Journal Description
Forests
Forests
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on forestry and forest ecology published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, GEOBASE, PubAg, AGRIS, PaperChem, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Forestry) / CiteScore - Q1 (Forestry)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Forests.
Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Pine-YOLO: A Method for Detecting Pine Wilt Disease in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing Images
Forests 2024, 15(5), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050737 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pine wilt disease is a highly contagious forest quarantine ailment that spreads rapidly. In this study, we designed a new Pine-YOLO model for pine wilt disease detection by incorporating Dynamic Snake Convolution (DSConv), the Multidimensional Collaborative Attention Mechanism (MCA), and Wise-IoU v3 (WIoUv3)
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Pine wilt disease is a highly contagious forest quarantine ailment that spreads rapidly. In this study, we designed a new Pine-YOLO model for pine wilt disease detection by incorporating Dynamic Snake Convolution (DSConv), the Multidimensional Collaborative Attention Mechanism (MCA), and Wise-IoU v3 (WIoUv3) into a YOLOv8 network. Firstly, we collected UAV images from Beihai Forest and Linhai Park in Weihai City to construct a dataset via a sliding window method. Then, we used this dataset to train and test Pine-YOLO. We found that DSConv adaptively focuses on fragile and curved local features and then enhances the perception of delicate tubular structures in discolored pine branches. MCA strengthens the attention to the specific features of pine trees, helps to enhance the representational capability, and improves the generalization to diseased pine tree recognition in variable natural environments. The bounding box loss function has been optimized to WIoUv3, thereby improving the overall recognition accuracy and robustness of the model. The experimental results reveal that our Pine-YOLO model achieved the following values across various evaluation metrics: [email protected] at 90.69%, [email protected]:0.95 at 49.72%, precision at 91.31%, recall at 85.72%, and F1-score at 88.43%. These outcomes underscore the high effectiveness of our model. Therefore, our newly designed Pine-YOLO perfectly addresses the disadvantages of the original YOLO network, which helps to maintain the health and stability of the ecological environment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Individual Tree Detection (ITD) and Its Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning-Based Predictive Models for Fine Dead Fuel Moisture of Subtropical Forest in China
by
Xiang Hou, Zhiwei Wu, Shihao Zhu, Zhengjie Li and Shun Li
Forests 2024, 15(5), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050736 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The moisture content of fine dead surface fuel in forests is a crucial metric for assessing its combustibility and plays a pivotal role in the early warning, occurrence, and spread of forest fires. Accurate prediction of the moisture content of fine dead fuel
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The moisture content of fine dead surface fuel in forests is a crucial metric for assessing its combustibility and plays a pivotal role in the early warning, occurrence, and spread of forest fires. Accurate prediction of the moisture content of fine dead fuel on the forest surface is a critical challenge in forest fire management. Previous research on fine surface fuel moisture content has been mainly focused on coniferous forests in cold temperate zones, but there has been less attention given to understanding the fuel moisture dynamics in subtropical forests, which limits the development of regional forest fire warning models. Here, we consider the coupled influence of multiple meteorological, terrain, forest stand, and other characteristic factors on the fine dead fuel moisture content within the subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest region of southern China. The ability of five machine learning algorithms to predict the moisture content of fine dead fuel on the forest surface is assessed, and the key factors affecting the model accuracy are identified. Results show that when a single meteorological factor is used as a forecasting model, its forecasting accuracy is less than that of the combined model with multiple characteristic factors. However, the prediction accuracy of the model is improved after the addition of forest stand factors and terrain factors. The model prediction ability is the best for the combination of all feature factors including meteorology, forest stand, and terrain. The overall prediction accuracy of the model is ordered as follows: random forest > extreme gradient boosting > support vector machine > stepwise linear regression > k-nearest neighbor. Canopy density in forest stand factors, slope position and altitude in terrain factors, and average relative air humidity and light intensity in the previous 15 days are the key meteorological factors affecting the prediction accuracy of fuel moisture content. Our results provide scientific guidance and support for understanding the variability of forest surface fuel moisture content and improved regional forest fire warnings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Disturbance and Management)
Open AccessArticle
Phytophthora Communities Associated with Agathis australis (kauri) in Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa/Waitākere Ranges, New Zealand
by
Shannon Hunter, Ian Horner, Jack Hosking, Ellena Carroll, Jayne Newland, Matthew Arnet, Nick Waipara, Bruce Burns, Peter Scott and Nari Williams
Forests 2024, 15(5), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050735 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Studies of Phytophthora impact in forests generally focus on individual species without recognition that Phytophthora occur in multispecies communities. This study investigated community structure of Phytophthora species in the rhizosphere of Agathis australis (kauri) in Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa/Waitākere Ranges, New Zealand,
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Studies of Phytophthora impact in forests generally focus on individual species without recognition that Phytophthora occur in multispecies communities. This study investigated community structure of Phytophthora species in the rhizosphere of Agathis australis (kauri) in Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa/Waitākere Ranges, New Zealand, in the context of kauri dieback disease expression. Soil sampling and tree monitoring were conducted on 767 randomly selected mature kauri trees. Phytophthora species were detected using both soil baiting and DNA metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA). Four species were detected with soil baiting (P. agathidicida, P. cinnamomi, P. multivora, and P. pseudocryptogea/P. cryptogea) and an additional three species with metabarcoding (P. kernoviae, P. cactorum/P. aleatoria and an unknown clade 7 species). Phytophthora cinnamomi was the most abundant species and was distributed throughout the forest. Both P. multivora and P. agathidicida were limited to forest edges, suggesting more recent introductions. P. agathidicida presence was strongly correlated with declining canopy health, confirming its role as the main driver of kauri dieback. The limited distribution of P. agathidicida and infrequent detections (11.0% samples) suggests that that this species is spreading as an introduced invasive pathogen and provide hope that with strategic management (including track upgrades and closures, restricting access to uninfected areas, and continual monitoring) uninfected areas of the forest can be protected. The frequent detections of P. cinnamomi and P. multivora from symptomatic trees in the absence of P. agathidicida suggest more research is needed to understand their roles in kauri forest health.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Wood Basic Density in Large Trees: Impacts on Biomass Estimates in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon
by
Flora Magdaline Benitez Romero, Thais de Nazaré Oliveira Novais, Laércio Antônio Gonçalves Jacovine, Eronildo Braga Bezerra, Rosana Barbosa de Castro Lopes, Juliana Sousa de Holanda, Edi Flores Reyna and Philip Martin Fearnside
Forests 2024, 15(5), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050734 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Wood basic density (WD) plays a crucial role in estimating forest biomass; moreover, improving wood-density estimates is needed to reduce uncertainties in the estimates of tropical forest biomass and carbon stocks. Understanding variations in this density along the tree trunk and its impact
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Wood basic density (WD) plays a crucial role in estimating forest biomass; moreover, improving wood-density estimates is needed to reduce uncertainties in the estimates of tropical forest biomass and carbon stocks. Understanding variations in this density along the tree trunk and its impact on biomass estimates is underexplored in the literature. In this study, the vertical variability of WD was assessed along the stems of large trees that had a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 50 cm from a dense ombrophilous forest on terra firme (unflooded uplands) in Acre, Brazil. A total of 224 trees were sampled, including 20 species, classified by wood type. The average WD along the stem was determined by the ratio of oven-dry mass to saturated volume. Five models were tested, including linear and nonlinear ones, to fit equations for WD, selecting the best model. The variation among species was notable, ranging from 0.288 g cm−3 (Ceiba pentandra, L., Gaertn) to 0.825 g cm−3 (Handroanthus serratifolius, Vahl., S. Grose), with an average of 0.560 g cm−3 (±0.164, standard deviation). Significant variation was observed among individuals, such as in Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (H. ex D.), which ranged from 0.305 to 0.655 g cm−3. WD was classified as low (≤0.40 g cm−3), medium (0.41–0.60 g cm−3), and high (≥0.61 g cm−3). The variability in WD along the stem differs by wood type. In trees with low-density wood, density shows irregular variation but tends to increase along the stem, whereas it decreases in species with medium- and high-density wood. The variation in WD along the stem can lead to underestimations or overestimations, not only in individual trees and species but also in total stocks when estimating forest biomass. Not considering this systematic bias results in significant errors, especially in extrapolations to vast areas, such as the Amazon.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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Open AccessEditorial
Plant Adaptation to Extreme Environments in Drylands—Series II: Studies from Northwest China
by
Xiao-Dong Yang, Sai-Qiang Li, Guang-Hui Lv, Nai-Cheng Wu and Xue-Wei Gong
Forests 2024, 15(5), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050733 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Arid and semi-arid lands cover more than one-third of the Earth’s terrestrial area [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation to Extreme Environments in Drylands—Series II)
Open AccessArticle
Drivers of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Infections in the Inner-Alpine Valleys of Northwestern Italy
by
Guglielmo Lione, Silvia Ongaro, Simona Prencipe, Marianna Giraudo and Paolo Gonthier
Forests 2024, 15(4), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040732 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fraxinus excelsior L. (ash) is a key forest tree species challenged by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, Hosoya, the causal agent of ash dieback. The goals of this study were (I) to assess the presence, spatial distribution, and incidence of H. fraxineus
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Fraxinus excelsior L. (ash) is a key forest tree species challenged by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, Hosoya, the causal agent of ash dieback. The goals of this study were (I) to assess the presence, spatial distribution, and incidence of H. fraxineus in the inner-alpine valleys of northwestern Italy, along with the severity of ash dieback; (II) to model the probability of infection by H. fraxineus based on environmental variables; (III) to reconstruct the direction of provenance of the front of invasion of the pathogen; and (IV) to test whether H. fraxineus has replaced the native relative Hymenoscyphus albidus (Gillet) W. Phillips, a saprobe of ash litter. By combining phytosanitary monitoring and samplings in 20 forest stands, laboratory analyses, and statistical modelling, this study showed that H. fraxineus was present in 65% of stands with an average incidence of 27%, reaching peaks of 80%. Rainfalls were the most relevant drivers of the probability of infection by H. fraxineus, rising up to 80% with the increased precipitation in April and July. Other drivers included elevation, maximal temperatures, latitude, and longitude. The front of invasion likely moved from Italy and/or Switzerland, rather than from France, while the replacement of H. albidus is uncertain.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Pathology and Entomology—Series II)
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Open AccessArticle
Interacting Sentinel-2A, Sentinel 1A, and GF-2 Imagery to Improve the Accuracy of Forest Aboveground Biomass Estimation in a Dry-Hot Valley
by
Zihao Liu, Tianbao Huang, Xiaoli Zhang, Yong Wu, Xiongwei Xu, Zhenhui Wang, Fuyan Zou, Chen Zhang, Can Xu and Guanglong Ou
Forests 2024, 15(4), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040731 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Carbon absorption and storage in forests is one of the important ways to mitigate climate change. Therefore, it is essential to use a variety of remote-sensing resources to accurately estimate forest aboveground biomass (AGB) in dry-hot valley regions. In this study, satellite images
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Carbon absorption and storage in forests is one of the important ways to mitigate climate change. Therefore, it is essential to use a variety of remote-sensing resources to accurately estimate forest aboveground biomass (AGB) in dry-hot valley regions. In this study, satellite images from the Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, and Gaofen-2 satellites were utilized to estimate the forest AGB in Yuanmou County, Yunnan Province, China. Different combinations of image data, based on selected variables of stepwise regression and their performance in constructing linear stepwise regression (LSR) and random forest (RF) models, were explored. The results showed that: (1) after adding the polarized values of the synthetic aperture radar backscatter coefficients, the combination fitting effect was significantly improved; (2) the fitting effect of the Sentinel-1A + Sentinel-2A + Gaofen-2 data combination was superior to the other combinations, indicating that the effective extraction of forest horizon and vertical information can improve the estimation effect of the forest AGB; and (3) the RF model exhibited superior fitting performance compared to the LSR model across all permutations of remotely sensed image datasets, with R2 values of 0.71 and 0.65, and RMSE values of 30.67 and 33.79 Mg/ha, respectively. These findings lay the groundwork for enhancing the precision of AGB estimation in dry-hot valley areas by integrating Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-1A, and GF-2 imagery, providing valuable insights for future research and applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Application and Deep Learning in Forestry)
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Open AccessArticle
Plant Species and Functional Diversity of Novel Forests Growing on Coal Mine Heaps Compared with Managed Coniferous and Deciduous Mixed Forests
by
Jawdat Bakr, Agnieszka Kompała-Bąba, Wojciech Bierza, Agnieszka Hutniczak, Agnieszka Błońska, Damian Chmura, Franco Magurno, Andrzej M. Jagodziński, Lynn Besenyei, Barbara Bacler-Żbikowska and Gabriela Woźniak
Forests 2024, 15(4), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040730 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1): The Upper Silesia region of Poland is one of the most extensively altered regions of Europe due to human activity, especially coal mining. (2): We used cluster analysis to examine the floristic composition of three classified forest communities: forests developed on post-coal
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(1): The Upper Silesia region of Poland is one of the most extensively altered regions of Europe due to human activity, especially coal mining. (2): We used cluster analysis to examine the floristic composition of three classified forest communities: forests developed on post-coal mine mineral heaps (HF), mixed deciduous forests (DECI), and managed secondary coniferous forests (CON). Vegetation data were collected from 44 randomly selected plots, and plant traits connected with persistence, dispersal, and regeneration were taken from commonly used plant trait databases. (3): Higher species richness, species diversity, and evenness (36, 2.7, and 0.76, respectively) were calculated for HF plots compared with those plots from DECI (22, 1.9, and 0.62) and CON (18, 2.0, and 0.71) plots. Higher functional richness (0.173, 0.76) and functional divergence were determined for HF compared with those calculated for DECI (FRic 0.090, FDiv 0.71) and CON (FRic 0.026, FDiv 0.69). In contrast, the substrate from HF forests had significantly lower soil respiration (0.76 mg-CO2 h/m2) compared with substrates from both CON and DECI forests (0.90 and 0.96 mg-CO2 h/m2, respectively); (4): A set of complex abiotic stresses which plants suffer from on coal mine spoil heaps shaped different patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity. These findings demonstrate the importance of investigating successional aspects and carbon dynamics of de novo forests which have developed on post-coal mine spoil heaps in urban industrial areas.
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(This article belongs to the Section Urban Forestry)
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Open AccessArticle
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: An Innovative Tool for Rapid Identification of Hylurgus ligniperda, an Invasive Pest
by
Jianlin Wang, Jing Tao, Zhijun Dong and Jiaqiang Zhu
Forests 2024, 15(4), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040729 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Hylurgus ligniperda is an imported quarantine plant pest in China. Its identification is usually based on morphological characteristics; therefore, species identification needs high professional requirements of staff and professionals with high experience accumulated through long-term training. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF
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Hylurgus ligniperda is an imported quarantine plant pest in China. Its identification is usually based on morphological characteristics; therefore, species identification needs high professional requirements of staff and professionals with high experience accumulated through long-term training. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a rapid identification technology, which is based on protein profiles of species. It has been widely used for the identification of pathogenic microorganisms. Many studies have reported the identification of mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods. The application of MALDI-TOF MS in the identification of H. ligniperda can improve the identification efficiency of H. ligniperda, preventing and control its harm and further spread. To construct a spectra database for H. ligniperda, we analyzed the effect of different factors, such as different body parts, developmental stages, populations, and preservation conditions, on its protein spectrum. We collected protein spectrum profiles from 19 specimens of H. ligniperda and its related species, obtaining 211 protein spectra to construct a reference database and validate identification. The protein spectrum from the chest specimens of H. ligniperda showed many peaks, high intensity, and a stable signal, indicating a successful data establishment. The difference in protein spectra between different regions of the same species was less, but did not affect the identification results. Clear differences were observed in the protein spectrum across many developmental stages. The database established by the adult specimens protein spectrum can accurately identify Dendroctonus valens, Tomicus piniperda, and H. ligniperda. MALDI-TOF MS technology can be used for the rapid identification of H. ligniperda. This method is rapid and direct, and the identification results are robust. It does not require specialized entomological expertise and can be used for customs interception and field investigations.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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Open AccessArticle
Synergistic Impacts of Built-Up Characteristics and Background Climate on Urban Vegetation Phenology: Evidence from Beijing, China
by
Xuecheng Fu and Bao-Jie He
Forests 2024, 15(4), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040728 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
Vegetation is an important strategy for mitigating heat island effects, owed to its shading and evaporative cooling functions. However, urbanization has significantly affected regional vegetation phenology and can potentially weaken the cooling potential of vegetation. Previous studies have mainly focused on national and
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Vegetation is an important strategy for mitigating heat island effects, owed to its shading and evaporative cooling functions. However, urbanization has significantly affected regional vegetation phenology and can potentially weaken the cooling potential of vegetation. Previous studies have mainly focused on national and regional vegetation phenology, but local-scale vegetation phenology and dynamic variations in built-up areas remain unclear. Therefore, this study characterized the vegetation phenology in the densely built-up area of Beijing, China over the period of 2000–2020 based on high-resolution NDVI data using Savitzky–Golay filtering and explored its spatiotemporal characteristics and drivers. The results indicate that the vegetation phenology exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity and clustering characteristics. Compared with vegetation in peripheral blocks, vegetation in central urban blocks generally has an earlier start in the growing season (SOS), later end in the growing season (EOS), and a longer growing season length (GSL). However, the overall distribution of these parameters has experienced a process of decentralization along with urbanization. In terms of drivers, vegetation phenology indicators are mainly influenced by background climate. Specifically, SOS and GSL are mainly affected by temperature (TEP), whereas EOS is mainly influenced by annual precipitation (PRE). Additionally, local environmental factors, particularly the percentage of water body (WAP), also have an impact. Notably, the local environment and background climate have a synergistic effect on vegetation phenology, which is greater than their individual effects. Overall, this study extends the current knowledge on the response of vegetation phenology to urbanization by investigating long-term vegetation phenology dynamics in dense urban areas and provides new insights into the complex interactions between vegetation phenology and built environments.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 3rd Volume)
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Open AccessReview
Review on the Application of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Forest Planning and Sustainable Management
by
Jiajia Zhao, Clive Davies, Charlotte Veal, Chengyang Xu, Xinna Zhang and Fengzhen Yu
Forests 2024, 15(4), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040727 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
Despite growing recognition of nature-based solutions (NBS), there remains a research gap in understanding their implementation in urban areas, which poses a significant challenge for urban forest development. Therefore, our paper aims to explore the intersection of NBS with urban forests (UF), identify
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Despite growing recognition of nature-based solutions (NBS), there remains a research gap in understanding their implementation in urban areas, which poses a significant challenge for urban forest development. Therefore, our paper aims to explore the intersection of NBS with urban forests (UF), identify current barriers, propose strategies to maximize the potential of urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) in effectively improving the resilience of urban forests, and enhance the service capacity of urban forest ecosystems. To achieve our objective, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that included a bibliometric review to summarize the evolution of the UF-NBS literature and classify UF-NBS types for the first time. Subsequently, we identified and organized current challenges faced by UF-NBS. Additionally, we proposed an original technological framework system for urban forest development based on NBS principles. The results show the significance of UF-NBS for enhancing urban resilience and human wellbeing, with multiple successful implementations in both China and Europe, validating their effectiveness. However, the implementation of UF-NBS faces several challenges, including inadequate financing, the gap between scientific knowledge and practical implementation, the absence of region-specific information, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. This study contributes to establishing a scientific theoretical basis for integrating UF and NBS and provides a systematic approach for decision-makers in urban forest management. Future research should focus on exploring the integration of UF within the NBS framework and prioritize knowledge sharing, international cooperation, and education initiatives to promote the global adoption of UF-NBS and address pressing urban challenges.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry and Sustainable Cities)
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Open AccessArticle
Predicting Fine Dead Fuel Load of Forest Floors Based on Image Euler Numbers
by
Yunlin Zhang and Lingling Tian
Forests 2024, 15(4), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040726 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
The fine dead fuel load on forest floors is the most critical classification feature in fuel description systems, affecting several parameters in the manifestation of wildland fires. An accurate determination of this fine dead fuel load contributes substantially to effective wildland fire prevention,
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The fine dead fuel load on forest floors is the most critical classification feature in fuel description systems, affecting several parameters in the manifestation of wildland fires. An accurate determination of this fine dead fuel load contributes substantially to effective wildland fire prevention, monitoring, and suppression. This study investigated the viability of incorporating image Euler numbers into predictive models of fine dead fuel load via the taking photos method. Pinus massoniana needles and Quercus fabri broad leaves—typical fuel types in karst areas—served as the research subjects. Accurate field data were collected in the Tianhe Mountain forests, China, while artificial fine dead fuelbeds of differing loads were constructed in the laboratory. Images of the artificial fuelbeds were captured and uniformly digitized according to various conversion thresholds. Thereafter, the Euler numbers were extracted, their relationship with fuel load was analyzed, and this relationship was applied to generate three load-prediction models based on stepwise regression, nonlinear fitting, and random forest algorithms. The Euler number had a significant relationship with both P. massoniana and Q. fabri fuel loads. At low conversion thresholds, the Euler number was negatively correlated with fuel load, whereas a positive correlation was recorded when this threshold exceeded a certain value. The random forest model showed the best prediction performance, with mean relative errors of 9.35% and 14.54% for P. massoniana and Q. fabri, respectively. The nonlinear fitting model displayed the next best performance, while the stepwise regression model exhibited the largest error, which was significantly different from that of the random forest model. This study is the first to propose the use of image features to predict the fine fuel load on a surface. The results are more objective, accurate, and time-saving than current fuel load estimates, benefiting fuel load research and the scientific management of wildland fires.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Fire Regimes and Forest Fuels: Characterization and Modelling in a Climate Change Scenario)
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Open AccessArticle
The Nitrogen Cycle of a Cool-Temperate Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forest
by
Ruoming Cao, Siyu Chen, Shinpei Yoshitake, Takeo Onishi, Yasuo Iimura and Toshiyuki Ohtsuka
Forests 2024, 15(4), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040725 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
The nitrogen (N) cycle, a major biogeochemical cycle in forest ecosystems, notably affects ecosystem multifunctionality. However, the magnitude and role of organic N and the snow season remain uncertain in this cycle. We assessed the N flux and pool data of a temperate
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The nitrogen (N) cycle, a major biogeochemical cycle in forest ecosystems, notably affects ecosystem multifunctionality. However, the magnitude and role of organic N and the snow season remain uncertain in this cycle. We assessed the N flux and pool data of a temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest to clarify N cycle processes. The results showed that the most important component of the N pool was the soil N pool. The N demand of the site amounted to 139.4 kg N ha−1 year−1 and was divided into tree production (83.8%) and bamboo production (16.2%). We clarified that retranslocation (37.4%), mineralization at a soil depth of 0–5 cm (15.3%), litter leachate (4.6%), throughfall (2.3%), and canopy uptake (0.5%) provided 60.1% of the N demand. In terms of soil at 0–5 cm in depth, the net mineralization rate during the snow season contributed to 30% of the annual mineralization. We concluded that the study site was not N-saturated as a result of a positive N input–output flux budget. More than half of the total N was accounted for by dissolved organic N flowing through several pathways, indicating that organic N plays a vital role in the cycle. The mineralization rate in the soil layer during the snow season is an important link in the N cycle.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecophysiology and Biology)
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Open AccessArticle
Mixed Chinese Fir Plantations Alter the C, N, and P Resource Limitations Influencing Microbial Metabolism in Soil Aggregates
by
Han Zhang, Yongzhen Huang, Yahui Lan, Yaqin He, Shengqiang Wang, Chenyang Jiang, Yuhong Cui, Rongyuan Fan and Shaoming Ye
Forests 2024, 15(4), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040724 - 21 Apr 2024
Abstract
Assessing the limitations of microbial metabolic resources is crucial for understanding plantation soil quality and enhancing fertility management. However, the variation of microbial resource limitations at the aggregate level in response to changes in stands remains unclear. This research explores carbon (C), nitrogen
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Assessing the limitations of microbial metabolic resources is crucial for understanding plantation soil quality and enhancing fertility management. However, the variation of microbial resource limitations at the aggregate level in response to changes in stands remains unclear. This research explores carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) limitations affecting microbial metabolism in bulk soils and aggregates in two mixed and one pure Chinese fir stands in subtropical China, analyzing resource limitations concerning soil carbon, nutrients, and microbial indicators. The results revealed that microbes in all aggregates of the pure stands and in the micro aggregates (<0.25 mm) of the three stands were relatively limited by C and P. In contrast, microbial metabolism was more N-limited in macroaggregates (>2 mm) and small aggregates (2–0.25 mm) in the mixed stands. Additionally, in the mixed stands the proportion of soil macroaggregates increased, and that of micro aggregates decreased, resulting in a shift from C and P limitation to N limitation for bulk soil microbial metabolism. Redundancy analysis identified soil aggregate organic carbon and nutrient content as the main factors affecting microbial resource limitation, rather than their stoichiometric ratios. Pathway analysis further confirmed that soil nutrients and their stoichiometric ratios indirectly influenced soil microbe resource limitation by regulating microbial biomass, microbial respiration, and extracellular enzyme activities. Thus, the impact of mixed plantations on soil nutrients and microbial activity at the aggregate level may be crucial for maintaining land fertility and achieving sustainability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Changes in Forests)
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Open AccessArticle
Predicting the Spatial Distribution of the Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) under Climate Change Scenarios Using MaxEnt Modeling
by
Zeshuai Deng, Xin Xia, Mu Zhang, Xiangying Chen, Xiangyun Ding, Bing Zhang, Guoxing Deng and Daode Yang
Forests 2024, 15(4), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040723 - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study explores the critical issue of understanding the potential impacts of climate change on the habitat suitability of the highly endangered forest-dwelling Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) in China. Through the application of the MaxEnt model, high-resolution bioclimatic datasets, and
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This study explores the critical issue of understanding the potential impacts of climate change on the habitat suitability of the highly endangered forest-dwelling Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) in China. Through the application of the MaxEnt model, high-resolution bioclimatic datasets, and species occurrence data, the research aims to elucidate the spatial and temporal dynamics of P. mangshanensis distribution from the present to the years 2050 and 2070. Through the integration of three climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and exploring different shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585), the study seeks to provide comprehensive insights into the potential variations in habitat suitability under diverse future climate conditions. The methodology employed involves the construction of the MaxEnt model utilizing the BioClim dataset and 83 species occurrence points. The SSP scenarios mentioned above represent future climate change scenarios, and the accuracy of the model is evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Key findings reveal that the MaxEnt model exhibits high accuracy (AUC = 0.998), pinpointing the current suitable habitat for P. mangshanensis to be confined to the Mangshan area within the Nanling Mountains, covering an approximate area of 1023.12 km2. However, projections based on future climate scenarios suggest notable shifts in habitat suitability dynamics. While potential suitable habitats may emerge in the northwest of the current range, the existing suitable habitats are anticipated to undergo significant reduction or even complete disappearance. Notably, precipitation during the driest month emerges as a critical determinant influencing the distribution of the species. In conclusion, the study underscores the exacerbating impact of climate change on habitat deterioration and survival risks for P. mangshanensis, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures to safeguard the remaining suitable habitats for this endangered species. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, with the anticipated contraction of the snake’s range potentially leading to its disappearance and increased habitat fragmentation. By shedding light on the potential distributional changes of P. mangshanensis in Mangshan, the research provides valuable insights for informing targeted conservation strategies and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on endangered species.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Species Distribution, Diversity and Growth under Climate Change)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of the Hole Diameter in Mechanical Properties of Wood: Experimental and Numerical Approaches
by
Arthur B. Guidoti, Arthur B. Aramburu, Andrey P. Acosta, Darci A. Gatto, André L. Missio, Rafael Beltrame, Maikson L. P. Tonatto and Rafael A. Delucis
Forests 2024, 15(4), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040722 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Introducing openings or holes into wooden structures is a common practice for providing utility services. However, this practice leads to stress concentration, resulting in a reduction in stiffness and load-carrying capacity. Therefore, understanding the effects of holes on beam properties is important for
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Introducing openings or holes into wooden structures is a common practice for providing utility services. However, this practice leads to stress concentration, resulting in a reduction in stiffness and load-carrying capacity. Therefore, understanding the effects of holes on beam properties is important for design considerations. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of a wooden beam made from juvenile Pinus elliottii containing open cylindrical holes with three different diameters: 4, 8, and 12 mm. The mechanical properties were evaluated for compression parallel to the fibers, quasi-static bending, and tension perpendicular to the fibers. Numerical simulations were conducted using a finite element (FE) model, considering the orthotropic elastic properties determined from experimental tests and elastic ratios reported in the literature. The experimental results indicated that the influence of hole diameter was not significant on the compressive properties; however, longitudinal crack failures began to form for holes with diameters of 8–12 mm. Regardless of hole size, the compressive and bending characteristics revealed that hole location did not affect the stiffness, strength, or damage mechanisms.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Study of Wood Mechanical and Physical Properties)
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Open AccessArticle
Mycorrhizal Associations between Helvella bachu and Its Host Plants
by
Caihong Wei, Mengqian Liu, Jianwei Hu, Lili Zhang and Caihong Dong
Forests 2024, 15(4), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040721 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Helvella bachu, a prized edible and medicinal fungus, is primarily found in the forests of Populus euphratica, an ancient and endangered species crucial to desert riparian ecosystems. Despite extensive efforts, the isolation of pure cultures and cultivation of fruiting bodies of
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Helvella bachu, a prized edible and medicinal fungus, is primarily found in the forests of Populus euphratica, an ancient and endangered species crucial to desert riparian ecosystems. Despite extensive efforts, the isolation of pure cultures and cultivation of fruiting bodies of H. bachu have remained elusive. While some species within the Helvella genus have been confirmed as ectomycorrhizal fungi, others have been considered either saprotrophic or mycorrhizal. By integrating field observations of H. bachu habitat, macro- and micro-anatomical examination of plant root tips, and molecular data from fruiting bodies, mycorrhizae, and host plants, it has been confirmed that H. bachu forms ectomycorrhizal associations with Populus trees. The mycorrhiza of H. bachu displays a light earth color with a curved smooth cylindrical shape. It features a thick mantle and the presence of a Hartig net, accompanied by a small amount of epitaxy mycelia. Morphological observation of the root tips requires meticulous handling, and the paraffin section technique has yielded noteworthy results. Host plants encompass four Populus species, including P. euphratica, P. pruinosa, P. nigra, and P. alba var. pyramidalis (synonym Populus bolleana). A conservation area was established within the young P. euphratica forest at Tarim University, resulting in a 14.75% increase in the quantity of fruiting bodies during the second year. Establishing a conservation area and in situ propagation of H. bachu holds economic and ecological implications. This study will contribute to the conservation of resources related to H. bachu and P. euphratica.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Interactions with Host Trees and Forest Sustainability)
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Open AccessReview
Temperature and Precipitation Significantly Affect Resource Allocation in Dioecious Plants: A Meta-Analysis
by
Mingjie Zhao, Xinna Zhang, Chengyang Xu, Pin Li and Raffaele Latortezza
Forests 2024, 15(4), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040720 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Dioecious plants are often used in landscaping because of sex differences in individual appearance, resistance and ornamental value. Although a large number of studies have investigated the overall differences in resource allocation between different sexes in dioecious plants, the effects of environmental factors
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Dioecious plants are often used in landscaping because of sex differences in individual appearance, resistance and ornamental value. Although a large number of studies have investigated the overall differences in resource allocation between different sexes in dioecious plants, the effects of environmental factors such as temperature and precipitation on resource allocation in sex-dimorphic plants are not fully understood. In order to explore the influencing factors, 39 works of literature on dioecious plant resource allocation published in English databases from 1992 to 2023 were selected, and the biomass data of dioecious plant stems, leaves, flowers and fruits from these pieces of literature were extracted. A total of 545 independent experimental groups were obtained, which were divided into four groups for analysis, and the data were analyzed using METAWIN 2.1 software. Four sets of data were used to quantitatively study the effects of different temperatures, precipitations and life forms on the resource allocation of dioecious plants of different sexes in large-scale space. The results showed that female plants invested more resources in reproductive growth and less resources in vegetative growth. In terms of total biomass, the average biomass of female plants was 3.09% higher than that of male plants, indicating that female plants reduced nutrient investment to compensate for reproductive investment in the process of resource allocation. Temperature and precipitation significantly affect the adaptability of male and female plants to environmental changes and the cooperative relationships among the stressed components. The vegetative biomass investment of female plants showed a positive correlation with the increase in temperature, while the reproductive biomass showed a negative correlation with the decrease. The average annual precipitation had little effect on the vegetative biomass of dioecious plants, but had a significant effect on reproductive biomass. The study of this trade-off relationship is helpful in revealing the relationship between vegetative growth and reproductive growth of plants, exploring the countermeasures of plant life history, and providing a scientific basis for urban landscaping and urban forest management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry and Sustainable Cities)
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Spatial-Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Driving Force Analysis of NDVI in Hubei Province, China, from 2000 to 2022
by
Peng Chen, Hongzhong Pan, Yaohui Xu, Wenxiang He and Huaming Yao
Forests 2024, 15(4), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040719 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Exploring the characteristics of vegetation dynamics and quantitatively analyzing the potential drivers and the strength of their interactions are of great significance to regional ecological environmental protection and sustainable development. Therefore, based on the 2000–2022 MODIS NDVI dataset, supplemented by climatic, topographic, surface
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Exploring the characteristics of vegetation dynamics and quantitatively analyzing the potential drivers and the strength of their interactions are of great significance to regional ecological environmental protection and sustainable development. Therefore, based on the 2000–2022 MODIS NDVI dataset, supplemented by climatic, topographic, surface cover, and anthropogenic data for the same period, the Sen+Mann–Kendall trend analysis, coefficient of variation, and Hurst exponent were employed to examine the spatial and temporal characteristics and trends of NDVI in Hubei Province, and a partial correlation analysis and geographical detector were used to explore the strength of the influence of driving factors on the spatial differentiation of NDVI in vegetation and the underlying mechanisms of interaction. The results showed that (1) the mean NDVI value of vegetation in Hubei Province was 0.762 over 23 years, with an overall increasing trend and fluctuating upward at a rate of 0.01/10a (p < 0.005); geospatially, there is a pattern of “low east and high west”; the spatial change in NDVI shows a trend of “large-scale improvement in the surrounding hills and mountains and small-scale degradation in the middle plains”; it also presents the spatial fluctuation characteristics of “uniform distribution in general, an obvious difference between urban and rural areas, and a high fluctuation of rivers and reservoirs”, (2) the future trend of NDVI in 70.76% of the region in Hubei Province is likely to maintain the same trend as that of the 2000–2022 period, with 70.78% of the future development being benign and dominated by sustained improvement, and (3) a combination of partial correlation analysis and geographical detector analysis of the drivers of vegetation NDVI change shows that land cover type and soil type are the main drivers; the interactions affecting the distribution and change characteristics of NDVI vegetation all showed two-factor enhancement or nonlinear enhancement relationships. This study contributes to a better understanding of the change mechanisms in vegetation NDVI in Hubei Province, providing support for differentiated ecological protection and project implementation.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Multi-Scale Geographic Environmental Monitoring: Theory, Methodology and Applications)
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Response of Plant Phenology on Microclimate Change Depending on Land Use Intensity in Seoul, Central Korea
by
A-Reum Kim, Jaewon Seol, Bong-Soon Lim, Chi-Hong Lim, Gyung-Soon Kim and Chang-Seok Lee
Forests 2024, 15(4), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040718 - 18 Apr 2024
Abstract
The difference in the leaf unfolding date of Mongolian oak obtained through MODIS image analysis between the urban center and the outskirts of Seoul was found to be seven days. The difference in the flowering date of cherry obtained through field observations was
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The difference in the leaf unfolding date of Mongolian oak obtained through MODIS image analysis between the urban center and the outskirts of Seoul was found to be seven days. The difference in the flowering date of cherry obtained through field observations was also found to be seven days between the urban center and the outskirts. The frequency of the abnormal shoot of Korean red pine differed by 71% between the urban center and the outskirts, and the length growth differed by 8.6 cm. There was a statistically significant correlation between the leaf unfolding date of Mongolian oak, the flowering date of the cherry, and the spatial difference in the frequency and length of the abnormal shoot of the Korean red pine. The temperature difference between the urban center and the outskirts of Seoul based on the mean temperature over the past 30 years was about 5 °C. The spatial difference in plant phenology showed a statistically significant negative relationship with the spatial difference in temperature. On the other hand, the spatial difference in temperature showed a statistically significant positive relationship with the spatial difference in the urbanization rate. These results are interpreted as the result of excessive land use during urbanization causing the heat island phenomenon, and the resulting temperature difference is reflected in the phenology of plants. These results are evidence that urbanization, which uses excessive land and energy, has a very significant impact on climate change. In addition, it is also evidence that sustainable land use could be an important means to achieve climate change adaptation and further solve climate change problems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Forest Meteorology and Climate Change)
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