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2 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue “Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests”

by Ivo Machar

Forests 2021, 12(3), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12030351 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1074

Abstract

Floodplain forests are considered as key forest ecosystems in lowland regions of the temperate climate zone [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

Research

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18 pages, 3619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Forest Management and Changed Hydrology on Soil Biochemical Properties in a Central-European Floodplain Forest

by Martin Valtera, Jiří Volánek, Ladislav Holík, Václav Pecina, Jitka Novotná, Vojtěch Slezák and David Juřička

Forests 2021, 12(3), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12030270 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Anthropogenic modifications to water regimes are one of the main factors threatening the stability and existence of floodplain forests. This study presents an analysis of topsoil biogeochemistry within three floodplain forest stands with different levels of human alteration. Decreasing contents of soil organic [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic modifications to water regimes are one of the main factors threatening the stability and existence of floodplain forests. This study presents an analysis of topsoil biogeochemistry within three floodplain forest stands with different levels of human alteration. Decreasing contents of soil organic carbon (OC) and microbial biomass were observed along the gradient from natural to plantation forest. High annual variations were observed in soil N contents and in microbial biomass, while comparable spatial variations were observed within the natural forest. High ground-water levels resulted in increased accumulation of available Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻ in the natural forest soil, yet the concentrations of ions were at sub-saline levels. The increasing contents of available Mn, SO₄²⁻ or Cl⁻ had mostly positive effects on soil microbial activity across the sites, though the results indicate the existence of a certain ecological limit for soil microorganisms. Reintroduction of surface-water flooding should be considered in future forest and water management to promote the dilution of ions accumulated in soils and natural deposition of sediments rich in organic matter (OM) at the sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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13 pages, 1011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ranking the Key Forest Habitats in Ecosystem Function Provision: Case Study from Morava River Basin

by Vilém Pechanec, Ivo Machar, Helena Kilianová, Pavel Vyvlečka, Josef Seják, Jan Pokorný, Lenka Štěrbová, Marcela Prokopová and Pavel Cudlín

Forests 2021, 12(2), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12020138 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1818

Abstract

Floodplain forests are considered important forest ecosystems, and providers of ecosystem functions and services. The subject of this research was to assess the level of provision of five selected ecosystem functions (climate regulation and regulation of short water cycle, biomass production, oxygen production, [...] Read more.

Floodplain forests are considered important forest ecosystems, and providers of ecosystem functions and services. The subject of this research was to assess the level of provision of five selected ecosystem functions (climate regulation and regulation of short water cycle, biomass production, oxygen production, and carbon sequestration) and biodiversity by relevant groups of forest habitats, and their mutual comparison. Assessment of ecosystem functions was performed in biophysical units based on published data, our own research, and expert knowledge. The results showed the high importance of floodplain forests. In the majority of the services that were studied, this habitat reached high values and, in comparison with the other habitats, took one of the leading positions. When comparing the ranking in the provision of individual ecosystem functions per unit area, the best-assessed habitat in all assessed functions was floodplain and wetland forests, followed by ravine forests and beech forests, but the analysis of the rate of ecosystem function provision, related to the total area of interest, showed a different order of values. Understanding the context of the individual ecosystem functions of natural ecosystems and those close to nature, in comparison with anthropogenically altered ecosystems is a suggested route for ecologically and economically balanced landscape decision-making, which may increase the efficiency of nature and landscape protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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18 pages, 3292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Abiotic Controls on Windthrow Disturbance Using a Generalized Additive Model: A Case Study of the Tatra National Park, Slovakia

by Vladimír Falťan, Stanislav Katina, Jozef Minár, Norbert Polčák, Martin Bánovský, Martin Maretta, Stanislav Zámečník and František Petrovič

Forests 2020, 11(12), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11121259 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

Windthrows are the most important type of disturbance occurring in the forests of Central Europe. On 19 November 2004, the strong northeastern katabatic winds caused significant damage and land cover change to more than 126 km² of spruce forests in the Tatra [...] Read more.

Windthrows are the most important type of disturbance occurring in the forests of Central Europe. On 19 November 2004, the strong northeastern katabatic winds caused significant damage and land cover change to more than 126 km² of spruce forests in the Tatra National Park. The risk of subsequent soil erosion and accelerated runoff has increased in the affected habitats. Similar situations may reoccur this century as a consequence of climate change. A geographical approach and detailed research of the damaged area with more comprehensive statistical analyses of 47 independent variables will help us to obtain a deeper insight into the problem of windthrow disturbances. The results are based on a detailed investigation of the damaged stands, soil, and topography. A comprehensive input dataset enabled the evaluation of abiotic controls on windthrow disturbance through the use of a generalized additive model (GAM). The GAM revealed causal linear and nonlinear relationships between the local dependent quantitative variables (the damage index and the uprooting index) and independent variables (various soil and topography properties). Our model explains 69% of the deviance of the total damage. The distribution of the wind force depended upon the topographical position—mainly on the distance from the slope’s foot lines. The soil properties (mainly the soil skeleton, i.e., rock fragments in stony soils) affect the rate and manner of damage (uprooting), especially on sites with less wind force. Stem breakage with no relation to the soil prevailed in places with high force winds. The largest number of uprooted trees was recorded in localities without a soil skeleton. The spruce’s waterlogged shallow root system is significantly prone to uprooting. The comprehensive research found a significant relationship between the abiotic variables and two different measures of forest damage, and can expand the knowledge on wind impact in Central European forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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22 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Floristic Homogenization in the Floodplain Landscape: Insights from the Taxonomic and Functional Perspectives

by Yang Cao and Yosihiro Natuhara

Forests 2020, 11(10), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11101036 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

Anthropogenic disturbances pose significant threats to biodiversity. However, limited information has been acquired regarding the degree of impact human disturbance has on the β-diversity of plant assemblages, especially in threatened ecosystems (e.g., floodplains). In the present study, the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic disturbances pose significant threats to biodiversity. However, limited information has been acquired regarding the degree of impact human disturbance has on the β-diversity of plant assemblages, especially in threatened ecosystems (e.g., floodplains). In the present study, the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on plant communities of floodplain areas (the Miya River, Mie Prefecture, Japan) were analyzed. The taxonomic and functional β-diversity among different degradation levels were compared, and the differences were assessed by tests for homogeneity in multivariate dispersions. In addition, the effects of non-native species and environmental factors on β-diversity were analyzed. As revealed from the results, anthropogenic disturbance led to taxonomic homogenization at a regional scale. The increase in non-native invasions tended to improve homogenization, whereas at a low degradation level, the occurrence of non-natives species was usually related to taxonomic differentiation. Furthermore, though the increase in non-natives and environmental parameters significantly affected the β-diversity of the floodplain area, environmental factors may be of more crucial importance than biotic interactions in shaping species assemblages in this study. The previously mentioned result is likely to be dependent on the research scale and the extent to which floodplains are disturbed. Given the significant importance of floodplains, the significance of looking at floodplains in the different levels of degradation was highlighted, and both invasion of non-native species and environmental factors should be considered to gain insights into the response of ecosystems to anthropogenic disturbance. The findings of this study suggested that conservation programs in floodplain areas should place more emphasis on the preservation of natural processes and forest resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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26 pages, 11364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alluvial Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in A River Stream—Rutsiro Case Study (Rwanda)

by Jan Macháček

Forests 2020, 11(7), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11070762 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5756

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining is a significant economic sector in Rwanda. Mining activities often use a watercourse, in which secondary extraction takes place and minerals are washed. Mining thus greatly affects the geomorphological conditions in the area. The aim of this paper is [...] Read more.

Artisanal and small-scale mining is a significant economic sector in Rwanda. Mining activities often use a watercourse, in which secondary extraction takes place and minerals are washed. Mining thus greatly affects the geomorphological conditions in the area. The aim of this paper is a digest of environmental impacts of alluvial artisanal and small-scale mining with a focus on anthropogenic influences on topography with regard to the methods used in raw material mining. The author draws on a case study from the mining site of Rutsiro district in Rwanda. Main findings of alluvial artisanal mining in a riverscape are changes in landscape structure, deforestation, intensification of geomorphological processes, new relief shapes (suffosion depressions, check dams, gravel benches, anthropogenic channels) and hydrological river regime, chemical pollution of soil and watercourses. Artisanal and small-scale mining may lead to a significant change and acceleration of fluvial processes. This paper covers a broad understanding of environmental impacts of alluvial artisanal and small-scale mining with a focus on anthropogenic influencing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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15 pages, 2125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Economic Efficiency of Management Systems with Prevailing Representation of Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) in the Territory of Křivoklátsko Forest Park (Czech Republic)

by David Březina, Jan Kadavý, Michal Kneifl and Jakub Michal

Forests 2020, 11(4), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11040447 - 15 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1763

Abstract

The objective of the article was to model the economic efficiency of coppice and compare it with that of an oak high forest (primarily for the territory of Křivoklátsko Forest Park). The model calculations were based on actual expenses and revenues from the [...] Read more.

The objective of the article was to model the economic efficiency of coppice and compare it with that of an oak high forest (primarily for the territory of Křivoklátsko Forest Park). The model calculations were based on actual expenses and revenues from the area of interest to the maximum possible extent. The calculations included methods both with time factor (dynamic methods, namely the method of net present value) and without time factor (static methods). For the area of Křivoklátsko Forest Park, the examined data showed that the economic efficiency of coppice could be greater than that of high forest or over-mature coppice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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18 pages, 5019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Multiple Vegetation Covers on Surface Runoff and Sediment Yield in the Small Basin of Nverzhai, Hunan Province, China

by Jia Luo, Xiaoling Zhou, Matteo Rubinato, Guijing Li, Yuxin Tian and Jinxing Zhou

Forests 2020, 11(3), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11030329 - 16 Mar 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3660

Abstract

Vegetation plays a significant role in controlling soil erosion. However, the effects of each vegetation type on soil erosion have not been fully investigated. In order to explore the influence of multiple vegetation covers on soil erosion and surface runoff generation, 10 different [...] Read more.

Vegetation plays a significant role in controlling soil erosion. However, the effects of each vegetation type on soil erosion have not been fully investigated. In order to explore the influence of multiple vegetation covers on soil erosion and surface runoff generation, 10 different vegetation types, typical of the Nverzhai small basin, have been selected for this study. Regional precipitation, surface runoff, and sediment yield were measured from 2007 to 2018. The wettest year recorded was 2012. Recorded data confirmed that July was the wettest month in this region while January and December were the driest months. Furthermore, surface runoff and sediment yield associated with different vegetation types gradually decreased after 2013, which is the quantification of the consequences due to afforestation processes started in this area. Surface runoff and sediment content recorded for the configuration of sloping farmland were the largest between the different investigated vegetation types. The smallest were the broad-leaved mixed forest, the coniferous mixed forest, and shrubs. Finally, a significant linear positive correlation was found between rainfall and surface runoff, as well as sediment yield (R² = 0.75). This suggests that climate change implications could be limited by using the more efficient vegetation covering. This research indicates that the ground cover is a key element in controlling soil and water loss, as well as vegetation measures, with high ground cover (i.e., broad-leaved trees). These measures should be strongly recommended for soil erosion control and surface runoff reduction. Moreover, these outcomes can be very helpful for vegetation restoration and water conservation strategies if implemented by local authorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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14 pages, 5041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bird Communities in Urban Riparian Areas: Response to the Local- and Landscape-Scale Environmental Variables

by Shiyi Guo, Chang Su, Kaoru Saito, Jiexin Cheng and Toru Terada

Forests 2019, 10(8), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10080683 - 13 Aug 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3883

Abstract

Understanding how environmental changes driven by urbanization impact the biodiversity in urban riparian areas has great importance for landscape planning and river ecosystem conservation. There have been many studies on the response of bird communities to different environmental variables in urban parks; however, [...] Read more.

Understanding how environmental changes driven by urbanization impact the biodiversity in urban riparian areas has great importance for landscape planning and river ecosystem conservation. There have been many studies on the response of bird communities to different environmental variables in urban parks; however, although supporting some of the highest bird diversities, case studies in urban riparian areas remain limited. In existing research, few studies have considered the impact of both local waterfront characteristics and surrounding environmental variables at a larger scale. In this study, we selected birds as the indicator to clarify their response to both local- and landscape-scale environmental variables in riparian areas of Tsing river, Beijing, in terms of (a) vegetation composition, (b) human disturbance, (c) land cover, and (d) landscape connectivity. We hypothesized that birds with different biological characteristics may respond differently to environmental variables. Birds were then further grouped according to the habitat type, residential type, and feeding type. It turned out that the coverage of grass and the disturbance of pedestrians are the most influential variables. Besides, compared with the land cover and landscape connectivity, the total contribution of vegetation characteristics and human disturbance accounts for the main proportion of explained variance. Information pertaining to these environmental variables can provide evidence to support bird conservation efforts in urban areas, and the identified distance threshold provides a basis for future landscape connectivity assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Management of Temperate Floodplain Forests)

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