Search Results (53)

The relict tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum, a Tertiary paleoendemic with significant ecological and timber value, prefers warm–cool humid climates and acidic soils. Using MaxEnt and ArcGIS, we modeled its distribution under current and future climate scenarios (SSP, Shared Socioeconomic Pathways). High-suitability areas (>0.6 probability) under current conditions are mainly concentrated in the Sichuan Basin and the Yellow–Yangtze transition zones. By 2050, projections show northwestward expansions (14.32–18.76% increase in area) and eastward movement toward Central China under both SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. However, by 2090, habitat loss could exceed 22% under SSP5-8.5. The main environmental drivers of its distribution are minimum coldest-month temperature (bio6, 38.7%), annual precipitation (bio12, 29.1%), and temperature range (bio7, 18.5%). Precipitation seasonality and thermal extremes are expected to become more significant constraints in the future. Conservation strategies should focus on the following: (1) protecting refugia in the Daba–Wushan mountains, (2) facilitating assisted migration to northwestern high-latitude regions, and (3) preserving microclimates. This study offers a framework for evidence-based conservation of paleoendemic species under climate change. Full article

Heilongjiang Province, as China’s principal gateway for Russian timber imports, faces structural inefficiencies in the localization of wood-processing enterprises—characterized by ecological sensitivity, resource–industry mismatches, and uneven spatial distribution. To address these challenges, this study proposes a two-stage site selection framework that integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an enhanced Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The model aims to reconcile ecological protection with industrial efficiency by identifying optimal facility locations that minimize environmental impact, reduce construction and logistics costs, and enhance service coverage. Using spatially resolved multi-source datasets—including forest resource distribution, transportation networks, ecological redlines, and socioeconomic indicators—the GIS-based suitability analysis (Stage I) identified 16 candidate zones. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization model (Stage II) was applied to minimize carbon intensity and cost while maximizing service accessibility. The improved NSGA-II algorithm achieved convergence within 700 iterations, generating 124 Pareto-optimal solutions and enabling a 23.7% reduction in transport-related CO₂ emissions. Beyond carbon mitigation, the model spatializes policy constraints and economic trade-offs into actionable infrastructure plans, contributing to regional sustainability goals and transboundary industrial coordination with Russia. It further demonstrates methodological generalizability for siting logistics-intensive and policy-sensitive facilities in other forestry-based economies. While the model does not yet account for temporal dynamics or agent behaviors, it provides a robust foundation for informed planning under China’s dual-carbon strategy and offers replicable insights for the global forest products supply chain. Full article

Ochroma lagopus Swartz is a rapidly growing plant known for its lightweight wood; it is widely utilized for timber production and ecological restoration. We investigated the effects of different numbers of drought–rehydration cycles on O. lagopus seedlings cultivated at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The experiment comprised three treatments: normal watering (CK, 80–85% field capacity), one drought–rehydration cycle (D1, one rewatering), and three drought–rehydration cycles (D2, three rewaterings). We characterized the effects of these treatments on seedling growth, biomass allocation, non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, proline content, and soluble protein content. The number of drought–rehydration cycles had a significant effect on the growth characteristics and physiological and biochemical properties of leaves. As the number of drought–rehydration cycles increased, the height increased significantly (by 17.17% under D2). The leaf biomass ratio, soluble sugar content, and starch content decreased (15.05%, 15.79%, and 46.92% reductions under the D2 treatment); the stem biomass ratio and root biomass ratio increased; CAT activity increased and then decreased (it was highest at 343.67 mg·g⁻¹·min⁻¹ under D1); and the POD and SOD activities, the MDA content, the soluble protein content, and the soluble sugar/starch ratio increased significantly (395.42%, 461.82%, 74.72%, 191.07%, and 59.79% higher under D2). The plasticity of growth was much greater than that of physiological and biochemical traits. In summary, O. lagopus seedlings adapted to multiple drought–rehydration cycles by increasing the accumulation of soluble proteins (likely associated with osmotic protection), activating enzymes (POD and SOD), promoting the conversion of NSCs (increasing stored carbon consumption), and allocating more biomass to plant height growth than to diameter expansion. Under climate change scenarios with intensified drought frequency, elucidating the drought resistance mechanisms of O. lagopus is critical to silvicultural practices in tropical plantation. Full article

Ecosystem services play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, providing essential functions. This study examines the trade-offs and synergies among five key ecosystem services in ecological forests across different regions of Hunan Province, China. Various machine learning models are compared to predict ecosystem service value (ESV) levels, with the most effective predictive model identified. The SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis is employed to identify key environmental and management factors influencing ecosystem services. Our findings reveal significant regional variations in ecosystem services, with the eastern and western regions showing superior soil conservation and forest nutrient retention. In contrast, the southern and western regions, particularly karst areas, display fewer trade-offs between ecosystem services, likely due to the effectiveness of ecological policies. SHAP analysis further reveals that factors such as precipitation during the warmest quarter, central government compensation funds, and timber harvesting volume strongly influence regional ESV. This study provides valuable insights for improving ecosystem service management and policy-making in rapidly developing regions, underscoring the importance of ecological protection strategies for sustainable development. Full article

Mountain ecosystems play a crucial role in providing ecosystem services, with some of the most important being carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, land protection, and water source preservation. Additionally, timber harvesting in these regions presents significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and systematic analysis of publications on timber harvesting in mountainous areas, examining the current state, global trends, key contributors, and the impact of forestry operations. A total of 357 publications on timber harvesting in mountainous areas have been identified, spanning from 1983 to 2024. These publications predominantly originate from the USA, Canada, Australia, and China, with additional contributions from European institutions. The research is published in leading forestry, ecology, and environmental science journals, highlighting its global impact. This study provides an in-depth bibliometric and systematic analysis, assessing research trends, key contributors, and their influence on scientific advancements in sustainable forestry and ecological conservation. These articles belong to the scientific fields of Environmental Science and Ecology, Forestry, Zoology, and Biodiversity Conservation, among others. They have been published in numerous journals, with the most frequently cited ones being Forest Ecology and Management, Journal of Wildlife Management, and Forests. The most frequently used keywords include dynamics, management, and timber harvest. The analysis of publications on timber harvesting in mountainous areas highlights the widespread use of primary harvesting methods, the negative effects of logging activities on soil, forest regeneration processes, and wildlife populations, as well as the role of advanced technologies in improving harvesting efficiency. While sustainable management practices, such as selective cutting and low-impact harvesting techniques, can mitigate some negative effects, concerns remain regarding soil erosion, habitat alteration, and carbon emissions. This analysis underscores the need for flexible forest management strategies that balance economic efficiency with ecological sustainability. Future research should focus on innovative harvesting techniques, adaptation measures to terrain and climate conditions, and the long-term impact of forestry activities on mountain ecosystems. Full article

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is an important fast-growing tree species for timber production and ecological protection in China. Yet, its tissue culture for seedling propagation is hampered by low proliferation and poor quality. Light quality is vital for seedling proliferation and growth, but the regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, a transcriptome and metabolome were integrated to explore light quality’s effects on adventitious shoot proliferation of tissue-cultured Chinese fir seedlings. The seedlings were grown under red, green, blue, and composite light-emitting diode conditions, with white light as the control. Results showed that blue and blue-dominant composite light enhanced proliferation by promoting auxin and cytokinin and increased biomass. Red light promoted shoot height, leaf area, and carotenoid content due to elevated gibberellin and reduced auxins and cytokinin levels but inhibited proliferation due to hormonal imbalances. Green light increased abscisic acid levels and suppressed growth. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses identified key pathways including plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, and flavonoid and carotenoid biosynthesis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified four key genes regulated by light quality that further modulated hormone biosynthesis and signaling transduction. This research provided insights for optimizing Chinese fir seedling proliferation and growth, contributing to sustainable plantation management. Full article

Hainan Island has rich water resources and unique lake ecosystems. Organically connecting lakes and wetlands with forest ecosystems should be considered in order to strengthen biodiversity protection, form a continuous green corridor to promote species migration and gene exchange, and enhance the stability and resilience of the overall ecological system and maximize its benefits. The method of linear programming was used in this study to analyze the forest ecosystem on Hainan Island in China in order to provide a scientific basis for the integration, protection and management of lakes, wetlands and forests. This study points out that the ratio of the area of timber forest, protection forest, special-purpose forest and bamboo forest should be adjusted from the current 68:22.9:7.1:1.8 to 24:72.8:2.5:0.6. The average shadow price of the reasonable use of different forest lands on Hainan Island is 2512.46 CNY/ha and the optimal value of special-purpose forest is 4376.04 CNY/ha, rather than the current 6888.50 CNY/ha. This study also shows that the timber forest, special-purpose forest and bamboo forest on Hainan Island are short-term products, while protection forest, wood-fuel forest, economic forest, open forest land, shrub land, young afforested land and non-forest land are long-term products, for which it is not easy to obtain benefits in the short-term. A combination of long- and short-term forest ecological planning should be considered to maintain the various long-term benefits. This study finally proposes that Hainan Island should reduce its proportion of timber forest area; increase its proportion of protection forest area; focus on the integrated development of lakes, wetlands and forests and biodiversity conservation goals; and pay close attention to the adjustment of forest type structure in order to meet the needs of ecological province construction and sustainable development. Full article

This study examines the provision of ecosystem services in natural mixed broadleaf forests located in the Hyrcanian region of Iran. These services include habitat conservation, soil preservation, timber production, and carbon storage (C-stock). The forests are managed under three different silvicultural methods: shelterwood, selection cutting, and protection, allowing for a comparative analysis of their impact on these critical services. The time since the last cutting operation varied among the forest stands. In the shelterwood stand, 25 years had passed since the previous operation, while in the selection cutting stand, it had been 13 years. In contrast, the protected stand had remained untouched by logging for the past 40 years. This presents a valuable opportunity to assess the effects of the recovery period and evaluate the extent of ecosystem service restoration. Additionally, it allows for determining whether these services have reached the levels observed in a protected forest. The results show that habitat conservation, soil preservation, and carbon stock (C-stock) values ranked as follows: protection > selection cutting > shelterwood. In contrast, timber production values were highest under selection cutting, followed by shelterwood, and lowest in protected areas. Furthermore, the Stand Structural Complexity Index (SCI) was greatest in protected stands, with selection cutting and shelterwood-managed stands ranking second and third, respectively. Similarly, species diversity indices, the abundance of large-diameter trees, and the volume of deadwood followed this same trend. These findings highlight a trade-off in forest management practices. While selection cutting and shelterwood management simplify stand structure to enhance timber production and maximize economic returns, they also lead to a significant reduction in other critical forest ecosystem services. Our findings further revealed that, even decades after the cessation of forest operations, the ecological value of previously managed forests remains substantially lower than that of protected forests. Moreover, the results demonstrate that a single silvicultural rotation period is insufficient to fully restore the ecological value of managed forests, regardless of whether they were subjected to selection cutting or shelterwood management practices. Full article

The digital economy offers new solutions for reconciling the growth of the non-timber forest-based economy (NTFBE) with ecological and environmental protection. Utilizing panel data from China’s provinces between 2011 and 2020, this study constructed a comprehensive indicator system for the purpose of examining the coordinated development of the NTFBE and the ecological environment. The employment of a panel of econometric methods, including Tobit models, mediated effects models, spatial Durbin models and threshold regression models, has enabled us to ascertain that the digital economy can effectively drive this coordinated development. The digital economy has a positive spillover effect in neighboring regions, although there is no discernible impact in central and northeastern China. Improvements in human capital and digital infrastructure reinforce this effect. Furthermore, the empowerment of green technology and industrial transformation, as well as the adoption of differentiated development strategies across distinct forest economic models, would be of paramount importance. These findings indicate a necessity for the standardization of the NTFBE. In conclusion, these implications offer novel solutions from China’s forested regions that reconcile socioeconomic growth and environmental protection, thereby fostering the sustainable development of forests. Full article

Climate change and anthropogenic nitrogen addition alter the soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity in oligotrophic forest soil. Unbalanced and non-selective nitrogen fertilizer application is lost as gas emissions (N₂O, NO) and also contributed to eutrophication through NO₃⁻ leachate. Similarly, NO₃⁻ infiltrates and contaminated drinking water sources lead to human thyroid dysfunction. In order to protect depleting timber growth due to nitrogen deficiency and increasing ecological concerns from nitrogen misapplication, we reviewed the effects of different synthetic nitrogen forms and levels on the biogeochemical process. In this review, we focused on the most recent findings from research articles, review articles, and meta-analyses on forest soil and also followed the complementary insights from agricultural soil so that we may be able to highlight how these observations contribute to the understanding of the forest soil nitrogen cycle. Firstly, we elaborated the role of nitrification and denitrification in the nitrogen transformation process. Secondly, we discussed the effect of different nitrogen forms and levels on nitrification and denitrification functional gene abundances. Thirdly, we analyzed the possible effect of gene abundances on the nitrogen conversion process. Finally, we revealed that different forms and levels of synthetic nitrogen not only alter the nitrogen conversion pathways by increasing the gene abundances through substrate availability but also shift the gene dominance, thereby modifying soil physicochemical properties, such as pH. This collectively changes the conditions, which are critical for gene expression potential involved in the nitrogen conversion process. These findings may create a direction for sustainable and eco-friendly fertilizer application in nitrogen-deficient soil. Full article

Poplar is an important tree species for timber supply and ecological protection in northern China. Cultivating and selecting high-quality varieties and germplasm resources suitable for cultivation are key factors in enhancing the quality and productivity of poplar plantations in the arid and semi-arid northern regions with shorter growing seasons. This study conducted a field cultivation experiment on 10 progeny clones from the direct cross (D × M) of imported Populus deltoides ‘DD-109’ with Populus maximowiczii and 7 progeny clones from the reciprocal cross (M × D) using one-year-old rooted cuttings planted at a 4 m × 8 m spacing. Based on 17 years of annual growth observations, the study systematically compared growth characteristics, age of quantitative maturity, path relationships between traits, and early selection efficiency in the hybrid offspring. The results indicated that the D × M population had superior diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (H), and volume (V) compared to the M × D population, while the height-to-diameter ratio (HDR) was lower. The growth rate of the 17 clones peaked from 10 to 14 years, with annual volume growth increments (PAIs) higher than mean annual volume increments (MAIs) during the early growth stages; the quantitative maturity age ranged between 12 and 16 years. The D × M population generally reached quantitative maturity earlier than the M × D population, with the fastest clone maturing in 12 years. Four clones (DM-9-17, DM-9-18, DM-9-14, and MD-61) showed values for V, DBH, H, and HDR above the hybrid group average. Path analysis demonstrated that DBH had the most significant direct and indirect effects on V, suggesting it as the best predictor for V. Using DBH as a reference, correlation and early selection efficiency analysis showed a strong relationship between growth characteristics at planting years 4–5 and later-stage performance, indicating this as the optimal period for early selection. These findings contribute to evaluating the production potential of P. deltoides ‘DD-109’ and P. maximowiczii germplasm in northern China and provide valuable guidance for selecting poplar clones suitable for local cultivation, accelerating breeding processes, and informing management planning for poplar plantations. Full article

We evaluated the long-term impacts of various forest management practices on the structure and biodiversity of Estonian hemiboreal forests, a unique ecological transition zone between temperate and boreal forests, found primarily in regions with cold winters and moderately warm summers, such as the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The study examined 150 plots across stands of different ages (65–177 years), including commercial forests and Natura 2000 habitat 9010* “Western Taiga”. These plots varied in stand origin—multi-aged (trees of varying ages) versus even-aged (uniform tree ages), management history—historical (practices before the 1990s) and recent (post-1990s practices), and conservation status—protected forests (e.g., Natura 2000 areas) and commercial forests focused on timber production. Data on forest structure, including canopy tree diameters, deadwood volumes, and species richness, were collected alongside detailed field surveys of vascular plants and bryophytes. Management histories were assessed using historical maps and records. Statistical analyses, including General Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), were used to evaluate the effects of origin, management history, and conservation status on forest structure and species composition. Results indicated that multi-aged origin forests had significantly higher canopy tree diameters and deadwood volumes compared to even-aged origin stands, highlighting the benefits of varied-age management for structural diversity. Historically managed forests showed increased tree species richness, but lower deadwood volumes, suggesting a biodiversity–structure trade-off. Recent management, however, negatively impacted both deadwood volume and understory diversity, reflecting short-term forestry consequences. Protected areas exhibited higher deadwood volumes and bryophyte richness compared to commercial forests, indicating a small yet persistent effect of conservation strategies in sustaining forest complexity and biodiversity. Indicator species analysis identified specific vascular plants and bryophytes as markers of long-term management impacts. These findings highlight the ecological significance of integrating historical legacies and conservation priorities into modern management to support forest resilience and biodiversity. Full article

Mitigating and avoiding social unrest caused by ecological forest restoration is a key factor in the coordinated development of forests and society. Forests, which are intricately linked with society, serve as a vital source of timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services. Ecological forest restoration projects must carefully consider the relationship between forests and society to promote their coordinated development. As a key implementation area for the Natural Forest Resource Protection Project, the state-owned forest regions in Northeast China have experienced a crisis regarding harvestable resources and social unrest caused by protection policies and are currently innovating in policies and practices to mitigate social unrest. This study focuses on the history of natural forest resource conservation projects in China’s state-owned forest areas as a case study for empirical research, aiming to provide insights into ecological restoration models that foster harmony between forests and society. The empirical analyses reveal the following findings: (1) As a result of strict protection, natural forest resources on state-owned land have transitioned from providing timber to ecosystem services and non-timber products. (2) The strict logging ban policy has led to severe resource shortages; from 2000 to 2020, for every 10,000 cubic meter decrease in timber harvest, the per capita output in state-owned forest areas has dropped by more than CNY 500 (approximately USD 70). (3) Proactive ecological restoration can effectively alleviate social unrest; from 2000 to 2020, for every additional 10,000 hectares of forest tending, the average wage increased by more than CNY 900 (approximately USD 127). (4) Regional transformation can effectively generate a buffer effect to mitigate social unrest caused by strict forest protection policies and leverage the beneficial resources produced by ecological forest restoration to develop new drivers of economic growth. By systematically reviewing the comprehensive implementation of the NFPP, this paper’s findings provide insights into ecological restoration strategies that promote the harmonious development of forests and society. Full article

Poplars are crucial for timber supply and ecological protection in China. Enhancing the growth of poplar plantations and improving soil fertility in arid, and semi-arid poor soil regions are key aspects of sustainable forest management. Fertilization (FTL) and drip irrigation (DI) are among the most widely used methods globally for increasing yield and soil productivity. This study conducted field experiments on FTL and DI in a 10-year-old Populus × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ (cultivation varieties of P. canadensis in northern China) plantation. DI limits were set according to soil moisture at 60% (S1), 70% (S2), and 80% (S3) of field capacity; nitrogen FTL rates were set at 100% of the baseline fertilization amount (100% BFA, N 643.20 g·year⁻¹, P 473.37 g·year⁻¹, and K 492.29 g·year⁻¹) (F1), 70% BFA (F2), 130% BFA (F3), and 160% BFA (F4). The treatments of drip irrigation and fertigation (DIF) were H1 (100% BFA, 60% FC), H2 (100% BFA, 80% FC), H3 (160% BFA, 60% FC), and H4 (160% BFA, 80% FC), along with a control group (CK) without any management, totaling 12 experimental combinations. The results showed that the H4 had the most significant promoting effect on the height, DBH, and volume increments. All treatments had little effect on the soil bulk density of the plantation but significantly impacted soil capillary porosity and pH. Compared to DI, soil nutrient and organic matter content were more sensitive to FTL. Appropriate FTL and DI can increase soil sucrase activity. Soil urease activity tended to increase with higher FTL rates, and higher DI levels also positively influenced urease activity. Excessive or insufficient soil moisture and nutrients negatively impacted soil cellulase and catalase activities. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between the growth of P. × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ and soil nutrient content, but significant or highly significant correlations existed between growth and soil porosity and related enzyme activities. Comprehensive evaluation using a membership function indicated that high FTL levels (F4) were more conducive to the simultaneous improvement of the growth and soil fertility of the plantation, followed by H4 and F1, suggesting that high FTL is the key factor affecting the growth of 10-year-old P. × canadensis ‘Zhongliao 1’ plantations and the restoration of stand productivity, with moisture being secondary. Full article

This study evaluated vegetation management (VM) strategies under electricity distribution lines (EDLs) through ecosystem service (ES) criteria. Deforestation, worsened by insufficient VM practices, poses a threat to ecosystem stability. Using a hybrid FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) approach, ten VM strategies were assessed based on 15 ES criteria. The FAHP results identified biodiversity, timber resources, and erosion control as the most crucial criteria due to their significant weights. The TOPSIS analysis determined that VM6 (creation and restoration of scrub edges) was the most effective strategy, achieving a value of 0.744 for reducing deforestation and enhancing energy security. VM6 helps preserve forest cover and protect infrastructure by creating a “V”-shaped structures within the EDLs corridor. This study underscores the importance of ES-oriented VM strategies for sustainable vegetation management and deforestation mitigation. It also highlights the need for incorporating scientific, ES-based decision support mechanisms into VM strategy development. Future research should expand stakeholder perspectives and conduct a comprehensive assessment of ESs to ensure that VM strategies align with ecological and socio-economic sustainability. This study provides a framework for improving VM practices and offers directions for future sustainable energy management research. This study focuses exclusively on ecological criteria for evaluating VM strategies, neglecting other dimensions. Future research should use methods like ANP and fuzzy cognitive maps to explore inter-dimension relationships and their strengths. Additionally, employing SWARA, PIPRECIA, ELECTRE, and PROMETHEE for ranking VM strategies is recommended. Full article