proximity features. The resulting vulnerability and uncertainty maps revealed hotspots in Sub-Carpathian and lowland regions, especially in Mehedinți, Gorj, Dolj, and Olt counties. These patterns reflect historical fire data and highlight the role of transitional agro-forested landscapes. This study delivers a replicable, data-driven approach to wildfire risk modelling, supporting proactive management and emphasising the importance of integrating vulnerability assessments into planning and climate adaptation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Hazards and Risk Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2867 KB  
Review
Understanding the Ecosystem Services of Riparian Forests: Patterns, Gaps, and Global Trends
by Lucian Dinca, Gabriel Murariu and Mariana Lupoae
Forests 2025, 16(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060947 - 4 Jun 2025
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 7438
Abstract
Riparian forests are usually situated between terrestrial and aquatic systems. They play an essential role in the health of the environment and in providing complex ecosystem services. This is especially essential in arid and semi-arid regions. However, despite these facts, riparian ecosystems are [...] Read more.
Riparian forests are usually situated between terrestrial and aquatic systems. They play an essential role in the health of the environment and in providing complex ecosystem services. This is especially essential in arid and semi-arid regions. However, despite these facts, riparian ecosystems are underexplored in the specialty literature. As such, the purpose of this study is to address this gap by synthesizing the current knowledge about riparian forests, using both a bibliometric analysis and a qualitative literature approach. This analysis allowed us to identify six main ecosystem services provided by riparian forests: biodiversity support, carbon sequestration, water quality regulation, slope stability, pollution mitigation, and sociocultural benefits. Furthermore, we have emphasized local challenges (deforestation, agricultural expansion, a lack of policies). Connecting ecological knowledge with a socio-cultural context is the first step in creating a strong foundation for the adequate management of these essential ecosystems, while also supporting their conservation, development and climate resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5905 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of AT-Hook Motif Nuclear Localized Gene Family in Birch
by Bowei Chen, Huaixue Chu, Bin Lv, Yile Guo, Zihui Zhang, Tianxu Zhang, Qingyi Xie, Menghan Hao, Shahid Ali, Wei Zhou, Liping Zhao, Zan Jiang, Min Wang and Linan Xie
Forests 2025, 16(6), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060943 - 4 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1718
Abstract
The AT-hook motif nuclear localized (AHL) gene family encodes transcription factors pivotal in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stimuli, including low temperature, salinity, darkness, and drought. In this study, we systematically identified 21 BpAHL genes in birch and [...] Read more.
The AT-hook motif nuclear localized (AHL) gene family encodes transcription factors pivotal in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stimuli, including low temperature, salinity, darkness, and drought. In this study, we systematically identified 21 BpAHL genes in birch and characterized their sequence features, evolutionary relationships, and expression dynamics. Phylogenetic analysis classified BpAHLs into two clades (Clade-A and Clade-B) and three types (Type-I, -II, and -III), based on PPC domain and AT-hook motifs. Chromosomal mapping revealed an even distribution across nine chromosomes and one contig, with dispersed duplication events recognized as the major driver of BpAHL family expansion. Tissue-specific expression profiling uncovered striking divergence: Type-I BpAHLs displayed root-predominant expression, whereas Type-II/III BpAHLs were highly expressed in plant flowers and leaves. Notably, Type-II/III BpAHL genes in leaves showed distinct expression patterns in response to cold and heat stresses, while Type-I BpAHLs in roots were down-regulated under salt stress. This study provides a comprehensive phylogenomic and functional analysis of the AHLs in birch, providing insights into their roles in enhancing abiotic stress resilience in forest trees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 3799 KB  
Review
Bibliometric Analysis of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) Research: Scientific Trends and Strategic Directions for Climate-Resilient Ecosystem Management
by Rajaa Timzioura, Sara Ezzine, Lahcen Benomar, Mohammed S. Lamhamedi, Abderrahim Ettaqy, Abdenbi Zine El Abidine, Hafida Zaher, Damase P. Khasa, Steeve Pepin and Younes Abbas
Forests 2025, 16(6), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060892 - 26 May 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3662
Abstract
This study provides a bibliometric analysis of 926 scientific publications on Argania spinosa, representing the first investigation covering all aspects of the argan tree. By combining bibliometric performance indicators and scientific mapping, based on commonly used approaches in previous studies, the analysis [...] Read more.
This study provides a bibliometric analysis of 926 scientific publications on Argania spinosa, representing the first investigation covering all aspects of the argan tree. By combining bibliometric performance indicators and scientific mapping, based on commonly used approaches in previous studies, the analysis examines the evolution, structure, and gaps in argan-related research. The results reveal that scientific production accelerated after 1996 during an industrial exploitation period, driven by the emergence of women’s cooperatives, international certifications, and national development programs. Morocco dominates the argan research landscape, benefiting from targeted policy support, international collaborations, and the species’ endemic status. Two major research aspects were identified: the valuation of argan oil, focusing on its chemical and therapeutic properties; and ecological restoration, encompassing genetic diversity, reforestation practices, and climate adaptation strategies. Despite these advancements, critical gaps remain in operational reforestation, assisted migration, post-plantation monitoring, and the integration of ecological modeling. Research remains skewed toward oil valuation, with insufficient attention to long-term forest sustainability under climate change. Future efforts should adopt a multidisciplinary framework that integrates genomics, nursery innovation, biotechnology, molecular genetics, digital monitoring tools, and socio-institutional governance. Research should also emphasize optimizing by-product use, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting gender-equitable, community-based forest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 10337 KB  
Article
Study on Forest Growing Stock Volume in Kunming City Considering the Relationship Between Stand Density and Allometry
by Jing Zhang, Cheng Wang, Jinliang Wang, Xiang Huang, Zilin Zhou, Zetong Zhou and Feng Cheng
Forests 2025, 16(6), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060891 - 25 May 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Forest growing stock volume (GSV) is a fundamental indicator for assessing the status of forest resources. It reflects forest carbon storage levels and serves as a key metric for evaluating the carbon sequestration capacity of forest ecosystems, thereby playing a crucial role in [...] Read more.
Forest growing stock volume (GSV) is a fundamental indicator for assessing the status of forest resources. It reflects forest carbon storage levels and serves as a key metric for evaluating the carbon sequestration capacity of forest ecosystems, thereby playing a crucial role in supporting national “dual-carbon” objectives. Traditional allometric models typically estimate GSV using tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), and canopy height. However, at larger spatial scales, these models often neglect stand density, resulting in substantial estimation errors in regions characterized by significant density variability. To enhance the accuracy of large-scale GSV estimation, this study incorporates high-resolution, spatially continuous forest structural parameters—including dominant tree species, stand density, canopy height, and DBH—extracted through the synergistic utilization of active (e.g., Sentinel-1 SAR, ICESat-2 photon data) and passive (e.g., Landsat-8 OLI, Sentinel-2 MSI) multi-source remote sensing data. Within an allometric modeling framework, stand density is introduced as an additional explanatory variable. Subsequently, GSV is modeled in a stratified manner according to tree species across distinct ecological zones within Kunming City. The results indicate that: (1) the total estimated GSV of Kunming City in 2020, based on remote sensing imagery and second-class forest inventory data collected in the same year, was 1.01 × 108 m3, which closely aligns with contemporaneous statistical records. The model yielded an R2 of 0.727, an RMSE of 537.566 m3, and a MAE of 239.767 m3, indicating a high level of overall accuracy when validated against official ground-based inventory plots organized by provincial and municipal forestry authorities; (2) the incorporation of the dynamic stand density parameter significantly improved model performance, which elevated R2 from 0.565 to 0.727 and significantly reduced RMSE. This result confirms that stand density is a critical explanatory factor; and (3) GSV exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity across both tree species and administrative regions, underscoring the spatial structural variability of forests within the study area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4249 KB  
Article
Toward Safer Resin Tapping: Assessing Alternative Chemical Stimulants for Pinus pinaster
by Faustino Rubio Pérez, Aida Rodríguez-García, Santiago Michavila, Ana Rodríguez, Luis Gil and Rosana López
Forests 2025, 16(5), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050849 - 19 May 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
The use of chemical stimulants in resin tapping is essential for prolonging the resin flow and enhancing production. Traditional stimulants, primarily composed of sulfuric acid, pose concerns related to workplace safety, environmental impact, and tree health. In this study, we compared alternative stimulant [...] Read more.
The use of chemical stimulants in resin tapping is essential for prolonging the resin flow and enhancing production. Traditional stimulants, primarily composed of sulfuric acid, pose concerns related to workplace safety, environmental impact, and tree health. In this study, we compared alternative stimulant pastes containing ethrel, salicylic acid, and citric acid with the traditional Spanish and Brazilian stimulant pastes with higher contents of sulfuric acid. We tapped Pinus pinaster seedlings with five different stimulants, using untreated and mechanically wounded plants as controls. The resin yield, tree growth, and physiological parameters were compared. The pines stimulated with citric acid released ca. 50% more resin, while ethrel and salicylic acid yielded similar amounts to the traditional paste, suggesting their potential as viable alternatives. Although all stimulants reduced the seedling growth, no significant differences were observed in the midday water potential or stomatal conductance. The internal resin accumulation and resin canal density were strongly correlated with the total resin production, and more-acidic pastes tended to cause xylem damage and resin retention. Our findings suggest that moderate acidity is sufficient to trigger resin biosynthesis and release, and that safer, less corrosive formulations, like citric acid, may provide viable, safer, and more sustainable alternatives to conventional stimulants. While the results from the seedlings provide a rapid and cost-effective screening tool, anatomical and physiological differences from mature trees should be considered when extrapolating findings to operational settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology for Extraction, Processing and Testing of Forest Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 3881 KB  
Article
Enhanced Accuracy in Urban Tree Biomass Estimation: Developing Allometric Equations with Land Use Classifications
by Jeong-Min Lee, Hyung-Sub Kim, Byeonggil Choi, Jun-Young Jung, Seungmin Lee, Heejae Jo, Gaeun Kim, Sanggeun Kwon, Sang-Jin Lee, Tae Kyung Yoon, Choonsig Kim, Kye-Han Lee, Woo-Kyun Lee and Yowhan Son
Forests 2025, 16(5), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050841 - 19 May 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2728
Abstract
Urban trees grow in diverse environments where site conditions and human management may influence their growth patterns. However, few allometric equations (AEs) have been developed for urban trees, and the effects of environmental variations across urban land use categories on tree biomass remain [...] Read more.
Urban trees grow in diverse environments where site conditions and human management may influence their growth patterns. However, few allometric equations (AEs) have been developed for urban trees, and the effects of environmental variations across urban land use categories on tree biomass remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study developed urban land-use-specific AEs for major urban tree species in South Korea. We selected eight major urban tree species groups (at genus level), harvested 201 trees, and non-destructively measured the stem volumes of 1995 trees using a laser dendrometer. Species-specific and generalized AEs to estimate stem volume were developed under three urban land use categories: street trees, urban parks, and others. The results indicated that differences in stem volume across urban land use categories varied by species, with street trees generally showing smaller stem volumes. Furthermore, due to the high variation in stem volume within species, sampling designs that encompass diverse size distributions are necessary when developing AEs for urban trees. Our findings indicate that various factors in urban environments influence tree volume and considering these differences is essential for improving biomass estimation accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Urban Forestry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 4569 KB  
Review
Remote Sensing of Forest Above-Ground Biomass Dynamics: A Review
by Yuzhen Zhang, Yiming Zou and Yiwen Wang
Forests 2025, 16(5), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050821 - 15 May 2025
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5288
Abstract
Recent studies have primarily focused on estimating forest above-ground biomass (AGB) at single time points, with limited attention to temporal changes. However, time-series remote sensing data offer valuable insights into biomass trends, drivers of change, and forest recovery following disturbance, deepening our understanding [...] Read more.
Recent studies have primarily focused on estimating forest above-ground biomass (AGB) at single time points, with limited attention to temporal changes. However, time-series remote sensing data offer valuable insights into biomass trends, drivers of change, and forest recovery following disturbance, deepening our understanding of forest dynamics. This review synthesized 166 studies published between 2010 and 2024 (15 years) on forest biomass changes or dynamics monitored through remote sensing, with an emphasis on temporal datasets and both indirect (83.7%) and direct (16.3%) methods for estimating AGB changes, as well as the key drivers of these changes. A meta-analysis of AGB change estimates revealed that 81.5% of studies operated at spatial resolutions below 100 m, while only a few studies addressed coarser scales. Notably, just 11.9% of the studies used independent validation, and 8.8% of studies reported no validation at all, underscoring the need for more rigorous accuracy assessment to ensure methodological reliability and ecological relevance. This review also discusses key challenges, limitations, and future directions for improved remote sensing-based AGB change monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 4155 KB  
Review
Global Meta-Analysis of Mangrove Primary Production: Implications for Carbon Cycling in Mangrove and Other Coastal Ecosystems
by Daniel M. Alongi
Forests 2025, 16(5), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050747 - 27 Apr 2025
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7546
Abstract
Mangrove forests are among the most productive vascular plants on Earth. The gross (GPP) and aboveground forest net primary production (ANPP) correlate positively with precipitation. ANPP also correlates inversely with porewater salinity. The main drivers of the forest primary production are the porewater [...] Read more.
Mangrove forests are among the most productive vascular plants on Earth. The gross (GPP) and aboveground forest net primary production (ANPP) correlate positively with precipitation. ANPP also correlates inversely with porewater salinity. The main drivers of the forest primary production are the porewater salinity, rainfall, tidal inundation frequency, light intensity, humidity, species age and composition, temperature, nutrient availability, disturbance history, and geomorphological setting. Wood production correlates positively with temperature and rainfall, with rates comparable to tropical humid forests. Litterfall accounts for 55% of the NPP which is greater than previous estimates. The fine root production is highest in deltas and estuaries and lowest in carbonate and open-ocean settings. The GPP and NPP exhibit large methodological and regional differences, but mangroves are several times more productive than other coastal blue carbon habitats, excluding macroalgal beds. Mangroves contribute 4 to 28% of coastal blue carbon fluxes. The mean and median canopy respiration equate to 1.7 and 2.7 g C m−2 d−1, respectively, which is higher than previous estimates. Mangrove ecosystem carbon fluxes are currently in balance. However, the global mangrove GPP has increased from 2001 to 2020 and is forecast to continue increasing to at least 2100 due to the strong fertilization effect of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mangrove Forest Ecosystems: Present Status, Challenges, and Future Directions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 4527 KB  
Article
Optimizing Urban Green Spaces for Vegetation-Based Carbon Sequestration: The Role of Landscape Spatial Structure in Zhengzhou Parks, China
by Chenyu Du, Shidong Ge, Peihao Song, Sándor Jombach, Albert Fekete and István Valánszki
Forests 2025, 16(4), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040679 - 13 Apr 2025
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4069
Abstract
Urban parks serve as essential carbon sinks in cities, mitigating climate change by sequestering atmospheric CO2. Maximizing the carbon sequestration potential within constrained urban spaces is a critical step toward carbon neutrality. However, few studies have systematically examined how the internal [...] Read more.
Urban parks serve as essential carbon sinks in cities, mitigating climate change by sequestering atmospheric CO2. Maximizing the carbon sequestration potential within constrained urban spaces is a critical step toward carbon neutrality. However, few studies have systematically examined how the internal spatial composition and shape of green spaces affect their vegetation carbon sequestration capacity. This study analyzes the relationship between landscape indices and vegetation carbon sequestration density (VCSD) using field surveys and high-resolution remote sensing data from 123 urban parks in Zhengzhou, China. The results indicate that Zhengzhou’s parks sequester 14.03 Gg C yr−1, with a VCSD of 0.53 kg C m−2 yr−1. Significant differences in VCSD were observed among park types, with theme parks having the highest average VCSD (0.69 kg C m−2 yr−1) and community parks the lowest (0.43 kg C m−2 yr−1). The key drivers primarily consist of landscape indices that characterize green space distribution and configuration, including the proportion of green space (Pg), largest green patch index (LPI), number of green patches (NP), green patch dispersion index (SPL), and landscape shape index (LSI), with specific thresholds identified for each. Based on these findings, category-specific spatial composition strategies are proposed to precisely enhance the carbon sequestration of park vegetation. This study provides actionable guidance for urban park designers to maximize the carbon sequestration potential of green spaces, thereby mitigating climate change and promoting human health and well-being through green space design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Urban Green Spaces in a Changing Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5096 KB  
Review
Engineered Bamboo Building Materials: Types, Production, and Applications
by Mahdi Hosseini, Milan Gaff, Yang Wei and Chaoyu Tu
Forests 2025, 16(4), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040662 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8816
Abstract
The challenges highlighted at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) emphasize the importance of using renewable resources in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The building and construction sector is a major contributor to environmental pollution, with most emissions stemming from [...] Read more.
The challenges highlighted at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) emphasize the importance of using renewable resources in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The building and construction sector is a major contributor to environmental pollution, with most emissions stemming from the extraction, transportation, production, and disposal of construction materials. As a result, developing renewable building materials is essential. In the past decade, bamboo has gained significant attention from researchers due to its strength, sustainability, high yield, and rapid growth. Bamboo in its original form has been used in construction for centuries, and recent innovations have led to the creation of engineered bamboo materials designed for more versatile applications. Researchers have been focused on understanding the physical and mechanical properties of engineered bamboo to assess its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. However, modern practitioners are still unfamiliar with engineered bamboo materials, their types, and where they can be used. This article highlights the most widely researched engineered bamboo materials that have been used in the construction of small architectural forms and bigger structures. It provides an overview of common engineered bamboo building materials, namely laminated bamboo lumber, laminated bamboo sheets, parallel strand bamboo, bamboo mat boards, and bamboo particleboards, and their manufacturing processes and applications, offering valuable information for current practitioners and future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Wood Engineering and Forestry—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying article 1-50 on page 1 of 6.
Go to page     1 2 3 4 5 chevron_right last_page
Back to TopTop