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        <title>Central European Forestry Journal Feed</title>
        <link>https://reference-global.com/journal/FORJ</link>
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            <title>Central European Forestry Journal Feed</title>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, National Forest Centre and Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences</copyright>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Identification of selected defects in beech timber by CT scanning]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0001</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study deals with the application of computed tomography (CT) for the design, application, and analysis of a methodology for identifying selected qualitative characteristics of unedged beech timber (Fagus sylvatica L.). In the context of growing interest in the use of hardwood in load-bearing structures, a methodology has been proposed that enables non-contact assessment of internal defects such as knots, cracks, and fibre deviation. CT scanning has demonstrated the ability to visualize local density variations that correlate with the occurrence of quality defects. Calibration using seven wood species of varying density confirmed a linear relationship between CT image intensity and wood density (r = 0.998). The results show that CT technology has potential not only for sorting roundwood but also for evaluating sawn timber after cutting, thereby contributing to the optimization of production and increasing the added value of wood products. Density-based defect identification provides new opportunities for automated grading using machine learning.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Predicting the mechanical properties of sawn timber: Basic non-destructive tools applicable to Norway spruce sawlogs]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0004</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The sawmill industry traditionally relies on visual grading of roundwood, which primarily reflects commercial value rather than the mechanical performance of the resulting sawn timber. This study evaluates the potential of basic non-destructive methods for predicting the physical and mechanical properties of sawn timber based on sawlog characteristics. Sixty sawlogs of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. [H.] Karst.) were assessed using visual grading, manual evaluation of knot parameters, and vibro-acoustic measurements based on the frequency resonance method. The logs were sawn into 180 centre boards with nominal dimensions of 50 × 160 × 3,000 mm, which were tested for physical and mechanical properties in accordance with EN 408. The results show that visual quality grades of sawlogs are generally poor predictors of the sawn timber mechanical properties. In contrast, strong correlations between MOEDL at log level and MOR (r = 0.75) or MOEglob (r = 0.80) were found. The study highlights the critical importance of using the actual wood density when applying the frequency resonance method. Also, only measurements in longitudinal direction should be performed. Knot-related parameters proved relevant, where the total number of knots showed the best results on the global level (r = –0.68 for MOR). The use of designed sliding windows further improved prediction accuracy. Overall, the findings demonstrate that basic non-destructive methods, especially acoustic measurements combined with selected knot parameters, can effectively support sawlog pre-sorting to produce strength-graded sawn timber. In follow-up research, these basic methods should be combined with the results of CT scanning.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Structural suitability of oak and spruce in highly loaded bed design]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0005</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study investigates the feasibility of using spruce and oak for a bed frame designed for all users, including those with higher body mass. Based on Slovak anthropometric data, optimal bed dimensions were established (2,400 mm L × 1,410 mm W × 660 mm H) for a design load of 250 kg. The structural performance of the side frame components was assessed using finite element analysis (FEA). Components made of spruce (C30) and oak (D50), with a cross-section of 200 mm × 20 mm, were subjected to the specified load. Simulation results were evaluated against a maximum permissible deflection of 7.2 mm. The oak component exhibited a maximum stress of 18.5 MPa and a deflection of 7.2 mm, satisfying both strength and deflection requirements. In contrast, while meeting the stress requirement with a maximum stress of 11.7 MPa, the spruce component exhibited a deflection of 8.4 mm, exceeding the limit. Therefore, only oak was deemed suitable for the bed frame’s structural components. This research validates oak’s potential as a sustainable alternative to metal in general-purpose furniture.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Automatic and non-destructive inner wood quality assessment of wood logs using 3D computed tomography and machine learning]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0011</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Determining the quality of wood logs without cutting poses a significant challenge for boosting the productivity of wood suppliers and processors. Our study used 3D Computed Tomography scanning to inspect European Oak wood logs for inequalities. We scanned 26 oak logs with a resolution of 10 × 1 × 1 mm, producing an average of 390 to 430 images per log. These images were visually analysed and categorised into classes: Normal wood, Dead knot, Live knot, Rot, and Split. In the first phase, we investigated classification methods using machine learning for the two categories: non-defective and defective wood. In the second and third phases, we expanded our analysis to include all key defect classes: split, rot, dead and live knots. We utilised Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), Decision Trees (DT), k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN), AdaBoost, and Gradient Boosting (GB). In the initial classification (non-defective and defective wood), we achieved 90% and 93% testing accuracy with DT and RF. Then, we aimed to improve accuracy by replacing the feature extractors and using a bagging voting classifier. The third phase used two feature selection approaches, LASSO feature selection and Mutual Information, and we obtained 88%, 95%, and 90% testing accuracies.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Device for measuring barrel volume using a digital method]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0009</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The production of wooden barrels represents a specific segment of the wood-processing industry with high added value, especially in the aging of wine and spirits. Accurate determination of the internal volume of barrels is crucial for quality control, inventory management, production process optimization, and for the beverages themselves during aging. The aim of this study was to design and test a device that enables the measurement of barrel internal volume using a dry digital method. The device eliminates the disadvantages of traditional measurement methods (wet and calculated) and allows rapid, precise, and contactless volume determination. The prototype was tested on a set of new and used oak barrels of various volumes. The results confirmed high measurement accuracy and significant time savings compared to conventional methods.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[An enhanced algorithm for the detection of individual trees based on airborne laser scanning data combining geometric and dendrometric rules]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0007</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Airborne laser scanning has become a well-established, consolidated, and widely used technology for individual tree detection. In this context, we have developed the geoprocessing tool xTree to allow for the detection of individual tree tops and tree crowns based on a combination of airborne laser scanning data and a priori information consisting of geometric and dendrometric rules. The primary aim of this article is to present the workflow for the detection of individual trees using the xTree tool. A detailed description, flowchart, and scheme are provided for these purposes. The additional aim is to present the performance of this workflow through a case study. The study area covered 2.8 ha of forests in Slovakia. The airborne laser scanning data reached an average density of 18 ±6 points per m2. The ground reference data included 2,119 trees in coniferous, broadleaved, and mixed strata. The enhanced detection algorithm achieved overall correctness of 85 ±2%. The overall completeness from the tree number was 69 ±4%, and the overall completeness from the tree volume was 78 ±2%. Generally, the performance increased with the increasing proportion of coniferous trees and diameter of trees.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tenure security: A critical factor in agroforestry adoption for tenant farmers in England]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0002</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Global biodiversity degradation is driven by agriculture, population growth, industrialization, and climate change. To address this, the UK aims to plant 1 million hectares of new woodland by 2050. However, tree planting rates fall short of targets. Agroforestry, which combines agriculture and forestry, could help achieve this goal by utilizing agricultural land. In England, 2.9 million hectares of land are rented, offering a large area for agroforestry adoption. This qualitative research study, based on expert interviews with British stakeholders, aimed to identify English agricultural sector tenancy agreement aspects influencing tenant farmer decision-making in the context of agroforestry adaptation and perceived tenure security. Four topics influencing tenant farmers’ perceived tenure security and decision-making in agroforestry adaptation were identified: 1. Tenancy duration: Short-term agreements hinder long-term investments in sustainable practices. 2. Restrictive clauses: Legal frameworks offer flexibility, but tenancy agreements often include restrictive clauses limiting agricultural practices. 3. Tree ownership: Trees are owned by the landlord, even if planted and financed by the tenant. 4. End of tenancy: Tenant farmers lack investment protection, with inadequate compensation and transfer clauses. These topics contribute to tenure insecurity of tenant farmers and disincentivize agroforestry adoption on tenanted land in England, underscoring the need for further research to address these challenges.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Bioeconomy future: Green transition in Europe from the perspective of life-science students]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0006</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[As European societies transition from fossil-based to circular bioeconomies, new demands arise for skills, entrepreneurship, and inclusive pathways in the green labour market. This study investigates how life-science students – future professionals in sustainability-oriented sectors – envision bioeconomy futures across regions in nine European countries – Finland, Poland, Czechia, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Romania. Drawing on a comparative web-based survey combined with contextual policy data, the research examines students’ understanding of the bioeconomy, their motivations for engaging in sustainability-driven careers, and the barriers shaping their entrepreneurial intentions. Findings reveal substantial regional variation in familiarity with the bioeconomy concept. While many students associate it with nature-based solutions and sustainable land use, concrete awareness of entrepreneurial and career trajectories remains limited. Yet, strong interest in bioeconomy entrepreneurship persists, motivated by its potential to create environmental and social value. Persistent obstacles – such as lack of business knowledge, financial insecurity, and fear of failure – constrain engagement. By integrating student perspectives into the discourse on just and desirable futures, this paper contributes to futures thinking on green transitions, skills development, and bioeconomy entrepreneurship. It highlights how circular and forest-based bioeconomies can act as vehicles for equitable, locally grounded, and future-ready transformations.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Pilot study on the effect of slope aspect on growth dynamics and drought response of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.) in low-elevation temperate forests]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0003</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[In general, slope aspect modifies the phenology and growth dynamics of trees in temperate forests of Central Europe. This study investigates radial growth dynamics and phenology of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.) in two forest stands with contrasting slope aspect (north vs. south) located in low-elevation temperate zones. Using automatic dendrometers, stem diameter variations and growth phenology were monitored throughout the 2025 growing season, complemented by continuous measurements of volumetric soil moisture. Pilot results indicate that trees on north aspect slope initiated growth earlier, maintained a longer growing season, and achieved greater radial increments compared to those on south aspect slope. The factor of this differential growth response was probably higher soil water availability on northern aspects, which buffered the effects of summer drought. The findings highlight the importance of microclimatic conditions (temperature, available soil moisture, and soil properties) shaped by topography in regulating the phenology and growth dynamics of Norway spruce. They further suggest that north-facing slopes may hypothetically serve as microclimatic refugia for the Norway spruce cultivation at lower elevations under climate-change conditions. However, the local and pilot nature of this study limits the extent to which broader generalizations can be made.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Leaf traits variation in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) across sites, crown positions, and tree social classes in the Western Carpathians]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0008</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) is a widely distributed, early-successional broadleaved species with ecological and partly also economic significance in Europe. Despite rather extensive research on its ecology and wood production, detailed studies on leaf traits remain limited. This study quantified basic leaf characteristics – leaf area, leaf mass, specific leaf area (SLA), and petiole mass – of young silver birches across ten naturally regenerated stands in Slovakia. A total of 204 trees were sampled, representing four tree social classes (dominant, codominant, intermediate, overtopped), and 3,672 leaves were collected from upper, middle, and lower crown positions. Leaf area and mass were measured after scanning and oven-drying, while SLA was calculated as the ratio of fresh leaf area to dry mass. Results revealed substantial variation in leaf traits among sites, social classes, and crown positions. Leaf area and mass were highest in dominant trees and in upper crown leaves, while overtopped trees produced smaller, lighter leaves. Conversely, SLA increased from dominant to overtopped trees and from upper to lower crown positions, reflecting morphological adaptation to reduced light availability. Analysis of petiole mass indicated that leaf blades accounted for over 93% of total leaf mass, with stalk allocation varying with crown position and tree social status. Significant interactions among sites, crown positions, and social classes highlighted the multifactorial control of leaf morphology. These findings demonstrate the pronounced morphological plasticity of silver birch leaves, enabling flexible resource-use strategies that optimize carbon gain under contrasting light environments. Such plasticity likely contributes to the species’ competitive success, ecological amplitude, and potential role in climate-adaptive forestry. This study provides essential baseline data on leaf traits of silver birch and emphasizes the need for further research linking environmental conditions to variations in leaf morphology and physiology.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Observations on the bionomics of Crypturgus species]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0019</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Crypturgus bark beetles are only mentioned sporadically in the literature and their significance as the potential predator of developmental stages of other bark beetles is underestimated. An extraordinarily high capture on insecticide-treated trap tipi assembled from three and five timber sections in the form of a pyramid allowed one to determine the interaction of Ips typographus flight activity and temperature. The beginning and culmination of the flight activity of Crypturgus species are characterised by mean daily temperatures above 11.8 °C and 14.7 °C, respectively. From the beginning until the culmination of the swarming, more specimens of Crypturgus cinereus (86%) were captured than of Crypturgus pusillus (68%) whose occurrence was extended until mid-August. Only a single generation was demonstrated during the growing period. On a bark beetle infested spruce was disturbed development of Ips typographus, because a high density of mother galleries of Crypturgus adults was recorded in its galleries.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Verifying the origin of forest reproductive material using genetic fingerprinting: development of an operational framework]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2026-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Ensuring the traceability of forest reproductive material (FRM) is a crucial step for establishing resilient forests under accelerating climate change. To address this need, we developed and implemented a standardized genetic fingerprinting workflow for nine important forest tree species enabling the verification of the origin of commercial seed lots and nursery plantlets. The method is based on reference samples (cones or seeds) collected from each individual tree during seed harvesting, as mandated by the Austrian Act and Regulation on FRM. For each species, eight to nine highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci were selected, and laboratory protocols were optimized and validated on various types of plant tissue from mother trees including cone scales, testa, and pericarp as well as on offspring samples with known maternal origin. Subsequently parentage analyses of seed lots and nursery plants demonstrated that 72 to 86% of samples could be successfully assigned to their respective mother trees. Assignment success was strongly influenced by the quality of maternal tissue and completeness of the reference collection. The workflow also enabled the detection of duplicate submissions among reference mother samples, providing an independent verification of compliance with minimum number of tree harvesting requirements. Collectively, these results establish a robust and operational framework for DNA-based verification of FRM origin and highlight its potential to enhance transparency and quality assurance throughout FRM supply chains.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Modelling the diameter distribution of near-natural even-aged European beech forests using forest inventory data – A comparison of methods]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0017</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Tree diameter distribution is a key descriptive parameter of forest stands, yet studies on its modelling for major Central European forest types remain limited, particularly in near-natural forests. This study aimed to i) identify the best modelling method and ii) test the applicability of concentric fixed-area sample plots for modelling diameter distribution in even-aged, near-natural European beech stands. Diameter distribution was modelled using the two-parameter Weibull function based on data from 118 concentric fixed-area sample plots (200–400 m2 each). Several modelling methods were tested, including the parameter prediction method, parameter recovery method and combinations of the two. Truncated samples were addressed using three approaches: applying expansion factors, incorporating truncation into the function formulation and ignoring truncation. Models were evaluated based on the ability to predict relative frequencies of trees per 5-cm diameter classes and key plot parameters (quadratic mean diameter, basal area and dominant diameter). Some of the 14 developed models performed similarly well; however, the parameter recovery model incorporating expansion factors was identified as the most suitable for forest management. The selected plot parameters were predicted with an acceptable bias, precision and accuracy, while prediction of relative frequencies within diameter classes was less reliable, particularly for thinner trees. The study also revealed considerable heterogeneity in tree diameters in near-natural beech forests. Overall, the findings demonstrate that concentric fixed-area sample plots are a feasible data source for modelling diameter distribution in near-natural beech forests. However, limitations related to heterogeneity, plot size and truncated samples must be considered in future applications.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Assessing the influence of ground-based LiDAR devices, processing solutions, and forest stand characteristics on tree diameter and height estimation]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0018</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (TH) are essential parameters for accurately estimating tree volume, biomass, and other forest metrics. Conventional measurement methods often involve considerable time investment, which has motivated the development of approaches using 3D point cloud technology. These point clouds can be generated by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), handheld mobile laser scanning (HMLS), or smartphone-based LiDAR. This study aims to determine which factor most significantly affects DBH and TH measurement accuracy. We evaluated multiple devices – specifically, TLS (FARO Focus S150), two HMLS devices (GeoSLAM ZEB Horizon and Stonex X120GO), and a smartphone (iPhone 13 PRO MAX), and processed their point clouds using two most perspective algorithms: FSCT and 3DFin. Data collection spanned forest plots differing in tree species composition and density: low- and high-density beech plots (Fagus sylvatica L.); high-density spruce plot (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.); and high- and low-density mixed plots comprising Abies alba Mill., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Fagus sylvatica L., Fraxinus excelsior L., and Picea abies [L.] H. Karst. Across all devices and approaches used for DBH estimation, coefficient determination (R2) ranged from 0.692 to 0.998, RMSE from 1.24 to 6.73 cm, and relative RMSE from 4.30% to 42.7%, and bias from –1.84 to 3.50 cm. For TH estimation, R2 ranged from 0.539 to 0.997, RMSE from 0.38 to 3.72 m, relative RMSE from 1.68% to 12.9%, and bias from –1.84 to 1.76 m. The results definitely showed that the accuracy of DBH estimation is significantly impacted by the device used and plot characteristics playing a secondary role, whereas TH accuracy depends largely on the selected algorithm. FSCT exhibited notably lower root mean square error (RMSE) for TH, with an average 1.6 m, compared to 2.4 m for the 3DFin. Across all test conditions, TLS consistently reached the smallest errors, while HMLS devices produced comparable results, and smartphone-based LiDAR demonstrated the highest variability.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The effect of elevated air CO2 concentration on dendrometric parameters and biomass of European beech and Norway spruce in their monocultures and intermixtures]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0014</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[An increased CO2 concentration should have a positive effect on tree growth, but in different species mixtures, due to mutual interaction between species, this effect may be insignificant or even negative. Therefore, our research focused on the influence of elevated CO2 concentration on the height, stem diameter and biomass production of beech and spruce planted in the following arrangements: Pure (one species), Single (an individual of one species surrounded by trees of another) and Group (groups of three trees of one species surrounded by trees of another). In autumn 2005, these saplings were planted inside two glass-domes under ambient and elevated CO2 concentration in the Beskydy Mts. (Czech Republic). Fumigation of CO2 took place each vegetation period from 2006 to 2013. From 2006 to 2012, the height and stem diameter of each plant were measured. In autumn 2013, the plants were harvested (together with their roots) and their biomass was determined. The beech trees were mostly statistically significant larger under elevated CO2 concentration (the greatest difference being between trees growing in Single). Under elevated CO2 concentration, Spruce growing in Single was larger and that growing in Pure was smaller than Spruce growing under ambient CO2 concentration. Although trees are affected not only by increased CO2 concentration but also by other phenomena (i.e. nutrient, water etc.), we assume that, in the future (with all current factors being maintained, except for the CO2 concentration), it can be more suitable to grow beech almost as a monoculture or singly and spruce only singly.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Integration of remote sensing data for forest risk assessment and disturbance monitoring in the Krkonoše National Park]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0016</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Forest disturbances are a natural phenomenon, however, understanding of their spatial progression is essential to adapt appropriate management strategies. Because most disturbances are to some extent influenced by management measures, it is necessary to study disturbances in areas with minimal human interference. This study aims to detect and analyse the progress of disturbance in and around a non-intervention zone of the Krkonoše National Park in the Czech Republic. Our analysis showed that either Sentinel-2 based or airborne-based approach was able to detect ongoing disturbances, however, spatial resolution is a key parameter for the detection of small-scale forest disturbances. Both sources independently identified a distance of up to 125 m from previous disturbances as the area with the highest risk of further propagation. The specific distance depends on the phase of disturbance at the site. The distance is lower in areas experiencing a progressive disturbance phase (i.e. 75 m in areas with a high population density of bark beetles). A sequence of remote sensing detection and buffer zone creation could be used as a tool for assessing risk areas in forest stands.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Impact of conditioners added to soil of different bulk density on saturated water content and water holding capacity over a six-day manipulative experiment]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0015</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Artificial superabsorbents specifically influence the water absorption capacity of soils. The article compares four commercially available synthetic superabsorbents mixed with soil of different bulk density. Soils at each of nine study sites were sampled at five spots minimally to get site-representative soil samples. The soils were mixed with hydrophilic substances such as acrylamide, polyacrylic acid, cross-linked polymers and potassium polyacrylate. Both amended and non-amended soil was then put into sampling rings, which open bottoms were exposed to water through a filter paper to be soaked via capillary action to the saturated water content of the soil (θS). Then the samples were drained by passive capillary drainage through another piece of 4-layer filter paper. Periodical weighing of the samples enabled us to determine and calculate water-holding attributes. Following the 114 hours of the experiment, the samples were oven-dried at 105 °C to determine their bulk density. The passive capillary drainage showed higher loss of water from the amended treatments though they kept a larger volume of water than the control treatments over the period of experiment. Keeping recommended concentrations of the substances by the producers led to different efficiencies especially in soils with higher bulk densities.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Acceptance of EU Forest Related Policies in Candidate States – the Case of Serbian Citizens]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0013</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study juxtaposes the perceptions of Serbian citizens about forests and forestry with the European Union (EU) forest related policies. The paper is aimed at identifying if both their understanding of the problem, victim, causer, helper and preferred solutions is aligned. Given Serbia’s status as an EU candidate country, understanding how national perspectives align with supranational policies is crucial for policy formulation and acceptance. The results are used to estimate if there will be acceptance of EU forest related policies within the candidate state Serbia. The perception of Serbian citizens towards forests and forestry was monitored over a period of twelve years by means of a representative survey (2012, 2016 and 2024). These findings are contrasted with document analyses of forest related policies stemming from EU. Results indicate limited alignment between the Serbian population’s perspectives and the EU’s forest related policies. Although both recognize the state of forests to be problematic and see the forest as a victim, there is only little correspondence when it comes to causers, helpers and preferred solutions. Based on the results, we conclude that tailored approaches of EU to forest related policies in candidate countries, integrating region-specific preferences, would strengthen a democratic approach of the EU and lead to a higher level of acceptance within candidate states. This is well in line with the principle of subsidiarity.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Did Lithuania use one more chance to create a National Forest Programme? – An integrated evaluation of the National Agreement on Forests]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0012</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study explores Lithuania’s National Agreement on Forests (NAF) as a potential framework for better forest governance, focusing on its alignment with the principles set by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE). Through document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and power analysis, we assess how well the NAF fosters inclusiveness, inter-sectoral collaboration, long-term commitment, and capacity building. Our findings reveal that while the NAF has made notable progress in improving stakeholder participation, challenges persist in integrating different sectors and addressing conflicts between economic and ecological priorities. Overall, the study concludes that the NAF is a step forward toward a National Forest Programme, though it needs further refinement to achieve long-term sustainability and policy coherence.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Effectiveness of Forest Pedagogy Activities in Slovakia – the “Lesu Zdar” Project]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/forj-2025-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This paper evaluates the effectiveness of forest pedagogy as an informational forest policy instrument. The object of our study was the forest pedagogy activity – project “LESU ZDAR” targeted at high school students. Combining document analysis and semi-structured interviews, we analysed the perceived effectiveness of the project’s primary goals by all involved actors – students, teachers and forest pedagogues. Forest pedagogy was considered highly effective in enhancing pedagogic activities as a curricular enrichment, raising awareness and encouraging civic engagement among all project participants. However, its influence on career orientation was limited, as the percentage of students considering a forestry-related profession dropped post-project. Individual actors also perceived a lower level of effectiveness in influencing students’ attitudes toward forestry.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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