Hasil untuk "Forestry"

Riku Watanabe, Maria Daniela Artigas Ramirez, Shin-ichiro Agake et al.

Soybeans have been cultivated in Poland for more than 140 years. However, Poland’s cold and water-deficient climatic conditions hinder soybean cultivation. Although the availability of suitable soybean varieties in Poland contributes to meeting the demand for soybean production, it is important to identify rhizobial inoculants in Polish soils suitable for soybean cultivation. In this study, we cultivated soybean varieties (Abelina, Merlin, and Sultana) grown in soils taken from four regions in Poland and isolated 330 strains from soybean root nodules. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 49 strains of highly stress-tolerant nodule-associated bacteria, including <i>Bradyrhizobium</i>, <i>Rhizobium</i>, <i>Ensifer</i>, <i>Tardiphaga</i>, and <i>Ralstonia</i> spp. Several isolates exhibited positive effects on soybean growth under cold and water-deficient conditions. In particular, the isolate <i>Bradyrhizobium japonicum</i> PSN49, which is phylogenetically similar to <i>B</i>. <i>japonicum</i> USDA 123, increased plant biomass and nodule formation in the soybean cultivar Abelina under abiotic stress conditions due to its high nitrogen-fixing activity. Whole-genome comparisons between PSN49 and other <i>Bradyrhizobium</i> strains revealed that trehalose biosynthesis genes and cold shock proteins contributed to cold stress tolerance. These findings and the strains identified in this study will enhance soybean production and deepen the understanding of the soybean–rhizobium relationship in Poland.

Kucbel Stanislav, Vencurik Jaroslav, Šumichrast Ladislav et al.

In the conditions of ongoing climate change, the old-growth forest remnants of the Western Carpathians provide a unique possibility to study the structural changes in forests undisturbed by human activity. In four subalpine primary spruce forests in Slovakia, we analysed the temporal variability of basic stand characteristics, the dynamics of diameter structures and the development of tree species composition. The study was conducted in a series of 10 permanent research plots with the size of 0.5 ha. Within each plot, we recorded all living trees (dbh > 8 cm) as well as the recruitment individuals (dbh 0.1−8.0 cm). Old-growth spruce forests Babia hora, Kotlový žľab and Pilsko showed continuous reduction of stem density, basal area and growing stock during the investigated period. In the last two decades, the negative interdecadal changes of basal area and stand volume even exceeded the rate 35% as a consequence of severe disturbances caused by the windstorms and bark-beetles. Breakdown of these stands affected also their diameter structure and the unimodal distributions were replaced by the more differentiated structures of rotated sigmoid shape. Such significant change was followed by a massive increase in stem density of spruce and rowan recruitment. Stable bimodal diameter structure was observed only in old-growth forest Zadná Poľana, that was characterized by the small-scale gap dynamics. The results documented the intense breakdown of natural spruce stands with unimodal structure and the key role of the existing seedlings and saplings bank of spruce and rowan for their regeneration after the disturbance events.

LIANG Shenghuan1,2, ZHU Hui2, WEI Yinzhou3, GUO Dongqiang2, YANG Mei1*

In order to screen for essential oil families of Eucalyptus robusta with excellent antibacterial, the study focused on the leaves of four E. robusta families in Nanning and Wuxuan. Fresh leaves of 5-year-old E. robusta were collected for steam distillation essential oil extraction. The chemical components of the essential oils were identified, and their antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi were measured. The extracted oil yield, component differences among families, regional response of family essential oils, and effects of essential oil components on antibacterial activity were explored. The results were as follows:(1)The essential oils of four families of E. robusta were mainly composed of 73.695% to 84.535% monoterpenoids with the main components being pinene, phellandrene and p-cymene. The α-pinene content in the family 1 content can reach up to 41.629%, Common components among E. robusta families included α-pinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, d-limonene, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, 4-terpineol, and α-terpineol. The 1,8-cineole chemotype of E.robusta had a low oil production rate.(2)The leaf essential oils of different E. robusta families had different responses to environmental changes. α-phellandrene, 1,8-cineole, d-limonene, α-terpineol and p-cymene were correlation components.(3)E. robusta essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. typhi. Notably, family 3 of E. robusta showed higher activity against S. typhi than streptomycin. However, no antibacterial ability against P. aeruginosa was observed. An increase in alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes was beneficial for improving its antibacterial activity. In conclusion, E. robusta essential oil is mainly composed of monoterpenoids. Certain essential oil components are correlated, and there are common components among families. Increasing alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes is beneficial for improving the antibacterial activity of E. robusta essential oil. However, the 1,8-cineole chemotype of E. robusta has a low oil production rate, indicating a need for further breeding efforts. This study provides a theoretical basis for the selection and breeding of E. robusta essential oil and their application in spices or medicine.

Aldo Joao Cárdenas-Oscanoa, Jean Lawrence Tene Tayo, Caoxing Huang et al.

In recent decades, there has been a growing concern about the excessive consumption on petroleum-based sources. Scientists are now focused on increasing the utilization of natural and renewable sources instead of nonrenewable ones to produce safety and environmentally friendly products. Their aim is to maintain and enhance product performance while also keeping production costs in check. Within this framework, natural-fiber insulation boards emerge as a trending topic and consequently, also the use of natural adhesives to supply them and reach an entirely friendly-environment product. Natural-fiber insulation material performance is typically evaluated by its mechanical and physical properties. Among them are bending, compression, tensile strength, density, water absorption, and thermal conductivity. Throughout the cited literature, a diversity of vegetal-origin fibers, especially wood-fibers and natural adhesive sources like lignin, tannins, and proteins for insulation materials has been found, which are constantly improved in order to reach a superior production scale. This work provides a summary of research that focuses on natural fiber insulation products as well as natural adhesives, pointing to Polylactic Acid (PLA).

Chao-Chao Li, Yi Bao, Ting Hou et al.

Abstract Chloroplast genomes, pivotal for understanding plant evolution, remain unexplored in Rutaceae, a family with key perennial crops like citrus. Leveraging next-generation sequencing data from 509 Rutaceae accessions across 15 species, we conducted a de novo assembly of 343 chloroplast genomes, unveiling a chloroplast variation map highlighting the heterogeneous evolution rates across genome regions. Notably, differences in chloroplast genome size primarily originate from large single-copy and small single-copy regions. Structural variants predominantly occurred in the single-copy region, with two insertions located at the single-copy and inverted repeat region boundary. Phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis, and population genetic statistics confirmed the cohesive clustering of different Citrus species, reflecting evolutionary dynamics in Citrus diversification. Furthermore, a close chloroplast genetic affinity was revealed among Atalantia (previously regarded as primitive citrus), Clausena, and Murraya. Zanthoxylum formed a distinct group with heightened genetic diversity. Through expanding our analysis to include 34 published chloroplast genomes, we explored chloroplast gene selection, revealing divergent evolutionary trends in photosynthetic pathways. While Photosystem I and Photosystem II exhibited robust negative selection, indicating stability, the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase pathway demonstrated rapid evolution, which was indicative of environmental adaptation. Finally, we discussed the effects of gene length and GC content on chloroplast gene evolution. In conclusion, our study reveals the genetic characterization of chloroplast genomes during Rutaceae diversification, providing insights into the evolutionary history of this family.

Karsten Heuer, Jonathan Farr, Leroy Littlebear et al.

The reintroduction of extirpated species is a frequent tactic in rewilding projects because of the functional role species play in maintaining ecosystem health. Despite their potential to benefit both ecosystems and society, however, most well-known species reintroductions have adopted an eco-centric, “nature-in-people-out” approach. Rewilding theory and practitioners acknowledge that ignoring the role Indigenous people did and might once again play in shaping the distribution, abundance, movements, behavior, and health of wild species and ecosystems, is limiting. In this case study, we describe the technical steps we took and how Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and cultural monitoring were woven into the recent reintroduction of plains bison to Canada’s Banff National Park. Six years later, the reintroduced bison herd has grown from 16 to &gt;100 animals, ranges mostly within 30 km of the release site, and, if current growth continues, will likely be managed with Indigenous harvesting. Transboundary bison policy differences are shifting and may lead to bison being more sustainable. The ecocultural approach, therefore, has increased the resilience of our rewilding project.

Zheng Li, Jinhao Guo, Yang Hong et al.

Red deer (<i>Cervus canadensis xanthopygus</i>) living in the north of China are restricted and threatened due to human activities and the changes in the natural environment, which influence the dispersal and effective gene flow between different groups of red deer. Effective gene flow plays an important role in maintaining genetic diversity and structure and ensuring population health. In order to evaluate the genetic diversity level and understand the gene flow between different red deer groups, 231 fresh fecal samples were collected from the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains, China. A microsatellite marker was used for genetic analysis. The results showed that the genetic diversity of red deer was intermediate in this region. Significant genetic differentiation among different groups was found in the main distribution area (<i>p</i> < 0.01) using <i>F</i>-statistics and the program STRUCTURE. Different degrees of gene flow existed in red deer groups, and the roads (<i>importance</i> = 40.9), elevation (<i>importance</i> = 38.6), and settlements (<i>importance</i> = 14.1) exerted main effects on gene flow between red deer groups. Human-made factors should be noticed and strictly supervised in this region to avoid excessive disturbance to the normal movement of the red deer. Further conservation and management of red deer should reduce the intensity of vehicular traffic in the concentrated distribution areas of red deer, especially during the heat season. This research helps us better understand the genetic level and health status of red deer in the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains and provides theoretical references for protecting and restoring the red deer populations in China.

محمد نجفیان اشرفی, محمد قربانیان فر, اسماعیل راست بود et al.

درخت گردو یکی از مهم‌ترین گونه‌ها در اروپا، آسیا و ایران است که به دلیل مقاومت‌های بالا و زیبایی آن در صنایع مختلفی مانند مبلمان، روکش‌، و ساختمان سازی مورد استفاده قرار می‌گیرد. در این پژوهش از درخت گردو در دو مکان مختلف یکی در جنگل‌های شمال کشور ایران (نور) و دیگری در غرب ایران (شهرکرد) انتخاب و ویژگی های فیزیکی شامل (دانسیته خشک، دانسیته بحرانی و هم‌کشیدگی) و خصوصیات مکانیکی شامل ( مقاومت خمشی، مدول الاستیسیته، فشار موازی به الیاف، برش موازی به الیاف، کشش موازی و عمود بر الیاف، مقاومت به پیچ‌خوری در دو جهت شعاعی، مماسی و ضربه) مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. در این تحقیق از استاندارد ISI 3129 و ASTM (D143-14) به ترتیب برای انجام ازمایشات فیزیکی و مکانیکی استفاده شد. رطوبت کلیه نمونه‌ها در هنگام انجام آزمایشات مکانیکی 12 درصد بود. متوسط دانسیته خشک گردو نور و شهرکرد به ترتیب 61/0 و 57/0 گرم‌ بر سانتی‌متر مکعب بدست آمد. نتایج تجزیه واریانس نشان داد که خصوصیات و مقاومت‌های فیزیکی و مکانیکی این دو گونه به جز دانسیته خشک، هم‌کشیدگی شعاعی، مماسی و حجمی با هم تفاوت معنی‌داری ندارند. از سویی دیگر، با توجه به دانسیته بالاتر گونه درخت نور، مقاومت‌های مکانیکی آن درخت در مقایسه با گونه گردو شهرکرد، مقداری بالاتر بود.

Jing Sun, Xinyu Zhong, Dandan Sun et al.

Polysaccharides recovered from extraction residue of ginseng root saponins, i.e., ginsenosides-extracting residue polysaccharides (GRP), were separated into two fractions, GRP-1 and GRP-2. Fourier infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, as well as high-performance liquid chromatography and gel permeation chromatography measurements, showed GRP-1 was composed of mainly starch-like glucans and GRP-2, relatively a smaller portion, was a mixture of heteropolysaccharides composed of starch-like glucans, rhamnogalacturonan-I pectin, and arabinogalactans, and they had similar molecular weights. These results proved that the structure of GRP was not destroyed and GRP still maintained strong antioxidant activities. In addition, GRP coating on surfaces of fruit slowed their deterioration and maintained their nutritional effects. Correlation and PCA analyses on various quality and antioxidant parameters supported the above findings and a possible mechanism in fruit preservation was then proposed. Knowing the structural features and bioactivities of GRP gives insights into its application. Specifically, GRP served as an environmentally friendly coating that can be used to preserve the nutrients and other quality indicators of strawberries and fresh-cut apples, paving the way for future new approaches to food preservation using polysaccharides or other natural products.

Mingzhu Zhang, Xingzhuang Ye, Sai Zhang et al.

Schima superba is the dominant species of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest which has the characteristics of ecological fire prevention function. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. superba. The cp genome was 157,205 bp in length with a GC content of 37.40%, including a large single-copy (LSC 87,161 bp), a small single-copy (SSC 18,092 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IR 25,976 bp). The genome encoded 133 functional genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that S. superba was closely related to Schima sinensis, Schima multibracteata, Schima crenata, and Schima remotisertata.

Xiaohong Weng, Jiayi Li, Xin Sui et al.

Abstract Purpose The soil microbial community is an important bioactive component of terrestrial ecosystems. Its structural and functional diversity directly affects carbon and nitrogen processes. This study aimed to investigate the variations in the functional diversity of soil microbial communities in forests with different types of vegetation. Methods We selected three typical vegetation types, larch (LG), black birch (BD), and larch and black birch mixed (LGBD) forests, located in the Heilongjiang Zhongyangzhan Black-billed Capercaillie Nature Reserve. The Biolog-Eco microplate technology was selected to perform these analyses. Result Our results showed clear differences between microorganisms in the three typical forests. The average well colour development (AWCD) change rate gradually increased with incubation time. The BD type had the highest AWCD value, followed by LGBD; the LG forest type had the lowest value. The difference in the soil microbial alpha diversity index between BD and LG was significant. A principal component analysis showed that PC1 and PC2 respectively explained 62.77% and 13.3% of the variance observed. The differences in the soil microbial carbon-source utilisation patterns under different vegetation types were mainly caused by esters and carbohydrates. Redundancy analysis showed that soil microbial functional diversity was strongly affected by soil physicochemistrical properties (e.g. organic carbon, total nitrogen and pH). Conclusion These results provide a reference for further exploring the relationship between forest communities and soil microbes during the process of forest succession.

M. Goswami, Neri Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh India Forestry, Shikha Bhagta et al.

Melia dubia popularly known as Malabar Neem is a promising multipurpose tree highly suitable for farm forestry and agro forestry for generating higher income per unit area. Melia dubia is one of the fastest growing trees in the world and considered as a money spinning tree of short rotation due to its high demand in pulpwood, plywood and timber industries. It is a good fuel and fodder yielding tree. In addition to this, Melia dubia also has extensive medicinal, pharmacological, ethnomedicinal and conventional properties and uses. The current article reviews literature on importance of Melia dubia for timber industry and medicinal value.

Lucie Duonamou, Alexandre Konate, Sylvie Djègo Djossou et al.

The handling, capturing, butchering, and transportation of wildmeat can increase the risk of zoonoses, including the Ebola virus disease (EVD). Guinea, West Africa, experienced a catastrophic outbreak of EVD between 2013 and 2016. This study aimed to understand local people’s sources of information concerning EVD, their perceptions of potential wildlife carriers of EVD and their meat and fish consumption behavior during this period. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 332 participants in two urban centers (N = 209) and three villages (N = 123) between January 3 and March 30, 2015 in the prefecture of Lola in southeastern Guinea. Chi-square analyses revealed that, in rural areas, awareness missions represented the main source of information about EVD (94.3%), whereas in urban settings such missions (36.1%), as well as newspapers (31.6%) and radio (32.3%) were equally mentioned. Bats (30.1% and 79.4%), chimpanzees (16.3% and 48.8%) and monkeys (13.0% and 53.1%) were the most commonly cited potential agents of EVD in both rural and urban areas respectively, while the warthog (2.3% rural and 6.5% urban), crested porcupine (1.7% rural and 10.7% urban), duiker (1.19% rural and 2.6% urban) and the greater cane rat (1.1% rural and 9.5% urban) were also cited but to a lesser extent. However, 66.7% of rural respondents compared to only 17.2% in the urban area did not consider any of these species as potential carriers of the Ebola virus. Nonetheless, a fifth of our respondents reported not consuming any of these species altogether during the EVD outbreak. Among all seven faunal groups mentioned, a significant reduction in reported consumption during the Ebola outbreak was only noted for bats (before: 78.3% and during: 31.9%) and chimpanzees (before: 31.6% and during: 13.5%). Automatic Chi-Square Interaction Detection (CHAID) analysis revealed that the belief that bats or chimpanzees were associated with EVD or not had a significant effect respectively on their non-consumption or continued consumption. However, only 3.9% of respondents reported shifting to alternative protein sources such as domestic meat or fish specifically to avoid EVD. Only 10.8% reported consuming more domestic meat during the EVD outbreak compared with before; affordability and availability were the main reported reasons for why people did not consume more domestic meat and why two thirds reported consuming more fish. While increased domestic meat consumption was linked to the belief that duikers, the most commonly consumed wildmeat before the epidemic, were associated with EVD, increased fish consumption was not predicted by any EVD related factors. Our study revealed deep-rooted false beliefs among rural respondents and constraints when it comes to access to alternative protein sources such as domestic meat. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for greater consideration of the relationship between socio-economic context, food security, and public health.

I. Nuberg, K. Shrestha, A. Bartlett

ABSTRACT Nepal is one of the leading countries embracing community forestry with about 45% of households being members of community forest user groups. However, there has been a failure to deliver the full potential of forest wealth because of a lack of proper silvicultural management, a constraining policy environment and a complex socio-institutional context. Meanwhile, mid-hill agriculture has not kept pace with the changing economy and out-migration. Food insecurity is rife in a landscape of under-utilised forests and under-utilised land. Australian development assistance between 1978 and 2006 supported the establishment of 21 000 ha of community forests and significant contributions to community forest institutions. In the light of the under-performance of this sector, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research established the project Enhancing Food Security and Livelihoods through Agroforestry and Community Forestry in Nepal, locally known as EnLiFT, which ran from 2013 to 2018. This paper aims to explain Australia’s contribution to Nepal’s forestry, with a focus on more recent achievements supporting pathways to realise the potential wealth in Nepal’s forests. It begins with an outline of the early Australian support and origins of community forestry in Nepal via the Nepal–Australia Forestry Project, and then the current status of community forestry. It then describes the research process of the EnLiFT project starting with new conceptual models and methods such as: (1) the Pathways Approach to link forest and food security; (2) the EnLiFT Bioeconomic Model of the Farm-Forest Interface; (3) the Silvo-Institutional Model for Scientific Forest Management; (4) Active and Equitable Forest Management; (5) Rapid Silvicultural Appraisal; (6) the Strategic and Inclusive Planning process and (7) EnLiFT Policy Labs. We also highlight many significant development impacts of EnLiFT. The demonstration and training of silvicultural methods released considerable forest wealth into the community. This occurred around the time of the 2015 earthquake when timber was in need for reconstruction. It was also associated with the re-vitalisation of a defunct sawmill by facilitation of community-private partnership. It was responsible for turning the public debate from resistance to acceptance of scientific forest management. It also developed inclusive planning processes for the revision of operational plans of community forests. On privately owned land, EnLiFT demonstrated: (1) the possibility for marked and rapid changes in livelihoods from relatively simple agroforestry interventions based on horticultural commodities and tree fodders; (2) an even greater potential for livelihood enhancement through private forestry and (3) articulated the current institutional and regulatory constraints on sale of trees from private land. We conclude by highlighting the contributions of EnLiFT in policy debate which led to policy outcomes that further the improvement of community forestry, agroforestry and bringing under-utilised land back into productive use.

Rohit Verma, D. K. Mehta, K. S. Thakur et al.

A experimental trial was conducted at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP, India during kharif season 2013, to evaluate the influence of mulching and planting geometry on seed quality and ripe fruit rot incidence of bell pepper (capsicum annuum L.) using cv. Solan Bharpur. Planting geometry comprised of three row layouts and two plant layouts. The different treatments involved in the present studies were, four mulches (No mulch,  Black-plastic mulch, Silver-black plastic mulch and Crop residue mulch), three row layouts (Single row 60×45 cm2, Double row (75+45)×45 cm2), and Double row (90+30)×45 cm2) and two plant layouts (Rectangle/square, and Triangle) with constant plant population i.e. 37037 plants ha-1. Thus there were 24 (4×3×2) treatment combinations. The field experiment was laid in Split-Split Plot Design replicated three times while laboratory experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with four replications. The results revealed that significantly higher germination percentage (95.66%), seedling length (9.98 cm), seedling dry weight (2.99 mg), seed vigour index-Length and Mass (954.74 and 286.05 respectively) was recorded in treatment combination of silver-black plastic mulch+double row (75+45)×45 cm2+triangle plant layout. However the interaction effect of mulching and planting geometry on 1000 seed weight and ripe fruit rot incidence % was found to be non significant.

Yi Wang, Cheng Wang, Wei Zhou et al.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of wilting and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) addition on the silage fermentation quality and microbial community of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf silage. Unwilted (direct-cut) or wilted M. oleifera leaves were prepared either with or without LP (1.0 × 106 cfu/g) followed by either 60 or 120 days of ensiling, leading to eight treatment groups. The results showed that lactic acid was the dominant fermentation product, and no butyric acid was detected for any of the treatments. Higher acetic acid and propionic acid were detected during the fermentation of wilted silage compared to unwilted silage. Although NH3-N content increased after wilting, the content was far below 10% of the dry matter (DM). In addition, higher pH was observed after 120 days of ensiling compared to 60 days. Wilting also influenced the bacterial community structure. Lactobacillus was the most dominant genus in unwilted samples while Enterobacteriales, Weissella, and Pantoea were the most dominant genera in wilted samples. Furthermore, the relative abundance of undesirable microorganisms was far below that of lactic acid bacteria in all treatments. In summary, wilting had significant effects on fermentation quality, and it was shown that M. oleifera leaves can undergo quality ensiling directly without the addition of LP.

Cecep Kusmana, Topik Hidayat, Tatang Tiryana et al.

Allometric models are needed to estimate the stored carbon stocks in a mangrove forest ecosystem (blue carbon). Nevertheless, the development of allometric models for above- and below-ground biomass models for Sonneratia spp. species specifically has not yet been carried out either at global, regional and local scale and therefore it is very important to conduct a research on it. This is because this species is a pioneer species in the mangrove forests and a CO2 absorber, has a very important role in reducing wave energy and retain sediments. Therefore this research was conducted to formulate an allometric model for the above- and below-ground biomass of Sonneratia spp. The biomass data of Sonneratia spp. (S.alba and S. caseolaris) were acquired through destructive sampling technique of 30 tree samples that have a stem diameter (diameter breast height/DBH)) within the range of 1.27–20.06 cm. The allometric model is obtained through non-linear regression analysis (using GNLS function in R), with a combination of the stem diameter, tree heights and wood density as estimated variables. The largest biomass proportion is found on the part of the stem (31.28%), which was followed by the below-ground roots (23.40%), twig (13.35%), branches (12.96%), foliage (12.50%), while the smallest proportion is present on the pneumatophore (6.51%). The biomass comparison of the above- and below-ground is 3:1 (76.60%:23.40%). The result of the analysis indicate that the belowground, aboveground and total biomass can be estimated well with the power function. The aboveground and total biomass can be estimated with just the stem diameter variable, while the belowground biomass can be well estimated with a combination of the stem diameter, tree height, and wood density. Overall, the addition of the tree heights or wood density variable in biomass allometric model development can increase the accuracy of the model, however the results are not significantly different than the model that uses only the stem diameter variable. Keywords: Allometric model, Blue carbon, Mangrove biomass, Sonneratia spp., Top root ratio, Partial organs biomass

L. Häyrinen, O. Mattila, S. Berghäll et al.

Coletta V, Pellicone G, Bernardini V et al.

CO2 fluxes from soil, together with soil water content and temperature have been measured over one solar year in an even-aged beech forest (Fagus Sylvatica L.) in southern Italy. We investigated the effects of three different harvested biomass removal treatments (traditional, innovative, unharvested control) on soil respiration (Rs) in three plots from May 2014 to April 2015, with the aim to evaluate the effects of such silvicultural practices on the CO2 respired from the forest floor. The influence of soil temperature and soil moisture on soil respiration was also analysed. Rs showed large variations among the treatments, with the innovative treatment resulting in significantly higher soil respiration than control and traditional treatments. There were no significant differences in soil temperature between the treatments, whereas soil water content was statistically different only in the innovative treatment. The study showed that the mean soil respiration increased with thinning intensity, confirming that after harvesting, residues remaining on the forest floor and decomposing roots may contribute to raise soil respiration, due to the higher microbial activity.

R. Gutteridge, Shelton H. Max