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.
