Journal Description
Forests
Forests
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on forestry and forest ecology published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, GEOBASE, PubAg, AGRIS, PaperChem, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Forestry) / CiteScore - Q1 (Forestry)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Forests.
Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Effects of Understory Vegetation Conversion on Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Soil C and N Pools in Chinese Hickory Plantation Forests
Forests 2024, 15(3), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030558 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
Forest management, especially understory vegetation conversion, significantly affects soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil C and N pools. However, it remains unclear what effect renovating understory vegetation has on GHG emissions and soil C and N pools in plantations. This study investigates
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Forest management, especially understory vegetation conversion, significantly affects soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil C and N pools. However, it remains unclear what effect renovating understory vegetation has on GHG emissions and soil C and N pools in plantations. This study investigates the impact of renovating understory vegetation on these factors in Chinese hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg) plantation forests. Different understory renovation modes were used in a 12-month field experiment: a safflower camellia (SC) (Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu) planting density of 600 plants ha−1 and wild rape (WR) (Brassica napus L.) strip sowing (UM1); SC 600 plants ha−1 and WR scatter sowing (UM2); SC 1200 plants ha−1 and WR strip sowing (UM3); SC 1200 plants ha−1 and WR scatter sowing (UM4); and removal of the understory vegetation layer (CK). The results showed that understory vegetation modification significantly increased soil CO2 and emission fluxes and decreased soil CH4 uptake fluxes (p < 0.01). The understory vegetation transformation significantly improved soil labile carbon and labile nitrogen pools (p < 0.01). This study proposes that understory vegetation conversion can bolster soil carbon sinks, preserve soil fertility, and advance sustainable development of Chinese hickory plantation forests.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
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Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration in Chakra-Type Agroforestry Systems and Humid Tropical Forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon
by
Thony Huera-Lucero, Antonio Lopez-Piñeiro, Bolier Torres and Carlos Bravo-Medina
Forests 2024, 15(3), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030557 - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
Currently, there are several studies related to climate change, carbon sequestration, and floristic composition in different scenarios and land uses. In this context, the objective of this research is: (a) to characterize biodiversity based on ecological indicators and diversity indices and (b) to
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Currently, there are several studies related to climate change, carbon sequestration, and floristic composition in different scenarios and land uses. In this context, the objective of this research is: (a) to characterize biodiversity based on ecological indicators and diversity indices and (b) to evaluate carbon sequestration in different components of chakra-type agroforestry systems and secondary tropical humid forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon. For this, temporary sampling plots of 1600 m2 are established on the properties to be investigated. The study found that the structural characteristics and floristic composition vary according to the forest arrangement and the management system. Secondary forests are the most diverse, according to the Shannon (3.49), Simpson (0.96), and Margaleft (9.34) diversity indices, in addition to having the largest carbon stores with 233 (Mg C ha−1), followed by agroforestry systems in association with timber trees (TAFS) and fruit trees (FAFS) with 97.8 and 95.1 (Mg C ha−1) respectively, and cocoa monoculture (CMC) with 90.4 (Mg C ha−1). These results demonstrate the importance of conserving the remnants of tropical forests that still remain, due to the diversity of species, ecosystem services, and the total carbon they contain, as well as the agroforestry systems (AFS), systems analogous to forests, which are gradually becoming important management systems, especially if they are associated with potential species to sequester carbon, such as those documented in this and several other studies that seek solutions to global climate change.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems as Strategy to Recover Soil Health and Mitigate Climate Changes)
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Open AccessArticle
A Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network Combined with a Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometer for the Rapid, Non-Destructive Identification of Wood Species
by
Xi Pan, Zhiming Yu and Zhong Yang
Forests 2024, 15(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030556 - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
The swift and non-destructive classification of wood species holds crucial significance for the utilization and trade of wood resources. Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers have the potential for rapid and non-destructive wood species identification, and while several studies have explored related methodologies, further research
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The swift and non-destructive classification of wood species holds crucial significance for the utilization and trade of wood resources. Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers have the potential for rapid and non-destructive wood species identification, and while several studies have explored related methodologies, further research on their practical application is needed. To address this research gap, this study proposes a multi-scale convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with a portable NIR spectrometer (wavelengths range: 908 to 1676 nm) for wood species identification. To enhance the capability of directly extracting robust features from NIR spectral data collected by a portable spectrometer, the Gramian angular field (GAF) method is introduced to transform 1-dimensional (1D) NIR spectral data into 2-dimensional (2D) data matrices. Furthermore, a multi-scale CNN model is utilized for direct feature extraction. The representation by 2D matrices, instead of 1D NIR spectral data, aligns with 2D convolutional operations and enables a more robust extraction of discriminative features. In the experimental phase, eight wood species were identified using the proposed method, alongside commonly used multivariate data analysis and machine learning (ML) methods. The StratifiedGroupKFold dataset partitioning approach and five-fold cross-validation were used. Additionally, nine spectral preprocessing methods were compared, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used for feature extraction in the ML method. Evaluation metrics, such as accuracy, precision, and recall, were adopted to assess the performance of the methods. The proposed multi-scale CNN model, in combination with 2D GAF matrices of the 1D spectral data, yielded the most accurate results with a mean accuracy of 97.34% in the five-fold validation. These findings present a new approach for the construction of a rapid, non-destructive, and automatic wood species identification method using a portable NIR spectrometer.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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Quantifying the Threshold Effects and Factors Impacting Physiological Health Benefits of Forest Exposure
by
Bo Yang, Weishuai Ta, Wen Dong, Danping Ma, Jihan Duan, Huajun Lin, Dubin Dong, Jian Chen, Songwei Zeng, Yan Shi, Jianyun Pan and Yuan Ren
Forests 2024, 15(3), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030555 - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
The growing awareness of the health advantages offered by forests has underscored the significance of forest exposure as an upstream preventive measure against disease. While numerous studies have confirmed the physical and mental health benefits associated with forests, there is still a lack
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The growing awareness of the health advantages offered by forests has underscored the significance of forest exposure as an upstream preventive measure against disease. While numerous studies have confirmed the physical and mental health benefits associated with forests, there is still a lack of quantitative understanding regarding the relationship between forest exposure and physiological health benefits (PHB). Particularly, there is insufficient knowledge about the threshold effects derived from short-term forest exposure. In this study, we propose a PHB threshold model for assessing forest exposure that introduces the concepts of efficiency threshold and benefits threshold. A pilot study was conducted in three typical natural forest sites to validate the proposed model. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was continuously measured as the physiological indicator, while meteorological, environmental, and demographic factors were simultaneously collected. The results show that: (1) the proposed PHB threshold model is applicable in a natural forest environment; (2) despite the longer time required to reach the PHB thresholds, forest exposure yielded more significant and prolonged health benefits compared to urban green spaces; (3) meteorological factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, play a crucial role in impacting the PHB threshold model; and (4) exposure to forests is better for deep thinking and relaxation than urban green spaces. These findings emphasize the potential of forests to offer a respite from the stresses of modern life and promote holistic well-being.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trees and Their Benefits: Social, Ecological & Economic Considerations)
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Open AccessArticle
Quantification and Determinants of Carbonization Yield in the Rural Zone of Lubumbashi, DR Congo: Implications for Sustainable Charcoal Production
by
Nathan Kasanda Mukendi, Héritier Khoji Muteya, Dieu-donné N’tambwe Nghonda, Fabio Berti, Yannick Useni Sikuzani, Laurent Ngoy Ndjibu, Jean-Paul Katond Mbay, Jules Nkulu Mwine Fyama, Philippe Lebailly and Jan Bogaert
Forests 2024, 15(3), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030554 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Although charcoal production is a source of income, it is often associated with deforestation due to the felling of trees in rural areas. In this study, we quantified the yield of carbonization in the rural area of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Although charcoal production is a source of income, it is often associated with deforestation due to the felling of trees in rural areas. In this study, we quantified the yield of carbonization in the rural area of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), and identified its determinants. By analyzing 20 kilns of professional producers in different villages, we found that these charcoal producers build large kilns, which contained an average of 46.9 ± 21.5 m3 of wood from 19 species of Miombo woodland trees, with a predominance of Julbernardia paniculata (Benth.) Troupin, alongside Brachystegia microphylla Harms and B. spiciformis Benth. The average carbonization yield was 10.2%, varying from village to village due to parameters such as kiln size, quantity of wood used, kiln coverage time, wind exposure, substrate type, and tree species. It was noted that the moisture content and dimensions of the wood did not significantly correlate with the quantity of charcoal harvested per kiln. Yield improvement should, therefore, take these parameters into account to enable charcoal producers to increase their income while adopting sustainable production practices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy from Wood: Sustainable Production in the World)
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The Impact of Quality Control Methods on Vegetation Monitoring Using MODIS FPAR Time Series
by
Kai Yan, Xingjian Zhang, Rui Peng, Si Gao and Jinxiu Liu
Forests 2024, 15(3), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030553 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Monitoring vegetation dynamics (VD) is crucial for environmental protection, climate change research, and understanding carbon and water cycles. Remote sensing is an effective method for large-scale and long-term VD monitoring, but it faces challenges due to changing data uncertainties caused by various factors,
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Monitoring vegetation dynamics (VD) is crucial for environmental protection, climate change research, and understanding carbon and water cycles. Remote sensing is an effective method for large-scale and long-term VD monitoring, but it faces challenges due to changing data uncertainties caused by various factors, including observational conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of implementing proper quality control (QC) of remote sensing data for accurate vegetation monitoring. However, the impact of different QC methods on VD results (magnitude and trend) has not been thoroughly studied. The fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) characterizes the energy absorption capacity of the vegetation canopy and is widely used in VD monitoring. In this study, we investigated the effect of QC methods on vegetation monitoring using a 20-year MODIS FPAR time series. The results showed several important findings. Firstly, we observed that the Mixed-QC (no QC on the algorithm path) generally produced a lower average FPAR during the growing season compared to Main-QC (only using the main algorithm). Additionally, the Mixed-QC FPAR showed a very consistent interannual trend with the Main-QC FPAR over the period 2002–2021 (p < 0.05). Finally, we found that using only the main algorithm for QC generally reduced the trend magnitude (p < 0.1), particularly in forests. These results reveal differences in FPAR values between the two QC methods. However, the interannual FPAR trends demonstrate greater consistency. In conclusion, this study offers a case study on evaluating the influence of different QC methods on VD monitoring. It suggests that while different QC methods may result in different magnitudes of vegetation dynamics, their impact on the time series trends is limited.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
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Improving the Simulation Accuracy of the Net Ecosystem Productivity of Subtropical Forests in China: Sensitivity Analysis and Parameter Calibration Based on the BIOME-BGC Model
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Jiaqian Sun, Fangjie Mao, Huaqiang Du, Xuejian Li, Cenheng Xu, Zhaodong Zheng, Xianfeng Teng, Fengfeng Ye, Ningxin Yang and Zihao Huang
Forests 2024, 15(3), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030552 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Subtropical forests have strong carbon sequestration potential; however, the spatiotemporal patterns of their carbon sink are unclear. The BIOME-BGC model is a powerful tool for forest carbon sink estimation while the numerous parameters, as well as the localization, limit their application. This study
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Subtropical forests have strong carbon sequestration potential; however, the spatiotemporal patterns of their carbon sink are unclear. The BIOME-BGC model is a powerful tool for forest carbon sink estimation while the numerous parameters, as well as the localization, limit their application. This study takes three typical subtropical forests (evergreen broadleaf forest, EBF; evergreen needleleaf forest, ENF; and bamboo forest, BF) in China as examples, assesses the sensitivity of 43 ecophysiological parameters in the BIOME-BGC model both by the Morris method and the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (EFAST), and then evaluates the net ecosystem productivity (NEP) estimation accuracy based on the dataset of the fiveFi long-term carbon flux sites of those three typical forests from 2000 to 2015. The results showed that (1) both sensitivity analysis methods can effectively screen out important parameters affecting NEP simulation while the Morris method is more computationally efficient and the EFAST is better in the quantitative evaluation of sensitivity. (2) The highly sensitive parameters obtained using the two methods are basically the same; however, their importance varies across sites and vegetation types, e.g., the most sensitive parameters are k for the EBF and ENF and Ract25 for the BF, respectively. (3) The optimized parameters successfully improved the NEP simulation accuracy in subtropical forests, with average correlation coefficients increased by 25.19% and normalized root mean square error reduced by 21.74% compared with those simulated by original parameters. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of process model parameters and important technical support for accurate NEP simulations of subtropical forest ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
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Open AccessArticle
Residents’ Willingness to Pay for Forest Ecosystem Services Based on Forest Ownership Classification in South Korea
by
Young-Gyun Son, Yohan Lee and Jang-Hwan Jo
Forests 2024, 15(3), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030551 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
South Korea is one of the countries with a significant proportion of its national territory covered by forests. However, it remains unclear what management strategies for providing forest ecosystem services are preferred by the residents. This study explores South Korean residents’ preferences for
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South Korea is one of the countries with a significant proportion of its national territory covered by forests. However, it remains unclear what management strategies for providing forest ecosystem services are preferred by the residents. This study explores South Korean residents’ preferences for managing local forest ecosystem services, with a focus on how these preferences vary by forest ownership. Using the choice experiment method, this research identified residents’ willingness to pay for seven key local forest ecosystem services, along with a tax measure. The findings indicate a strong preference for biodiversity as the primary ecosystem service in both national/public and private forests, with residents willing to pay an average of KRW 28,370 (USD 21.80) per household per year and KRW 31,670 (USD 24.34) per household per year, respectively, for its enhancement. Preferences varied depending on forest ownership, with noticeable differences in perceptions of services like water supply, non-timber forest product supply, carbon storage, and recreation. Based on forest ownership, these variations in perceptions highlight the importance of managing ecosystem services in line with national/public forests and private forests, which significantly influences residents’ preferences. The study emphasizes the necessity of formulating ecosystem service management policies that account for the region’s unique natural resource characteristics, aiming to maximize ecological benefits for the local population.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Forest REDD+ Research)
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Applying an Optimum Bucking Method to Comparing the Volume and Value Recovery of Cut-to-Length and Tree-Length Merchandizing Systems in Piedmont and the Coastal Plain
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Carlos Diniz, Mathew Smidt and John Sessions
Forests 2024, 15(3), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030550 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Dynamic prices and markets create value for contractors who can readily evaluate the gross and net income differences for alternative merchandizing systems. The majority of the southern U.S.A. relies on tree-length merchandizing, with occasional identification and merchandizing of logs for a specific market
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Dynamic prices and markets create value for contractors who can readily evaluate the gross and net income differences for alternative merchandizing systems. The majority of the southern U.S.A. relies on tree-length merchandizing, with occasional identification and merchandizing of logs for a specific market or specific tree dimensions or qualities. Cut-to-length (CTL) merchandizing has generated more value when compared to tree-length (TL) marketing, but these comparisons have been limited to specific stands and markets (specifications and prices). The study objective was to demonstrate a process for evaluating cut-to-length and tree-length merchandizing systems in their production of gross value by applying a dynamic programming stem-level optimum bucking approach that maximizes the stem value given specific market conditions. TL merchandizing resulted in a better volume recovery for both regions, but the value recovery was better for CTL merchandizing. Observing the value recovery by diameter class, DSH classes of up to 100 mm had a similar value in both merchandizing systems, but CTL merchandizing yielded a greater or similar value per cubic meter across the range for larger tree sizes. Access to tree data and merchandizing tools needs to be addressed so wood suppliers and landowners may benefit from stem optimization and sensor technology being embedded into modern harvesters and processors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue FORMEC/FEC 2023—Improving Access to Sustainable Forest Materials in a Resource-Constrained World)
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Open AccessArticle
Impacts of Compound Hot–Dry Events on Vegetation Productivity over Northern East Asia
by
Jing Kang, Miao Yu, Ye Xia, Shanlei Sun and Botao Zhou
Forests 2024, 15(3), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030549 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Climate extremes, such as heatwaves and droughts, significantly impact terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigates the influence of compound hot–dry (CHD) events on vegetation productivity in northern East Asia. Four of the most widespread CHD events occurring during the summer from 2003 to 2019
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Climate extremes, such as heatwaves and droughts, significantly impact terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigates the influence of compound hot–dry (CHD) events on vegetation productivity in northern East Asia. Four of the most widespread CHD events occurring during the summer from 2003 to 2019 were selected as the focus of this research. We first verified the performance of the Community Land Model version 5 (CLM5) in the region and then conducted factor-controlled experiments using CLM5 to assess the effects of different climate factors on gross primary productivity (GPP) changes during CHD events. Our results show that vegetation productivity exhibits greater sensitivity to CHD events within the transitional climatic zone (TCZ) than in other affected areas. In grassland areas within the TCZ, precipitation deficit is the primary factor leading to the decrease in GPP (explaining 56%–90% of GPP anomalies), while high temperatures serve as a secondary detrimental factor (explaining 13%–32% of GPP anomalies). In high-latitude forests outside the TCZ, high temperature has a more significant impact on suppressing GPP, while the decrease in soil moisture has a synchronously negligible impact on GPP. There are differences in the effects of high solar radiation on grasslands and woodlands during CHD events. It was observed that high radiation benefits trees by increasing the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), as well as enhancing photosynthesis, but has a negligible impact on grasses. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential for compound events to impact vegetation productivity more than expected from individual events due to confounding nonlinear effects between meteorological factors. More than 10% of the negative anomalies in GPP during two CHD events in 2017 and 2010 were attributed to these nonlinear effects. These research findings are significant for understanding ecosystem responses to climate extremes and their influence on carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. They can also contribute to more precisely evaluating and predicting carbon dynamics in these regions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Extreme Climate Events on Forests)
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Estimating the Aboveground Biomass of Robinia pseudoacacia Based on UAV LiDAR Data
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Jiaqi Cheng, Xuexia Zhang, Jianjun Zhang, Yanni Zhang, Yawei Hu, Jiongchang Zhao and Yang Li
Forests 2024, 15(3), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030548 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
Robinia pseudoacacia is widely planted in the Loess Plateau as a major soil and water conservation tree species because of its dense canopy, complex structure, and strong soil and water conservation ability. The precise measurement of small-scale locust forest biomass is crucial to
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Robinia pseudoacacia is widely planted in the Loess Plateau as a major soil and water conservation tree species because of its dense canopy, complex structure, and strong soil and water conservation ability. The precise measurement of small-scale locust forest biomass is crucial to monitoring and evaluating the carbon sequestration functions of soil and water conservation vegetation. This study focuses on an artificial locust forest planted in the early 1990s in Caijiachuan Basin, Jixian County, Shanxi Province. A drone equipped with LiDAR was used to obtain point cloud data and generate a canopy height model. A watershed segmentation algorithm was used to identify tree vertices and extract individual trees. A relationship model between tree height, diameter at breast height, and biomass, combined with sample survey data, was established to explore the spatial distribution of biomass in the artificial locust forest at the level of the entire basin. The results show the following: (1) the structural parameters of locust extracted using UAV point cloud data have a good degree of fit and accuracy, and the recall rate is 72.7%; (2) the average error rate of the extracted maximum tree height value of locust is 7%, that of the minimum tree height value is 14%, and that of the average tree height value is 18%; (3) the average error rate of the extracted maximum diameter at breast height of locust is 15%, that of the minimum diameter at breast height is 37%, and that of the average diameter at breast height is 36%; and (4) the average error rate of the biomass estimation of locust calculated using point cloud data is 16.0%.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Laser Scanning and Satellite Images in Forest Mensuration—Series II)
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Progress in Fruit Cracking Control of Gibberellic Acid and Abscisic Acid
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Mengmeng Zhang, Yiteng Liu, Zhuo Chen, Zhaokun Zhi, Aning Wang, Huafeng Yue, Fangdong Li, Shulin Zhang and Gaopu Zhu
Forests 2024, 15(3), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030547 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
Fruit cracking or splitting is a severe physiological disease that significantly affects appearance and quality, compromising the commodity value of fruit and causing substantial economic losses to the producers of several fleshy fruit crops. The growth-promoting plant hormone gibberellins (GAs) and growth-inhibiting abscisic
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Fruit cracking or splitting is a severe physiological disease that significantly affects appearance and quality, compromising the commodity value of fruit and causing substantial economic losses to the producers of several fleshy fruit crops. The growth-promoting plant hormone gibberellins (GAs) and growth-inhibiting abscisic acid (ABA) antagonistically regulate numerous processes throughout the plant life cycle. The homeostasis of GA and ABA plays a significant role in the normal growth and development of fruits, and the imbalance of them may lead to the occurrence of cracking or splitting during the process of fruit growth, development, ripening and postharvest storage. The pathways of GA and ABA metabolism and signaling have been studied widely, and the major components are well characterized, including the genes encoding major biosynthesis and catabolism enzymes and the key signaling components. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the mechanisms of GA and ABA governing fruit cracking is not comprehensive enough. In this review, we summarize the advances in understanding the effects of endogenous GAs and ABA contents in fruits and exogenous GAs and ABA treatments on fruit cracking, and we endeavor to provide some genetic cues on the function of GAs and ABA responsible for fruit cracking modulation. The progress in understanding the molecular bases underlying the actions of GAs and ABA in fruit cracking coordination control will facilitate breeding strategies of cracking-resistant ideotypes of fruits, and also carry great theoretical significance in guiding the establishment of integrated prevention and control measures in fruit cracking.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecophysiology and Biology)
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Dominant Tree Species and Their Age Groups Drive Forest Carbon Storage in Wuyi Mountain National Park, China
by
Xing Jin, Shu Lin, Jing Zhu, Fanglin Tan, Huiguang Zhang, Qichao Chen, Yu Hong, Jinfu Liu, Daowei Xu and Zhongsheng He
Forests 2024, 15(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030546 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
Evaluating the carbon storage of forests and identifying the factors that influence it are essential in working towards the “dual carbon” goal. This assessment will facilitate research on carbon neutrality and promote regional ecological protection and development. This study utilized the “One Map”
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Evaluating the carbon storage of forests and identifying the factors that influence it are essential in working towards the “dual carbon” goal. This assessment will facilitate research on carbon neutrality and promote regional ecological protection and development. This study utilized the “One Map” data of forest resources (2020) and the first year (2017) of the establishment of the national park in Wuyi Mountain National Park (WMNP). The continuous biomass expansion factor method, in conjunction with the vegetation carbon content coefficient, was employed to estimate the forest carbon storage within the park’s forested areas. Subsequently, the distribution of forest carbon storage was analyzed using remote sensing estimation methods, and a comparison was made between the forest carbon storage of these two years. Finally, correlation analysis and path analysis were conducted to identify the primary factors influencing forest carbon storage. The study findings reveal that in 2020, the total carbon storage in forests reached 4.851 × 106 t C, with an average carbon density of 49.55 t C·hm−2. Furthermore, the study identified positive correlations between dominant tree species, age groups, and elevation with carbon storage, whereas slope length and aspect were found to have negative correlations. Dominant tree species were observed to have the greatest impact on forest carbon storage in both 2017 and 2020, followed by age groups. These findings offer valuable scientific insights for the implementation of forest carbon storage pilot projects in WMNP.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Forest Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation)
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Open AccessArticle
Characterization of Swedish Forestry Contractors’ Practices Regarding Occupational Safety and Health Management
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Thomas Kronholm, Rikard Olsson, Mikael Thyrel and Carola Häggström
Forests 2024, 15(3), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030545 - 16 Mar 2024
Abstract
Forestry has many dangers, and much effort has been put into supporting accident prevention by developing legislation and certification systems. In Sweden, forestry contractors have an important role in developing and maintaining a good working environment for the employed forestry workers. The objectives
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Forestry has many dangers, and much effort has been put into supporting accident prevention by developing legislation and certification systems. In Sweden, forestry contractors have an important role in developing and maintaining a good working environment for the employed forestry workers. The objectives of this study were to describe forestry contractors’ current practices regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) management and identify variations in relation to the contractors’ characteristics and finances, as well as to highlight areas that need improvement. In 2023, data were collected through a survey distributed to 1200 limited liability companies registered to perform logging or silvicultural services, with a response rate of 22%. Multi- and univariate analyses were performed to compare contractor groups, and the results show that larger companies had more well-developed and formalized routines and guidelines for their operations. Geographical differences were also identified; for example, employees in the north were more likely to have access to staff facilities when working in the forest. However, no clear connection between OSH management practices and the contractors’ finances could be demonstrated. The study concludes that there is a need for improvements in OSH work within the industry because many companies do not meet all of the formal requirements that exist today.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue FORMEC/FEC 2023—Improving Access to Sustainable Forest Materials in a Resource-Constrained World)
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Open AccessArticle
Public Attitudes towards Forest Pest Damage Cost and Future Control Extent: A Case Study from Two Cities of Pakistan
by
Umer Hayat, Aqsa Abbas and Juan Shi
Forests 2024, 15(3), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030544 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Infestations of pests are perhaps an anthropogenic catastrophe for trees. Aeolesthes sarta (Sart longhorned beetle—SLB) is one of the most severe pests that cause serious damage to a number of hardwood tree species, i.e., Populus, Salix, Acer, Juglans, and
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Infestations of pests are perhaps an anthropogenic catastrophe for trees. Aeolesthes sarta (Sart longhorned beetle—SLB) is one of the most severe pests that cause serious damage to a number of hardwood tree species, i.e., Populus, Salix, Acer, Juglans, and Malus. To investigate people’s attitudes towards pest damage cost and future control extent of SLB, a door-to-door method was adopted to survey two major cities (Quetta—QU and Peshawar—PE) of the northwestern region of Pakistan where this pest has caused severe damage. Respondents were asked about SLB pest knowledge, pest damage costs, preferences for control choices, and program extent. According to respondents, more trees (181 ± 1.20 trees/ha/annum) were damaged in QU compared to PE. Populus spp. was the dominant tree genre that attacked and damaged the most. Around 85% of respondents from both cities stated the pest damage cost was calculated as high for QU (480,840.80 ± 4716.94$/annum) compared to PE. Respondents in both locations strongly supported (more than 82%) biological control of future SLB outbreaks. They all agreed that protecting ecologically vulnerable places and wildlife habitats should be the primary priority in a future SLB outbreak. Respondents from both cities who preferred to protect more land area in future SLB outbreaks were calculated to be high for QU (61%) compared to PE (58%). However, city variations in opinions regarding forest-type priority that should be protected and control options were observed. Socio-demographic characteristics were discovered to impact pest damage cost positively, as well as preferred SLB control extent. The findings of this study can help policymakers and forest managers develop publicly permissible pest control plans and make more accurate predictions about future pest outbreaks.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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The Economic Value of Forest Bathing: An Example Case of the Italian Alps
by
Alessandro Paletto, Sandra Notaro, Carlotta Sergiacomi and Francesca Di Mascio
Forests 2024, 15(3), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030543 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the mid-1980s, forest bathing was established in Japan to improve citizens’ physical and mental health. In the literature, many studies have investigated the role of forest bathing in decreasing people’s stress and anxiety as well as in reducing hypertension and coronary artery
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In the mid-1980s, forest bathing was established in Japan to improve citizens’ physical and mental health. In the literature, many studies have investigated the role of forest bathing in decreasing people’s stress and anxiety as well as in reducing hypertension and coronary artery disease. Forest bathing is also a practice with important social and economic implications at a local level. This study investigated the economic value of forest bathing in a case study in northern Italy (i.e., the Parco del Respiro, in Trentino-Alto Adige) using the Zonal Travel Cost Method. To achieve this aim, 243 forest bathers in the study area were interviewed in the summer of 2022. The findings highlighted that an actively managed forest with an average–low amount of deadwood and clean open areas is the scenario preferred by participants. In addition, the results of the Zonal Travel Cost Method showed a relevant annual consumer surplus of EUR 8700 for the forest bathing activity in the study area, corresponding to EUR 35.80 per visit per person.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forest Landscapes and Forest Therapy)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of an Invasive Bark Beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandf. Outbreak on Carbon Pool Dynamics in West Siberian Dark Coniferous Forests
by
Ivan A. Kerchev, Elvina M. Bisirova, Nikita A. Smirnov, Igor G. Grachev, Artem N. Nikiforov and Daria A. Kalashnikova
Forests 2024, 15(3), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030542 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Invasions of dendrophagous insects pose major threats to forest ecosystems and to the timber industry. The alien species bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandf. of Far Eastern origin has caused Siberian fir dieback in vast areas within several regions of Russia. Rapid spread of
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Invasions of dendrophagous insects pose major threats to forest ecosystems and to the timber industry. The alien species bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandf. of Far Eastern origin has caused Siberian fir dieback in vast areas within several regions of Russia. Rapid spread of the pest and its outbreaks raise the issue of preserving the most important functions, including carbon sequestration, by the damaged forests. In this study, monitoring of carbon pool dynamics was carried out during 2012–2023 on four sample plots showing various degrees of damage in the southern taiga zone of Western Siberia in the Larinsky Landscape Reserve. Dynamics of the forest stands’ vitality were reflected in a rapid decline of the number of viable trees and an increase in amounts of deadwood, debris, and soil composition, resulting in a transformation of the natural biological carbon cycle in the native dark coniferous ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Greenhouse Gas Dynamics and Balance in Forest-Peatland Ecosystem)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of BRDF Models and Solar Zenith Angles on Forest Above-Ground Biomass Derived from MODIS Multi-Angular Indices
by
Lei Cui, Jiaying Zhang, Yiqun Dai, Rui Xie, Zhongzheng Zhu, Mei Sun, Xiaoning Zhang, Long He, Hu Zhang, Yadong Dong and Kaiguang Zhao
Forests 2024, 15(3), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030541 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
Multi-angular remote sensing observation contains crucial information on forest structure parameters. Here, our goal is to examine the ability of multi-angular indices, which are constructed by the typical-angular reflectances in red and NIR bands from MODIS observations, for the retrieval of forest biomass
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Multi-angular remote sensing observation contains crucial information on forest structure parameters. Here, our goal is to examine the ability of multi-angular indices, which are constructed by the typical-angular reflectances in red and NIR bands from MODIS observations, for the retrieval of forest biomass based on the field-measured above-ground biomass (AGB) data. Specifically, we employed the updated version of the MCD43A1 BRDF parameter product as an input for BRDF models to reconstruct the MODIS typical-angular reflectances. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of different configurations of BRDF models and solar zenith angles (SZA) on forest AGB estimation using our developed multi-angular indices. The semivariogram analysis strategy combined with Landsat ground-surface reflectance data was employed to determine the MODIS pixel heterogeneity; the survey data from field sites of homogeneous pixels was used in our analysis and validation. The results show that our developed multi-angular indices based on a hot-revised BRDF model, under a SZA of 45°, when combined with forest cover information, can account for up to 72% of the variation forest AGB, with an RMSE = 45 Mg/ha. We also found that different kernels for the BRDF models influenced the weight parameters of the biomass inversion equation but did not significantly affect the estimated AGB. In conclusion, our method can enable the better usage of MODIS multi-angular observations for forest AGB estimation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Forest Biomass and Carbon Dynamics Using Multiple Sources and Technologies)
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Open AccessArticle
Changing Relationship between Specific Leaf Area and Leaf Matter Dry Content of Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens syn. edulis (Poales: Poaceae) under the Stress of Pantana phyllostachysae (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)
by
Wanling Shen, Zhanghua Xu, Na Qin, Lingyan Chen, Yuanyao Yang, Huafeng Zhang, Xier Yu, Anqi He, Lei Sun and Xia Li
Forests 2024, 15(3), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030540 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
The objective of this study was to deeply understand the adaptation mechanism of the functional traits of Moso bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens syn. edulis (Poales: Poaceae) leaves to the environment under different Pantana phyllostachysae Chao damage levels, analyzing the changes in the relationship between
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The objective of this study was to deeply understand the adaptation mechanism of the functional traits of Moso bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens syn. edulis (Poales: Poaceae) leaves to the environment under different Pantana phyllostachysae Chao damage levels, analyzing the changes in the relationship between specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC). We combined different machine learning models (decision tree, RF, XGBoost, and CatBoost regression models), and used different canopy heights and different levels of infestation, to analyze the changes in the relationship between the two under different levels of infestation based on the results of the best estimation model. The results showed the following: (1) The SLA of Ph. pubescens showed a decreasing trend with the increase om insect pest degree, and LDMC showed an inverse trend. (2) The SLA of bamboo leaves was negatively correlated with the LDMC under different insect pest degrees; the correlation of the data under the healthy class was higher than that of other insect pest levels, and at the same time better than that of the full sample, which laterally confirmed the effect of insect pest stress on the functional traits of Ph. pubescens leaves. (3) When modeling under different infestation levels, the CatBoost model was used for heavy damage and the RF model was used for the rest of the cases; the decision tree regression model was used when modeling different canopy heights. The findings contribute certain insights into the nuanced responses and adaptive mechanisms of Ph. pubescens forests to environmental fluctuations. Moreover, these results furnish a robust scientific foundation, essential for ensuring the enduring sustainability of Ph. pubescens forest ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of Forest Management on Wood Production under Climate Change in the Bonis Catchment
by
Mouna Feki, Giovanni Ravazzani, Gaetano Pellicone and Tommaso Caloiero
Forests 2024, 15(3), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030539 - 15 Mar 2024
Abstract
The concept of integrated forest management offers a framework for understanding how forest ecosystem services interact with efforts to conserve natural resources. Forests face various disturbances stemming from human activities, management approaches, and shifts in climate patterns. This study aims to explore how
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The concept of integrated forest management offers a framework for understanding how forest ecosystem services interact with efforts to conserve natural resources. Forests face various disturbances stemming from human activities, management approaches, and shifts in climate patterns. This study aims to explore how forested watersheds respond to diverse silvicultural practices amidst changing climate conditions. The research is centered in the Bonis catchment, situated in the mountainous region of Sila Greca (latitude 39°25′15″ N, longitude 16°12′38″ W) within Southern Italy’s Calabria region. Nearly 93% of the catchment area is cloaked in a forest dominated by approximately 50-year-old Pinus laricio Poiret stands. To model the catchment’s response to various climate and management scenarios, the FEST-FOREST eco-hydrological model, which is distributed and based on physical principles, has been employed. This model accounts for the dynamic interactions between vegetation and the watershed’s hydrological processes. The monitoring of the basin has been ongoing since 1986, with runoff measurements collected at the catchment outlet using dedicated gauging structures. These data have been utilized to calibrate and validate the model, ensuring its accuracy in simulating future scenarios. These simulation results offer stakeholders some qualitative and scientifically based recommendations for the sustainable management of the catchment. In fact, thinning intensity affects hydrological processes, with a 50% stand density reduction identified as a threshold for significant impact on processes like rainfall partitioning and evapotranspiration. Under heavy thinning scenarios, runoff can change by over 60%, and the impact decreases with larger thinning intervals. Furthermore, different climate scenarios influence stem yield levels, with higher production under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 compared to the base climate scenario. In particular, the RCP 8.5 scenario produces the highest yield due to better forest growth under different climate scenarios. This implies the idea that in regions with a Mediterranean climate and coniferous forests, amidst climate change, meticulous forest management involving precisely calibrated thinning schedules and intensities, tailored to unique biotic and abiotic factors, could potentially enhance carbon sequestration while positively influencing runoff rates.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Hydrology)
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