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Abstract: Purpose of review This review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with using unconventional and underutilized wood sources, such as fast-growing species, logging residues, fire-damaged wood, and post-consumer wood, to manufacture wood-based composite panels (WBCPs), particularly particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board. This paper also discusses recent advancements in lightweight and multifunctional panels, with new features such as fire resistance, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, and antibacterial laminates. Recent findings Climate change, wildfires, and competition from the energy sector threaten current sources of fiber supply for WBCP manufacturing in some regions. Logging residues are abundant but underutilized in some areas, and the abundance of fire-damaged wood is expected to increase in the coming years due to climate change. These raw materials’ effects on panel properties and technological limitations are discussed. Recycled wood is increasingly used for non-structural panels, but challenges remain when it comes to recycling panels, particularly post-consumer MDF. Conventional and emerging materials used in lightweight and multifunctional panels are also presented. Natural substances like cellulose, nanocellulose, chitosan, lignin, protein, and phytic acid are promising alternatives to conventional fire retardants. Innovative products such as MDF that contains carbon-based conductive fibers and antimicrobial laminates that use green-synthesized metal compounds are also reported. Summary This review shows that the WBCP industry can improve its sustainability by optimizing and diversifying wood sources, better managing and recycling post-consumer panels, and using more environmentally friendly materials. The hazardous chemicals in adhesives, fire retardants, and coatings are the main obstacles to recycling panels and creating a more circular economy within the WBCP industry. PubDate: 2024-08-17
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Abstract: Purpose of Review In recent years, the use of 3D point clouds in silviculture and forest ecology has seen a large increase in interest. With the development of novel 3D capture technologies, such as laser scanning, an increasing number of algorithms have been developed in parallel to process 3D point cloud data into more tangible results for forestry applications. From this variety of available algorithms, it can be challenging for users to decide which to apply to fulfil their goals best. Here, we present an extensive overview of point cloud acquisition and processing tools as well as their outputs for precision forestry. We then provide a comprehensive database of 24 algorithms for processing forest point clouds obtained using close-range techniques, specifically ground-based platforms. Recent Findings Of the 24 solutions identified, 20 are open-source, two are free software, and the remaining two are commercial products. The compiled database of solutions, along with the corresponding technical guides on installation and general use, is accessible on a web-based platform as part of the COST Action 3DForEcoTech. The database may serve the community as a single source of information to select a specific software/algorithm that works for their requirements. Summary We conclude that the development of various algorithms for processing point clouds offers powerful tools that can considerably impact forest inventories in the future, although we note the necessity of creating a standardisation paradigm. PubDate: 2024-08-17
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Abstract: Purpose of the Review The aim of the review was to better understand the impacts of the dominant harvesting systems in Europe, namely harvester-forwarder (HFW), chainsaw-skidder (CSK), and chainsaw-cable yarder (CCY). Furthermore, we aimed to learn how the impact categories environment, economy, ergonomics, people and society, and quality optimization are related to the European biogeographical regions Boreal, Continental, Alpine, and Mediterranean forests. Based on this, key drivers for the future development of forest operations were identified. It was specifically not the aim to develop models through the outcome of this study. Recent Findings HFW harvesting systems dominate in Boreal (99%) and Continental forests (72%). In Alpine forests the most relevant, even when not dominant, harvesting system is CCY (47%). CSK harvesting systems are applied in all biogeographical regions, with a focus on Mediterranean (70%), Alpine (50%) and Continental (22%) forests. Major drivers for harvesting system development were identified: (i) increased environmental constraints, (ii) increased complexity of harvesting caused by an increasing area of mixed-forest stands, (iii) increased resource efficiency fostered by a growing demand for wood products, (iv) a reduced available work force resulting from heightened competition for skilled worker and an aging population, and (v) more transparent work and material flows through the introduction of digitalization. Summary A literature review from 110 journal articles and 975 datasets from four biogeographical regions in Europe, specifically from Estonia, Germany, Spain and Switzerland was performed. Most of the reviewed papers included information about economic or environmental impacts, while ergonomics, quality optimization and societal aspects were less in focus. The impacts from the HFW, CSK and CCY harvesting systems were evaluated against regional conditions. Unfortunately, a common understanding of harvesting system evaluation is missing, which limits the comparability of results between different regions. PubDate: 2024-08-02
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Conventional formaldehyde-based adhesives for wood-based composite panels are subject to significant concerns due to their formaldehyde emissions. Over the past decade, the wood adhesive industry has undergone a considerable transformation that is characterized by a major push in bio-adhesive development. Various bio-based materials have been explored to create alternatives to conventional formaldehyde-based adhesives. Moreover, growing interest in circularity has led to increasingly exploiting industrial coproducts and by-products to find innovative solutions. Recent Findings Industrial production generates many coproducts that can serve as renewable resources to produce eco-friendly materials. These coproducts offer alternative supply sources for material production without encroaching on food production. Many bio-based compounds or coproducts, such as saccharides, proteins, tannins, and lignocellulosic biomass, can also be used to develop bio-based adhesives. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce formaldehyde emissions, new hardeners and crosslinkers are being developed to replace formaldehyde and bio-scavengers. Other alternatives, such as binderless panels, are also emerging. Summary This review focuses on sources of bio-based material derived from by-products of various industries, which have many advantages and disadvantages when incorporated into adhesives. Modification methods to enhance their properties and performance in wood-based panels are also discussed. Additionally, alternatives for developing low-emission or formaldehyde-free adhesives are addressed, including hardeners, bio-scavengers, and binderless options. Finally, the environmental impact of bio-based adhesives compared to that of synthetic alternatives is detailed. PubDate: 2024-07-30
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Since the late 1990s, researchers have been increasingly utilising digital methodologies to assess the branch structure of trees. The emergence of commercial terrestrial laser scanners during this period catalysed an entirely new domain focused on point cloud-based research. Over the years, this field has transformed from a complex computational discipline into a practical tool that effectively supports research endeavours. Through the combined use of non-destructive remote sensing techniques and advanced analytical methods, branch characterisation can now be carried out at an unprecedented level. Recent Findings While terrestrial laser scanning has traditionally been the dominant methodology for this research domain, the increased use of mobile laser scanners and unmanned aerial vehicles indicates a transition towards more mobile platforms. Quantitative structural modelling (QSM) has been pivotal in advancing this field, enhancing branch characterisation capabilities across diverse fields. The past five years have seen increased uptake of 2D and 3D deep learning techniques as alternatives. Summary This article presents a comprehensive synthesis of approximately 25 years of research in the field of digital branch characterisation, reviewing the data capture technologies and analytical methods, along with the forest types and tree species to which these technologies have been applied. It explores the current trends in this dynamic field of research, research gaps and some of the key challenges that remain within this field. In this review, we placed particular emphasis on the potential resolution of the significant challenge associated with occlusion through the utilisation of mobile technologies, such as mobile laser scanners and unmanned aerial vehicles. We highlight the need for a more cohesive method for assessing point cloud quality and derived structural model accuracy, and benchmarking data sets that can be used to test new and existing algorithms. PubDate: 2024-07-25
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Forests play an essential role in conserving pollinating insects and supporting pollination services in mixed-use landscapes and are particularly important to species that require resources restricted to forests. However, some forests provide higher quality habitat for these organisms than others. The primary objectives of this article are to 1) review how pollinator communities are influenced by changes in forest structure, composition, and age, 2) explore how these patterns differ between conifer and broadleaf forests, and 3) provide recommendations for managers interested in optimizing forest conditions for pollinating insects. Recent Findings Although biodiversity generally increases as forests mature and become more structurally and compositionally complex, patterns exhibited by pollinating insects vary depending on forest type and prevailing disturbance regimes. For example, conifer forests can either sustain pollinator diversity comparable to open habitats or experience reduced pollinator diversity depending on the openness of the canopy. In broadleaf forests, pollinator diversity often increases with age (following the stem exclusion stage) and increasing tree diversity, and diversity in these areas can exceed what is observed in open habitats even under closed-canopy conditions. Such patterns likely reflect the importance of flowering broadleaf trees to pollinators, including many forest-dependent species, and suggest that optimal management practices for conserving pollinators differ between conifer and broadleaf forests. Summary We conclude that: 1) the quality of forests to pollinating insects is a function of forest structure and composition as mediated by forest age and disturbance history and 2) best management practices need to be developed separately for conserving pollinators in conifer and broadleaf forests. Research aimed at better understanding the value of different broadleaf tree taxa to pollinators, especially forest-dependent species, is needed. PubDate: 2024-07-09
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Abstract: Purpose of the Review Many LiDAR remote sensing studies over the past decade promised data fusion as a potential avenue to increase accuracy, spatial-temporal resolution, and information extraction in the final data products. Here, we performed a structured literature review to analyze relevant studies on these topics published in the last decade and the main motivations and applications for fusion, and the methods used. We discuss the findings with a panel of experts and report important lessons, main challenges, and future directions. Recent Findings LiDAR fusion with other datasets, including multispectral, hyperspectral, and radar, is found to be useful for a variety of applications in the literature, both at individual tree level and at area level, for tree/crown segmentation, aboveground biomass assessments, canopy height, tree species identification, structural parameters, and fuel load assessments etc. In most cases, gains are achieved in improving the accuracy (e.g. better tree species classifications), and spatial-temporal resolution (e.g. for canopy height). However, questions remain regarding whether the marginal improvements reported in a range of studies are worth the extra investment, specifically from an operational point of view. We also provide a clear definition of “data fusion” to inform the scientific community on data fusion, combination, and integration. Summary This review provides a positive outlook for LiDAR fusion applications in the decade to come, while raising questions about the trade-off between benefits versus the time and effort needed for collecting and combining multiple datasets. PubDate: 2024-06-21
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The spatial forest planning concept has evolved as an essential component of the forest management planning process. The development of both exact and heuristic modeling techniques as analytical solution techniques have seen significant progress in application to spatial forest planning over the last two decades. This paper aims at providing a comprehensive review of the current state of spatial forest planning in both scope and depth, focusing on different approaches and techniques used, the challenges faced, and the potential future developments. For that purpose, we conduct a world-wide literature review and an extensive analysis of the status and trends over the past two decades in spatial forest planning. Recent Findings The literature review indicates that recent advancements have led to the development of new algorithms/formulations for addressing spatial constraints in forest planning with exact solution techniques. Nevertheless, it highlights further that heuristic techniques are still widely used, especially in large real-world problems that encompass multiple ecosystem services and constraints. Besides the provisioning services, there has been a noticeable increase in the proportion of regulating, supporting and cultural services addressed in objective functions of forest management planning models. Adjacency/green-up relationships, opening size, core area, wildlife habitat and the spatial arrangement of fuel treatments have been considered as indicators to address the provision of these services and spatial forest problem. Summary We pinpoint persistent challenges to using exact modeling techniques to address large real problems with multiple ecosystems services. We highlight further that determining the optimal combination and values of heuristic parameters and assessing the quality of heuristic solutions remains a central challenge. Finally, we highlight the potential of artificial intelligence to overcome computational obstacles to the application of both exact and heuristic techniques to spatially explicit forest management planning. PubDate: 2024-06-08 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00222-8
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Forest tree diseases are a major contributor to forest degradation and loss of productivity. They are often quite complex in their causation (etiology), especially in the case of forest syndromes, i.e. diseases with multiple causes and concurrent symptoms. Traditionally, to prove pathogenicity of a microbial agent, and thus correctly diagnose the etiology of a disease, plant pathologists must satisfy all of the so-called Koch’s postulates, as mandated by their deontological code. This review examines whether this approach is still current. Recent Findings Koch’s postulates state that a pathogen is a microorganism that, after being isolated in pure culture, can reproduce the disease when it is inoculated into a healthy plant. Over the decades, plant pathologists as well as medical scientists have discovered that these postulates are not always applicable in their entirety and that, furthermore, novel approaches based on molecular biology can be very helpful in uncovering relationships between microbes and diseases that are not easily proven using Koch’s postulates. Summary I conclude that Koch’s postulates are not a viable approach for many forest tree diseases and propose a set of new guidelines, based on the preponderance of the evidence principle, to integrate this proven approach and bring it into the twenty-first century. PubDate: 2024-05-29 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00220-w
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Agroforestry and urban forestry have evolved mainly as separate disciplines, although they share a long history of tree cultivation in man-made environments. Here, we review their common threads, exploring how trees in both systems interact with and shape their environments. We examine common themes and methodologies – ranging from tree growth dynamics to environmental stressors, ecosystem services provision, and questions of governance – and identify opportunities for synergies between these fields. Recent Findings We emphasize the potential of agroforestry and urban forestry for enhancing multifunctional landscapes. Geographical divides in research are evident, with agroforestry predominantly studied in the Global South and urban forestry receiving more attention in the Global North. However, significant research gaps provide avenues for collaboration, for instance, addressing challenges in capturing the monetary and socio-cultural value of ecosystem services and environmental justice considerations. Summary In light of the growing need for integrated approaches in addressing contemporary challenges, from climate change mitigation and adaptation to community well-being, our review explores what these research fields can learn from each other and provides recommendations for fostering greater interdisciplinary dialogue and new avenues for collaborations in a meaningful and synergistic manner, aiming to advance policy, research, and practice in agroforestry and urban forestry. PubDate: 2024-05-28 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00221-9
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The aim of this literature review was to bring together the most relevant and recent research information on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions caused by the fully mechanized cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting machinery when applied to industrial roundwood. A specific aim of this review was to describe the effect of different independent variables on fuel consumption in fully mechanized CTL wood-harvesting operations. Recent Findings The review showed that the engine power of CTL forest machines accounts for most of the variance in the hourly fuel consumption of both harvesters and forwarders. We underline that the cubic-metre-based fuel consumption of CTL forest machines is correlated to the same factors that affect work productivity. Among all influencing factors, the average stem size, removal intensity and silvicultural treatment have the strongest effect on the fuel consumption per m3 incurred with felling-processing, whereas forwarding distance, removal intensity and payload size are the main drivers of fuel consumption per m3 as incurred with extraction. Further influencing factors are soil type (mineral soil or peatland), use of tracks, assortment type and machine size. Together with those factors, the role of the machine operator remains crucial and is dependent on two separate skills: the capacity to achieve high productivity, and that to apply fuel-saving driving techniques. Summary The easiest way to reduce the carbon footprint of CTL harvesting machines is to increase the productivity of the harvesting work, for example by giving machine operator-specific training to utilize more efficient work methods and economic energy-efficient driving techniques. Furthermore, several other measures to reduce the carbon footprint of CTL harvesting operations were discussed in this review. Finally, we recommend that all essential variables that have a significant impact on the productivity of harvesting work, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reported in study papers in the future. PubDate: 2024-05-14 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00219-3
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The forest industry has deployed systems of information and communication technology to improve the productivity of forest supply chains. In this sense, the digitalization of data flows significantly impacts wood supply chains, from forest to mills, which must react flexibly to market fluctuations of forest products. The goal of this study was to conduct a literature review on data flow implementations in management systems of wood supply chains and to evaluate their applicability in supply chains to analyze the opportunities for improving them in practice. Recent Findings We utilized the ScienceDirect database, Scopus, and Web of Science in order to document data flows in systems and actual applications. Due to ongoing outsourcing, the wood procurement chains and the wood supply chains were identified in the forest industry. In addition to industrial wood data, several different data collection technologies can be implemented in wood supply chains to digitalize the forest data depending on the specific needs of organizations. In this regard, the digitalization of big data causes significant changes in available data elements of practical operations that are integrated and standardized in the optimization and simulation systems. Summary A modeling guide is suggested for accurate dynamic solution of problems of forest logistics. Then, the opportunities in digitalization for connecting different data flows, technologies, and stakeholders are discussed thoroughly. We conclude that data-driven dynamic optimization and locally implemented digitalization contribute to wood supply modeling in the ongoing establishment of standards for cloud-based platforms because modeling time-related and sequential measures will ensure successful forest logistics through planning and monitoring wood supply chains. PubDate: 2024-04-04 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00218-4
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Abstract: Purpose of Review In this review, we synthesise current knowledge on trade-offs among traits in key fitness dimensions and identify major research gaps with the intention of laying the groundwork for a rapid advance in tree breeding for multiple objectives as a key contribution to the sustainability of planted forests in the future. Recent Findings Trade-offs among growth, reproduction, defence, stress tolerance and product quality predicted theoretically have been reported experimentally in many breeding programmes. Among these trade-offs, the genetic linkage between resistance against biotic threats and growth (or other relevant traits) is particularly critical for the current and future management of forest genetic resources. Maintaining tree growth and wood quality in the novel environments of the future requires the assessment of genetic correlations of target traits with phenology, closely linked to survival to temperature extremes. Improving our current knowledge on the genetic trade-offs of drought tolerance as a breeding objective in forest trees obligates a more precise definition of both the specific traits and the experimental conditions. Published evidence suggests that common target traits in breeding programmes may trade-off with reproductive success and fire-adaptation, and the simultaneous improvement of growth and wood quality traits still remains as a constraint in traditional tree breeding. Summary Changing environments combined with pests and diseases are challenging plantation forestry worldwide, which implies an urgent need to develop new improvement strategies to build the resilience of forestry for our future environments. It is essential to have a better understanding of how traits interact, especially those important for production, climate and biotic threat resilience, but much of the information is still missing. Since many key trade-offs are affected by the environment, we need new studies under novel environments to forecast levels of multi-trait integration in breeding populations. PubDate: 2024-03-20 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00217-5
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The collective virome of forest trees can be considered to include not only plant viruses, but also viral communities harbored by all tree-associated organisms. In this review, we will concentrate on reviewing recent developments in the two fields of forest tree virology that have received the most research input during the last 5 years: (1) current knowledge of virus diseases affecting forest trees and their causal agents and (2) fungal viruses (mycoviruses) and properties that are required for utilizing them for biocontrol purposes. Recent Findings The discovery of plant and mycoviruses has been revolutionized during the last few years due to high-throughput sequencing (HTS). This has altered our view of virus diversity and prevalence, but also their host ranges, transmission routes, and host effects. Utilization of HTS has greatly expanded our knowledge of plant virus diversity and disease etiology in forest trees and revealed the commonness of cross-kingdom transmission events between fungi, oomycetes, plants, and arthropods. Research on mycoviruses has also identified several new mycoviruses that restrict the growth or virulence of forest pathogenic fungi. Summary Gaining knowledge of the collective virome of forest ecosystems is essential not only for understanding virus evolution and diversity but also for improving our understanding on virus impacts, and our ability for biocontrol-based and environmentally friendly management of viral and fungal diseases that affect economically important plants and beneficial insects, and for preventing possible disease outbreaks in the future. Virus infections play a central role in plant health, but viral symptoms on forest trees remain often unrecognized and may be confused with other biotic or abiotic damages. However, recent studies have revealed previously unknown viruses as causes of forest tree symptoms and suggest that viruses are responsible for far greater economic losses than recognized earlier. However, many knowledge gaps still need to be filled, particularly on the diversity of viruses that infect different species of forest trees, their irregular distribution within the plant, their mode of transmission, epidemiology and choice of hosts also regarding crop plants, their effect on the metabolism of their host tree, and their interaction with other microorganisms. Mycovirus research has already deciphered detailed information on many critical properties that affect utilizing them for biocontrol purposes. Still, more knowledge is needed concerning mycoviral transmission mode and stability in field conditions, the level of host tolerance against mycoviral infection, and the occurrence of interspecies mycovirus transmission in nature, and safety issues related to these topics. PubDate: 2024-02-21 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00214-8
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Abstract: Purpose of Review We aimed to summarize the evidence linking multi-purpose forest management (MPF) to bird nesting and fledging success in temperate and boreal forests and to identify outstanding research gaps. Forest birds are in decline worldwide, but an ongoing move from production-oriented management towards MPF, integrating biodiversity conservation with other uses, may help counteracting these trends. The effects of MPF on bird diversity and abundance are well-studied, but less is known about effects on bird demographics. Recent Findings We retrieved 101 studies, reporting 342 outcomes of MPF for nesting and fledging success. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, we opted for a systematic mapping approach, accompanied by vote-counting and narrative review. Studies covered 11 types of MPF and 151 bird species. The most frequently studied interventions were overstorey retention and prescribed burning, but research was markedly biased towards temperate North America. Most outcomes (79.5%) were non-significant, and studies often found that breeding success was driven by ecological processes at both broader and finer scales than management interventions. Thus, managing for breeding success likely requires complementary management actions at various scales. Nonetheless, significant positive and negative outcomes of MPF were also found, inclusively affecting species of conservation concern, highlighting the variability and context-dependence of MPF effects. Summary In order to foster effectiveness of MPF for forest birds, future research should focus on a set of under-researched interventions and regions, as well as on ecosystem-wide experiments accounting for functional links between bird abundance, demographics, nest predation, and food supply. PubDate: 2024-02-20 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00216-6
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Abstract: Purpose of Review To describe how general prescriptions to protect temperate and boreal forests against pests have been affecting the conservation of insect diversity, (2) to identify potential conflicts between biodiversity conservation actions and pest control, and (3) to provide future directions to reconcile forest pest management with insect conservation. Recent Findings Despite dealing with the same habitats and organisms, forest pest management and insect conservation have been separate disciplines, often pursuing conflicting goals. However, there is a large intersection between the two, as interventions to control pests can have repercussions on biodiversity and vice versa. In several regions, forest pest management is shifting from reactive measures to contain on-going outbreaks to proactive strategies to create forest landscapes that are more resistant and resilient against pests in the long-term. These developments suggest a possible convergence between pest management and insect conservation objectives. Summary Several reactive measures adopted to control pests can cause negative impacts on non-target insects, although effects are sometimes localized and often context-dependent. Following ecological, economic, and social considerations, pest management has been evolving towards diversifying forests across multiple spatial scales to reduce the severity of outbreaks and the risk of damage. Such strategies concur with multiple conservation goals to increase insect diversity across intensive forest landscapes. Insect conservation has traditionally targeted saproxylic organisms, neglecting the conservation of other insect guilds and seldom assessing side effects on pests. Despite some important knowledge gaps, we propose complementary approaches to combine multiple diversification strategies at the landscape scale to reconcile pest management with insect conservation. PubDate: 2024-02-09 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00215-7
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The objective quantification of stand density (SD) is necessary for predicting forest dynamics over space and time. Despite the development of various synthetic representations of SD, consensus remains elusive regarding a primary integrated measure due to contrasting data sources, statistical modeling methods, and distinct regional variations in forest structure and composition. One of the most enduring and robust measures of SD is Reineke’s (1933; J. Ag Res. 46, 627-638) stand density index (SDI), which has long formed the basis for the prediction of stand development concerning self-thinning processes in single-species, even-aged stands and stand density management diagrams (SDMDs). Thus, this review tracks the development of different methodologies and necessary data for properly estimating SDI, including its application in complex forests and adaptive management contexts. Recent Findings Limitations of SDI in its earliest form have led to important modifications centered on refinement and expanding its application beyond even-aged, single-species stands to multi-cohort, mixed composition stands. Statistical advances for better determination of the maximum size-density boundary line have also been applied to SDI estimates using the ever-expanding availability of remeasured field data including large-scale, national forest inventories. Other innovations include the integration of regional climate information and species functional traits, e.g., wood specific gravity, drought, and shade tolerance. Summary In this synthesis, we describe the attributes of SDI that have promulgated its use as a leading measure of SD for nearly 90 years. Recent applications of robust statistical techniques such as hierarchical Bayesian methods and linear quantile mixed modeling have emerged as the best performing methods for establishing the maximum size-density boundary, especially those incorporating ancillary variables like climate. PubDate: 2024-02-08 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00212-w
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Abstract: Purpose of Review In tandem with China’s rapid urbanisation and economic growth, some negative impacts on the eco-environment and human wellbeing have arisen, such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution and lack of recreational spaces. To address the degradation of urban eco-environment and improve residents’ quality of life simultaneously, China’s central government launched the National Forest City action in 2004, which essentially promotes urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. Whilst this key national action has been implemented for about two decades, it has received limited scholarly attention within and beyond China. This paper is the very first to summarise comprehensively the development of the action, focusing on its rationale, evaluation and management. Recent Findings By establishing urban forests as cost-effective solutions to various environmental and social issues, the action integrates novel knowledge and best practices accumulated in Europe and North America into China’s traditional ideology, pertinent to the human-nature relationship in urban landscape design, and further adapts and renovates these to the country’s unique socioeconomic context. It highlights the multi-functionality of urban forests underpinned by a set of key performance indicators covering both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the National Forest City’s planning, construction, management and review. Additionally, it reflects a dynamic interaction within the science-policy-practice continuum hinged on field experiments, knowledge transfer, public engagement, policy agenda and greening actions. Challenges, such as unbalanced geographical distribution and KPIs on ecological integrity and functionality of urban forests, should be addressed for further refining and scaling-up this action. Summary China’s National Forest City action promotes UF-NBS as a pathway to sustainable urbanisation, serving as a demonstrative exemplar for other developing and developed countries that may wish to avoid their dependence on traditional development pathways. This paper sheds light on how to implement urban forests as effective and sustainable NBS to addresses global societal challenges. PubDate: 2024-01-25 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00213-9
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Because tree seeds have been considered a low-risk pathway for the spread of plant pathogenic fungi, their international movement is not subject to strict phytosanitary regulation. However, recent studies have provided scientific evidence that the biosecurity risk of seed trade may not be as negligible as assumed. This review summarises current knowledge about seed trade activity across the world and seed-borne plant pathogenic fungi and highlights knowledge gaps that need to be filled to mitigate the risk of spreading tree pathogens via seeds. Recent Findings Several outbreaks of severe tree diseases in natural forests and plantations worldwide have been linked to fungal pathogens spread by seed trade. Indeed, recent studies based on modern sequencing technologies have shown that tree seeds harbour highly diverse fungal communities, including well-known pathogens and fungal taxa belonging to unknown species. While it has become clear that even apparently healthy seeds can carry potentially pathogenic fungi, the likelihood of seed-borne pathogens being introduced and becoming established, spreading and causing impact in the new environment is still unclear which challenges the assessment of the phytosanitary risk posed by seed trade. Summary Our analyses show that large amounts of tree seeds have been traded among countries and continents. Based on published literature, the risk of spreading pathogenic fungi via tree seed movement is high. However, the role of the taxonomically and functionally diverse fungal communities associated with seeds is still poorly understood. In particular, more research is needed to assess the likelihood of seed-borne fungi being transmitted to the seedlings and spreading and causing impact in the new environment. PubDate: 2023-12-29 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00211-3
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the functional role of large wood in the functioning of fluvial ecosystems, ranging from the scale of microhabitats to entire catchments. To this purpose, this review is structured according to the major ecosystem processes occurring at different spatial scales, ranging from the microhabitat scale, e.g. the internal processes of organic matter breakdown by microbes, to the catchment scale, e.g. the catchment-scale-processes of water flow, sediment transport, and nutrient fluxes. Recent Findings Recent research increasingly shows that dead wood drives a complex of multi-scaled processes. The role of large wood as a channel structuring entity and a driver of hydromorphological functioning is well known, but the importance of large wood at higher spatial scales has not been fully acknowledged. This encompasses the importance of large wood in enhancing multiple channel — floodplain interactions by creating a dynamic exchange of matter (water, sediments, nutrients) and energy. It also strengthens the water retention and storage capacity of rivers, attenuating floods and droughts and plays an important role in sediment, nutrient and organic matter interception, and processing. All these attributes contribute to ecosystem complexity and functioning, as well as providing valuable ecosystem services. Furthermore, large wood also acts as an important dispersal vector which, together with the multiple scale processes, promotes biodiversity. Summary Recognising the multiple scale spatial and temporal processes acting in, around, and induced by large wood can strongly support future fluvial management, especially regarding the re-introduction and way of installing of large wood in rivers. As large wood management is context-dependent, research should focus on catchment specific processes. PubDate: 2023-12-20 DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00209-x
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