Showing papers on "Undergrowth published in 2018"

Terrestrial mammal responses to oil palm dominated landscapes in Colombia.

Abstract: The rapid expansion of oil palm cultivation in the Neotropics has generated great debate around possible biodiversity impacts. Colombia, for example, is the largest producer of oil palm in the Americas, but the effects of oil palm cultivation on native fauna are poorly understood. Here, we compared how richness, abundance and composition of terrestrial mammal species differ between oil palm plantations and riparian forest in the Colombian Llanos region. Further, we determined the relationships and influence of landscape and habitat level variables on those metrics. We found that species richness and composition differed significantly between riparian forest and oil palm, with site level richness inside oil palm plantations 47% lower, on average, than in riparian forest. Within plantations, mammalian species richness was strongly negatively correlated with cattle abundance, and positively correlated with the density of undergrowth vegetation. Forest structure characteristics appeared to have weak and similar effects on determining mammal species richness and composition along riparian forest strips. Composition at the landscape level was significantly influenced by cover type, percentage of remaining forest and the distance to the nearest town, whereas within oil palm sites, understory vegetation, cattle relative abundance, and canopy cover had significant effects on community composition. Species specific abundance responses varied between land cover types, with oil palm having positive effects on mesopredators, insectivores and grazers. Our findings suggest that increasing habitat complexity, avoiding cattle and retaining native riparian forest-regardless of its structure-inside oil palm-dominated landscapes would help support higher native mammal richness and abundance at both local and landscape scales.

A preliminary study on distributions and oviposition sites of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and its parasitoids on wild cherry tree in Tokyo, central Japan

Abstract: Distributions and oviposition sites of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and its parasitoids on wild cherry tree were studied in early summer in a suburb of Tokyo, central Japan. Adults of D. suzukii occurred in the foliage layer as well as in the undergrowth layer. The number of D. suzukii that emerged did not significantly differ between wild cherry fruit collected from the foliage layer and those from the undergrowth layer. In addition, the number of D. suzukii that emerged per fruit decreased when fruit were left on the ground longer. It is therefore assumed that D. suzukii females rarely oviposit eggs in fallen wild cherry fruit. The suzukii-associated type of Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering) was the major parasitoid that emerged from D. suzukii in the study area. The rate of parasitism by this parasitoid did not significantly differ between larvae in fresh fruit from the foliage layer and those in fallen fruit from the undergrowth layer. This may also suggest that this wasp rarely attacks D. suzukii larvae in fallen fruit. Adults of the suzukii-associated type of G. brasiliensis, Asobara sp. TK1, and Leptopilina japonica that attack D. suzukii were mainly collected from the foliage layer. On the basis of the present results, some proposals for the control of D. suzukii were discussed.

Ecological valence of expanding European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) in the Bohemian Karst (Czech Republic)

Abstract: In 2002 a study focused on the evaluation of height and density of expanding natural regeneration of Fraxinus excelsior L. (FE) was carried out on Velka hora Hill, a locality in the Bohemian Karst (Ceský kras). The examined area is located in Karlstejn National Nature Reserve and takes up around 31 ha. The parent rock is limestone. The expansion depends on soil and exposition conditions and relates to the water balance gradient. FE reached the highest densities (up to 6,000 individuals/400 m2) on Velka hora’s peak plateau on medium-deep, heavy-textured decarbonized soils. The lowest expansion (508 individuals/400 m2) was found on slopes fully exposed to south (S) with water retention capacity lower than 20 mm. In total, the average density was 1,190 individuals/400 m2. FE natural regeneration reached the highest average heights (around 210 cm) on Fageto-Quercetum illimerosum mesotrophicum, the smallest heights on Carpineto-Aceretum saxatile. Average height in the locality was 47 cm. No relation was found between FE natural regeneration height or density and the distance of a fertile specimen. The distance exceeded 70 m only in 3.4%. FE seeds could be detected almost everywhere at the area. FE is capable to establish itself on any location of the studied locality except ecologically extreme parts of rock steppe without forest and Fagus sylvatica L. stands occupying S slopes. On less favourable sites it is capable to use the protection of other tree species and as a low growing tree it can eventually dominate the site. In more favourable conditions it expands on the whole area, where it can dominate the undergrowth already at 1-m height. If the forest sites are left to natural development, a distinctive change in the tree species composition could take place in a short time period. Such a change could have an essential impact on light conditions, energy flux and species composition of plant and animal communities.

Vertical stratification of scolytine beetles in temperate forests.

Abstract: Although most studies exploring the vertical distribution of arthropods in forests have been limited to discrete comparisons between understorey and canopy, few have sampled across multiple heights. We studied vertical distribution of scolytine beetle flight activity in temperate lowland broadleaf and montane beech-fir forests using flight interception traps arranged in vertical transects with traps placed 0.4, 1.2, 7, 14, and 21 m above ground. In each forest type 15 vertical transects (75 traps) were used. The assemblages sampled at 0.4 and 1.2 m above ground (undergrowth) clearly differed from those at 7, 14, and 21 m (midstorey and canopy). Ambrosia-fungi feeder abundance peaked at 1.2 m in the mountains, whereas in the lowland they were almost evenly distributed from 1.2 to 21 m. Phloem feeders were significantly more abundant in the midstorey and canopy than in the undergrowth. Height preferences of eleven species were identified. Four species were associated with traps exposed at 7, 14, or 21 m, whereas seven species were associated with the height of 1.2 m. No species was associated with the 0.4 m height. To cover entire scolytine assemblages of forest stands, sampling should thus not be restricted to the usually sampled understorey level, but also cover the canopy.

Sleeping site preferences in Sapajus cay Illiger 1815 (Primates: Cebidae) in a disturbed fragment of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, Rancho Laguna Blanca, Eastern Paraguay

Abstract: Wild primates can spend up to half of their lives sleeping, during which time they are subjected to many of the same selective pressures that they face when awake. Choosing an appropriate sleeping site can thus have important fitness consequences. We examined the sleeping site preferences of wild hooded capuchins (Sapajus cay) in a small degraded fragment of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest at Rancho Laguna Blanca (RLB) in eastern Paraguay. Sleeping trees and sites were identified during 5 months of field observations and their physical characteristics were compared to those of non-sleeping trees and sites. Capuchins preferred larger emergent trees with more main and forked branches, no lianas and denser undergrowth directly below. These were found in sites of more mature forest with fewer small trees, less liana coverage and denser undergrowth but more fruiting trees. The species composition of the sleeping sites differed from that of the non-sleeping sites and was dominated by Albizia niopoides (Mimosaceae) as well as Peltophorum dubium (Fabaceae) and Anadenanthera colubrina (Fabaceae). The capuchins were found to sleep most often in these three tree species: 69.23% in Albizia niopoides (Mimosaceae), 11.54% in Peltophorum dubium (Fabaceae) and 11.54% in Anadenanthera colubrina (Fabaceae). We found evidence for the predator avoidance, thermoregulatory, social contact and feeding site proximity hypotheses. We found no support for parasite avoidance, given the reuse of sites, although the small size of the forest fragment may have restricted this. Their preference for older-growth forest suggests that selective logging impacts hooded capuchins. However, their persistence in a disturbed fragment shows they are highly adaptable, providing support for the value of conservation and reforestation of even small fragments of the Paraguayan Upper Parana Atlantic Forest.

Application and limitations of growth models for silvicultural purposes in heterogeneously structured forest in Sweden

Abstract: The paper addresses the problem of estimating future stand development in heterogeneously structured forests in Sweden; specifically, multi-layered spruce stands and mature pine stands with advanced spruce undergrowth. We first introduce various supporting concepts and models with their empirical databases, model validation and con - straints. Secondly, Swedish single-tree growth functions designed for more heterogeneously structured forest are tested using data from inventory plots, a thinning experiment in an uneven-aged forest stand, and yield plots in pristine forest. Future growth of a managed, multi-layered forest was simulated and is compared with other selected functions. Simulation results, expected errors and time constraints are discussed. For most models, projected stand basal area growth deviated 10-20% from the observed growth in individual stands. In single stands, the deviation ranged from 0 to 60%. Validation periods were often 5-15 years, sometimes even more than 30 years. For Swedish single-tree basal area growth functions, on average, a 5% overestimate was found for heterogeneously structured forest across Sweden. Observed growth in a boreal single-tree selection forest was underestimated by 12.5% fifteen years after thinning from above.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests of a selection structure in the Bieszczady Mountains (southeastern Poland)

Abstract: Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the Polish part of the Carpathians is one of the major forest tree species, and it covers 25.3% of the forest area of this region, while the remaining major tree species – fir (Abies alba Mill.), spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) take up 25%, 21.7%, and 17%, respectively (TRAMPLER et al. 1990). The beech stands in the Carpathians between 1950 and 1990 were regenerated using the uniform shelterwood system, the most popular cutting method in the mountainous area of the Polish Carpathians. In the early 1980s this type of cutting was used on about 85% of the area of regenerated stands. Generally, the results of this method, with a 15–25-year regeneration period, were satisfactory. Undergrowth of good structure and stocking was obtained permitting beech stands of good quality to form. However, this created even-aged, one-storied stands where a large amount of small products (SCHUTZ 2001) was harvested during costly tending operations, lowering the economic efficiency of forest management (AMMON 1995). The uniform shelterwood system, due to natural regeneration, decreased silvicultural risk. However, it did not eliminate such a risk (BERNADZKI 1995) due to a short regeneration period and large regenerated areas.

Seasonal changes of the Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia habitat requirements in managed mountain forests (Western Carpathians)

Abstract: We studied the differences between spring and winter sites of Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia in a managed, temperate forest in the Beskid Mountains (Western Carpathians, Poland). The study of seasonal requirements of this species in this type of habitat was innovatory. Spring territories must provide birds with appropriate conditions for breeding and winter ones must give good habitat for wintering. The environmental variables of spring and winter sites were collected in three layers in a 100 m radius from the place of recording of the Hazel Grouse: canopy, understory and undergrowth. According to our study, the proportion of deciduous trees was greater in spring territories in comparison to winter territories in all studied layers. Conversely, greater species richness in the undergrowth and understory in spring sites of Hazel Grouse was found in comparison to winter sites. Moreover, a greater proportion of birch, poplar, willow, wild cherry and bird cherry were found in the spring sites of Hazel Grouse in comparison to winter sites. Generalized Linear Model models showed that the occurrence of overgrown clearings, clearfellings with deadwood and higher richness of grass and herbs and their cover in the forest were important habitat factors for Hazel Grouse in both spring and winter sites. Sites of Hazel Grouse were strongly affected by the proportions of beech, sycamore, fir, spruce and larch in the canopy layer in both seasons. Moreover, a greater proportion of tree species producing nuts, drupes or winged seeds was important in both spring and winter sites. Bush cover was important for winter sites of the Hazel Grouse. Food resources, mainly in winter sites are important factors for habitat selection. Summarizing, we found habitat differences between spring territory and winter sites of Hazel Grouse. In both seasons, higher habitat heterogeneity was an important factor for occurrence of this species.

Main problems in natural seed regeneration of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) stands in Ukraine

Abstract: The literature review article sums up research experiences in natural seed regeneration in oak forests. In the past, the natural habitat for pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) was considerably wider than now. The downward trend in the area of oak stands is observed both in Ukraine and other European countries. In Ukraine, the area of natural oak stands of seed origin is decreasing by 2.0 thousand hectares each year. The most significant environmental factor in the emergence and normal growth of young oaks of seed origin is the light amount, which should reach at least 20% of the full sunlight. In addition to the light, the main factors contributing to the emergence of oak seedlings under forest canopies and in cutting areas are the oak fruiting and the litter and soil moisture. On the contrary, the excessive development of forest live cover with sedge and cereal vegetation, root competition from the parent trees, and a dense undergrowth were the hindering factors. In the forests of Ukraine, the largest number of natural seed reproduction of oak (more than 100 thousand stems ha⁻¹) after the harvest year was recorded under the canopy of mature and overmature oak forests with a stocking of 0.6–0.7 and with 70 oaks in the stand species composition, growing in conditions of fresh and moist oak forests of Polissya and Forest-Steppe zones. Scientific and methodical guidelines for using natural reproduction of valuable species during the natural seed regeneration of oak stands were improved.

Assessment and inventory of forest ecosystems biodiversity: case study for Karelian Isthmus of Leningrad Region, Russia.

Abstract: Regular grid of permanent sample plots (PSP) of ICP-Forests monitoring system was used for forest ecosystems biodiversity assessments and inventory. The supplementary features were added to the PSP structure to conduct biological diversity census: eight sample plots 1 × 1 m for geo-botanical description; two sample plots of 5 × 5 m each for description of the PSP’s undergrowth; one 25 × 25 m plot for coarse woody debris estimations; four soil inventory pits. The total number of PSP amounted to 248. Total data used are as following: 1) 1984 geo-botanical descriptions of vegetation belonging to ground cover layers made on 1 × 1 m sample plots; 2) 496 descriptions of undergrowth on 5 × 5 m sample plots; 3) 178 descriptions of woody debris on 25 × 25 m sample plots; 4) 496 descriptions of soil inventory pits. General statistical indicators characterizing forest land cover diversity were calculated. Statistic indicators of α-diversity for the Karelian Isthmus forest vegetation cover have the following values: 1) m (mean number of species per PSP) = 26 species; 2) σ (standard deviation) = 9.5 species; 3) v (variation coefficient) = 36.5%; 4) Р (deviation amplitude) = 60 – 7 = 53 species. β – diversity of forest ecosystems as well as γ – diversity also was studied on the base of information collected on the same regular grid of sample plots. It appears that sample plots distribution by species diversity gradation is well described by the standard curve of normal distribution for the entire Karelian Isthmus forest (determination coefficient of the curve being 95.2%) as well as for each type of forest. Hence, the criterion (standard) of biodiversity for forest ecosystems can be defined as the mean value of alpha diversity for each forest type group – m; and the standard deviation – σ, as a tool for assessing deviations from the standard. PSP locations are fixed using GPS technology, this allows biodiversity assessments at the same place in the next years for biodiversity trends estimations and consist the frame for systematic biodiversity inventory.

Analysis of the characteristic of the pine undergrowth after ground fire in the leningrad region

Abstract: In the article features are considered after forest fire regeneration processes in pine stands in the Luga and Putilov landscapes related to two forest districts of the Leningrad region. Quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis was carried out with the help of statistical methods of investigation: dispersion and rank analysis. The quantitative differences in the renewal dynamics of pine in cowberry and bilberry forest types on post-pyrogenic sites and under the parent stand in both regions of the study were determined based on the analysis of variance. The study showed a significant difference in the successful resumption of pine after a grass-roots fire for the Luzhsky and Kirovsky forestry’s. The use of rank analysis using the Spearman coefficient made it possible to establish differences in the qualitative characteristics of pine undergrowth and to reveal the nature of the orientation of reforestation processes after grass-roots fires. The conducted research has shown that landscape conditions exert a great influence on the nature of pine renewal, on the indicators of occurrence, vital state, abundance. The indicator of rank evaluation of the qualitative characteristics of pine undergrowth allowed them to compare and identify those that are crucial for growth under certain conditions. It is concluded that the landscape and soil-hydrological growth conditions are the leading factors in the quantitative representation of the undergrowth that arose after the grassland fires, and, depending on these conditions, a pioneering growth strategy for pine as a species is manifested. The study showed that in the same forest-typological conditions, but in different landscape areas, the renewal of pine can differ in its quantitative and qualitative characteristics.

The particularities of the growth of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) in the first stages of ontogeny in conifer forests (Ufa plateau, Pre-Ural)

Abstract: Fir undergrowth under forest canopy forms the xylorhizome, which allows a long time to exist in pessimal conditions and to compete with nemoral species. This work is devoted to studying features of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) in the first stages of ontogeny in different forest conditions. We have shown that in determining biological (exact) age of the plant, researchers should consider the xylorhizome formation. While studying the growth dynamics of the shoot, we identified three periods of accelerated growth, which correspond to increased competition from different layers of grassy vegetation. The change in fir growth rates was associated with the growth of the lateral and pseudo-whorl shoots, leading to the increased assimilating surface of the needles. These regularities of growth and development of fir in the first stages of ontogeny reflect specific adaptations of fir that allow this species to compete with understory nemoral species. The xylorhizome formation is one of the structural–functional adaptations for the ontogeny protection, allowing to fir undergrowth a long time exist in pessimal conditions under the forest canopy.

Verification of the food supply to game under conditions of the floodplain forest ecosystem

Abstract: In order to determine the environment carrying capacity in terms of biomass production utilizable by game 360 representative sample plots (1 × 1 m) were laid out in the growing season on the basis of typological classifi - cation in forest stand of an area of 1,796.49 ha in the studied region of the Soutok Game Preserve, Židlochovice Forest Enterprise, Lanžhot Forest District. On meadows, pastures and others areas producing grass and herbs of a total area of 532.87 ha, other 57 sample plots were laid out and sample of biomass utilizable by game. Quantification of the biomass was carried out on the basis of the area cover of grass and woody undergrowth. In total, forest and non-forest land provides 14,659,851 kg grass and herb utilizable biomass. In forest stands production was found of 6,826,662 kg grass and herb biomass (on average 380 g/m 2 ) and on meadows and pastures 7,833,189 kg (on average 1,470 g/m 2 ). Moreover, production of 1,401,262 kg (on average 78 g/m 2 ). Laboratory analyses were carried out of naturally dried-up samples of biomass and these values available energy were ascertained: the energy of grass and herb biomass amounted to 5.7 MJ/kg, the utilizable energy of wooody origin amounted to 4.03 MJ/kg. In view of the standardized game population size up the available food supply sufficient, because the energy requirement was fully covered by their daily quantitative con -

Caracterización del sotobosque en bosques densos de pino y oyamel en el Nevado de Toluca, México

Abstract: The greatest floristic diversity of the temperate forests is found in the herbaceous and shrubby component of the undergrowth, in which the flora acquires great ecological and functional importance. Essential processes of the nutrient cycle and the successional trajectory, depend directly on the vegetation of the understory. This study determined the composition and structure of the herbaceous and shrub species in dense forests of Pinus hartwegii (Lindl) and Abies religiosa (Kunth Schltdl and et Cham.) of the Nevado de Toluca and quantified the abundance of tree regeneration in 10 quadrants continuous of 10 m × 10 m. In the species smaller than 50 cm the coverage and abundance was estimated based on the Braun-Blanquet scale and, in the species greater than 50 cm, the relative value in coverage, frequency and density were obtained, besides their value of importance. According to our results, the understory of the forests of Abies religiosa is greater in diversity and is composed of 33 species, 25 genera and 14 families, where Asteraceae is the dominant family. The understory of Pinus hartwegii is composed by 18 species, 16 genera and 10 families, with dominance in coverage and abundance of the family Poaceae. In both, plant communities’ regeneration is greater in seedlings and less in small and large saplings.

Development of forests in the former heathland landscape: changes in the habitat quality, structure of undergrowth, syntaxonomy of phytocoenoses and modern pollen deposition

Abstract: This study presents changes in the quality of habitats between 1926 and 2013 in permanent units of forest division restored in the 19th century as a result of afforestation carried out in the landscape dominated by heaths and xerothermic grasslands. The research was conducted in the Zaborski Landscape Park, located in the north-western part of the Tuchola Forest − one of the largest forest complexes in Poland. Changes in the habitat quality were determined based on data included in seven consecutive inventory books. Assessment according to the 5-point quality scale was performed on the basis of average height reached by a pine forest stand of a certain age occurring in particular forest subsections. It has been found that the quality of habitat increased over 87 years by two classes, on average from IV to II. The number of species, especially deciduous trees and shrubs listed in inventory books, was an additional parameter expressing the habitat quality. The extent of habitat changes was also determined based on the types of syntaxa, which are represented by releves forming the time series and made more or less at the same sites by different authors in 1961, 2002 and 2013, i.e. over the period of 52 years. Temporal changes in the structure of phytocoenoses and their syntaxonomic affiliation were determined using the classification and ordination methods. It has been found that in the study area and within the studied time horizon, there was a recession of dry coniferous forest which developed towards mesic (fresh) pine forests. Whereas within the fresh coniferous forest, there were transitions from the poor cladonietosum variant to the mesotrophic typicum variant, or from the typicum variant towards the fertile variant with a large contribution of Fagus sylvatica in the main tree layer and undergrowth. A change in the forest type from a pine monoculture to mixed pine-beech forest was also reflected in the spectrum of modern pollen deposition collected after annual exposures of Tauber traps. In this case, the observations were performed by the same research team over 15 years.

Species composition in low mountain beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands in the Bieszczady National Park under the global warming.

Abstract: The author analyzes the changes in the tree species composition of Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum Klika 1927 em. Mat. 1964 in the mountain stands of Bieszczady National Park in 1993-2003. The analysis takes into account the changes over a ten-year period in the number and volume structure of each tree species in each stand layer: young natural regeneration, undergrowth, and mature stand. Additionally, after comparing the results with the natural Car - pathian forests' structure, the adaptation level of the present tree species composition to the current climate and soil conditions, as well as probable directions of future changes have been assessed. A ten-year period is too short to find significant changes in stand species structure but it is possible to see some trends: beech share in stands is increasing and fir is decreasing.

Pedunculate and Sessile Mixed Oak Forest Regeneration Process in Lithuania

Abstract: Pedunculate and sessile oak species are sympatric. These oaks hybridize with one another, and this process influences the development of undergrowth. The purpose of this study was to determine how different oak species influence the forest regeneration process. For this purpose, the forest was divided into eight transects of 300 m and 100 m widths, distinguished into temporary plots of 10 m in diameter covering the whole territory of the forest. The distribution of oak undergrowth was calculated by four oak height groups, determining the composition of the first storey, covering of underbrush and herbaceous plant, and forest site. We determined that the spread of oak differed depending on the first storey tree species and underbrush. Grass cover was the biggest influence on the sessile oak. The impurity of sessile oak in oak stands had a positive impact on the development of undergrowth, since the entire undergrowth develops faster than separate components of the undergrowth.

Propiedades ecosistémicas de bosques de Nothofagus pumilio afectadas por diferente intensidad de uso ganadero en Chubut, Patagonia Argentina

Abstract: Quinteros, C. P. 2018. Eco-systemic properties of Nothofagus pumilio forests affected by different livestock intensity of use in Chubut, Patagonia Argentina. Ecosistemas 27(3):24-32. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1483 Livestock is one of the agents causing degradation in Patagonian forests, as well as in other forest areas of the world. In forest systems of Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) and adjacent meadows (mallines), a decreasing intensity pattern of cattle use was detected toward forest sectors furthest from mallines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of forage in the undergrowth at the beginning of a grazing period and the stages of lenga natural regeneration in relation to the different intensities of use. The study was carried out in 3 paddocks consisting of lenga forests and adjacent mallines, in which sectors with different intensity of use were identified. The most evident changes in intensity of use were the higher biomass of shrubs in the sectors less used by cattle, and the group of herbs (mainly some exotic, tolerant to grazing and of good forage value) in the most used sectors. Lenga seedlings shorter than 0.1 m in height predominate in regeneration density. High values of lenga regeneration were registered in sectors less used by livestock, in which lower levels of damage by browsing were also registered. Lenga seedlings and saplings especially affected by cattle were those between 0.1 and 2 m in height. For livestock management, forage availability in the mallines should be considered, since its supply in forest areas is scarce and mainly composed of lenga regeneration.

Practical verification of food supply to game in conditions of large-scale shelterwood system

Abstract: In the hunting district Hady (897 ha), which is operated by the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise, 383 samples of biomass utilizable as wildlife forage were collected and analysed; they were also quantified on the basis of surface coverage of grass and woody undergrowth. Grass and herbaceous biomass production in forest stands was 180,740 kg (average 0.02 kg/m 2 ), on road shoulders and other areas it amounted to 25,213 kg (average 0.150 kg/m 2 ). The greatest diversity of plant species (72) was detected on the other areas. In total, forest and other areas provide 205,953 kg of utilizable grass and herbaceous biomass available during the vegetation period. Production of woody bio- mass, i.e. buds and shoots, amounted to 307,243 kg (average 0.035 kg/m 2 ). The woody component of food in this locality was represented mainly by the species of beech, hornbeam, maple, and ash. Evaluation of sample plots revealed that the area covered by herbs and grasses in the studied forest unit was reduced due to a large-scale shelterwood system. On the other hand, a markedly increased supply of food from woody biomass was found to be available in the form of buds, leaves and shoots. The number of individuals in the advance regeneration of woody species in undergrowth ranged between 270 and 380,000 pcs/ha. Average values used for the calculation of utilizable energy in biomass were obtained from a laboratory measurement of biomass samples and complemented with data from literature. Average values of forest herbs and grasses = 0.60 MJ; buds, leaves and shoots in the growing season = 0.75 MJ. Average daily food consumption was converted to net digestible energy in MJ. In order to estimate food sufficiency with respect to quality energy requirements were calculated on the basis of the metabolic size of roe deer and hare bodies. In the quantitative assessment of available food supply, the standardized game stock would utilize 51% of grass and herbaceous forage and 7.5% of food from woody biomass. In the qualitative assessment of available food supply it was demonstrated that energy requirements of roe deer and hare were fully covered by their daily quantitative consumption of herbaceous, grass and woody biomass.

Structure and Species Composition in Logged-over Swamp Forest, Bengkalis, Riau

Abstract: Peat swamp forest is a particularly stable ecosystem. This stability may regulate well-balanced water to maintain the existence of typical flora and fauna. The present study describes the structure and species composition from three different sites namely newly logged-over swamp forest, three years old logged-over swamp forest, and four years old-logged over swamp forest in Bengkalis, Riau, Indonesia. The study sites were predominated by four structural ensembles with their strata order from the highest to lowest: emergent trees, canopy, lower ensembles, and undergrowth. The emergent trees consisted of three tree species, and the canopy included four species, lower groups covered three species, and undergrowth had two species. Overall, the three sites composed of 26 species with 24 genera and 24 families. Dendrogram based on similarity of site index showed that newly and three years old logged-over forest joined into one cluster with Euclidean distance at 38.42. Furthermore, both sites joined with four years old logged over forest forming another cluster with 489.19 Euclidean distances. Present study, therefore, showing that four years old logged-over peat swamp forest turned out to have the greatest Euclidean distance value.

The content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in leaves of undergrowth species in hornbeam-oak forest stands of the forest-steppe zone in Western Ukraine

Abstract: Abstract In this study, the biosynthesis of the plastid pigments chlorophyll a and b was examined for the most common shrubs in hornbeam-oak forest stands of the Western forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The characteristics of the pigments’ biosynthesis were determined in terms of plant species, vegetation period and growth conditions (under canopy cover and out in the open). The gathered data on the changes of the pigment complex with respect to the examined variables confirms the sensitivity of plastid pigment biosynthesis to environmental factors.

Spontaneous infiltration of broadleaved species into a spruce monoculture left without tending

Abstract: An experimental stand was established as a monoculture by planting Norway spruce on a clear-felled area in 1925. In 1958, a research thinning experiment was established there. Control plots and the study of their de- velopment without anthropic interventions are of interest in particular. The spruce monoculture nearly disintegrated and the stand-forming role was taken over by species which occurred there originally as admixed ones. The stand became sparser and it was associated with the spontaneous regeneration of broadleaves. Out of the eight control plots three plots were selected differing significantly in stocking and extent of natural regeneration. The development of regeneration was studied in detail on these plots. The undergrowth consisted of 24 woody species in a total number of 6,000 individuals per hectare and about two thirds of them belonged to trees. The results of the study show a possibility to convert a spruce monoculture to a broadleaved commercial forest using the spontaneous regeneration of trees.

Development of undergrowth phenological spruce forms in different species composition of forest stands

Abstract: The aim of research was to determine peculiarities of relations between mature layer of the stand with distribution of spruce (Picea abies. Kr.) regeneration according phenology forms and growth specifics. The study examined the success of the resumption of spruce in the Leningrad region under the canopy of the parent stand. In stands with different share of spruce and in various forest-typological conditions, the features of the relationship between the maternal canopy of the stand, the distribution of the natural resumption of spruce by phenological forms and its course of growth were investigated. The account of the undergrowth was carried out by two methods: continuous reading and selective-statistical method. Regardless of the state of viability of spruce undergrowth, the increase in success of regeneration goes from a late vegetation season growth start form to an early one. Under the canopy of the maternal tree stand, young spruce of the early form has the best growth and development indices. In general, under the canopy of spruce stands, the annual height increment in spruce undergrowth, regardless of the phenological structure, the size categories and the state of viability, is greater than under the canopy of pine, pine-spruce and birch-spruce stands. The best characteristics of spruce undergrowth, regardless of phenological forms in vaccinio-myrtillo-pinetum type of forest. When analyzing the characteristics of spruce undergrowth under the canopy of the stand, taking into account the phenological and altitudinal structure, and the state of viability, it was revealed that at the average age prevailing in the spruce undergrowth of the transitional form, the best parameters of growth have small and medium forms and growth in the early form. Analyzing the characteristics of spruce undergrowth under the canopy of the stand, taking into account the phenological and height structure, as well as vitality status, it was revealed that at average age, dominating for the spruce undergrowth of transitional form, the best parameters of small and medium groups of undergrowth has early vegetation season growth start form. The best parameters of the growth have a large group of undergrowth of late vegetation season growth start form.

Плодоношення та природне поновлення Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz під наметом дубових насаджень у Південно-Подільському Лісостепу України

Abstract: The article discusses the influence of natural factors on fruiting and natural regeneration of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz in oak-hornbeam stands. The inclusion of Sorbus torminalis in the Red Book of Ukraine (2009) is not sufficient to save this species and its habitat. This is only the initial stage of the program for the conservation of rare and endangered species in Ukraine. Analyzing the fruiting and natural resumption of Sorbus torminalis stands in the territory of Karmelyukove Podillya National Nature Park and the adjacent territories of the south-eastern distribution of the species, the dependence of fruiting on the total impact of complex factors such as environmental, biological, and biometric. Among the factors affecting the dynamics of renewal of the medicinal stalk in fresh oak forests, the following are of primary importance: climatic conditions, species composition of the stand and undergrowth, fullness, density, flowering biology (number of generative organs), abundance of fruiting, size and weight of fruits, seed germination features, and zoo factors. Droughty period of 2015‑2017 facilitated the early ripening of Sorbus torminalis fruits and rapid deprivation. A moist and warm summer in 2018 caused quite a high productivity of large juicy fruits with two or three ripen seeds. The abundance of trees in the oak-ashen stands is found to be average, trees growing on the edge of the wood present high abundance. The authors have assessed the importance of abiotic factors influencing seed germination, the development self-sowing and undergrowth of main and accompanying tree species. According to the results of field research, we have revealed that the young generation of Sorbus torminalis in oak-hornbeam stands is renewed from seeds. Indicators obtained from natural renewal Sorbus torminalis, which is a kind of test assessing of species vitality. The territory is a valuable forest massif in the south-eastern part of Podillya. Within its borders, unique natural complexes have been preserved, therefore the renewal of rare plants meet the requirements for creating reserves of national importance.

The Richness and Cover of Alien Plants in the Undergrowth and Field Layer of Urbanized Southern Taiga Forests

Abstract: The aim of the work is to compare the richness (the number of species in 400 m2) and cover of alien plants in the undergrowth and field layer of a large city forest. The research was carried out in 2016–2017 in the southern taiga subzone of the Eurasian boreal zone, specifically in the urban forests of the industrial city of Ekaterinburg (the Central Urals, Russia) and the area around it. 235 plots have been analyzed. The number and cover of alien species in the undergrowth and field layer are contrastively different. The richness and cover of alien herbaceous species are much less than the richness and cover of alien woody plants (shrubs and trees) in the undergrowth. Thus, the undergrowth layer has transformed much more comprehensively as a result of alien plant invasions than the field layer. This conclusion is valid both for analysis on the scale of individual plots and for the analysis of complete species lists in urban and suburban forests. This statement is also true for the analysis of the cover of alien plants. This result appears to be unexpected.

Fast reconstruction method for artificial undergrowth vegetations

Abstract: The invention provides a fast reconstruction method for artificial undergrowth vegetations. The method comprises the following steps that firstly, after artificial afforestation is finished, undergrowth soil is turned over, stone with the diameter larger than 5 cm is removed, xylophyta roots remaining in the soil are removed, and land formation is conducted; secondly, sowing is conducted in an interlaced intercropping mode, bromus riparius seeds and alfalfa seeds are selected to be sown, the weight ratio of the bromus riparius seeds to the alfalfa seeds is (1.5-2):1, and the total sowing amount is 4.5-6 kg/mu; thirdly, irrigation is conducted till the wettability of the soil reaches 20 cm or above. According to the method, mixed sowing of bromus riparius and alfalfa is conducted, the advantages of the bromus riparius seeds and the advantages of the alfalfa seeds are both considered, the interlaced intercropping mode is adopted, roots are staggered vertically and horizontally, a compactand firm underground root network system can be formed, and the water and soil conservation efficiency of the artificial undergrowth vegetations is improved. Moreover, the reconstruction method is low in cost, low in energy consumption, free of pollution, quick in effect taking, and particularly suitable for reconstruction of the artificial undergrowth vegetations in north cold and drought regions.

Вплив природних факторів на динаміку букового (fagus sylvatica L.) пралісу Українських карпат

Abstract: Virgin forest is supposed to be the most sustainable ecosystem to existing in this natural zone disasters. This publication analyses the impact of the 2007 windfall and climate warming on the structural elements of the virgin forest ecosystem. The object of our research was a 10 hectares massif (200×500 m) of Common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) virgin forest, which was divided on forty (50×50 m = 0.25 ha) research plots. There were four inventories on all 40 plots in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Inventory methods were: measuring and mapping of all trees (DBH ≥ 6 cm, living and dead); measuring of lying deadwood (D ≥ 8 cm, length ≥ 2 m) volume for degrees of decay; measuring of undergrowth (DBH < 6 cm, H ≥ 10 cm) number for height groups. The dynamics of main parameters of the beech virgin forest after the catastrophic wind influence is not the same. The largest fluctuations are typical for the tree number – after the 10 % loss of trees in 2007 the tree density increased in 2010 on 6 %, and in 2015 – on 59 %. There is 9 % annual increasing of tree number in the virgin forest during 8 years after windfall. The volume of a deadwood substantially increased – on 41 and 6 % respectively in 2010 and 2015. The undergrowth number substantially decreased – respectively on 19 and 14 %. The decrease in the wood volume of the virgin forest was already lower (respectively 7 and 4 %), while the decrease in the basal area was not significant (respectively 4 and 2 %). The diameter distribution in the beech virgin forest was constantly changing during these 15 years, but the type of the distribution remains declining, that is typically for uneven-age forests. In 2005 changes in the tree number within diameter classes fluctuated up to 25 per cent, and after windfall the magnitude of these fluctuations increased to ± 50 %. These quantitative changes made it possible to prepare a basic scheme for the influence of strong winds on the virgin forest and to set the time stages of this interaction. Diameter increment increasing defined in the beech virgin forest as a consequence of climate warming, but the windfall influence does not allow determining that clear.

Soil respiration in stands of different tree species

Abstract: Forest ecosystems of different tree species participate actively in climatic and biotic processes, such as photosynthesis, plant and soil respiration, therefore knowledge of soil respiration, especially of CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere is of great importance. The aim of the study was to determine soil respiration rate of stands of deciduous ( Betula pubescens Ehrh., Quercus robur L.) and coniferous ( Larix eurolepis Henry, Thuja occidentalis L.) tree species as well as impact of abiotic (soil temperature, humidity, electrical conductivity, pH) and biotic (abundance of undergrowth, shrub, herbs) factors. Measurements of CO 2 emissions, temperature, moisture and electrical conductivity were performed in-situ in the stands of different tree species with portable ADC BioScientific LCpro+ system and digital electrochemical device “Wet” (Delta-T). Soil samples were collected for the physicochemical analysis simultaneously. Chemical analysis of soil samples was done at the lab of the Environmental Research of the Aleksandras Stulginskis University by standard methods. Soil respiration was highest in the stand of Thuja occidentalis and lowest in the stand of Betula pubescens . Soil respiration intensity of the tree stands increased as follow: Thuja ˂ Quercus ˂ Larix ˂ Betula . In the coniferous tree stands, the soil respiration was lower on average 27% comparing to deciduous tree stands. Soil respiration rate increased with increase of herbaceous vegetation cover and temperature. Soil respiration rate was mostly influenced by abundance of herbaceous vegetation (r = 0.91) of all biotic factors investigated, while soil temperature (r = 0.75) of abiotic factors. 60 years old stands of different tree species formed specific conditions what influenced different soil respiration rates. Keywords: coniferous trees, CO 2 , deciduous trees, soil, respiration rate Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.106

Дендрофлора балки широка (острів хортиця)

Abstract: Ravine forests are samples of intrazonal vegetation where numerous representatives of the fauna live, as well as plants of forest, steppe, meadow and other types of phytocoenosis, many of which are rare and endemic species. Сonsequently, the study of the taxonomic structure of their flora and the impact of recreational activities on the biodiversity of these natural forests is relevant. The route method based on the biogeocenotical principle for the defining of the species composition of the dendroflora represents the research technique. The research provides data on the species composition of the dendroflora of ravine Shyroka ravine, Khortytsya (recreational area of tourists and residents of Zaporizhzhia), where 54 species of woody plants belonging to 43 genera and 26 families grow. As a result, the study reviled that the Rosaceae Adans family is characterized by the highest species diversity. In the composition of the dendroflora of the birch forest, 48.1 % are native species, 51.9 % are introduced. The largest share of the introduced species belongs to the species of North American origin (11 species, or 39.3 % of the total number of alien species). Amorpha fruticosa, Robinia pseudoacacia, Morus alba and Celtis occidentalis represent the introductants. The main forest-forming aboriginal species of the plantation are Acer platanoides, Quercusrobur, Ulmusscabra, A. tataricum. The study demonstrates the pedigree composition of the overstorey and undergrowth on the territory of various morphological parts of the ravine. Ravine forest has a significant resource potential, including honey and vitamin plants. Species with high invasive capacity (Acer negundo, Amorpha fruticosa, Robinia pseudoacacia) and those recognized as invasive (Parthenocissus quinquifolia) occur in the plantation. Сonsequently, the directions for future research is a detailed study of the natural renewal of native and introduced tree species, which are part of the plantation of the ravine forest, as well as further monitoring of the distribution of invasive species on the territory of the ravine.