Different Types Of Forest Research Articles

Three new species and new records of foliicolous lichen genus Porina (Porinaceae, Ostropales) and artificial key to species from Thailand

Foliicolous material of the lichenized genus Porina was collected in different types of forest in Thailand. Three new species were discovered: P. subatriceps Naksuwankul & Lücking, characterized by a yellowish brown, K+ reddish involucrellum and oblong, 7–11–septate ascospores, P. lumbschii Naksuwankul & Lücking, with large, muriform ascospores, and P. thailandica Naksuwankul & Lücking, having, small, oblong, 3–septate ascospores and a dark brown to black, K–involucrellum, morphologically close to P. homala and P. subhomala which differ by having 7–septate ascospores. An artificial key to species for a total of 55 taxa found in Thailand is provided and 20 new records are listed for the country.

Bird Diversity as a Support Decision Tool for Sustainable Management in Temperate Forested Floodplain Landscapes

Sustainably managed forests provide multiple ecosystem services in cultural landscapes, including maintaining biodiversity. Better understanding of the benefits regarding the biodiversity of different silvicultural practices is important for sustainable landscape management. Conservation targets in forested landscapes should be determined by land managers and policy-makers, based on serious ecological research. This study deals with response of bird diversity to three different habitat types of temperate hardwood floodplain forests, which reflect specific forms of forest management. Research was based on long-term field bird census in the years 1998 to 2002 applying the point count method. Data was analysed using regression analysis with dummy variables. The results of the study indicate that hardwood floodplain forest heterogeneity, supported by different types of forest management (old-growth forest protection, group-selection harvesting and forest edge protection), provides large-scale habitat mosaic conditions suitable for many breeding bird species with different ecological niches. This result suggests that comparison of bird diversity response to different forest management types can be used as a decision support tool for sustainable landscape management strategy and local management practices in forested cultural lowland landscapes. Improvements in both regional and local ecological knowledge are generally needed in order to control floodplain land use decisions, which are typically made on the scale of landscape management.

Soil organic matter and phosphorus dynamics after low intensity prescribed burning in forests and shrubland

Various different factors have led to the accumulation of biomass in forest soils in the Mediterranean-climate region in the last few decades, thus exacerbating the effects of wildfires. Although prescribed burning is used to decrease the fuel load and reduce the currency of mega-wildfires, the impacts on soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient cycling, and therefore on forest ecosystem sustainability, are uncertain.The present study was designed to cover a range of conditions and therefore to assess the variability in the responses in similar geographical areas. Three prescribed burning treatments producing different levels of soil burn severity were conducted in two different types of forests (Pinus nigra and Pinus pinaster) and one (previously treated by prescribed burning) shrubland ecosystem (Cytisus oromediterraneus), all characterized by different fuel loads and depths of soil organic layer, in Central Spain. After the treatments, the SOM content, its thermal properties, and the distribution of Phosphorus (P) forms (31P NMR spectroscopy) were measured in the soil organic layer and mineral soils (0–2 cm depth), and the results were related to the temperatures reached.The prescribed burning les to low-moderate perturbations in SOM quality and Carbon (C) and P dynamics. The organic P, which in the unburnt plots represented 70% of the extractable P, was greatly depleted (by 56 and 95% with respect the initials values). This effect was concurrent with decreases in the most thermolabile SOM fractions, suggesting that organic P is readily mineralized, even at relatively low temperatures. Release of large amounts of soluble orthophosphate may occur when the prescribed burning leads to a high level of soil burn severity. The findings show that prescribed burning treatments should be planned carefully in order to prevent long-term perturbation of C and P cycling.

Создание лесных плантаций многоцелевого ресурсного назначения лесоводственными методами

Based on the results of the analysis and assessment of the problem of meeting the growing needs of resource forest management in relatively densely populated areas with developed transport infrastructure, within the framework of the developed concept of ensuring the intensification of forest reproduction and use by creating forest plantations with silvicultural methods, one of the ways to solve the problem is to develop for the practical application of the target forest management systems for the creation of forest plantations of many special purpose resources, distinguished by relatively high ecological properties, potential for efficient integrated use of forest resources, which creates the possibility (due to their use) of preserving and reducing the intensity of exploitation of valuable forest ecosystems of natural and natural economic origin. To achieve this goal, based on the use of two types of technological organization of territories of different types of forests and potential productivity of cultivated plantation stands, the interrelated implementation of all activities of the forest regeneration cycle is provided. They are organically combined with a relatively intensive multi-purpose resource forest use throughout the forest reproduction cycle. In turn, effective measures for the protection and preservation of forests are ensured by integrating them into phased measures of thinning throughout all stages of forest growth, as well as by rational organization of the creation and use of forest plantations by silvicultural methods. At the same time, measures are provided for forest users to motivate the use of forest-established forest use - the creation and operation of forest plantations, taking into account the introduction of reasonable changes to the Forest Code to expand the possibilities of planted forest growing while preserving environmentally valuable forests.

Changes to Species Diversity of Vegetation Communities during Restorative Successions in Different Types of Forests

Changes to Species Diversity of Vegetation Communities during Restorative Successions in Different Types of Forests

Study on Water-holding Properties of Litters in Different Types of Forests of Yuntaishan Mountain Area in Shibing County, Guizhou Province

Taking the coniferous forest, the hard leaf forest at mountain ridge and the evergreen broad-leaved forest as research objects, using field observations and indoor immersion test methods, analyzing the water holding capacity and water holding characteristics of litters. Through experimental monitoring and data analysis, compared the difference between the accumulation amount of litter, maximum water holding amount, maximum water holding rate and effective interception amount, and study on the relationship between water holding amount, water holding rate and soaking time, The results show: (1) Accumulation amount of litter: the coniferous forest 10.15t/hm2> the hard leaf forest at mountain ridge 8.73t/hm2> the evergreen broad-leaved forest 5.82t/hm2; maximum water-holding capacity: the hard leaf forest at mountain ridge 21.6t/hm2> the coniferous forest 21.41t/hm2> the evergreen broad-leaved forest 5.82t/hm2; maximum water holding rate: the evergreen broad-leaved forest 316.39% > the hard leaf forest at mountain ridge 247.73% > the coniferous forest 202.71%. (2) Effective interception amount: the coniferous forest 7.96t/hm2> the evergreen broad-leaved forest 6.41t/hm2> the hard leaf forest at mountain ridge 6.36t/hm2. (3) Litter soaking experiments show that the overall changing trend of water holding capacity, water holding rate and soaking time of the three kinds of litters are basically the same (logarithmic curve relationships); and the overall changing trend of water absorption rate and soaking time are basically the same, and it’s monomial relationship.

SPIDER FAUNA FROM NORTH MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Researchers carried out spider fauna in Satpuda hills of Malghat region of Maharastra, however, no record was found on part of North Maharashtra region situated at the foot of Satpuda range. Hence, here an attempt has been made to find out the fauna of spiders from North Maharashtra of India. Satpuda is a range of hills which holds rich biodiversity with different types of forest. The species were identified by using keys for Indian spiders. A total of 71 species of spiders belonging to 15 families were recorded. Such surveys building neglected spider fauna database. Therefore, this is the first attempt to report the spider fauna from North Maharashtra, India.

Préférences écologiques des coléoptères saproxyliques emblématiques de Suisse

Ecological preferences of Switzerland's emblematic saproxylic beetles Swiss forests are home to nearly 1500 species of saproxylic Coleoptera. 414 of these are considered emblematic of specific microhabitats and may be used to evaluate the biological quality of different types of forests and wooded areas in Switzerland. This article provides a summary of the ecological requirements of these beetles based on information gathered from entomological collections and the literature. 77% of emblematic saproxylic beetles live at low altitude and 64% depend on warmth and high insolation. Oak (Quercus spp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and pine (particularly Pinus sylvestris) are the trees most often exploited by these beetles. 46% of saproxylic Coleoptera depend on decaying wood and 12% on heavily decomposed wood. 12% develop only in cavities in wood and 13% only in wood-decomposing fungi. We propose measures to promote saproxylic Coleoptera, namely by increasing the total amount of dead wood available (namely tree trunks and large branches) throughout Switzerland to at least 20m3/ha in the Jura, on the Plateau and the southern foothills of the Alps and 25 m3/ha in the Alps and Prealps. We also recommend the conservation of old trees that provide unique treemicrohabitats for saproxylic beetles.

Supply and demand functions for global wood markets: Specification and plausibility testing of econometric models within the global forest sector

Forests cover about one-third of the land surface on Earth. Currently, <7.5% of this forest area is defined as planted forest. Removals from planted forests are shown to be responsible for about 45% of the global industrial roundwood production. It is therefore of great importance to study how the production of roundwood from planted forests could potentially influence the production of roundwood from natural forests and the global wood markets in general.The objective of this study is to describe and specify the functioning and interdependencies of global wood markets and implement wood removals from different types of forests, such as planted or natural. In this study we use an econometric approach to analyze how global markets affect the amount of wood supply, demand and trade.According to our results and with regard to roundwood supply, only removals from planted forest respond significantly positive to changes in the roundwood prices. The supply of all other roundwood products seems to be nearly inelastic. Regarding wood product demand, all products under consideration show significantly negative responses to changes in product prices.To test the plausibility of our estimations, we implemented the computed elasticities in an economic partial equilibrium model. The results suggest that the nearly inelastic wood supply improves model simulations as the results better replicate historical data compared to the original model version.

Rare patterns of dorsal puncture in Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae).

BackgroundThe carabid beetle species Pterostichus oblongopunctatus is common in different types of forests in Poland and Europe. With respect to this species, some unclarities exist concerning the morphological feature of punctures on the elytra. P. oblongopunctatus has dorsal pits in the third interval of the elytra, the available identification keys, however, provide inconsistent information concerning the puncture in other intervals. During long-term studies at different study sites in Poland, the first author rarely but regularly discovered individuals with unusual dorsal puncture patterns, i.e., pits in the fifth and even in the seventh interval of the elytra. Since such rare patterns might be connected with special habitat characteristics, and thus have a potential as an indicator, the aim of the study was to test if they are connected with specific subpopulations (interaction groups), if they are related to the sex or size of the beetles, and if they are related to specific habitat conditions.Material and MethodsWe counted the pits on the elytra, determined the sex, and measured the length of the right elytron of individuals of P. oblongopunctatus collected at numerous study sites located within the borders of the Regional Directory of National Forests in Piła (Western Poland) over the period 2014–2016.ResultsAltogether, 1,058 individuals of P. oblongopunctatus were subjected to statistical analysis. Almost 19% of the individuals had a dorsal puncture in the fifth interval of the elytra and about 0.7% had a dorsal puncture in the seventh interval of the elytra. In 2014 and 2015, significantly more females exhibited such unusual patterns of dorsal puncture than males. Even if not statistically significant, in 2016 also relatively more females showed such a pattern. Neither males nor females of the analysed individuals with usual puncture patterns showed a significant difference in the length of the right elytron from those with unusual puncture patterns, and neither for males nor for females a significant correlation of the percentage share of the individuals with unusual puncture patterns with the age of the study sites could be detected. However, both males and females with unusual patterns had more dorsal pits than those without. Moreover, males as well as females showed in all those years a trend that the individuals with unusual patterns have more pits in the third interval of the elytra.DiscussionThe results indicate that females are more likely to exhibit unusual patterns. Since individuals of P. oblongopunctatus with a higher number of pits on the elytra are supposed to prevail in more wet habitats, such patterns might be related to moisture conditions. The possibility of pits in the seventh interval of the elytra should be added to identification keys.

Studying 137Cs dynamics during litter decomposition in three forest types in the vicinity of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant

ABSTRACT To investigate the contribution of soil animals to the cesium-137 (137Cs) concentration change in the course of the litter decomposition process, we conducted litter bag experiments in forest sites located about 50 km northwest from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. To control the influence of soil animals of different size, two different mesh sizes of litter bags (fine and coarse mesh) were used. Litter bags were placed in three different types of forests: (1) broad-leaved forest, (2) Japanese red pine mixed broad-leaved, and (3) Japanese cedar plantation, for the period from November 2012 to April 2014. Through the whole period, litter was decomposed to 60–70% from the initial dry weight. We found no significant difference between the mesh sizes. The litter 137Cs concentration and the relative 137Cs amount in each sampling time from initial 137Cs amount (relative 137Cs amount) in broad-leaved and mixed broad-leaved forests increased from the initial. In both forest types, 137Cs concentration in coarse mesh showed higher than the fine mesh. In cedar plantation, relative 137Cs amount in both mesh sizes did not differ from the initial value. We assumed that enhancement of the activity of microbes by the mesofauna contributed to an increase in the amount of 137Cs in the litter. Although we could not deny the effect of mesh size of the litter bag, the activity of soil organism could be one of the factors that lead to an incremental increase of the 137Cs amount in the litter layer.

Divergence of dominant factors in soil microbial communities and functions in forest ecosystems along a climatic gradient

Abstract. Soil microorganisms play an important role in regulating nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Most of the studies conducted thus far have been confined to a single forest biome or have focused on one or two controlling factors, and few have dealt with the integrated effects of climate, vegetation, and soil substrate availability on soil microbial communities and functions among different forests. In this study, we used phospholipid-derived fatty acid (PLFA) analysis to investigate soil microbial community structure and extracellular enzymatic activities to evaluate the functional potential of soil microbes of different types of forests in three different climatic zones along the north–south transect in eastern China (NSTEC). Both climate and forest type had significant effects on soil enzyme activities and microbial communities with considerable interactive effects. Except for soil acid phosphatase (AP), the other three enzyme activities were much higher in the warm temperate zone than in the temperate and the subtropical climate zones. The soil total PLFAs and bacteria were much higher in the temperate zone than in the warm temperate and the subtropical zones. The soil β-glucosidase (BG) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activities were highest in the coniferous forest. Except for the soil fungi and fungi–bacteria (F/B), the different groups of microbial PLFAs were much higher in the conifer broad-leaved mixed forests than in the coniferous forests and the broad-leaved forests. In general, soil enzyme activities and microbial PLFAs were higher in primary forests than in secondary forests in temperate and warm temperate regions. In the subtropical region, soil enzyme activities were lower in the primary forests than in the secondary forests and microbial PLFAs did not differ significantly between primary and secondary forests. Different compositions of the tree species may cause variations in soil microbial communities and enzyme activities. Our results showed that the main controls on soil microbes and functions vary in different climatic zones and that the effects of soil moisture content, soil temperature, clay content, and the soil N ∕ P ratio were considerable. This information will add value to the modeling of microbial processes and will contribute to carbon cycling in large-scale carbon models.

Dynamic forest vegetation models for predicting impacts of climate change on forests: An Indian perspective

Understanding climate change vulnerability of Indian forests has received wider attention in recent years and a number of assessments with different approaches have emerged over time. These assessments have mostly used climate-sensitive vegetation models to explain the climate change impacts. In these studies, trees constituting a particular forest are often clubbed together into small number of groups having similar functional traits referred as Plant Functional Types (PFTs). Most of the Forest Vegetation Models (FVMs) are still in their developmental stage and there have been attempts at various levels to develop more versatile and precise models. Several developing countries, including India, still lag behind in developing dynamic vegetation models (DVMs), which could be appropriate for the local applications to predict the impact on forests at regional level. This is restrained mainly because of the lack of long-term observations with respect to various interacting biotic, abiotic and climatic (or environmental) variables in a forest ecosystem, like water and nitrogen use efficiency, response to elevated concentration of CO2, nutrient cycling, net primary productivity, etc. The observations on influence of the environmental variables on forest ecosystems are available in discrete form. Existing FVMs integrate observations more appropriately for their place of origin for which they have been developed. Different types of forests in different climatic zones are supposed to respond differently to climatic changes. Hence, it is imperative that models are developed for the specific biogeographic regions in order to predict the influences more accurately. It may not be wise to use existing FVMs in their pristine form for all of the region without considering the regional influences. Various challenges associated with the usage of the generic models of external origin with special reference to Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS) model - being widely used and accepted in Indian policy documents- is presented in this paper. We also discuss on the need for developing a regional FVM for climate change impact studies, so that the impact prediction is more precise and reliable.

Regeneration status of trees under different disturbances regimes at southern fringe of Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand Himalaya

Increasing anthropogenic pressure and dependence on plant products has led to widespread exploitation of natural forest in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The study area was selected on the Southern Boundry of Corbett National Park. The objective of the present study was to understand the regeneration status of important tree species in three different types of forests categorized as Highly Disturbed, Moderately disturbed and Least Disturbed sites. Total tree density was higher for least disturbed forest and lower for highly disturbed forest. The regeneration was poor in highly disturbed site compared to least disturbed site. Mallotus philippinensis was germinating and growing as a dominant under canopy tree species across all the sites except least disturbed sites. Sal (Shorea robusta) regeneration was found to be a serious problem. Mallotus philippinensis, Aegle marmelos and Lagerstroemia parviflora showed their dominance across all the sites proving broad ecological amplitude and high tolerance against grazing pressure. At highly disturbed site, species like Mallotus philippinensis, Diospyros tomentosa and Lagerstromeia parviflora were regenerating fairly well with seedlings and saplings but the number of saplings were either less than or equal to adults. Vegetational parameters showed that protected areas ( least disturbed areas ) are important for maintaining regeneration and ecosystem.

Biomass Carbon Content in Schima-Castanopsis Forest of Midhills of Nepal: A Case Study from Jaisikuna Community Forest, Kaski

Forests are considered as both the source and sinks of carbon. Different types of forests have different carbon stock. Nepal's midhills community forests have high potentiality to sequester carbon. This paper analyzes the biomass carbon stock in Schima-Castanopsis forest of Jaisikuna community forests of Kaski district, Nepal. Forest area was divided into two blocks and 18 sample plots (9 in each block) were laid randomly. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and height of trees (DBH≥5cm) were measured using the DBH tape and clinometer. Leaflitter, herbs, grasses and seedling were collected from 1*1m2 plot and fresh weight was taken. Biomass of tree was calculated and below ground biomass is assumed 15% of above ground tree biomass. For calculating carbon stock, biomass is multiplied by default value 0.47. The above ground tree biomass (AGTB) carbon of chilaune, katus and other species was found 19.56 t/ha, 18.66 t/ha and 3.59 t/ha respectively. The AGTB of chilaune dominated, katus dominated and whole forest was found 43.78 t/ha, 39.83 t/ha and 41.81 t/ ha respectively. LHG carbon was found 2.73 t/ha. Below ground biomass carbon at whole forest was found 6.27 t/ha respectively. Total biomass and carbon at forest was found 108.09 t/ha and 50.80 t/ ha respectively. Difference in biomass and carbon content at chilaune dominated block and katus dominated block was found insignificant. Carbon estimation at forest of different elevation, aspect and location are recommended for further research.

Factors influencing soil enzyme activity in China’s forest ecosystems

Enzyme activity (EA) mediates soil organic matter (SOM) degradation, transformation, and mineralization, thereby maintaining the biogeochemical cycles and energy flow of ecosystems. To determine the main factors explaining EA variations in China’s forest ecosystems, we created a database of soil EAs and relevant variables using data from the literature and analysed relationships between EAs and both climatic and edaphic variables. Catalase, phenol oxidase, acid (alkaline) phosphatase, and protease activities differed significantly among different types of forests. Catalase and urease activities were generally higher in primosols, cambisols, and argosols than in ferrosols. EA largely decreased with soil depth and increased with SOM. Phenol oxidase and urease activities were negatively correlated with mean annual temperature (MAT); in contrast, catalase, invertase, and protease activities first decreased ( 17.5 °C) with increasing MAT. Although protease activity was slightly positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP), catalase, phenol oxidase, and urease activities were all negatively related to MAP. Catalase, invertase, acid (alkaline) phosphatase, urease, and protease activities first increased (< 2000 m.a.s.l.) and then decreased (2000–4100 m.a.s.l.) with increasing elevation. Principal component analysis revealed most EAs to be correlated with climate conditions and soil pH. These findings suggest that climatic and edaphic variables directly and indirectly correlate with forest type and greatly impact soil EA.

A Novel DEM Approach to Simulate Block Propagation on Forested Slopes

In order to model rockfall on forested slopes, we developed a trajectory rockfall model based on the discrete element method (DEM). This model is able to take the complex mechanical processes at work during an impact into account (large deformations, complex contact conditions) and can explicitly simulate block/soil, block/tree contacts as well as contacts between neighbouring trees. In this paper, we describe the DEM model developed and we use it to assess the protective effect of different types of forest. In addition, we compared it with a more classical rockfall simulation model. The results highlight that forests can significantly reduce rockfall hazard and that the spatial structure of coppice forests has to be taken into account in rockfall simulations in order to avoid overestimating the protective role of these forest structures against rockfall hazard. In addition, the protective role of the forests is mainly influenced by the basal area. Finally, the advantages and limitations of the DEM model were compared with classical rockfall modelling approaches.

Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of Mediterranean forest biomass waste: Bioproduct characterization

Different types of forest and scrub biomass waste that are representative of the Mediterranean biogeographical region (Pinus pinaster, Quercus ilex, waste from forestry activities in pinewoods and Cistus ladanifer) were pyrolyzed in a batch microwave reactor. The pyrolysis conditions were optimized using Pinus pinaster as the raw material. All experiments were performed at 400W with 7.5% biochar as a microwave absorber. Under these conditions four fractions were characterized: a non-condensable gas fraction, a bio-liquid composed of separable organic and aqueous soluble components and biochar. All liquid and gas fractions were characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometery (GC/qMS) to identify the main components. The bioliquid organic fraction was distilled and a bio-bitumen residue was collected. The rheological properties of this residue were studied. Biochar was characterized by measuring the specific surface area in order to assess its adsorptive properties. Mass distribution was calculated according to the feedstock.

Non-timber forest products extracted activities of the upstream Mamberamo basin’s traditional communities of West Papua, Indonesia

Rahawarin YY. 2017. Non-timber forest products extracted activities of the upstream Mamberamo basin’s traditional communities of West Papua, Indonesia. Asian J For 1: 23-26. The aim of this study is to find utilization activities of extracting nontimber forest products by local communities on the upstream part of Mamberamo Basin. Survey, observation and semi-structural interview were taken to generate data and information. The result showed that the local communities extracted several of non-timber forest products over the course of their generations to fulfill basic daily necessities. There were several types of non-timber forest products that have been used by local communities either from plants wild animals that living across different types of forest. These activities were lasted for generations so that people called it as a traditional conservation. They are still exist recently and believed to maintain the long-lasting of non timber forest products continuity to keep the availability of traditional food sources for the daily needs over generations.

Pollen and non-pollen palynomorph preservation in the dung of the Greater One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), and its implication to palaeoecology and palaeodietary analysis: A case study from India

The Greater One-horned Rhino of India is an endangered species. We investigate the pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs preserved in rhino dung collected from a communal rhino dung midden in Kaziranga National Park to document the vegetation composition and dietary habits of this rhino. The palynodata reflects the dominance of nonarboreals over arboreals from forested and grassland areas respectively. The arboreals include a mixture of evergreen, riparian, and deciduous taxa, which are strongly indicative of different types of forest in the park. The high presence of grass pollen and phytoliths in the rhino dung was marked and confirmed that grass is the primary food of the rhino. Diatoms and Thecamoeba in the rhino dung assemblage was suggestive of the ingestion of huge amount of water and the water logged condition in parts of the park. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicated that the silica contained in rhino dung sample was high in comparison to the others elements and determination of its presence is useful for understanding rhinoceros' habits. The generated data will be helpful and to serve as a guideline for subsequent palaeoecological and palaeodietary studies in the park.