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Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Forestry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 11451

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Lihu Dong

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Interests: forest mensuration; biometrics; forest growth simulation; forest ecology and management; forest biomass; carbon storage modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dongsheng Chen

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Interests: forest modelling and management; genetic improvement and directional cultivation; ecology regeneration; water and soil science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yuanshuo Hao

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Interests: forestry remote sensing; unmanned aerial vehicle application in forest ecology; forest inventory methodology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forests, as one of the essential elements of a terrestrial ecosystem, have a crucial role in terms of regulating fluxes and stores of carbon and water, contributing to biodiversity conservation, and regulating the global climate system. Sustainable forest management plays a vital role in social and economic development, as well as ecology and conservation. The Special Issue is dedicated to reporting forest growth and yield modelling, forest resource assessment and monitoring, and forest management-related methods for enhancing the knowledge pertaining to sustainable forestry. Well-prepared submissions that cover one or more of the following topics in the scope of sustainable forest management are very welcome:

(1) Development of forest growth model systems.

(2) Advanced forest mapping and monitoring methods using new measurement techniques.

(3) Forest management planning in the context of climate change.

(4) Accurate and precise estimation of forest yield, biomass and carbon storage.

Dr. Lihu Dong
Dr. Dongsheng Chen
Dr. Yuanshuo Hao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

forest modelling
forest resource mapping and monitoring
sustainable forest management

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Stand Density Measures for Regulating Mid-Rotation Loblolly Pine Plantation Density in the Western Gulf, USA

by Yuhui Weng, Dean Coble, Jason Grogan, Chen Ding and Xiongwei Lou

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219452 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 267

Abstract

Efficiently quantifying stand density is crucial in sustainably managing mid-rotation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. While various stand density measures, including basal area (BA), stand density index (SDI), relative spacing (RS), and live crown length ratio (CR), are used, ambiguity persists among these measures: are they each biologically sound and are they on par with each other in terms of density management? These topics were investigated by examining the relationships between measures and stand age, between measures and tree growth, and between measures using data from numerous long-term permanent plots established in loblolly pine plantations in east Texas. A strong trend of increasing density with age was found for all the measures. The trend followed an asymptotic trajectory when density was expressed as BA, SDI, or RS, adhering to biological expectations, but the trend showed a gradual decrease for CR. Strong and biologically sound relationships between DBH periodic annual increment (

{P A I}_{D}

) and BA or SDI were observed, suggesting that both measures match true DBH growth. However,

{P A I}_{D}

linearly decreased with decreasing RS and with decreasing CR in a smooth curve, biasing from the biological expectation. Strong relationships existed between the measures, suggesting that these seemingly disparate measures are not independent of each other. Site index affected all investigated relationships in a manner of having higher densities at a given age or a greater

{P A I}_{D}

at a given density for higher site index sites regardless of measures. The effects of initial planting density on the relationships were mostly negligible, having no practical significance, with few exceptions (the relationships of SDI–age, RS–age, and CR–RS). Among the measures evaluated, our results advocate for the use of

B A

to regulate mid-rotation loblolly pine plantation density such as determining the approximate biological timing for thinning in the Western Gulf region due to its biological soundness, ease of measurement, and feasibility of incorporating effects of site quality and planting density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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16 pages, 2388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Forest Conservation Efforts: Mapping of High Conservation Value Forests in the Republic of Moldova

by Nicolae Talpă, Aurel Lozan, Aureliu-Florin Hălălișan, Victor Sfeclă and Bogdan Popa

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6988; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166988 - 15 Aug 2024

Viewed by 748

Abstract

The research aims to identify potential High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) in Moldova, seen as crucial for biodiversity and providing long-term benefits. Despite the fact that forests only cover 11% of the Moldova’s territory, they account for more than 80% of the country’s biological diversity and have social, economic, climate, hydrological, and erosion-control benefits. The methodology involved mainly developing identification criteria of these forests, according to the approach developed by FSC, and processing the existing cartographic data using GIS techniques. The findings reveal that almost one-half of Moldova’s forests have potential for HCVFs: approximately 175,500 ha of forest land, accounting for 47.3% of the total forested area, were identified as potential HCVFs. Most of these forests are owned and managed by the state. An important outcome of this research is to contribute to the protection of valuable forest ecosystems and establish discussion platforms with stakeholders for their future conservation and long-term resource management. Forest managers, landscape planners, and beneficiaries of forest ecosystem services can use the findings to align management plans, prioritize conservation, and promote sustainable land use. Proper implementation of HCVF principles can attract donors and investors to support Moldova’s forestry sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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11 pages, 2095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phloem Sap and Wood Carbon Isotope Abundance (δ¹³C) Varies with Growth and Wood Density of Eucalyptus globulus under Nutrient Deficit and Inform Supplemental Nutrient Application

by Nirmol Kumar Halder, Md. Qumruzzaman Chowdhury, David Fuentes, Malcolm Possell, Benjamin Bradshaw, Sharif A. Mukul and Andrew Merchant

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093683 - 28 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1462

Abstract

Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as blue gum or southern blue gum, is a tall, evergreen tree endemic to southeastern Australia. E. globulus is grown extensively in plantations to improve the sustainability of timber and fibre production across Australia. Sustainable forest management practices necessitate the consideration of ‘off-site’ carbon and ecological footprints. Pursuing optimal supplemental nutrient application and maximum growth rates is therefore critical to the establishment of a sustainable timber and fibre production industry. Biological indicators that can predict growth responses are therefore of extreme value. We investigated the carbon isotope abundance of wood cellulose (δ¹³C_cel) in E. globulus to determine potential relationships with the carbon isotope abundance of phloem sap (δ¹³C_phl) where the trees were subjected to different level of nutrient availability. This study also sought to determine the effect of nutrient additions on the growth of the E. globulus and to quantify the relationship between the volumetric growth of wood and δ¹³C_cel. Phloem sap and wood cores were collected from trees within study plots which were subjected to seven nutrient treatments over a two-year period in a monoculture E. globulus plantation in South Australia. Phloem sap was collected using the razor blade technique and wood cores were collected using a stem borer. The carbon isotope abundance (δ¹³C) of phloem sap and wood grown in the radial direction of the stem were determined. The basic and dry densities of wood were determined, and their relationships with phloem and wood δ¹³C were established. The δ¹³C_phl was significantly correlated with δ¹³C_cel. The relationship between δ¹³C_cel and the wood density of the respective wood sections was significant but did not consistently show the same pattern. There was no significant variation in basic density observed along the radial direction of the stem wood of the short-rotation E. globulus trees. A positive correlation was observed between δ¹³C_cel and the wood basic density, but the relationship was not consistent along the radial direction of the stem. However, positive correlations were observed between δ¹³C_cel and the air-dry density of respective wood sections. The relationship between phloem and wood δ¹³C and the relationship between δ¹³C and wood density along the radial direction of the stem needs to be considered while monitoring forest growth under nutrient- and water-limited conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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16 pages, 3651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diverse Patterns of Understory Plant Species across Different Types of Plantations in a Mountainous Ecosystem

by Jie Luo, Muhammad Fahad Sardar, Zeyuan Qian, Gadah Albasher and Xiang Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031329 - 4 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

Artificial afforestation is considered as one of the key ecological restoration measures. The early large-scale, single-species afforestation method is considered detrimental to the environment. However, there is still a lack of empirical research on the differences in understory biodiversity between monoculture and mixed forests, as well as the response mechanisms of understory plants to environmental factors. We compared the differences in understory plant diversity in different types of plantations and analyzed the differences in understory species composition and the impact of understory plants on local scales (soil organic matter, soil-available phosphorus, and distance from the road) and landscape scales (patch density, landscape fragmentation, and patch diversity) and environmental variable response mechanisms in a mountainous area. Our findings revealed that there was no significant difference in overall understory plant diversity between monoculture and mixed forests, but the perennial species and native species in the mixed forest were significantly higher than those in the monoculture. In monoculture plots, the disparity in species composition was more pronounced compared to that observed in mixed plots. Soil organic matter had a positive effect on understory plant diversity, and soil available phosphorus and distance from the road significantly affected plant diversity in monoculture forests but had no effect in mixed forests. Landscape-scale environmental factors have no effect on understory species diversity. The findings of the current study emphasize the disparities in the plant species composition between mixed and monoculture forest plantations, as well as their respective reactions to environmental factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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20 pages, 6257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Site Quality Evaluation Model of Chinese Fir Plantations for Machine Learning and Site Factors

by Weifang Gao, Chen Dong, Yuhao Gong, Shuai Ma, Jiahui Shen and Shangqin Lin

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15587; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115587 - 3 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 997

Abstract

Site quality evaluation is an important foundation for decision-making and planning in forest management and provides scientific decision support and guidance for the sustainable development of forests and commercial plantations. Site index and site form models were constructed and subsequently compared utilizing fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations in Nanping City, Fujian Province, China. This papers aim was to construct a site quality classification model, conduct further analysis on the effects of different site factors on the quality of the site, and achieve an assessment of site quality for Chinese fir plantations. An algebraic difference approach was used to establish a site index model and a site form model for Chinese fir in Fujian Province. The suitability of the two models was compared using model accuracy analysis and partial correlation, and the optimal model was chosen for classifying the site quality of the stands. On this basis, a site quality classification model was established using the random forest algorithm, and the importance of each site factor was determined through importance ranking in terms of their impact on site quality. Within the study area, the R² of the site index model results was 0.581, and the R² values of the five site form models based on different reference breast diameters, ranked from high to low, were 0.894, 0.886, 0.884, 0.880, and 0.865. The bias correlation coefficient between site form and stand volume was 0.71, and the bias correlation coefficient between site index and stand volume was 0.52. The results confirmed that the site form model is better suited for evaluating the site quality of Chinese fir plantations. The random forest-based site form classification model had a high classification accuracy with a generalization accuracy of 0.87. The factors that had the greatest impact on site form were altitude, canopy closure, and slope gradient, whereas landform had the smallest impact on site form. These results can provide a reference for the evaluation of the site quality of plantations and natural forests in southern China to ensure the long-term sustainable use of forest resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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14 pages, 3805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors’ Effects on Stem Radial Variations of Populus euphratica in the Lower Reaches of the Tarim River in Northwestern China

by Qingzhi He, Mao Ye, Xin Zhao and Xiaoting Pan

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11556; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511556 - 26 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

Microscopic understanding of tree xylogenesis processes and their relationships with environmental factors is important for tree conservation. To assess the relationship between Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) radial growth and environmental factors on short time scales, micro-core samples were collected in the lower Tarim River in northwest China in 2020. We analyzed the intra-annual radial variation in P. euphratica and its relationship with the environment. Our results showed that P. euphratica started to manifest stem radial variations in late April (around DOY (day of year) 114) and stopped displaying stem radial variations in early to mid-September (around DOY255), with an annual stem radial increment of 2620.89 μm and a maximum stem radial variation rate of 22.42 μm/d. The stem radial variation rate was positively correlated with the mean temperature (R² = 0.55, p < 0.01), the maximum temperature (R² = 0.45, p < 0.01), the minimum temperature (R² = 0.49, p < 0.01), the surface temperature (R² = 0.64, p < 0.01), and the vapor pressure deficit (R² = 0.49, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with the mean atmospheric pressure (R² = 0.41, p < 0.01) and the groundwater depth (R² = 0.45, p < 0.01). The stem radial variations of P. euphratica are mainly influenced by groundwater during the main growing period, and its stem radial variation rate was positive when the fluctuation range of the groundwater depth was 4.17~5.38 m. Therefore, the stem radial variations of P. euphratica in the lower reaches of the Tarim River are mainly influenced by groundwater, which has a reasonable range of 4.17~5.38 m. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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13 pages, 3745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Site Index Curves for Abies borisii-regis Mattf. and Fagus sylvatica L. Mixed Stands in Central Greece

by Georgios Dais, Kyriaki Kitikidou and Elias Milios

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10349; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310349 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 886

Abstract

Despite their productivity, fir and beech forests in Greece lack site index curves. In this work, site index curves for Fagus sylvatica and Abies borisii-regis in central Greece were developed. Thirty plots were randomly established in the mixed stands of F. sylvatica–A. borisii-regis in Aspropotamos, central Greece, and two dominant trees, one from each species, were randomly selected and cut. Height–age measurements were collected through stem analysis. These data were used to develop site index curves for each species. The site index curves illustrate a growth rate difference between the two species, specifically in the worst sites, with fir growing faster than beech. Additionally, as trees age, the growth difference between the two species in the best sites decreases. Based on these results, F. sylvatica is found to be more site-sensitive than A. borisii-regis. In the new adverse conditions of global warming, an increased knowledge of the site sensitivity of the two species will help to develop appropriate treatments for the conservation of the studied mixed stands, or at least to minimize negative impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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13 pages, 11010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Most Appropriate Proportion of Phytohormones on Tree-Ring Growth in Clones of Hybrid Larch

by Yucheng Liu, Yunhui Xie, Xiaomei Sun and Shougong Zhang

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086508 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1497

Abstract

The increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration promotes its accumulation in trees by regulating the synthesis and transportation genes for endogenous hormones, such as IAA and GA, which are key factors in regulating various life activities, including growth rings. To explore the impact of changes in endogenous hormone levels such as IAA and GA on the growth of tree rings, and to provide a basis for improving the management of hybrid larch clonal forests, we investigated the effects of exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid 3 (GA₃), and their combination on tree-ring growth in hybrid larch. IAA, GA₃, and a combination treatment were sprayed on the leaves of one clone of a hybrid larch seedling every three days. Small blocks were collected at the base stems for sequential anatomical observations. The phytohormone type, instead of the concentration, had a more significant effect on wood formation. Specifically, IAA treatment at 300 mg L⁻¹ significantly increased latewood (LW) layers until 90 days after treatment (DAT). The 500 mg L⁻¹ treatment significantly increased the wall radial thickness (WRT) of latewood (LW) cells. GA₃ treatment at 100 mg L⁻¹ significantly decreased the layers and width of total wood (TW), LW, and earlywood (EW). The 300 mg L⁻¹ treatment significantly increased the WRT of EW. The IAA 100 mg L⁻¹ + GA₃ 100 mg L⁻¹ combination treatment significantly increased the layers and width of TW and LW by inducing cambium activity and increasing the rate of wood cell development. The WRT and lumen radial diameter (LRD) of EW or LW in this treatment were similar to those observed with the corresponding single phytohormone treatment. These results indicate that combination treatment at 100 mg L⁻¹ + 100 mg L⁻¹ was a better way to promote tree-ring growth. Our study suggests that changes in phytohormone levels and ratios are important factors that affect tree-ring formation. Hormone levels and ratios should be regarded as important indicators to guide the improvement of management practices in hybrid larch clonal plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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18 pages, 1248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Economic and Ecologic-Environmental Developments in China’s Key State-Owned Forest Areas

by Yue Jiang, Yufang Wang and Rui Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15899; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315899 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

China’s key state-owned forest areas are important ecological conservation areas and its forest management belongs to several forest industry groups. Therefore, the ecological improvement and economic development of the key state-owned forest areas should be balanced. This study developed an integrated evaluation model of coupling and coordination, by employing the data of the key forest areas from 2001 to 2019, to investigate the coupling and coordination relationship between the efficiency of economic development and the level of ecological development, using the DEA model. The results suggest that the indices of ecological development in the key state-owned forest areas increased from 2001 to 2019, and especially in 2015, to a better status, due to the policy of completely stopping logging. The other finding was that the coupling degree between the efficiency of economic development and the level of ecological development was in an antagonistic stage, which showed a slow upward trend of the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree and then evolved to a medium and high coordination coupling situation. The reason was that, with the implementation of the ecological protection policy and the industrial transformation of the forest industry group, the ecological environment improved and the development of enterprises was further optimized. Moreover, this study further identified the main factors that affect the coupling and coordination degree of the key state-owned forest areas, including the proportion of tertiary industry, economic growth rate, forest park area, and investment in wildlife and plant protection and natural resource conservation areas. The factors were divided into three principal components. The most significant impact on the economic and ecological coupling coordination of the key state-owned forest areas was the first principal component, meaning that ecological improvement was the most important factor. The second principal component was mainly social coupling coordination, while the third principal component had little effect on economic and ecological coupling coordination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Growth Monitoring and Sustainable Management)

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