Issues

Abstract

Under Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, 11 Viburnum species and 5 cultivars of different geographical origin are cultivated. The vast majority of species is property of a limited number of botanical gardens. There is no information about the ecological properties of most of the introduced taxa of genus Viburnum L. in condition of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Therefore, the study of the ecological properties of various species of this genus under these conditions is relevant. The purpose of the study is a comparative analysis of the ecological properties of species belonging to the genus Viburnum L. in relation to the formation of their taxonomic composition in collections and rational use in greening and gardening. The following ecological indicators of the species were investigated: the duration of the dormant period, winter hardiness, drought resistance and water retention capacity. It was established that the winter hardiness of the species is satisfactory and does not depend on the duration of the period of deep dormancy. Monitoring the winter hardiness of uneven-aged plants of the same species made it possible to trace the change in resistance in ontogenesis. An increase in winter hardiness in all species is observed during the transition from juvenile to mature state, which is reflected by the value of the winter hardiness coefficient. Drought resistance of most species is high, exceptions are Viburnum lantana Aureum' and Viburnum burejaeticum Rgl. et Herd. Water retention is higher in evergreen species and resistance to dehydration is higher in V. opulus L. and V. rufidulum Raf. The studied species are promising and quite suitable for further implementation under Right-bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Abstract

The research was conducted in three typical ravine forests of the southern variant of the Ukrainian Steppe. The age and vitality structure were studied, demographic characteristics of Quercus robur L. coenopopulations in 1999 and 2019 were calculated and changes that occurred over a 20-year period were analyzed. These forests are subject to a high anthropogenic pressure, being a part of the recreational area of residents of the large industrial city of Zaporizhzhya as well as tourists visiting the island of Khortytsia. There is a gradual change of the structure of the elementary demographic unit of the coenopopulation of Q. robur with an increase in anthropogenic impact starting from spotted and then through diffuse to eventually becoming pointlike. Coenopopulations of this edificator species sampled from the ravines under study are many-component and have a bimodal real spectrum. During the study period, significant changes occurred in the left, pregenerative parts of the spectrum and are associated with the changes in the quantitative ratios of juvenile, adult and virginile individuals. As a result of recreational exposure, the range of variants of ontogenetic development of Q. robur decreases, and the variants themselves include a smaller number of age states. Estimation of the state of Q. robur coenopopulations using eight demographic indices showed some decrease in the regenerative potential and increase in the share of generative and postgenerative individuals in the coenopopulations of Heneralka and Khortyts’ka gullies. Due to the decrease of the anthropogenic impact, the changes in Shyroka gully are less apparent. All coenopopulations of Q. robur are young and have significant adaptive potential. Therefore, they are capable of sustainable generational turnover even in case of low amount of specimens.

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution of soils may change their chemical and microbiological status. Changes in the function of decomposer communities may cause disruption in soil nutrient cycling and primary productivity of an ecosystem. In the present study, bacterial capacity to utilize different carbon substrates under heavy metal stress was evaluated by using community level physiological profiling technique and Biolog EcoPlate™ method. Soil samples were taken from the vicinity of mine Chelopech along Cu gradient and co-pollutants Zn and Pb. Soil texture was classified as loam, soil pH was defined as acidic, and soils were determined as well nutrient abundant. Soil concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb varied in the range of 51-860 mg.kg-1, 44-180 mg.kg-1 and 31-175 mg.kg-1, respectively. Both, the capacity of impacted bacterial communities to utilize organic carbon substances and bacterial functional diversity decreased under the heavy metal stress. Bacteria from un-polluted soils preferentially utilized carbohydrates and polymers, whereas the heavy metal stressed bacterial communities preferentially used proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic carboxylic acids. The highest levels of adverse impacts were recorded both at seriously polluted soil, and on the utilization of amines and carbohydrates. Local variability of soil properties might modify the effects of heavy metals. It can be concluded that the EcoPlate™ method can be used to evaluate community functional variability in relation to different levels of heavy metal stress, as statistically significant results have been obtained.

Abstract

Microbial indicators of forest soils affected by forest fire under conifers (Pinus sylvestris L., Larix desidua Mill.) and mixed (Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus cerris L.) forests from north slopes of Rila Mountain (Dolna Bania region) have been examined 7 days after a wildfire occurrence. An increased quantity of total microflora in the upper (0-5 cm) layer of fire-affected soil in comparison with that taken from a control (unburned) sampling site was established due to the rise of soil temperature and pH, accompanied with a simultaneous decrease in soil humidity. Results show the highest proportion of the analysed microflora represented by non-spore-forming bacteria, bacilli, bacteria assimilating mineral nitrogen. The quantity of Actinomycetes and Micromycetes decreased in soil affected by fire. The predominant groups of microorganisms (ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria) play an important role at different stages of mineralization processes of the organic matter in fire-affected soil.

Abstract

Community Forestry Program in Indonesia (called HKm: Hutan Kemasyarakatan) as the scheme for recovering forest degradation from encroachment has been operating for 13 years now, but until nowadays there is no available guideline for fostering its sustainability (SUST). HKm Authority, however, still have 22-24 years remain to foster the program before the scheme due. It is in needing both economic and tree biodiversity indicators of every HKm’s member land as the guidance for sustaining the program. The income as the economic indicator itself is commonly affected by the endogenous and exogenous variables. This research aimed at determining the roles of: (i) endogenous and exogenous variables on income agroforestry yield (INCM), (ii) INCM on tree biodiversity performance (BIODV), and (iii) BIODV on the HKm’s SUST. Data collected by interviewing 230 members of HKm Jaya Lestari located in Way Kanan Regency-Lampung, Indonesia in February-May 2018. These HKm members consisted of four ethnic groups which the two are as the native (Semendonese and Lampungese) that more adaptive to agroforestry cultivation, whereas the remains (Javanese and Sundanese) are the offspring of people moved from Java Island under colonization program by Dutch Administration since 1905. We employed Ordinary Least Square regression postulate model to investigate the first purpose and Loglinear Regression to examine the second and the third purposes. Minitab Version 16 software was applied for the models’ goodness-fits test and parameter optimization at 90 and 95% confident level. The research suggests: (i) endogenous variables with positive effect on INCM were the family size, participation in extension activities, land  holding acreage, the tribes whose Sundanese and Semendonese were higher than Javanese, and with negative effect was the land elevation; whereas the exogenous variable affected negatively the rural facility construction and nursery demonstration plot activities; (ii) the higher INCM the higher BIODV, but (iii) the better BIODV the lower SUST will be. For the sake of pursuing SUST, it recommends to continue fostering HKm members by managing the endogenous variables in order to rise up INCM, and then multiply BIODV as well as to broaden HKm members’ awareness on voluntary planting some wooden trees that have been adaptive or endemic at local region such as iron wood (Fagraea fragrans Roxb), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl), and Shorea javanica.

Abstract

Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E.Rodin is a promising natural rubber source and an alternative to Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Mull.Arg. At the same time, T. kok-saghyz is a narrow endemic and a rare species with decreasing population size due to degradation of its natural habitat. Therefore, it is listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. Despite a large number of studies addressed various characteristics of this plant, the data on the floristic composition of plant communities it is part of are limited. The aim of our studies was to assess the floristic composition of plant communities with the participation of T. kok-saghyz. The article presents the most complete, up-to-date list of the flora comprising 169 species belonging to 110 genera and 35 families. We present the results of an analysis including taxonomic, chorological and ecological data, identified the basic spectrum consisting of 29 species which are the most characteristic indicators of the plant communities studied. For the first time, the ‘core’ of the flora was determined, consisting of 14 species. According to the habitat type, most of the basic spectrum was formed by mountain species (14) including one narrow endemic (Ketmentau), followed by Palaearctic species (8). According to ecological preferences, the following groups were distinguished: mesophytes (9 species), mesoxerophytes (7 species), and halophytes of various types (9 species). The share of species preferring saline habitats (halophytes) was 31.4 %. The most similar (Koch’s index of biotal dispersity of 23.1 %) were communities at the western border of the surveyed area, and the value of the index gradually decreased towards the eastern border (from 22.7 % to 18.7 %). The results obtained can be important in the further studies on the populations of T. kok-saghyz, in searching for potential habitats and organizing population monitoring. 

Abstract

The task of the study is to establish and justify the required amount of sawn timber, which must be measured to determine the conformity of the entire batch of sawn wood to the specified size on the basis of statistical processing of a sample of sawn timber from the total batch. It is established that the batch is homogeneous in width and thickness, and differs in length of a sawn timber. The values of variation coefficients for length of a sawn timber are much lower than similar values for thickness and width. Given the nature of the grouping of sawn timber particles around the central stage in terms of thickness, width and length, it can be argued that the samples are similar. Student’s t-test was used at the p-level to check the difference between the mean values of individual samples. Measurement error (ME) for almost all indicators of the studied sawn timber is in the range of 0.1-5.0 %, which indicates that the experiment was performed with sufficient accuracy. In fact, 144 units of lumber were selected from 5 packages, which is more than 125 of the minimum required to establish the batch conformity of size and quality characteristics. Using the values of SE, ME and SD, calculated for individual samples, it was found that to correctly determine the deviations, including measurement accuracy and appropriate moisture content errors, it is sufficient to use from each individual sample no more 24 pieces of the appropriate sawn timber types. Using the recommendations for checking the conformity of sample to acceptable quality level for the total batch of a sawn timber, which was 2207 pcs in 5 packages, was confirmed the sufficiency of usage of the sample of 125 pieces from 5 packages.

Abstract

In addition to natural pine forests in Bulgaria, there are also large artificial plantations (over 1.5 million ha), created in the period of 1950-1990. Large areas with non-thinned coniferous plantations located at low altitudes are associated with a high probability of reduced growth and significant health problems. Traditionally, adapted agricultural tractors are the most widely used equipment for timber extraction in Bulgaria. The shortage of work force due to labor-intensive and unattractive logging work is one of the reasons for making efforts to introduce more advanced, multipurpose equipment. However, in Bulgaria the use of harvesters is limited by the predominance of deciduous forests, steep terrains and by the maximum allowed harvesting intensity of 30 %. The latter requirement often makes modern logging equipment unprofitable. In an attempt to overcome some of these limitations, the use of a combined wheeled skidder-harvester (SH) has been introduced in the eastern Rhodopes Mountains in the last few years. The SH works as a harvester and fells the accessible trees located on the skid roads and on the corridors. The remaining marked trees are felled manually by chainsaw. The felled trees are dragged to the machine by a two-drum winch equipped with a remote control, skidded to the landing where they are delimbed, bucked and piled by the SH. The mean productivity of the SH which stands for a mean skidding distance of 69 m, a mean bunching distance of 14 m, a mean load volume of 4.06 m3, was estimated at 9.38 m3.PMH-1 (8.27 m3.SMH-1) timber piled at landing, which is comparable to two typical logging teams with adapted tractors and 4-5 workers in each team. The gross costs per unit done by the SH (14.24 €.m-3) are within the regional level for coniferous stands.

Abstract

The paper considers the introduction of Pinus strobus L. to the Ukrainian Polissya for 200 years. The purpose of the study was to conduct an inventory of P. strobus in protected territories of the Ukrainian Polissya and to analyze its distribution, stand age structure, regeneration patterns, and application in different types of plantings. The study covers 26 protected man-made objects and natural areas and objects (botanical garden, 3 dendrological parks, 6 parks-monuments of landscape art, 8 natural monuments, 3 national natural parks, regional landscape park, 3 reserves, protected tract) in Ukrainian Polissya (Volyn, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Khmelnytsky regions). The age of Pinus strobus ranges from 35 to more than 200 years. In the protected areas grow 120- to 200-year-old ancient Pinus strobus trees, with a number of its specimens ranging from 1 to 16. In 80 % of protected entities, Pinus strobus was represented by one specimen as a solitary or in groups mainly mixed with Pinus sylvestris L.; in 5 objects Pinus strobus grows in pure and mixed plantations of natural monuments. The condition of plants in 19 objects is good, in 5 - satisfactory, in two - unsatisfactory (harmed by the pest Pineus strobi Htg.). By self-seeding, P. strobus regenerated on 24 % of the territories of nature-protection entities; in one entity it has naturalized. It is proposed to use the best specimens of Pinus strobus as genetic material for further application in forestry and park gardening.

Abstract

Litterfall is an essential part of forest ecosystems. We assessed obtained data about aboveground litterfall (as input for nutrients in the ecosystem) and chemical composition of soil waters (as an output of the ecosystem). In addition, total microbial number of heterotrophic microflora and the structure of microbial communities were investigated. The aboveground litterfall had an average pHH2O value 4.2. Concentrations of Ca, Mg and P were high in the foliar fraction. The C/N ratio in the Litter fraction was high - 65 and in the Wood fraction - 60. In contrast to the L layer, FH layer showed an increase in microorganisms’ activity. The total microbial number decreased in the A horizon compared to that in the foliar litter. The total microbial number for layer L was 1.2x10 7 cfu/g DsM (dry soil mass), increased in the fragmented FH layer to 1.4x10 7 cfu/g DsM and sharply decreased to 9.0x10 5 cfu/g DsM in A horizon. The dominance of non-sporeforming bacteria was established in the litter and A horizon of the soil profile. Actinomycetes increased significantly in the soil depth. In the L layer they were only 1 % and in A horizon - they reached 16 %. The percentage of micromycetes was 1 % and increased up to 3 % in A horizon. The group of Spore-forming bacteria was 9 % of the total microflora. The reaction of soil solution sampled by tension lysimeters was assessed as slightly acidic to neutral. The electrical conductivity varied between 21 and 140 мS/cm, which characterized waters as slightly mineralized. From 2011 to 2019, there was a balanced ratio of cations with basic and acidic functions. There was a slight tendency for the removal of basic cations outside the soil profile and this process should be observed over time.

Abstract

The relations and the statistical comparisons of the available micronutrients Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe (DTPA extractable) were examined in alkaline soils of three forest ecosystems, i.e. pine, fir and maquis forest. Through a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) it was found that Mn and Zn had identical dependence on soil parameters. Both concentrations of these metals had negative relationship with pH, percentage of CaCO3 and positive one with the concentrations of organic C, N and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) values. With the exception of CaCO3, Fe had the same dependence. Copper had a negative relation with CaCO3 and a positive one only with clay content and not with the organic carbon as would be expected. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the soil under fir had the highest concentrations of Mn probably due to the lowest pH values and CaCO3 percentages. The soil in the maquis plot had the lowest concentrations of Zn and Fe because of the highest pH and lowest amount of organic C. Despite the lowest amount of organic C, the soil in the maquis plot had the highest concentration of Cu because of the nature of parent material.

Abstract

Small mammals are important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens that cause significant morbidity in humans. Of these, tularemia and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are among of the most widespread zoonotic diseases worldwide. Despite the fact that both pathogens have great epidemiological significance in Russia, epizootological data for urbanized areas are still scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and prevalence of tularemia and hantaviruses in small mammals living in close proximity to humans. Altogether, 425 small mammals (278 from urban environment and 147 from natural environment) representing nine species (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Cricetus cricetus, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus uralensis, Mus musculus, Sorex araneus and Neomys fodiens) were captured in the Russian Republic of Mordovia and screened for pathogens using different serological and bacteriological methods. Red bank vole (M. glareolus) and yellow-necked wood mouse (A. flavicollis) are among species in the forest zone of the city of Saransk and are the source of a number of zoonotic diseases. In the non-urban environment, the main role as carriers of zoonotic diseases was played by house (M. musculus) and striped field (A. agrarius) mice. A total of 23 % of the small mammals sampled in Saransk were positive for tularemia, whereas 9.7 % were positive for HFRS. Furthermore, dual infections with both tularemia and hantaviruses were shown in 1.4 % of animals, suggesting that the same small mammal host can be infected with several pathogens at the same time, therefore representing a serious threat to public health. Small mammal ecology is a primary determinant of zoonotic pathogens dynamics in rodent populations and the risk of pathogen transmission to people.

Abstract

The study area is a low mountain; nevertheless it has substantial biodiversity, due to its specific location, xerothermic vegetation and positive average monthly temperatures. The study was conducted in the period 2014-2020. It determinates 35 percent of the avifauna and 58 percent of the breeding birds of Sakar Mountain. This study reports two new species for the area. It informs about 89 species assigned to a specific breeding category. Seven species assigned to a breeding category are new to the quadrant and have not been reported by previous studies. The breeding density of 13 bird species was established. The density decreases in two common birds in study area.

Abstract

In the research, HPLC method was used to determine the composition of sugar profile of identified honey bee-pollen from Asteraceae species spread in a forestry area. The analysis showed that bee-pollen is described by a high content of glucose and fructose, which depends on the origin of bee-collected pollen. They constitute from 60.0 % of the total sugar content for Centaurea cyanus L. to 100 % for Carduus sp., Centaurea sp., Centaurea calcitrapa L., Сentaurea solstitialis L. and Chondrilla juncea L. bee-pollen. The content of fructose ranged from 13.3 % for C. juncea to 20.3 % for C. calcitrapa, average 16.8 %. Glucose was the second highest content from 10.2 % for Echinops ritro L. to 21.4 % for C. cyanus, average 15.5 %. Of all analyzed samples the presence of trisaccharide melezitose was not detected.

Abstract

Analysing and understanding the timber sector export performance is essential for value chain role players to formulate strategies and policies to enhance the competitive export position and ensure forest sustainability. This study’s main objective was to measure the export competitiveness of the Namibian timber (HS440799, HS4401, HS4402, and HS4403) and assess its implication for Forestry using secondary data (2001–2018), Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), and Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage indices (RSCA). The result shows that Namibia had a revealed comparative advantage for 17 years; however, all below one (except for commodity HS4402 from 2010–2018) means that Namibia timber exports are not internationally competitive. Comparing the four categories of timber, in 2007, the sub-sector (HS4402) recorded the lowest RCA (0.00001) and the lowest RSCA (0.99998) for timber (HS4402) in 2007, the same year. On the other hand, the same categories of timber (HS4402) score the highest RCA with a value of 2.73 in 2015 and the highest RSCA (0.46) for timber (HS4402) in the same year compared to the other categories of timber. RSCA indices results for all commodities show that Namibia’s timber exports are not competitive for the study period. Timber’s comparative export pattern heavily depends on export volumes and values of timber exports. Timber export competitiveness is not sustainable, given the heavy dependence on natural forests. Namibia should re-structure timber harvesting protocols to include replacement or replanting every tree species harvested for timber production to ensure timber and forest sustainability. The country’s timber export sub-sector should focus more on adding value to timber than exporting to improved competitiveness. Further, the government should regulate the harvested wood and protect over-grazing, to promote timber and forest resources’ sustainable utilization.
 

Abstract

The fractional composition of forest litter was studied in pure and mixed plantations with a pre dominance of Scots pine aged 14–85 years. The study was conducted in anti-erosion plantations of ravine-gully systems of Dnieper Upland, in parks on Kyiv slopes of Dnieper River, Ovruch Ridge, as well as in the plains of Kyiv and Zhytomyr Polissia. Forest litter is with a thickness of 2.2–2.5 cm in mixed stands and 2.5–3.5 cm in pure stands with a stock of 20.8 and 27.8 t·ha-1, respectively. The mass of litterfall in the studied areas is different and ranges from 2.9 t·ha-1 in mixed planta  1 tions to 14.1 t·ha-1 in pure pine ones. Analysis of the fractional composition of litter showed that its -1 active part (leaves, crumbs, fruits) in all experimental areas is in the range from 65 to 82 %, while the inactive part (branches, bark, cones) is 18–45 % of the total mass. The active part in mixed plantations is 73–82 %, pure ones – 65–67 %, and the inactive part is 18–27 and 34–45 %, respectively. The rate of destruction and mineralization of freshly dead phytomass was determined by analysis of litterfall-litter index – the ratio of litter mass to the mass of annual litterfall. Plantations of ravine-gully systems are characterized by strongly inhibited intensity of litter mineralization with an index of 6.2–7.9. The index ranges from 2.9 to 4.5 in park plantations and from 1.1 to 5.5 in the plantations of the plain sites. The mass of water absorbed by litter is 11.0–50.8 t·ha-1 and its moisture capacity is in the range of 134–319 %, which is equivalent to 1.6–4.8 mm of precipitation.

Abstract

Object of the study are hedgerows in settlements of Ukrainian Bukovynian Carpathian region (Chernivtsi region of Ukraine). The species and quality composition, spatial, age and ecological structure and ornamental value of hedges. The formation of hedges as an element of landscaping the urban ecosystems of the Ukrainian Bukovynian Carpathian region occurred due to the influence of a number of objective (natural and anthropogenic) and subjective factors (traditions, socio-economic conditions and long-term plans for the development of the region, financing of activities for the formation and care of plantings in green spaces). The dendroflora of hedges of urban areas is represented by 32 species of woody plants from 24 genera and 15 families. Carpinus betulus L., Buxus sempervirens L., Cornus alba (L.) Opiz. and Ligustrum vulgare L. are most often used to form hedges. The vast majority of hedges is formed from one species (Chernivtsi – 98.3 %, other towns and villages – 71.1 %), and they are mainly single-row (Chernivtsi – 83.8 %, other towns – 58.2 %, villages – 70.2 %). In the settlements of the region, trimmed hedges predominate (Chernivtsi – 92.1 %, other towns and villages – 75.5 %). Most hedges are mean-height hedges (Chernivtsi – 65.8 %, other towns and villages – 66.9 %). For the formation of a curb hedge, Sріraea media Schmidt., Buxus sempervirens, Ligustrum vulgare are most often used. For first time, comprehensive studies of hedges in the settlements of Chernivtsi region of Ukraine (Bukovynian Carpathian region) were carried out according to their species composition, system, age and environmental structure, height and constitution. The features of functioning in urban ecosystems are established. A comprehensive assessment was made regarding the quality status and ornamental value of hedges in the green zones.

Abstract

Proteins are one of the main components of honey bee-collected pollen. In present days pollen is of great interest as food supplement. The objective of this research was to determine theprotein content of pollen in some floral species in semi-mountain area and to analyse the lengthof life of bees fed on different protein content in the pollen. The analysis of 30 samples showedthat bee pollen was described by a content of protein, which depends on the botanical origin ofbee-collected pollen. The percentage of the total protein content in the bee pollen grains rangedfrom 14.83 % for Helianthus annuus L. to 26.14 % for that of Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., and the average value was 20.90 %. In this research Rosaceae floral species had the highest levels ofprotein content of all studied representatives. The impact of the protein food on the length of lifeof worker bees was found. The average lifespan of worker bees fed on pollen from P. Cerasiferawas 24.74 days, whereas it was 16.92 days for the worker bees fed on pollen from H. annuus.Lifespan of honey bees consumed pollen with higher protein content is prolonged compared tothose that consumed pollen with lower protein content.

Abstract

A new method of studying the activity of European mole Talpa europaea (Linnaeus, 1758) with use of digital portable voice recorders is developed. European mole demonstrates polyphasic activity pattern – three peaks of activity alternate three peaks of relative rest. Moles are found to have activity peaks from 23:00 to 3:00 h, from 6:00 to 9:00 h and from 15:00 to 18:00 h, and three periods of rest: from 3:00 to 6:00 h, from 9:00 to 15:00 h and from 18:00 to 23:00 h. Mole’s rest is relative since animals show low activity during periods of rest. Average daily interval between mole passes is 2.5 h. Duration of audibility of continuous single European mole pass by the microphone varies from 11 to 120 seconds. On average, it is 37.5 seconds.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the history and the current situation of FSC CoC certified companies in Romania, to present an overview of the distribution of those companies in the country’s regions, to highlight the FSC product category adopted by Romanian companies and which label type is the most common. In addition, the paper will outline a brief comparison between FSC CoC and PEFC CoC. The FSC database was accessed for the analysis. Then an excel spreadsheet was created starting from the name of the certified company, its location, the certification code, FSC certificate period of validity, the standard utilized for certification, types of certificated products traded, claims of the products, primary and secondary activity at certification. The data were processed using STATISTICA 7.0. Normality of distribution was tested using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Compared with Europe, Romania is the third country by number of the FSC CoC certified companies. Their distribution shows a high concentration in North Romania. The main activity is primary processing (32 %) and the dominants FSC certified products found in Romania are part of the following categories: W1-Rough wood, W5-Solid wood (sawn, chipped, peeled), W3-Wood in chips or particles, W12-Indoor furniture, P5-Packaging and wrappings of paper. Among all FSC products types sold, the most frequent is FSC 100%. Therefore, the companies’ efforts must be appreciated in this respect. These efforts require the use of a range of resources, including financial ones, to demonstrate the fulfilment of all the requirements of the voluntary FSC standard.

Abstract

We studied the influence of average temperatures and precipitation of the growing season on the formation of macrostructural elements of radial growth in Scots pine and Norway spruce stands of Leningrad region located in the boreal zone of the European part of Russia. Denroclimatic studies were carried out using the results of wood samples analysis from forest stands on two-layer soils collected during 60 years. The digitized parameters of wood samples were processed in a GIS system, which made it possible to obtain an array of generalized dendrochronologies. A rank correlation analysis of the data obtained was carried out using the Spearman’s test. To simulate the combined effect of the amount of precipitation and average temperatures on the formation of the structural elements of radial growth, the method of the quadratic function was used. Depending on the composition of a stand, there was a different response to the selected meteorological factors during the study period. In pine stands, the effect of the average temperature of the growing season on the amount of annual radial growth was greater than in spruce stands. In spruce and pine stands with the participation of deciduous species, the structural elements of wood were more meteosensitive. The use of the quadratic function method made it possible to assess the combined effect of the total precipitation and average temperature of the growing season on the elements of radial growth of pine and spruce in the stands under study over the period of the experiment. Stands with various proportions of pine predominantly responded in the same way to changes in external factors associated with the climatic features of the region, which indicates the priority of their use in  dendrochronological studies. 

Abstract

The results from survey of forestry equipment in 2019 show 1371 units in Bulgarian logging industry. Expectedly, the largest share is in the farm tractors adapted for timber skidding. The rate of cable skidders is more than three times lower. Cable skidders and yarders should prevail, given that most of the forests in Bulgaria are situated on steep terrains with complex forms. A fundamental problem in logging industry in Bulgaria is the huge predominance of old equipment (in operation over 10 years), and their lower production rates and higher maintenance and repair costs. A major renewal of the logging machinery is expected, due to its physical wear and lack of manpower in the logging industry as well as in the industry as a whole, which is becoming increasingly tangible. The retrofit must be done with new high-performance equipment that, while more expensive, will ensure efficiency and lower unit costs. Facilitating access to EU programs will encourage the purchase of modern logging equipment. The density of the forest road network is insufficient and investment is needed to build new forest roads to reduce the average skidding distance and unit costs, and to rise the productivity of primary transport. Increasing the maximum allowable felling intensity will lead to the possibility of mechanized logging. The increasing the intensity of cutting will expand the use of harvesters and forwarders in coniferous forests. Another driver for the rapid introduction of new logging equipment are the long-term contracts of companies for better predictability and sustainability of investments. Barriers are the oncoming recession in the demand for timber and the supply of large volumes of cheap timber damaged by natural disasters from other European countries.

Abstract

The study presents the assessment of fire effect produced by surface forest fires on the herbal plants, the possibility of natural forest regeneration and Scots pine stands of the Poliskyi Nature Reserve. Five-year succession of forest herbs following the fire of 2009 was evaluated by analyzing its species’ composition, cоenotic structure, similarity, constancy and dominance of species in the burned area and comparison with similar unburned forest. The consequences for herbal plants mostly depend on the type and intensity of a wildfire. The response of the herbal layer to fire factor varies from small revertible short-term changes to degradation or even complete distinction. Surface fires stimulate emergence of Scots pine regeneration. On stand level, fires cause the deterioration of trees’ health and the reduction of stand growth. The mathematical model for severity of fire and tree health was developed.
Key words: fire severity, natural regeneration, post