Average Basal Area Research Articles

Quantification of tree growth change under climate change using National Forest Inventory of Korea

To achieve carbon neutrality in the face of climate change, accurately estimating forest carbon uptake is crucial. Environmental changes, such as temperature increases or precipitation fluctuations caused by climate change, can alter the growth responses of each species and act as a driver for changes in forest productivity. In particular, using a single-species growth model increases uncertainty in predicting stand growth, given the high species diversity in temperate forests in East Asia. Therefore, in this study, we identified the growth curve of 17 species-specific distributed in Korean temperate forest as well as the growth trend over the last 30 years (1976–2005). For this purpose, the species distribution and growth characteristics of 17 major Korean species of trees were analyzed using 13,808 tree-ring series from the 5th National Forest Inventory, which was conducted between 2006 and 2010. The growth characteristics of each species were analyzed using the average growth curve specific to each species, and the yearly growth trend was examined through residual analysis of the average growth curve. The distribution range of the 17 major tree species varied by species, as did the growth rate, ranging from 7 cm² · year⁻¹ to 17 cm² · year⁻¹ for the 30-year-old average basal area increment (BAI). Over time, fast-growing tree species exhibited initially high BAI, followed by a sharp decline from the 2000s. In contrast, broadleaf trees showed a continuous increase. Furthermore, a comparison of the total volume of individual trees and the volume of the yield table revealed that accurately estimating the actual forest volume was challenging. This study contributes to improving the accuracy of productivity predictions for temperate forests, underscoring the necessity to investigate the interaction between climate and forest succession in the future.

Woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status of the church forests in West Gojjam Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia

Ethiopia's diverse ecology faces challenges from significant deforestation. Church forests are relatively protected although under pressure from agricultural expansion, grave house construction and climate related factors. The present study was aimed to assess the woody species composition, structure and regeneration status of church forests in the West Gojjam Zone. Twenty-six church forests were selected using stratified random sampling based on agroecology, elevation, forest size, and distance from population centers. A total of 175 main plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) for trees, 875 subplots of 5 m × 5 m (25 m2) for saplings, and 875 subplots of 1 m × 1 m (1 m2) for seedlings were laid down. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured for woody plants with a DBH ≥2.5 cm and also height ≥ 2.5 m. Diversity and structural analysis of the woody species were carried out using appropriate tools. The regeneration status of the study forests was evaluated based on the number of seedlings, sapling and matured plants. A total of 111 woody species that belong to 95 genera and 51 families with 72 (64.86 %) trees, 23 (20.72 %) shrubs, 8 (7.2 %) shrubs/trees and 8 (7.2) lianas were identified. In the study sites, the woody plant species consist of 82.88 % indigenous, 15.32 % exotic, and 1.8 % endemic species. Fabaceae was the dominant family in West Gojjam zone church forests. The Shannon diversity ranged from 0.99 to 3.47, with an average of 2.55, and evenness varied from 0.5 to 0.96 (average 0.82). Species richness ranged from 7 to 45 with the average value of 23.81, and a total stem density of 5880 individuals per hectare. Additionally, 5923 saplings and 6136 seedlings per hectare were recorded. The most abundant species include Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Calpurnia aurea, and Juniperus procera. The average basal area was 29.268 m²/ha for the studied church forests, with Ficus vasta having the highest basal area. Juniperus procera and Rhus vulgaris exhibited the highest Importance Value index (IVI), while Premna schimperi, and Myrtus communis had the lowest IVI. The overall regeneration status of west Gojjam church forests was found to be good. Significant differences in woody species composition and diversity were observed between church forests. The study revealed the importance of church forests in the West Gojjam Zone for plant diversity conservation, revealing their resilience and potential for sustainable protection of forests despite the challenges like deforestation and climate change, and their potential for sustainable maintenance. As we have already seen, some of the church's forests were converted to agriculture as a source of income for the church. This practice is dangerous for the survival of the endemic plants in the church forests and leads to deforestation. Therefore, it is recommended to form an alternative source of income for the church.

Towards phenotyping adaptive traits in camels: A study of the influence of hypotonic saline solutions on blood cell area.

Single-humped camels are livestock of physical, physiological, and biochemical adaptations to hot desert environments and to water scarcity. The tolerance of camels to water deprivation and their exceptional capacity for rapid rehydration requires blood cells with membranes of specialized organization and chemical composition. The objectives of this study are to examine the changes in the area (a proxy for volume) of camel blood cells in solutions with decreasing concentrations of NaCl and consequently identify the conditions under which blood cells can be phenotyped in a large population. Whole-blood samples from three healthy adult female camels were treated with four different concentrations of NaCl and examined at six incubation-periods. Observationally, red blood cells in all treatments remained intact and maintained their elliptical shape while white blood cells experienced some damage, lysing at concentrations below 0.90%. Average basal (in 0.90% NaCl) RBC area was ~15 μm² and swelled in the various treatments, in some cases reaching twice its original size. Excluding the damaged cells, the average area of combined WBCs, ~32.7 μm², expanded approximately three times its original size. We find that camel WBCs, like their RBCs, are adapted to hypotonic environments, and are capable of expanding while maintaining their structural integrity.

Phenology characteristics and demographic structure of Aleppo pine in the Algerian mediterranean forest: The case study of El-Harhouria afforestation

The structural characteristics of tree populations and their spatial distribution is an essential indicator of forest health. A subjective sampling of the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill) of El-Harhouria afforestation in Algeria made it possible to establish the characteristics of this plant formation. In this case, five plots of 900 m2 were subjected to the following dendrometric measurements: circumference, total elevation, slenderness coefficient, and density of trees. The diachronic measurement of the total photosynthesis (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) was estimated with remote sensing methods based on Landsat images from 1986 to 2021. Data analysis showed that the average density of ligneous trees is 1,207 individuals per hectare including an average basal area of 41.95 m2/ha. The diameter and height structures of the wooded stands show a predominance of old individuals. In addition, NDVI values are correlated with the age of the trees, while low values were recorded in old trees.

Allied species with Dicksonia sellowiana Hook. in a High Montane Araucaria Forest Remnant, in Southern Brazil

The Araucaria Forest in highlands is an environment characteristic of regions with altitudes greater than 1200 above sea level, in southern Brazil. The species that occur in this place are adapted to conditions of low temperatures and high humidity, where the presence of Dicksonia sellowiana Hook., a tree-sized pteridophyte with expressive importance value in many remnants. This research aimed to identify the associations of this species in a remnant of Araucaria Forest in the mountain region of Santa Catarina. The site was inventoried with permanent plots of fixed area of 200 m², which were systematically and contiguously distributed in 3 transects following the slope gradient of the terrain (1411 to 1940 m). The surveys evaluated the scientific name, geographic coordinates and DBH, with an inclusion limit of 5 cm for each individual. Subsequently, 14 individuals of D. sellowiana were randomly selected and used as a reference to the center of the sampling units of Prodan method, than the six closest trees were measured, identified and measured the distance from the center of the unit sampling to the sixth tree (R6) to determine its area. As the measurements of the permanent plots contain the geographic coordinates of all trees, the selection of Prodan sampling units and the collection of data (R6, N.ha-1, G.ha-1) were performed using ArcGis Software. The average basal area value was 69.5 m².ha-1 and the average density was 1628 ind.ha-1, values compatible with those obtained in the permanent plots (69.4 m².ha-1 and 1630 ind.ha-1 respectively), obtaining sample sufficiency by the collector curve. Dicksonia sellowiana showed association with 14 species, being inserted in characteristic environments with less sun exposure, slopes and presence of watercourses, generating an environment with low floristic diversity, however, with a high degree of endemism in the Atlantic Forest.

Spontánní obnova jedle bělokoré pod porosty s převahou topolu osiky

This study focuses on natural processes and their utilization in silviculture. Two pioneer stands with the presence of silver fir in the lower storey were studied – (1) Mokřinky and (2) Padělky. Both stands are located in the lower part of the Nízký Jeseník Mts. (Czech Republic) and represent the oak-beech vegetation zone, although the dominant commercial species for this region throughout the 20th century was Norway spruce. The stands are about 30 (1) and 35 (2) years old with a dominant heights of 20 m and 25 m, respectively. In order to analyse the stand structure, an inventory net of patches (10 m2 for the upper storey; 2 m2 for the regeneration storey) was established. European aspen, as the dominant pioneer species, makes up 56% and 74% of the size of the average basal area of 28.8 m2/ha at the site (2) and 28.3 m2/ha at the site (1), respectively. Silver fir makes up 73% and 65% of total regeneration at (1) with average density 50 385 pcs/ha, and (2) with average density 108 462 pcs/ha, respectively. The age of silver fir regeneration ranged from one to more than ten years. The factor limiting the regeneration success of silver fir and other species in both preparatory stands is a game browsing. Considering closer-to-nature silviculture, the regeneration of silver fir in preparatory stands should be long-term.

Urban environment, drought events and climate change strongly affect the growth of common urban tree species in a temperate city

Trees’ ecosystem services help reducing the urban heat island intensity, but are most effective when trees are big and healthy. During the last decades, the frequency of heat waves and drought events in Central Europe has increased, exposing urban trees to even greater stress under already challenging urban growth conditions. To understand the extent to which the urban environment affects tree growth and how trees respond to drought, dendrochronological analyses were conducted on 176 urban trees of six commonly planted tree species: Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides, Robinia pseudoacacia, Platanus x acerifolia, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur growing within the temperate city of Munich, Germany. The impacts of climate change were studied comparing tree growth between the periods 1980–1999 and 2000–2019, as well as the effect of the urban heat island intensity, comparing urban and suburban zones. Additionally, a drought-tolerance analysis was conducted to investigate the recovery following different dry years. Species-specific trends showed the highest average basal area increment (BAI) for P. x acerifolia (44.9 cm²/year) and the lowest for T. cordata (18.4 cm²/year). In terms of the urbanisation impact on growth, significantly higher BAI was recorded for A. platanoides and T. cordata in the suburban areas, in contrast to F. sylvatica. Analysing the complete sample, the results showed growth reduction since the year 2000 (−28%). Higher drought tolerance was found for R. pseudoacacia, P. x acerifolia and Q. robur. Accumulated drought stress showed significant negative responses for A. platanoides and T. cordata. With the predicted climate change scenarios, the present study can deepen the knowledge about drought tolerance of urban trees in temperate climate and improve species selection. In particular, R. pseudoacacia and P. x acerifolia could be further planted in cities as were less affected by high urbanisation degree and grew the most despite drought and climate change conditions.

New Technologies for Expedited Forest Inventory Using Smartphone Applications

The forest inventory plays a crucial role in forest management planning, and it is the first step in planning actions for forest production. However, conducting an inventory can be expensive and complex. Forest inventory applications on smartphones have emerged as an alternative to traditional methods and they aim to make field data collection more accessible to non-professionals while ensuring accuracy in determining the volume of wood in a given area. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Katam, Arboreal, and Trestima applications compared to traditional data collection methods. The study focuses on assessing the stand density and diameter of sampled trees—two key variables that are assessed in forest inventories. Two species, maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) and Eucalyptus spp. (mainly Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens), were used to evaluate the performance of the methods, with assessments performed in the stands of diverse dendrometric characteristics, specifically those regarding the tree age, stand density, and topographic conditions (flat or sloping terrain). For the purpose of comparison, goodness-of-fit statistics (R2, RMSE, and BIAS) were calculated, and an analysis of the diameter distribution and comparison of the mean diameter, number of trees per hectare, and basal area were performed. In general, the applications were accurate, and the average basal area did not differ significantly from the traditional method. The diameter measurements showed good accuracy. The accuracy of the applications varied depending on the terrain and forest characteristics, with the applications performing better in areas with flat terrain, as well as with older forests that were regular and had low under-cover density. In contrast, the applications performed worse in younger, irregular forests with sloping terrain, high tree density, and those with a great deal of understory vegetation. The applications still need to evolve in evaluating other important variables (such as tree height or volume) as they are currently estimated from auxiliary variables through mathematical equations.

VARIATION IN THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF NATURAL LOWLAND FORESTS AT BODOGOL, GUNUNG GEDE PANGRANGO NATIONAL PARK, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

An analysis of the composition and structure of lowland natural forests was carried out in Bodogol, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (GGPNP). The two study plots (P1CS and P2CS) were located on Cisuren and one plot (P3CP) on Cipadaranten hill. We recorded 107 species and 48 families with an average basal area of 19.73 m2/ha, and an average density of 348 trees/ha. The species richness was poorer than those of the typical lowland rainforests of Kalimantan and Sumatra but comparable to those of the montane forests of Java. The IUCN-Red Listed species were Castanopsis argentea and Castanopsis tungurrut (critical) and Saurauia bracteosa (vulnerable). Based on the two dominant species, the forests can be designated as the Maesopsis eminii-Syzygium acuminatissimum association and Syzygium acuminatissimum-Lithocarpus korthalsii association. Maesopsis eminii was dominant in P1CS (IV= 56.46%) and P3CP (IV=55.94%), while Syzygium acuminatissimum in P2CS (IV= 43.67%). Maesopsis eminii was a strongly aggressive and invasive species, that endangered the purity of the natural forest GGPNP, therefore, it must be eradicated. Vertically, P2CS and P3CP consisted of four strata, while P1CS had three strata. This one-hectare study can be considered as a minimal area to reflect the floristic representation of lowland forest and submontane forest.

Spatial Distribution and Population Structure of Himalayan Fir (Abies pindrow (Royle ex D.Don) Royle) in Moist Temperate Forests of the Kashmir Region

Abies pindrow is a keystone tree species of temperate forests in the Himalayan range with immense ecological significance. The current study was designed to investigate the spatial distribution, population structure, associated flora, and sustainability of Abies pindrow in the temperate forests of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Vegetation data were collected from 48 forest sites distributed in six districts of AJK with respect to the geography, microclimates, and vegetation structure by employing a systematic quadrate-based methodology. Abies pindrow populations were characterized by an average stem density of 183.9 trees/ha with an average basal area cover of 789 cm. A. pindrow populations showed a regeneration value of 555.6 seedlings/ha. A digital elevation model revealed that A. pindrow exhibited a large extent of distribution in an altitudinal range of 1800–3400 m. GIS analysis identified that north-facing slopes with a moderate degree of slope steepness constitutes the preferred habitat of the species in the Kashmir mountains. A floristic analysis revealed that a total of 282 species from 74 plant families comprised the associated flora of A. pindrow-dominated forests with Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, Aesculus indica, and Viburnum grandiflorum as codominant companion species. A. pindrow forests exhibited significant levels of species diversity and richness with average values of Simpson’s diversity as 0.94, Shannon’s diversity as 3.09, species richness as 1.45, and maturity index value as 45.9%. The A. pindrow populations in the study area were found to be subjected to significant deforestation pressure along with overgrazing and erosion impacts. Results provide valuable scientific information for the conservation management of A. pindrow populations, ensuring the sustainability of temperate forest ecosystems in the Western Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Ecological characterization of habitats of three insect species prized by populations in Kinshasa (DR. Congo)

Vegetation is a potential habitat for biodiversity. Characterizing its diametric and spatial structure is a key factor in management. With this in mind, this study aims to characterize the natural habitats of Brachytrupes membranaceus, Cirina forda and Gonibrasia jamesonii, the insect species most widely consumed in Kinshasa. An inventory of caterpillar host trees was carried out around mother plants (M. laurentii: dbh ? 90 cm and A. auriculiformis: dbh ? 40 cm) in 24 plots of 2500 m2 in woodland formations. The circumference, x and y coordinates of each individual at dbh ? 10 cm were recorded; and soil physicochemical parameters were measured in situ in relation to the presence of B.membranaceus. The results show that the diametric structures of the tree stems of all the stands studied are generally inverted "J", with small irregularities at class [40-50] and [20-30] cm respectively of Millettia planted forests and Millettia natural forests (p-value= 2.6). An average of 342.1, 94.0 and 107.0 trees/ha (p-value = 0.4) were inventoried in the Acacia plantations, the Milletia planted forest and the Milletia natural forest respectively, showing a random and/or aggregated distribution according to the tree stand categories compared and, an average basal area of 6.93, 12.58 and 5.39 m2/ha (p-value= 0.5). The soil is neutral (6.8) with a moisture content of 10.46%, a temperature of 32.6�C, a depth of 46.86 cm and a blackish/brownish color. This result provides unsurpassable information for planning management itineraries and orienting peri-urban ecosystem exploitation system in a more sustainable way. This study is part of the logic of contribution to SDGs 2 and 15 by 2030.

Assessing diversity and ecosystem services of trees in educational institutions: A case study of a university campus from the Global South

ABSTRACT The university campuses in the Global South (low- and middle-income countries of the world) harbour a significant proportion of the trees outside forests which furnish precious ecosystem services. In this study, we conducted field surveys to document the tree flora in the campus of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (Haryana), India. We documented 35,184 trees belonging to 66 species in 29 families from the campus. Eucalyptus globulus was the most dominant tree species with 13,932 individuals and Fabaceae was the most speciose family. Nearly 60% of tree species in the campus were native. The mean height (m) and circumference at breast height (cm) for the tree flora were 6.51 ± 0.21 and 50.93 ± 1.11, respectively. The overall tree density on the campus was around 140 trees/ha, mean density 2.11 ± 0.87, and the average basal area 0.021 ± 0.0009 m2/tree. The values for Simpson’s, Shannon, Margalef’s and Pielou’s evenness indices were 0.18, 2.51, 6.21 and 0.6 respectively. The campus trees provide valuable ecosystem services with food and medicinal uses, ornamental and shade values being the dominant. Our findings will guide policy on urban environmental sustainability in the educational campuses in India – the second most populous country in the Global South.

Floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species in Northwest Ethiopia

Most of the natural forests in Awi Zone of Northwest Ethiopia exist as patches due to increasing human disturbance. The Bradi forest in this zone was assessed for its floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species to better understand the natural dynamics and suggest appropriate conservation strategies. A total of 60 quadrats (20mx20m) were established along transect lines running parallel to each other using systematic sampling for vegetation sampling. Height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured for those woody plant species >2 m in height and >2 cm in DBH. Seventy-one woody plant species that belong to 64 genera and 40 families were identified, of which 36 (50.7%), 13 (18.3%), 13 (18.3%) and 9 (12.7%) were trees, lianas, shrubs and trees/shrubs, respectively. A total of 1838 stems ha−1 with DBH >2 cm and height >2 m were recorded. Albizia shimperiana, Paveta abyssinica, Croton macrostachyus, Discopodium penninervium, Teclea nobilis were the most abundant and frequently-occurrring species in the forest. The forest had a Shannon species diversity index score of 3.84 and an evenness of 0.89. Furthermore, the forest had an average basal area of 90.03m2/ha. Woody species with high basal area value such as Ekebergia capensis, A. shimperiana, Prunus africana, and C. macrostachyus were found to have greater importance value index (IVI). According to the DBH and height class distribution, the forest had an inverted J-shaped distribution pattern. However, analysis of regeneration status at species level revealed that 27.5%, 10%, 40% and 22.5% of the woody plants had good, fair, poor regeneration and not regenerating, respectively. This calls for enrichment planting and area exclosures of the study forest.

Long-term effects of prescribed fire on large tree growth in mixed conifer forests at Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Prescribed fire in dry coniferous forests of the western U.S. is used to reduce fire hazards. How large, old trees respond to these treatments is an important management consideration. Growth is a key indicator of residual tree condition, which can be predictive of mortality and response to future disturbance. Using a combination of long-term plot records and dendrochronological samples, we analyzed the effects of prescribed fire treatments from the early 1990 s on forest structure and individual tree growth in mixed-conifer forests of Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. Prescribed fire reduced stand live tree basal area and stem density at our sites up to 10 years following fire. Within two prescribed fire burn units and two adjacent unburned stands, we analyzed tree cores from 136 large (mean stem diameter > 70 cm) yellow pine (Pinus jeffreyi and P. ponderosa) and 136 large (mean stem diameter > 50 cm) white fir (Abies concolor). After accounting for annual precipitation, basal area increment for individual trees initially declined up to < 3 years post-fire for white fir and > 10 years post-fire for yellow pine, presumably in response to tree injuries. Growth improved for both species at a site that was burned twice, particularly for white fir. Recent average basal area increment was positively related to crown ratio and negatively associated with an index of local competition. Our findings suggest that forest management, such as prescribed fire and mechanical thinning, may be beneficial in terms of maintaining or improving tree growth among large residual trees. However, managers may want to balance the benefits of these treatments against inadvertent injury and mortality of large trees.

Silvicultural characterization of Bursera linanoe natural stands in Oaxaca, Puebla and Guerrero States

The linaloe tree (Bursera linanoe) is a timber species with high ecological and economical importance. It grows at some specificsites of the tropical deciduos forest of south and central Mexico. The objective of the study was to determine timber stocks, evaluatenatural regeneration and develop mathematical models to estimate wood volume in linaloe trees (Bursera linanoe), in threelocations representative of its natural range in Mexico: San Juan de los Cués, Oaxaca; Chiautla de Tapia, Puebla and Xalitla,Guerrero. In each of the localities, a plot of 25 hectares of tropical deciduous forest was delimited. A field survey was carried outcovering a total sampling area of 33,000 m², through the inspection of 66 circular-shaped sampling sites, each with an area of 500m2, and distributed systematically. In order to generate mathematical models for the estimation of wood volumes, a sample size of80 trees was calculated, which meant an average of 10 trees for each of the categories between 5 cm and 40 cm of diameter atbreast height and a range of heights from 2 m to 8 m. The results showed, respectively, for San Juan de los Cués, Chiautla de Tapiaand Xalitla, the following data: 44, 45 and 36 trees per hectare; 4.1, 1.3 and 1.8 average stems per tree; average basal areas of0.8827 m²·ha-1, 0.9626 m²·ha-¹ and 2.3141 m²·ha-¹; and a square diameter of 16 cm, 17 cm and 30 cm. As for the regeneration onlyin Chiautla de Tapia were counted 21 trees per hectare, in the other two localities there was no regeneration. The model generatedto calculate the total volume per tree was: 0.000074 DN1.7861 H1.3832, from which the timber stocks of 11.19 m³·ha-¹ werecalculated; 10.41 m³·ha-¹ and 23.38 m³·ha-¹. It is concluded that the populations of linaloe in the study areas are reduced, naturalregeneration practically does not exist, the standing wood stocks are reduced.

울진 소광리 금강소나무림 식생구조 특성에 따른 관리방안†

The Geumgang Pine (<italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>) Forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin has traditionally been a pine tree protection area (prohibited forest) for timber production purposes, and is now designated and managed as a protected area for forest genetic resource conservation by the Korea Forest Service. This study, we analyzed topographical characteristics, existing vegetation, tree age, and plant community structure, and proposed a sustainable management method for the Geumgang Pine (<italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>) Forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin for timber havesting purposes. The topographical characteristics of the target area were 36.7% ridges and 38.7% valleys; the ratio of ridges to valleys was similar, and the slopes formed 24.7% of the total area. The types of pine forest communities are divided into six types based on the progress of pine forest renewal, the competition with other species such as deciduous broadleaf trees, and the formation of layered structures. It has been confirmed that the age of the large-diameter pine trees (40～60cm in diameter) is approximately 60～70 years, which is relatively low. As a result of the analysis of the relative importance percentage and layered structure, differences depended on the progress of the pine forest renewal project, and not only the maintenance of the pine forest, but also the creation of a secondary growth forest, the density adjustment of pine trees, and the active management of competitive trees. The average basal area by the community was 12,642.1～25,424.4cm² for the tree layer and 1.8～1,956.5cm² for the low tree layer based on a quadrat of 400m². The difference in the basal area appeared to depend on the size and number of trees forming the tree layer and the degree of pine forest renewal (the degree of time elapsed after thinning pine trees). The average number of species that appeared in each community was 8.7–20.3; there were many species located in valleys, and the type competes with deciduous broadleaf trees due to the lack of management. The diversity of species ranged from 0.6915-1.0942, and was evaluated as low compared to pine communities in central temperate zones. In this paper, we determined the management goals of Geumgang Pine (<italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>) Forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin to produce timber with high economic value, and suggested efficient vegetation management for continuous afforestation, the establishment of a timber production system, and improvement of wood production as a management direction.

Assessment of Usage Diversity of Agroforestry Tree Species in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Diversification of products and services from agroforestry trees of Ethiopia becomeimportant for sustainable farming systems. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate usagediversity of tree species. At farm level different tree species were counted, listedand recoded. The DBH of all trees and shrubs ≥5cm was measured. The average basal area per farm was 11 m2 (12 m2 per ha), with a range between 0.74 –59 m2 per farm (2.3–35.8 m2 per ha).Sixteen different usage typeswere identified, of which fuel wood holds the largest percent followed by both pole and medicinal use.Different 65 species of trees were recordedin terms of the mean important Value Index (IVI), of which Eucalyptus species ranked first (57), followed by Cordiaafricana (50.4), Croton macrostachyus (33),Erythrinaabyssinica (31.4), and Cupressuslusitanica (19). The IVI of these five species accounted for more than 30% of the total IVI. Usage diversity is well recognized in the study area but further studies of trees and use diversity in relation to soil fertility in particular and environmental Management in general seems important.

Cultural value and vegetation structure of Buxus wallichiana Bail. in Rajouri-Poonch region of Indian Himalayan region (VSI: Mountainous regions)

Buxus wallichiana is an economically valuable tree species of Indian Himalayan Region. Considering its economic importance and income generation potential in the Rajouri-Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir, present study was carried out to assess its economic value and cultural contribution through quantitative ethnobotanical approaches. Further, the study aims to examine the existing population status and regeneration patterns of B. wallichiana in natural forests of the region. Based on the socio-ecological surveys in the region, it was observed that a variety of handicraft articles like combs, pen stands, hangers, toys, and decorative items are made from the wood of B. wallichiana and are being sold in the local markets. It sustains whole cottage industry in Rajouri-Poonch region and the livelihood of the locals depends on this valuable tree species. It generates a good annual income for the people indulged in handicraft or wood carving industry. Based on its phytosociology, it was found that in natural forest areas of the region, B. wallichiana was mostly found associated with 8 other tree species viz. Pinus roxburghii, Toona ciliata, Quercus leucotrichophora, Acer oblongum, Acer cappadocicum, Pyrus pashia, Syzygium cumini and Aesculus indica. Average importance value and average basal area of B. wallichiana was found highest in Syzygium cumini - Pyrus pashia – Quercus leucotrichophora community. Density of B. wallichiana ranges from 200 to 500 Ind/ha which was lesser than the density of its seedlings and saplings. Density of B. wallichiana trees, saplings and seedlings was much lower than the density of its associated species. Present study reveals that B. wallichiana is threatened with clear evidence of reduced regeneration due to huge anthropogenic pressure on its wild populations stressing on the need of immediate conservation measures to be taken not only in Jammu and Kashmir but throughout the Indian Himalayan Region.

Morphological Traits of Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Provenance Test

Abstract&#x0D; Aim of study: This research aims to determine if there are statistically significant differences among provenances of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) as one of the most important tree species in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to choose a provenance with the best productivity for further silvicultural activities of silver fir in the country.&#x0D; Material and methods: The height and diameter at breast height were measured, and the basal area and volume of silver fir trees were calculated in the silver fir provenance test. The test contains nine provenances from Bosnia and Hezegovina and was launched in 1991, with 5-year-old seedlings (3+2). The data were collected in 2013.&#x0D; Main results: Variance analysis for all traits showed statistically significant differences among provenances. Average breast height diameter in 27-year-old plants for all provenances amounted to 11.0 cm, average height 8.4 m, average basal area 0.010342 m2, and average volume 0.070845 m3 &#x0D; Highlights: The research results confirmed the existence of variability among silver fir provenances in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering the morphological indicators. Provenance Bosanski Petrovac showed the highest values of all traits, which implies it is the best provenance for the further activities on seed collecting and producing planting material for afforestation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Measuring ecological status and tree species diversity in Eastern Ghats, India

The present study assessed the ecological status and tree diversity of Visakhapatnam forest area, part of Eastern Ghats, India, using systematic and standard sampling techniques. Tree species composition, similarity, diversity, species richness, structure of trees and disturbance levels in deciduous forests based on census of all trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 15 cm were studied. A systematic sampling protocol was adopted and twelve belt transects (5 × 1000 m), a total of 6 ha plots were laid for the vegetation survey. In all the plots, a total of 2999 individuals (mean density 500 ha−1) covering 151 tree species pertaining to 106 genera and 46 families were measured. The data revealed that the forest has a moderate value for the tree species diversity index (H′) which is varied from 3.26 to 4.12. Species richness varied from 38 to 79 species ha−1 and stand density from 328 to 718 individuals ha−1 with an average basal area of 14.7 m2ha−1. Xylia xylocarpa, Lannea coromandelica, Anogeissus latifolia and Wrightia tinctoria were the predominant plant taxa in the study area. Highest species richness recorded from Euphorbiaceae with 12 species immediately followed by Moraceae, Rubiaceae and Verbenaceae (9 species each). The species-area curve did not reach an asymptote in all the plots. The present study can provide baseline information for the effective management and restoration of forest tree species with conservation significance emphasized in highly disturbed and human impacted forest stands.