Annals of Forest Research

Diagnosis of macronutrient deficiency in Erythrophleum fordii, a nitrogen-fixing rosewood species

Z.G. Zhao, K.Q. Lin, J. Guo, J. Zeng More...

Modelling forage potential for red deer: a case study in post-disturbance young stands of rowan

J. Pajtík, B. Konôpka, M. Bošeľa, V. Šebeň, P. Kaštier More...

Estimation of the mean tree height of forest stands by photogrammetric measurement using digital aerial images of high spatial resolution

Ivan Balenović, Ante Seletković, Renata Pernar, Anamarija Jazbec More...

Bark- and wood-boring beetles on Scots pine logging residues from final felling: effects of felling date, deposition location and diameter of logging residues

Jiří Foit More...

Impact of P fertilisation on the growth performance of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in a lignite post-mining area in Germany

Michael Kanzler, Christian Böhm, Dirk Freese More...

Seed germination characteristics of Phillyrea angustifolia L. and P. latifolia L. (Oleaceae), two Mediterranean shrub species having lignified endocarp

Sara Mira, Luciana Veiga-Barbosa, Félix Pérez-García More...

The attractiveness of forests: preferences and perceptions in a mountain community in Italy

Isabela De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Maria Giulia Cantiani More...

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ISSN: 18448135, 20652445

Research article

Low genetic diversity and intrapopulation spatial genetic structure of the Atlantic Forest tree, Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. (Rutaceae) (pages 165-174)

G. Forti, E.V. Tambarussi, P.Y. Kageyama, M.A. Moreno, E.M. Ferraz, B. Ibañes, R. Vencovsky, G.M. Mori, A.M. Sebbenn
Online First: October 07, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.226

Abstract

Low genetic diversity and intrapopulation spatial genetic structure of the Atlantic Forest tree, Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. (Rutaceae)

G. Forti, E.V. Tambarussi, P.Y. Kageyama, M.A. Moreno, E.M. Ferraz, B. Ibañes, R. Vencovsky, G.M. Mori, A.M. Sebbenn

Studies on population genetics are the key to designing effective in situ management plans for tree species, in particular, those subjected to pressure from anthropogenic processes, such as forest fragmentation and logging. To investigate genetic diversity, inbreeding and intrapopulation spatial genetic structure (SGS) in a fragmented population of the insect-pollinated tropical tree, Esenbeckia leiocarpa, we developed specific microsatellite markers for this species and mapped and sampled 100 individuals in a forest plot. Two issues were addressed in particular: (i) the level of genetic diversity, inbreeding and effective population size, (ii) whether intrapopulation spatial genetic structure exists. Among the 14 loci developed, we only used the three that presented polymorphism to estimate the genetic parameters. Genetic diversity was low, whereby the average number of alleles per locus (A) was 3.3 and observed (H0) and expected heterozygosities (He) were 0.336 and 0.298, respectively. The average fixation index was significantly higher than zero (F = 0.112), suggesting inbreeding. Significant SGS was found up to 7 m and between 31 to 38 m, indicating that trees growing within these distances may be related. Estimates of the effective population size indicated that the 100 sampled trees correspond to 14 individuals that are neither related nor inbred. Our results suggest that the microsatellite markers developed in this study are suitable for studies on genetic
diversity and structure, mating systems, gene flow and SGS in this species.

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Research article

Application of amplified fragment length polymorphisms markers to study the hybridization between Pinus sibirica and P. pumila (pages 175-180)

G. Vasilyeva, V. Semerikov
Online First: September 10, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.219

Abstract

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Research article

Effect of light intensities on the photosynthetic characteristics of Abies holophylla seedlings from different provenances (pages 181-196)

Z. Yao, C. Xu, Y. Chai, H. Wei
Online First: November 26, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.266

Abstract

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Research article

Relationships between leaf traits and morphological attributes in one-year bareroot Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. seedlings (pages 197-203)

V. Ivetić, S. Stjepanović, J. Devetaković, D. Stanković, M. Škorić
Online First: August 26, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.214

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Research article

Modeling distribution of Schinus molle L. in the Brazilian Pampa: insights on vegetation dynamics and conservation of the biome (pages 205-214)

R.P.M. Lemos, C.B. D’Oliveira, C.R. Rodrigues, L.F.W. Roesch, V.M. Stefenon
Online First: November 27, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.272

Abstract

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Research article

Faunal diversity of Fagus sylvatica forests: A regional and European perspective based on three indicator groups (pages 215-231)

H. Walentowski, S. Müller-Kroehling, E. Bergmeier, M. Bernhardt-Römermann, M.M. Gossner, A. Reif, E.-D. Schulze, H. Bußler, C. Strätz, W. Adelmann
Online First: May 08, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.172

Abstract

Faunal diversity of Fagus sylvatica forests: A regional and European perspective based on three indicator groups

H. Walentowski, S. Müller-Kroehling, E. Bergmeier, M. Bernhardt-Römermann, M.M. Gossner, A. Reif, E.-D. Schulze, H. Bußler, C. Strätz, W. Adelmann

While the postglacial history of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and the plant species composition of beech forests in Central Europe are fairly well understood, the faunal biodiversity has been less well investigated. We studied three groups of mostly sedentary organisms in beech forest at regional and European scales by combining field studies with a compilation of existing literature and expert knowledge. Specifically, we examined the relationship between host tree genera and saproxylic beetles, and the diversity and composition of forest ground-dwelling molluscs and ground beetles in relation to the abundance of beech. At a west central European scale (Germany), where beech has a “young” ecological and biogeographical history, we found 48 primeval forest relict species of saproxylic beetles associated with beech, 124 ground beetles and 91 molluscs inhabiting beech forest, yet none exclusive of west central European beech forests. High levels of faunal similarity between beech and other woodland trees suggested that many of the beech forest dwelling species are euryoecious and likely to originate from mid-Holocene mixed broadleaf forests. Beech forests of the mountain ranges in southern and east central Europe, which are ecologically and biogeographically “old”, were found to harbour distinct species assemblages, including beech forest specialists (such as 10 carabid species in the Carpathians) and narrow-range endemics of broadleaf forest. The observed biodiversity patterns suggest differentiated conservation priorities in “young” and “old” European beech forest regions.

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Research article

Long-term effects of gap creation and liming on understory vegetation with a focus on tree regeneration in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest (pages 233-246)

N. Lin, N. Bartsch, T. Vor
Online First: November 27, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.274

Abstract

Long-term effects of gap creation and liming on understory vegetation with a focus on tree regeneration in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest

N. Lin, N. Bartsch, T. Vor

The long-term effects of gap creation and liming on tree regeneration and understory competition were examined in a mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stand on a nutrient-poor site. In 1989, trees were felled to create four 30 m wide circular gaps, and 3 t ha-1 fine dolomite was applied to two of these gaps and the surrounding area, whereas the remaining two gaps and most parts of the stand remained untreated. In 2010, the stand density was 153 trees x ha-1 and the basal area was 29.51 m2 x ha-1. Testing a factorial combination of two levels of canopy cover (gap and stand) and two levels of lime application (limed and unlimed), the results of the case study partly support our initial hypothesis that the combined or single effects of liming and canopy removal on understory plant communities last for more than 20 years. Some effects disappeared slowly over time, while others did not. Understory vegetation of the unlimed gaps and the
limed and unlimed stands was rapidly dominated by beech regeneration, whereas limed gaps were dominated by fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) and raspberry (Rubus ideaus) for around 14 years. There, the density of the beech regeneration was reduced by competitive ground vegetation species. Plant species richness (n/100 m²) was still significantly different after 23 years, with an average 10 species per 100 m² in the limed stand area, 5 species in the unlimed stand area, 25 species in the limed gaps, and only 5 species in the unlimed gaps. Only the combination of liming and canopy removal enhanced the species richness in the long run. On our study site, this combination of liming and canopy opening had a long lasting influence on the ground vegetation in terms of retarding the beech regeneration and enhancing species’ richness.

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Research article

Long term evolution of tree growth, understorey vegetation and soil properties in a silvopastoral system of northern Greece (pages 247-265)

S.F. Gakis, M.Z. Orfanoudakis, A.G. Papaioannou, K.T. Mantzanas, V.P. Papanastasis, D.A. Alifragis, D.G. Seilopoulos, S.N. Kostakis
Online First: November 27, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.277

Abstract

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Research article

Ungulate browsing causes species loss in deciduous forests independent of community dynamics and silvicultural management in Central and Southeastern Europe (pages 267-288)

E.D. Schulze, O. Bouriaud, J. Wäldchen, N. Eisenhauer, H. Walentowski, C. Seele, E. Heinze, U. Pruschitzki, G. Dănilă, G. Marin, D. Hessenmöller, L. Bouriaud, M. Teodosiu
Online First: November 27, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.273

Abstract

Ungulate browsing causes species loss in deciduous forests independent of community dynamics and silvicultural management in Central and Southeastern Europe

E.D. Schulze, O. Bouriaud, J. Wäldchen, N. Eisenhauer, H. Walentowski, C. Seele, E. Heinze, U. Pruschitzki, G. Dănilă, G. Marin, D. Hessenmöller, L. Bouriaud, M. Teodosiu

Grid-based inventories of 1,924 deciduous forests plots in Germany and 4,775 in Romania were used to investigate tree species composition as affected by browsing and grazing under different forest management (rotation forestry, selectively cut forest, protected forest). At regional scale, the loss of tree species in the dominant layer was between 52 to 67% in Germany and of 10 to 30% in Romania, with largest effects in protected nature reserves in Germany. At plot level, only 50% (Germany) to 54% (Romania) of canopy species were found in the regeneration layer with a height of 1.5 m. Browsing was influenced by the proportion of Fagus in the regenerating trees in Germany, and by stand density, basal area, and management in both regions. Structural equation modeling explained 11 to 26% of the variance in species loss based on the fresh loss of the terminal bud in the winter prior to the inventory work (one season browsing). Browsing (and grazing in Romania) is shown to be a significant cause of species loss across both countries and all management types. Potential cascading effects on other organisms of deciduous forest ecosystems are discussed. We conclude that the present hunting practices that support overabundant ungulate populations constitute a major threat to the biodiversity of deciduous forests in Germany and Romania and to other places with similar ungulate management, and that changes my only be possible by modernizing the legal framework of hunting.

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Research article

Estimating aboveground biomass using Landsat TM imagery: A case study of Anatolian Crimean pine forests in Turkey (pages 289-298)

A. Günlü, I. Ercanli, E.Z. Başkent, G. Çakır
Online First: November 27, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.278

Abstract

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Research article

Land dataset uncertainty: effect on Romanian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (pages 299-317)

V.N.B. Blujdea, Gh. Marin, M. Stoichiţescu
Online First: November 27, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.275

Abstract

Land dataset uncertainty: effect on Romanian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory

V.N.B. Blujdea, Gh. Marin, M. Stoichiţescu

The availability of long-term land datasets is fundamental to ensure consistent and accurate national greenhouse gas inventories for land use and land use changes. Estimation of Romania’s CO2 removals and emissions over 1970-2010 was assessed comparatively by using National Statistics (as reference dataset), Corine Land Cover data, as well as four additional datasets produced from the reference dataset and assuming some forest data changes according to other available partial datasets (NFI,LUCAS or expert judgment). A spreadsheet, implementing a model of UNFCCC national greenhouse gas inventory, allowed estimation of both net CO2 removals and emissions and gross CO2 fluxes from all carbon pools, for all land subcategories over 1970-2010. The model was run for each dataset. The reference dataset resulted in an average annual gross flux of CO2, twice as large as the corresponding annual net removals of 13 TgCO2, while annual estimates were more than double in post-1990 compared to pre - 1990. Uncertainty of net annual CO2 removals by reference dataset was estimated around 31 %, slightly lower than for gross estimate, and just around 55% when based on CLC dataset. Overall, the contribution of 12 broad land sub-categories to CO2 inventory was similar in the national net and gross estimates, for both pre- and post-1990 periods. Land under conversion represented 9% of the country’s area in pre- and only 2% in post-1990, corresponding to an annual average of 28% of gross and 6% of net annual CO2 estimates. Among the choices of datasets tested, the reference dataset provided the most conservative estimates of the CO2 inventory. Other datasets generally overestimated annual LULUCF sink and its main contributor forestland, as well as the emissions or removals from land conversion. Compared to pre-1990, when annual sink was rather low, land abandonment and moderating management in the post-1990 period has led to an increase of C stock in all pools, showing the relevance of political changes on land’s CO2 emissions/removals. Inconsistency within available land datasets impairs more accurate estimation of national GHG inventory. The development of an improved land use assessment system around National Forest Inventory is therefore suggested as a solution to implement consistent land definitions and to accurately estimate their areas in time.

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Research article

The reform of collective forest rights in China and its implementation in the Fushun City Region (pages 319-332)

S. Jiang, B.J. Lewis, L. Dai, W. Jia, Y. An
Online First: August 11, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.210

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Research article

Efficiency of a Woody 60 processor attached to a Mounty 4100 tower yarder when processing coniferous timber from thinning operations (pages 333-345)

S.A. Borz, M. Bîrda, Gh. Ignea, B. Popa, V.R. Câmpu, E. Iordache, R.A. Derczeni
Online First: October 15, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.258

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Review article

How does parental personality influence offspring quality in animals? (pages 347-362)

A. Chira
Online First: October 17, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.233

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Research article

Diagnosis of macronutrient deficiency in Erythrophleum fordii, a nitrogen-fixing rosewood species

Z.G. Zhao, K.Q. Lin, J. Guo, J. Zeng
Online First: December 30, 2014

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2014.285

Abstract

Diagnosis of macronutrient deficiency in Erythrophleum fordii, a nitrogen-fixing rosewood species

Z.G. Zhao, K.Q. Lin, J. Guo, J. Zeng

Erythrophleum fordii (Caesalpiniaceae; nitrogen fixing species) is one of traditional rosewood species indigenous to Southeast Asia and southern China. Slow growth and symptoms such as leaf discoloration, curling and defoliation were usually observed in the nursery and its young plantations due perhaps to deficiencies of specific nutrients. Here sand culture experiment was conducted for its seedlings to assess their visual foliar symptoms, growth performance and nutrient interaction in response to six macronutrient deficiencies. Leaves of E. fordii seedlings discolored in all treatments of nutrient deficiency, and sizes of both old and young leaves became small under nitrogen (N) deficiency, while only young leaves grew small under deficiencies of calcium (Ca) and sulphur (S). Seedling growth was inhibited significantly under deficiencies of N, potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) except that P deficiency increased diameter at root collar. The difference of seedling N concentration between –N and control was normally much smaller than those for other nutrient elements because -N seedling could acquire N by nitrogen fixation of nodules under N deficiency. In spite of this, N was still major limiting factor for plant growth under N deficiency. Besides in P deficiency, P was also the major limiting factor under deficiencies of magnesium (Mg), Ca and S, which indicated that P play an important role in nutrient demand and balance for E. fordii. Antagonism or synergism occurred widely between six macronutrients, especially for P, K and Ca, their concentrations increased or decreased in all six deficiency treatments in comparison with the control. The implications of these findings were also discussed with a case study on nutritional diagnosis for a young plantation of this species.

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Research article

Modelling forage potential for red deer: a case study in post-disturbance young stands of rowan

J. Pajtík, B. Konôpka, M. Bošeľa, V. Šebeň, P. Kaštier
Online First: January 05, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.286

Abstract

Modelling forage potential for red deer: a case study in post-disturbance young stands of rowan

J. Pajtík, B. Konôpka, M. Bošeľa, V. Šebeň, P. Kaštier

Recently, the red deer (Cervus elaphus) population has increased considerably and caused serious damage in forest stands in Slovakia as well as in other Central-European countries. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) is the tree species that is most intensively browsed and stripped by deer, especially during young stages of tree development. Our research focuses on estimating rowan mass consumption by red deer in young stands which developed after large-scale wind disturbance that occurred in the Tatra National Park in 2004. New models were developed for estimating the mass of tree components that are potentially edible by red deer using tree-base diameter as an independent variable. The results showed that the mass contribution of particular tree components to accessible deer forage depended on tree size (tree-base diameter). At stand level, total forage potential increased with an increase in tree size. However, whereas the quantity of bark available for stripping increased with tree size, the total mass accessible for browsing (leader shoot and branches with foliage) decreased. For instance, the contribution of stem bark to total forage potential in stands with a mean tree-base diameter of 20 mm and 50 mm was 15% and 50%, respectively. Theoretically, if all tree mass potential is consumed by red deer, young rowan stands (considering tree coverage of 50%) growing within an area of 100 m2 might provide sufficient forage for one adult deer for ca. 10 days. It is suggested that rowan species should not be removed from forest stands in territories with a high deer population in order to decrease the potential damage of other, commercially important, tree species.

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Research article

Estimation of the mean tree height of forest stands by photogrammetric measurement using digital aerial images of high spatial resolution

Ivan Balenović, Ante Seletković, Renata Pernar, Anamarija Jazbec
Online First: January 30, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.300

Abstract

Estimation of the mean tree height of forest stands by photogrammetric measurement using digital aerial images of high spatial resolution

Ivan Balenović, Ante Seletković, Renata Pernar, Anamarija Jazbec

Tree height is one of the more fundamental measurements in forest inventories. In addition to classical field measurements, tree height may be estimated by remote sensing methods, such as by photogrammetric measurements of aerial images. Since it has been found and generally accepted that the extraction of forest and tree data from classical analogue aerial photographs has certain limitations, especially in the densely canopied forests, the usefulness of photogrammetric-based forest inventory in many countries remains a controversial issue. Therefore, this paper focuses on investigating the possibility of applying digital photogrammetric method to estimate mean stand height. Photogrammetric stereo-measurements of tree height were conducted on colour infrared images of high spatial resolution (ground sample distance – GSD – of 30 cm and 10 cm) using a digital photogrammetric workstation. The height of each tree within 183 sample plots (14 subcompartments) were calculated as the difference between the tree top elevations determined with the aerial images and the corresponding tree bottom elevations determined from the digital terrain model. To compare the photogrammetric- and field-estimated mean stand heights, the mean plot heights were calculated for both photogrammetric and field estimates of tree heights. Repeated measurements using ANOVA testing did not reveal a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the field-estimated and photogrammetric-estimated mean stand heights using the 30 cm and 10 cm GSD digital aerial images. Deviations of the mean stand heights estimated using the images of both spatial resolutions were similar to the field-estimated heights. Using the 30 cm images the deviations of the photogrammetrically estimated mean stand height amounted to 0.35 m (1.59%) on average, whereas using the 10 cm images the deviations amounted to 0.31 m (1.41%) compared to the field estimation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the 30 cm GSD aerial images allow for the photogrammetric measurement of mean stand heights with accuracy similar to 10 cm GSD aerial images. In addition, 30 cm GSD aerial images are more favourable financially since the same area of interest could be covered with a considerably smaller number of images than of the 10 cm GSD aerial images.

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Research article

Bark- and wood-boring beetles on Scots pine logging residues from final felling: effects of felling date, deposition location and diameter of logging residues

Jiří Foit
Online First: January 30, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.302

Abstract

Bark- and wood-boring beetles on Scots pine logging residues from final felling: effects of felling date, deposition location and diameter of logging residues

Jiří Foit

To reduce the risk of bark- and wood-boring beetle pests, the extensive removal of logging residues is conducted in forests; however, this practice can lead to a loss of saproxylic insect diversity. Thus, finding a better pest management strategy is needed and requires additional information on the actual effects of various, differently treated logging residues for pest multiplication. In the present study, a total of 2,160 fragments of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) logging residues generated during final felling in a single stand in the Drahanská Highlands in the Czech Republic were examined for bark- and wood-boring beetles. The felling occurred on four dates in 2006 (in February, May, August and November). The logging residues from each felling were left scattered on the clear-cut area or were gathered into piles. The fauna inhabiting the logging residues were investigated by peeling off the bark during the first six months of the vegetative period following the felling. The logging residues hosted species-rich assemblages of bark- and wood-boring beetles (25 species were identified). Beetle occurrence was significantly affected by felling date, logging residue type (trunk fragment or branch and branch thinner or thicker than 1 cm), diameter and the manner in which the logging residues were deposited (freely scattered, top pile layer, or bottom pile layer). The Scots pine logging residues were a substrate for the significant multiplication of several potentially significant pests (particularly, Pityogenes chalcographus [Linnaeus], Ips acuminatus [Gyllenhal] and Pityophthorus pityographus [Ratzeburg]). The results indicated that the risk of pest reproduction can be minimised by felling the trees in August (and probably also September and October). For I. acuminatus and P. pityographus, the risk can be minimised by gathering the logging residues into piles.

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Research article

Impact of P fertilisation on the growth performance of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in a lignite post-mining area in Germany

Michael Kanzler, Christian Böhm, Dirk Freese
Online First: January 30, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.303

Abstract

Impact of P fertilisation on the growth performance of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in a lignite post-mining area in Germany

Michael Kanzler, Christian Böhm, Dirk Freese

Due to its ability to grow on marginal sites black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) has been widely planted as a short rotation coppice (SRC) system that produce a renewable biomass feedstock in several post-mining areas of East Germany. However, as most of these sites are still in an initial stage of reclamation with low humus and nutrient contents, phosphorous can play a significant role as a plant limiting factor, because legumes require more P than other plants for their development. In April 2011, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of higher rates and different applications of phosphorus fertiliser on the nutrition, survival, and biomass production of two different-aged black locust SRC plantations on the post lignite-mining site “Welzow-Süd”, situated in NE Germany. Treatments were applied as triple superphosphate (30, 60 and 120 kg P ha-1) and PK fertiliser (60 kg P ha-1) through broadcasting or banding on recently harvested or planted trees, respectively. Soil, leaf and woody biomass data were analysed utilising the Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman correlation coefficient (rS). Following two growing seasons, it was observed that the total dry weight yields of the black locust seedlings were increased strongly by up to 8 times when compared to the control group, particularly when TSP was applied through banding. P fertilisation, however, did not affect the biomass yield of six-year-old black locust trees, but P concentration in leaves among treatments of both sites was still significantly increased and sufficient from a quantity upwards of 60 kg P ha-1. Taken together, a comparably moderate amount of P fertiliser (60 kg ha-1) had a strong impact on P uptake and growth performance in the examined black locust seedlings, which reveals a high potential to improve the current fertilisation practices for SRC black locust plantations grown on our research site.

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Research article

Seed germination characteristics of Phillyrea angustifolia L. and P. latifolia L. (Oleaceae), two Mediterranean shrub species having lignified endocarp

Sara Mira, Luciana Veiga-Barbosa, Félix Pérez-García
Online First: February 05, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.304

Abstract

Seed germination characteristics of Phillyrea angustifolia L. and P. latifolia L. (Oleaceae), two Mediterranean shrub species having lignified endocarp

Sara Mira, Luciana Veiga-Barbosa, Félix Pérez-García

The aim of this study was to determine the germination characteristics of Phillyrea angustifolia L. and P. latifolia L. seeds in order to develop an optimized propagation protocol for Phillyrea species. Seeds of P. angustifolia and P. latifolia were collected from wild plants growing in Cáceres province (CW Spain) and Andalucía (S Spain), respectively. Percentage of water uptake for P. latifolia seeds was calculated. Seeds with and without endocarp were germinated at different constant and alternating temperatures. Seeds without endocarp were soaked in distilled water or gibberellic acid, and then set to germinate. Seeds with endocarp of both species were stratified at 5 ºC for 30 or 90 days and then the endocarp was completely removed from the seeds before they were sowed. Chemical scarification with sulfuric acid and mechanical scarification were tested on P. angustifolia seeds with endocarp. Phillyrea endocarp was permeable to water, since Phillyrea seeds with endocarp imbibed water, but water uptake was faster when the endocarp was removed. Moreover, the encodarp could interfere mechanically in the emergence of the radicle, since seed germination of Phillyrea species was promoted by the complete removal of the lignified endocarp surrounding each seed. Optimal germination temperature for both species was 15 ºC, and lower temperatures produced secondary dormancy. Soaking in distilled water or gibberellic acid did not significantly enhance seed germination. Cold stratification and chemical scarification treatments were detrimental for seed germination.

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Research article

The attractiveness of forests: preferences and perceptions in a mountain community in Italy

Isabela De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Maria Giulia Cantiani
Online First: February 05, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.308

Abstract

The attractiveness of forests: preferences and perceptions in a mountain community in Italy

Isabela De Meo, Alessandro Paletto, Maria Giulia Cantiani

The analysis of the perception and preferences of local communities is a fundamental aspect to increase the social sustainability and to reduce the conflicts between forest users. The knowledge of people’s perception of forest resources is important for decision makers, when implementing management strategies and this is particularly relevant in mountainous area, characterized by a strong link between local communities and forest. The paper focuses on the analysis of people’s perception and preferences regarding the recreational value of forests. The research has been carried out by means of a case study, the Municipality of Trento, located in the Centre East sector of the Italian Alps. This area was chosen on the grounds of its geographical location and of the historical links that exist between local communities and forest resources. The sample included 1,000 randomly selected families and the method of investigation used was a structured selfreported questionnaire. The data were processed taking into account the relationship between people’s perception and the main social characteristics of respondents (gender and age); this allowed statistical differences among groups to be highlighted. Forest attractiveness has been investigated considering: (i) forest accessibility, (ii) forest stand characteristics, (iii) visitor facilities and infrastructures. The results show that people prefer the open mixed forests with an irregular structure and some visitor facilities such as paths and refreshment points. Besides, people like to have facilities in the forests, but at the same time would like these forests to be little frequented by other visitors, in order to have a greater feeling of naturalness.

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Research article

Mapping the value of ecosystem services: A case study from the Austrian Alps

Alessandro Paletto, Clemens Geitner, Gianluca Grilli, Richard Hastik, Fabio Pastorella, Laura Rodrìguez Garcìa
Online First: February 13, 2015

| DOI: 10.15287/afr.2015.335

Abstract

Mapping the value of ecosystem services: A case study from the Austrian Alps

Alessandro Paletto, Clemens Geitner, Gianluca Grilli, Richard Hastik, Fabio Pastorella, Laura Rodrìguez Garcìa

Ecosystem services (ES) are considered the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems sustain and fulfil human life. In the decision making process related to the natural resources management, two key-aspects must be taken into account: the economic value of the benefits provided by ES (provisioning, regulating and cultural services) and the spatial distribution of these benefits. The purpose of the paper is to develop a method aimed to capture the economic value of the benefits provided by ES, in order to support the decision makers in the natural resources management. ES are not homogeneous across landscapes nor in space. Consequently, gaining knowledge on the spatial distribution of the economic relevance of ES is a fundamental information to target management actions. This method was tested in a case study in the Austrian Alps (Leiblachtal area in Vorarlberg region), characterized by a high importance of forests and grasslands. The results show that the highest economic values could be achieved for the provisioning services with a range between 200 €/ha year and 1,400€/ha year. The regulating services have also important economic values, but strongly localized in specific areas (i.e. protective forests against natural hazards). The economic values of the cultural services are influenced by the preferences of tourists and varies between 5 €/ha year to 60 €/ha year. The method allowed us to reveal the spatial heterogeneity of provisioning, regulating and cultural ES, depending on the ecological characteristics of the site.

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