Search Results (496)

This study investigated the composition and temporal dynamics of wood-inhabiting fungal communities in four aging tree species in Lednice Castle Park (Czech Republic), located within the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Forty wood cores were collected from 20 trees at two time points (2023 and 2024). The hosts included horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’ L.), oak (Quercus robur L.), and poplar (Populus alba L.), each exhibiting visual signs of decline. Fungal assemblages were profiled using ITS2 high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Ascomycota dominated across all hosts (72–89% of reads), while Basidiomycota contributed 8–24%, largely represented by Agaricomycetes in F. sylvatica. Alpha diversity varied significantly among hosts (Shannon: F_3,36 = 10.61, p = 0.001 in 2023; F_3,36 = 10.00, p = 0.001 in 2024). Temporal shifts were host-dependent: F. sylvatica exhibited the strongest year-to-year decline in richness (Chao1: −83%, p = 0.007) and increased beta dispersion, while A. hippocastanum and P. alba showed significant increases in diversity (+65% and +42%, respectively). Community composition was shaped by host species (PERMANOVA Bray–Curtis: p = 0.001) and shifted over time (Jaccard: p = 0.001), with F. sylvatica showing the highest temporal turnover. Functional guild analysis revealed consistent dominance of saprotrophs (29–41%) and mixed pathotroph–saprotroph guilds (23–36%) across hosts, indicating active degradation processes inside functional xylem. These results indicate that, within the studied system, the wood mycobiome of aging trees is host-dependent and temporally dynamic rather than static or functionally neutral. Short-term temporal turnover observed between sampling years may contribute to shifts in fungal community composition and succession within wood, with potential implications for tree decline processes in managed historical park landscapes. Full article

The distribution of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), similar to other tree species, depends on habitat conditions (climate, soil, and location), which are further affected by forest management. The analysis of forest ecosystems utilizes the link between the knowledge of habitat requirements of forest trees and their share in plant communities described via the phytosociological method. There is a significant knowledge gap in this regard, namely the lack of plant communities with the natural participation of pine and beech. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify the variability of plant communities involving Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica within its northeastern range. Our research resulted in the identification of two new phytosociological units described as a Fago–Pinetum association and a subassociation within the existing Leucobryo-Pinetum plant community (Leucobryo-Pinetum fagetosum). Leucobyro-Pinetum fagetosum is characterized by the constant presence of beech in the herb and seedling layer or by a share of beech in the shrub and small-tree layer up to 10% cover. Fago–Pinetum is characterized by a greater share of beech in the shrub and small-tree layer (covering 10%–30% area) and by the presence of beech in the lower understory. Full article

In this study, the influence of different cutting conditions on the quality of the machined surface during the turning process of steam-treated pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) was investigated. The cutting conditions analysed included dry turning, turning with compressed air cooling, and turning with oil mist cooling. The turning processes for all analysed cutting conditions were carried out for three different feed per revolution values. The carried out studies allowed the observation of a noticeable increase in the values of the analysed surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Rq, Rt, and Rp) with the increase in feed per revolution for pine and beech wood. In addition, a noticeable decrease in the values of these parameters was observed with the use of compressed air and oil mist (MQL) for pine wood. However, in the case of beech wood, the lowest surface roughness values were observed during dry turning, while the use of MQL leads to increased values of surface roughness, especially at high feeds per revolution. Full article

Mixed stands enhance climate resilience and ecosystem service provision through functional diversity, but their productivity depends on intra- and interspecific competition, forest structure, stand density, and site conditions. In this study, we analyzed the effects of competition and aridity on the growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in mixed and pure stands, using data from 38 plots of the Italian National Forest Inventory (NFI, 2015). To understand the variables influencing European beech growth, tree-level basal area increment models were applied, incorporating different competition structures (intraspecific, interspecific, size-symmetric, and size-asymmetric) and aridity index (De Martonne). Results showed that size-asymmetric intraspecific competition negatively affected European beech growth, highlighting low self-tolerance, especially in pure stands where growth was lower than in mixed stands. In mixed stands, European beech growth was shaped by size-dependent competition and the relative dominance of coexisting species, benefiting from size-asymmetric and hindered by size-symmetric interactions. Additionally, European beech growth was shaped by aridity and stand structure (Gini coefficient and density), with drought sensitivity mitigated in mixed stands and enhanced growth in structurally diverse, low-density stands. This study highlights how species interactions, aridity, and stand structure jointly shape tree growth, underscoring their importance for climate-adaptive forest management. Full article

Lignin-based polyurethanes represent a promising strategy for developing more sustainable wood coatings by partially replacing fossil-derived polyols with renewable aromatic biopolymers. In this study, a polyurethane formulated with organosolv lignin (LPU) was synthesized and applied on two non-durable European wood species, Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies L., and compared with a commercial fossil-based polyurethane (CPU). Coated samples were evaluated for color stability, gloss evolution, wettability, adhesion, impact and scratch resistance, and biological durability. Accelerated ageing was performed under xenon-light irradiation, while decay resistance was assessed against Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor. Additional tests examined susceptibility to blue-stain fungi and surface morphology via SEM. LPU produced a matte film with intrinsically darker coloration but excellent chromatic stability and minimal gloss variation during ageing. Its initial hydrophobicity was higher on beech and comparable to CPU on spruce. Although CPU exhibited superior adhesion and slightly better mechanical resistance, LPU provided enhanced protection against blue-stain fungi—particularly on spruce—and a more uniform response to decay fungi across wood species. Overall, despite its darker appearance, the lignin-based formulation offered functional protection comparable to the commercial coating, confirming its potential as a viable bio-based alternative for above-ground wood applications. Full article

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hydrothermal treatment (different steaming process) conditions, specifically temperature, pressure, and steaming time on selected physical properties of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.), such as moisture content, density, colour, and longitudinal contraction. The research was conducted using two steaming modes: pressure steaming process (108 °C, 181 kPa, 7 h) and atmospheric steaming process (80 °C, 101 kPa, 15 h). The results showed that pressure steaming caused a more significant decrease in moisture content (by 16.9%) compared to atmospheric steaming (by 8.0%) and a smaller variation in values, which is favourable for subsequent drying. The differences in density after steaming were not statistically significant. On the contrary, longitudinal shortening was significantly greater with pressure steaming, which may indicate the release of tension reaction wood. The colour change was similar in both modes; lightness (L*) decreased and the wood acquired a redder hue without a significant effect of steaming conditions on the overall colour differentiation (ΔE). The results confirm that steaming temperature and pressure have a significant effect on the moisture change and longitudinal contraction of beech wood, while density and colour change remain relatively stable. The length of the steaming process has a major effect on the colour change of the wood. Full article

This study explores the enhancement of Beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) surfaces through the laser engraving of motifs inspired by Romanian textile heritage, combining cultural preservation with modern surface design techniques. A digitization and computer-aided design (CAD)-based workflow was employed to accurately transfer traditional motifs onto wood substrates. Engraving was performed using a nitrogen laser at ten different power settings ranging from 10 W to 150 W, followed by color analysis of the engraved areas. The resulting surfaces were evaluated using the International Commission on Illumination (CIELab) system to identify optimal engraving conditions. Based on colorimetric analysis, three laser power settings were selected for final motif reproduction: 30 W, 45 W, and 105 W. The process enabled the accurate rendering of a traditional three-color motif, achieving both visual fidelity and aesthetic appeal. Results demonstrate that color-based laser engraving allows precise, durable, and culturally significant ornamentation of wooden surfaces. The conclusions highlight the potential of this technique to add artistic and commercial value to wood products while preserving and promoting cultural identity. Full article

In forest tree nursery production, bioactive compounds are sought to promote plant growth in response to changing environmental conditions. This study evaluated the effects of the Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) seaweed extract and the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (Ehrenberg) and their combination on the growth and development of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings. A two-factor experiment was conducted in 2023 at the Didactic and Research Station, Department of Ecology and Silviculture, University of Agriculture in Krakow. The nursery experiment investigated the effects of foliar applications of varying doses: Ecklonia maxima at 960 and 1920 cm³·ha⁻¹ and Bacillus subtilis at 112 and 224 g·ha⁻¹ on European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings. The application of E maxima seaweed extract a dose of 960 cm³·ha⁻¹ promoting beech seedlings increase in the area of the root system (101.0 ± 17.8 cm²). Seedlings sprayed with B. subtilis at a dose of 112 g·ha⁻¹ were characterized by the longest root system, the largest root collar diameter, and the highest DQI (Dickson Quality Index) values (22.9 ± 3.4 cm, 6.00 ± 0.4 mm, and 0.74 ± 0.2, respectively). Applying B. subtilis at 224 g·ha⁻¹ resulted in an increased SQ (Sturdiness Quotient) value (from 6.33 ± 0.7 for the control variant to 6.62 ± 0.7) and the lowest SHI (Seedling Health Index) value (5.59 ± 0.9). Applying higher doses of Ecklonia maxima (1920 cm³·ha⁻¹) and B. subtilis (224 g·ha⁻¹) increased the SQ index value but decreased the root system area. The best DQI and SHI values were observed with the highest dose combinations of E. maxima and B. subtilis. Selecting suitable biological substances promoting growth can support the sustainable production of beech seedlings while improving the adaptability of forest tree seedlings. Full article

The objective of this study was to determine the moisture content gradient over the thickness of glued laminated timber structures, manufactured as five-layer structures from two different species. Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) or oak (Quercus robur L.) were used for the faces, and fir (Abies alba Mill.) or lime (Tilia cordata L.) were used for the core layers. Thus, four types of mixed glulam structures resulted. The layers were glued with a polyurethane adhesive for outdoor uses, and then cold-pressed. Samples were also prepared from each individual species as control specimens. All samples were exposed to two types of climate conditions, having cyclic and constant parameters. The first climate test involved cyclic variation in temperature and relative air humidity: 30 °C/40%/12 h, alternating with 10 °C/80%/12 h. The second climate test involved constant exposure conditions, but with higher humidity over a longer period: 15 °C/90%/3 weeks. The moisture content gradient between the layers of the structure was determined and correlated to the delamination effect, assessed by visual analysis. Based on the findings in this work, the lowest values of the moisture gradient were determined for the oak–fir mixed structures, resulting in the total absence of delamination and cracks between the outer oak layers and the inner fir layers. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hygiene (H) and nano-color pigment (NCP) modifications on hardness, glossiness, and adhesion strength of some surface coating materials produced specifically for use in wooden toys. For this purpose, H- and NCP-modified polyurethane (PU) and waterborne (WBV) varnishes were applied to specimens prepared from Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis L.) woods; Oriental beech, birch (Betula pendula), and poplar (Populus deltoides) plywood; and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Then, hardness, glossiness, and adhesion values were determined. Results indicated that the highest values were obtained for hardness in PU and PU*NCP applied to MDF; for glossiness in WBV*H applied to birch plywood and MDF; and for adhesion strength in WBV and PU*H applied to beech. H and NCP modifications have significant effects on hardness, glossiness, and adhesion strength. As a result, it was determined that hardness and glossiness increased with H modification and decreased with NCP, especially glossiness. Furthermore, it was determined that H and NCP decreased the adhesion strength. Future studies comparing natural antibacterial effects of different wood species with various coating types will contribute to the development of products that are safe for children and sustainable. Full article

Modern pollen deposition studies are essential to forestry and palaeoecological research, as they provide the key to understanding the relationship between the abundance of palynomorphs in natural (moss, litter, top core sediment) or artificial traps and the surrounding vegetation cover. In 1996, the EPMP (European Pollen Monitoring Programme) laid the foundations for pollen monitoring research in Europe, involving several countries and dozens of researchers in placing “Tauber-style” artificial traps across a wide range of ecosystems, and legitimising the collection of mosses for comparative studies. Here, we propose a straightforward, fast, and effective procedure—developed within the ALIVE “TrAcking Long-term declIne of forest biodiVErsity in Italy to support conservation actions” Project—for the collection of moss polsters and vegetation data, aimed at monitoring modern pollen deposition at the national scale. This protocol addresses a gap in existing literature, as no shared fieldwork guidelines are currently available. We demonstrate how the spatial pattern of modern pollen deposition can be investigated using two of the ALIVE Project’s target taxa (Fagus and evergreen Quercus) to explore the potential of microbotanical data in reflecting the current distribution of forest tree taxa at a national scale. The data collected within the ALIVE Project provide a synoptic picture of pollen deposition across Italy’s highly diversified landscapes and allow for preliminary considerations on the relationships between pollen deposition and modern vegetation cover of forest taxa. Full article

This study investigates the combined effects of compression along the grain by 20% after steaming (pleating), and thermal treatment on the mechanical and physical properties of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). Pleating significantly increased plasticity and maximum deflection, reaching 339% of untreated values in beech and 337% in oak. However, it reduced bending strength and modulus of elasticity to about 50%. Keeping the specimen compressed for 5 h (fixation) during the thermo-hydro-mechanical modification process of pleating further decreased the modulus of elasticity to 26%–29% of untreated levels. Thermal treatment at 160 °C increased bending strength of fixated specimens to 120.5% in beech and 125.3% in oak, partially restoring strength, while at 200 °C, it decreased drastically to 26.7% and 21.5%, respectively. Density was reduced by thermal treatment, with oven-dry values decreasing by 6.2% (beech) and 12.7% (oak) at 160 °C, and by 18.2% and 25.1% at 200 °C. The results indicate that high-temperature treatment (200 °C) leads to wood with brittle properties. Full article

A previous study demonstrated that spontaneous forest recovery can result in the development of functional mixed forests in post-mining areas. A critical step in this process is the establishment of climax woody species in the understory of pioneer trees. In this case study, we utilise repeated sampling to evaluate the establishment, initial survival, and growth of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) seedlings, and to newly assess Norway spruce (Picea abies) during unassisted forest recovery on a post-mining site after coal mining near Sokolov in North Bohemia. Detailed mapping of beech and oak seedlings was conducted in 2009 and 2012 (i.e., 14 and 11 years after the site was reclaimed). Now, we have resurveyed these seedlings, which has allowed us to evaluate their survival and growth. We have also mapped spruce seedlings and estimated their age from annual branch whorls. In the original study, most seedlings were found on the northern site near the edge of the post-mining area and the surrounding landscape, which serve as seed sources. Beech shows the best survival and growth on the northern site, where the greatest number of new seedlings also appear. In contrast, oaks demonstrate much higher mortality than beech overall, with the highest mortality observed on the northern site and the highest survival on the southern site, where most of the new seedlings also appeared. Interestingly, however, surviving oaks grew faster on the northern site. Across microtopography, seedlings of all three tree species were most frequent on the slopes of micro-undulations. Beech individuals were taller in depressions, whereas oaks did not consistently demonstrate a size advantage across microhabitats. Spruce colonised vigorously and was the most abundant of the three species across microhabitats. Age-frequency analyses suggest an annual mortality rate of 3%–9%. Browsing damage was observed on 19% of beech seedlings and 9% of oak seedlings. The study shows that pioneer tree stands are suitable nursing sites for studied climax tree species, which can colonise these sites several kilometres away from mature trees, and their establishment involves a complex interplay between distance to seed source and local microclimatic conditions. Our resurvey indicates that later successional stages may increasingly be shaped by shade-tolerant beech and spruce under the developing canopy. Full article

The growing implementation of close-to-nature forestry practices in the management of northern forests, characterized by dispersed harvesting operations, has heightened the importance of minimizing damage to residual stands as a key aspect of sustainable forest management. The objective of this study is to examine and compare the resistance of various tree species and diameter classes to wounds incurred during logging operations of differing sizes, intensities, and locations. In addition, the research aims to assess temporal changes in wound characteristics, including healing and closure processes, across species. This long-term, 18-year investigation was conducted in the Kheyrud Forest, located within the Hyrcanian broadleaf forest region of northern Iran, to evaluate the dynamics of wound healing in residual trees following ground-based skidding operations. Through a comprehensive assessment of 272 wounded trees across six species, we demonstrate that species significantly influences healing ratio (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.01), with Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) (50.6%) showing superior recovery compared to the Chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia) (37.5%). Healing ratio decreased with larger diameter at breast height (DBH) (R² = 0.114, p < 0.01), while absolute healed area increased. Larger areas (>1000 cm²) reduced healing by 42.3% versus small wounds (<500 cm²) (R² = 0.417, p < 0.01). Severe wounds (deep gouges) showed 19% less healing than superficial injuries (p = 0.003). Circular wounds healed significantly better than rectangular forms (χ² = 24.92, p < 0.001). Healing ratio accelerated after the first decade, reaching 69% by year 17 (R² = 0.469, p < 0.01). Wound height (p = 0.117) and traffic intensity (p = 0.65) showed no statistical impact. Contrary to expectations, stem position had no significant effect on wound recovery, whereas wound geometry proved to be a critical determinant. The findings highlight that appropriate species selection, minimizing wound size (to less than 500 cm²), and adopting extended cutting cycles (exceeding 15 years) are essential for enhancing residual stand recovery in close-to-nature forestry systems. Full article

Background: While forests are pivotal for climate change mitigation, robust CO₂ accounting is required to quantify their climate benefits. However, varying current methodologies complicate this process for practitioners. This study addresses the need for a low-threshold, IPCC-compliant CO₂ estimation method of tree biomass in forest stands. Methods: We developed CO₂ yield tables by integrating segmented allometric biomass functions into fourth-generation yield tables, combining empirical data and simulations for Northwest Germany. Above- and belowground biomass was calculated, converted into CO₂, and compared with estimates from traditional expansion factors. An interactive R Shiny dashboard was designed to visualise results. Results: The main results of this article are the carbon yield tables, covering beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus spp.), spruce (Picea abies), pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), each across various yield classes and starting at age 1, thereby also encompassing the juvenile phase of forest stands. Our comparison with estimates from traditional expansion factors shows that the latter can substantially overestimate carbon content in forest stands compared to our results, ranging from 20% to 35%, with higher estimates for mature stands and improved representation of early growth. The interactive dashboard also allows readers to experiment with their own figures. Conclusions: The choice of CO₂ methodology profoundly affects results. Our yield tables and a calculation tool (dashboard) deliver a transparent, accessible tool for quantifying forest CO₂ stock, supporting sustainable management and carbon market participation. Full article