Forestry Research Research Articles

Evaluation of properties of graded density fiberboard produced from wood residues (sawdust and corrugated paper)

Reuse of materials from waste streams is pertinent to achieving sustainable forest production. The enormous wood residues generated at sawmill and the disposal of wood based products poses threat not only to sustenance of the forest resources but also has negative adverse effect on the environment. Limitation exists in the utilization of wood residues as raw material for panel board production in developing countries.
 This study examined the physical and mechanical properties of graded density fiberboards produced from varying mixture of sawdust and corrugated paper (pulp) at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in 2019. A 2x9 factorial experiment in one way analysis of variance was used to test for significant difference between the factors (density and mixing ratio) considered. The result shows that densities of all boards produced varied with mixing proportions. The densities increased with increasing content of corrugated paper. Boards produced at 0.45 g/cm3 showed higher density (0.648 g/cm3), bending strength (MOR) (1.47 N/mm2) and less water absorption (118.69 %) than those produced at 0.65 g/cm3 having values of 0.58 g/cm3, 1.32 N/mm2 and 153.67 % respectively. However boards produced at 0.65 g/cm3 had higher elasticity in bending (MOE) (209.19 N/mm2) and less thickness swelling (6.29 %) than those produced at 0.45 g/cm3 having values of 74.87 N/mm2 and 10.88% respectively. Panel G (20:60:20), E (30:50:20) and I (10:70:20) of sawdust: corrugated paper: urea formaldehyde respectively showed superior features in physical and mechanical properties with panel I been the best mixture. Conclusively, wood residues (sawdust and corrugated paper) are suitable raw material for fiberboard production.

Management of aquatic plants and their contributions to fisheries production in Ikere-Gorge, Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria

Aquatic plants are important in freshwater ecosystems. They provide food, shelter, spawning and nursery grounds for fish. They are usually found at the littoral parts of freshwater ecosystems. The abundance, distribution and diversity of aquatic plant of Ikere-gorge, Iseyin, Nigeria were examined between January 2017 and December 2018. There are twelve fishing villages in Ikere-gorge and four villages were randomly selected. Aquatic plants were sampled and collected with the help of hired fishermen. The collected aquatic plant samples were identified at the Forest Herbarium of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria with appropriate keys. This work identified 13 families and 23 species of aquatic plants. Cyperaceae family recorded the highest (4) number of individual species while Salvinia molesta had the highest abundance in all the sampling sites. The ecological classification of the aquatic plants showed that 14 species are emergent; 7 species floating and 3 species submerged. Site C had the most abundance (9220) of aquatic plants, followed by site D (8490), site B (8130) and site A (7940). The gamma (γ) and beta (β) diversities were 23 and 0.01 respectively. The alpha (α) diversity included Dominance (0.08), Simpson (0.92) and Shannon-Wiener (2.72) respectively. These results show that Salvinia molesta and Najas guadalupensis are the most and least abundant aquatic plants in Ikere-gorge respectively; which may be due to their ecological status. Moreover, management of aquatic plants is an integral part of fisheries management for sustainable fisheries. Therefore, their management is essential for the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity.
 Key words: aquatic plants, diversity, emergent, floating, submerged

What Happened to Franklin Square Park? People, Trees, and Environmental Justice

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, this project employs methods from urban forestry and community-engaged research to gain a deeper understanding of a city park’s physical quality and the meaning of park quality to neighborhood residents. In the summer of 2018, we were asked by residents living in the Franklin Square community to survey the trees in their neighborhood park and create an updated park map. Following the completion of our survey, we organized an event in the park for local elementary and middle school students and collected student reflections on the park before and after the event. Despite indications that the physical quality of the park is deteriorating through the loss of trees and other park features, our qualitative analysis of themes from student reflections and historical narratives suggests that not only park features but also experience, memory, and history shape park quality. By examining green space quality using a bottom-up approach, which includes the voices of community members and archival documents, we advance and question studies of urban green space quality that have largely relied on quantitative metrics.

Chemical composition, cytotoxicity and anti-mycobacterium activities of Clausena anisata essential oils

Background: Clausena anisata (Willd) Hook has demonstrated several medicinal properties against certain bacterial infections, including tuberculosis. However, scientific validation is imperative to verify its folkloric usage against tuberculosis. Aim: This study aimed at determining the chemical composition, toxicity and anti-tubercular potentials of the oils extracted from this plant. Setting: Plant material collection, essential oils extraction and antimycobacterial activity were performed at the University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa. This article and selected technical aspect was constructed at the Biomedicinal Research Centre, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. Methods: Comparative chemical composition of hydrodistilled (HD) and solvent-free microwaved essential (SFME) oils from C. anisata was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). In vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay was also carried out on the oils against a strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The cytotoxicity assay of the oils was also assessed by using human dermal fibroplast (MRHF) cell lines. Results: Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis of the essential oils revealed 51 distinct compounds with methyl eugenol and estragole in abundance. The IC 50 of volatile oils from SFME and HD methods against the MRHF cell line were 1 216 µ g/mL and 383 µ g/mL, respectively. On the other hand, both oils and ethambutol (standard drug) showed no activity against the strain of M. tuberculosis , but rifampicin supressed the growth of the organism at 0.25 µ g/mL. Conclusion: This study showed that C. anisata is safe for consumption, and further studies of combinative potent but non-toxic oils engaging hydrodistillation method are strongly recommended for enhanced effect against M. tuberculosis .

Storage of Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels. Seeds

Teminalia superba is one of the species receiving priority under the on-going Forest Investment Programme in Ghana. A more comprehensive look at the response of the seeds to storage is therefore important for their use in afforestation, reforestation activities, breeding programmes and long term conservation. Seeds of T. superba were harvested in October, 2016 from Amantia in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and immediately processed. Drawn seed samples were dried over silica gel to reduce seed moisture content to 10% and 5% respectively. Moisture content of seeds was determined by drying in an oven at 103° C for 17 hours. Seeds were placed in two types of storage containers namely, hermetic glass bottles and plastic bottles. These were placed at three different temperature conditions namely; ambient temperature (28-32°C), refrigerator temperature (4-5°C) and freezing temperature (-10°C) and stored for a period of 24 months with the conduction of germination tests every two months at the laboratory and plant house of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana. Germination tests were conducted in a medium of heat sterilized river sand at the plant house with ambient temperature of 27-33°C. The statistical design used in the investigation was a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial (moisture levels × storage containers × storage temperatures). Storage of seeds in hermetic glass bottles was found to have maintained seeds at a higher viability level than storage in plastic bottles. Both freezing and refrigeration temperatures were found to be ideal storage conditions. Storage at 5% moisture content resulted in higher viability of seeds. The electrical conductivity test was found to be an efficient test for distinguishing good quality seeds from poor seeds of the species.

The separation of softwood and hardwood in historical wooden statues of the Nazenji-temple in Japan using NIR spectroscopy

Abstract The applicability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to the identification of wood species of archaeologically/historically valuable wooden artifacts in a non-invasive manner was investigated using reference wood samples from the xylarium of the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (TWTw) and applied to several wooden statues carved about 1000 years ago. Diffuse-reflectance NIR spectra were obtained from five standard wood samples each of five softwood species (Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cryptomeria japonica, Sciadopitys verticillata, Thujopsis dolabrata, Torreya nucifera) and five hardwood species (Aesculus turbinata, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Cinnamomum camphora, Prunus jamasakura, Zelkova serrata). A principal component analysis (PCA) model was developed from the second derivative spectra. The score plot of the first two components clearly showed separation of the wood sample data into softwood and hardwood clusters. The developed PCA model was applied to 370 spectra collected from 21 wooden statues preserved in the Nazenji-temple in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, including 14 made from Torreya spp. and 7 made from Cinnamomum spp. In the score plot, the statue spectra were also divided into two clusters, corresponding to either softwood (Torreya spp.) or hardwood (Cinnnamomum spp.) species. These results show that NIR spectroscopy combined with PCA is a powerful technique for determining whether archaeologically/historically valuable wooden artifacts are made of softwood or hardwood.

Occurrence of invasive insects on woody plants in the main green areas from Bucharest city

In the current context of globalization, biological invasion of alien species has an important impact on environment, economics or human health. Particularly, the spread of these species in urban green areas, is problematic due to several reasons. The aim of this research was to report the presence of invasive insects on woody plants in the main parks across Bucharest (namely Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park, Bucharest Botanical Garden, Cișmigiu Gardens, King Michael I Park, USAMV Campus, Youth Park). Field observations were done during the summer of 2019 (July) and the protocols recently developed by the experts from “Marin Drăcea” National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry were used. It was identified twelve invasive insects species: Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae), Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), Corythucha arcuata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Corythucha ciliata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Dasineura gledithchiae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Eopineus strobus (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), Macrosaccus robiniella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), Nematus tibialis (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), Obolodiplosis robiniae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Parectopa robiniella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), Prociphilus fraxinifoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF DIPTEROCARP SPECIES PLANTED ON ABANDONED MINING AREA IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Dominant Dipterocarp trees hold a significant importance in the ecology and economics of the declining tropical forests of Asia. Of equal importance is the restoration of these Dipterocarp forest using the technique of matching species with silvicultural practices. The study aimed to investigate the effect of the Acacia mangium nurse trees on the survival and growth of six Dipterocarp species planted on abandoned mining areas in the Phangnga Forestry Research Station, Thailand, namely; Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb., Dipterocarpus gracilis Blume, Hopea odorata Roxb., Shorea gratissima (Wall. ex Kurz) Dyer, Shorea roxburghii G. Don, and Parashorea stellata Kurz. The approximately 1.5-year-old Dipterocarp seedlings were planted at a 6-year-old A. mangium plantation cover and at open plots. The survival rate, diameter at root collar (D0), total height (H) and the relative growth rate (RGR) of D0 and H of the seedlings were compared. Soil samples at the open and the A. mangium plots were collected and its physical and chemical properties were analyzed. The results indicated that the survival rates of the Dipterocarps planted at the A. mangium plot were higher than those at the open plots. The survival rates (75-100%) of the 1 to 3-year-old D. alatus, H. odorata, S. gratissima, S. roxburghii, and P. stellata were relatively high at the A. mangium plot, but not for D. gracilis. The D0 of S. roxburghii, D. alatus, H. odorata, and P. stellata were higher at the A. mangium plot. However, the D0 and H of S. roxburghii, D. alatus, and H. odorata at the open plot were high and similar to that of the A. mangium plot. RGRD0 and RGRH of S. roxburghii, D. alatus, and H. odorata were high both at the A. mangium and the open plots. Generally, the Dipterocarp seedlings were growing better under the A. mangium nurse trees, thus suggesting the possibility of their improved survival and growth in mined out areas. Moreover, the findings also suggest that S. roxburghii, D. alatus, and H. odorata can be planted at open areas with poor soil conditions and extreme environments. Lastly, thinning interventions are also needed to improve the growth of Dipterocarp trees.

SOIL PROPERTIES AND TREE COMPOSITION IN A 27-YEAR OLD Acacia mangium Willd. PLANTATION ON ABANDONED MINING AREA AT PHANGNGA FORESTRY RESEARCH STATION

In order to validate the important role of Acacia mangium plantation in mining rehabilitation, a study was conducted on the soil properties and tree composition in a 27-year-old A. mangium plantation growing on sandy (S27) and clay (C27) soil types, as well as a mixed plantation (MP) growing on clay soil type. The results were compared with those grown on an abandoned mining area (AB), a secondary forest (SF) and a primary forest (PF), at the Phangnga Forestry Research Station, Thailand. Three 40 x 40 m permanent plots were established and soil samples were randomly collected from depths of 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, and 30-50 cm, in each of the S27, C27, MP, AB, SF, and PF. The bulk density values in the S27, C27, and MP were lower than that in AB and was similar to those in SF and PF, particularly, the top soil. Total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, exchangeable potassium, and magnesium contents in the S27, C27, and MP were higher than that in AB, but were lower than those in SF and PF, indicating that the soil development in the S27, C27, and MP was slower than in the SF and PF. This lower bulk density values and higher soil nutrient contents were positively contributed by the A. mangium plantation. The Shannon-Wiener index obtained for S27 (1.43), C27 (2.51), and MP (2.77) were lower than that for the SF (3.86). The similarity indices of the tree species found in S27, C27, MP, and PF were low, ranging from 5.83-8.00, indicating that the development of the forest community was slow compared to SF (31.03). Enrichment planting with poorly dispersed shade tolerant trees has increased the diversity and improved the forest structure in the mined out areas and other similarly degraded lands.

Drones: tecnología con futuro promisorio en la gestión forestal

La variabilidad climática plantea importantes retos que actualmente enfrentan los ecosistemas forestales. Para mejorar el entendimiento de sus procesos vitales es necesario contar con tecnologías de vanguardia, una de los cuales son los vehículos aéreos no tripulados (VANT) que desempeñan un papel fundamental. Si bien, los VANT se han usado para diferentes tareas y servicios; existe un vacío de información sobre el estado del arte de los enfoques, usos y tendencias en la gestión forestal. Este estudio es una aportación al conocimiento, en términos de volumen de investigación a través del tiempo; diferenciada por revistas y por países; artículos y autores más influyentes; redes de colaboración científica; tipos de vegetación y campos de estudio; hardware y software relevante utilizado. Los resultados mostraron 117 artículos científicos publicados del 2012 al 2019, principalmente de China y Estados Unidos de América, y cinco clústeres de colaboración científica. Los estudios se enfocaron, principalmente, en los atributos individuales de la estructura forestal, inventarios y monitoreo del vigor forestal. Los bosques templados fueron los ecosistemas más estudiados alrededor del mundo, mientras que los drones de multirrotor los más usados con el sensor RGB de DJI como la marca líder dominante. El Photoscan fue el programa fotogramétrico más aplicado en investigación forestal. Por último, se confirma que el uso de los VANT se ha expandido exponencialmente en el último lustro. En México, se prevé que dicho potencial se incremente, a partir de su megadiversidad, gran tradición forestal y los investigadores que están especializándose en el tema.

Practices of employee relations and job satisfaction in forestry research institute of Nigeria, Nigeria

Employees’ job satisfaction and healthy practices of employee relations are important factors for an effective organizational system. This study examined the practices of employee relations and job satisfaction in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. The data collected was primary and cross-sectional. A convenience sampling technique was used in selecting 190 participants in the organisation. The results showed that the perceived practices of employee relations include the creation of better working conditions (x̅ = 3.77) and provision of opportunities for participation (x̅ = 3.63). Letters (x̅ = 4.56) and group meetings (x̅ = 4.41 were the tools of employee relations used often (x̅ = 3.62). The major employees’ satisfaction on the job was job achievement (x̅ = 3.97). There was a significant association between the frequency of use of tools of employee relations and job satisfaction and job satisfaction (r = 0.253; p < 0.05) and between the employees’ perception about the practices of employee relations and job satisfaction. (r = 0.50; p < 0.05) and job satisfaction. Based on the results of the study, it was recommended that the organisation should recognize its employees as its valuable assets and invest in the training of its employees on relations management.

PRECISE CALCULATION OF CROSS SECTIONS AND VOLUME FOR TREE STEM USING POINT CLOUDS

Abstract. Woody biomass is an important parameter in forestry and forest research. In order to estimate of woody biomass, it is important to precisely and efficiently calculate section areas and volumes of tree stems in the forest. In this paper, we propose a method for calculating the cross-sectional area and the stem volume of trees from point clouds captured using the terrestrial laser scanner. In our method, each point cloud is converted into a wireframe model, and cross-section points are calculated as intersection between the wireframe and the horizontal planes placed at equal intervals. Cross-sectional shapes on each horizontal plane are approximated as n-sided polygons and refined using the subdivision scheme. The section areas and stem volumes are calculated using the subdivision curves of stem contours. In our evaluation, our method could calculate section areas and stem volumes of trees with sufficient accuracy in practical use.

Preface

The International Conference on Forest Conservation and Management (ICFCM) 2019 was held as a part of the 5th International Conference of Indonesia Forestry Researcher (INAFOR) for broadening the forestry research dissemination and networks.The ICFCM 2019 was the first international conference held by the Forest Research and Development Cente (FRDC)r, Forestry and Environment Research Development and Innovation Agency (FOERDIA), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia (MoEF). Implementation of the ICFCM 2019 was a strategy to strengthen the research and innovation to an international community. It was also a medium for scientific communities, who actively conduct research and stakeholders working on the role of science in the tropical forest management and biodiversity conservation, to exchange knowledge, update information, improve incentives for adoption, provide recommendations of future research, and develop commitment for research collaboration.The theme of the ICFCM 2019 was “Innovative Solutions for Managing Tropical Forests and Conserving Biodiversity to Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” aimed to supports actions for sustainable forest management goals and biodiversity conservation. This proceedings presents 45 research results on innovative solutions ranging from managing tropical forests; policies and actions for biodiversity conservation; natural disturbance, biodiversity in forests and landscapes; climate change, ecosystem function; monitoring of forest biodiversity at different spatial scales; valuation of biodiversity; and the future research in managing biodiversity.List of Scientific Committee is available in this PDF.

Vertical Structure Classification of a Forest Sample Plot Based on Point Cloud Data

The vertical structure of forests affects energy transfer and material exchange within forest ecosystems and is of great significance to scientific forestry and ecology research. In this paper, the Shangri-La forest plot in northwestern Yunnan Province of China was the study area. The forest sample plot point cloud data were obtained by terrestrial laser scanning technology. A new method for classifying the vertical structure of forest sample plots based on point cloud data is proposed. The method comprehensively utilizes morphological filtering and comparative shortest-path (CSP) algorithm point cloud segmentation technology. Additionally, the method proposes the concept of secondary CSP segmentation that precisely classifies three types of vertical features in forest point cloud data: trees, shrubs and the ground. Finally, an accuracy analysis showed that the error rate of the tree results was 1.87%, and the error rate of the shrub results was 16.23%.

Genomics of Clinal Local Adaptation in Pinus sylvestris Under Continuous Environmental and Spatial Genetic Setting.

Understanding the consequences of local adaptation at the genomic diversity is a central goal in evolutionary genetics of natural populations. In species with large continuous geographical distributions the phenotypic signal of local adaptation is frequently clear, but the genetic basis often remains elusive. We examined the patterns of genetic diversity in Pinus sylvestris, a keystone species in many Eurasian ecosystems with a huge distribution range and decades of forestry research showing that it is locally adapted to the vast range of environmental conditions. Making P. sylvestris an even more attractive subject of local adaptation study, population structure has been shown to be weak previously and in this study. However, little is known about the molecular genetic basis of adaptation, as the massive size of gymnosperm genomes has prevented large scale genomic surveys. We generated a both geographically and genomically extensive dataset using a targeted sequencing approach. By applying divergence-based and landscape genomics methods we identified several loci contributing to local adaptation, but only few with large allele frequency changes across latitude. We also discovered a very large (ca. 300 Mbp) putative inversion potentially under selection, which to our knowledge is the first such discovery in conifers. Our results call for more detailed analysis of structural variation in relation to genomic basis of local adaptation, emphasize the lack of large effect loci contributing to local adaptation in the coding regions and thus point out the need for more attention toward multi-locus analysis of polygenic adaptation.

A Base Nacional Curricular Comum e a formação continuada de professores sobre a floresta amazônica

Muito se fala sobre a importância da floresta amazônica, porém suas relações no ecossistema ainda são pouco compreendidas pela população. Essa falta de conhecimento pode afetar iniciativas para sua preservação. Várias ações têm sido realizadas no âmbito das políticas públicas, como o novo código florestal de 2012, o bolsa floresta familiar. No entanto, acorda-se que é por meio da educação que efetivas mudanças de proteção ao sistema ambiental podem ocorrer. Inserir no currículo escolar a complexidade da floresta amazônica pode estimular nos estudantes a formação de responsabilidades para a preservação desse ecossistema. Nesse sentido, esse trabalho teve como objetivo verificar como a temática “floresta amazônica” pode ser inserida na formação continuada de professores de ciências naturais e biologia, visando à sua interação na Base Nacional Curricular Comum – BNCC a partir de um diálogo profundo com pesquisadores deste bioma. O percurso metodológico adotado foi uma análise documental da BNCC e a correspondente matriz pedagógica adotada num curso de formação continuada desenvolvido em parceria com pesquisadores da área florestal do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA. Os resultados mostram que a floresta amazônica está absorta com um tema amplo e pouco contextualizado, mesmo com os avanços propostos pela BNCC. Esse estado pode e deve ser compensado com uma formação continuada mais especifica e com parcerias de profissionais que se dedicam na produção científica desse ecossistema, dando aos professores o respaldo de conhecimento e reflexões necessárias para sua atividade de ensino.

Radu Cenușă: ”Pădurea va avea foarte mult de suferit, pentru că trebuie gestionată unitar, cu mână forte, ceea ce nu-i stă în fire românului mioritic”. Din păcate, profețiile pesmiste ale lui Prodan s-au adeverit.

Radu Leontie Cenușă s-a născut la 21 iunie 1951, în localitatea Vatra Moldoviței, din Județul Suceava. În 1976 acesta a absolvit Facultatea de Silvicultură și Exploatări Forestiere de la Universitatea „Transilvania” din Brașov. Este doctor în ecologie forestieră, profesor universitar, conducător de doctorat, expert în proiecte europene, membru în comisii de specialitate, Consilii științifice și Editor șef al revistei „Bucovina Forestiera”. De-a lungul activității sale, Radu Leontie Cenușă a primit o serie de premii și distincții. Vânătorii cunoscuți din ținuturile sale natale, tatăl și bunicul au fost cei care l-au determinat pe Radu Leontie Cenușă să descopere secretele silviculturii. Apropierea de Mănăstirea Moldovița l-a inspirat în atitudini și comportamente, de-a lungul vieții sale, fiind la originea a trei piloni pe care se bazează personalitatea sa: credință, educație și muncă. Cariera științifică a fost marcată de profesorul doctor Petre Ciobanu și de doctor inginerul Radu Ichim, ambii profesori la Institutul de Silvicultură. „Un om care a făcut ceva în viață” surprinde rezistența unui personaj special, care a fost mereu un slujitor al științei pădurii și care a reușit să-și croiască propriul drum pe galeria marilor maeștri ai silviculturii românești prin inteligență, perseverență, bunătate și corectitudine. La începutul carierei sale, baza selectării și promovării personalului forestier românesc era competența profesională. Toate activitățile legate de pădure erau susținute de politici naționale consistente, acestea vizând dezvoltarea și conservarea pădurii. În prezent, silvicultura are două componente importante: pădurea și persoanele însărcinate cu gestionarea acesteia. Privatizarea haotică a pădurilor, numeroasele neconcordanțe ale cadrului legal și incoerența organizațională sunt trei dintre cele mai dăunătoare decizii care au afectat silvicultura românească. Din punctul de vedere al exploatării lemnului, ca țară ne aflăm destul de în urmă. Lipsa mijloacelor tehnice și a echipamentelor moderne și faptul că exportăm semifabricate de lemn, fără valoare adăugată, se vede în toată țara. Vor veni zile mai bune pentru silvicultura românească când se vor aplica legi și reglementări și când controlul se va face serios și cu bune intenții. Potrivit opiniei sale, în cercetarea forestieră și în învățământul silvic superior, sunt angajate forțe cu un potențial special care ar putea schimba fața actuală a silviculturii românești. În special, domeniul de cercetare al pădurilor naturale și semi-naturale poate cu o nouă perspectivă asupra cercetării silvice românești. Cu toate acestea, pentru a accede cât mai sus în cercetarea forestieră, trebuie făcute investiții substanțiale în echipamente performante, software de ultimă generație, în mobilitatea personalului și documentare. Or, birocrația excesivă încetinește dezvoltarea cercetării. Cu toate acestea, speranțele sale mari se îndreaptă spre un viitor mai bun pentru păduri, bazat pe o conștientizare publică realistă și pe profesionalism. Principala direcție strategică trebuie găsită în extinderea pădurilor, conservarea pădurilor și valorificarea superioară a lemnului, pentru a profita la maximum de ceea ce pădurile oferă societății. Pur și simplu pentru că pădurea are încă multe de oferit.

Effecting variables of journal’s ranking in forestry field

Journal impact factor (JIF) and journal ranking play essential roles in scholarly publishing and research assessment, but the overuse of these metrics has recently drawn criticism. One topic of major debate is that certain objective measurable and controlled variables, including publication delay, journal size and article size, could impact JIF; in addition, journal identity is increasingly becoming a matter of concern. In this study, we focus mainly on the links between publication delays, number of published articles per year, average paper length and JIF and explore the mechanisms of journal ranking levels according to these variables. After a thorough survey of 53 forestry journals, we find that (1) compared to other fields, forestry research has a humble publishing culture with a lower JIF, smaller journal size, longer articles and rather substantial time to accept and publish the original articles in their final form. (2) More published articles per year could help a forestry journal rank in the top 50%. In addition, for non open access journals, a shorter period between manuscript acceptance and the final published version, a longer time between online available and final publication, and more time from articles receiving to online posting positively impact journal ranking; while for open access journals, longer paper length and faster article acceptance has a positive influence on ranking. (3) There is statistical evidence that publication practice preferences exist between different ranking levels. This research provides an objective view for rethinking the overdependence on JIF and journal ranking in research assessment.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA UKURAN RUMPANG DAN PERTUMBUHAN DIAMETER TANAMAN ULIN (Eusideroxylon zwageri Teijsm & Binn.) DI KHDTK KINTAP KECAMATAN KINTAP KALIMANTAN SELATAN

Deforestation and degradation of natural forests and plants reached 1.6-2.0 million ha. Forestry Research and Development Agencies throughout Indonesia have begun to develop various silvicultural techniques of ulin so that the extinction of the plant can be prevented. One of the silvicultural systems that began to be developed was a gap system. The purpose of this study was to determine the growth of ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri Teijsm & Binn.), and the influence of the size of the gaps on the growth of ulin plants in Kintap KHDTK. The results obtained were the average growth of the lowest ironwood plants from the value of diameter (1.27 cm) that was at without gap treatment, while the highest growth was the best diameter (5.01 cm), which was at the gap with diameter of 12 m. The optimal diameter of ironwood growth is in the size of a 12 m. Treatment of overlays of 12 m gives a good growth effect for ironwod plants.

Application of Nelder wheel experimental design in forestry research

This article presents a concise review on the forestry research, which involves application of a Nelder wheel experimental design, a type of systematic design for spacing trials. Short presentation of the design is included, practical applications of various objectives and methodological approaches to data analysis are outlined and the pros and cons of the design are discussed.