Vegetative propagation can help increase the popularity of native forest tree species (NFTs) in urban landscapes, as it can produce trees with the desired traits (e.g. flowers) faster than the traditional approach. However, rooting success declines with increasing juvenility of cuttings due to maturation. Hence, a low-cost rejuvenation strategy using severed branches of varying diameter sizes (very small, small, medium, and large) was tested for Pterocarpus indicus Willd. and Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe. After 2 weeks, variations in 80% of shoot parameters were highly significant, which increased to 100% after 3 to 4 weeks. Similar observations were recorded for D. philippinensis initially after 7 weeks (70%), but a sharp decline by 30% and 20% was detected after 9 and 11 weeks, respectively. Positive strong, and significant correlations on both species reveal a positive correlative control among shoot traits. However, similar relationships between branch diameter and shoot traits were observed only for P. indicus but not in D. philippinensis, indicating that while the size of the branches influences the quantity and quality of shoots produced, carbohydrate reserves may vary from species to species. The result of the study could help promote the use of NFTs in the urban landscape by increasing the rooting success through the production of more rejuvenated shoots.
Litter, as dead organic matter on the soil surface, is a habitat and food source for detritivores soil macroarthropods. We assessed the condition of soil ecosystems as a result of these land use changes in the Bukit Pinang-Pinang tropical rainforest area by collecting comprehensive data on the composition of detritivores soil macroarthropods and litter accumulation, together with characteristics of soil physical and chemical properties in forests, logged forest areas, mixed gardens and monoculture gardens. Sampling was purposive, with detritivores soil macroarthropods collected with pitfall traps, litter samples collected directly , disturbed soil samples collected with a composite soil drill, and intact soil samples collected with a sampling ring. Forests supported groups of detritivores soil macroarthropods that tended to have higher total abundance of individuals and species, as well as litter accumulation, compared to other land types. Land use change leads to a decrease in the presence of soil detritivores, which is influenced by decrease in litter accumulation. Reduced litter accumulation in deforested areas, mixed gardens and monoculture gardens significantly affected the total abundance of individuals and species of soil macroarthropod detritivores. In addition, soil pH, soil moisture and litter C content also significantly affected the abundance of soil macroarthropods.
Europe’s future is being shaped by a demographic transition of unprecedented scale, characterized by population ageing, a declining labour force, and the abandonment of rural areas in favour of urban centres. Within the forestry sector, these dynamics pose critical challenges, particularly in relation to ageing forest landowners and an increasingly elderly workforce. Despite their relevance, the interconnections between demographic change, spatial reorganization of population, and forest management remain insufficiently explored in the forestry literature. This concept note seeks to address this gap by identifying critical risks, emerging needs, and key research opportunities, and by proposing an evidence-based framework to support analysis and decision-making within this complex and evolving context.
Understanding natural regeneration in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests is crucial for sustainable management and climate adaptation. This study compared natural regeneration and gap characteristics in two central Italian forests: Bassano Romano, with recent management, and Monte Raschio, a UNESCO-protected old-growth site. Regeneration density was significantly higher in Bassano Romano, likely due to progressive canopy openings from shelterwood management, while Monte Raschio showed greater broadleaved species diversity, suggesting gap-driven regeneration. Despite similar mean gap sizes (~500 m²), Monte Raschio exhibited higher variability. Regeneration was denser along warmer, sunnier gap edges, confirming microclimatic influences. The medium- and small-size gaps seems to favour the regeneration in both forest area, most likely because they can create the best conditions for beech natural regeneration. Indeed, regeneration height increased up to medium-sized gaps (~500 m²). The results of the linear mixed model indicate that the two different forests significantly influence the variance as a random effect. The findings of this study suggest how shelterwood systems may reinforce beech dominance and how gap-cutting fosters species diversity, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach that balances regeneration goals with biodiversity conservation. Adaptive management emerges as a critical tool to ensure the long-term resilience and functional stability of temperate forests.
One of the most important Sicilian forests for landscape and biodiversity is the Ragabo forest, located within the municipality of Linguaglossa in the northeastern part of Mount Etna. The tree species in this forest consists almost exclusively of Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio Poir. subsp. calabrica (Loud.) Cesca et Peruzzi). Due to the abandonment of economic activities over the last few decades, the forest is partially transforming into a mixed forest with broadleaf species such as beech and oaks. This is an example of how human societies and cultures have historically created habitats that are peculiar today and can be preserved only through the continuation of traditional local practices. In fact, although it is a habitat maintained by human activity, many animal species (birds and insects) are associated with it. This study traces a thousand-year history of tree planting for resin and wood extraction in Sicily and offers suggestions for the recovery and improvement of these important economic activities, resin extraction and wood use, while maintaining landscapes of high wildlife value.
Forests exhibit unique characteristics shaped by various environmental factors, with stand structure playing a crucial role in forest regeneration and microclimate regulation. This study investigates the structure of forest stands, focusing on coppice oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) within the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Three 25-hectare coppice beech stands were selected for analysis in the Chetan, Douhezar, and Garasmassar regions. To evaluate spatial structure—the distribution patterns of tree species within a stand—five rectangular sample plots, each measuring 50 × 100 meters (0.5 hectares), were established within each stand, reflecting the high density characteristic of coppice stands. The volume of deadwood was estimated by measuring the height and diameter of all standing dead trees, as well as the length and diameter of fallen dead trees. In Chetan, the species density was 219.35 trees per hectare, primarily comprising beech (184 trees per hectare), with a total volume of 205.8 m³ha-1. Douhezar and Garasmassar exhibited densities of 294 and 365.5 trees per hectare, with volumes of 204.5 m³ha-1 and 350.7 m³ha-1, respectively. Across all stands, beech accounted for the highest volume and demonstrated a significant presence of deadwood. Chetan showed a notable prevalence of groups with four sprouts, whereas Douhezar and Garasmassar exhibited more groups with five sprouts. The deadwood analysis indicated varying degrees of decay, with the highest frequency observed for first-degree deadwood across all stands. Structural indices, including the Pielou separation index, Clark and Evans index, and diameter differentiation index, were applied to assess species diversity and stand uniformity. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant differences in these indices among the studied regions. The structural analysis of beech coppice stands in the Hyrcanian forests—specifically in the Chetan, Douhezar, and Garasmassar regions—highlighted notable variations in species density, volume, and deadwood distribution. The findings underscore the necessity for sustainable forest management practices that address both ecological integrity and socio-economic needs of local communities.
Current food systems are important contributors to the transformation and degradation of natural ecosystems. These conditions have contributed drastically to climate change and global warming. Agroforestry is a form of integrated land use, relevant for the linking of sustainable production models. However, in Colombia, there is no comprehensive analysis of agroforestry knowledge that allows for an understanding of its scientific dynamics over time. The objective of this study was to carry out a bibliometric analysis on agroforestry as a tool to promote sustainability in Colombia to quantify the scientific production, actions and impact of this area of knowledge on the sustainability of the national territory. A literature search was conducted in the Scopus database for original and review articles published between 2011 and 2024. The results were obtained using R-Studio's Bibliometrix package, analyzing scientific production on a yearly basis, relationships between Countries, key actors and sources of relevant information. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was run to identify thematic clusters. 59 documents were found, including scientific (93%) and review (7%) articles. There has been an increase in scientific production since 2019, highlighting the contribution of ten countries on topics such as biodiversity, ecosystem services and silvopastoral systems. Three conceptual groups were identified: 1) Agroforestry and sustainability, 2) technology drivers: Ecosystem services, and 3) traditional production practices. Agroforestry has shown sustained growth in scientific production in Colombia, standing out as a key strategy for sustainability and food security. It is recommended to strengthen funding, technical support, and the integration of traditional knowledge to ensure its effective adoption in rural territories.
The dataset reports data from more than 9,000 trees, which were sampled in 2024-2025 to create a first urban tree inventory of public green areas in the Municipality of Arezzo. For each tree, spatial position, species, diameter were sampled in different typology of public green space. Data are available as table or spatial vector layer. The output can help urban planners and managers for assessing the state-of-the-art of urban greening, supporting tree management practices and monitoring, feeding urban tree models and calibrating remotely-sensed information. Non-spatial and spatial metrics can be derived to assess the diversity of urban tree spaces to implement sustainable urban greening practices.
This study analyses trends in the certification and commercialization of poplar nursery material in Northern Italy from 2019 to 2024, with the aim of estimating new plantation areas and forecasting wood availability for industrial use. Poplar cultivation in the Mediterranean region relies on certified, high-quality planting material produced by specialized nurseries using clones registered in the Italian National Register of Basic Materials (RNMB) or other European registers. Data collected annually by Council for Research and Agricultural Economics (CREA) in collaboration with regional authorities and FederlegnoArredo reveal that over 97% of certified poles are from RNMB-listed clones, with a significant share now consisting of clones with greater environmental sustainability (MSA). Although the traditional 'I-214' clone continues to dominate, interest in MSA clones, particularly ‘AF8’ and ‘Tucano’, has grown steadily. Piedmont remains the leading region in certified pole production, accounting for nearly 80% of the Northern Italian total in 2024. By correlating certified nursery production with field inventory data, it is estimated that 6,000 hectares of new plantations are established annually, potentially producing 0.7 million m³ of roundwood. This predictive capability is critical for strategic planning across the poplar wood supply chain. Despite a general increase in certified material and wood prices, the sector still faces challenges such as limited foreign trade data and a persistent domestic supply deficit. Continued monitoring and nursery adaptation to market trends will be key to supporting sustainable and productive poplar cultivation in the years ahead.
Silviculture is playing an increasingly vital role in addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the rising demand for forest resources. In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into forestry practices has recently emerged as a promising pathway. The potential benefits are substantial: AI offers the promise of greater operational efficiency and more informed, data-driven decision-making. However, the transformative potential of AI extends well beyond the mere automation of existing processes. It may contribute to a shift in the conventional management paradigm: from decision-making based on static, periodically updated plans to an approach where decisions are continuously informed and refined by real-time data streams and model outputs. This evolution supports the emergence of truly adaptive silviculture, aligned with the principles of complex adaptive systems. On the other hand, the effective integration of AI into silviculture also presents notable limitations and research challenges. Key issues include the need for robust AI models tailored to the intricacies of dynamic forest ecosystems, the development of cost-effective methods for data acquisition and management, the advancement of explainable AI for greater transparency and trust and the careful consideration of the ethical, social and economic implications associated with AI adoption in forest management. This note explores these subjects through a commented discussion.
Hybrid poplar plantations are essential for bioenergy, pulp and paper industries, and contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental restoration. Effective plantation management, including monitoring of canopy structure, is crucial to maximize productivity, but traditional inventory methods often lack the spatial and temporal resolution needed for precision forestry application. In this study, we evaluated the use of continuous canopy photography for continuous monitoring of poplar plantations. Daily canopy attributes like foliage cover and leaf area index were derived from time-lapse trail cameras. Three poplar clones (Soligo, I-214, and Neva), having differing growth rates and drought tolerances, were tested under different water (irrigated vs non-irrigated) regimes. We demonstrated that continuous canopy attributes allow to quantify significant variations in canopy cover, associated with both clone type and water status. Non-irrigated trials exhibited early senescence and canopy decline, while irrigated clones showed more robust canopy development. We concluded that continuous cameras offer a low-cost, effective solution for improving hybrid poplar plantation management by timely tracking the ability to respond to varying environmental conditions and optimizing resource use.
The dataset we provide depicts the abundance and diversity of nocturnal Lepidoptera sampled using light traps within reforested and natural pine stands of the Sila Massif. Nocturnal Lepidoptera are widely recognised as a good ecological indicator of forest ecosystems, modifying their community composition as ecosystem changes. Sampled sites are located in the Sila National Park on the Sila Plateau, where the length of the flying season depends on the weather conditions, but usually is very short due to the cold winter temperatures. Samplings were carried out from May to June and from August to October 2022. Six sites were selected within reforested areas and four within natural and managed old forests. Moth data includes a total of 17,233 individuals belonging to 308 species, further data concern information on sampling events and sampling sites.
Research plays a pivotal role in driving methodological and technological advancements and translating them into practical applications, an endeavor especially crucial in an era defined by energy, digital, and demographic transitions. Through an interdisciplinary approach, forestry research should generate knowledge that supports policy-making, stimulates technological innovation, and promotes community engagement. The purpose of this note is to highlight several key aspects within this context. To that end, a commented discussion is provided, with particular emphasis on aspects related to silviculture and forest culture.
This article aims to propose a methodological approach to the determination of differences in structural spatial heterogeneity between two different forests, exhibiting differences in some characteristics. By comparing the variances of the Gini-Simpson index values calculated from diameter at breast height (DBH) or tree height distributions in randomly sampled plots, structural differences can be effectively quantified. An F-test is employed to compare these variances, and while we use the Gini-Simpson index as an example, our method is flexible and can be applied using any chosen diversity index appropriate for the user's specific research context. A case study was conducted in Fagus sylvatica L. stands in the central Rhodope mountains, Greece, using plots from high productivity and medium productivity sites. The results showed significantly greater variance in Gini-Simpson index values in medium productivity sites compared to high productivity sites, indicating higher spatial diversity heterogeneity. This straightforward method requires only basic DBH or tree height data, making it practical for integration into forest stand structure studies and aiding in informed forest management decisions. The approach provides a statistically sound and flexible tool for comparing structural spatial heterogeneity across different forests, potentially guiding practices aimed at enhancing stand complexity and ecological resilience.
This study aimed to assess the effect of provenance on seed biometry and early seedling growth of Quercus suber L. The acorns used for the study conducted in the regional forest research station of Jijel, were collected from thirty healthy mother trees representing six provenances in Jijel. After seed collection, a subsample of acorns from each mother tree was used in a laboratory experiment including biometric characterization and cold storage behavior assessment throughout moisture content and germination measurement. Additionally, a nursery experiment was carried out with acorns stored for three months to assess the effects of the seed source on seedling growth traits including height, collar diameter, biomass and leaf biomass and surface. The results revealed significant differences at 5% probability level among Q. suber seed provenances and mother trees with respect to seed morphology, seed storage, seed germination and seedling growth parameters. Despite the absence of a clear effect of the environmental conditions of the studied provenances, the Kissir provenance was the superior for all the studied parameters. Regardless of provenance, the favorable environmental conditions of the nursery along with favorable cultivation conditions, including proper seed handling and storage, growing mixture, and irrigation could enhance the desirable seedling quality for reforestation purposes.
The study examined the diversity of woody vegetation and the characterization of physico-chemical properties of the soils of Masgaya forest massif in the Sudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon. The floristic inventory design consisted of four collection units (CU) established in the forest massif. In each CU, twelve plots of 10,000 m2 each were installed and woody individuals were inventoried. Specimens of soils were collected at 0-25 cm depth at the four corners and the center of each CU. Statistical analyses were performed with XLSTAT Software. A total of 6,465 stems were recorded, representing 64 species grouped in 46 genera and 29 families. The Shannon diversity index (H’) varied from 3.00 to 3.20 bits, and Pielou evenness index (EQ) from 0.41 to 0.51. The density varied from 138.08±37.10 to 265.75±70.06 stems/ha and the basal area from 275.88±120.39 to 544.62±240.1 m2/ha. Results of physico-chemical properties of the soils showed a predominance of sandy fractions over clay fractions, and high values of organic matter and total nitrogen. The analysis of the different parameters revealed a trend for vegetation to deteriorate under anthropogenic actions. The outcomes of this study can be used to develop forest management strategies to ensure sustainable development in this ecoregion.
In recent years, the Italian breeding activities in the sector of poplar cultivation for industrial purposes have led to the selection of new genotypes with high production potential, resistant to woolly aphid and to the main poplar diseases such as Venturia leaf and shoot blight, Melampsora rusts, and Marssonina leaf spots. These genotypes, known as “Greater Environmental Sustainability” clones (MSA clones), have shown promising growth and yield outcomes. This note focuses on the performance in growth and yield of a new P. ×canadensis genotype, obtained from breeding activity started in the 1990s. The ‘Tango’ clone shows very high production potential, in many cases higher than older clones used as controls. In particular, it shows faster growth after the 4th or 5th year of cultivation, resulting in higher volumes achieved by the end of the rotation period. In experimental trials, the average annual volume increment of the first 5 stem meters (representing the best wood assortments) ranged between 12.8 and 16.8 m3 ha-1 y-1. These remarkable yields, combined with the resistance to main diseases, make it an excellent candidate for highly sustainable poplar cultivation.
The objective of this work was to investigate the silvicultural potential of angico (Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg.) and paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) Barneby)) in different planting spacings. The study evaluated the three spacings: 3 m x 3 m, 4 m x 4 m and 5 m x 5 m. A forest inventory was carried out eight years after planting in order to characterize the stand in terms of diameter at breast height (dbh), commercial height, total height and survival. Using dbh, height-diameter relationship and commercial volume models were adjusted for each planting spacing. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the differences between results in the literature for species of the Fabaceae family. In both species, the 3 m x 3 m spacing produced the largest volumes and the 5 m x 5 m spacing the smallest volume. The angico recorded total mean volume ranging from 23.8 to 29.8 m³ per hectare. The paricá had total mean volume between 111.8 and 143.0 m³ per hectare. There was a strong correlation between height and dbh for the species in the meta-analysis. Higher mean height and dbh values were found for paricá when compared to the other Fabaceae species, showing the species' strong suitability for forestry.
The objective of this work is to evaluate the ecological diversity, structure and aboveground biomass of Guiera senegalensis G.F.Gmel stands in Cameroon. A total of 80 floristic surveys of 50 m x 50 m were carried out. The dendrometric parameters recorded are: height and total diameter (dbh ≥ 5 cm) of all woody species. Aboveground biomass was calculated using an allometric equation. The results showed a total of 529 individuals distributed in 17 families, 24 genera and 24 species and 339 individuals distributed in 14 families, 17 genera and 18 species inventoried respectively in the North and Far North regions. The most dominant families are Arecaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, Mimosaceae, and Rhamnaceae. The Guiera senegalensis stands are more diversified in the North region than those in the far North. The basal area (9.82 ± 0.42 m²/ha) and aboveground biomass (22.82 ± 0.98 t/ha) are higher in the Far North. Sorensen's Similarity coefficient attests to the similarity of the species in the two regions (61.90 %). The height structure presented a “bell” shape and the diameter structure showed an “L” shape. This information constitutes in order to elaborate management plans in view of a lasting management.
Starting from five significant events that have occurred in the past two years, this note provides an overview of the global situation regarding forests and forestry. Specifically, it highlights the need to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation through sustainable forest management, afforestation, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration programs, while also promoting the adaptation and resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change. To achieve these goals, the importance of science-based innovation, silvicultural knowledge, and effective communication of cultural perspectives is emphasized.
