Wood Resources Research Articles

Creation of a new material stream from Japanese cedar resources to cellulose nanofibrils

Japanese cedar is one of the most abundant plantation softwoods in Japan, although it is not effectively utilized as a wood resource. Japanese cedar cellulose was isolated and subjected to one-pot catalytic oxidation and reduction with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and NaBH4, respectively. The TEMPO-oxidized and NaBH4-reduced Japanese cedar celluloses (TOCs-NaBH4) had carboxylate content of up to 1.4mmol/g and viscosity-average degrees of polymerization from 2000 to 3000. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the TOCs-NaBH4 showed that the crystal widths were ~3nm, indicating that the C6-OH groups present on the crystalline cellulose microfibril surfaces were selectively oxidized to C6-carboxylate groups. When the TOCs-NaBH4 with carboxylate content of 0.9–1.4mmol/g were mechanically disintegrated in water, transparent TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCN) dispersions were obtained. The lengths of the TOCNs, determined from their atomic force microscopy images, varied from 800 to 1500nm, depending on the oxidation conditions. The TOCNs prepared from Japanese cedar cellulose have an average of high aspect ratios (>300), which is greater than that (~150) prepared from wood pulp and thus advantageous.

Earth observation-based multi-scale impact assessment of internally displaced person (IDP) camps on wood resources in Zalingei, Darfur

This study describes the development of a semi-automatic object-based image analysis approach for the detection and quantification of deforestation in Zalingei, Darfur, in consequence of the increasing concentration of refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. The classification workflow is based on a multi-scale approach, ranging from the analysis of high resolution SPOT-4 to very high resolution IKONOS and QuickBird satellite imagery between 2003 and 2008. The overall accuracy rates for the classification of the SPOT 4 data ranged from 92% up to 95%, while those for the QuickBird and IKONOS classification have shown values of 88 and 87%, respectively. The resulting trends in woody vegetation cover were compared with the development of the local population and the variability of precipitation. The results show that the strong increase in human population in the Zalingei IDP camps can be associated with considerable decrease in woody vegetation in the camp vicinity.

Smallholders’ Tree Planting Activity in the Ziro Province, Southern Burkina Faso: Impacts on Livelihood and Policy Implications

Climate variability and change significantly affect smallholder farmers’ food security and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Tree planting is one of the measures promoted by development programs to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Tree planting is also believed to positively contribute to livelihoods. This paper examines factors influencing smallholders’ tree planting activities in four villages in the Ziro province, Southern Burkina Faso. Furthermore, it analyses the challenges encountered and willingness to continue tree planting under current tenure arrangements. The data was obtained through key informants, household interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Results indicate that the majority of farmers interviewed planted Mangifera indica (50%), Anacardium occidentale (32%) and Moringa oleifera (30%). In a number of trees planted, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Mangifera indica and Anacardium occidentale dominated. Tree planters were mainly farmers who held large and old farm areas, were literate and relatively wealthy, had favorable attitudes toward tree planting, and with considerable years of participation in a farmers’ group. The main reasons for planting trees included income generation from the sale of tree products, access to markets and local support for tree planting. Preference for agriculture, tenure insecurity and lack of sufficient land were the main reasons cited for not planting trees. Farm households that were relatively poor, had smaller workforces and smaller farm sizes were not willing to continue tree planting. To effectively engage farmers in tree planting and to make it more attractive, policies are needed that address tenure insecurity for migrants, enable better access to markets, and support fair pricing structures for wood and other tree resources.

Pilot applications proposal for sustainable woody biomass supply chains

Forest biomass is used to produce bioenergy that comes from many sources such as trees of harvestable age or killed trees by disturbances, material from stand thinning, harvest residues, and by-products of industrial forest processes. The Region of Western Macedonia in Greece has a considerable potential of forest biomass but lacks in wood resources management and exploitation. This lack constitutes a deterrent for potential bioenergy investments. The present study identifies five pilot concepts based upon regional needs to be developed in order to raise awareness and to attract the attention of stakeholders. These pilot plans aim to identify concrete measures for wood mobilization and to explain their applicability under different conditions. As a result, decision-makers from administrations, industry, and forestry practitioners will be helped to make sound choices and implement appropriate actions with respect to all aspects of sustainable wood mobilization, while ensuring sustainable forest management. These five pilot applications are described as follows: biomass investor's toolkit; development of a traceability procedure for biomass energy chain; guide for educating personnel in timber harvesting, safety, and precaution measures; development of a guide/toolkit for the next generation forest management plans; and overview of options for utilization of biomass ashes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

양액재배용 목재고형배지의 이화학적 특성과 작물생육 특성

본 연구는 폐목재칩, 라디에타파인칩 그리고 폐목재칩을 매트타입으로 제조한 것을 이용한 양액재배용 고형배지에 대한 특성과 엽채류를 이용한 작물생육발달특성을 검토하였다. 가비중은 폐목재칩이 <TEX>$0.20g/cm^2$</TEX>, 라디에타 파인칩이 <TEX>$0.16g/cm^2$</TEX>였고, 수분보유율은 폐목재칩과 라디에타파인칩으로 제조한 목재고형배지가 대조구인 암면과 코코피트 배지보다 낮았고, 매트타입의 배지가 가장 낮았다. 폐목재 고형배지는 pH 6.59, 전기전도도 6.76 dS/m, 총질소함량 0.50%, 탄질율 113%, 인산(P)함량 10.1 ppm, 카리(K) 77 ppm, 칼슘(Ca)성분 531 ppm, 마그네슘(Mg) 49 ppm, 나트륨(Na) 96 ppm으로 구성되었다. 라디에타파인 고형배지는 pH 5.29, 전기전도도 4.49 dS/m, 총질소함량 0.32%, 탄질율 180%, 인산(P)함량 6.4 ppm, 카리(K) 83 ppm, 칼슘(Ca)성분 97 ppm, 마그네슘(Mg) 29 ppm, 나트륨(Na) 59 ppm으로 구성되었다. 매트형태의 배지를 제외한 목재고형배지의 작물생육발달특성은 암면배지와 코코피트 배지와 유사한 경향을 보여주었다. 이상의 결과에서 폐목재자원을 이용한 유기고형배지는 기존의 배지인 암면배지와 코코피트 배지를 대체할 수 있는 고형배지로서의 가능성을 시사하였다. This study examined the plant growth and development characteristics of leafy vegetables on the hydroponic substrates of waste wood chips, radiate pine chips, and mat type of waste wood chips. The bulk density of waste wood chips and radiata pine chips were <TEX>$0.2g/cm^3$</TEX> and <TEX>$0.16g/cm^3$</TEX>, respectively. The moisture retention properties of both the radiata pine chips and waste wood chips were found to be similar but not better than those of the control rock wool and coco peat hydroponic substrates. The moisture retention property of the mat type was found to be the lowest. The chemical analysis of waste wood hydroponic substrates (w/v) was as follows.; The pH was 6.59, electric conductivity was 6.76 dS/m, total nitrogen content was 0.5%, C/N ratio was 113%, phosphorus was 10.1 ppm, potassium was 77 ppm, calcium was 531 ppm, magnesium was 49 ppm, and sodium was 96 ppm. The results from the radiata pine chemical analysis showed that it had a pH of 5.29, electric conductivity of 4.49 dS/m, total nitrogen content of 0.32%, C/N ratio of 180%, phosphorus of 6.4 ppm, potassium of 83 ppm, calcium of 97 ppm, magnesium of 29 ppm, and sodium of 59 ppm. Except for the plants grown in mat type, the developmental characteristics of the plants grown in rock wool and coco peat hydroponic substrates were similar. Based on the results of the experiment, waste wood resources may possibly be used as an organic solid medium in place of the existing rock wool and coco peat medium.

Wood resource management based on charcoals from the Bronze Age site of Gegharot (central Armenia)

Excavations conducted at the site of Gegharot in north central Armenia, along the northeastern margin of the Tsaghkahovit Plain (Aragatsotn region) have produced a large quantity of well-preserved charcoals. With occupations dating to the Early and Late Bronze Age, the site has been excavated since 2000 under the supervision of R. Badalyan and A.T. Smith under the auspices of the joint Armenian-American Project ArAGATS. The examination of the wood anatomy along three sections under a reflected light microscope, necessary for the identifications of charcoals, was systematically undertaken completed with the observation of the ligneous structure on transverse sections using a stereomicroscope. This dendrological approach provides valuable data for aiding identification of which part of the tree used, recording growth ring width, estimating wood diameter, and ascertaining the state of the wood before carbonization.Different vegetational biotopes were identified from remains of the Early Bronze Age layers at the site: an open woodland with heliophilic shrubs (birch, maple, willow and Pomoïdeae), an open forest formation with notably oak with maple and ash trees and a wet zone with willows and ash trees. The estimated diameters of the wood used at that time did not exceed 12 cm. The wood collection from the Late Bronze Age levels indicates a pine and oak forest surrounded by open areas where birch trees and Pomoïdeae grew and wetlands with willow trees and elm as riparian forests. The onset of a colder and drier climate could be the cause of the disappearance of the ash trees, the appearance of oak pine forests and the reduced growth of the tree-ring width. The taxa list and the high frequency of the small diameters observed during both occupations can refer to a local woodland exploitation. According to the observation of the last ring before the bark, evidence from a single operation (T21), during the Late Bronze Age testifies to seasonal activities. Some large charcoals of pine or oak had exceptional long series of more than 60 tree-rings. The average curve built on the basis of the oak series has a length of 72 rings, the beginning of a tree-ring series building in Armenia for the Bronze Age.

Density, some anatomical properties and natural durability of stem and branch wood of two tropical hardwood species for ground applications

As wood resources deplete, branchwood is being promoted to supplement stemwood in Ghana, but its natural durability, which indicates its service life and can influence its acceptance and use is scarcely studied. This study compares the natural durability and some anatomical properties of branchwood and stemwood of Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele) and Khaya ivorensis (mahogany) using Ceiba pentandra stemwood as control. Natural durability test followed field test method according to European Standard EN 252 1989 in combination with percentage weight losses while the anatomical investigations followed IAWA Committee 1989 recommendations. For each species, two branch logs were cut from each of two sampled trees from two natural forests in Ghana. Stemwood was also obtained from the same forest reserves as the branches. All sample groups were tested at air-dried moisture content of 14 ± 2 % as specified in the standard. Branchwood of both species were denser than their stemwood, but in addition to mahogany stemwood they were rated “non-durable”, while sapele stemwood was rated moderately durable. Thus at 5 % significance level, natural durability of mahogany branchwood appeared comparable to that of its stemwood whereas sapele branchwood was significantly less durable than its stemwood but more durable than Ceiba stemwood. Branchwood and stemwood vessels diameter and proportion also were significantly different (p < 0.1). Expectedly, density correlated positively with natural durability, but the correlation among anatomical properties, natural durability and density were stronger in stemwood than in branchwood. In conclusion, stem and branchwood of mahogany are both non-durable but sapele stemwood appears better than its branchwood for ground applications. Anatomical properties of stemwood influenced natural durability more than those of branchwood. For better acceptance of branchwood of the species for wood products manufacturing, further research would be necessary for additional data on their toxic extractive levels, mechanical properties and durability at different sites or/and using other drying methods.

Implications from the Use of Non-timber Forest Products on the Consumption of Wood as a Fuel Source in Human-Dominated Semiarid Landscapes.

Little is known about what possible effects on wood resources might be caused by non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Here, we assessed the patterns of fuelwood consumption related to an NTFP (Caryocar coriaceum) oil extraction and how this non-domestic activity can indirectly increase the use pressure on fuelwood species in a protected area, semiarid of Brazil. We conducted semi-structured interviews, in situ inventories, phytosociological surveys, and analyses of wood quality to identify the set of woody plants used in oil production. Householders use large volumes of dry wood and a set of woody species, which are highly exploited. Additionally, many preferred species have low fuel potential and suffer much use pressure. The best fuelwood species are underused, what requires management strategies to improve their potential as a source of energy. As a result, we suggest some conservation and management actions of fuelwood resources related to the use of NTFPs.

Zasoby leśne &amp;#8211; baza surowcowa i znaczenie w agrobiznesie

The main aim of this paper was to present the possibilities of usage of wood and non-wood forest resources in agribusiness. For the purposes of this paper a broad research on the literature of the subject in natural, medical and agrarian scien ces related to the potential of usage of forest resources has been conducted. This article presents also analyses on the amount and worth of purchase of selected elements of forest ecosystem in Poland. As the research shows, the value of purchase of forest fruit between 2008 and 2012 in Poland increased more than three times and the purchase of mushrooms increased almost two times. Altogether between 2008 and 2012 56,212 tons of forest fruits and 24,507 of mushrooms were purchased. The amount of purchase of forestry products in Poland is characterized by a signifi cant spatial differentiation. Analyses of spatial differentiation of the purchase of mushroom purchase in Poland between 2008 and 2012 showed that the majority of volume in this period came from suppliers located in Wielkopolskie voivodeship.

Increasing Forest Biomass Supply in Northern Europe Countrywide Estimates and Economic Perspectives

Woody biomass is the largest source of renewable energy in Europe and the expected increase in demand for wood was the stimulus for writing this paper. We discuss the economic effects of biophysical capacity limits in forest yield from a partial equilibrium perspective. Opportunities to increase the supply of forest biomass in the short- and long-term are discussed, as well as environmental side effects of intensive forest management. Focusing on northern Europe, national estimates of potential annual fellings and the corresponding potential amounts, simulated by the European Forest Information Scenario model (the EFISCEN model) are then resented, as well as reported fellings. For the region as a whole, there seems to be substantial unused biophysical potential, although recent data from some countries indicate underestimated annual felling rates. There is a need to discuss strategies to ensure that demand for wood resources in northern Europe can be accommodated without large price increases. However, using a larger proportion of the biophysical potential in northern Europe than at present will entail trade-offs with environmental and social values, which means that strategies are needed to protect and account for all the benefits of all forms of ecosystem services.

Использование ГИС-технологий для пространственного анализа лесоресурсного потенциала

Использование ГИС-технологий для пространственного анализа лесоресурсного потенциала

Allometric Biomass, Biomass Expansion Factor and Wood Density Models for the OP42 Hybrid Poplar in Southern Scandinavia

Biomass and biomass expansion factor functions are important in wood resource assessment, especially with regards to bioenergy feedstocks and carbon pools. We sampled 48 poplar trees in seven stands with the purpose of estimating allometric models for predicting biomass of individual tree components, stem-to-aboveground biomass expansion factors (BEF) and stem basic densities of the OP42 hybrid poplar clone in southern Scandinavia. Stand age ranged from 3 to 31 years, individual tree diameter at breast height (dbh) from 1.2 to 41 cm and aboveground tree biomass from 0.39 to 670 kg. Models for predicting total aboveground leafless, stem and branch biomass included dbh and tree height as predictor variables and explained more than 97 % of the total variation. The BEF was approaching 2.0 for the smallest trees but declined with increasing tree size and stabilized around 1.2 for trees with dbh >10 cm. Average stem basic density was more than 400 kg m−3 for the smallest trees but declined with increasing tree height and stabilized around 355 kg m−3, at a tree height of about 20 m. Existing biomass functions from the literature all underestimated the measured sample tree biomass. Possible explanations include not only differences in competition among trees in the examined stands and site conditions but also differences in sampling procedures. We observed that basic density increased with height above the ground. This trend may have led to the observed underestimation by existing biomass functions including only few samples from the lower end of the stems.

Introduction to Special Issue: Wood Adhesives: Past, Present, and Future

Adhesives have played and will continue to play an important role in the efficient utilization of wood resources. Early Egyptians used adhesives to attach rare veneers to wood furniture. Today, adhesives play a vital role in allowing almost all types and sizes of wood to be converted to functional products. For centuries, wood was bonded using biobased adhesives. In the 20th century, synthetic adhesives gradually took over because they were typically more effective and cost less. Refinement of these adhesives led to a great expansion in the bonded wood products industry by growing existing markets and allowing development of new bonded products. The 20th century also saw an increased understanding of wood adhesive chemistry and product performance knowledge. These trends continue in the 21st century along with the potential for more biobased adhesives. The increased use of engineered wood products will continue along with more utilization of other wood and plant resources, such as bamboo, for the production of bonded products.

Trophic levels and habitat specialization of beetles caught on experimentally added aspen wood: Does trap type really matter?

Saproxylic (wood living) beetles make up an important part of forest biodiversity and are of importance for conservation practices. The beetles are commonly surveyed on various dead wood resources by use of flight interception traps (window traps), catching both species depending on the resource and vagrant (irrelevant) species. Enclosed traps have been suggested as an alternative sampling method, as they sample only the beetles utilizing the dead wood resource. This is the first study to compare the two trap types based on catches from experimentally added identical wood units. Our main aim was to test whether enclosed window traps catch a higher proportion of specialized species and species of a lower trophic level than open window traps, and whether proportions of vagrant species decrease with habitat specialization and trophic level in both trap types. The study was carried out during two summers with traps mounted on replicated, identical units of fresh aspen dead wood in boreal forest in south-eastern Norway. Contrary to our expectations and earlier findings, the enclosed window traps did not catch a higher proportion of habitat specialists (aspen-associated species) or species at the lowest trophic level (wood feeding) compared to the open traps. Rather, the proportion of predators was higher and fungivores lower in enclosed versus open window traps, and no difference was found between different categories of habitat specialization. The proportion of vagrant species was lowest among the beetles with the strongest specialization (aspen-associated) whereas there was no difference with trophic levels. We suggest that keeping vagrants but selecting species based on host tree affinity is the best way to use catches from open window traps on dead wood units. Studies of predators and fungivores should be interpreted with care.

Use of Wood Resources in Central Argentina: A multivariate approach for the study of phytogeography and culture

Changes in land use and forest loss determine not only the loss of biodiversity, but the associated traditional ecological knowledge. Thus, knowing the several uses of forest resources by rural communities might help in guiding conservation efforts. We applied a multivariate approach to evaluate knowledge on uses of wood species­—based on environmental factors and participants’ (N = 114) socioeconomic characteristics—in six rural communities of Córdoba Province, Argentina, located in three different phytogeographical areas. Older men with unstable jobs and low education represent the embodiment of those who know about wood resources. Although the multivariate analysis suggests that socioeconomic factors are important when determining the known uses of wood resources within each area, environmental factors such as the availability of species considerably contribute to the characterization of the different communities. Quantitative analysis, including the socioeconomic characterization of human populations, might provide a valuable tool when planning policies for management and conservation of fuelwood resources.

Exploring the Socio-Ecological Characteristics of Gahkuch Marshland: A Unique Wetlands Ecosystem in Hindukush Mountain Ranges

Gahkuch marshland spreading over 133.54 hectare amidst Hindukush mountain ranges in northern Pakistan is characterized by typical wetlands ecosystem, comprising of small lakes, streams, peat lands, bogs, marshy areas and riverain forests. The area abodes largest resident population of waterfowl in Gilgit- Baltistan, in addition to providing wintering and staging ground for a large number of migratory birds and other aquatic life. A detailed socio ecological study conducted during August to September, 2011 revealed that the area is rich in biodiversity, harboring eight large and three small mammal species, 35 species of birds, seven species of fish, eight species of trees and 18 species of medicinal and economic plants and seventeen families of benthic-macro invertebrates. Moreover, six physical, nineteen chemical and three biological parameters of water bodies were also determined. In addition to its ecological significance the area also supports livelihoods of about 10000 people by providing timber, fuel wood, grazing ground and fish resources. Anthropogenic pressures includes solid waste, influent and illegal hunting were key threats to wetlands and its resources. Wetlands management planning in collaboration with key stakeholders would be effective approach to protect important biodiversity and wetlands resources of the area.

Plant Species Composition and Distribution in Relation to Land Use Patterns in Serengeti Ecosystem Tanzania

Serengeti is the largest ecosystem in Tanzania endowed with high level of biodiversity in protected and unprotected areas. Serengeti National Park is the only protected area in a matrix of unprotected areas characterized with a wide range of human activities which threaten biodiversity conservation. It was assessed plant species composition, diversity, distribution and vegetation structure in both the protected and unprotected areas of the ecosystem. Two transects with twenty plots each were established in each vegetation type in which data was collected. A significantly higher species composition (262) and diversity (2.39 ± 0.03) was observed in unprotected areas than in the protected area (163 and 2.06 ± 0.04 respectively). The DCA ordination of the species data from the two management regimes formed four clusters based on similarity in plant species composition, where three clusters were from unprotected areas and one from protected area. The variations in plant species composition ranged from 35.69% to 65.92% for the first four DCA axes. There was no significant difference in stem density between protected and unprotected areas of the ecosystem. Although high density of trees at 10 - 14 cm DBH sizes was observed in both sides of the conservation management regimes, individuals with DBH above 65 cm existed in the protected area but were absent in unprotected areas. It can be concluded that the decrease of plant species diversity and density in unprotected area is because of habitat degradation associated with exploitation pressure, livestock grazing and other forms of disturbance related with anthropogenic activities. Because of high demand for plant resources, the local community needs to establish woodlots to cater for wood resource needs outside the protected areas of Serengeti. Also, pastoralists need to diversify livestock keeping systems compatible with limited grazing land in unprotected area of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Introducing a status of access to raw material resources for manufacturers of cellulosic industries

Due to the implementation of Iran's Northern Forest Protection Plan for wood resources, manufacturers of wood and paper have a major problem in raw material supply in Iran; hence, they have to search for other resources to supply and procure their required raw material. Although there are some available substitutes for northern forests' timber resource, such as poplar plantation, agricultural wastes, and recycled papers, the present status of access to the resources presents a significant constraint on the viability of cellulosic product manufacturing. Accordingly, this research presents a decision-making model developed to select the best solution for raw material supply to the wood-cellulosic industry.Three possibilities can be considered as potential solutions: (1) implementation of poplar plantation and other agricultural products by manufacturers, (2) short-term contracts with public and private firms and farmers, and (3) long-term contracts with public and private firms and farmers. The Analytic Network Process and Analytic Hierarchy Process were used to synthesize and analyze the model. Our analysis using these techniques shows that all calculated decisions are influenced by external factors.A value-weighted competency model was calculated in the first stage with the influence of external factors on the competency model. Hierarchical design decisions were made for each of the competencies and their subsets. Paired comparison matrices associated with the degree of importance of each of the competencies were achieved in the second stage. In the final stage, subsets of competencies’ weights and their sub-options were identified with the combination of the competencies and the best solution was obtained. Finally a sensitivity analysis of the model was performed.

Lignin wastes: Past, present, and future

Depletion of fossil organic raw materials has aroused the problem of switching to renewable resources. The key point in the development of technologies based on renewable sources is comprehensive utilization of renewable materials. Especially challenging is efficient involvement of wastes from processing of wood or other plant raw materials in production cycle. The main substrates in wood biomass are cellulose and partly lignin. Comprehensive utilization of plant raw materials, extension of product assortment, and minimization of wastes constitute the key problems in the development of wood processing enterprises and environmental safety. These problems may be solved via implementation of up-to-date chemical technologies and combination of works to achieve comprehensive utilization of wood. At first glance, wood resources on the Earth are huge. Forests occupy about 3.5 billion ha on the Earth surface, and wood resources amount to more than 350 billion m 3 . The annual wood increment is estimated at 5.5 billion m 3 , and the annual timber harvesting is more than 3 billion m 3 . However, taking into account high urbanization rates, reduction of forest fund, and insignificant net annual wood increment, extensive way of development of wood chemical industry seems inadmissible at present. The key product of the processing of carbohydratecontaining plant biomass is ethanol which is obtained by acid hydrolysis and is now actively offered as a promising substitute for traditional fuel. Wood conversion into ethanol, fodder yeast, and furfural in the presence of mineral acids (acid hydrolysis) is accompanied by formation of so-called “technical lignins” whose amount reaches many millions of tons per annum. Technical lignin is a large-scale waste product of microbiological industry and is a burdensome and environmentally harmful substance.

A simple multivariate analysis to assess diversity in a complex long-term managed forest area in central Italy

Today wood and nonwood forest resources management meets and often clashes with environment and biological diversity protection. A main problem is to understand relationships between the different roles of forest biodiversity, site, and management parameters. A multivariate statistical analysis has been carried out in order to interpret relationships between some forest biodiversity components and forest inventory data. Several indices of floristic diversity, species abundance, and structural heterogeneity at stand level have been calculated. The different components of forest biodiversity were separated by principal components analysis. Relations between forest biodiversity indices and site and management attributes have been investigated by two multivariate statistical techniques: bivariate correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Results showed a high correlation between all the investigated components of forest biodiversity and some topographic and/or forest management attributes. Results also gave ancillary information to define sustainable forest management criteria.