Forest Sciences

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Plant protection and forest protection – the development of legislation and forest protection services in Poland
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-05-19) Karmiłowicz, Elżbieta; Skrzecz, Iwona; Matyjaszczyk, Ewa
The paper presents the history of legal changes regarding forest protection in Poland and the development of forest protection services Poland’s accession to the European Union in 2004 has affected the marketing and the use of plant protection products (PPPs) in the country. The implementation of the EU legislation (Directive 91/414/EEC) has resulted in a decline in the assortment of pesticides registered for use in agriculture, and in forestry. This situation resulted from the limited interest of producers in placing PPPs on the market. Furthermore, limitations in the aerial application of PPPs have been introduced, which has consequences for the protection of the forest, where aerial treatments are often the only way to reduce the number of pests. On the other hand, the introduction of integrated pest management (also in forestry) confirmed the adequacy of activities carried out in the State Forest National Forest Holding, where, for many decades, the prevention methods have been used to increase the resistance of stands and the multi-stage Decision Support System (DSS) is used to select the optimal protective method.
Identification of financial ratios applicable in the construction of a prediction model for bankruptcy of wood industry enterprises
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-05-19) Adamowicz, Krzysztof; Noga, Tomasz
At present, many early warning systems (EWS) are available. Most EWSs have been constructed based on data coming from various branches of economy. As a result, the effectiveness of these models in specific sectors of the national economy is frequently insufficient. There are no models dedicated to a specific branch, particularly the wood industry. Based on the Polish homogenous financial data supplied by the wood industry, it was decided to identify respective indexes, which may be used to construct a sector prediction model for bankruptcy in the wood industry. This study presents an analysis of indexes applied in 10 most popular EWSs used in Poland. In the course of the research process, a total of 5 financial ratios (FRs) were selected as best fitting to the investigated branch of economy. These included: profit from sales/balance sheet total, total income/mean annual total assets, operating costs/current liabilities, (operating profit – depreciation)/sales of products and equity capital/total debt.
The dynamics of sprouts generation and colonization by macrofungi of black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. eliminated mechanically in the Kampinos National Park
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-05-19) Marciszewska, Katarzyna; Szczepkowski, Andrzej; Otręba, Anna; Oktaba, Lidia; Kondras, Marek; Zaniewski, Piotr; Ciurzycki, Wojciech; Wojtan, Rafal
The experiment conducted in the Kampinos National Park since 2015 is aimed at investigating the relationship between the dynamics of black cherry sprouting response and the type and term of implementation of the mechanical elimination procedure. It also identifies macrofungi colonizing trees undergoing eradication. Three treatments, basal cut-stump, cutting (height: ca. 1 m) and girdling, were performed on 4 terms: early and late spring, summer and winter. Each variant was conducted within two plots, and applied to 25 trees, to 600 trees in total. For two consecutive vegetation seasons, sprouts were removed approximately every 8 weeks with the exception of winter-treated trees. Qualitative data were analysed, that is, the number of trees with and without sprouts at subsequent controls, and at the end of the second season, except winter-treated trees. Initially, almost 100% of the trees cut at the base and cut high responded by sprouting. The share of trees without sprouts gradually increased during the following vegetation season, from 3rd to 5th repetition of the sprouts removal, depending on the variant of experiment. Girdling contributed to a delay in sprouting. The effectiveness of procedures, expressed as share of trees without sprouts at the end of the second vegetation season, ranged widely (12%–84%), and depended statistically significantly on the date of the treatment. The effectiveness was higher for treatments done in early (average 68%) and late spring (average 74%), as compared to those done in summer (average 35%). Mycological research concerned 600 trees, including those treated in winter, without sprouts removal. Occurrence of 26 taxa of macrofungi was confirmed on 25% of trees; most of them having wood-decaying properties. Chondrostereum purpureum was most frequent, colonizing 9% of trees. Impact of plots varying soil moisture on succession and rate of fungi colonization, and on sprouting response dynamics requires further research.
Colonization of hardwood and pine wood chips by mites (Acari), with particular reference to oribatid mites (Oribatida)
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-05-19) Klimek, Andrzej; Chachaj, Bogusław
The study was conducted in the years 2011–2012, in a forest nursery in Białe Błota (Bydgoszcz Forest District). The experiment was established in a 20 m wide belt of trees within a 110 years old stand growing on mixed fresh coniferous forest site. Litter bags containing hardwood and pine wood chips were placed on mineral soil of microplots and covered with a 5 cm layer of litter. The pattern of chips colonization differed between mites belonging to different orders. Predatory Mesostigmata colonized hardwood chips gradually but they were present in high numbers in pine chips from the beginning of the study. Abundance of Actinedida fluctuated within the two-year study cycle. Contrary to that, oribatid mites, which were a predominant mite type, colonized both types of chips gradually, while preferring the pine ones. At the end of the study, the structure of mite communities and mite abundance in pine chips were more similar to forest soil than in hardwood chips. The experiment demonstrated that pine chips provided most oribatid mites with more favorable living conditions than hardwood chips, as they were colonized at a quicker rate and by a greater number of species. The most abundant oribatid mite in both substrates was a eurytopic Tectocepheus velatus that showed no clear preferences towards either of the substrates. Majority of oribatid mites, e.g. Oppiella nova, Metabelba pulverulenta, Oribatula tibialis, Chamobates schuetzi, Galumna lanceata, preferred pine chips. The only species with clear preference for hardwood chips was Eniochthonius minutissimus. A comparison of usefulness of hardwood and pine wood chips in revitalization of degraded soils based on bioindication approach indicated higher suitability of pine chips that are also more available in Polish forests.
A comparison of the selected properties of macrostructure and density of wood of scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on various mine soil substrates
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-05-19) Wąsik, Radosław; Pająk, Marek; Michalec, Krzysztof; Pietrzykowski, Marcin; Woś, Bartłomiej
The research was conducted on the external spoil heap of the ‘Piaseczno’ Sulphur Mine (southern Poland). This paper is aimed to compare the selected properties of macrostructure and density of wood of Scots pine trees planted onto the external spoil heap of the mine, in the scope of forest reclamation, depending on the soil substrate and employed reclamation treatments. The annual rings of pine trees on the Quaternary sands and Tertiary Krakowieckie clays (S&C) were significantly wider than those of the individuals on the Quaternary loose sands (S) and Quaternary sands and Tertiary clays after an intense initial fertilization (F). However, the share of latewood zone and density of wood of the pine trees growing on the substrate F were significantly greater in comparison to those of substrates S and S&C.
An attempt to assess the monetary value of carbon absorbed in the Polish forest sector
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-05-19) Jabłoński, Krzysztof; Stempski, Włodzimierz
Forests and forest management play a vital role in capture and storage of carbon dioxide, which contributes to mitigation of climate change. Forests are not only a natural carbon sink. Proper forest management can enhance biomass production, providing wood to be converted into e.g. construction timber, paper and furniture as well as wood fuels and, as a result, considerably enlarge this carbon sink. Poland, being a party of the Climate Convention and Kyoto Protocol and a member of the EU is obliged to provide yearly reports on carbon emissions and sequestration, includ ing the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, of which forestry is the leading constituent. Forests, with the sequestration rate at a level of 3.93 t CO2·ha-1 form practically the only important carbon sink in the LULUCF category. Unfortunately the LULUCF sector has not been yet included in the current climate policy framework. The purpose of the study was an attempt to estimate the hypothetical value of carbon stored in forestry, resulting from the reported quantities of the emitted and sequestered carbon. The calculations were based on figures included in the National Inventory Report for Poland, reported yearly to the Secretariat of the Climate Convention. Among the forestry carbon sources/sinks, reported annually, the sequestration resulting from forest management significantly exceeds the net sequestration from afforestation/deforestation activities. Average data from recent years show that forest management is a net CO2 sink, with 12 Mt CO2·y-1 (above the forest management reference level, (FMRL), and when combined with the carbon pool change resulting from afforestation/deforestation activities, it can be regarded as a net carbon sink sequestering nearly 15 Mt CO2·y-1. That value, when multiplied by the price of carbon emission allowance (e.g. EUA), could be a source of over 80 mill Euros per year, if used as a commodity on the emissions market. Due to high price volatility of CO2 emission allowances, the calculated profits are hypothetical, and the EU Emissions Trading System does not include forestry. These potential gains can become realistic after the LULUCF sector has been included in the emissions trading system.
The unresolved problem of determining the forest interest rate
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-07-20) Adamowicz, Krzysztof
Valuation of forests and their components is a significant problem, both for science and practice. At present, in many countries, the market of forest property is limited. As a result, no conclusions may be inferred on the forest value based on the information on forest purchase and sale transactions. In this situation, we apply static methods of forest valuation. The problem of forest statics has been discussed for years (e.g., Brukas et al. 2001; Chang 1983, 2001; Dieter 2001; Hartman 1976; Manley and Bare 2001; Mohring 2001; Zhang 2001; Viitala 2016). Static methods of forest valuation are well known. In the construction of the proposed mathematical formula (Eq. 6), the Faustmann theory was applied, concerning the economic equilibrium in forestry. Numerous modifications of his equation for economic equilibrium were used to develop, for example, an income method for forest valuation based on discounting the final value or prolongation of initial value. The forest interest rate is a key element in these equations. At present, there are no procedures for the establishment of this interest rate, which would be generally accepted by the scientific community. Therefore, the article presents and discusses selected concepts for determining the forest interest rate.
Activity of spore-crystal mixtures of new Bacillus thuringiensis strains against Dendrolimus pini (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) and Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-07-20) Konecka, Edyta; Kaznowski, Adam; Stachowiak, Małgorzata; Maciąg, Mirosław
We estimated the usefulness of spore-crystals preparations of the two B. thuringiensis isolates, MPU B9 and MPU B54, for reducing the number of pests. The potential insecticidal toxicities of B. thuringiensis isolates were assessed by the analysis of the genes coding for crystalline proteins. The activities of spore-crystals preparations were determined against Dendrolimus pini L. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) and compared with the toxicity of spores and crystals of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1 from commercial biopesticide Foray. Although the analysis of crystalline toxin gene profiles indicated potentially higher activities of MPU B9 and MPU B54 crystals against the pests than that of HD-1, the toxicities of isolate and HD-1 preparations against D. pini caterpillars were similar. The LC50 amounted to 3.42×104 spores and crystals for HD-1, 3.36×104 for MPU B9 and 3.5×104 for MPU B54. Additionally, the toxicity of the MPU B54 preparation was evaluated against Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The LC50 was 4.5×105 spores and crystals of MPU B54, and 2.69×106 spores and crystals of HD-1. The LC50 of the MPU B54 preparation against S. exigua was approximately six-fold higher than that of HD-1. However, due to the very wide fiducidal limits for LC50 values, which for both preparations overlap to a large extent, the toxicity of the preparations should be considered the same. The varied profiles of crystalline toxin genes and important toxicity of spore-crystal mixtures of isolates against S. exigua and D. pini indicate the effectiveness of the mixtures against pests and make the strains an alternative for HD-1 for reducing the number of insects.
Laboratory evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents against the bark beetle Pityogenes scitus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Kashmir
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-07-20) Khanday, Abdul L.; Buhroo, Abdul A.; Ranjith, Avunjikkattu, Ranjith P.; Mazur, Sławomir
The bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are widely recognised as one of the most damaging group of forest pests. Entomopathogenic fungi have shown great potential for the management of some bark beetle species. The efficacy of three entomopathogenic fungi, namely, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (Metchnikoff) Sorokin and Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Zare and Gams was tested against the bark beetle Pityogenes scitus Blandford under the laboratory conditions. An insecticide – cyclone 505 EC, was also used as positive control in the experiment. Each fungal suspension contained 1.0×109 spores of fungi in 1 ml. In treated branches, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae caused higher percentage of mortalities, that is, 58.33% and 48%, respectively, after 10 days of treatment and 85% and 71%, respectively, after 20 days of treatment. In petri plate assay, B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and L. lecanii caused 100%, 100% and 73.33% of mortality respectively. The percentage of mortality caused by treated insecticide was 79.16%. The results obtained in the present study are promising; however, no recommendations concerning the potential use of these fungal pathogens in forest protection can be given, and further research studies are needed in this respect, especially under field conditions.
Effects of food quality on Melolontha spp. adults
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-07-20) Woreta, Danuta; Wolski, Robert; Lipiński, Sławomir; Tkaczyk, Miłosz
The paper presets the results of the study on the life span, survival, body weight and fecundity of cockchafer (Melolontha spp.) adults feeding on the leaves of Betula pendula Roth., Quercus robur L., Q. rubra L., Acer platanoides L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Pinus silvestris L. inflorescences. The life span and body weight of adults, as well as fe male fertility were examined in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2015, the tested common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha L.) adults and forest cockchafer (Melololntha hippocastani F.) adults were fed on B. pendula., Q. robur and P. silvestris. In 2016, forest cockchafer adults were fed on B. pendula, Q. robur, Q. rubra, T. cordata, and in 2017 – on B. pendula., Q. robur T. cordata and A. platanoides. Adults of both species feeding on Q. robur were treated as the control. Adult specimens observed under laboratory conditions were collected in the field, shortly after leaving their overwintering sites in the soil. Our results showed that feeding on the leaves of Q. robur and Q. rubra had the greatest positive effects on the life span, body weight and fecundity of the studied cockchafer adults. M. melolontha females reared on the leaves of B. pendula laid no eggs. The leaves of A. platanoides constituted an adequate food source for the development of M. hippocastani. P. silvestris inflorescences proved to be the right food only for M. melolontha females. M. hippocastani adults feeding on T. cordata and B. pendula were characterized by a short life, decreasing body weight in the first days of observation and low fertility.
Health condition and colonization of stem insects in Scots pine after ground fire in Central Polissya
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Andreieva, Olena; Zhytovа, Olena; Martynchuk, Ivan
Over the past decades, the increase in occurrence of fires has caused degradation of the forest ecosystem and caused impacts to the environment. The aim of this study was to reveal the peculiarities of Scots pine health condition dynamics in the first 2 years after August fire and to estimate the rate of tree colonisation by stem insects in Central Polissya. Scots pine health condition for the first 2 years after summer ground fire in August 2016 and the rate of tree colonisation by stem insects was studied in Zhytomyr region, Western Ukraine. Stem scorch height was measured for every fire-damaged tree, and the index of fire damage severity was calculated. Vital trees health condition worsened more intensively in the sample plot with the lowest relative stocking density and the highest stem scorch by fire. Generally, the forest health condition has worsened in post-fire period in fire damaged stands. However, 23.1% of trees recovered health condition from category ‘drying-up’ to ‘severely weakened’. In fire-damaged stands, the number of species of stem insects has increased from 8 to 11 during the first 2 years of fire damage. Bark beetles were represented by Tomicus piniperda (Linnaeus, 1758), Tomicus minor (Hartig, 1834), Ips acuminatus (Gyllenhal, 1827) and Ips sexdentatus (Boerner, 1767). Jewel beetles included Anthaxia quadripunctata (Linnaeus, 1758), Phaenops cyaneus (Fabricius, 1775), Melanophila acuminata (DeGeer, 1774) and Chalcophora mariana (Linnaeus, 1758). Longhorn beetles included Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier, 1795), Pogonocherus fasciculatus (Degeer, 1775) and Acanthocinus aedilis (Linnaeus, 1758). Tree colonisation by stem insects in the year of fire damage was comparable with control stand, because insect swarming completed before this disturbance. Maximal occurrence of stem insects in 2017 in fire-damaged stand increased up to 66.7% (for I. sexdentatus). The percentage of trees colonised by any insect species at fire-damaged and healthy pine stands differed significantly. The occurrence of stem insects depended mainly on the ratio of trees with different health condition. Our results demonstrate data of tree damage from fire and tree health index as a strong predictor of post-fire mortality of Scots pine and bark beetle occurrence
Current problems and tasks of forest protection in Poland
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Skrzecz, Iwona; Perlińska, Aldona
Current problems of forest protection concern the declining health of forest stands due to climate change and the resulting extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, hurricane winds, heavy rainfalls and floods. Repeated impacts of these factors increase susceptibility of forest stands to pest insects and fungal pathogens. Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst) is sensitive to high air temperatures and water shortage. Long lasting droughts during the last two decades, have been one of the reasons behind Norway spruce dieback due to severe outbreak of European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in the mountainous regions of southern Poland. In the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands, water balance disorders have enhanced the colonization of weekend trees by steelblue jewel beetle Phaenops cyanea (F.) and engraver beetle Ips acuminatus (Gyll.), as well as contributed to the spread of fungal diseases caused by Gremmeniella abietina (Lagerb.) Cenangium ferruginosum Fr. and Sphaeropsis sapinea Fr. fungi. Water related stress leads to weakening of oak stands, which are attacked by Agrilus spp. beetles and pathogens from the genus Phytophthora. It is possible that long lasting droughts initiated the spread of infectious ash disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (= Chalara fraxinea), which resulted in the epidemic of ash dieback throughout Europe. Until recently, the use of plant protection products was the most common method of forest protection against pest insects and pathogens. Poland’s accession to the European Union has affected the marketing and use of plant protection products in the country. The implementation of the EU legislation (Directive 91/414/EEC, Directive 2009/128/EC and Regulation No 1107/2009) has resulted in decreased assortment of pesticides registered for the protection of forests. High costs and long registration process considerably limited the interest of producers in placing the plant protection products on the market. Systematic decrease in the number of plant protection products possible to register for use in forestry, as well as the principles of integrated plant protection established in the EU in 2014 call for seek ing plant protection methods based on the natural enemies of pests, such as pathogenic microorganisms, parasites and predators. Therefore, contemporary forest protection requires the advancement of integrated methods for pest insect and disease control through developing methods of forecasting forest dangers, the use of natural enemies and agro-technical methods for regulation of pests, as well as the development of decision support systems as a tool facilitating introduction of integrated forest protection principles. Such support systems help to establish optimal terms for the implementation of protection measures, so as to increase their efficiency while limiting the use of chemical pesticides to an absolute minimum.
Carbon sequestration of above-ground biomass of Pinus sylvestris L. in the green belt of the city of Astana
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Tumenbayeva, Assel R.; Sarsekova, Dani N.; Małek, Stanisław
The article presents the results of research in the pine plantations located in the green belt of the city of Astana, the dry steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan, and in the research, the data on biomass and carbon content in various fractions of Scots pine were obtained. Assessment of morphometric parameters of the pine stands was carried out by measuring tree height and trunk diameter at breast height (DBH); to determine the carbon content, laboratory analytical methods were used. Samples were taken from each element of biomass (branches, trunk, leaves, and bark) of Scots pine, in triplicate. After that, the green mass was weighed on the analytical scales to within 0.001 g. The samples were then dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 65°C. In laboratory samples without mineralization, the content of carbon was determined using element analyser. Regression equations were used to calculate the bio-mass of stocks. To measure the taxation indicators and sampling of plantations, trial plots were laid in triplicate for trial plots, the height of plantations varied on average from 5.8 m to 8.4 m on the plotted trial plots, and the diameter of the trunk varied from 7.7 cm to 8.8 cm. The correlation between plant height and stem diameter was 0.745. As the studies of chemical composition in needles, bark, trunk and branches of pine trees showed, the amount of carbon was from 50.03 to 51.33%. Thus, the study of the chemical composition of the pine plantations showed that the greatest content of chemical elements, such as carbon, was in tree needles. The accumulation plantations of Pinus sylvestris L. in the green belt of the city of Astana were sequestrated 973.3 tons of carbon in the above-ground biomass varied from 2.9 to 4.8 t/ha.
Occurrence of Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in South-Western Poland
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Mazur, Andrzej; Witkowski, Radosław; Góral, Jarosław; Rogowski, Grzegorz
Gnathotrichus materiarius is listed as an alien ambrosia beetle in European fauna. This is an invasive species from North America, which was found in Europe (France) in the 1930s. In Poland, it was recorded in 2015. Already in 2017 numerous infestations of G. materiarius on lying Pinus sylvestris wood were obsereved. G. materairius is a xylomycophagous species and wood damage to its feeding is similar to that caused by striped ambrosia beetle Trypodendron lineatum. The paper presents sites of G. materairius occurrence found in 2016 and 2017. These include 15 sites located in managed forests (5 forest districts) as well as in 2 national parks situated along south-western border of Poland. G. materairius beetles were found in pheromone-baited traps used to monitor Ips duplicatus and I. amitinusor collected from infested Scots pine wood. The paper presents the description and characteristics of wood damage due to G. materiarius as well as its distinguishing features.
Protection of Scots pine planting stock and forest plantations against diseases and pests in Belarus
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Prahodsky, Sergei; Kaplich, Valery; Voitka, Dmitry
The aim of this research is the monitoring of diseases of Scots pine in the plantings and forest stands in the Republic of Belarus depending on the species composition of pests, their biology and the effectiveness of various methods of plant protection. Significant loss of plants for planting is associated with the spread of pathogens causing damage to seedlings, mainly from the genus Fusarium, Alternaria and Botrytis. The most abundant pests of Scots pine are Coleoptera and Lepidoptera groups representing 16 and 8 species, accordingly. Numerous species represent Curculionidae, Scarabaeidae and Tortricidae family. The main components of an effective system of measures, as an integral part of the technology of growing of planting material of Scots pine in containers, are pre-sowing seed treatment with fungicides, stimulating the growth and development of seedlings. The elaborated system of protective measures of forest plantations is based on the prevalence, phenology of pests, estimation of phytopathogenic load, monitoring of diseases and seasonal climatic conditions.
Characteristics and current situation of urban forests in Kharkiv region
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Musienko, S.; Lyalin, O.; Tkach, L.; Babenko, V.; Sułkowska, M.
The main aim of our study was to examine the current state and to analyse the prospects of the development of urban forests in the city of Kharkiv. Modern methods of assessment and forest resources ranking were used in the evaluation process. The data from the last basic forest inventory and the electronic database of the ‘Ukrderzhlisproekt’ Production Association are used. Conducted investigation enables to assess the state of the urban forests in Kharkiv, to show the division of forest resources by the land category, to list the species composition according to the forests stakeholders as well as to compare the existing and optimal division subject to the age group and to calculate the average forest valuation indicators. Our results indicated that the urban forests have different indicators in the context of permanent users. The existing division of the forest stands by the age group and average forest valuation indicators do not satisfy the optimal ones. Thereby, the vital problem in solving the issue of the conducting forestry in the urban forests transferred to the scientific base for the provision of their optimal growth, development and carrying out of their functions in full exists to date.
Evaluation of the loss of assimilation apparatus and its causes in Scots pine stands (Pinus sylvestris L.) of the Kampinos National Park
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Tyburski, Łukasz; Przybylski, Paweł
The Kampinos National Park (KNP), in terms of ecology, is an exceptionally valuable place in the Polish lowland region. Until the 20th century, as a result of limited human influence on the natural resources of the Kampinos Forest, it can be presumed that the 100-year-old tree stands were shaped by natural ecological processes. This study contains a detailed assessment of crown conditions, dendrometric measurements and visible disease symptoms in the oldest fragments of the KNP, as well as statistical evaluation of the relationships between these factors. Results were correlated with ecological factors such as precipitation and temperature. For the purpose of the study, five tree stands, each over 130 years old, were selected. In each stand, the level of defoliation was assessed, based on the forest monitoring methodology performed in Poland for the State Environmental Monitoring. Tree height, circumference, and diameter at breast height measurements were performed for all the trees, and any visible disease symptoms were described. Defoliation data were used to classify 93.6% of the trees as the second level of stand damage (the so-called ‘warning’ level) according to the monitoring methodology. Observed disease factors confirm the physiological weak ening of the trees. The populations studied exhibited a range of mean height and stem volume, and these were not significantly related to the level of defoliation or visible disease symptoms. Ecological factors, especially the drought in 2015, probably did not have a negative impact on the examined stands. The analysed pine populations demonstrate physiological weakness, but this appears to be related to their age and natural ecological processes
Open data in scientific communication
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2018-10-27) Grygoruk, Dorota
The development of information technology makes it possible to collect and analyse more and more data resources. The results of research, regardless of the discipline, constitute one of main sources of data. Currently, the research results are increasingly being published in the Open Access model. The Open Access concept has been accepted and recommended worldwide by many institutions financing and implementing research. Initially, the idea of openness concerned only the results of research and scientific publications; at present, more attention is paid to the problem of sharing scientific data, including raw data. Proceedings towards open data are intricate, as data specificity requires the development of an appropriate legal, technical and organizational model, followed by the implementation of data management policies at both the institutional and national levels. The aim of this publication was to present the development of the open data concept in the context of open access idea and problems related to defining data in the process of data sharing and data management
Running events in Polish forests in the opinion of their participants
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2019-01-25) Janeczko, Emilia; Tomusiak, Robert; Woźnicka, Małgorzata; Janeczko, Krzysztof
he article presents the results of a questionnaire survey aimed at determining social preferences in relation to running as a form of active leisure time in forests. These preferences were established on the basis of surveys conducted via the Internet by means of social media services. The survey was carried out in 2016 and covered 346 people living in Poland, interested in running and jogging. It involved people over 18 years of age. As a research tool, an Internet questionnaire was used, which included questions concerning the attractiveness of the forest for practicing running, the frequency of running events in the forest, and factors motivating to take part in the running event. Statistical analysis was performed considering the influence of personal characteristics (gender, age, place of residence) and experience in running on the preferences of respondents with the use of the chi-square test. Men dominated among the respondents. The majority of respondents were people aged 35–44 living in towns. Over half of the respondents declared that they practiced athletic or recreational running for more than 4 years. The results show that the Polish forests are an attractive place for running. The preferences varied significantly, mainly in relation to gender, age, and experience in running. Age differentiated the views of respondents on the attractiveness of the forest as a place for running. Participating in forest running events was determined by gender, place of residence, and experience in running. Participants of such events are more frequently men, residing in towns. It was observed that the frequency of participation in running events increases with experience. The attractiveness of the running event was associated mainly with its general atmosphere and the characteristics of the running trail. However, the views were diversified according to gender, age, residence, and experience in running.
Forest ecosystem services – assessment methods
(Sciendo (De Gruyter), 2019-01-25) Kornatowska, Bożena; Sienkiewicz, Jadwiga
Forest ecosystems represent the most important values of natural assets. In economic valuation techniques, to estimate the value of forest ecosystem services, the attention is still focused mainly on their market values, i.e. the value of benefits measured in the economic calculation based, first of all, on the price of timber. The valuation of natural resources is currently supported by considerations of the global policy, in order to strengthen the argumentation justifying the need to incur expenditure related to the protection of biodiversity. There is increasing evidence that biodiversity contributes to forest ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services. Natural capital of forests can be consumed directly as food, wood and other raw materials or indirectly – by benefitting from purified water and air, safeguarded soils or protected climate. At the same time, forest ecosystems provide us with a range of intangible values – scientific, cultural, religious as well as encompass heritage to pass on to future generations. In the era of increasing pressure on the use of free public goods (natural resources), it is necessary to improve understanding of the role of forests in creating national natural capital, and in enhancing the quality of human life. All things considered, the so called non-market forest ecosystem services may have a much higher value than the profits from the production of timber and raw materials. Needless to say, non-market values of forest ecosystems are of great importance for the quality of human life, and the awareness of this should translate into social behavior in the use of natural resources. This paper reviews the methods to estimate the value of forest ecosystem services in view of recently acknowledged paradigm to move forward from economic production to sustainable human well-being.

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