Restoring Soil Features and Biodiversity Indicators in Managed Forests to the Levels of Protected Forests: After One Silvicultural Rotation Period

Forests, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(2), P. 274 - 274

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

This study examines the provision of ecosystem services in natural mixed broadleaf forests located Hyrcanian region Iran. These include habitat conservation, soil preservation, timber production, and carbon storage (C-stock). The are managed under three different silvicultural methods: shelterwood, selection cutting, protection, allowing for a comparative analysis their impact on these critical services. time since last cutting operation varied among forest stands. In shelterwood stand, 25 years had passed previous operation, while it been 13 years. contrast, protected stand remained untouched by logging past 40 presents valuable opportunity to assess effects recovery period evaluate extent service restoration. Additionally, allows determining whether have reached levels observed forest. results show that stock (C-stock) values ranked as follows: protection > shelterwood. production were highest followed lowest areas. Furthermore, Stand Structural Complexity Index (SCI) was greatest stands, with shelterwood-managed stands ranking second third, respectively. Similarly, species diversity indices, abundance large-diameter trees, volume deadwood this same trend. findings highlight trade-off management practices. While simplify structure enhance maximize economic returns, they also lead significant reduction other Our further revealed that, even decades after cessation operations, ecological value previously remains substantially lower than forests. Moreover, demonstrate single rotation is insufficient fully restore forests, regardless subjected or

Language: Английский

Using pack animals instead of tractors in Central Italy's protected areas: No evidence of reduced soil disturbance

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 572, P. 122312 - 122312

Published: Oct. 2, 2024

Language: Английский

Impact of winch-assisted logging machinery on soil disturbance in the mountainous forests of Western Carpathians

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: Sept. 30, 2024

Introduction Timber harvesting on steep terrain is a challenge in terms of economic viability, safety, and environmental performance. Felling with chainsaws use yarders seems optimal this environment. However, using mobile traction winches allows for the safe work ground-based technologies even these challenging conditions. Methods Our study assessed impact winch-assisted cut-to-length soil disturbance young forest stands (up to 40 years old) across slopes 14.9°-27.4° (27–52%). Utilizing 78 measurement points (i.e., 234 measurements), we analyzed samples from trail ruts, between undisturbed areas bulk density (g.cm −3 ) moisture content (%), simultaneously measuring penetration resistance (MPa), depth (cm) rut (cm). Results The results highlighted that without winch assistance experienced most significant increases 22.35%) 26.8%), though differences were not statistically significant. Linear mixed effects models did confirm effect ( p > 0.05) (g cm (MPa) ruts forwarding trails. Mean profile depths ranged 4.63 7.28 cm, maximum 10.86 17.25 showing deeper non-assisted areas. Moreover, presence < significantly affected maximal rut. Conclusion findings suggest may mitigate (rut depths) slopes, offering sustainable option utilizing machinery reduced impact.

Language: Английский