Tilia Cordata Mill Research Articles

Total Mineral Content in Raw Materials of Ten Medicinal Plants from Roadside Biotopes of Voronezh Oblast.

The total mineral content was studied in medicinal plants from roadside and railside biotopes of the Voronezh region. Pharmacopoeial plant raw materials of 10 species were evaluated: roots of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg and Arctium lappa L.; herb of Polygonum aviculare L., Artemisia absinthium L., Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib., and Achillea millefolium L.; leaves of Urtica dioica L. and Plantago major L.; and flowers of Tanacetum vulgare L. and Tilia cordata Mill. Plant raw materials were collected near roads and railways of various types in the periods specified in regulatory documents. The total ash content in plant material was used to determine the minimum allowable distances from various roads and railways for collecting plant material. The minimum allowable distance from heavy-traffic motorways was recommended to be 210 m in the forest zone, 240 m in the forest-steppe zone, and 380 m in the steppe zone. A distance of at least 80 m was recommended for secondary low-speed roads and railways.

Некоторые закономерности накопления микроэлементов в листьях липы (Tilia cordata Mill.) и берёзы (Betula alba L.)

The purpose of the work: to study the patterns of background accumulation of trace elements during the spring-summer-autumn season in the vegetative organs (leaves) of the heart-shaped linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) and white birch (Betula alba L.). Samples were taken on the territory of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences during one season of 2018 from the same tree with an interval of 10–12 days, starting from the opening of the bud (end of April) right up to the time of leaf fall. Soil samples were also taken from birch and linden growing areas. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory of Chemical analytical methods of the GIN RAS using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INАA) and atomic absorption spectrometry of cold vapor (AA). The concentration of trace elements in the selected soil samples corresponds to the concept of “background” contents. Two types of trace elements’ distribution in linden and birch leaves during the season have been revealed. The first type is a uniform accumulation of trace elements with a maximum at the end of the season (Na, Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, Br, Sb, La). The second type of distribution is characterized by a maximum concentration of trace elements in the middle of the season with a decrease in concentration by the time of leaf fall (K, As, Zn, Cd, Pb). It should be noted that the range of changes in the concentration of trace elements during the season in both cases can reach 10–15 times. We recommend to take samples of vegetation (leaves) as soon as possible in the middle of the summer season, and to use samples taken at the same time in the same area as “background”.

Incipient decay in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and linden (Tilia cordata Mill.): An interspecific static and dynamic material analysis

With increasing awareness of the ecological value of trees in urban areas, there is a growing need to preserve mature specimens often colonised by wood-decay fungi. Nonetheless, cases of stem collapse or uprooting of such trees under adverse weather conditions remain a significant issue requiring further investigation. Depending on the decay type and the wood structure of the host tree, different combinations of wood-decaying fungi and host species can have varying impacts on the mechanical and vibroacoustic properties of green wood. This study compares the physical and mechanical properties of green European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) artificially exposed to Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. and Kretzschmaria deusta (Hoff.) P.M.D. Martin after different exposure periods. Mass loss (ML) caused by both fungi differed according to the wood species. A statistically significant difference between the two fungal species was observed in beech wood, but not in linden. Significant differences in the modulus of rupture (MOR) and dynamic bending modulus of elasticity (MOED) were observed among the fungus-wood combinations, also depending on the exposure time. The relationships between ML and MOR varied according to the fungal species, where at the same ML values, K. deusta caused a higher MOR loss in both wood species. Strong relationships between MOED and MOR were demonstrated for all fungus-wood combinations, without significant differences related to the decay type. The MOED is a reliable parameter for predicting MOR loss even at incipient degradation stages, irrespective of the type of decay. The presented results can lead to better prediction of the impact of fungal colonization on standing trees and improve non-destructive methods used for tree stability assessment.

Dendroremediation of soil contaminated by mining sludge: A three-year study on the potential of Tilia cordata and Quercus robur in remediation of multi-element pollution

The vast amounts of mining and metallurgical wastes containing unimaginable quantities of toxic metal(loid)s require searching for managed ways. The study aimed to long-term assess the growth, elements accumulation (As, Cd, Hg, In, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, Zn) and proline content in 2-year-old Tilia cordata Mill. and Quercus robur L. seedlings growing under 1 and 3% extremely polluted mining sludge (MS) after 1, 2 and 3 years.Both species were able to grow efficiently without significant differences resulting from the impact of MS. The overall rise was higher for T. cordata than for Q. robur. The accumulation ability for As, Hg, In, Mn, Mo, Pb, Ti, and Zn in the whole plant was significantly higher for T. cordata, while Cd, Sb, Sn and Tl did not differ considerably between species. The highest content was found for As, Mn and Zn (68.7, 158, and 157 mg per plant, respectively) for T. cordata after 3 years of growth. The calculated Bioconcentration Factors were the highest for Cu (1.23), In (6.86), and Zn (38.4) for Q. robur, as well as for As (1.55), Hg (3.24), Mn (32.8), Mo (1.64) and Ti (18.0) for T. cordata after 3 years. The highest Translocation Factors were observed for In (1.35) and Sn (1.25) after 3 years, as well as for Mn (2.72, 3.38, and 3.03 after 1, 2, and 3 years) for Q. robur seedlings. The proline content was higher for Q. robur, regardless of which organ was examined, and the differences increased with the time of the experiment and the amount of MS addition (possibly more sensitive to stress).Young T. cordata seedlings show much greater potential than Q. robur. This is the first time that a demonstration of the high potential of long-living trees in multi-element MS remediation has been described.

Identification Leaves of Ulmus pumila L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Acer campestre L. Using Vegetation Indices

The aim of the research was to identify a group of vegetation indices (VIs) for species identification. The objects of research were leaves of Ulmus pumila L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Acer campestre L. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was carried out under artificial lighting in laboratory conditions using a Cubert UHD-185 hyperspectral camera. A technique was developed for the automated selection of pure spectral profiles from hyperspectral images by setting a double barrier specified by intervals of PSSR and NDVI VIs. A total of 80 VIs was calculated. A statistical analysis of the data was carried out for their representativeness. To determine VIs, the value of which is most dependent on the species characteristics of trees, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) methods were used. Research has shown that the PCA method is effective and sufficient to identify the group of VIs characterized by the greatest dispersion in relation to tree species. The PCA carried out for pairs of tree species made it possible to identify a group of vegetation indices, the value of which to the greatest extent depends on species characteristics. These are Carter2, CI2, CRI4, GMI2, mSR2, NDVI2, OSAVI2, SR1, Carter4, Datt2, SR6, Datt, DD, Maccioni, MTC.

Ecological and cenotic features of natural regeneration of forests in the Left-Bank Polissya of Ukraine

The research relevance of the complex, multi-stage process of natural regeneration of forest communities, as well as interactions and transformations, is determined by the rapidly growing challenges posed by climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss. The study aims to assess the state and to identify the ecological and coenotic specificity of natural seed regeneration of the leading forest-forming species of the Left-Bank Polissya of Ukraine. The study was carried out using a set of methods, primarily geobotanical, population and mathematical and statistical. The process of natural recovery was studied in communities that are typical for the region and belong to 42 syntaxa in the rank of associations and 24 syntaxa in the rank of association groups. The study revealed the specifics of such forest-forming species as Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus robur L., Acer platanoides L., Betula pendula Roth., Populus tremula L., and Tilia cordata Mill. The study established that the representation of the undergrowth of the main forest-forming species in the forest plant communities of the Left-Bank Polissya of Ukraine varies quite significantly. The study described the determinants of the species composition of restoration, including the peculiarities of seed (fruit) dispersion and the adaptive potential of plants. The study determined that the condition of the understory and its population density are determined by the level of soil moisture (the highest values of understory density in most species were recorded in forests with soils moistened at the level of fresh and wet hygro-tops), and this process may intensify against the background of climate change. The results of the study can be used to develop effective strategies for forest management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management in the Left Bank Polissia region, which will help improve the environmental situation and create favourable conditions for the restoration of forest ecosystems

Effects of urban tree pruning on ecosystem services performance

Pruning represents the main tree care activity in cities, where it is carried out to reduce wind-break risk, to ensure road visibility, to reduce infrastructure interactions and damages, and last but not least, for aesthetic reasons. However, pruning is also proven to increase tree susceptibility to disease and it can potentially affect their capacity to provide ecosystem services (ES). This study aims to assess the effect of three different life-long pruning scenarios on urban trees PM10 capture and CO2 stock performance. The total carbon balance of twelve tree species (Acer platanoides L., Cedrus spp., Celtis australis L., Cupressus arizonica Greene, Cupressus sempervirens L., Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold, Pinus pinea L. Platanus hybrida Brot., Populus nigra L. var. 'Italica', Quercus ilex L., and Tilia cordata Mill.) was evaluated, including the disposal of the pruning residues of the trees. In all management scenarios studied, pruning represented an opportunity to increase the crown Carbon stock up to 65 %, taking into account the full reestablishment of the crown. The results suggest considering more frequent and less intense ordinary pruning scenarios as a preferable tree management strategy to optimise the tree ES performance and minimise branch dieback occurrence. In addition, the analysis carried out on four different waste wood disposal methods showed that the open dump scenario was the lowest CO2 eq re-emission choice.

Итоги развития насаждений на территории сквера у культурно-развлекательного комплекса арена «Уралец» в г. Екатеринбурге

The article presents the results of a study of the species composition, structure, health condition, and stages of development of the plantings in the garden square near CEC «Uralets», Yekaterinburg – alley of the Palace of Sports in Yekaterinburg. This study shows that more than 56% of woody plants were Acer negundo L. and Populus balsamifera L. There were plantings in lines (20% of the area) consisting of trees of Populus and Malus genus, plantings in arrays (about 25% of the area) of Populus balsamifera L. and Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. Other species were planted in groups (55% of the area). The health condition of the plantings was assessed as 2.9 (very poor). The most durable species Larix sibirica Ledeb., Quercus robur L., and Tilia cordata Mill. had the best average scores. Less durable species Prunus maackii Rupr., Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim., Malus baccata L., and Populus balsamifera L. were dying off. Planting density in mowed areas corresponded to the recommended norms, while this indicator was exceeded by an average of 25% in areas without care due to the invasion of Acer negundo L. Three stages were distinguished in the formation process of the garden square near CEC Uralets: 1) individual plots were created and natural plantations were integrated; 2) performed complete transformation of the landscape in the central part, planted ornamental plants and created a single space of the garden square; 3) decorative plantings were added to the garden square. During the reconstruction of the garden square that combines plantings of various origins and functions, step-by-step reconstruction is the most favorable – starting with less durable dying species and preserving Larix sibirica Ledeb., Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata Mill., and Betula pendula Roth.

Инвентаризация древесных насаждений урбанизированных территорий с использованием смартфона

In recent years, specialized software for smartphones has been developed to collect biometric indicators of trees, including the use of built-in LiDAR sensors. Mobile applications for the inventory of trees and forest stands are still at the initial stage of their development; therefore, it is necessary to compare the data obtained with their use with the measurement data obtained using traditional methods. For Russia, the technology for determining tree and stand indicators and mapping trees using a smartphone remains untested. Therefore, the aim of the study was to study the possibility of using a smartphone (Arboreal Forest application) to determine tree indicators and map trees using the example of old-growth alley plantings. The study was carried out in old-growth alley plantings of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) on the territory of the former Zootechnical College, located in the Ekimtsevo village, Kologrivsky District, Kostroma Region. Data collection was conducted in July 2023 using 1) the traditional method and 2) the Arboreal Forest application. The accuracy of the results obtained corresponds to the requirements for inventory indicated in the forest inventory instructions. For the object of study, it was revealed that the deviation of the quadratic mean diameter calculated according to the Arboreal Forest data (47.3 cm) from the measurement data with a caliper (48.8 cm) was -3.1% (-1.5 cm), and basal areas -6.18 % or -3.28 m2. Also, compared to the traditional method, Arboreal Forest tends to underestimate trunk diameters (especially for large trees) and, as a result, basal areas. The structure of the tree distribution series by Arboreal Forest tree diameter distribution is generally close to the distribution series obtained by the traditional method. In the future, applications for smartphones can become an effective alternative to traditional methods of tree and stand inventory.

Analysis of Height Growth Suggests Moderate Growth of Tilia cordata and Acer platanoides at the Native Hemiboreal Stands in Latvia

In the Eastern Baltics, climatic changes are expected to alter forest composition favouring broadleaved species. The height growth of trees influences the productivity of stands and the competitiveness of species, particularly in mixed sites, thus emphasising the necessity for accurate projections. Accordingly, height models are paramount for projecting productivity and yields of stands. As tree height growth dynamics vary regionally, regional or even local models are needed. Based upon 214 National Forest Inventory plots and 510 individual canopy trees, dominant height growth for small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) in Latvia were analysed. Height growth was modelled using a generalised algebraic difference approach, testing several non-linear equations. The Sloboda (for lime) and Hossfeld I (for maple) models showed the best fit and were the most realistic, predicting slower initial and middle-age (maturing period) growth, yet also displayed higher asymptotes compared to Western Europe. The predicted height at the age of 80 years was 14–33 m and 13–34 m for lime and maple, accordingly. A longer establishment period and later growth culmination suggest longer rotation, highlighting the assessment of long-term risks. In this case, supplementation of the models with climatic effects appears advantageous.

Characterization of stress indicators in Tilia cordata Mill. as early and long-term stress markers for water availability and trace element contamination in urban environments

In the context of current climate change, municipalities tend to plant more trees in order to benefit from services they provide in urban areas, such as reducing heat islands. However, in cities, trees are subject to severe abiotic constraints, the main ones being soil contamination and the lack of water due to soil compaction and droughts. This can negatively impact the ecological services provided by trees. Our study aims to help managers in monitoring the phytosanitary status of trees in order to be able to react promptly. In a controlled condition experiment, different plant compounds were analyzed (proline, malondialdehyde-MDA, photosynthetic pigments) in the leaves of young linden trees conventionally grown for planting by the City of Paris, France. They were grown on a trace element (TE) contamination soil gradient, and under different water regimes (well-hydrated/no water stress (Ct), dehydration (Dh), rehydration (Rh)) to see if tested compounds could be early stress markers in trees. Chlorophylls (Chl) could be considered as water and TE-mediated stress markers. Indeed Chl a and b concentrations significantly decreased with dehydration (e.g. respectively −34 % and −24 %) and increasing lead concentration in leaves (respectively, correlation coefficients were −1.08; −0.64 (p < 0.001)). On the contrary, Chl concentrations increased with increasing copper concentration in optimal physiological ranges (correlation coefficients for Chla and Chb were respectively 1.3 and 1.08 (p < 0.05)). Proline and malondialdehyde seemed to be good complementary markers of water stress in the Tilia genus. Indeed, proline concentration increased during the dehydration period (early water stress marker) (mean concentration for Ct, Dh and Rh trees were respectively 3.6, 29.6 and 51.3 µmol.g−1 DW), while MDA increased during the rehydration process (marker for stress accumulation over time) (mean concentration for Ct, Dh, and Rh were respectively 461.8, 313.9 and 493.5 nmol.g−1 DW). In order to reinforce the diagnoses of urban tree managers, these stress indicators should be tested in situ.

Forestry and ecological features of fallen dead wood stocks distribution in forest ecosystems of Kaniv Dnieper region

Dead wood is an important component of forest ecosystems that performs a number of ecological functions. The purpose of the article is to study the forestry and ecological features of the distribution of fallen dead wood (lying woody debris) stocks in forest stands of the Kaniv Dnieper region (Middle Right Bank Dnieper, Forest-steppe of Ukraine). The study was carried out based on State forest inventory data of the forest fund of the former State Enterprise «Kanivsky Forestry» with a total area of 24,558.6 ha. The area of forest stands in which fallen dead wood was found during forest inventory was 2,550.3 ha or 10.4% of the total forest area. In general, fallen dead wood was found in the forest stands of 18 tree species with a total stock of 21,255 m3. In forest stands where fallen dead wood was found the average volume of by tree species ranging from 5.0 m3∙ha–1 (elm (Ulmus minor Mill.), small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.), black poplar (Populus nigra L.), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), green ash (Fraxinus lanceolata Borkh.) up to 17.8 m3∙ha–1 (white willow (Salix alba L.), in general for all tree species — 8.5 m3∙ha–1. In the stands of the prevailing tree species — Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), the average volume of fallen dead wood was 9.1 m3∙ha–1 and 8.5 m3∙ha–1, respectively. The average volume among trophotopes was the largest in hrud (dibrova) — 8.7 m3∙ha–1, and the smallest — in bir, 5.2 m3∙ha–1. Among hygrotopes, the average volume was from 5.3 m3∙ha–1 (damp conditions) to 11.0 m3∙ha–1 (wet conditions). Fallen dead wood was found in 16 out of 32 forest types that are represented in the forest fund of the studied object, with an average volume of 5.0 m3∙ha–1 (wet oak-pine subir, damp black alder suhrud) to 18.4 m3∙ha–1 (wet floodplain willowpoplar suhrud). In general, the average volumes of fallen dead wood in forest stands are low, which may be related to forestry activities (cutting). The data we obtained are important for research into the peculiarities of the formation of woody detritus stocks in the forest types of the Middle Right Bank Dnieper of Ukraine and protective functions of dead wood.

Tree Species Affect Beetle Diversity on the Common Deciduous Dead Wood in Lithuanian Unmanaged Forests

Beetles living in dead wood are species-specific, suggesting that beetle diversity may vary between different deciduous tree species. However, the patterns of diversity variation among deciduous trees are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the diversity of beetles associated with dead wood in the second decay stage in four protected areas of Lithuania, using trunk-emergence traps on Alnus glutinosa L., Gaertn. (black alder), Betula sp. L. (birch), Fraxinus excelsior L. (European ash), Populus tremula L. (European aspen), Quercus robur L. (common oak), and Tilia cordata Mill. (small-leaved linden). The findings of our study indicated variation in beetle diversity among the six tree species examined. We identified the greatest diversity of beetles in the decaying trunks of Quercus robur, followed by T. cordata, and F. excelsior. Our cluster analysis suggested a higher similarity in beetle diversity among tree species sharing the same type of bark; however, our db-RDA analysis showed that tree species explained more variance in the data than bark type. Our results support previous research highlighting the importance of dead wood species diversity in maintaining the diversity of beetles in forests. Within the context of current biodiversity decline, understanding the similarities or differences in beetle communities between tree species is key to tackling the loss of insect species.

Effect of Drought on Photosynthesis of Trees and Shrubs in Habitat Corridors

Drought and high evapotranspiration demands can jeopardise trees and shrubs in windbreaks and habitat corridors, where they are more exposed to the effects of extreme weather than in the forest. This study utilised chlorophyll fluorescence to assess how the leaf-level physiological processes of 13 woody species typically planted in Czech habitat corridors responded to the effects of naturally occurring drought and their ability to recover after rain. Linear electron flow (LEF) responded only weakly to the drought, indicating high levels of photorespiration. Trees and shrubs increased the proportion of energy which was dissipated in a harmless way (ΦNPQ) during drought and decreased the proportion of energy dissipated through non-regulated processes (ΦNO). In this way, they reduced processes potentially leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. All species except Tilia cordata Mill. maintained high ΦNPQ even after its release from drought. Tilia cordata was potentially the most susceptible tree to drought due to its low LEF and high ΦNO. The most drought-resistant tree species appeared to be Acer campestre L. and shrubs such as Prunus spinosa L., Viburnum lantana L, and Crataegus monogyna L. These shrubs may be planted at the sunny edges of habitat corridors. The woody species identified as resistant to drought in habitat corridors may also be considered resistant in a warming climate or suitable for planting in the urban environment which is generally warmer and drier than in a forest.

Fire hazard of epoxy-based transparent wood

Transparent wood is a modern bio-renewable material with great potential for both science and industrial applications. However, the fire hazard of transparent wood is still almost unexplored. This study aims to investigate the impact of pristine basswood modification to epoxy-based transparent wood on the fire hazard and to train neural networks for the prediction of heat release rate from mass loss rate of pristine basswood, epoxy-based transparent wood, and epoxy resin. Transparent wood was prepared by lignin modification in pristine small-leaved basswood (Tilia cordata Mill.) and subsequent vacuum infiltration by epoxy resin. The fire hazard of the samples was determined by the cone calorimeter at four heat fluxes of 20–50 kW m−2. The fire hazard of investigated materials was compared based on the critical heat flux, ignition temperature, heat release rate, effective heat of combustion and time to flashover. Transparent wood showed higher resistance to ignition (higher critical heat flux and ignition temperature) than pristine wood. However, other parameters (heat release rate and effective heat of combustion) were higher (worse) and the time to flashover was lower (worse) for transparent wood than for pristine wood. Trained neural networks for predicting heat release rate from the mass loss rate of wood (both pristine and transparent) and epoxy resin showed coefficients of determination from 0.70 to 0.92. Trained neural networks with a coefficient of determinations above 0.90 are usable for low-cost heat release rate measurements in both science and industrial applications.

Trees in planters – Growth, structure and ecosystem services of Platanus x hispanica and Tilia cordata and their reaction to soil drought

Urban environments are often characterized by extensive paved surfaces, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. At the same time, limited root space due to underground infrastructure poses a challenge for planting new trees in these areas. Trees in planters have emerged as popular design elements, offering innovative and sustainable greening solutions, particularly in urban environments with limited rooting space. However, growing conditions in planters may strongly impact tree growth and the provision of environmental ecosystem services (ES). In this 3-year study, we analyzed tree growth and ecosystem services (cooling by shading, CO2-fixation) of London plane (Platanus x hispanicaMünchh.) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordataMill.) in four planting treatments: in-ground (G), planters in the ground (PG), non-insulated plastic planters (P), and insulated planters (PI). We also recorded soil temperature throughout the experiment and implemented soil drought conditions by reducing soil irrigation for half of the trees after one year. Our findings revealed higher thermal fluctuations in soil temperature within non-insulated plastic planters (P), reaching a maximum of 45 °C, surpassing the critical temperature threshold for plant growth (>38 °C). In contrast, insulated planters (PI) effectively mitigated soil temperatures, staying below 33.8 °C. When planted in the ground (G), P. x hispanica exhibited a significantly higher stem diameter increment (52–66%) compared to other planting treatments, aligning with the provision of ecosystem services. However, T. cordata trees showed a more moderate response to planting treatments in terms of growth and ecosystem service provision. Furthermore, the implementation of soil drought conditions resulted in a reduction of up to 34% in stem diameter increment for P. x hispanica and up to 25% for T. cordata. Our results underscore the necessity of tree species-specific knowledge about growth responses to different planting treatments for effective urban planning perspectives, as the provision of ecosystem services may be influenced differently.

Effect of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), linden (Tilia cordata Mill.), and green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) aqueous extract administration in the drinking water during pre-slaughter feed withdrawal period in broiler chickens.

Feed withdrawal (FW) and other pre-slaughter stressors have detrimental effects on the meat quality of broiler chickens. Herbal extracts can be used for their sedative effects to reduce the harmful impacts of pre-slaughter stress on broiler chickens. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chamomile (CAE), linden (LAE), and green tea (GAE) aqueous extracts (AE) in drinking water during the pre-slaughter FW period on the meat and liver quality, serum corticosterone level, and some cecal microorganisms of broilers. A total of 450 male and female 42-day-old chickens were allocated to a completely randomized design with five treatment groups and two sexes in six replicates, 12 birds (six male and six female) for each replicate. Treatment groups were chickens offered ad libitum feed and drinking water (control, CT), broilers exposed to FW for 10h before the slaughter with unsupplemented drinking water (FW), with drinking water supplemented 50ml/L CAE, LAE, and GAE. Chickens that experienced FW had lower (P < 0.001) slaughter body weight, carcass, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and inner organ weights, and GIT length (P = 0.002). However, the dressing percentage was higher (P < 0.001) in FW and AE groups than CT group. The FW increased (P < 0.001) the ultimate pH of thigh meat compared with the CT group. The FW also decreased (P = 0.026) the lightness (L*) value of thigh meat of broilers, although CAE and LAE did not change the L* value compared with the CT group. Similarly, the redness (a*) value of thigh meat was lower (P = 0.003) in chickens exposed to FW but was not affected by GAE administration. However, FW or AE did not impact the serum corticosterone level and cecal microbial loads in broiler chickens. The obtained result showed that CAE, LAE, or GAE can be used in drinking water to reduce the harmful effects of FW on the meat quality of broiler chickens.

Maintaining the protective function of mountain forests under climate change by the concept of naturalness in tree species composition

In Swiss mountain areas, the protective function of forests is the predominant ecosystem service having high cultural and economic significance. It is assumed that natural forests or close-to-natural forests, i.e., forests being in the equilibrium with environmental conditions are the most resilient and resistant in regard to disturbances and hence best protecting people and assets on the long run. Here, we estimated the naturalness of the tree species composition by comparing Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI) data with current and future potential Natural forest Site Types (NST). Based on this analysis, we identified species that are under or over-represented in protective mountain forests and derived the subsequent potential for management interventions. The urgency of management interventions is expected be small if all predominant tree species of the idealized potential natural forests are present and only their relative portions in the stand need adjustment. In contrast, interventions are advisable, if predominant tree species of the current and future potential natural forests are absent. Based on NFI data, the tree species composition of 47% of the protective mountain forests were classified as “natural” or “close-to-natural,” while the remaining 53% were classified as “not natural” or “partly natural.” Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.] and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) were the two most over-represented species under current and even more so under predicted future climatic conditions. To date, silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were the two species most frequently absent in protective mountain forests, in which they should prevail. Apart from European beech, the most prominent increase in prevalence is predicted for oak (sessile oak and pubescent oak; Quercus petrea Liebl., Q. pubescens Willd.) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). These species were currently missing from more than 75% of the stands, in which they are expected to be dominant under future conditions. Our analysis indicates the need to transform tree species compositions of protective mountain forests to optimize fitness under future climates. Some of these transformations will take place naturally, incited by disturbances, others—the majority of them—will need active management interventions.

Morphological plasticity of six tree species with different light demands growing in multi-layered deciduous forests in Central Europe

Tree allometry is a plastic feature, and scaling parameters can vary considerably depending on phylogeny, life strategies, growth conditions and ontogeny. We hypothesized that in multi-layered forests growing on rich sites and driven by stand dynamics without stand-replacing disturbances, light is a primary driver of allometric relationships and that the morphological plasticity of tree species is closely associated with their shade tolerance. We quantified and compared the morphological properties of six species that form a shade tolerance gradient: Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner, Quercus robur L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Ulmus laevis Pall., Tilia cordata Miller and Carpinus betulus L. The relationships between tree height and local stand density as predictors and dbh, crown width, crown length and crown volume as response variables were characterized. We found that in the lower stand layer the values of crown parameters increased with tree height at a lower rate in light-adapted than in shade-tolerant species. Conversely, the response of morphological traits on competition was stronger in light-adapted species than in shade-tolerant species. The ratio of crown width-to-crown length was not associated with light demand. Apart from ash, which demonstrated a different allocation pattern, between-species differences in the slenderness ratio were insignificant. Allometry and sensitivity to competition varied in trees growing in the upper and lower stand layers. Our results indicate that the dichotomy of basic growth strategies of stress tolerance versus stress avoidance is overly simplistic and fails to consider social status and species-specific features such as apical control.

Acoustic Tomography as a Supporting Tool in the Sustainable Management of Historic Greenery: Example of the Church Garden in Horostyta (Poland)

Senile trees in historic church gardens have natural, aesthetic, historical, and cultural value. Cutting them down too hastily annihilates the achievements of entire generations. We should try to preserve the greenery surrounding historic churches and integrate it into a clear compositional arrangement with the sacral architecture. The primary purpose of the paper was to describe the process of inventorying 200-year-old trees and to present the revalorization project for the garden around the historic Orthodox church in Horostyta, located in the Lublin Voivodeship, in southeastern Poland. The church complex consists of a wooden 18th-century building, bell tower, garden, and cemetery. Within the church garden’s boundaries, there are 15 trees, with two predominant species: Acer pseudoplatanus L. and Tilia cordata Mill. These trees are of varying ages and health conditions. We used acoustic tomography to perform tree health diagnostics. Three trees, for which the initial visual assessment was disturbing, were examined thanks to detailed tomography tests. Then, through a project adapting the church garden to the health conditions of the ancient trees, they were separated from users by flowerbeds and no small architectural objects were placed around them. The presented development concept forms a compromise between tradition and the modern user’s needs. In 2007, a general renovation of the temple building was completed. Currently, the presented project for the church garden is being implemented.