Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-07-21DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100368
Yiheng Wang , Zhipeng Li , Jinsong Zhang , Joanna Simms , Xin Wang
<div><div>Gross primary production (GPP) is closely associated with processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration within ecosystems, which is a vital component of the global carbon–water–energy cycle. Accurate prediction of GPP in terrestrial ecosystems is essential for evaluating terrestrial carbon cycle processes. Machine learning (ML) models provide significant technical support in this domain. Presently, there is a deficiency of high-precision and robust GPP prediction variables and models. Challenges such as unclear contributions of predictive variables, extended model training durations, and limited robustness must be addressed. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), optimized multilayer perceptron neural networks, and ensemble learning models show the potential to overcome these challenges. This study aimed to develop an optimized multilayer perceptron neural network model and an ensemble learning model, while objectively assessing the capacity of SIF to predict GPP. Identifying robust models capable of enhancing the accuracy of GPP predictions was the ultimate goal. This study utilized continuous observations of SIF and meteorological data collected from 2020 to 2021 at a designated research observation station within the <em>Populus</em> plantation ecosystem of the Huanghuaihai agricultural protective forest system in Henan Province, China. By optimizing and evaluating the predictive accuracy and robustness of the models across different temporal scales (half-hourly and daily scales), a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network optimization model based on the back propagation (BP) neural network (BPNN) algorithm (BP/MLP) and MLP and random forest (RF) integration (MLP-RF) ensemble models were constructed, utilizing SIF as the primary predictive variable for GPP. Both the BP/MLP (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.885, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.921) and the MLP-RF (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.845, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.914) models showed superior accuracy compared to the BPNN (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.841, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.918) and the traditional RF (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.798, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.867) models, with the BP/MLP model consistently outperforming the MLP-RF model. The BP/MLP model, which was optimized through particle swarm optimization (PSO), significantly enhanced the robustness of GPP predictions on a half-hourly scale and daily scale. Considering both half-hourly scale and daily scale in the PSO-BP/MLP modeling, the four indicators, light-use efficiency (LUE), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), and the variation in SIF with NIR<sub>v</sub>P (<em>f</em><sub>SIF</sub>(NIR<sub>v</sub>P)), exhibited the potential for enhancing the accuracy of GPP pred
{"title":"Predicting gross primary productivity of poplar plantations based on solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence using an improved machine learning model","authors":"Yiheng Wang , Zhipeng Li , Jinsong Zhang , Joanna Simms , Xin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gross primary production (GPP) is closely associated with processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration within ecosystems, which is a vital component of the global carbon–water–energy cycle. Accurate prediction of GPP in terrestrial ecosystems is essential for evaluating terrestrial carbon cycle processes. Machine learning (ML) models provide significant technical support in this domain. Presently, there is a deficiency of high-precision and robust GPP prediction variables and models. Challenges such as unclear contributions of predictive variables, extended model training durations, and limited robustness must be addressed. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), optimized multilayer perceptron neural networks, and ensemble learning models show the potential to overcome these challenges. This study aimed to develop an optimized multilayer perceptron neural network model and an ensemble learning model, while objectively assessing the capacity of SIF to predict GPP. Identifying robust models capable of enhancing the accuracy of GPP predictions was the ultimate goal. This study utilized continuous observations of SIF and meteorological data collected from 2020 to 2021 at a designated research observation station within the <em>Populus</em> plantation ecosystem of the Huanghuaihai agricultural protective forest system in Henan Province, China. By optimizing and evaluating the predictive accuracy and robustness of the models across different temporal scales (half-hourly and daily scales), a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network optimization model based on the back propagation (BP) neural network (BPNN) algorithm (BP/MLP) and MLP and random forest (RF) integration (MLP-RF) ensemble models were constructed, utilizing SIF as the primary predictive variable for GPP. Both the BP/MLP (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.885, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.921) and the MLP-RF (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.845, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.914) models showed superior accuracy compared to the BPNN (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.841, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.918) and the traditional RF (half-hourly scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.798, daily scale model <em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.867) models, with the BP/MLP model consistently outperforming the MLP-RF model. The BP/MLP model, which was optimized through particle swarm optimization (PSO), significantly enhanced the robustness of GPP predictions on a half-hourly scale and daily scale. Considering both half-hourly scale and daily scale in the PSO-BP/MLP modeling, the four indicators, light-use efficiency (LUE), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), and the variation in SIF with NIR<sub>v</sub>P (<em>f</em><sub>SIF</sub>(NIR<sub>v</sub>P)), exhibited the potential for enhancing the accuracy of GPP pred","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100368"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100364
Toomas Tarmu, Risto Kiisk, Andres Kiviste, Allan Sims, Diana Laarmann
Tree mortality due to wood decay significantly affects the accuracy of growth and yield calculations, especially in forest management context. In Estonia, middle-aged and mature Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands are highly susceptible to Armillaria sp. and Heterobasidion sp. infections. This study aimed to assess the spread of wood decay while contributing new data to the Estonian Network of Forest Research Plots (ENFRP) database. We hypothesized that wood decay is more frequent in stands with a higher proportion of spruce in the upper canopy layer. The study was conducted on 40 plots across mainland Estonia, with 10 trees per plot assessed both visually and with the PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph. The results showed no significant relationship between the share of spruce in the upper canopy layer and the presence of decayed trees (p > 0.05), nor were there significant differences across sites or forest types (p > 0.05). However, more decayed trees were detected in mesotrophic and meso-eutrophic forests. No significant association was found between prior thinning and decay occurrence (p > 0.05). The significant difference between the visual and tomographic assessments (p < 0.05) suggests that external decay indicators, such as cavities, may be unreliable. Significant differences at 30, 80, and 130 cm above ground level (p < 0.05) suggest, as expected, that decay progresses vertically along the trunk. The Hegyi index indicated that competition was significantly influenced by the presence of decayed trees (p < 0.05), implying that some competition-related mortality may be linked to fungal infection.
{"title":"Assessment of wood decay in middle-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands in Estonia using PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomography","authors":"Toomas Tarmu, Risto Kiisk, Andres Kiviste, Allan Sims, Diana Laarmann","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tree mortality due to wood decay significantly affects the accuracy of growth and yield calculations, especially in forest management context. In Estonia, middle-aged and mature Norway spruce (<em>Picea abies</em>) stands are highly susceptible to <em>Armillaria</em> sp. and <em>Heterobasidion</em> sp. infections. This study aimed to assess the spread of wood decay while contributing new data to the Estonian Network of Forest Research Plots (ENFRP) database. We hypothesized that wood decay is more frequent in stands with a higher proportion of spruce in the upper canopy layer. The study was conducted on 40 plots across mainland Estonia, with 10 trees per plot assessed both visually and with the PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph. The results showed no significant relationship between the share of spruce in the upper canopy layer and the presence of decayed trees (<em>p</em> > 0.05), nor were there significant differences across sites or forest types (<em>p</em> > 0.05). However, more decayed trees were detected in mesotrophic and meso-eutrophic forests. No significant association was found between prior thinning and decay occurrence (<em>p</em> > 0.05). The significant difference between the visual and tomographic assessments (<em>p</em> < 0.05) suggests that external decay indicators, such as cavities, may be unreliable. Significant differences at 30, 80, and 130 cm above ground level (<em>p</em> < 0.05) suggest, as expected, that decay progresses vertically along the trunk. The Hegyi index indicated that competition was significantly influenced by the presence of decayed trees (<em>p</em> < 0.05), implying that some competition-related mortality may be linked to fungal infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100364"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144566609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-07-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100370
Qiaoling Yang , Guili Sun , Guangyu Wang , Kexiang Liu , Zhinian Yang , Li Qin , Arman Abula , Fan Xie , Ruibo Zhang
As climate change intensifies, forests increasingly face the challenges posed by more frequent and severe droughts. However, the impacts of drought intensity on post-drought growth recovery and compensatory growth in trees remain poorly understood. Understanding the mechanisms through which drought influences tree radial growth and accurately assessing how growth responds to different drought intensities is essential for forecasting forest dynamics. In this study, we used correlation analysis to identify the climatic limiting factors for the radial growth of P. schrenkiana Fisch. & C. A. Mey. (P. schrenkiana) across three elevations in the Western Tianshan Mountains of China. We assessed the impact of drought intensity on radial growth. By analyzing the growth resistance, recovery, and resilience of P. schrenkiana in relation to drought intensity, we quantified post-drought growth trajectories. Our key findings are as follows: 1) Drought stress is the primary factor limiting the radial growth of P. schrenkiana. 2) Tree growth responses vary significantly with elevation and drought intensity. As drought intensity increased, both resistance and recovery decreased. 3) Compensatory growth occurred following moderate and severe droughts at all elevations. However, this was not observed in the first year after extreme droughts. These findings highlight the importance of the first post-drought year in determining the recovery trajectory of P. schrenkiana radial growth.
{"title":"Drought intensity affects radial growth and recovery of P. schrenkiana at varying elevations in the Western Tianshan Mountains, China","authors":"Qiaoling Yang , Guili Sun , Guangyu Wang , Kexiang Liu , Zhinian Yang , Li Qin , Arman Abula , Fan Xie , Ruibo Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As climate change intensifies, forests increasingly face the challenges posed by more frequent and severe droughts. However, the impacts of drought intensity on post-drought growth recovery and compensatory growth in trees remain poorly understood. Understanding the mechanisms through which drought influences tree radial growth and accurately assessing how growth responds to different drought intensities is essential for forecasting forest dynamics. In this study, we used correlation analysis to identify the climatic limiting factors for the radial growth of <em>P. schrenkiana</em> Fisch. & C. A. Mey. (<em>P. schrenkiana</em>) across three elevations in the Western Tianshan Mountains of China. We assessed the impact of drought intensity on radial growth. By analyzing the growth resistance, recovery, and resilience of <em>P. schrenkiana</em> in relation to drought intensity, we quantified post-drought growth trajectories. Our key findings are as follows: 1) Drought stress is the primary factor limiting the radial growth of <em>P. schrenkiana</em>. 2) Tree growth responses vary significantly with elevation and drought intensity. As drought intensity increased, both resistance and recovery decreased. 3) Compensatory growth occurred following moderate and severe droughts at all elevations. However, this was not observed in the first year after extreme droughts. These findings highlight the importance of the first post-drought year in determining the recovery trajectory of <em>P. schrenkiana</em> radial growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100370"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144664709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-07-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100369
Xusong Dai , Hanwen Qi , Xiaochen Wang , Yaozhan Xu , Qinghu Jiang , Qingjun Zhang , Xu Wang , Jianchang Chen , Guangzu Liu , Xinlian Liang
Unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (ULS) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) systems are effective ways to capture forest structures from top and side views, respectively. The registration of TLS and ULS data is a prerequisite for a comprehensive forest structure representation. Conventional registration methods based on geometric features (e.g., points, lines, and planes) are likely to fail due to the irregular natural point distributions of forest point clouds. Currently, automatic registration methods for forest point clouds typically rely on tree attributes (such as tree position and stem diameter). However, these methods are often unsuitable for forests with diverse compositions, complex terrains, irregular tree layouts, and insufficient common trees. In this study, an automated method is proposed to register ULS and TLS forest point clouds using ground points as registration primitives, which operates independently of tree attribute extraction and is estimated to reduce processing time by over 50%. A new evaluation method for registration accuracy evaluation is proposed, where transformation parameters from each TLS scan to the ULS obtained by the proposed registration algorithm are used to derive transformation parameters between TLS scans, which are then compared to reference parameters obtained using artificial spherical targets. Conventional ULS-TLS registration evaluation methods mostly rely on the manual corresponding points selection that is subject to inherent subjective errors, or control points in both TLS and ULS data that are difficult to collect. The proposed method presents an objective and accurate solution for ULS-TLS registration accuracy evaluation that effectively eliminates these limitations. The proposed method was tested on 12 plots with diverse stem densities, tree species, and altitudes located in a mountain forest. A total of 124 TLS scans were successfully registered to ULS data. The registration accuracy was assessed using both the conventional evaluation method and the proposed new evaluation method, with average rotation errors of 2.03 and 2.06 mrad, and average translation errors of 7.63 and 6.51 cm, respectively. The registration accuracies demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively and accurately registers TLS to ULS point clouds.
{"title":"A novel method for ULS-TLS forest point cloud registration based on height context descriptor","authors":"Xusong Dai , Hanwen Qi , Xiaochen Wang , Yaozhan Xu , Qinghu Jiang , Qingjun Zhang , Xu Wang , Jianchang Chen , Guangzu Liu , Xinlian Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (ULS) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) systems are effective ways to capture forest structures from top and side views, respectively. The registration of TLS and ULS data is a prerequisite for a comprehensive forest structure representation. Conventional registration methods based on geometric features (e.g., points, lines, and planes) are likely to fail due to the irregular natural point distributions of forest point clouds. Currently, automatic registration methods for forest point clouds typically rely on tree attributes (such as tree position and stem diameter). However, these methods are often unsuitable for forests with diverse compositions, complex terrains, irregular tree layouts, and insufficient common trees. In this study, an automated method is proposed to register ULS and TLS forest point clouds using ground points as registration primitives, which operates independently of tree attribute extraction and is estimated to reduce processing time by over 50%. A new evaluation method for registration accuracy evaluation is proposed, where transformation parameters from each TLS scan to the ULS obtained by the proposed registration algorithm are used to derive transformation parameters between TLS scans, which are then compared to reference parameters obtained using artificial spherical targets. Conventional ULS-TLS registration evaluation methods mostly rely on the manual corresponding points selection that is subject to inherent subjective errors, or control points in both TLS and ULS data that are difficult to collect. The proposed method presents an objective and accurate solution for ULS-TLS registration accuracy evaluation that effectively eliminates these limitations. The proposed method was tested on 12 plots with diverse stem densities, tree species, and altitudes located in a mountain forest. A total of 124 TLS scans were successfully registered to ULS data. The registration accuracy was assessed using both the conventional evaluation method and the proposed new evaluation method, with average rotation errors of 2.03 and 2.06 mrad, and average translation errors of 7.63 and 6.51 cm, respectively. The registration accuracies demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively and accurately registers TLS to ULS point clouds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100369"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144664762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-15DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100346
Milan Kobal , Tom Levanič
Understanding competition between trees is essential for sustainable forest management as interactions between trees in uneven-aged mixed forests play a key role in growth dynamics. This study investigated nine competition indices (CIs) for their suitability to model the effects of neighboring trees on silver fir (Abies alba) growth in Dinaric silver fir-European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. Although numerous competition indices have been developed, there is still limited consensus on their applicability in different forest types, especially in mature, structurally complex forest stands. The indices were evaluated using the adjusted coefficient of determination in a linear model wherein the volume growth of the last five years for 60 dominant silver fir trees was modeled as a function of tree volume and competition index. The results demonstrated that distance-dependent indices (e.g., the Hegyi height-distance competition and Rouvinen-Kuuluvainen diameter-distance competition indices), which consider the distance to competitors and their size, perform better than distance-independent indices. Using the optimization procedure in calculating the competition indices, only neighboring trees at a distance of up to 26-fold the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the selected tree (optimal search radius) and with a DBH of at least 20% of that of the target tree (optimal DBH) were considered competitors. Therefore, competition significantly influences the growth of dominant silver firs even in older age classes. The model based solely on tree volume explained 32.5% of the variability in volume growth, while the model that accounted for competition explained 64%. Optimizing the optimal search radius had a greater impact on model performance than optimizing the DBH threshold. This emphasizes the importance of balancing stand density and competition in silvicultural practice.
{"title":"Optimizing competitor definitions for the sustainable management of dominant silver fir trees (Abies alba Mill.) in uneven-aged mixed Dinaric forests","authors":"Milan Kobal , Tom Levanič","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding competition between trees is essential for sustainable forest management as interactions between trees in uneven-aged mixed forests play a key role in growth dynamics. This study investigated nine competition indices (CIs) for their suitability to model the effects of neighboring trees on silver fir (<em>Abies alba</em>) growth in Dinaric silver fir-European beech (<em>Fagus sylvatica</em>) forests. Although numerous competition indices have been developed, there is still limited consensus on their applicability in different forest types, especially in mature, structurally complex forest stands. The indices were evaluated using the adjusted coefficient of determination in a linear model wherein the volume growth of the last five years for 60 dominant silver fir trees was modeled as a function of tree volume and competition index. The results demonstrated that distance-dependent indices (e.g., the Hegyi height-distance competition and Rouvinen-Kuuluvainen diameter-distance competition indices), which consider the distance to competitors and their size, perform better than distance-independent indices. Using the optimization procedure in calculating the competition indices, only neighboring trees at a distance of up to 26-fold the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the selected tree (optimal search radius) and with a DBH of at least 20% of that of the target tree (optimal DBH) were considered competitors. Therefore, competition significantly influences the growth of dominant silver firs even in older age classes. The model based solely on tree volume explained 32.5% of the variability in volume growth, while the model that accounted for competition explained 64%. Optimizing the optimal search radius had a greater impact on model performance than optimizing the DBH threshold. This emphasizes the importance of balancing stand density and competition in silvicultural practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100346"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144105709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-24DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100350
Yi Zhang , Yanjun Luo , Min Qi , Ying Li , Fang K. Du
The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf trait integration and modularity and how they interact with environmental factors. We analyzed geometric, traditional, and functional leaf traits across 908 individuals from 72 populations of two alpine evergreen oaks, Quercus aquifolioides Rehder & E.H. Wilson and Quercus spinosa David ex Franch., distributed throughout the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains (HHM), employing genetic assignment as a priori. Multivariate and redundancy analyses revealed that Q. aquifolioides, which inhabits harsher environments, exhibits lower trait integration and greater morphological flexibility, allowing for dynamic adaptation to fluctuating conditions. In contrast, Q. spinosa, thriving in milder environments, demonstrates stronger integration and stability in leaf morphology, facilitating resource optimization and providing a competitive advantage. Notable differences in modularity between the two species were observed, particularly in specific leaf traits, as revealed by structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. These results underscore the adaptive significance of leaf trait integration and modularity in extreme environments and highlight the critical role of leaf morphology in enhancing species resilience.
{"title":"Leaf morphological trait integration and modularity provide insights into ecological adaptation in evergreen oaks","authors":"Yi Zhang , Yanjun Luo , Min Qi , Ying Li , Fang K. Du","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf trait integration and modularity and how they interact with environmental factors. We analyzed geometric, traditional, and functional leaf traits across 908 individuals from 72 populations of two alpine evergreen oaks, <em>Quercus aquifolioides</em> Rehder & E.H. Wilson and <em>Quercus spinosa</em> David ex Franch., distributed throughout the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains (HHM), employing genetic assignment as <em>a priori</em>. Multivariate and redundancy analyses revealed that <em>Q. aquifolioides</em>, which inhabits harsher environments, exhibits lower trait integration and greater morphological flexibility, allowing for dynamic adaptation to fluctuating conditions. In contrast, <em>Q. spinosa</em>, thriving in milder environments, demonstrates stronger integration and stability in leaf morphology, facilitating resource optimization and providing a competitive advantage. Notable differences in modularity between the two species were observed, particularly in specific leaf traits, as revealed by structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. These results underscore the adaptive significance of leaf trait integration and modularity in extreme environments and highlight the critical role of leaf morphology in enhancing species resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100350"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144204250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100342
Shengnan Chen , Wei Wei
Soil water content (SWC) and meteorological conditions, as key environmental variables influencing tree water use, vary highly within the growing season, hindering a better understanding of environmental control mechanisms on canopy transpiration (Ec). Disentangling the effects of these variables on Ec across growing-season stages is crucial for Ec estimation and forest management. In this study, 43-year-old Pinus tabuliformis Carr. and 31-year-old Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco plantations in the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau were monitored for Ec during the growing season of 2015–2020. The contributions of environmental factors to Ec were assessed using the boosted regression tree (BRT) model. Results showed that the contributions of SWC to Ec were greater at the early (May–June) and late (September) stages, while the contributions of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and total solar radiation (Rs) to Ec increased at the middle (July–August) stage due to high soil water availability. Overall, Ec in both plantations was dominated by SWC (20.4% ≤ contributions ≤ 48.8%) and Rs (22.7% ≤ contributions ≤ 35.8%). Both species exhibited strong stomatal regulation of Ec. Specifically, stomatal opening was significantly inhibited by VPD at the early stage and strongly affected by SWC at the late stage. This study highlights that soil water conditions in artificial forests should be adjusted according to changes in influencing factors on Ec. Particularly during the early and late stages, measures (e.g., land preparation, thinning, and pruning) can be implemented to improve soil moisture in such dryland forests.
{"title":"Effects of environmental variables on canopy transpiration in two coniferous forests at different growing-season stages","authors":"Shengnan Chen , Wei Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil water content (SWC) and meteorological conditions, as key environmental variables influencing tree water use, vary highly within the growing season, hindering a better understanding of environmental control mechanisms on canopy transpiration (<em>E</em><sub>c</sub>). Disentangling the effects of these variables on <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> across growing-season stages is crucial for <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> estimation and forest management. In this study, 43-year-old <em>Pinus tabuliformis</em> Carr. and 31-year-old <em>Platycladus orientalis</em> (L.) Franco plantations in the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau were monitored for <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> during the growing season of 2015–2020. The contributions of environmental factors to <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> were assessed using the boosted regression tree (BRT) model. Results showed that the contributions of SWC to <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> were greater at the early (May–June) and late (September) stages, while the contributions of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and total solar radiation (<em>R</em><sub>s</sub>) to <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> increased at the middle (July–August) stage due to high soil water availability. Overall, <em>E</em><sub>c</sub> in both plantations was dominated by SWC (20.4% ≤ contributions ≤ 48.8%) and <em>R</em><sub>s</sub> (22.7% ≤ contributions ≤ 35.8%). Both species exhibited strong stomatal regulation of <em>E</em><sub>c</sub>. Specifically, stomatal opening was significantly inhibited by VPD at the early stage and strongly affected by SWC at the late stage. This study highlights that soil water conditions in artificial forests should be adjusted according to changes in influencing factors on <em>E</em><sub>c</sub>. Particularly during the early and late stages, measures (e.g., land preparation, thinning, and pruning) can be implemented to improve soil moisture in such dryland forests.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100342"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144068753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-29DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100381
Dehai Zhao, Bronson P. Bullock, Stephen M. Kinane, Mingliang Wang
This study evaluated the long-term growth responses of pine plantations in the Lower Coastal Plain of Florida to different site preparation (SP) treatments, including variations in bedding timing (early or late), frequency (single or double), and herbicide use (banded or broadcast pre-plant application), with or without first-year post-plant herbaceous weed control (HWC). The results showed that growth responses varied by location, primarily influenced by the effectiveness of vegetation control, especially in suppressing woody shrubs. Pre-plant herbicide treatments consistently improved growth, with broadcast applications often performing as well or better than the banded treatments. Although bedding timing and frequency influenced growth at some sites, their effects were inconsistent. Superior growth was observed in treatments combining early bedding with pre-plant herbicide, even without HWC, highlighting the critical role of effective vegetation management in enhancing the productivity of pine plantations.
{"title":"Variation in pine growth response to site preparation methods in the Lower Coastal Plain of the southeastern US","authors":"Dehai Zhao, Bronson P. Bullock, Stephen M. Kinane, Mingliang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100381","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100381","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the long-term growth responses of pine plantations in the Lower Coastal Plain of Florida to different site preparation (SP) treatments, including variations in bedding timing (early or late), frequency (single or double), and herbicide use (banded or broadcast pre-plant application), with or without first-year post-plant herbaceous weed control (HWC). The results showed that growth responses varied by location, primarily influenced by the effectiveness of vegetation control, especially in suppressing woody shrubs. Pre-plant herbicide treatments consistently improved growth, with broadcast applications often performing as well or better than the banded treatments. Although bedding timing and frequency influenced growth at some sites, their effects were inconsistent. Superior growth was observed in treatments combining early bedding with pre-plant herbicide, even without HWC, highlighting the critical role of effective vegetation management in enhancing the productivity of pine plantations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100381"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-05-28DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100351
Jaroslav Vencurik , Michal Bosela , Ladislav Šumichrast , Anna Petrová , Peter Jaloviar , Denisa Sedmáková , Zuzana Parobeková , Ján Pittner , Ivan Repáč , Stanislav Kucbel
In permanently uneven-aged forests, continuous ingrowth of recruitment into higher stand layers is a critical process for the formation and maintenance of differentiated stand structures. This study analyses the abundance and diversity of recruitment (diameter at breast high (DBH) 0.1–4 cm) across 241 research plots in 11 structurally differentiated Norway spruce (silver fir)-dominated forest stands distributed at altitudes between 500 and 1,440 m a.s.l. The influence of light conditions and lateral competition characteristics on the height increment and crown architecture of recruitment was investigated in detail for 352 Norway spruce and 361 silver fir trees. Light-related variables were confirmed to directly affect the recruitment distribution only to a limited extent. Under relatively low light conditions in montane stands, silver fir reached higher height increments than Norway spruce. The better adaptation of silver fir to shaded conditions was reflected also in its higher apical dominance ratio compared to Norway spruce. The height increment and apical dominance ratio of Norway spruce and silver fir recruitment were positively correlated with indirect radiation, DBH, and relative crown length (RCL), but not with lateral competition. These results confirm that the regulation of light conditions in permanently uneven-aged stands is crucial for the growth dynamics of recruitment, as well as for the future proportions of Norway spruce and silver fir in mixed, structurally diverse stands.
{"title":"Recruitment dynamics in conifer-dominated uneven-aged forests in the carpathians","authors":"Jaroslav Vencurik , Michal Bosela , Ladislav Šumichrast , Anna Petrová , Peter Jaloviar , Denisa Sedmáková , Zuzana Parobeková , Ján Pittner , Ivan Repáč , Stanislav Kucbel","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100351","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100351","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In permanently uneven-aged forests, continuous ingrowth of recruitment into higher stand layers is a critical process for the formation and maintenance of differentiated stand structures. This study analyses the abundance and diversity of recruitment (diameter at breast high (DBH) 0.1–4 cm) across 241 research plots in 11 structurally differentiated Norway spruce (silver fir)-dominated forest stands distributed at altitudes between 500 and 1,440 m a.s.l. The influence of light conditions and lateral competition characteristics on the height increment and crown architecture of recruitment was investigated in detail for 352 Norway spruce and 361 silver fir trees. Light-related variables were confirmed to directly affect the recruitment distribution only to a limited extent. Under relatively low light conditions in montane stands, silver fir reached higher height increments than Norway spruce. The better adaptation of silver fir to shaded conditions was reflected also in its higher apical dominance ratio compared to Norway spruce. The height increment and apical dominance ratio of Norway spruce and silver fir recruitment were positively correlated with indirect radiation, DBH, and relative crown length (RCL), but not with lateral competition. These results confirm that the regulation of light conditions in permanently uneven-aged stands is crucial for the growth dynamics of recruitment, as well as for the future proportions of Norway spruce and silver fir in mixed, structurally diverse stands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100351"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144253915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-06-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100359
Kristina Svobodová, Michal Horsák
Coarse woody debris (CWD) plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems by supporting habitat complexity and influencing soil properties. This study investigates the effects of CWD on gastropod diversity within managed spruce (Picea abies) forests in the Czech Republic, comparing results to nearby nature reserves (NRs). Gastropod species richness and composition were evaluated at both plot (50 m × 50 m) and mesohabitat scales across gradients of CWD and beech (Fagus sylvatica) tree representation. Our results indicate significantly reduced species richness in managed forests (median 7 species per plot) compared to NRs (median 15 species), attributed to lower soil pH, calcium availability, and moisture due to the dominance of spruce and the limited availability of CWD. Species richness was positively influenced by CWD volume, with two amounts identified: a minimum of 4 m3·ha−1 to prevent significant biodiversity loss and 20 m3·ha−1 to support sensitive and dendrophile species. At the within-plot scale, CWD was the species richest mesohabitat, playing a particularly important role in acidic and nutrient-poor environments. Furthermore, beech basal area positively correlated with species richness, mitigating the negative impact of spruce. The findings highlight the critical need for changes in forest management, including increased retention of CWD and integration of deciduous trees, to support biodiversity in intensively managed forests. These measures are particularly urgent given the susceptibility of spruce monocultures to climate change and pest outbreaks. Gastropods, as sessile indicators of environmental change, may serve as effective umbrella species for conservation efforts targeting forest soil biodiversity.
{"title":"Coarse woody debris requirements for maintaining land snail diversity in managed spruce forests","authors":"Kristina Svobodová, Michal Horsák","doi":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100359","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fecs.2025.100359","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coarse woody debris (CWD) plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems by supporting habitat complexity and influencing soil properties. This study investigates the effects of CWD on gastropod diversity within managed spruce (<em>Picea abies</em>) forests in the Czech Republic, comparing results to nearby nature reserves (NRs). Gastropod species richness and composition were evaluated at both plot (50 m × 50 m) and mesohabitat scales across gradients of CWD and beech (<em>Fagus sylvatica</em>) tree representation. Our results indicate significantly reduced species richness in managed forests (median 7 species per plot) compared to NRs (median 15 species), attributed to lower soil pH, calcium availability, and moisture due to the dominance of spruce and the limited availability of CWD. Species richness was positively influenced by CWD volume, with two amounts identified: a minimum of 4 m<sup>3</sup>·ha<sup>−1</sup> to prevent significant biodiversity loss and 20 m<sup>3</sup>·ha<sup>−1</sup> to support sensitive and dendrophile species. At the within-plot scale, CWD was the species richest mesohabitat, playing a particularly important role in acidic and nutrient-poor environments. Furthermore, beech basal area positively correlated with species richness, mitigating the negative impact of spruce. The findings highlight the critical need for changes in forest management, including increased retention of CWD and integration of deciduous trees, to support biodiversity in intensively managed forests. These measures are particularly urgent given the susceptibility of spruce monocultures to climate change and pest outbreaks. Gastropods, as sessile indicators of environmental change, may serve as effective umbrella species for conservation efforts targeting forest soil biodiversity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54270,"journal":{"name":"Forest Ecosystems","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100359"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144305041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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