Showing papers on "Undergrowth published in 2014"

Declines in populations of Salix caprea L.during forest regeneration after strong herbivore pressure

Abstract: Communities of broadleaved forest subject to strong pressure from large herbivores underwent degeneration. The relief of this pressure led to regeneration of the community, in which an important role was played by the sallow Salix caprea and other light-seeded pioneer species of tree ( Populus tremula , Betula pendula and B. pubescens ). Regeneration involving Salix caprea proceeded following the conservatorial protection of the degenerate stands in a reserve and later in Bialowieza National Park. The emergence and development of the population of Salix caprea proceeded following the invasion of spruce, which coincided with the period of enhanced animal pressure on broadleaved forest. Salix caprea filled all the gaps in the tree stand arising as a result of the destruction of trees and undergrowth by herbivores (in the years 1892-1915). It also appeared en masse on old, at that time unforested, clearings and felled areas. In these places, Salix caprea created very abundant populations, with particular trees being in good condition, with a habit typical of forest trees and attaining considerable heights. The majority of trees were 50-60 years old at the time of death, although individuals reached 74 years of age. The process of extinction of the sallow population - observed over 19 years on permanent plots and fixed trees - proceeded very quickly, especially in the first decade of observation. It led to the almost complete disappearance of sallow for the forest communities of Bialowieza National Park. The death of individual trees is preceded by impairment of their health and reduced annual increments in the 4-9 last years of life. The extinction of the population is associated with the loss of its primary phenological differentiation and with a change in the sex structure of the population from a prevalence of female trees to a near even distribution of the two sexes. The development of the populations of permanent constituents of the forest ( Carpinus betulus , Tilia cordata , Acer platanoides and Ulmus glabra ) under the canopy of light-seeded trees, and the non-creation of a new generation of pioneer species points to the imminent end of the process of regeneration in the forest communities of Bialowieza National Park.

Structure and diversity of small mammal communities of mountain forests in Western Carpathians

Abstract: We sampled the small mammal (SM) community in mountain forest ecosystems of the Beskydy Mountains over 5 years in order to study associations with different types of forest habitat. Fourteen species were determined, three being eudominant (yellow-necked mouse—Apodemus flavicollis (45 %), bank vole—Clethrionomys glareolus (23.3 %) and field vole—Microtus agrestis (15.7 %) and one dominant common shrew—Sorex araneus (9.3 %)). Highest abundance was observed in young succession sites (plantations) with dicotyledonous plants dominant (>50 %) in the undergrowth. Highest diversity was observed in plantations and primeval forests. Lowest total abundance and diversity were observed in mature monocultures. Significant differences in diversity were only found between old monocultures and other sites. Using a faunistic similarity index, two basic SM community groups were determined: those inhabiting (1) early (plantation) and late (reserve) successional forest ecosystems with a dense dicotyledonous plant herb layer, and (2) plantations with a dense grass herb layer and forests with a dense canopy closure (fruiting monoculture). Redundancy analysis confirmed separate habitat preferences of the three eudominant species. Generalised linear model indicated increasing preference of field vole for plantations with dominance of grass and 10–15 %, and increasing preference of bank vole for plantations with a dicotyledonous plant ratio of >10–15 %. The biotopes monitored proved suitable for long-term survival of the dominant SM species. Early successional plantations and forest reserves also represent important refuges for a number of rarer SM species presently under threat.

Understorey vegetation gradient in a Eucalyptus grandis plantation between a savanna and a semideciduous forest

Abstract: Plant community assemblage is influenced by many factors, including soil characteristics and the arrival of diaspores from surrounding areas. These factors may be especially important in transition areas, leading to spatial gradients in the plant community. This study was performed in the understorey of an abandoned Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden plantation between a savanna and a forest, 490 m apart, in south-eastern Brazil. This study assessed whether the spatial variation in several variables related to the understorey’s structure and composition is best described by linear or non-linear (quadratic) models. The linear model would indicate a gradient between the two vegetation types, whereas the quadratic model would indicate a stronger effect of the plantation’s edges. There was a gradient in species composition between the two edges of the plantation. Mean vegetation height was greatest at the savanna edge and lowest in the centre of the plantation. The total number of individuals per plot and the phylogenetic diversity decreased with distance from the savanna edge. Different patterns were observed for different dispersal syndromes, with animal dispersal being more common at the savanna edge, wind dispersal in the centre of the plantation and self dispersal at the forest edge. The greater number of individuals at the savanna edge may indicate that dispersal and arrival of diaspores are the most important factors influencing community structure and composition of the understorey of this abandoned E. grandis plantation, with most propagules coming from the savanna area. The smaller vegetation height in the centre of the fragment may also indicate older colonisation at the edges. Therefore, in addition to highlighting the recovery potential of undergrowth beneath abandoned Eucalyptus spp. plantations, these results show that this recovery is spatially heterogeneous and that dispersal plays a large role in it. This should be taken into account in restoration projects. The authors recommend careful consideration before removing regenerating Eucalyptus spp. trees as part of the site restoration. Instead the focus should be on the recovery potential of the undergrowth, with gradual removal of Eucalyptus trees, if necessary.

Landscape effect for the Cervidaes Cervidae in human-dominated fragmented forests

Abstract: We analyse the relationships between the main Cervidae [moose (Alces alces), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)] species and a complex of environmental factors in an extensive fragmented landscape of Central Lithuania. The highest determining positive influence on moose density was the proportions of wet forest sites. In forest complexes with fewer proportions of wet sites, the most important factor was the total forest area. The proportion of shrub cover, upland and dense undergrowth area, and road density also has significant effect on moose density. The total area of forest complexes has the highest determining positive influence on red deer density. The highest density of red deer was calculated in large forest complexes (>2,745 ha) with a 51 m ha−1 of edges in wet forest (>25.4 %) dominating areas. The proportion of deciduous, coniferous mixed and pine forest, also shrub and density of edges also had significant effect.

Changes in typological and spatial boundaries between neighbouring communities of Potentitlo albae-Quercetum and Tilio-Carpinetum

Abstract: The sample area of 2.8 ha, divided into 100 m 2 square quadrats, comprised two, distinguishable by traditional methods, oak forest patches and a fragment of a neighbouring mixed oak-hornbeam forest. The classification of quadrats was conducted by association analysis. Their identification and interpretation were performed on the basis of the systematic value and fraction of species of the characteristic oak forest combination in each distinguished quadrat group, as well as the range of distinguished communities. It appeared that due to the hornbeam invasion into the oak forest habitat, species forming the characteristic oak forest combination receded and the community area decreased. The data enabled reconstruction of the phases of oak forest recession. They corresponded to the successive phases of the encroachment of hornbeam undergrowth in the analysed area.

Nest position and type affect predation rates of artificial avian nests in the tropical lowland forest on Mount Cameroon

Abstract: Nest predation is the leading cause of reproductive failure in birds and thus it shapes their life history strategies. Intensities of nest predation appear to differ among nest locations and types in both temperate and tropical regions. However, there is limited knowledge of factors influencing susceptibility of avian nests to predation in Africa. The aim of our study was to investigate artificial nest predation rates of different ground and shrub nests located at different heights in the rainforest undergrowth. We placed artificial avian nests within a homogeneous lowland forest interior with sparse forest undergrowth in the Mount Cameroon National Park, Cameroon. We exposed three sets of nests: 50 bare-ground, 50 cup-ground and 50 cup-shrub nests, for 10 d. Predation was higher for cup-ground nests compared to cup-shrub nests, and bare-ground nests were more depredated than cup-ground nests. We concluded that the presence of a cup as well as higher nest position significantly increased probability of ar...

Influence of the canopy in the natural regeneration of Quercus robur in NW Spain

Abstract: The problem of natural regeneration of forests, in general, is essential especially under the climate change scenario. The canopy influence on the establishment and growth of oak seedlings supposes an approximation to the still lack of knowledge of oak forests heterogeneity. The management directly concerns the radiation that absorbs the canopy and, therefore, to the undergrowth radiation. The aim of the study was to research the existing relationships between the light percentage that crosses the canopy and comes up to the natural regeneration in native stands of Quercus robur L. in Galicia, in NW Spain. After making the stratification of the stands according to their canopy, data collection was based on the percentage of available light in the undergrowth estimated by means of hemispherical photography. The results show that in areas with a better light percentage, there is a greater regeneration density, which is justified by presenting largest development of the vegetation in the partial opening. The most important conclusion is that San Fitoiro forest is the one with better conditions for seedling establishment, because, the percentage of light reaching the understory are the lowest, providing shade conditions turn out to be a clave factor in the germination of acorns and further development of them.

Method for ecologically rearing chickens in undergrowth

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for ecologically rearing chickens in undergrowth, and belongs to the technical field of livestock rearing. According to the method for ecologically rearing the chickens in the undergrowth, a chicken house is kept dry and clean by changing the chicken house environment, due to the chicken rearing mode with the combination of cage rearing and free rearing at the appropriate temperature, the health of the chickens is ensured, and the special flavor is not influenced by the cage-rearing mode. The method is beneficial to harmonious coexistence of the chickens, grass, forests and lands, so that the chickens live a better life, the ecological environment is protected, and the incomes of farmers are increased.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Kpashimi Forest Reserve, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study provides a preliminary assessment of the biophysical potential for carbon sequestration. Quantification of carbon stock and estimation of carbon sequestration potential was carried out in the Kpashimi Forest Reserve, Niger state, Nigeria. Carbon stock was measured in the six vegetation communities existing in the study area. Forty-eight randomly selected 20 x 20 metre quadrats were established wherein data was collected from the main forest carbon pools; including above ground tree, below ground root, undergrowth (shrub grasses), dead wood, litter and soil organic carbon. Biomass of the respective pools was quantified by destructive sampling and use of allometric equations. Thereafter, biomass values were converted to carbon stock equivalent. Four satellite imageries TM, SPOT, ETM+, and NIGERIASAT-1 of 1987, 1994, 2001 and 2007 respectively were used to estimate vegetation cover and carbon stock change over 20 years. The results showed that average carbon stock density (Mg C/ha) of the vegetation communities was in the decreasing order; Riparian forest (123.58 ± 9.1), Savanna woodland (97.71 ± 8.2), Degraded forest (62.92 ± 6.1), Scrubland (36.28 ± 4.1), Grassland (18.22 ± 5.1), and bare surface (9.31 ± 3.1). Deforestation and forest degradation between 1987 and 2007 have resulted in emission of 240.2 Mg (ton) C ha -1 at an annual rate of 12.01 Mg C ha -1 . This suggests that the study site has carbon sequestration potential of 240.2 Mg C ha -1 based on its capacity to increase carbon stock through restoration; back to speculated 1987 levels and even higher. Thus, the study recommends the need to analyse carbon offset project feasibility in the study area.

Status of Native Woody Species Regeneration in the Plantation Stands of Yeraba Priority State Forest, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract: The type of species, diversity, density, similarity and status of naturally regenerated woody plants under monoculture plantation stands of four exotic species ( Eucalyptus globules, Cupressus lustanica, Acacia decurrence and Acacia melanoxylon ) and the adjacent natural forest stand were investigated and compared to verify the hypothesis that plantation stands of exotic species can foster natural regeneration and to determine the status of regeneration and succession. A total of forty quadrate plots, with an area of 100m 2 (10 m × 10 m) for each, were established in all stands, i.e. eight plots in each plantation stand and the adjacent natural forest, independently. In each plot, naturally regenerated native species name and abundance were recorded. And numerical data on numbers of seedling were collected in a sub-plot (1m 2 ) lay within each major plot. A total of 31 species which belongs to 23 families were recorded. The diversity of understory woody plant regenerated species ( H’ ) is 1.96, 1.80, 1.81, and 1.53 in the Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus globules, Acacia melanoxylon, and Acacia decurrence plantations respectively and 2.05 in the natural forest stand. The density was 5790, 1510, 1090, 2590 and stems/ha in Cupressus lustanica, Acacia melanoxylon, Eucalyptus globules and Acacia decurrence plantations respectively, and 7950 stems/ha in the natural forest stand. Relatively high similarity of regenerated woody species composition (0.625) was found between the under-growths of the Euc. globules and Ac. melanoxylon plantation stands. There is disturbed status of natural regeneration and succession in all stands. The findings revealed that there is significant difference in undergrowth and succession between upper story species, mainly due to crown characteristics and stand density. Generally, plantation forests can foster natural regeneration and succession provided that there is an adjacent seed source and dispersal agents, and an appropriate management to protect the regeneration. Keywords : natural regeneration; woody species diversity, plantation forest, Yeraba state forest

Effects of climate and forest age on plant and caterpillar diversity in the Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract: Understanding patterns in plant and herbivorous insect diversity across spatial and temporal scales is fundamental to ecology, but comparative multi-taxonomic studies in tropical seasonally dry forests remain scarce. In 36 sites, distributed over three forest age classes (5–10 y, 10–30 y, >100 y) and three seasonal forest types (dry, intermediate, humid), we sampled plants of different stem diameter classes while caterpillars were sampled across vertically distributed forest layers during three seasons over the year. We recorded 299 plant species and 485 caterpillar morphospecies. For large woody plants, species numbers showed a gradually increasing trend with forest age in the intermediate and humid forest types, while the main portion of explained variation in overall species turnover was accounted for by the forest type × forest age interaction (21.3–23.1% of 44.4–48.7%). Ordinations and multivariate pairwise comparisons suggested a faster but also very distinct successional development of species diversity of large plants in the driest compared with humid and intermediate forest types. In contrast, highest species numbers of small plants in the undergrowth was often found in the 5–10 y-old vegetation across forest types, whereas forest type was the major factor in overall species turnover (contributing 24.2% of 48.7% explained variation). Caterpillar species turnover was most correlated to species turnover of small plants; however, variation in caterpillar species diversity appears to be mostly regulated by seasonal cues, and to a lesser extent by patterns of regional turnover and local diversity of undergrowth plant species.

Forest Development 44 Years after Fire Exclusion in Formerly Annually Burned Oldfield Pine Woodland, Florida

Abstract: Young mixed hardwood forest communities that colonized abandoned croplands during the late 19th century in northern Florida were typically winter burned annually after pine saplings could survive fire. Hardwood trees persisted as coppice that grew from root crowns within grassy undergrowth. This plant community changed little thereafter, except for the continued growth of pine trees. An 8.64-ha tract of this community was inventoried in 1966, from which fire was permanently excluded thereafter. This tract, called NB66, was reinventoried in 2010 to document maturation of the plant community and to identify the contributing causes that controlled ecological development. Hardwood coppice that was released from fire grew to form a nearly continuous canopy averaging 19.7 m high after 44 years. Many older pines died and disintegrated without causing canopy gaps. Prior to 19th century plantation agriculture, the original vegetation consisted of shortleaf pine-oak-hickory (SPOH) woodland, which intergrad...

Déclin d'une population de Tortue d'Hermann (Testudo hermanni hermanni Gmelin, 1789) en milieu forestier. Effets combinés de plusieurs facteurs anthropiques

Abstract: This study investigates the evolution of a population of Hermann’s tortoises, located on the edge of the massif des Maures, over a period of 30 years through capture–recapture monitoring. It shows a considerable decline of 73 % in the number of adult tortoises between the early 1980s and 1999; then from 1999, the population stabilized at around 100 adult tortoises. The fall in numbers during the first period seems to be linked to several factors. The 22 % increase in forest cover between 1983 and 1995 increased the concentrations of eggs laid in some open areas, making it easier for the species’ natural predators to find them. Mechanized clearance of undergrowth carried out in 1989 and 1994 has undoubtedly reduced the size of the population. The presence of dogs has posed an additional threat (97 % of the adult tortoises have bite marks and 7 % are missing limbs). In addition, the impact of dog bites on the tortoises’ shells has, over time, removed individual markings, thereby distorting survival estimates. The stabilization of numbers over the last decade seems to be due to the discontinuation of certain practices (notably mechanized undergrowth clearance). However, the demographic structure (with almost no juveniles) could soon lead to another decrease in population. This situation seems to be specific to this particular population and cannot be applied generally to all the populations in Provence

Long term changes in plant species composition in urban parks on the example of Łazienki Królewskie Park in Warsaw

Abstract: Large, old parks such as Łazienki Krolewskie Park are expected to be places for spending time in close-tonature surroundings. In such cases floristic diversity can become a good qualitative measure of the park’s naturalness changing in time. The aim of this study was to show changes in plant composition of lawns and undergrowth vegetation in woodlands against selected habitat factors, assessed using phytoindication methods, Analysis covered the period 1973- 2010when the Park was subjected to an extensive management of woodlands and lawns. Intensive succession process also occurred. Woodlands expansion resulted in canopy density increase by 60%. Local habitat changes were also noticed. In the lawns the total number of plant species and their diversity remained unchanged, whereas in woodlands an increase was noted, which is unusual for urban parks. This condition should be described as a positive tendency, but only presuming that it might not be a constant process.

Small mammal communities in forest ecosystems affected by urbanization

Abstract: A set of characters has been used to evaluate transformations in forest phytocenoses and their small mammal communities affected by urbanization, compared to conditionally undisturbed phytocenoses (communities) In park forests of the city of Yekaterinburg, the understory and subordinate shrub and herb- dwarf shrub layers of phytocenosis are transformed to a greater extent The undergrowth of conifer forest� forming species is as a rule sparse or absent, and that of deciduous trees often consists mainly of invasive spe� cies Small mammal communities in pine forests transformed under the effect of urbanization also undergo changes leading to the formation of relatively stable (for an urbanized environment) zoocenoses differing both in species composition and in parameters characterizing community diversity

Ant (Formicidae) Assemblages Associated with Piper spp. (Piperaceae) in the Undergrowth of an Atlantic Rainforest Remnant in Southeastern Bahia, Brazil

Abstract: We studied ant assemblages associated with plants of genus Piper (Piperaceae) in the undergrowth of a fragment of Atlantic Forest in Southeastern of State of Bahia. The study was conducted in Serra Bonita Natural Reserve, in Camacan and Pau-Brazil municipalities. Hand collections of ants were made on four species of Piper during seven months; 56 ant species were collected. The genus Camponotus , Pheidole and Crematogaster were the most abundant. We highlighted the occurrence of Linepithema spp. given their scarce records in the region. Few ants were observed simultaneously (up to five) per plant during each survey. Rarefaction curves showed that collections were not exhaustive. The Shannon index showed that Piper caldense presented the largest ant diversity occurrence, perhaps due to its higher amount of resources available. The ant community in the undergrowth of the Atlantic forest appears to be diverse, although the species found in Piper constitute only a fraction of the diversity that really occurs in this stratum of the forest.

Influence of thinning on acidic deposition in Chinese fir plantations

Abstract: Acidic deposition, which is mainly caused by atmospheric pollution, is one of the global environmental problems. Thinning is an effective management to improve the tree productivity, reduce the wildfire risk and maintain a healthy forest. Since thinning may reduce the effect of acidic deposition, the effect of thinning on acidic deposition was estimated. The biomass, soil properties, pH value of runoff and groundwater in both unthinned and thinned Chinese fir plantations were measured and compared over a 5-year period (2–6 years after thinning). The results indicated that acidic deposition in the Huitong State Ecosystem Research Station was serious, and it got worse with time. Forest thinning resulted in a huge change in biomass and soil properties. During the 5-year monitoring period, biomasses of understory and litter, plant species richness, coverage of undergrowth plant layer were significantly higher in thinned site than in unthinned site. Moreover, higher soil fertility as well as lower amounts of runoff and groundwater were found in thinned site. It was suggested that thinning could improve the structure of forest, leading to restoring the effluent (runoff and groundwater) pH to the normal value.

Effects of fires on the structure of the undergrowth in a temperate ecosystem

Abstract: Fire is a natural factor that exerts a significant influence on the composition of the vegetation that grows under the canopy. There are few studies characterizing the structure and assessing the consequences of the modification in the undergrowth as a consequence of fires in the mixed ecosystems of northeast Mexico. The purpose of this research was to analyze the density, canopy coverage, wealth, and α and β diversity of this stratum in areas with different succession stages in a pine-holm oak forest in the northeast of the country. Three areas were selected; two, according to the year in which the disturbance occurred, and third one, by way of reference: 1 (2006), 2 (1998) and 3 (mature forest, control). And in 2009, forty 1 m2 sampling sites were established in each location; the results show that the canopy coverage (F= 7.593, P= 0.001), the specific wealth (F= 2.818, P= 0.064) and diversity (F= 2.516, P= 0.085) of the assessed vegetation are significantly larger in the first stages of the succession and that they decrease with time; there is a statistical equality regarding their density ; furthermore, the different stages show significant differences in the composition (β diversity), since in every case there was less than 50% similarity.

Population Structure of Cupressus tortulosa Griffith along the Altitudinal Gradients of Tsendenanag Ridge in Punakha, Bhutan

Abstract: The Cupressus tortulosa Griffith, which had been popularly known as Cupressus corneyana Carriere and Cupressus himalaica Silba, is locally known as Tsenden. There are knowledge gaps in the ecology and population dynamics of Tsenden. Using the Vegetation Survey method, this study focused on the population structure of the Tsenden along various altitudinal gradients, including its ecology and habitat within natural stands. The study was conducted at Tsendenanag of Taewang Geog, Punakha Dzongkhag. Nine designated plots (20 x 20 m) were set up, covering altitudes ranging from 1700 to 2700 m above sea level. Tsenden was the dominant species associated with Quercus lanata, Q. glauca, Pinus wallichiana, Myrsine semiserrata, with undergrowth consisting of Eurya acuminata, Rhododendron species, and bamboo – Yushania species. Tsenden was abundant on steep rocky precipices with a slope percent ranging from 49% to 80%, occupying the aspects of northeast, southeast, east, and southwest. In undisturbed areas, Cupressus regeneration was absent; whereas, profuse regeneration was observed in disturbed (fire and landslide) sites, indicating that a certain level of disturbance is required to initiate regeneration. At higher altitudes, species dominance changes from Cupressus to Q. glauca, P. wallichiana and Rhododendron species.

Undergrowth biomass and soil physical properties under Cunninghamia lanceolata with different patterns of mixed forests

Abstract: Undergrowth is an important part of forest eco-system,can promote the litter decomposition and increase soil nutrients return. The soil structure and undergrowth biomass of Cunninghamia lanceolata pure forest and C. lanceolata mixed forest had been compared in order to study the correlation between them and the method of recovery of soil structure soil structure. The results show that(1)The undergrowth biomass under C. lanceolata mixed forest was more than that in the pure forest's,and of them,the bamboo-C. lanceolatamixed forest's was the highest;(2)The soil physical property of C. lanceolata mixed forest was better than that of C. lanceolata pure forest,and of them,bamboo-C. lanceolata mixed forest's was the best;(3)Through the analysis of correlation,it was found that the soil physical properties had signifi cant correlation with the undergrowth biomass,and the shrub layer correlation with the soil physical properties was higher than the herb layer's. The undergrowth biomass closely related to soil structure,so the development degree of undergrowth is greatly benefi cial to improve soil structure and recovering land capability.

Возрастная структура древостоев нагорных низкоствольных дубрав Красноармейского лесничества Саратовской области

Abstract: The dynamics of the age structure of upland low-stemmed oak-groves by the example of the Krasnoarmeyskoye Forest District of the Saratov Region is discussed. The age structure of mixed stands of different ages was studied. To determine the role of English oak and associate species that comprised the stands (Norway maple, small-leaved linden) in forming the age structure of the stand, the age structure of each species was analyzed individually. The data from five sample plots in natural oak coppice stands in the age from 21 to 103 years in the forest site type C 1 (the classification by P.S. Pogrebnyak) were obtained. The age of all trees on the sample plots was determined by cores taken by age borer at the collar root. The further processing of taken cores and data analysis was conducted in laboratory conditions. The age structure types of mixed stands were defined by the classification of G.Ye. Komin. Considerable transformation of mixed upland low-stemmed oak stands is revealed; by 65-70 years cyclically uneven-aged stands and by 100-110 years stepwise uneven-aged stands are formed. The complication of the age structure of the stands occurs, first of all, due to small-leaved linden and Norway maple the undergrowth of which reaches the tree canopy. The age of Norway maples varies from 32 to 91 years, and that of small-leaved linden from 16 to 95 years. Only 30% of the trees in the stand appeared as a result of clear felling. Much more trees (65%) appeared in subsequent period. Small-leaved linden and Norway maple trees formed from the undergrowth of advance regeneration do not make 5%. The oak trees formed from the undergrowth of advance regeneration occur much rarer.

Ecological and Socio-economic Evaluation of Weed Vegetation in Stands of Energy Grass Miscanthus × giganteus

Abstract: In experimental research plots in Koliňany (SW Slovakia), ecological and socio-economic characteristics of weed vegetation were evaluated in the energy stands of Miscanthus × giganteus during three vegetation seasons (2010-2012) The spontaneous vegetation in the Miscanthus stand was dominated by annual therophytes (555 to 62%) and geophytes (172 to 222%) We identified two categories of herbaceous undergrowth in Miscanthus plantation: with potential positive (eg presence of medicinal plants and plants with melliferous potential) and potential negative impacts (eg invasive and toxic plants) Based on our observations, we can conclude that the species composition of spontaneous herbaceous vegetation is comparable with weed vegetation found on arable land

Совершенствование технологического оборудования для пересадки подроста с закрытой корневой системой

Abstract: The paper suggests variants of replaceable and multioperational process equipment for complex reforestation with mechanical undergrowth replanting in forest compartment. The author analyzed the existing methods and designs of machines and mechanisms for undergrowth replanting. Methods of patent search and experimental data analysis were used in this research. Expediency of undergrowth replanting and its high survival rate are confirmed by numerous researchers. Replanting of containerized undergrowth is more efficient than that of bare-root undergrowth. The presented technology of undergrowth replanting involves using a universal machine for all operations of this process. Undergrowth is dug out in the cutting area where logging has not yet been started and is likely to damage the undergrowth. The undergrowth is then transported and planted in another cutting area where it is scarce and where logging has already been done. Its establishment, genetic value and resistance to pests and diseases are much higher than those of nursery crops. In addition, this method gives an opportunity to form unevenly aged stands. The technological equipment has proven its efficiency in operating conditions. A machine with this type of digging device will allow one to dig out the undergrowth without breaking its lump of soil and plant it in the cutting area. Theoretical and experimental studies on the integrated development of a forest compartment proved this area of engineering and technology to be promising. Part of the research has already been introduced in production after industrial testing of the technology of integrated development of forest areas using logging equipment for undergrowth replanting (in the training and experimental forestry of the Volga State University of Technology). The results can be used for further development of forest areas.

A Case Report of Prosthetic Treatment for Reversed Occlusion by Maxillary Undergrowth

Abstract: Patient: A 35-year-old male complained of poor esthetic appearance caused by reversed occlusion of anterior teeth. Inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth and depression of the anterior alveolar region were observed. Orthodontic treatment and surgical orthodontic treatment were performed with the diagnosis of reversed occlusion due to maxillary undergrowth. All-ceramic crowns were placed as a final restoration on the anterior teeth and an implant. Discussion: After implant placement, optimal modification of the maxillary anterior teeth axis and dental implant position by surgical orthodontic treatment effectively improved the esthetic appearance, mastication and articulation. Conclusion: Good esthetic appearance was obtained as a result of surgical orthodontic treatment and prosthetic restoration for this case which required improvement of dentition including the alveolar