Forestry Studies Feed

Early growth and phenological development of Finnish-origin curly birch clones under Estonian hemiboreal conditions

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica) is a valuable tree form cultivated for its highly decorative figured wood. The successful establishment of curly birch plantations depends largely on the adaptation of planting material to local climatic conditions. This study evaluated the early growth performance and phenological characteristics of eight Finnish-origin curly birch clones under Estonian hemiboreal conditions. The study was carried out in a comparative clone trial established in southern Estonia in autumn 2012. A total of 360 cloned trees representing eight curly birch clones were monitored during the first two growing seasons after planting (2013–2014). Initial seedling height, annual height increment, root collar diameter and phenological characteristics were recorded. Differences among clones were analysed using linear models, Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test and Pearson correlation analysis. Significant differences among clones were found in initial seedling height, annual height increment, root collar diameter and vegetation period length (p < 0.05). During the second growing season, clones Pertunmaa E-10524 (KL4) and Kerimäki E-8306 (KL2) produced the greatest height increment. Vegetation period length was positively associated with annual height increment, although the relationship was not statistically significant (r = 0.64, p = 0.084). The results demonstrate that Finnish-origin curly birch clones differ in both early growth performance and phenological development under Estonian hemiboreal conditions. These differences reflect variation in climatic adaptation among clones. Whether the observed differences persist during later stages of stand development and are reflected in stem quality and figured wood formation can only be determined through long-term monitoring.

Responses of C:N:P stoichiometry and non-structural carbohydrate contents of Prunus mume seedling to nitrogen addition

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Prunus mume (P. mume) is a precocious flowering fruit species valued for its use in forestry and urban greening. Nitrogen (N) is a critical factor affecting early seedling growth and nutrient acquisition. However, the organ-specific responses of carbon (C): N: phosphorus (P) stoichiometry and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) pools to varying N supply remain unclear in this species. To address this, we examined the effects of five N levels (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 g N plant−1) on morphological characteristics, C:N:P stoichiometry, and non-structural carbohydrate contents in the leaves, stems, and roots of P. mume seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that N addition had a complex impact on seedling growth. While it significantly reduced P content across three organs, it increased total N content in the roots, stems, and leaves of P. mume seedlings. Higher N levels (40 g N plant−1) also resulted in a marked rise in the N/P ratio, especially in stems. In terms of C reserves, N addition significantly increased soluble NSC content, while starch storage significantly decreased. Overall, N addition fundamentally changed the C:N:P stoichiometric balance and C reserve allocation in P. mume seedlings, with the reduction in starch closely associated with the accumulation of soluble sugars. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing N fertilizer schedules, thereby supporting high-quality nursery production and the sustainable establishment of P. mume orchards in forestry and agroforestry systems.

An empirical assessment of Ondo State's sustainable forestry initiative (2019–2023)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Sustainable forest management remains a critical challenge in many tropical regions where timber extraction continues to exert pressure on forest ecosystems. This study examines patterns of timber harvesting and forest cover change in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria, between 2019 and 2023. Using forestry records and remote-sensing datasets on tree cover and primary forest loss, the study analysed temporal, seasonal, and spatial variations in timber extraction across Local Government Areas (LGAs). Results show that a total of 114,629 trees were felled during the study period, with annual harvesting declining from 29,556 trees in 2019 to 16,751 in 2023. Moderate positive correlations were observed between annual felling and both tree cover loss and primary forest loss (r = 0.47–0.65), indicating that the years with higher harvesting levels coincided with greater forest cover reductions. Seasonal analysis revealed higher cumulative harvesting during the wet season compared with the dry season, while spatial analysis showed that the dry rainforest zone accounted for the majority of recorded felling, particularly in Akure North, Owo, and Akure South LGAs. In contrast, lower extraction levels were observed in mangrove-dominated areas such as Ese-Odo and Ilaje. Forestry records also indicated the absence of species-level harvest data and limited documentation of replanting or restoration activities. These findings highlight the need to strengthen forest monitoring systems, integrate species-level reporting, and implement structured replanting programmes to support sustainable forest management and align subnational forestry practices with national climate and biodiversity objectives.

Synanthropic flora of the afforestation belts of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Although afforestation belts are widely recognized as components of the forest fund, there is limited information on the composition and structural patterns of their synanthropic flora. In this study, 298 relevés were collected in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe between 2019 and 2021, and classical floristic methods were applied to analyze species composition, life forms, and ecological strategies. Comparative analysis of the three flora fractions, natural, apophytic, and alien, across taxonomic, life form, and environmental profiles revealed clear structural differentiation among them. SIMPER and descriptive multivariate assessments showed that a limited number of taxa and functional groups primarily contribute to the observed differences, highlighting distinct compositional patterns within each fraction.

Assessment of tree damage following the first entry of shelterwood cutting in the Carpathian region

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The article presents the results of a study on damage to trees left after the first stage of uniform shelterwood cutting in beech-fir stands of the Carpathian region. The aim of the study was to determine the level, nature, and factors of damage sustained by trees remaining after logging operations. The damage was assessed by location, size, and depth of wounds, as well as the distance from the edge of the skid trail. The results showed that the highest proportion of damaged trees were those located in close proximity to skidding paths and trails. The vast majority of damage occurred on trunks and the root collar, while significantly fewer injuries were recorded in the root zone – 25.3%. The most common type of damage involved exposed but undamaged wood. In terms of wound size, medium-sized injuries (11–100 cm2) were the most frequent. Logging caused damage to an average of 9.3% of the trees left after cutting. The data confirm that with more intensive skidding, not only does the share of damaged trees increase, but so does the severity of the damage. It was found that the proportion of trees with minor injuries (damage only to the outer bark layer) decreases as skidding intensity increases. When logging intensity exceeds 120–130 m3 ha−1, a sharp deterioration in the preservation indicators of the remaining trees is observed. The presented results have practical significance for improving logging technologies in the Carpathians.

Floristic diversity and structural dynamics of woody species in the natural forests of Bonou, Pobè, and Niaouli, southern Benin

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study provides a comparative analysis of the floristic diversity, structural characteristics, and regeneration potential of three southern Benin natural forests: Bonou, Pobè, and Niaouli. Employing a range of dendrometric parameters, regeneration density classes, and biodiversity indices, the study identifies key ecological traits and conservation needs for each forest. Bonou Forest exhibited the highest density of tree stems and basal area, indicating a dense population with robust canopy coverage. In contrast, Pobè Forest had the largest average tree diameter, suggesting a mature forest structure. The analysis of diameter distribution revealed an inverted J-shaped structure across all forests, indicative of multi-species stands with healthy regeneration patterns dominated by trees in the 10–30 cm diameter range. Floristic diversity assessments highlighted Pobè Forest’s exceptional species richness and floristic originality, with 47.45% of species unique to this forest, while Bonou Forest displayed the highest Shannon Diversity Index and evenness, suggesting a balanced ecosystem. Regeneration density analyses revealed significant variation, with Bonou and Pobè forests showing higher regeneration densities across all stages than Niaouli, which recorded a limited density of seedlings. These findings stress the need for tailored conservation strategies: while Pobè’s high species richness calls for efforts to maintain its unique biodiversity, Bonou’s even distribution suggests resilience that can be sustained through existing management practices. For Niaouli, targeted actions to support regeneration are essential for sustaining ecological balance. This study highlights the critical role of diverse regeneration dynamics and floristic originality in forest resilience, informing conservation strategies for biodiversity maintenance in Benin’s natural forests.

Assessment of an optimal parameter space for spatial cluster detection of SMEAR Estonia flux footprint data using unsupervised learning algorithms

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding the spatial variability of ecosystem-atmosphere fluxes is essential for accurate carbon and water cycle assessments in forested landscapes. This study investigates the optimal parameter space for spatial cluster detection of flux footprint data from the SMEAR Estonia station using unsupervised learning algorithms. We applied DBSCAN and HDBSCAN clustering methods to half-hourly x-y coordinates of maximal flux contributions, derived from Kljun’s footprint model, over a six-year period. The data were scaled using both standard and robust scalers to mitigate the effects of large coordinate values and outliers. We systematically evaluated clustering performance across a range of hyper-parameters, using silhouette and Davies-Bouldin scores to assess cluster quality. Our results indicate that HDBSCAN, particularly with robust scaling, provides more consistent and interpretable clusters, with lower sensitivity to noise and computational demands compared to DBSCAN. The findings highlight the importance of hyper-parameter selection and scaling in cluster analysis of flux footprint data and demonstrate the utility of density-based clustering for identifying spatial patterns in ecosystem flux measurements. These insights can inform future studies on carbon and water dynamics in heterogeneous forest environments and support the development of climatesmart forestry strategies.

Forest 2200 nm/660 nm reflectance seasonality for improved satellite-image atmospheric correction

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A widely used algorithm, Sen2Cor, for the atmospheric correction of Sentinel-2 MSI images assumes a constant ratio of red (0.6 μm) and near-infrared (2.2 μm) spectral reflectance, taking ρ2.2/ρ0.6 = 2. In fact, however, this ratio exhibits substantial dependence on vegetation phenology. The discrepancy produces errors in predicted surface reflectance. We analyse the reflectance of 92,230 forest stands, using full time series of Landsat-8/9 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI images taken over Estonia. We find the ρ2.2/ρ0.6 value for evergreen needleleaf forests to be rather stable over time, with a mean value around 2.25. In broadleaf deciduous forests, on the other hand, we find ρ2.2/ρ0.6 to increase rapidly in the spring, to remain on average close to 3 or greater, and then to decrease in the autumn. We offer parametric and tabulated models of ρ2.2/ρ0.6 for eventual integration with Sen2Cor.

Kasvavate puude vigastamine harvendusraietel

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Thinning should promote the optimal growth and good health of a forest ecosystem. However, several residual trees usually suffer mechanical damage in stands after thinning operations. This research was conducted to determine the extent, cause and location of damage to residual trees during felling operations and timber extractions in the cut-to-length system in hemiboreal forests in Järvselja, Estonia. Field measurements were carried out in 30 thinning sites in 2017 and 2019. There were 57.6 damaged trees per hectare (7.8% of residual trees) on average. The number of damaged trees per hectare was not dependent on the method (harvester or manual felling) and season (winter period or summer period) of felling, however it was dependent on stand density. There were 23% root damage, 9% root collar damage and 68% stem damage out of all damaged trees. The common causes of residual tree damage were driving damage, falling tree damage and harvester saw damage. The strip roads covered 19% of the thinning area; the mean width of strip roads was 3.76 m. Thinning is certainly an important silvicultural measure whereas careful planning and execution should keep direct and consequential damage to the stand as minimal as possible.

Effects of waterlogging on some chemicals and antioxidant responses in Zanthoxylum armatum DC. seedlings

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (Z. armatum), known as the prickly ash or toothache tree, shows higher productivity and interesting agronomic features for spices, oilseeds and medicinal values. Waterlogging is one of the major stresses restricting the growth, development and production of Z. armatum in Southwest China due to flash rainfall and floods. However, the effects of waterlogging stress on the growth and antioxidant responses in Z. armatum seedlings have not been reported. In this study, the physiological responses in Z. armatum seedlings were investigated under waterlogging with different depths (2.7, 5.5, 11 cm above the ground level) and durations (2, 4 and 6 days). No significant differences in the averages of height, stem diameter and number of leaves were observed. However, the apical leaflets of seedlings that were submerged to a depth of 11 cm above the ground become soft on day 6. Chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) content rose significantly with the waterlogging levels on different treatment days compared to the control. There were no significant differences in the relative electrical conductivity between the control and treatments on day 2, but the values of the treatment groups were higher than those of in the control on days 4 and 6. The generally increased content of soluble sugar and soluble proteins within a small range with prolonged duration of the stress showed little differences between waterlogging stress and the controls. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity showed different changes in different tested groups at different treatment times, as compared with controls. The morphological and physiological characteristics had different responses to stress duration and waterlogging degree as well as their interactions. These findings were strong evidence that these plants may develop strategies and have a certain tolerance to short-term waterlogging, especially mild waterlogging.

Evaluation of height-diameter equations for predicting dominant height using data from Estonian forest research plots

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The primary goal of forest modelling is to accurately describe various forest processes and estimate stand- or tree-level indicators through mathematical models. Developing an accurate height-diameter model is a critical step in the creation of forest growth and yield models. The height-diameter curve is a mathematical equation with tree diameter at breast height as an input value and tree height as an output value. The objective of this research was to assess 50 different height-diameter curves to identify the most suitable ones for predicting dominant height using individual tree data from the Estonian Network of Forest Research Plots (ENFRP). Dominant height is defined as the mean height of 100 largest trees per hectare. For the evaluation we used measurement data collected from ENFRP plots between the years 1995 and 2021. The evaluation of height-diameter curves was based on their mathematical properties and the prediction error of dominant height. Among the evaluated equations, a modified version of the Hossfeld IV equation, was identified as the most accurate for predicting dominant height. The same equation, with Artur Nilson’s parameterization, yielded similar results. The results of this study can be used for developing generalized height-diameter models.

Potential future distribution shifts for Afzelia africana Sm. ex Pers. and Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. in the context of climate change in Benin

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change poses significant challenges to the survival of ecologically and economically important tree species. This study uses species distribution modelling to assess the current and future potential habitats of Afzelia africana and Pterocarpus erinaceus in Benin under moderate (RCP4.5) and high (RCP8.5) climate change scenarios. They are multipurpose trees listed on the IUCN Red List due to threats such as illegal logging and low natural regeneration rates. By integrating bioclimatic variables and occurrence data using the method of the Maximum Entropy under MaxEnt program, the results reveal critical habitat shifts, including significant contractions in highly suitable areas under severe climate conditions. Under current climatic conditions, approximately 85% of Benin’s territory is identified as a potentially suitable habitat for Afzelia africana and Pterocarpus erinaceus, indicating a significant area for their conservation. Future projections suggest that national parks, some of which currently include unsuitable zones, will offer increasingly suitable habitats, emphasizing their importance in climate adaptation strategies. The extensive availability of suitable habitats highlights the potential for future reintroductions or natural population expansions, ensuring the continued survival and ecological roles of these species in the region. Practical implications include conducting spatial prioritization using habitat suitability maps to extend current protected area networks, and focusing restoration efforts on medium-suitability areas. These findings provide a foundation for informed conservation strategies that align with climate adaptation goals.

Determining the parameters of the parabolic approximation of the sawlog based on Nilson’s sawlog volume formula

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Although parabolic approximations of sawlogs have become widespread, in current specialized literature, there are no parameter values of such approximations or dependencies for their calculation that could be used to analyze the influence of log dimensions on the volume yield of edged boards. The developed technique for determining the parameters of a truncated paraboloid, which approximates a sawlog, is based on Nilson’s formula for estimating its volume. Based on this, the equation of the generatrix of the truncated paraboloid as a function of the top diameter and the length of the sawlog (considering the species) and the formula for calculating its taper (in particular, total and main) are derived. The error of approximating sawlogs with a paraboloid was determined by comparing the taper estimate with literature data on the taper of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), and common oak (Quercus robur L.) sawlogs in Ukraine, Sweden, and Finland. This error ranges from -36% to -9%. Using the method of parametric identification of taper distributions based on literature data on their statistical characteristics (unbounded metalog distribution with four parameters and normal distribution were used), the probability that a sawlog has a taper smaller than its estimate was calculated. These probabilities range from 20% to 36%. The third quartiles of the sawlogs’ taper distributions are, respectively, between 200% and 150% of the taper estimate. Therefore, the obtained formulas for determining the parameters of the approximating paraboloid led to a rather conservative estimate of the taper (however, acceptable for use in log sawing planning), which confirms their suitability for analyzing the influence of log dimensions on the yield of edged boards.

Linking field performance to initial morphological traits of thuja seedlings in a semiarid Mediterranean area

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Forest seedling size is still a subject of debate in plant production for reforestation programs in a semiarid Mediterranean area. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of initial morphological traits of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl.) Mast. containerized seedlings on survival rate and growth performance after 11 months of outplanting in a semiarid Mediterranean site. The rooting depth of dead and alive seedlings was also explored to determine the effective depth for survival optimization and consequently to characterize the critical minimal soil water content necessary for seedlings to overcome drought season. The survival probability of T. articulata seedlings was strongly influenced by the initial seedling collar diameter, showing an increasing pattern with a critical minimum of 3.24 mm. The sturdiness index affected the survival probability, showing a trend downwards with a critical maximum of 5.93 cm mm−1. The shoot height relative growth rate of the seedlings was significantly affected by the initial morphological class, giving more advantage to small seedlings, while the collar diameter relative growth seemed to be insensitive to the initial seedling size. The evaluation of the rooting depth in relation to seedling survival allowed the characterization of a minimum depth of 57.74 cm that the roots must exceed in order to reach the wettest soil layers; this soil depth corresponds to a minimum critical gravimetric water content of 12% below which the roots cannot survive. These results suggest that in semiarid regions, where rainfall is scarce and soil moisture is uncertain, planting shortstemmed seedlings with a large collar diameter can enhance survival and shoot growth during the first year after planting.

Floristic status of the Himalayan foothills in Haryana – vegetation composition, diversity and population structure

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The current research was performed in the Morni Hills, a part of the outer Himalayas. Floristic assessment is critical for a plant community, reflecting both the gene pool and adaptability of the community. For this, different parameters like density, frequency, basal area, IVI, and various diversity indices were calculated by dividing the area into two altitudinal ranges, i.e. 400–600 m AMSL (AR_1) and 600–800 m AMSL (AR_2). The vegetation sampling was done by randomly selecting 30 plots in the selected area. The study showed that AR_2 (118 plant species: 31 trees, 17 shrubs, 58 herbs, and 12 climbers) had a higher number of plant species in comparison to AR_1 (106 plant species: 26 trees, 14 shrubs, 54 herbs, and 12 climbers) with Poaceae being the family with the greatest number of species. The area was seen to be dominated by Acacia nilotica (L.) willd. Ex Delile, Cassia fistula L., and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit in AR_1 while by Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre, Cassia fistula, and Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz in AR_2. The upper range, i.e. AR_2 was also more diverse than AR_1 because of a high Shannon Wiener Diversity Index value and a lower Simpson Index value. Whereas the population structure study demonstrated that girth class D (CBH=61–90 cm) had the highest number of tree species in both altitudinal ranges, followed by girth class C (CBH=31–60 cm). Moreover, the forest was also observed to be occupied by various invasive plant species as well as under anthropogenic pressure, hence in immediate need of proper management and conservation.

Forest stand height predicted from ICESat-2 ATLAS data for forest inventory and comparison to airborne laser scanning metrics

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The study analysed 2019–2022 summertime canopy height predictions (HICESat) given in ICESat-2 ATLAS dataset ATL08 for hemiboreal forests growing on an area of 40,000 km2 in Estonia around 25.6° E, 58.8° N. In total 12,711 ATL08 20×20 m pixel observations were used from 3,065 forest stands with homogenous canopy structure. Regression modelling was used to explain variability in ground surface elevation estimates, and relationships of HICESat to basal area weighted mean tree height given in the forest inventory database (HFI) and to the 95th percentile of the vertical distribution of airborne laser scanning pulse return (HALS). The other explanatory variables were the ICESat-2 ATLAS observation geographic location, ICESat-2 ATLAS track and beam energy indicators, forest canopy cover, evergreen coniferous tree dominance indicator, and deep peat soil indicator. The linear model between the Estonian digital terrain model elevation and ATL08 ground elevation had a determination coefficient of R2=99.97% and residual standard error of δ=0.51 m when a geographic location was included. The HFI can be predicted from HICESat with R2=85% and δ=2.7 m. A comparison of means indicated that, on average, HICESat was about 0.3 m greater than HFI. All the predictive variables (except the geographic location) were significant in canopy height models, and the best models fitted HICESat with R2=95% and δ=1.6 m, however, there was no notable increase in R2 if more predictors than HALS were added in the models. In practical applications using ATL08 data for forest inventories, the inclusion of weak energy beam observations increases the number of observations, but the beam energy indicator has to be included in the models.

Thirty-year land cover dynamics of a Ukrainian small town

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The purpose of the work was to determine trends in land cover dynamics in a case study of a small town for the period from 1991 to 2021 using GIS technologies to find measures to prevent negative anthropogenic impacts. The object of the study is the territory of the small town of Kaharlyk, Kyiv region, Ukraine, and its landscaping system. Dynamic processes in the town were monitored using freely available Landsat time series. The land cover was classified into five categories: forest, grassland, cropland, urban (buildings) and wetland (water). Using the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis, the dynamics of connectivity of elements of the urban forest was determined. Despite the relatively high rates of provision of the population with green infrastructure and a large forested area, the urban forests have an insular (fragmentary) nature and low connectivity. This does not contribute to the creation of a cohesive network and ecological framework of the town. It was established that there were no significant changes in the land cover of the town, however, some negative trends emerged, which should be taken into account in future urban planning.

Three decades of research efforts on the uses, conservation, and management of Cola nitida (Vent.): State of knowledge and prospects in Africa

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Cola nitida is a key multipurpose fruit tree species widely distributed across African countries. Several studies have investigated different aspects of the species, but there is a lack of synthesis on the current state of available literature and prospects for sustainable conservation and management of the species. Using the PRISMA approach for systematic review over the last three decades (1990–2022) in Africa, this study gathered key existing research findings on C. nitida. A total of 280 scientific publications were finally retained for this review. Several studies were focused on the socio-economic importance of the species (n = 139 ~ 50%), nutritional and chemical properties of its organs (n = 48 ~ 17%), improvement of its propagation methods (n = 30 ~ 11%), pest and pesticide control (n = 39 ~ 14%), morphological and genetic diversity (n = 21 ~ 7.5%), its botanical description and ecology (n = 2 ~ 0.7%), and climate change threats on the species (n = 1 ~ 0.3%). The review revealed a gap in knowledge on the methods for improving the species’ resilience to climate variability. Future research on the species should focus on its ecophysiological traits, the identification of elite accessions, and the type of agroforestry system that could optimize its productivity. The review provides a baseline for developing innovative management programs for C. nitida in Africa. Moreover, it highlights the need for more research efforts in the Central and East African native range of the species.

Modelling of forest carbon dynamics in different forest management scenarios: A case study on poplar and black locust plantations in Hungary

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Long-term forest carbon modelling is helpful in climate change mitigation actions. Estimating potential carbon sequestration in forests can be considered the long-term strategy for low carbon and climate resilience in the National Determination Contribution. In Hungary, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and poplars (Populus sp.) are prominent and dominant species in reforestation and afforestation projects. The research aimed to estimate the carbon dynamics of black locust and white poplar long rotation plantations in some forest management scenarios. Thirty-six forest management scenarios were developed from two species, six yield classes, and tree wood utilization. CO2FIX modelling projected carbon dynamics for 45 years of rotation. Our findings have shown that class yield I resulted in the highest carbon stock compared to class yields II–VI. Black locust plantations have stored carbon to a larger extent than white poplar plantations. In terms of wood utilization, harvested black locust or white poplar wood contributed the most extensive carbon stock if used for pulp. In conclusion, from 36 forest management scenarios, the best scenario was black locust plantation in class yield I and the aim for pulp that stored the carbon at the end of rotation was 101.75 Mg C/ha. In all forest management scenarios, the soil carbon stock was higher than carbon in biomass, products, and bioenergy. Thus, conserving the soil as the dominant carbon pool is vital for future policy recommendations.

The phytoremediator capacity of Quercus cerris L. against heavy metals contamination in the Ezer forest, Lebanon

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The uncontrolled rise in heavy metal pollution due to anthropogenic activities has become a global environmental concern. Lebanon's Ezer forest, dominated by Quercus cerris L., is exposed to vehicular activity along its northern edge due to an unpaved public road and intensive recreational activities in its center. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of metals in Q. cerris leaves and soil across three distinct forest stands: S1 and S2 (polluted sites) and Ctrl (control site). Cadmium, chromium, lead, and aluminium were extracted via the wet digestion method and analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide levels, the total carbohydrate and phenolic content in Q. cerris leaves, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes, were measured. The results revealed that Ezer forest is at risk of heavy metal contamination, with a significant increase in hydrogen peroxide levels at the polluted sites compared to the Ctrl site. The total carbohydrate and phenolic content was notably reduced at the polluted sites, while peroxidase and catalase activity increased, indicating that Q. cerris has developed adaptive mechanisms to cope with oxidative stress. National strategies to raise public awareness and reduce heavy metal contamination in the forest are urgently needed to protect the rare Q. cerris species.