Background: Understanding the biotic factors that drive aboveground biomass, including species and structural diversity, is essential for improving forest productivity and informing management under climate change. Hypotheses: We evaluated whether species diversity and structural diversity positively influence aboveground biomass in a temperate forest of northwestern Mexico, hypothesizing that structural diversity would exert a stronger and more consistent effect. Data description / Mathematical model: Aboveground biomass was estimated using species- and genus-specific allometric equations. Species diversity indices (richness, Shannon, and evenness) and structural metrics (tree density, number of diameter and height classes, and tree-size diversity indices) were calculated. Partial correlations guided variable selection, followed by linear regression relating diversity metrics to plot-level aboveground biomass. Study site and dates: The study was conducted in the El Brillante ejido, Sierra Madre Occidental, Durango, Mexico (~2,500 m elevation), using data collected in 2023 from 40 randomly distributed plots. Methods: Pearson and partial correlations evaluated bivariate and independent relationships between predictors and aboveground biomass. The final model included tree density, number of diameter classes, and the Shannon index of height classes; assumptions were verified using residual diagnostics and variance inflation factor. Results: Mean aboveground biomass was 82 Mg ha⁻¹. Species richness showed weak and non-significant relationships, whereas structural variables explained 82% of biomass variation. Conclusions: Structural diversity is a strong predictor of aboveground biomass, while species richness plays a limited role.

This study assessed the phytosociological characteristics, soil physicochemical properties, and carbon stock of Jibiro Grazing Reserve. A systematic line transect design was used, consisting of two parallel transects (1500 m each) spaced 500 m apart. Along each transect, four 50 m × 50 m sample plots were established alternately at 100 m intervals, resulting in eight plots. All living trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥10 cm were identified and measured for DBH, basal diameter, and total height. Soil samples were collected from three points per plot at depths of 0–15, 16–30, 31–45, and 46–60 cm. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Student’s t-test. A total of 12 tree species belonging to 7 families and 68 individuals were recorded, with a stand density of 34 trees ha⁻¹. Phyllanthaceae had the highest frequency, while Sapotaceae was least represented. Total basal area and tree volume were 0.22 m² ha⁻¹ and 1.63 m³ ha⁻¹, respectively. Diameter classes ranged from 0–50 cm, and height classes ranged from <11 m to 20 m. Estimated biomass, carbon stock, and CO₂ equivalents were 3.10 t ha⁻¹, 1.55 t ha⁻¹, and 5.68 kg, respectively. Soils were predominantly sandy loam to sandy clay loam, with high sand content (67.25%). Bulk density was lower than particle density, while porosity (39.10%) and water-holding capacity (13.00%) were low. The soil was slightly acidic (pH 7.14), with moderate organic matter and available phosphorus, and high base saturation (79.25%), indicating nutrient limitations affecting vegetation growth.

Maxillary sinus (MS) floor elevation using the lateral window approach is a predictable technique for bone augmentation in the posterior maxilla. However, injury to the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) during osteotomy can result in significant intraoperative bleeding and compromise surgical visibility. This study aimed to evaluate the presence, anatomical location, and vertical distance of the PSAA using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to analyze its relationship with the vertical position of the simulated lateral window relative to the sinus floor, relevant to sinus floor elevation procedures. A retrospective observational analysis was performed on 1152 MS assessed on CBCT scans obtained for various diagnostic purposes. Scans fully visualizing the MS and lateral wall were included. The PSAA was identified and classified according to its anatomical location: intraosseous, submucosal, or extraosseous. The vertical distance between the artery and the sinus floor was measured, and the vertical position of the simulated lateral window relative to the sinus floor was categorized into four classes (0–3 mm, 3–8 mm, 8–11 mm, and > 11 mm). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the distribution of PSAA visibility, anatomical location, and lateral window height classes. Associations between PSAA anatomical location and vertical window position were examined using the Chi-square test for independence. The PSAA was identified in 68.1% of evaluated MS and was more frequently visible in males than in females. The artery was most commonly located beneath the Schneiderian membrane (48.6%), followed by intraosseous (17.6%) and extraosseous (1.8%) courses. The mean distance from the sinus floor was 8.3 ± 4.3 mm. Higher vertical positions of the simulated lateral window were significantly, although weakly, associated with an intraosseous arterial course. The PSAA is identifiable on CBCT in approximately two-thirds of MS, most commonly following a submucosal course, with a mean distance of 8.3 mm from the sinus floor. PSAA location was significantly associated with the vertical position of the simulated lateral window relative to the sinus floor, supporting the value of CBCT-based anatomical assessment for preoperative lateral window planning in MS floor elevation procedures.

Climatic stressors, notably increased salinity, influence the vegetation dynamics of the Sundarbans, the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. However, their role in the spatial stand structure of trees remains poorly understood. The overall objective of the study was to assess the role of salinity on the spatial diversity of tree species by using some neighbourhood-based variables. Thirty permanent sample plots were classified as low, medium, and high saline areas based on water salinity level for collecting primary data. With the increase of salinisation, the trees started clumping from the random aggregation and dispersion by suffering the loss of species richness and natural regeneration. The highest species was found in the low saline area adjacent to human settlements despite the presence of merciless anthropogenic disturbances like illegal logging. This area also consisted of a handful of size (dbh and height) classes, which in turn described a decent mixture of young, adult, and old-growth trees. Contrarily, the high saline area was inhabited by only adult dwarf trees. Neighbourhood-based variables and methods were proven to be simple, easy, less technical, time-saving, and non-expensive, which can articulate the spatial dimensions of a complex ecosystem. Immediate mitigation actions are warranted to maintain the status quo and to protect from further degradation. The species-centric spatial dimensions should be examined further to measure the impact of stressors on the spatial pattern of each species.

Globally, coffee-based agroforestry systems are recognized for their capacity to integrate agricultural production with biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical landscapes under intense anthropogenic pressure. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding floristic composition, arboreal structure, and the ecological importance of woody species in Andean agroforestry systems of the Peruvian Amazon, especially along altitudinal gradients. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity, floristic composition, arboreal structure, and ecological value of woody species in coffee-based agroforestry systems in the Department of Amazonas, Peru. Forest inventories were conducted in twelve one-hectare plots, recording dasometric variables, estimating diversity indices, analyzing floristic affinity, and calculating the Importance Value Index of species. A total of 57 tree species belonging to 41 genera and 25 families were recorded, with moderate diversity levels and a marked dominance of species from the Fabaceae family. The structure showed a predominance of young individuals, concentrated in low and intermediate diameter and height classes, and a moderate shade cover suitable for coffee cultivation. The species with the highest ecological and productive value were Pinus tecunumanii, Colubrina glandulosa, Clitoria juninensis, Inga edulis, and Inga mendozana, which perform key functions related to shade provision and soil fertility. These results are transferable to other coffee agroforestry systems in tropical montane regions and provide relevant evidence for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and productive optimization, issues of international interest in the agricultural and agroforestry sectors.

Urban roadside vegetation constitutes a critical yet under-evaluated component of urban green infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing tropical cities. This study presents a comprehensive, indicator-based assessment of roadside vegetation across major road corridors in the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), India, integrating structural attributes like girth at breast height (GBH) and height-class distributions, biomass carbon storage, phyto-sociological phytosociology dominance indices (relative frequency, relative density, relative dominance, and Importance Value Index), and Raunkiaer frequency-class patterns. Belt-transect surveys were conducted along representative road corridors, and biomass carbon was estimated using standard allometric approaches. Results reveal pronounced structural asymmetry in roadside vegetation, with a small proportion of large-GBH ( 91 cm), tall trees contributing a disproportionate share of total biomass carbon, while most individuals remain confined to smaller girth and intermediate height classes. Height-class analysis indicates compressed vertical structure across most corridors, limiting canopy development and associated ecosystem services. Phytosociological analysis shows strong dominance by a limited set of high-IVI species, resulting in either compositional homogenization or spatial fragmentation, as reflected in Raunkiaer frequency-class distributions. Corridors exhibiting greater representation of intermediate to high frequency classes (C–E) demonstrate higher structural maturity, spatial stability, and carbon storage. Integration of structural and compositional indicators highlights clear road-wise gradients in ecosystem-service performance and provides direct linkage to Sustainable Development Goals SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG-13 (Climate Action). The study demonstrates that roadside vegetation functions as an effective urban climate and liveability asset only where tree maturity, canopy continuity, and spatial stability coincide. These findings underscore the need to shift from plantation-centric greening to structure-centric, longevity-focused management strategies in Indian cities, emphasizing protection of mature trees, canopy development, and corridor-specific ecological planning

The coupling between tree biomass and soil microhabitats is central to subtropical forest soil functioning, yet species- and stage-specific tree–soil interactions remain understudied. This study quantified these interactions in two dominant species—Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. (C. lanceolata) and Quercus fabri Hance (Q. fabri)—across five diameter at breast height (DBH) classes (5–10, 10–15, 15–20, 20–25, 25–30 cm). Soil quality was characterized via the Soil Quality Index (SQI) based on 16 physicochemical and enzyme activity parameters, while random forest models identified biomass importance. Soil properties and enzyme activities varied with diameter class (p < 0.05): C. lanceolata showed a unimodal pattern (minimum at 15–20 cm DBH), whereas Q. fabri increased consistently (peaking at 20–30 cm DBH). The diameter class × species interaction significantly influenced SQI (p < 0.01): Q. fabri showed higher SQI than C. lanceolata at larger DBH, and vice versa at smaller DBH. Aboveground biomass dominated SQI variation in C. lanceolata (weight = 0.57), whereas belowground biomass dominated in Q. fabri (weight = 0.52; model R2 > 0.75). These findings demonstrate that DBH size and species identity jointly shape soil microenvironments, providing a mechanistic basis for informed subtropical forest management.

Tropical Andean forests are biodiversity hotspots that have been transformed by anthropogenic activities, making ecosystem regeneration and restoration essential for their recovery. This study evaluated floristic composition, forest structure, and diversity in three land cover types within tropical Andean ecosystems: riparian forest (RF), natural regeneration (NR), and ecological restoration areas (RE). Vegetation was inventoried using standardized plots, recording species composition, diameter, and height. Basal area, size class distribution, and vertical structure were estimated. The Shannon Wiener and Simpson indices were evaluated. RF showed the highest structural complexity and basal area among the evaluated cover types, followed by ER, whereas NR showed the lowest values. NR showed the highest diversity values and a predominance of individuals in lower diameter and height classes, reflecting active recruitment and intermediate successional stages. Segment ER exhibited lower diversity and intermediate structural development, consistent with shorter recovery periods and limitations in restoration design. Overall, the integration of floristic, structural, and diversity attributes indicates distinct successional trajectories, conditioned by land-use history, disturbance intensity, and environmental heterogeneity. These findings highlight the great potential for natural regeneration under reduced anthropogenic pressure and emphasize the need to integrate passive and active restoration strategies to enhance biodiversity and resilience in Andean tropical forests.

The relationship between snow depth and browse availability in Canada’s boreal forest is difficult to quantify because while snow buries lower branches of shrubs, making their twigs unavailable to browsers, snow can simultaneously push the twigs taller branches lower, into browser reach. Here, we use trail cameras to estimate the quantity (g/m2) and quality (solubility, %) of willow (Salix spp. [L.]) twigs available to snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus [Erxleben, 1777]) in response to snow depth (cm) in Kluane, Yukon. First, we estimated the standing biomass and average solubility of willow twigs within three height classes across our study area. Next, over two winters, we took daily images of willow shrubs alongside snow stakes to measure daily snow depth and twig availability by height class (13,015 camera-days). Using general additive models (GAMs), we estimated that total biomass availability increased by 44.5% during the first 10 cm of snow accumulation, peaking at 7.7 g/m2 when snow depth was 27 cm, after which it declined steadily. Collectively, as snow depth increased to 83 cm, total biomass decreased by 68% and available twig solubility increased 44.5%. This novel method highlights the non-linear relationship between twig availability and snow depth that is caused by snow load on shrubs.

Ethiopia's rich ecological landscapes, including its protected areas, are increasingly threatened by deforestation, agricultural encroachment, overgrazing, and climate variability. This study assessed the woody species composition, structure, and regeneration status of Omo National Park, located in southwestern Ethiopia. A total of 97 main plots (20 m × 20 m) for mature trees, 97 subplots (5 m × 5 m) for saplings, and 388 microplots (1 m × 1 m) for seedlings were systematically established. Woody species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥ 2.5 m were measured. In total, 72 woody species belonging to 51 families and 28 genera were recorded, comprising 39.5% trees, 57.9% shrubs, 1.6% tree/shrub forms, and 0.21% climbers from 950 individual plants. Fabaceae (10 spp.) and Combretaceae (7 spp.) were the most species-rich families. The park exhibited a high Shannon diversity index (3.34) and evenness (0.74), with a mature woody plant density of 244.8 individuals ha⁻¹ and a total basal area of 17.76 m² ha⁻¹. Species frequency declined with increasing DBH and height classes. Seedling and sapling densities were 450 and 411.6 individuals ha⁻¹, respectively, indicating good overall regeneration status. The study highlights the need for targeted monitoring and management of dominant and potentially invasive species to ensure the park's ecological sustainability.

Abstract The Subspace Theorem due to Schmidt (1972) is a broad generalisation of Roth’s Theorem in Diophantine Approximation (1955) which, in the same way as the latter, suffers a notorious lack of effectivity. This problem is tackled from a probabilistic standpoint by determining the proportion of algebraic linear forms of bounded heights and degrees for which there exists a solution to the Subspace Inequality lying in a subspace of large height. The estimates are established for a class of height functions emerging from an analytic parametrisation of the projective space. They are pertinent in the regime where the heights of the algebraic quantities are larger than those of the rational solutions to the inequality under consideration, and are valid for approximation functions more general than the power functions intervening in the original Subspace Theorem. These estimates are further refined in the case of Roth’s Theorem so as to yield a Khintchin–type density version of the so–called Waldschmidt conjecture (which is known to fail pointwise). This answers a question raised by Beresnevich, Bernik and Dodson (2009).

e paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of the number of trees, stand volume and the position of the height curve within the height overdiameter curves, obtained through a partial survey of high beech forests on different shapes of sample plots: concentric circles used in Montenegro (CC CG), concentric circles used in Serbia (CC RS) and angle count sampling (WZP RS) applied in the Serbian forest inventory. Data processing was conducted in Osnova software and within a GIS environment. Height curves were modelled using the Näslund function, while spatial interpolation of results was performed using the Spline with Barriers method. Regarding the average number of trees and average volume, although the CC CG method produced the lowest values, it is difficult to determine which plot shape is superior. The reason lies in the differing elements of partial survey designs among the tested plot types (number, size, sampling intensity, number of detailed subplots, etc.). However, since the studied stand belongs to selection forests, which represent extremely heterogeneous structural forms, we consider that priority should be given to angle count sampling (WZP RS). This method is based on unequal probabilities of tree selection for measurement, specifically the likelihood of a tree being selected is proportional to its diameter which undoubtedly contributes to a more reliable determination of stand volume under the given conditions. Furthermore, we consider that the method of selecting trees for height measurement in the forest inventory of Montenegro does not ensure a representative sample for accurate modelling of the height curve. As a result, poorer height classes are determined, leading to lower stand volume values. Spatial visualization through raster analysis facilitates planning and decision-making in forest management planning, as it provides a more realistic insight into internal stand variations that are often overlooked in conventional tabular presentations. In this context, GIS software and raster analyses represent efficient tools for the assessment, comparison and visualization of field data results, enabling better decision-making and improvement of forest resource management.

Aims: Quantitative field study was conducted to assess forest regeneration status in ten tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) sites at southern Coromandel Coast. Study Design: Quantitative field survey. Place and Duration of Study: Tamil Nadu, One year Methodology: Forest regeneration study was conducted in ten tropical dry evergreen forest sites located on the southern Coromandel Coast. A twenty 10 m × 10 m (100 m2; 0.01 ha) square plots were randomly laid in all forest sites. All encountered plants were identified to species level in the field. Individuals up to the height &lt;20 cm were considered as seedlings, whereas the height classes 20.1-40 cm, 40.1-100 cm, and 100.1-&lt;10 girth at breast height (gbh) cm were considered as saplings. Height class classification followed Induchoodan (1993). Regeneration status of species was identified with density of seedlings, saplings, and adult plants. Five regeneration categories were recognized as in Shankar (2001): 1. Good regeneration: Seedlings &gt; saplings&gt; adults; 2. Fair regeneration: Seedlings &gt; saplings ≥ adults; 3. Poor regeneration: (i) Species survives only as saplings but not as seedlings; (ii) Seedlings &lt; saplings &lt; adults; 4. No regeneration: Species absent both in seedlings and saplings but present as adults; and, 5. New regeneration: Species present only in seedlings or saplings but not as adult trees Results: A total of 51640 seedlings were recorded from ten study sites. Seedling density varied from 1970 to 9050 ha-1. On an average each site had 5163 ± 2507 seedlings ha-1. A sum of 38130 saplings was encountered. Sapling density ha-1 ranged from 1560 to 7670 plants ha-1, while the mean sapling density was recorded as 3813 ± 1954 plants ha-1. Species richness of young plants ha-1 varied from 25 to 33 in study area. The mean species richness of the study area was 28.5 ± 3.20 species ha-1. On average, each mature individual had 11.84 ± 2.94 young plants in the study area. Young-mature plant ratios differed from 7.27 to 14.78. The proportion of species showing good, fair, poor and no regeneration varied considerably among study sites. The present investigation recorded a net loss of 3.11 to 43.78% of seedlings during the seedling-sapling transition stage, and a further loss of 66.44 to 84.4% of saplings in the developmental phase from saplings to trees. The seedling survival rate ranged from 5.61 to 12.10%. Conclusion: The mean young plant density, diversity, and species richness obtained in the recent study are comparable with those of the world’s tropical forests.

The upkeep of roadside vegetation is essential for ensuring the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. However, identifying the necessity for such maintenance is frequently a time-consuming and costly process, with a high potential for errors in annotation. This work therefore proposes the development of a solution capable of estimating the height of vegetation along roadsides in an automated manner. A machine learning model was developed and evaluated using a dataset of manually annotated data. The model employs a convolutional neural network architecture, adapted for the task of classifying vegetation heights. The results demonstrate that the model is able to detect the different vegetation height classes with low error rates, indicating its potential for automating the decision-making process for mowing vegetation. This study contributes to the advancement of road monitoring techniques, providing greater operational efficiency and reducing costs for road maintenance.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most widespread and economically important coniferous species in the Northern Hemisphere. However, its regeneration success has recently been increasingly affected by global climate change (GCC), particularly through increasing mortality. This research aimed to evaluate the early establishment success of 30 400 bare-root and containerised Scots pine seedlings and saplings of different height classes, planted at various times on acidic and gleyed sites (479–610 m a.s.l.) across four locations in the Czech Republic. On acidic sites, seedlings exhibited 16% higher height growth and 11% lower mortality compared to gleyed sites. Containerised planting stock achieved significantly (P < 0.05) greater height growth (by 83%) and lower mortality (by 36%) than bare-root stock. For containerised material, spring plantings showed superior growth and vitality compared to autumn plantings. Planting stock height class had a stronger influence on height growth than on mortality. Based on the results, planting containerised saplings of 26–35 cm or 36–50 cm height in April is recommended for optimal establishment success of Scots pine under GCC.

Assessing the extent and magnitude of wildlife impact on forest regeneration (e.g., % browsed seedlings or reduction in regeneration density) remains a central challenge. This study explores the potential of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to quantify wildlife impact through the integration of drone-based thermal surveys and vegetation assessments. Specifically, it evaluates whether UAS-derived wildlife density estimates can be linked to browsing intensity and regeneration structure, thereby enabling an indirect assessment of silviculturally relevant forest dynamics. By combining remotely sensed wildlife data with field-based vegetation inventories, the study aims to identify measurable relationships between structural forest characteristics and browsing effects. This approach contributes to the development of spatially efficient, objective, and reproducible monitoring methods at the forest–wildlife interface. Ultimately, the study provides a novel framework for integrating modern remote sensing technologies into wildlife–ecological monitoring and for improving adaptive, evidence-based management in forest ecosystems increasingly affected by high ungulate densities and climate-related stressors. Two silviculturally contrasting study areas were selected: a broadleaf-dominated mixed forest in Hesse, where high ungulate densities were expected, and a pine-dominated site in Brandenburg, anticipated to experience lower browsing pressure. Thermal surveys were conducted using a DJI Matrice 30T drone equipped with a high-resolution infrared camera to detect and geolocate wildlife. In parallel, browsing impact was assessed using a modified circular transect method (“Neuzeller method”). Regeneration was recorded by tree species, height class, and browsing intensity. Statistical analyses and GIS-based spatial visualizations were used to examine the relationship between estimated ungulate densities and browsing levels. Results revealed clear differences in wildlife abundance and browsing intensity between the two sites. In the Heppenheim forest, roe deer densities exceeded 40 individuals per 100 ha, correlating with high browsing pressure—particularly on ecologically and silviculturally valuable species such as sycamore maple and sessile oak. In contrast, the Rochauer Heide exhibited lower densities and a comparatively moderate browsing impact, although certain tree species still showed signs of selective pressure. This study demonstrates that drone-based wildlife monitoring offers an innovative, non-invasive means to indirectly evaluate forest structural conditions in regeneration layers. The findings highlight the relevance of UAV-supported methods for evidence-based wildlife management and the adaptive planning of silvicultural measures. The method enhances transparency and spatial resolution in forest–wildlife management and supports evidence-based decision-making in times of ecological and climatic change.

The Modi-Geyi Forest, a moist Afromontane forest in southwestern Ethiopia, is an important biodiversity reservoir that provides critical ecological services and supports local livelihoods. However, increasing anthropogenic disturbances and land-use pressures threaten its woody species diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration capacity. Assessing its ecological status is therefore essential for guiding conservation strategies. Fifty 20 × 20 m plots (400 m² each) were systematically established along five transects, with 200 m spacing between plots and 500 m between transects. Two 5 × 5 m subplots were nested within each main plot to assess seedlings and saplings. All woody plants with DBH ≥ 2.5 cm were identified and measured. Species diversity indices, vegetation structure (DBH and height class distributions), regeneration status, and ecological importance based on the Important Value Index (IVI) were analyzed. A total of 56 woody species, representing 51 genera and 30 families, were recorded. The DBH and height distributions followed an inverted J-shape, indicating ongoing regeneration. However, some species, including Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill. and Phoenix reclinata Jacq., showed poor regeneration. The forest had a total basal area of 119.84 m² ha⁻¹, with Aningeria adolfi-friederici (Engl.) Robyns & Gilbert, and Schefflera abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Harms as dominant species by IVI. Despite generally positive regeneration, localized degradation from agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and firewood collection was evident. Modi-Geyi Forest supports moderate woody species richness and shows signs of regeneration. However, selective pressure on key species and site-specific disturbances highlight its ecological vulnerability. Conservation efforts should prioritize the protection of poorly regenerating species and the restoration of degraded patches to maintain long-term forest stability.

This study was conducted in Divo Botanic reserve. The overall objective of the present research is to determine the various carbon sequestration potentials in cocoa-based agroforestry plantations. The biological material consists of trees recorded in Divo Botanic reserve. The sampling design includes 26 plots measuring 30 m x 50 m, randomly established and 61 plant species were recorded. The diameter was measured over bark at breast height (DBH) of 1.30m from the ground). The tool used to measure tree circumferences was a forestry tape. Biomass stocks were obtained using two methods: destructive and non-destructive. To determine carbon stock, aboveground biomass was converted according to established recommendations. The distribution of trees by height class showed a dominance of individuals in the medium height class. The height of most trees ranged from 10-15metres and 16-20metres, which alone stores an average of 42.03 tC/ha. The least carbon stock was recoreded was 27.94 tC/ha at the first Agroforestry system (SAF1), while the highest was 42.03 tC/ha, recorded the lowest carbon rate compared to the third Agroforestry system (SAF3), which alone stores an average of 42.03 tC/ha. The relationship between carbon stock and tree diameter showed a strong correlation, as the correlation coefficient was r = 0.98, close to 1, with a p-value less than 0.05.

Abstract This study evaluates the impact of a participatory forest management (PFM) program on forest structure and cover change in the Guangua Elala Natural Forest, Ethiopia. A comparison of current vegetation data with baseline information collected by Guangua Woreda agricultural experts was conducted to assess structural and coverage changes. Vegetation data were gathered from 44 plots, each measuring 20 m × 20 m, to capture tree and shrub density, height, and diameter distributions. Additionally, cloud-free Landsat-7 and Landsat-8 images from 2012 and 2021 were analyzed to determine forest cover change over time. Data analysis included computation of vegetation metrics such as stem density, height, and diameter classes, with t-tests applied to compare these variables before and after PFM implementation. Results indicate that the forest displays a healthy, inverted ‘J’ shape population structure, which signifies robust regeneration with higher densities in lower diameter and height classes. Forest and shrub land cover expanded slightly after the PFM program, with increases of 0.69 % and 0.27 %, respectively. This suggests that PFM positively impacts both the structural health and coverage of the forest by promoting regeneration and conserving existing cover. Overall, this study concludes that PFM contributes to the stability and improvement of forest ecosystems in the region. Expanding PFM initiatives to neighboring forests could further enhance forest conservation and provide sustainable benefits to local communities. This research underscores the effectiveness of participatory approaches in managing forest resources for both ecological and social benefits.

Developing natural based biodegradable sand barriers for mitigation of aeolian sands.