Assessing Effects of Forest Fires on Plant Nutrients and Biomass in Northeastern Türkiye

Issues related to forest growth are essential in the forest management system. Reforestation, forest care, logging, and other activities require continuous improvement and new approaches to planning and implementation over time. This should be done in compliance with the principles of sustainable, continuous, and rational use of forest resources. Therefore, the study aimed to analyse scientifically based approaches to forest restoration, thinning, and principal felling and suggest optimal methods for growing Scots pine forests in Polissya. It was analysed scientific research, compared experimental data on different methods of Scots pine growing, and critically assessed the “Rules for Principal Felling” requirements for conducting Shelterwood cutting in Scots pine forests. On one- and three-year-old fell areas of Polissya, the optimal natural regeneration of Scots pine is observed in a wet subir, minimal – in a fresh bir, and average - in a fresh subir and a wet bir. On a one-year-old Scots pine fell area, dense natural regeneration is observed up to 50 m from the neighbouring forest. It becomes medium at 51-100 m and rare beyond 100 m. The maximum stocking (420-436 m³ per hectare) and optimal stand structure at 51 years can be achieved through linear thinning. Creating Scots pine forests in a fresh subir with Common oak is irrational, as oak cannot survive in the stand. Deciduous species, such as Common oak, appear naturally in such areas after 30 years and can form a second layer in the stand. The use of nature-saving technologies for clear-cutting allows for the preservation of undergrowth. The last round of shelterwood cuttings in pine forests with viable undergrowth of more than 8,000 units per hectare should not be scheduled in 4-7 years, as required by the “Rules for Principal Felling”. The study results can be used to improve regulatory documents and offer practical recommendations for the rational growing of Scots pine forests in Polissya

Participatory forest management has been globally studied and it has been argued that clearly defined boundaries for access of the community forest resources will lead to sustainable use of resources and enhanced sustainable livelihoods to the communities dependent on the forests for their survival. In contrast, however current studies indicate that while there are efforts to define spatial boundaries of resource use and the resource users within the community based forest management approaches, the definition of boundaries of resource use and resources users has proved more difficult, for instance when gathering relevant information and tools that can promote forest resource users partnerships,  engaging of different stakeholders, assisting local communities to organize, preparing for negotiations meetings, procedures, rules, logistics and equity considerations, negotiating for  the establishment of agreements and empowering  of the local communities. This book therefore provides a process that would guide the establishment of partnerships when establishing forest resources and resource users’ boundaries in order to enhance sustainable use of forest resources, mitigate conflicts and improve the livelihoods of communities depended on forests for their survival. Qualitative research design was employed in the book. All the forests involved in participatory forest management in Kenya namely: Keraite; Nyamweru, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kakamega, Loita, and upper Imenti were selected for to provide information for writing the book. All the respondents were purposefully sampled from each category of interviewees namely: households living adjacent to the forest, various groups that are working in or with the communities in the management of the forest resources. Policy makers from government and a group of experts e.g. head of various government ministries and Non-Governmental organizations. To collect data semi-structured interviews were done for the respondents. All the data collected was analyzed through coding and grouping similar important ideas or phenomena from the research and then used for writing the book. It is explained in the book that functional partnerships, forest resources and resource user’s boundaries are needed for effective community participation in forest management. It is recommended that broad understanding of boundaries is a pre-requisite to ensure that community and other stakeholders appreciate resource use and the resource users within the community based forest management approaches so as to facilitate sustainable use of forest resources and enhanced community livelihoods of the forest dependent communities.

Wood resources for energy sector in Latvia. Is it a sustainable solution?

The strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources, which are essential for the future adaptation of forest species to changing environments, are also a source of valuable genetic resources for breeding and restoration activities. The first step to define and implement cost-effective strategies is to identify specific priority populations. Mexico, in spite of being characterized by high levels of tree species diversity, mostly lacks a combined strategy for the genetic conservation and use of forest genetic resources. The aims of this work are: (i) to identify areas for gene conservation, and (ii) to propose measures for the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources of four pine species: Pinus greggii Engelm. ex Parl., Pinus oocarpa Schiede ex Schltdl., Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham. and Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl. To do that, we use the existing information on the distribution, genetic variation and conservation and breeding efforts in Mexico. Overall, 51 areas for establishing genetic conservation units were prioritized and 6 genetic zones for the use of forest genetic resources in breeding and selection of forest reproductive material were identified. The current conservation efforts for the four priority Mexican pines should be improved to satisfy the needs of a national breeding and conservation network.

The study of variation at different levels is a constant topic of research. In the field of genetics, it is necessary to know the causes and the effects of variation in traits that influence traits of individuals in their natural habitats. Genetic variation is considered the most basic level of biological diversity and a prerequisite for the variability of species, populations, and ecosystems. Populations that lose genetic variation cannot evolve since evolution cannot proceed without genetic variation and populations that are unable to adapt to changing conditions will go extinct. Forest genetics studies have shown that environmental heterogeneity influences the genetic differentiation among tree populations, creating geographic genetic patterns that are consistent with phenotypic traits. One can look at this association to detect climate variables that are shaping the genetic structure of populations or even identify which genes are under pronounced natural selection. Genetic conservation aims to protect and preserve genetic variation, vital for the maintenance of adaptive potential within populations and species. Conserving forest genetic resources (FGR) constitute a unique and irreplaceable resource for the future, including for sustainable economic growth and progress and environmental adaption. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the phenotypic variation among natural population of pines at local and regional scales, and define its implications in the use and conservation of genetic resources. At first step, we analyzed the relationship between within-population variance in fitness-related phenotypic traits (survival, height and diameter), phenotypic plasticity of these traits, and environmental (climatic) heterogeneity in the region surrounding provenances of Pinus sylvestris, P. pinaster and P. halepensis. We used multi-site tree provenance tests of Iberian pine species and a model selection approach to infer the relationship between them. It was found that climatic heterogeneity at different spatial scale can explain a significant part of the intrapopulation phenotypic variation in different traits, but the relationships depend on the species and traits considered. Second, we assessed the inter- and intraspecific genetic variation in seedling drought tolerance in Pinus oocarpa, P. patula and P. pseudostrobus from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a relevant genetic resource management scale. It was evaluated the growth and biomass fractions of pine seedlings in a greenhouse with two highly contrasted watering regimes. We found that even at reduced geographical scales, Mexican pines present differences in the response to water stress. The responses differed among species, including the allometric phenotypic changes in biomass allocation (plasticity), the genetic differences among populations, and the differences in phenotypic plasticity among populations. 10 Third, we identified areas for gene conservation and proposing measures for the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources for four pines species: P. greggii, P. oocarpa, P. patula and P. pseudostrobus. It was obtained the most relevant information related to the identification and characterization of forest genetic resources of these species. We used the distribution range of the species, and information for conservation of forest genetic resources and for the sustainable use of forest genetic resources. It was checked gaps considering the distribution area and the genetic zones of the species. We propose recommendations to improve the status of conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources in the evaluated species.

discussed among the widerpublic. Pressure points in-cluding climate change,waterandfoodavailability,price surges for strategicraw materials, and peakingglobal oil supply are con-verging rapidly in an un-precedented manner. Thecurrent global patterns ofproduction and consump-tion are hitting the reallimitsofglobalecosystems.The global economy seems to be at a turningpoint where decisions are urgent while informa-tion is incomplete.The urgency of addressing issues of industrialmetabolism

In today’s conditions, issues related to the ecology and sustainability of natural ecosystems and their components are becoming more relevant. It should be noted that the main driving force affecting the use of land resources is climate change. The demand for land will only grow. At the same time, sustainable (balanced) land use, which is carried out on the basis of sustainable development, equally concerns not only ensuring the protection and maintenance of land potential for future generations, but also providing social and economic opportunities today. Comprehensive spatial development plans for territorial communities are a strategic tool for ensuring effective management of territories. They must not only meet the current needs of the population, economy and infrastructure, but also form the basis for sustainable land use in the long term. In this context, it is important to integrate the principles of land management, which are based on scientific justification for the distribution of land for specific purposes, taking into account state, public and private interests. In addition, comprehensive spatial planning of the development of territorial communities in the face of modern environmental challenges requires the integration of strategic environmental assessment as a key tool for ensuring sustainable development. The growth of anthropogenic load, degradation of natural resources and the consequences of military actions require an objective assessment of the state of the environment, analysis of the potential impacts of planning decisions and the search for alternative approaches that minimize the negative impact on ecosystems. Effective strategic environmental assessment will contribute to the adoption of balanced decisions that will ensure environmental safety, biodiversity conservation and compliance with the goals of sustainable development of territorial communities. It is obvious that sustainable land use, for example, for forestry lands and sustainable use of forest resources are interconnected, since they relate to the use of natural resources that are in an inextricable organic connection. Therefore, the simultaneous integrated use of natural resources, inextricably linked to land, carried out at the level of sustainable nature management, is an important object of planning territorial development, environmental safety, and rational use of land resources. In this regard, the subordination of the legal regime of forestry lands to the legal regime of forests growing on these lands becomes important. In this case, the role of recreational and health-improving forests, which perform mainly recreational, sanitary, hygienic, health-improving functions and are located on relevant lands that require special protection at the level of comprehensive spatial development plans, is actualized in the planning process.

The goal of this article is to examine and justify the theoretical foundations of identifying the wood processing industry and determine the prospects for achieving its sustainable development in the context of a state of war in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic is driven by the necessity to ensure sustainable use of forest resources, the effective functioning of the industry, and consideration of modern environmental and economic challenges. The study employs a comprehensive research methodology, including the analysis of literary sources and a systemic approach to studying the production and utilization chain of forest resources. Based on the conducted research, key categories such as the wood processing industry, forest management, sawmilling industry, pulp and paper, and furniture industries have been identified. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction between these sectors and ways to optimize the use of forest resources. The article analyzes the component composition of the wood processing industry according to the Classifier of Types of Economic Activity (CPEA-2010) and determines the interconnections between its main branches, such as sawmilling, veneer, particleboard, fiberboard, and furniture industries. It is noted that the wood processing industry is a complex system encompassing both primary and secondary wood processing, paper production, and printing activities. The specificity of production and use of forest resources is determined through the principles of sustainable development. It is proven that the transition to the principles of sustainable development is a priority for the wood processing industry, as it contributes to a balance between economic efficiency, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. In the context of a state of war, the importance of developing innovative methods of conducting business and production in the wood processing industry is discussed. A comprehensive integrated approach to sustainable development is proposed, wherein various stages of production and use of forest resources interact to achieve common goals: sustainability, efficiency, and a balanced impact on the environment. This approach considers economic, social, and environmental requirements, with a focus on developing the industry in the face of the challenges of a state of war. A systemic view of the production and utilization chain of forest resources allows maximizing the interaction and efficiency of the industry. The practical value of the article lies in the development of recommendations for forming a sustainable development strategy for the wood processing industry in conditions of a state of war. The proposed approaches can serve as a basis for decision-making and implementing state policy in the field of forest use and wood processing, considering modern economic, social, and environmental challenges.

This paper examined the relationship between forest resource use conflicts and conservation, which are contemporary issues in the field of environment conservation. The study was carried out in Enderit forest block, Mau forest Complex. The study findings indicate that the forest block has lost considerable vegetation cover in the recent past due to resource use conflict which in turn attracted conservation efforts from various stakeholders. The identified conflicts not only threaten the sustainability of these efforts but also community livelihoods that depend on this vital resource in the long term. The study therefore sought to establish the types of forest resource use conflicts, identify the stakeholders and their areas of focus and examine how the forest resource conflicts are affecting forest conservation efforts. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The results indicate that there exist various forms of conflicts within the forest block while various actors are involved in the forest conservation efforts. However, despite the concerted conservation efforts, there existing forest resource use conflicts that frustrate these efforts and slow the implementation of conservation programs. Based on the findings, the study recommends that for sustainable conservation of the forest block, the Government and the stakeholders should put in place policy measures aiming at increasing income and generating off-farm employment activities for the forest adjacent communities. This will reduce forest dependency and consequently enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of the forest resources.

High inputs of N to N‐limited forests may disturb the nutrient balance of the plant‐soil system. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of N and Mg applications on soil water chemistry in a 35‐ to 45‐yr‐old Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) forest in southern Norway. Fertilizer applications began in 1990 and soil water sampling was carried out in May through October 1997 to 1999. Nine years with annual (one dose) inputs of 30 kg N ha −1 yr −1 increased the annual average nitrate N (NO 3 –N) leaching below the B horizon to ≈2.1 kg ha −1 , compared with ≈0.1 kg ha −1 in the control plots. An input of 90 kg N ha −1 yr −1 resulted in symptoms of N saturation. The soil water concentration of NO − 3 and ammonium (NH + 4 ) increased, and the annual average leaching of inorganic N from May to October during the years 1997 to 1999 was ≈15 kg N ha −1 The N addition significantly reduced the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and N (DOC and DON), but the contribution of DON to the total N leaching from the plots receiving the highest N dose was still large. Addition of 1.5 kg ha −1 yr −1 of Mg increased the DOC and DON concentrations. The reason for this is unknown, and further studies are needed to understand DOC and DON dynamics. Even though applications of high single N doses are not directly comparable to chronic N depositions of small doses in precipitation, the results indicate future consequences to pine forests growing under similar conditions.

Community forestry is small scale, village level forestry practice where decisions and actions are often made on a collective basis, and where the rural population participate in planning, establishment, management and harvesting of forest crops and receive a many or proportion of the socio- economic and ecological benefits from the forests. Conceptually community forestry can range from pure forest cropping on one extreme to combining tree and food crops agro forestry on the other. In the context of Nepal, according to forest survey, 2016, forest area had covered 44.74 of the total area of the country. This proves the popularly known proverb “Hariyo Ban Nepal Ko Dhan”. Forest alone contributes 10 percent of total GDP; livestock get 40 percent of total fodder from forest foliage. Fuel wood contributes about 76 percent of the total energy sources used in the country, which also comes from forest. Also, much of the agricultural system are directly or indirectly based on the forest. Community Forestry was introduced in Nepal in 1978. The community forest has been defined as the control, protection and management of the local communities known as user groups. It advocates strong community participation, bottom-up planning and sustainable use of forest resources. The main objective of the CF is to achieve the sustainable forest resources by converting accessible national forest into community forest into in stages. The CF approach has been highly successful in the protection of the forest in the hills of Nepal. The local user groups are responsible for the control, protection and management of the forest. CF advocates strong community participation, bottom-up planning and sustainable use of forest resources. Under this program, 2,312,545 hectares of forest land have been handed over to the community, up to 22,519 user groups, and 21,00,000 HHs were directly benefitted in mid-July, 2020. It shows that after emergence of community forestry program, local developmental activities have been increased.

This article analyzes the results of a sociological study conducted among residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The study focused on gathering wild berries and their beneficial properties. The respondents noted that they mainly collect such types of wild berries as lingonberries, red currants, and blueberries. The majority of respondents noted that they are aware of the beneficial properties of forest resources and identify the most valuable types of forest berries, such as: cranberries, blueberries, red currants, black currants, and crowberries. The study highlights the importance of wild berries in the daily life of the local population, their role in ensuring food security and maintaining health. The survey revealed the main types of berries harvested in the forest, as well as their useful properties. Thus, the article is a sociological study aimed at studying the importance of wild berries for the local population and their perception of the beneficial properties of forest resources. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, as well as to raise awareness of the local population about their importance. In general, this work is a sociological analysis of the importance of wild berries in the life of the population of Yakutia and their awareness of the beneficial properties of these resources. The data obtained can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, as well as to raise awareness of the local population about their value.

Sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Mediterranean pines should consider different aspects such as the conservation of genetic resources, the actions derived from the breeding programs, and the transfer and use of forest reproductive material (FRM) in forestry. These three aspects should all be integrated into forest management at different spatial scales (from stand, to landscape to the entire species distribution range), and should also be integrated into different national and regional policies (biodiversity conservation, reforestation, national forest inventories, research), which should be based on the most precise information available to enable decision making. This chapter reviews the state of the art of the conservation and improvement of genetic resources in Mediterranean pines. Firstly, we analyze the different evolutionary factors affecting the conservation of genetic resources in Mediterranean pines, the threats to these genetic resources and the strategies and actions implemented for their conservation. We stress the lack of a general framework for the conservation of genetic resources, due to some limiting factors derived both from socio-economic differences of the countries, and from differences in the actual knowledge on the genetic resources of the different species. In the second step, we review the breeding activities for Mediterranean pines, their strategies and main achievements. Most of these activities are of low intensity, and should take advantage of breeding without breeding approaches to be cost-effective. We then analyze some aspects related to the transfer and use of FRM in these species, the basis for decision making and the implications for sustainable conservation and use of forest genetic resources.

It is essential to understand and recognize the role that environmental resources such as forest goods and services play in the provision of income to peoples’ livelihoods (especially the poor and marginalized communities). The purpose of this paper is to give a concise account and scientific basis of the importance of the phenomenon of valuation of environmental goods and services which is manifested in two ways. Firstly, it helps policymakers in designing and implementing effective sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction strategies. Secondly, the size and nature of environmental values have implications for issues of conservation and sustainable resource use. This paper outlines the contemporary models and approaches of valuing the direct use benefits, indirect use benefits and intermediate use services of the forest as an ecosystem and not a mechanical body to produce goods and services for income generation, overlooking the fundamental principles of sustainable forest management and sustainable development. Shortcomings and remedial measures of valuation methods are also summarized. Through appreciating the total value of the forest resources, national governments and local communities would be able to promote sustainable forest resource use across all strata of society and incorporate the value of natural forests and woodlands in their System of National Accounts to avoid unnecessary conversion of forests into other development projects. Key words: Forest goods and services, natural woodland, sustainable, economic valuation, user surveys, non-use values.

The historic large-scale forest conversion in the northern German lowlands resulted in a man-made dominance of Scots pine, in a landscape that would naturally be dominated by forests of European beech. Since drawbacks of pure pine forests such as their susceptibility to calamities have become clear, re-conversion to mixed and broadleaf stands has been promoted. Consequently, the share of pine is progressively declining in German forests. Nevertheless, planting pine is still a popular option from a silvicultural perspective, due to its rapid growth especially at young age, its ability to grow on nutrient-poor and dry sites, and the high demand for its wood. In the face of accelerating climate change, the ability of forests to store and sequester carbon (C) has become a focus in science, politics and forestry. The aboveground biomass represents the largest biomass fraction in the forest and can be modulated directly through management. Fine roots represent only a few percent of the tree´s biomass, but due to their fast turnover as well as through root exudation to the surrounding soil, they are the main source for soil organic carbon. The presented study therefore compared the C pools and sequestration in the above- and belowground (fine root) biomass in naturally developing, mostly European beech forests (ND) and regularly thinned Scots pine forests (YP), respectively representing the dominant natural and the dominant current forest type of the northern German lowlands. Aboveground biomass C stocks were further determined in pine forests in transition to (mixed) broadleaf stands (OP). The study was conducted in a network of 48 forests at 16 sites, distributed throughout the northern German lowlands, covering a climate continentality gradient from west to east. Aboveground biomass calculations were based on stand structural data and species-specific allometric regressions (live trees, saplings) or volume calculations and species-specific wood density (deadwood). Aboveground net primary production (ANPP) was measured in three consecutive years using permanently attached dendrometer tapes for wood increment, and litter traps for litter production. Two repetitive fine root inventories were conducted, measuring fine root bio- and necromass in the organic layer and the top 20 cm of the mineral soil. Fine root productivity was determined with the ingrowth-core approach in 0–20 cm soil depth, including the organic layer. Above- and belowground biomass C stocks were significantly higher in beech than in pine forests. A linear mixed-effects model revealed that the tree species was the most important factor in explaining aboveground biomass C stocks. Variation in stand age, with a range of roughly 100 years for both species, was surprisingly not influential. ANPP was higher in beech than in pine forests as well, which was mostly a result of higher litter production, while wood production was similar in the two forest types. Fine root productivity was also higher in beech than in pine forests, but the difference was only significant in 10–20 cm depth. The naturally dominant European beech forests thus have a considerably higher climate change mitigation potential than the Scots pine forests replacing them, although the high share of beech wood used for the production of bioenergy impairs their potential. By estimating the extent of forest conversion in the northern German lowlands, the significant loss in the C storage and sequestration potential on the landscape-scale was demonstrated. The climatic gradient of the region had only little influence in this study, but performances of beech and pine under future climatic conditions will certainly affect the functioning of the investigated forests. Evidence exists that both tree species will suffer from climate change in the study region, especially from more frequent climatic extremes. In combination with additional negative effects of pine on groundwater recharge, microclimate and soil acidity, the results of this study strongly suggest that Scots pine is not a suitable option in a silviculture focusing on the mitigation of, and the resilience against climate change.