Stages Of Forest Regeneration Research Articles

Seeding success: Integrating seed dispersal networks in tropical forest restoration

AbstractWhile the reassembly of fruit‐frugivore interactions remains at the forefront of tropical forest restoration, seed dispersal networks emerge as a potential approach to enhance restoration success. This review explores the integration of seed dispersal networks in tropical forest restoration, with the aims of (1) synthesizing important findings in the literature, (2) detailing potential biases in utilizing network theory, and (3) addressing current knowledge gaps and future directions for the field. We first highlight the importance of combining phytocentric and zoocentric approaches when sampling for seed dispersal interactions, as different methodologies have varying effects on network measures, and combining approaches can foster a more comprehensive understanding of dispersal interactions. Furthermore, when integrating seed dispersal networks into restoration goals, we suggest a highly connected and species‐rich network is desirable for earlier stages of forest succession where community turnover and transient interactions are pivotal. Nested patterns may emerge throughout varying stages of forest succession, and identifying generalist species that make up nested patterns may be useful for restoration practitioners in both early and later stages of forest regeneration. Modularity should be highest at later stages of succession to maintain community structure and stability, and connector species may play important roles in facilitating seed dispersal across temporal scales. Finally, we emphasize the importance of site‐specific long‐term datasets, chronosequences, and studies at large spatial scales to continue to understand network reassembly as a function of tropical forest succession and to develop effective strategies that enhance the recovery of tropical forest ecosystems.

Identification of main variables in forest management for recovery of endemic species habitat in burned areas of southern Chile

Wildfires are among the most serious disturbances that affect forest biodiversity, damaging both flora and fauna. In some burned areas, vegetation recovery is a long and complex process that requires the support of restorative actions. This study evaluated changes in forest structural features after a fire that affect habitat suitability for Rhinocryptids, an endemic group of bird species that are indicators of biodiversity in the temperate forests of South America. The study area was the Malleco National Reserve, Chile, where the main ecosystems are temperate forests. Four species from the Rhinocryptidae family of birds were used as bioindicator species. This group of species is endemic to temperate forests in South America. After fires occurred in 2002 and 2015, affecting temperate forests dominated by several Nothofagus species, two field inventories were carried out in 2016 and 2018. These inventories recorded the presence of Rhinocryptids and some forests structural features. Differences between the two stages of forest regeneration were assessed using statistical tests (T-test and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test) and a classification model was proposed to determine the presence of Rhinocryptidae species. The statistical analysis of forest structural features showed that the variables more relevant in the habitat recuperation are vertical stratification (p-value < 0.001) and understory cover (p-value = 0.053). The trained decision tree to predict the presence of Rhinocryptidae species had an accuracy of 65.22%. This model showed that the coexistence of more than one Rhinocryptidae species occurs when vertical stratification is not mono-stratified and the density is lower than 335 trees ha−1. Our results can help forest managers to consider forest structure as a suitable habitat for certain major wildlife species when implementing post-fire recovery plans.

Exploring interspecific hybridization dynamics in artificial forests of Pinus brutia and P. halepensis: Implications for sustainable afforestation.

Interspecific hybridization increases genetic diversity, which is essential for coping with changing environments. Hybrid zones, occurring naturally in overlapping habitats of closely related species, can be artificially established during afforestation. The resulting interspecific hybridization may promote sustainability in artificial forests, particularly in regions facing degradation due to climate change. Currently, there is limited evidence of hybridization during regeneration of artificial forests. Here, we studied the frequency of Pinus brutia Ten. × P. halepensis Mill. hybridization in five planted forests in Israel in three stages of forest regeneration: seeds before dispersal, emerged seedlings and recruited seedlings at the end of the dry season. We found hybrids on P. brutia, but not on P. halepensis trees due to asynchronous cone production phenology. Using 94 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, we found hybrids at all stages, most of which were hybrids of advanced generations. The hybrid proportions increased from 4.7 ± 2.1 to 8.2 ± 1.4 and 21.6 ± 6.4 per cent, from seeds to emerged seedlings and to recruited seedlings stages, respectively. The increased hybrid ratio implies an advantage of hybrids over P. brutia during forest regeneration. To test this hypothesis, we measured seedling growth rate and morphological traits under controlled conditions and found that the hybrid seedlings exhibited selected traits of the two parental species, which likely contributed to the fitness and survival of the hybrids during the dry season. This study highlights the potential contribution of hybrids to sustainable-planted forests and contributes to the understanding of genetic changes that occur during the regeneration of artificial forests.

Changes in the Number of Vascular Plant Species during Reforestation of Clearcut Forests

The article aims to describe the patterns of changes in the number of vascular plant species in communities at different stages of forest regeneration after clearcutting using the space-for-time substitution method. Large-scale logging in boreal forests leads to a simplification of the territory’s forest cover (the formation of even-aged stands), which in turn leads to a decrease in the diversity of forest communities and species diversity. These tendencies have been confirmed for many groups of organisms, especially those associated with old trees and dead wood; however, this is not so clear for vascular plants. We investigated plant communities at different stages of regeneration. We used the so-called space-for-time substitution (chronosequence) method of building dynamic series for four forest ecotopes, where industrial clearcuts are most actively carried out. We showed that the fertility of forest ecotopes determines the species pool—the richer the conditions, the more species that can potentially inhabit the community. At the same time, the structure of the tree stand significantly affects the composition and number of species in the community. The lowest species richness was in old-growth forests characterized by the dominance of one species in the tree stand and one or two vascular plant species in the ground cover. With insignificant fluctuations in the average number of species between stages of forest regeneration after logging, some communities at clearcuts in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.) forests have high species diversity due to the occupation of the site by species of open habitats. These clearcuts are located not far from settlements and close to roads.

Atlantic Forest Ecosystems: Are There Significant Differences When Compared at the Same Stage of Regeneration?

For the monitoring and assessment of Atlantic Forest ecosystems, key indicators of the regeneration stage are considered. However, the current classification of these stages by experts does not consider the possible differences among such ecosystems. In order to test the hypothesis of significant differences, Atlantic Forest ecosystems in southern Brazil were compared at the same stage (initial, medium, and advanced stages of regeneration). An extensive database of the floristic forest inventory of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, with 460 sampling units, was used, addressing the seasonal deciduous forest (SDF), dense ombrophilous forest (DOF), and mixed ombrophilous forest (MOF). The regeneration stage of each sample unit was previously classified by experts using five key indicators (basal area per hectare—BA/ha; number of individuals per hectare—N/ha; number of species—S; Shannon biodiversity index—H’; and diameter at breast height—DBH). The Kruskal–Wallis method and pairwise multiple comparisons based on Dunn’s procedure were applied, considering two-way tests with 5% significance, and 95% power. The statistical tests confirmed the research hypothesis, namely, that the key indicators had significant differences in the later regeneration stages of Atlantic Forest ecosystems. For instance, S in DOF was statistically higher (p &lt; 0.001) than in MOF and SDF (44 ± 9); N in SDF was significantly lower (394 ± 248 at mid-stage) compared to MOF (475 ± 233) and DOF (545 ± 173); and H’ showed increasing differences towards more advanced stages. Considering that the stage of forest regeneration is the main criterion for decision-making between suppression and conservation of forest ecosystems, the results achieved should support the review of current procedures applied to the classification of successional stages. Given the demonstrated differences, in the next steps of research, we will evaluate and propose specific standards for each Atlantic Forest ecosystem, i.e., intervals of discriminating values for the key indicators applicable to this biome.

Evidence of time-lag in the provision of ecosystem services by tropical regenerating forests to coffee yields

Restoration of native tropical forests is crucial for protecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions, such as carbon stock capacity. However, little is known about the contribution of early stages of forest regeneration to crop productivity through the enhancement of ecosystem services, such as crop pollination and pest control. Using data from 610 municipalities along the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (30 m spatial resolution), we evaluated if young regenerating forests (YRFs) (less than 20 years old) are positively associated with coffee yield and whether such a relationship depends on the amount of preserved forest in the surroundings of the coffee fields. We found that regenerating forest alone was not associated with variations in coffee yields. However, the presence of YRF (within a 500 m buffer) was positively related to higher coffee yields when the amount of preserved forest in a 2 km buffer is above a 20% threshold cover. These results further reinforce that regional coffee yields are influenced by changes in biodiversity-mediated ecosystem services, which are explained by the amount of mature forest in the surrounding of coffee fields. We argue that while regenerating fragments may contribute to increased connectivity between remnants of forest fragments and crop fields in landscapes with a minimum amount of forest (20%), older preserved forests (more than 20 years) are essential for sustaining pollinator and pest enemy’s populations. These results highlight the potential time lag of at least 20 years of regenerating forests’ in contributing to the provision of ecosystem services that affect coffee yields (e.g. pollination and pest control). We emphasize the need to implement public policies that promote ecosystem restoration and ensure the permanence of these new forests over time.

Использование зимних и ранневесенних космоснимков для оценки проективного покрытия березняков на залежах

More than 40 million hectares of agricultural land were abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union. A significant part of the land is covered by spontaneously regenerating woody and shrubby vegetation. When identifying the forest regeneration, the stands with a tree cover of more than 50% are accurately identified. It is difficult to identify the initial stages of forest regeneration on the abandoned agricultural lands using summer satellite images because of little difference between the young trees and saplings due to their low height and low density on the one hand, and herbaceous vegetation on the other. The purpose of this work was to apply winter and early-spring satellite images for assessments of the tree cover of birch-dominated stands (Betula pen-dula Roth.) formed on the abandoned agricultural lands (See Fig. 1). We used 189 releves of birch forests on the abandoned agricultural lands in the broad-leaved forest zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan. A regression analysis of the evaluation of the tree cover was carried out using the values of the spectral reflectance of the RED, NIR, SWIR11, and SWIR12 bands, as well as the values of the NDFSI snow index from seven cloudless Sentinel-2 images taken between 04.11.2020 and 13.05.2021 (See Fig. 2, 3). When selecting optimal regression models, the values of correlation coefficients (R) and determination coefficients (R2) were used to assess the model quality. To test the possibility of using the obtained models for assessing the tree cover of the stand at earlier succession stages, we involved the data on the tree cover from 36 geobotanical releves, where the crown density of the stand was visually evaluated in July 2013. Then, the described procedure was applied to calculate the tree cover using the Landsat-8 image taken on 25.03.2014. When creating regression models to calculate the tree cover, the best results were obtained using the red band of early spring images during the period when snowpack is still solid (from mid-March to the first half of April) (See Table 1). The correlation between the tree cover and the spectral reflectance of the red band was -0.90. The model allowed us to determine accurately the tree cover of birch forests aged from 18 to 20 years which prevail in the zone of broad-leaved forests in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The accuracy of the model for determining the tree cover according to the obtained regression models for other dates is unstable and highly likely influenced by the snow depth and the seasonal dynamics of changes in the radiation intensity of the red and infrared bands (See Table 2, 3). To conclude, the equations calculated from modern satellite images can be used to assess the tree cover using retrospective images at earlier succession stages of the abandoned field recovery. When using early-spring images, the snow depth should be taken into account since the snowpack melting dates can vary greatly from year to year. The paper contains 3 Figures, 3 Tables, and 41 References. The Authors declare no conflict of interest.

AVALIAÇÃO DO USO E OCUPAÇÃO DO SOLO NA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO ITAJAÍ E SIMULAÇÃO PARA 2027

A característica do uso do solo, o estado de regeneração das florestas e as práticas das atividades econômicas locais – principalmente as práticas agrícolas – influenciam diretamente na qualidade e na quantidade de água em uma bacia hidrográfica. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma avaliação da evolução do uso e ocupação do solo na bacia hidrográfica do rio Itajaí, que possui uma área total de aproximadamente 15 km², e é uma das mais importantes do estado de Santa Catarina. Foram avaliados mapas de uso do solo dos anos de 1990, 2000, 2010 e 2015, obtidos por meio do projeto MapBiomas. A partir da avaliação da evolução do uso do solo, com o auxílio do software TerrSet, antigo IDRISI, foi simulado um mapa de uso do solo para o ano de 2027. Os resultados indicaram que a área total de silvicultura, principal atividade causadora de desmatamento na bacia, terá um crescimento de 48,1%, enquanto que a área total de florestas naturais terá uma redução de 13,2%. Estima-se que, em 2027, apenas 55% da área total da bacia seja de florestas naturais. Em 1990, este valor era de 67%.

Annual survival rate of tropical stingless bee colonies (Meliponini): variation among habitats at the landscape scale in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Stingless social bees live in perennial colonies whose longevity is influenced by various ecological factors. This study analyzed the influence of habitat anthropization and native forest regeneration stage on the longevity of natural colonies at the landscape scale. Random sampling of 25x25m plots, totaling 30ha per habitat type, located and monitored 118 nests of 14 species in the forest and 105 nests of six species in the anthropic habitat. Significant differences in colony longevity were observed between young and long-lived forests and between long-lived forests and anthropized habitat. Shorter longevities have generally been associated with a set of smaller-bodied species residing in anthropized habitats. The greatest longevities were associated with the three abundant and exclusive forest species, and was similar in the two forest regeneration stages: Melipona scutellaris, Scaptotrigona xanthotricha and Scaptotrigona bipunctata had high annual survival rates ranging from 87% to 93%. Another abundant species in the landscape was Tetragonisca angustula, a small habitat-generalist with short longevity (63%) that varied among habitats. Euclidean distance analysis based on this generalist placed young forest closest to anthropic habitat, and grouped the replicates of long-lived forest. Considering spatial variation in the life history traits, we infer that, among prospective landscape habitats, the Atlantic Forest favors stingless bees with high colonial longevity. On the other hand, generalists, such as T. angustula, with shorter colonial longevity and high reproduction rates are being favored by the expansion of anthropized habitats in place of deforested areas.

Анализ зарастания сельскохозяйственных угодий на территории Пермского края по спутниковым снимкам Landsat

The article deals with the problem of overgrowing trees and shrubs of abandoned agricultural land in the Perm Region. The widespread occurrence of overgrowth processes in the non-chernozem zone is associated with the close proximity of agricultural land and forested areas. Also, a significant reason for widespread occurrence of this process is the non-use of land by agricultural producers in the region, due to financial problems and lack of funds to carry out work to return agricultural land to use. The method is based on the use of Landsat satellite imagery data. Analysis has been performed over a 30-year period, from the time of a maximum use of agricultural land to the present day. The processes of overgrowing of agricultural land on the territory of the Perm Region are used quite actively, this is due to the close proximity of agricultural land, as well as, often, with the non-use of the region’s land by agricultural producers due to financial difficulties and the lack of work to return agricultural land into circulation. The results are presented for the municipal districts of the Perm Region. The total area of overgrown agricultural land in 2020 is 138,610 km2 (58.8 % of the total area of agricultural land in the Perm Region). Early stages of forest regeneration are not identified on satellite images due to their low spatial resolution. Approximately 68,950 km2 of agricultural land are covered by closed forest vegetation, its return to agricultural use has extremely low economic efficiency for agricultural manufacturers of the region. Young unclosed forest vegetation covers 69,660 km2. Accuracy assessment is performed based on reference sites with ground survey and high-resolution satellite images from public services (Google Earth and ESRI Imagery).

Neglected but Potent Dry Forest Players: Ecological Role and Ecosystem Service Provision of Biological Soil Crusts in the Human-Modified Caatinga

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have been recognized as key ecological players in arid and semiarid regions at both local and global scales. They are important biodiversity components, provide critical ecosystem services, and strongly influence soil-plant relationships, and successional trajectories via facilitative, competitive, and edaphic engineering effects. Despite these important ecological roles, very little is known about biocrusts in seasonally dry tropical forests. Here we present a first baseline study on biocrust cover and ecosystem service provision in a human-modified landscape of the Brazilian Caatinga, South America's largest tropical dry forest. More specifically, we explored (1) across a network of 34 0.1 ha permanent plots the impact of disturbance, soil, precipitation, and vegetation-related parameters on biocrust cover in different stages of forest regeneration, and (2) the effect of disturbance on species composition, growth and soil organic carbon sequestration comparing early and late successional communities in two case study sites at opposite ends of the disturbance gradient. Our findings revealed that biocrusts are a conspicuous component of the Caatinga ecosystem with at least 50 different taxa of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens and bryophytes (cyanobacteria and bryophytes dominating) covering nearly 10% of the total land surface and doubling soil organic carbon content relative to bare topsoil. High litter cover, high disturbance by goats, and low soil compaction were the leading drivers for reduced biocrust cover, while precipitation was not associated Second-growth forests supported anequally spaced biocrust cover, while in old-growth-forests biocrust cover was patchy. Disturbance reduced biocrust growth by two thirds and carbon sequestration by half. In synthesis, biocrusts increase soil organic carbon (SOC) in dry forests and as they double the SOC content in disturbed areas, may be capable of counterbalancing disturbance-induced soil degradation in this ecosystem. As they fix and fertilize depauperated soils, they may play a substantial role in vegetation regeneration in the human-modified Caatinga, and may have an extended ecological role due to the ever-increasing human encroachment on natural landscapes. Even though biocrusts benefit from human presence in dry forests, high levels of anthropogenic disturbance could threaten biocrust-provided ecosystem services, and call for further, in-depth studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Harvested forests as a surrogate to wildfires in relation to grizzly bear food-supply in west-central Alberta

Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations residing in interior ecosystems of North America are known to frequent harvested areas and areas burnt by wildfires, as both disturbances encourage growth of early seral vegetation preferred by them. This is especially evident in places where there is a paucity of large natural openings and areas with a long history of wildfire suppression, such as the foothill forests of west-central Alberta. Little has been done, however, to directly quantify and compare grizzly bear food-supply in both disturbance types and at early stages of forest regeneration. In this paper, we explore whether harvested areas can act as surrogates to wildfires for grizzly bear food-supply in west-central Alberta, Canada. We sampled known fruit-bearing and herbaceous grizzly bear foods for their occurrence, productivity, and digestible energy supply among post-harvest, post-fire, and mature forests disturbance types, and across very young (~5 yrs), young (~20 yrs), and mid (~60 yrs) age-classes for post-harvest and post-fire disturbances. A variety of foods occurred at greater frequency in post-harvest stands, with the occurrence of most foods explained by the main effects of disturbance and age-class, or in combination with one environmental covariate. Overall, fruit productivity and digestible energy from fruits were highest in the young age-class, whereas forb productivity and digestible energy from forbs were highest in the very young age-class. There were no significant differences in total available digestible energy (fruit + forb) between post-harvest and post-fire stands within any age-class, but significant differences were evident between age-classes. These results suggest that harvested areas can potentially act as a surrogate to wildfires in relation to grizzly bear food-supply, but human access remains a key challenge for harvests given their association with roads. We suggest that harvested areas could be used as management tool to maintain or enhance grizzly bear food-supply and thus contribute to population recovery efforts, especially in areas of wildfire suppression.

Photosynthesis, growth, and biomass allocation responses of two Inga species to contrasting light

Inga marginata and Inga subnuda are evergreen N-fixing tree species that are frequently found in the initial stages of forest regeneration. I. marginata has a wide geographic distribution, encompassing the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest and dry forests of central Brazil, whereas I. subnuda is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. We conducted this study to compare the physiological, growth, and biomass allocation responses of I. marginata and I. subnuda to contrasting light environments. Considering that I. marginata and I. subnuda have a similar position in the forest succession and different geographic distributions, we tested a hypothesis that these two congeneric species have similar photosynthetic and growth responses to light availability but different biomass allocation. The plants were grown under three light conditions (36, 15, and 6 mol photons m−2 day−1) for 105 days. Growth, biomass allocation, light–response curves, and leaf pigments were compared among the light conditions and between species by using two-way ANOVA. Our hypothesis was partially supported because the two species had similar photosynthetic responses to changes in light availability, but differences in growth and biomass allocation. The higher relative growth rate in mass of I. subnuda is associated with its higher allocation of biomass to light capture, as shown by the higher values of leaf mass fraction (LMF) and leaf area ratio (LAR). Conversely, the higher values of root mass fraction for I. marginata were in contrast to the higher values of LMF, LAR, and specific leaf area for I. subnuda; this indicates that I. marginata should be better adapted to environments where water could be a limiting factor, which is consistent with its wide geographic distribution.

High microhabitat heterogeneity drives high functional traits in forest birds in five protected forest areas in the urban mosaic of Durban, South Africa

Anthropogenic forest disturbance poses a significant threat to the persistence of wildlife. Generally, disturbance of forest environments alters vegetation structure, affecting specialised niche-dependent avian species. We investigated the influence of a comprehensive suite of vegetation structures on the taxonomic and functional diversity of avian forest species in five protected forest areas in the urban mosaic of eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa during the austral breeding season of 2016. We conducted 135 fixed-radius point-count surveys between the vegetation classes of Indigenous Forest (IF) and Coastal Thicket/Dense Bush (TDB; a secondary wooded-habitat that represents regenerating Indigenous Forest), and recorded microhabitat structure covariates at each survey site. We conducted RLQ analyses to examine the association between avian functional traits and microhabitat structures present at each survey site. There was no significant difference in vegetation structure nor species richness between IF and TDB. Species with specialised ecological niches (e.g. large-bodied frugivores; small-bodied insectivores, cavity-nesters) were present in both IF and TDB, indicating that TDB in Durban represents an advanced stage of forest regeneration. We highlight the importance of both IF and TDB for providing critical habitat for both avian generalised and specialised functional traits in the forest patches in the urban mosaic. Crucially, we show that forested areas under conservation management in urbanised areas successfully provide species with a wide variety of functional traits critical to ecosystem functioning and human health.

Influência pedológica e topográfica na distribuição de espécies arbóreas em diferentes estágios de regeneração

The aims of this study were to analyze the pedological and topographic variables of two forest fragments in different stages of regeneration and verify the relationship with the physiognomic and community structure of the vegetation. The study was developed in the Edge of the Plateau of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil. Ten plots of 10 x 20 m (0.46 ha) were established in a secondary forest fragment (FS) and 9 plots (0.18 ha) in the capoeira fragment (CA), using a systematic sampling method. It was used vegetation survey and measured pedological and topographic variables. The variables were selected by Principal Component Analysis (ACP), separated into groups by cluster analysis (AA) and compared to phytosociological variables through canonical correspondence analysis (ACC). The greatest species richness was identified in soils with higher nutritional quality, where the variables with the greatest influence on the distribution of the species were: depth, sand, pH and red (IV) index. On the contrary, in CA, the greatest species richness was associated to the more acidic and nutrient poor soils in which the silt, altitude and IV variables showed greater influence on the species distribution. These results highlight the importance of pioneer species in this stage of forest regeneration.

Does frugivory in Citharexylum solanaceum (Verbenaceae) drive nomadism in the Ipanema bat Pygoderma bilabiatum (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)?

Neotropical bats are recognized as effective seed dispersers, especially of small-seeded pioneer plants during early stages of forest regeneration. There had been few reports on the ecology of the bat Pygodermabilabiatum (Wagner, 1843), which appears to be mainly frugivorous and to undertake vertical migrations in Brazil. Our analyzes of fecal samples of P.bilabiatum specimens captured in mist nets and direct observations of their feeding behavior on Citharexylumsolanaceum Cham. fruits in a mosaic of restored forests and forest fragments in southeastern Brazil constitute one of the few records of consumption of large-seeded fruits by P.bilabiatum, and indicate that it may be an important disperser for large-seeded plants. We found evidence that the temporal availability of those fruits may influence the movement ecology of those bats.

DEFORESTATION IN MIXED OMBROPHILOUS FOREST IN THE SERRANA REGION OF SANTA CATARINA

ABSTRACT Since the enactment of Law No. 11,428/06, an expectation was created as to whether more restricted rules on the use and conservation of the Atlantic Forest Biome would be sufficient to reduce deforestation. In the same sense, the inspection bodies stood out due to their responsibility in the application of this important legal instrument. In this context, the objectives of this study were: 1) to analyze the history of deforestation in the Planalto Serrano of the State of Santa Catarina, whose forest covered area is characterized by the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, after the validity of Law 11,428/06; 2) to verify the application of the Law in the occurrence of deforestation, and 3) to identify the reasons for deforestation. A documentary research was carried out on 543 criminal procedures instituted by the Environmental Military Police for deforestation between December 2006 and December 2015. From each criminal case the following data were extracted: date, number of occurrences per year and municipality, size, successional stage of the deforested area, motive and land use of deforested areas. The results indicated that there was an accentuated reduction of 58% in the number of deforestation between 2007 and 2015. However, the selective cutting of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze was predominant with a percentage of 62.07% of the total number of occurrences. It was also verified that 71.46% of deforestation reached the middle stage of forest regeneration. In most case (33%), the reason for deforestation was for commercial purposes. The law for the protection of the Atlantic Forest Biome, conjunctly with the inspection, contributed to reduce deforestation and the cut of araucarias. Nevertheless, advancements are still needed, especially in the recovery of deforested areas, since only 28% of deforested areas were effectively restored.

SOIL ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES IN AREAS WITH STAGES AND MANAGEMENT OF FOREST REGENERATION FROM CAATINGA

ABSTRACT The tropical dry areas have suffered the most severe anthropic pressures. This factor motivates studies aimed at characterizing and monitoring the soil quality to determine the management measures to apply and to suggest appropriate recovery procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic activity of acid and alkaline phosphatases, urea and arylsulfatase in the superficial layers of soils in areas under different stages of forest regeneration, in Floresta-PE City.. Soil sampling was conducted at 0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm layer in the following areas: C-18 (vegetation regeneration for 18 years), P-13 (13 years), L-12 (12 years), C-9 (9 years), C-7 (7 years) and G-4 (4 years). The analytical methods used in the study were based on the incubation of the soil samples with a buffered solution of substrate specific for each enzyme. The methods were based on colorimetric determinations. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and urease represented sensitive measures for detecting changes in soil quality at various stages of regeneration in tropical dry forests. The area with the longest duration of forest regeneration (C-18) showed higher enzyme activities. The soil enzymatic activities respond to different stages and management of forest regeneration in Brazilian tropical dry areas, namely Caatinga. The acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase and urease increased with time of regeneration.

Использование систем лесоводственных мероприятий при лесоустройстве

Systematic approach to implementation of activities for conservation, protection, reproduction and use of forests historically appeared in the Russian forestry science in the late XIX century – early XX century. In practice of forestry and forest management planning activities was traditionally carried out by separate types. This often leads to loss of effect, obtained at a certain stage of forest regeneration. In the eighties of the XX century methodological basis for creation of regional systems of forest management activities, and, for individual regions, practical recommendations for the use of such systems was developed. However, this also led to the transition to system planning, design and implementation of interventions in practice. In current socio-ecological-economic and legislative conditions, methodical approach of implementation at the zonal-landscape- forest typologic basis of priority and target systems of silvicultural activities (PTSSA) is developed. PTSSA are based on silvicultural developments of the 80-ies of the last century, developed taking into account increased demands of differentiation of silvicultural systems, respectively, the diversity of target purpose of forests, conservation of biodiversity, sustainable management of forests. Significant expansion of differentiation systems of silvicultural projects purpose, especially protective forests, is provided. The achievement of the goal is ensured through the preparation of guidance document on creation of PTSSA, making changes in forest management instruction, defining mandatory application of measures in accordance with the developed system in the design, and making changes in legal documents - requirements for implementation of activities in accordance with design of system. While limits for possible use of tolerance terms, regulations, and other indicators of changing conditions , but within providing target, current and final, results are set. Basic provisions can be a source for preparation of other documents that have a specific functional purpose of planning and designing activities for protection, protection, reproduction and use of forests.

Unravelling mechanisms of short-term vegetation dynamics in complex coppice forest systems

The silvicultural management of coppicing has been very common in deciduous forests in many European countries. After decades of decline of this practice, socio-economic changes might induce a revival valuing the biomass as a resource. New insights in the ecological processes that regulate plant diversity are relevant for a sustainable forest management. While studies on long-term changes are available, the short-term dynamics of the coppice forest understorey has not yet been explored. In this context, it is interesting to evaluate the species compositional changes, including the processes of species turnover and species impoverishment (nestedness) and to investigate the role of plant functional traits. For this purpose, we resampled a chronosequence of complex coppice beech forests of the Central Apennines (Italy) monitoring the short-time species dynamics of five years (i.e. from 2006 to 2011) in three age classes, i.e. post-logged, recovering and old coppice stands (0–16, 17–31 and > 32 years, respectively). In contrast to our expectation, declining species richness appeared only in the recovering stands, while the landscape scale (between-stand) heterogeneity, except for post-logged and recovering stands in 2011, did not change over five years. Significant temporal nestedness was found in each stage of succession. However, the rate of species turnover and species impoverishment do not significantly differ among the three age classes, indicating their constant importance along the forest regeneration after disturbance. Only in the early stage of forest regeneration after coppicing, species compositional changes are reflected by functional changes with surviving understorey species having clonal regeneration traits. Our results suggest an overall landscape-scale stability (and sustainability) of this coppice forest system. We conclude with management indications, highlighting the importance of maintaining the traditional local approach (coppicing with standards in small 0.5–1.0 ha sized management units with a ca 30-year rotation cycle) where active coppice parcels are interspersed by abandoned stands.