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Current Forestry Reports
Number of Followers: 1  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Online) 2198-6436 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- Continuous Cover Forestry and Remote Sensing: A Review of Knowledge Gaps,
Challenges, and Potential Directions-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Continuous cover forestry (CCF) is a sustainable management approach for forestry in which forest stands are manipulated to create irregular stand structures with varied species composition. This approach differs greatly from the traditional approaches of plantation-based forestry, in which uniform monocultures are maintained, and thus, traditional methods of assessment, such as productivity (yield class) calculations, are less applicable. This creates a need to identify new methods to succeed the old and be of use in operational forestry and research. By applying remote sensing techniques to CCF, it may be possible to identify novel solutions to the challenges introduced through the adoption of CCF. Recent Findings There has been a limited amount of work published on the applications of remote sensing to CCF in the last decade. Research can primarily be characterised as explorations of different methods to quantify the target state of CCF and monitor indices of stand structural complexity during transformation to CCF, using terrestrial and aerial data collection techniques. Summary We identify a range of challenges associated with CCF and outline the outstanding gaps within the current body of research in need of further investigation, including a need for the development of new inventory methods using remote sensing techniques. We identify methods, such as individual tree models, that could be applied to CCF from other complex, heterogenous forest systems and propose the wider adoption of remote sensing including information for interested parties to get started.
PubDate: 2023-11-20
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- Forestry in the Face of Global Change: Results of a Global Survey of
Professionals-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Forests support most global terrestrial biodiversity and contribute to the livelihood of billions of people, but these and other benefits are in jeopardy due to global change. This leads to questions, such as how to address the challenges of global change in forest management, given the lack of knowledge and deep uncertainty about future developments. In addition, many of the impediments to implement adaptation strategies are unknown. Recent Findings Here, we present an overview of results from a global survey of 754 forestry professionals (370 researchers and educators, 227 practicing foresters, 37 policymakers, 64 administrators, and 56 with other or unspecified roles) from 61 countries across 6 continents who were interested in global change issues. These professionals were asked about their opinion regarding three different adaptation strategies: resist, adapt, and transform. Most respondents agreed that the majority of global change factors will negatively influence the ability of forests to provide desired ecosystem services. Similarly, they agreed about major challenges when implementing adaptation strategies and specifically whether our current knowledge base is sufficient. These concerns were not limited to ecological aspects, but respondents also highlighted the need for a better appreciation of social/political and economic barriers, especially regarding transformation strategies. In addition, the response patterns, including differences due to economic status, highlight the importance of developing and evaluating adaptation strategies in a local social–ecological context. Summary Our study demonstrates a widespread perception on the part of forestry professionals around the world, especially among researchers and practitioners, that many global change factors will affect sustainable forest management negatively, resulting in the need for active silvicultural adaption. The results also suggest potential barriers to different adaptation strategies, particularly a relative lack of information and social acceptance for transform strategies. Further, this study highlights the importance of social and political factors and the need to understand the general public’s values regarding adaptation strategies as well as how the influence of public opinion is perceived by forest managers.
PubDate: 2023-11-13
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- A Global Review on Innovative, Sustainable, and Effective Materials
Composing Growing Media for Forest Seedling Production-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The demand for forest tree seedlings is increasing globally, and Sphagnum peat moss is widely used as a component of growing media for container plant production. However, peat extraction is environmentally unsustainable. The forest nursery sector needs to switch to more sustainable alternatives to peat. This review aims to identify potential substitutes for peat by reviewing the worldwide literature on alternative materials for growing media in forest nurseries. Recent Findings Most studies on alternative growing media focused on single plant species growing under local conditions, thereby limiting generalizations about the effectiveness of alternative materials for plant production. To our knowledge, no systematic reviews of scientific literature on the effectiveness of new, alternative-to-peat materials for enhancing plant growth and the associated growing media characteristics for the forest nursery sector are currently available. Summary Most of the analyzed case studies focused on angiosperms (73.1%), with the majority of studies coming from tropical seasonal forests/savannas (36.5%), followed by woodlands/shrublands (31.6%), and temperate forests (15.0%) biomes. Compost was the most studied material (19.5%), followed by bark, other organic materials, and manure (9.8, 9.7, and 8.0%, respectively). Green and municipal wastes were the principal sources of compost (> 60%), while agriculture and green wastes were the first sources of other materials (> 90%). Tested materials were dependent on the geographic region. Thus, manure was the most tested material in Africa and South America, tree bark in North America, and compost in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Alternative materials effectively provided optimal physicochemical characteristics of growing media and enhanced seedling nursery growth when compared with peat-based growing media in more than 60% of the case studies. This review helps to identify research gaps and, most importantly, provides the basis for the future application of alternative growing media materials in forest nursery management worldwide.
PubDate: 2023-10-26
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- Linking the Water and Carbon Economies of Plants in a Drying and Warming
Climate-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Harsher abiotic conditions are projected for many woodland areas, especially in already arid and semi-arid climates such as the Southwestern USA. Stomatal regulation of their aperture is one of the ways plants cope with drought. Interestingly, the dominant species in the Southwest USA, like in many other ecosystems, have different stomatal behaviors to regulate water loss ranging from isohydric (e.g., piñon pine) to anisohydric (e.g., juniper) conditions suggesting a possible niche separation or different but comparable strategies of coping with stress. The relatively isohydric piñon pine is usually presumed to be more sensitive to drought or less desiccation tolerant compared to the anisohydric juniper although both species close their stomata under drought to avoid hydraulic failure, and the mortality of one species (mostly piñon) over the other in the recent droughts can be attributed to insect outbreaks rather than drought sensitivity alone. Furthermore, no clear evidence exists demonstrating that iso- or anisohydric strategy increases water use efficiency over the other consistently. How these different stomatal regulatory tactics enable woody species to withstand harsh abiotic conditions remains a subject of inquiry to be covered in this review. Recent Findings This contribution reviews and explores the use of simplified stomatal optimization theories to assess how photosynthesis and transpiration respond to warming (H), drought (D), and combined warming and drought (H+D) for isohydric and anisohydric woody plants experiencing the same abiotic stressors. It sheds light on how simplified stomatal optimization theories can separate between photosynthetic and hydraulic acclimation due to abiotic stressors and how the interactive effects of H+D versus H or D alone can be incorporated into future climate models. Summary The work here demonstrates how field data can be bridged to simplified optimality principles so as to explore the effect of future changes in temperature and in soil water content on the acclimation of tree species with distinct water use strategies. The results show that the deviations between measurements and predictions from the simplified optimality principle can explain different species’ acclimation behaviors.
PubDate: 2023-10-23
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- Conifer Defences against Pathogens and Pests — Mechanisms, Breeding,
and Management-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Forestry in northern temperate and boreal regions relies heavily on conifers. Rapid climate change and associated increases in adverse growing conditions predispose conifers to pathogens and pests. The much longer generation time and presumably, therefore, lower adaptive capacity of conifers relative to their native or non-native biotic stressors may have devastating consequences. We provide an updated overview of conifer defences underlying pathogen and pest resistance and discuss how defence traits can be used in tree breeding and forest management to improve resistance. Recent Findings Breeding of more resilient and stress-resistant trees will benefit from new genomic tools, such as genotyping arrays with increased genomic coverage, which will aid in genomic and relationship-based selection strategies. However, to successfully increase the resilience of conifer forests, improved genetic materials from breeding programs must be combined with more flexible and site-specific adaptive forest management. Summary Successful breeding programs to improve conifer resistance to pathogens and pests provide hope as well as valuable lessons: with a coordinated and sustained effort, increased resistance can be achieved. However, mechanisms underlying resistance against one stressor, even if involving many genes, may not provide any protection against other sympatric stressors. To maintain the adaptive capacity of conifer forests, it is important to keep high genetic diversity in the tree breeding programs. Choosing forest management options that include diversification of tree-species and forest structure and are coupled with the use of genetically improved plants and assisted migration is a proactive measure to increase forest resistance and resilience to foreseen and unanticipated biotic stressors in a changing climate.
PubDate: 2023-10-04
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- Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Forest and Wood Products
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Forest and wood products are often characterized by a uniformity of quality attributes, which necessitates the development of rapid and non-destructive quality evaluation methods to ensure their optimal quality. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) represents a highly suitable approach for the characterization of organic compounds, and is generally combined with sophisticated multivariate analysis methods. This review article presents a range of scientific and technical reports showcasing the successful use of NIRS for evaluating forest and wood products, mainly published within the past 5 years. Recent Findings Continuous advancements in spectral imaging techniques and the integration of big-data analytics have greatly enhanced the capabilities of NIR instrumentation, enabling its widespread application across diverse fields. Although NIR spectral imaging methods do have some limitations when it comes to online grading, they can still be used to test small quantities of samples at a batch level. Moreover, the ever-increasing use of handheld devices has made NIRS easily accessible. Summary We aim to provide a summary of new research in basic spectroscopic research, integrating the improvements of spectral imaging methods and big-data analytics. Furthermore, low-cost and portable devices have been produced, enabling remote analysis and further expanding the scope of NIRS applications. Looking forward, we anticipate that continued advancements in this field will enable even wider applications of NIRS for online or at-line quality monitoring in diverse fields.
PubDate: 2023-09-29
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- Advances in Modified Wood-Based Adsorbents for Contaminant Removal:
Valorization Methods, Modification Mechanisms, and Environmental
Applications-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Wood-based adsorbents are increasingly used for environmental applications. They demonstrate considerable advantages, including renewable feedstock, relatively simple preparation processes, and advantageous structural and surface properties. In short, they provide environmentally friendly, effective, and economical sources for contaminant removal. This review summarizes recent advances in the preparation and use of selected modified wood-based residues (biochar, ash, and cellulose) as adsorbents for environmental applications (water, air, and soil remediation). Recent Findings Although chemical modifications have produced better results for wood-based adsorbents, the inherent corrosion problems and safety issues have made physical modifications more feasible on an industrial scale. For environmental remediation, inorganic contaminants can be removed by raw and modified wood-based adsorbents, mainly via electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, pore filling, and ion exchange. Organic contaminants are removed via van der Waals forces between unsaturated polycyclic molecules, pore filling, and hydrogen bonding. Specific surface area and porosity are critical parameters for effective contaminant adsorption, mostly from water and air. A comparison of wood-based residues used for wastewater treatment ranked the efficiency as ash > cellulose > biochar versus cellulose > biochar > ash for air remediation. Adding modified wood residues to soil enhances the fertility and biological characteristics in addition to remediation. Moreover, spent wood-based adsorbents can be used in construction materials, soil fertilizers, and catalysts. Summary This review summarizes classical and new physical and chemical methods for modifying wood adsorbents and the impacts on physiochemical characteristics such as porosity, pore volume, surface area, and surface functional groups. Also addressed are the adsorption capacity and efficiency of raw and modified wood adsorbents for removing contaminants from synthetic effluents, mine water, air, and soil. Valorization methods for spent modified wood-based adsorbents are then outlined. Suggestions and prospects are given for future studies on environmental decontamination by wood residues.
PubDate: 2023-09-26
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- Contributions of Intraspecific Variation to Drought Tolerance in Trees
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The capacity of woody plants to cope with climate change depends on their adjustments to changing environmental conditions by phenotypic plasticity or by genotypic changes (i.e., local adaptation). To determine whether intraspecific trait variation (ITV) translates into resistance or tolerance to drought and eventually how it relates to performance when facing drought, we reviewed the recent literature on the intraspecific variation in woody plant functional traits along aridity gradients. Recent Findings At the intraspecific level, functional traits vary along aridity gradients, but this variation depends on the considered trait and species. While ITV is ubiquitous and of relevant magnitude, its relationship with tree performance in the case of growth or survival is unclear and very idiosyncratic. Summary ITV varies along aridity gradients and, for several traits, is of comparable magnitude as interspecific trait variation. However, the relationship between ITV and tree performance is not consistent among species. This makes the use of ITV challenging when quantifying its contribution to drought tolerance.
PubDate: 2023-09-22
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- Criteria for Assessing the Sustainability of Logging Operations—A
Systematic Review-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The comprehensive assessment of timber and fuelwood harvesting operations through the consideration of the three pillars of sustainability: Economic, social, and environmental has not received much attention. The use of criteria can significantly improve impact assessment. Therefore, the objective of this review paper is to compile and analyze the most commonly used criteria and indicators for each dimension of sustainability in logging operations over the last 6 years. This review provides an overview of these criteria for different harvesting machines, geographical areas, slope classes, time periods, types of research, and silvicultural treatments. Recent Findings The environmental pillar was the most studied (46%), followed by the economic pillar (38%). Productivity was the most investigated criterion (15%). On the one hand, productivity is linked to the environmental and social pillars, as it is related to the level of greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and the employment rate. However, productivity is mainly used as a criterion of financial interest, as it is most often studied in combination with costs. In addition to productivity, the other most frequently examined criteria were costs (10%), soil nutrients (9.5%), and soil compaction (9%). The social dimension was the least studied pillar (16%). This may be due to a lack of knowledge of social sustainability issues in this area. Summary Sustainability is achieved when all three dimensions are balanced. The results of this review show an imbalance, with economic and environmental aspects being weighted more heavily than social aspects. Balancing all three dimensions typically requires an assessment of trade-offs. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the criteria that have been studied to date and can be used as a checklist and guideline for future sustainability assessments of harvesting operations.
PubDate: 2023-09-20
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- A Meta-analysis of Soil Susceptibility to Machinery-Induced Compaction in
Forest Ecosystems Across Global Climatic Zones-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Predicting, preventing, and minimizing machinery-induced soil compaction are of paramount importance in forest ecosystems. Understanding the soil’s susceptibility to compaction is crucial in achieving these goals. This meta-analysis assessed the relevance of climatic and soil conditions for the susceptibility of forest soils to wood-harvesting-associated compaction across global climatic zones. We utilized soil bulk density change data (effect sizes; compacted versus uncompacted) from 81 forest sites worldwide, and mapped global patterns of the susceptibility of forest soils to compaction using climate and soil data. Recent Findings Wood-harvesting operations by harvester-forwarder technologies disturb the soil less as compared to skidders and cable yarders. It has been shown that a high number of vehicle passages (> 20 times) lead to maximum soil damage, although this contradicts the general belief that major soil disturbance occurs within the first few vehicle passages. Despite these important findings, a global compilation of local information on forest soil compaction induced by mechanized wood harvesting is currently lacking. A map that illustrates the global pattern of soil susceptibility to compaction is also required to identify particularly susceptible forest regions. Summary Forest soils in tropical and temperate zones were most susceptible to compaction (48% and 30% bulk density increase, respectively), while forest soils in arid and cold zones were less susceptible (15% and 18% bulk density increase, respectively). Soils in tropical and temperate forests receive high annual precipitation amounts, are characterized by high soil organic carbon content and low bulk density, and are often wet, resulting in high susceptibility to compaction. Since tropical and temperate forests are biodiversity hotspots, forest managers and policymakers should pay particular attention to mechanized wood-harvesting operations in these zones, as the recovery of compacted forest soils requires decades. Graphical
PubDate: 2023-09-05
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00197-y
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- Recent Developments and Trends in Sustainable and Functional Wood Coatings
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Abstract: Purpose of Review In the last decade, a transformation has occurred in the coating industry. While, in the past, the industry was primarily focused on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde emissions, it is now circularity driving this industry. In this paper, we present several advances that have been made, as well as key trends in the wood coatings industry. Recent Findings Replacing petroleum-based chemicals in coating formulations is at the heart of current research. In recent years, various biosourced molecules from animal and plant sources have been the subject of many studies aiming to incorporate them in coatings. Despite all the progress made in the last few years, coating producers are still facing many challenges regarding the availability and quality of biobased raw materials and balancing performance versus cost. Summary While most of the sustainable coating solutions discussed in this review focus on well-known and widely accepted coating chemistries and technologies (water-based and photopolymerizable polyurethanes (PUs), acrylics, and epoxies), we also present new technologies that are expected to gain significant importance in the next few years such as layer-by-layer (LBL), polyelectrolyte complexes, and isocyanate-free PU.
PubDate: 2023-08-16
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00195-0
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- Gremmeniella abietina: a Loser in the Warmer World or Still a Threat to
Forestry'-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Gremmeniella abietina is a destructive forest pathogen responsible for Scleroderris canker, shoot dieback, defoliation, and tree death in forests and tree nurseries. This review is aimed at providing a complete description of the fungus, its distribution, the conditions for its spread, and the impact of climate change and at summarising the relevant forest management methods. Due to the worldwide importance of the pathogen, a retrospective review is required to summarise the lessons learned in relation to the disease, considering application to future outbreaks. Recent Findings We revise available management methods, considering examples of control strategies, with special focus on the silvicultural approaches, and we also revise the recovery of the affected stands and the associated trade-offs. Forest disturbances such as pests and disease outbreaks are expected to be exacerbated by climate change, although the exact impact on all host-pathogen interactions remains unclear. In regions with a high risk of G. abietina epidemics, climate change is expected to affect the pathogen differently. Summary Gremmeniella abietina is a widely distributed forest pathogen in Europe and is also present in North America. Based on the conclusions reached in this review, forest stands may recover from pathogen outbreaks within 10 years, with considerable loss of growth and the risk of attack from secondary factors. Provenance selection is vital for preventing outbreaks. Climate change is expected to have different effects: in some areas, it is likely to increase the conditions conducive to the development of the fungus, while in others, it is likely to limit the spread because of high temperatures and low humidity. Preventing future outbreaks of this pathogen requires the use of mitigating strategies, together with forest monitoring, forecasting, and planning.
PubDate: 2023-07-29
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00193-2
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- A Review of Potential Innovation Pathways to Enhance Resilience in
Wood-Based Value Chains-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Climate change poses a threat to European forests and threatens their capacity to deliver ecosystem services. Innovation is often considered critical to increasing resilience in wood-based value chains. However, the knowledge about types of innovation processes and how they enhance resilience, if at all, is largely dispersed. In this conceptual paper, we refer to examples from the forestry, bioeconomy, adaptation, and innovation literature to develop an overview of innovation pathways along the wood value chain. Thereafter, we evaluate the extent to which they enhance or compromise resilience to climate change and how they do so. Recent Findings We differentiate between forest and value chain resilience and assume that innovation positively influences both types of resilience via three resilience drivers: diversifying the product portfolio, making operations more efficient, or making the processes more flexible. Our literature review revealed nine innovation pathways along the value chain. Summary The pathways rarely connect forest management and the processing industry. Consequently, a mismatch was identified between the innovation pathways and resilience drivers applied to increase diversification at the beginning of the value chain (in forest management) and those applied to increase efficiency towards the end of the value chain (in the processing industry). Considering this mismatch, we stress that it is critical to reconsider the term innovation as a silver bullet and to increase the awareness of resilience drivers and innovation pathways, as well as reconsider ways to combine them optimally. We recommend engaging in open innovation activities to cooperatively draft innovation strategies across the entire wood value chain and intercept pathways by making processes more flexible.
PubDate: 2023-07-29
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00191-4
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- Stakeholders’ Perspectives of Species Diversity in Tree Plantations:
a Global Review-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Increasing the diversity of commercial tree plantations is a promising approach to adapt forests to climate change, but it may complicate management. Here, we evaluate stakeholders’ perspectives about tree-species diversity in plantations and explore policy alternatives to make mixed plantations a viable strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Recent Findings Current evidence shows that improving the diversity of tree species in plantations can be a viable, scalable, and economically accessible strategy for sustainable wood production and reconciling economic and environmental benefits. Tree diversity is particularly important in the context of global environmental changes and associated increases in abiotic and biotic stresses, such as severe droughts and pest outbreaks. Even though there is substantial scientific evidence supporting mixed-tree plantations, most forest plantations globally are still conventional monocultures. Summary Our findings (i) describe the geographical distribution of publications investigating human perspectives about forest plantation diversity; (ii) build understanding of how political engagement and governance systems can support forest initiatives on forest conservation, management, and restoration; and (iii) demonstrate how these perspectives can create possibilities and opportunities for sustainable development in forestry. We conclude that new strategies will only be widely applied if there is political and institutional interest, particularly in strengthening land-governance systems.
PubDate: 2023-07-19
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00194-1
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- Application of Liquefied Wood Products for Particleboard Manufacturing: a
Meta-analysis Review-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The development of eco-friendly panels is one of the major issues for the wood industry, particularly in terms of developing new adhesive systems for reducing harmful emissions and dependence from fossil fuel resources. Among the plethora of various possible solutions, liquefied wood products have demonstrated promising features to decrease the use of petroleum-based amino resins. A meta-analysis was carried out to develop a quantitative synthesis of the state of the art of the application of liquefied wood products for particleboard manufacturing, investigating their effects on the board’s properties. Recent Findings The results from meta-analysis revealed that the application of liquefied wood products does not significantly deteriorate the mechanical properties of particleboards. It has also been observed that there is no negative influence on the formaldehyde content of the panel, mostly when liquefied wood products are applied in mixture with commercial resin. The most interesting observation is that the performance of the boards was not affected by the type of feedstock used for liquefaction. Summary The option to apply liquefied wood products has the potential to significantly decrease the application of commercial formaldehyde-based resins without leading to a deterioration of the properties of the panels. It is however important to note that there is currently a limited number of studies on this topic. The meta-analysis showed a notable variability of the effect sizes in the trials. Further study is needed to determine the outcomes and the benefits for the use of liquefied wood products on an industrial level.
PubDate: 2023-07-15
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00192-3
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- Technical, Safety and Environmental Challenges in the Electrification of
Cable Yarding Equipment-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Electrification is the second major shift in the type of drivetrain technology employed in cable yarding equipment, after the gradual transition from mechanical to hydraulic drives that began in the 1960 s. Electric slack pulling carriages are omnipresent today and more advanced electrified solutions are close to market entry. Few studies are available on the performance and efficiency of electric timber harvesting equipment, and none considers the technical aspects. The purpose of this review is to contribute to the accelerated adoption of such equipment by providing valuable insights and addressing technical and safety concerns, with a special focus on their efficiency and the challenges associated with their autonomy, durability, safety and environmental impact. Recent Findings Most electrified cable-logging concepts employ energy recovery. Recovering energy that is otherwise dissipated represents a fundamental improvement. Some slack pulling carriages rely solely on recharging during lateral yarding, such that their fuel-saving potential is highly dependent on the lateral yarding distance. The type of energy storage system employed largely depends on the energy need and weight constraints of the given application. High-power, durability and safety favor supercapacitors. Advanced battery systems, however, are employed increasingly in high power applications, such as logging equipment. This is due to added autonomy and competitive pricing compared with supercapacitors. The risk of electric shock is not a concern as long as the equipment is intact, and is generally negligible for carriages operating at 48 V. Summary In an attempt to boost productivity and reduce costs and emissions, a digital transformation and a transition to electrified equipment is ongoing. Forestry, and in particular cable yarding is no exception. The benefits of electric slack pulling carriages and tower yarders have already been confirmed in practice, and more electrified steep slope cable yarding equipment is close to market entry. All electrified equipment identified in this study is distributed by European manufacturers and in use in European forests. Very little information is available on electrified cable yarding solutions possibly developed outside Europe. If any such products exist, they have not yet reached the market or attracted the interest of the scientific community.
PubDate: 2023-07-11
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00185-2
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- The Effects of Forest Operations and Silvicultural Treatments on Litter
Decomposition Rate: a Meta-analysis-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review As litter decomposition is a fundamental process in forest ecosystems, representing the link between aboveground and belowground biogeochemical processes, we developed an effect size summarisation of the implications of forest management on litter decomposition rate, by applying a multi-level meta-analysis and multivariate mixed-effects meta-analytic linear models. Our aim was to review the findings of the current literature and to understand how forest management, silvicultural treatment, and forest operations could affect litter decomposition rate. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of environmental variables that included stand type, climatic conditions, and the percentage of biomass removal on litter decomposition rate. Recent Findings We found a statistically significant reduction in litter decomposition rate associated with clear-cutting, and no statistically significant differences for the overall effects of retention forestry and logging activities (disturbed forest soil in the form of skid trails or strip roads). Concerning the sub-group analysis and multivariate meta-regression, there were no significant effects for stand type (broadleaf, coniferous, or mixed) or climatic conditions (mean annual temperature and annual precipitation). The percentage of biomass removal showed a significant positive correlation with the effect size, thus indicating that higher biomass removal in the framework of retention forestry leads to an increase in litter decomposition rate. Also, the mesh size of the litterbag showed a positive correlation with the effect size, suggesting that there is a probability of a factor of stronger disturbance to large-body decomposer organisms such as microarthropods. Summary Litter decomposition rate is related, among other factors, to soil microclimatic conditions and soil biota. Therefore, this process can be strongly influenced by active forest management, meant as a silvicultural treatment carried out by applying a given harvesting system. In the context of retention forestry, increased light availability seems to be the driving force in shaping increased litter decomposition rates with increasing biomass removal. On the other hand, when a clear-cut is applied, the stronger modification to the edaphic community leads to decreased litter decomposition rates. It is worth noting that the modification may also be related to soil manipulation to favour the establishment of artificial regeneration. The findings, however, showed very large variability, thus suggesting the need for further research on such a complex topic. Multidisciplinary studies that analyse the microclimate and the edaphic biological communities along with the litter decomposition are particularly recommended.
PubDate: 2023-07-03
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00190-5
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- Latest Trends in Modelling Forest Ecosystems: New Approaches or Just New
Methods'-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Forest models are becoming essential tools in forest research, management, and policymaking but currently are under deep transformation. In this review of the most recent literature (2018–2022), we aim to provide an updated general view of the main topics currently attracting the efforts of forest modelers, the trends already in place, and some of the current and future challenges that the field will face. Recent Findings Four major topics attracting most of on current modelling efforts: data acquisition, productivity estimation, ecological pattern predictions, and forest management related to ecosystem services. Although the topics may seem different, they all are converging towards integrated modelling approaches by the pressure of climate change as the major coalescent force, pushing current research efforts into integrated mechanistic, cross-scale simulations of forest functioning and structure. Summary We conclude that forest modelling is experiencing an exciting but challenging time, due to the combination of new methods to easily acquire massive amounts of data, new techniques to statistically process such data, and refinements in mechanistic modelling that are incorporating higher levels of ecological complexity and breaking traditional barriers in spatial and temporal scales. However, new available data and techniques are also creating new challenges. In any case, forest modelling is increasingly acknowledged as a community and interdisciplinary effort. As such, ways to deliver simplified versions or easy entry points to models should be encouraged to integrate non-modelers stakeholders into the modelling process since its inception. This should be considered particularly as academic forest modelers may be increasing the ecological and mathematical complexity of forest models.
PubDate: 2023-06-15
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00189-y
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- Continuous Replanting Could Degrade Soil Health in Short-Rotation
Plantation Forestry-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review Continuous replanting of land with the same or similar plant species can result in the accumulation of harmful soil microbes, which can lead to crop failure. In this review, we explore the influence of constant replanting on the health of short-rotation forestry soil, focusing on the accumulation of deleterious microbes and the decline of beneficial microbes. We also suggest possible practical solutions to address this problem and consider future research that could be conducted to better understand and reduce the build-up of deleterious soil microbes in short-rotation forestry soil. Recent Findings Compelling evidence that continuous replanting of the same tree species in short-rotation plantation forestry might contribute to the build-up of deleterious soil microbes is still lacking. However, our assessment of existing soil microbiome data from global short-rotation plantation environments suggests a high risk of an accumulation of harmful microbes and a loss of beneficial microbes in plots that were continually replanted with the same tree species. Based on this evidence, and that from agriculture, we propose further research to acquire a better understanding of the build-up of harmful soil microbes in short-rotation plantation forestry, and suggest crop rotation and intercropping strategies to avoid this malady in the future. Summary The accumulation of microbes detrimental to plantation trees and the decline of microbes beneficial to these trees are realistic risks when plantations are continually replanted with the same tree species. Extensive research is necessary to evaluate the impact of short continuous planting rotations on the biodiversity of soil microbes in plantations and to develop strategies that would alleviate the build-up of detrimental microbes.
PubDate: 2023-06-08
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00188-z
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- Surviving in Changing Forests: Abiotic Disturbance Legacy Effects on
Arthropod Communities of Temperate Forests-
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Abstract: Purpose of Review The increasing impact of droughts, wildfires and windstorms in temperate areas poses a significant challenge to the adaptation capacity of forests and their associated arthropod communities. Organisms, organic material, and environmental conditions occurring after disturbances, i.e. the disturbance legacies, shape arthropod communities during their transition from pre- to post-disturbance conditions. We describe the contribution of disturbance legacies to the organization of forest arthropod communities following droughts, wildfires, or windstorms. We also highlight how forest conditions, arthropod traits and post-disturbance management influence disturbance legacies and their impact on arthropod communities. Recent Findings Key disturbance legacies include surviving arthropods, micro-environmental legacies, and tree- and ground-related resources. Most of these are driven by canopy openness and tree condition. For arthropods, dispersal ability and other biological and demographic traits determine their vulnerability to disturbances, but also their capacity to colonize post-disturbance microhabitats, and withstand micro-environmental legacies. Dominant tree species and management strategies influence disturbance regimes and mediate the pattern of their legacies. Droughts, wildfires and windstorms have idiosyncratic effects on disturbance legacies, and arthropod taxa can have specific responses to legacies, making it difficult to predict the likely composition of post-disturbance arthropod communities. Summary This review highlights a particular gap in our understanding of the effects of drought on forest arthropod communities and the need for more research in this area. In addition, a better understanding of how forest arthropod communities are altered by changes in disturbance regimes is urgently needed. Our goal is to foster an improved understanding of the role of disturbance legacies for forest arthropod communities in order to improve management decisions and promote the conservation of forest arthropod species.
PubDate: 2023-05-08
DOI: 10.1007/s40725-023-00187-0
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