1. The effect of forest gaps on the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in mixed-type forest soils across the Carpathian mountainsNejc Suban, Olivera Maksimović, Nataša Šibanc, Tijana Martinović, Eva Dařenová, Matjaž Čater, Tine Grebenc, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Mixed forests of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) play a vital ecological role in Central and South-Eastern Europe. This study investigates the diversity and composition of soil bacterial communities in these forests, focusing on rhizosphere and bulk soils under varying canopy structures. Soil samples were collected from eight sites along the Carpathian Mountains, including managed forests and the remnants of old growth. Metabarcoding of bacterial communities revealed that alpha diversity (species richness, Shannon index, and evenness) was significantly affected by sampling location but not by forest canopy structure or soil type (rhizosphere and bulk soil). The lowest bacterial diversity was found in the old-growth forest of the Beskidy region, while the highest was recorded in managed forest in Vrancea. Beta diversity analyses showed minimal variation between rhizosphere and bulk soil bacterial communities, with geographic distance being the strongest predictor of community composition. Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla across all sites, with higher relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in all rhizosphere samples compared to bulk soil. Complex combinations of various environmental conditions at each sampling location, including soil parameters (mainly pH and C:N ratio), the age of forest gaps, the type and intensity of disturbances, and species composition of above-ground vegetation, can strongly affect soil bacterial communities. A closer examination of additional environmental variables would be necessary to better explain the observed differences in the diversity and composition of bacterial communities. Keywords: forest gaps, forest management, soil microbiome, soil, rhizosphere, Carpathians, temperate forest Published in DiRROS: 30.12.2024; Views: 218; Downloads: 56 Full text (734,01 KB) |
2. Systematic review of sustainable forest management : integrating community forestry and agroforestry approachesKomang Ariyanto, 2024, review article Abstract: This systematic review addresses the need for integrating social, ecological, and economic dimensions into sustainable forest management to enhance resilience and sustainability. Existing research reveals a gap in understanding community involvement and governance effectiveness. The review synthesizes findings from diverse studies, focusing on community forestry and agroforestry practices. An analysis of 48 peer-reviewed articles and case studies was conducted to identify the best practices and key themes. Results indicate that robust institutions and effective governance are essential for sustainable forest management. Community engagement and education significantly enhance sustainable practices, with fiscal subsidies in forestry proving more effective than agricultural subsidies. Agroforestry emerges as a strategy that boosts agricultural income and biodiversity through improved market access. The conclusions emphasize the need to address social inequalities and urban pressures while fostering community participation for effective forest management. Recommendations include strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting education for sustainable practices, developing targeted policies that address identified barriers, and leveraging community participation in decision-making processes. Keywords: agroforestry systems, community forestry, institutional governance, sustainable forest management Published in DiRROS: 24.12.2024; Views: 1747; Downloads: 72 Full text (910,77 KB) |
3. Associative organisational models in Italian forests for addressing land abandonmentFrancesco Loreggian, Davide Pettenella, Laura Secco, Nicola Andrighetto, Giorgia Bottaros, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This paper investigates associative organisational models as a potential governance solution to the issue of land abandonment. Land fragmentation, along with inadequate or absent management, are key problems that hinder forest stability and resilience in many countries, particularly in Southern Europe. Land abandonment further exacerbates these issues, increasing climate change-related risks, such as forest fires. After reviewing the broader European context, the paper focuses on Italy, where this problem is particularly acute. Based on a qualitative content analysis of the literature and policy documents, the paper outlines the available solutions for promoting active forest management through associations, as outlined by Italian forest law. Several types of associative models exist, facilitated by recent policy initiatives, including forest consortia, forest associations and cooperatives, and various instruments for regulating partnerships and associative management. However, limited data on land abandonment and forest ownership, especially regarding private ownership, hampers effective implementation and monitoring, highlighting a significant research gap in this area. Keywords: private forest owners, associative solutions, associative forest management, land fragmentation Published in DiRROS: 29.11.2024; Views: 405; Downloads: 81 Full text (1,24 MB) |
4. Factors influencing private forest owners decision-making rationalities to implement salvage logging after large-scale natural disturbances in SloveniaDarja Stare, Špela Ščap, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study examines the factors that influence the decision-making rationality of private forest owners (PFOs) when implementing salvage logging after large-scale natural disturbances. The literature suggests two main responses to large large-scale natural disturbances: performing salvage logging and no salvage at all. When salvage logging is carried out, two different strategies can be applied: clearing, i.e. all trees are removed, including damaged trees and standing survivors; and salvaging, i.e. damaged trees are removed but the surviving trees are left and some dead trees are left standing. In an online survey conducted in Slovenia in March and April 2022, responses were collected from 1515 forest-owning households. A logistic regression model was created to analyse the data and understand how socio-demographic characteristics, characteristics of forest property, forest management activities and the market influence their decisions. The results show that previous management activities and cooperation with service providers significantly influence PFOs' decision-making rationality to implement salvage logging. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex decision-making processes in forestry. Future research opportunities lie in investigating specific aspects of past management activities and understanding the dynamics in cooperation between different actors to develop customised policies for effective forest management after large-scale natural disturbances. Keywords: forestry, environmental disturbances, private forest owners, decision making process, post-damage management, logistic regression analysis Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2024; Views: 127; Downloads: 33 Link to file |
5. Transnational strategy on the sustainable management and responsible use of non-native trees in the Alpine SpaceKatharina Lapin, Anja M. Bindewald, Giuseppe Brundu, Aleksander Marinšek, Debojyoti Chakraborty, Janine Oettel, Janine Oettel, Konrad Heino, Nicola La Porta, Ajša Alagić, 2023, review article Abstract: Non-native tree species – defined as those species intentionally or unintentionally introduced by humans – have long been a part of the Alpine Space, providing numerous benefits, but also posing a potential threat to native biodiversity and related ecosystem services. Compared to the urban space where non-native trees comprise most tree species, the number of non-native trees in forests and plantations is relatively low. To evaluate potential risks and benefits of non-native trees in the Alpine Space, a transnational strategy for the responsible use and management of non-native trees is needed. The goals of the strategy are to tailor management practices for a sustainable and responsible use or admixture of non-native trees, to reduce the risks connected with the invasive potential of some non-native tree species, to help forests and urban areas to adapt to climate change, and to improve coordination and cooperation regarding best practices between different regions of the Alpine Space. A proposal was developed in a four-step process including expert-based assessment, stakeholder mapping, an extensive data review, and a public consultation. For implementing the strategy fully, strong collaboration among diverse stakeholders is anticipated and robust governance and an adequate long-term and fair funding scheme is needed. Keywords: adaptive forest management, non-native tree species, Alpine Space, biosecurity, green infrastructure Published in DiRROS: 19.01.2024; Views: 640; Downloads: 391 Full text (1,98 MB) This document has many files! More... |
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7. PrefaceVasja Leban, Anže Japelj, Lidija Zadnik Stirn, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, 2023, preface, editorial, afterword Keywords: forest management, economics, conferences, preface Published in DiRROS: 14.11.2023; Views: 1004; Downloads: 304 Full text (90,49 KB) |
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