Search

Process-based models and empirical modelling techniques are frequently used to (i) explore the sensitivity of tree growth to environmental variables, and (ii) predict the future growth of trees and forest stands under climate change scenarios. However, modelling approaches substantially influence predictions of the sensitivity of trees to environmental factors. Here, we used tree-ring width (TRW) data from 1630 beech trees from a network of 70 plots established across European mountains to build empirical predictive growth models using various modelling approaches. In addition, we used 3-PG and Biome-BGCMuSo process-based models to compare growth predictions with derived empirical models. Results revealed similar prediction errors (RMSE) across models ranging between 3.71 and 7.54 cm2 of basal area increment (BAI). The models explained most of the variability in BAI ranging from 54 % to 87 %. Selected explanatory variables (despite being statistically highly significant) and the pattern of the growth sensitivity differed between models substantially. We identified only five factors with the same effect and the same sensitivity pattern in all empirical models: tree DBH, competition index, elevation, Gini index of DBH, and soil silt content. However, the sensitivity to most of the climate variables was low and inconsistent among the empirical models. Both empirical and process based models suggest that beech in European mountains will, on average, likely experience better growth conditions under both 4.5 and 8.5 RCP scenarios. The process-based models indicated that beech may grow better across European mountains by 1.05 to 1.4 times in warmer conditions. The empirical models identified several drivers of tree growth that are not included in the current process-based models (e.g., different nutrients) but may have a substantial effect on final results, particularly if they are limiting factors. Hence, future development of process-based models may build upon our findings to increase their ability to correctly capture ecosystem dynamics.

A climatic modelling program was used in order to see the extent of changes in future climatic conditions. This can realize prognosis for certain climatic factors that cause extreme climatic phenomena concerning forest ecosystems. The program was applied for forest ecosystems comprised of Scots pine, installed and inventoried on sample surfaces from Transylvania. Simulations were then created within two future climatic scenarios. Two scenarios were chosen: the climatic scenario in which the increase of greenhouse gases would be moderate (rcp-4.5) and the climatic scenario in which the increase would be accentuated (rcp-8.5). The data was then processed, resulting in an analysis focused on the results of future climatic changes on forest ecosystems located in the studied area. By analyzing all three pine stands, we can conclude that the Lechinta stand is the most vulnerable one if the two climatic parameters change. It is necessary to verify and use future climatic scenarios for other areas that have the same species, as well as for other species, in order to see how they will be affected. These results can be used for applying the best management measures for current stands as well as for establishing decisions for installing future stands at a national level.

Forest fields temporary occupied by different industrial activities are restored to the silvicultural circuit after the industrial activity has ended. These fields should be apt for reforestation and should have admissible values regarding their content of dangerous substances. The present article describes and interprets the characteristics of soils from four fields occupied temporary by oil wells in Moine�ti, Bacau County. The content of clay, soluble salts and nutritive elements were analysed, together with the soil�s reaction, the content of hydrocarbons or other soil characteristics. The admissible values for installing, growing and developing forest species were then emphasized. The obtained results have illustrated the fact that the oil extraction activity had negative effects on soils, namely: a strong consolidation (especially on access roads); the truncation and/or derangement/mixture of horizons or soils stratums with the rock; depletion of nutritive substances; salinization, argilisation and pollution with oil residues. In order to render these fields back to the silvicultural circuit, bio remedy technologies must be applied or other measures that can eliminate the pollutant from the soil (decontamination methods), followed by pedoameliorative measures.

Climatic modelling software was used in order to measure future changes in climatic conditions. The software HYPE can realize prognosis for certain climatic factors responsible for causing extreme climatic phenomena in forest ecosystems. It was applied to study sessile oak forest ecosystems from Transylvania. Sample surfaces were installed, inventoried and followed by simulations of two future climatic scenarios. Two such scenarios were chosen, namely the climatic scenario in which the gas effect concentration will increase moderately (rcp-4.5) and the climatic scenario in which the gas effect concentration will be accentuated (rcp-8.5). The data was then processed and which led to an analysis of the way in which future climatic changes will affect forest ecosystems located in the studied area. After analyzing all three sessile oak stands, we can conclude that the Mediaș stand is the most vulnerable one to both climatic parameters. Future climatic scenarios are necessary for other surfaces located in our country for the same species, as well as for others in order to have a bigger picture of future implications. The best management measures and decisions regarding the installment of future stands can consequently be taken based on these results.

The present study investigates the influence of windthrows on the chemical and biological characteristics and respiration processes of forest soils from Romania. Three pure Norway spruce, common beech, and sessile oak stands were chosen together with control plots, where the forest and soils were not affected by windthrows. Soil samples were taken from two soil layers: 0 10 cm and 10 20 cm. Soil carbon dioxide fluxes or soil respiration was monitored at 20 randomly selected points for each sample surface. Soil temperature and soil water content were also measured at these points. Furthermore, the total number of heterotrophic bacteria and the total number of fungi were also measured. We found that abiotic factors lead to the modification of the chemical and biological properties of forest soils: soil pH was higher in the areas affected by windthrows, while humus and nitrogen quantities were lower in these areas. However, these changes were observed only in the first 10 cm of the soil profile. Underground microclimatic conditions were found to influence soil respiration, with higher respiration values observed in the surfaces affected by windthrows. In the Norway spruce and common beech stands, aerobe heterotroph bacteria and fungus were more abundant in soils that were not affected by windthrows because the uprooted trees remove top horizons of soils and the creation of leaf litter, roots and fungal hyphae, stops. In this situation, organic matter, in the soil, begins to decay.

The present paper has taken into account data from forest management plans realised during 1995-2007 for forests located in Forest Districts from the West Plain. The purpose of this paper was to analyse stands from their qualitative (age), structural (consistency, composition) and stational characateristics (altitude, slope, soil type). The black walnut species occupies a total surface of 714 ha being present in almost the entire area with the exception of Carei Forest District and with a focus in Ceala (457 ha) and Sacueni (176 ha) Forest Districts. These stands are present at altitudes between 80 and 400 meters, with an average of 150 m. The research has emphasized the fact that the black walnut’s age ranges from 2 to 130 years while their consistency is appropriate (0.7 - 0.8). However, barrelands stands are also present (0.4- 0.5). The black walnut’s participation in the stand’s composition is also varied, from 10 % to 100 %. Fluvisol is the representative soil for this species, while Arum-Pulmonaria is the main flora type. Silvosteppe mixed hardwood stand with pedunculate oak is the main forest typology for this species. Black walnut is a forest species with an exceptional economic value determined by its quality wood.The obtained results emphasize the fact that this species can be extended in the analysed area due to its numerous forest and environment qualities.

The effects of different climatic conditions on growth and chemical composition of Betula pendula in geographically different European regions, Lithuania and Romania, were compared. Birch species in the entire area have a wide natural distribution, but B. pendula is commercially more important in Lithuania than in Romania. Here we evaluated tree ring width, wood density and foliar chemical composition of mature birch trees in two European regions. Trees at the Lithuanian sites had greater radial growth and wood density with no clear changes in foliar chemistry than those at the Romanian sites. Mean wood density was 600–700 kg m−3 at Lithuanian and 350–450 kg m−3 at Romanian sites. Mean width of wood ring, earlywood and latewood for Lithuanian birch trees were several times higher than the means for Romanian birch trees. We hypothesized that the main differences in birch radial growth and wood density were due to the different climatic conditions in the studied regions. Ca, K and Mg concentrations were significantly higher and Fe and Mn were lower in the birch foliage at the Lithuanian sites compared those at the Romanian sites. Overall assessment of growth showed that silver birch cultivation is more appropriate for colder climate regions and that birch growth may change in the context of a warming climate.

The present article describes the plants collected from Jepi Mountains area (Bucegi) and present in one of the most important Romanian herbarium - “Alexandru Beldie” Herbarium from “Marin Drăcea” National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry. The article presents the studied material, the number of vouchers with species harvested from this area as well as some characteristics of this great plant collection. The most important species collected from Jepi Mountains are also mentioned, with an analysis of their characteristics: the collection’s creation period and the plant’s harvesting periods. The plants collected from this area belong to 54 different genera. Most of them belong to Hieracium and Gentiana and were collected during the last century, starting with 1900 and ending in 1999. The found genera were systematized, with an emphasis on the most representative ones. Furthermore, the specialists that had an important contribution for the representation of Jepi Mountains within the herbarium are also mentioned and honored.

State forests are analyzed periodically, once every 10 years. This includes an analysis of forest soils. The present paperdescribes and interprets the chemical properties of forest soils from Bacau County focusing on the period 1983-2015. As such, 823 soil profiles and 2435 pedogenetic horizons were analysed taking into consideration the soil type, pH, humus content, nitrogen content, base saturation degree and the total cation exchange capacity. The most widespread types of soils are: eutriccambisol, luvisol, preluvisoland dystriccambisol. The dystriccambisols from Bacau County are strongly acid soils, while eutriccambisols and preluvisols are moderately acid. All forest soils from this area have a high cationic exchange capacity and are very well (dystriccambisol, eutriccambisol,luvisol) or well supplied (preluvisol, rendzina) with nitrogen. Knowing the chemical properties of soils is important for the analysis of stand variability and for adopting silvicultural methods adequate for the management of long-lasting forests.

This paper aims to describe and interpret the chemical properties of forest soils in the Dobrogea Plateau. Data on soil analyzes are obtained in the laboratories of National Institute of Research and Development in Silviculture `Marin Dracea` after a recognized and accredited national and international methodology. There were analyzed soil reaction, base saturation degree, total cationic exchange capacity, humus content, total nitrogen and compared with results of soil analysis from other geographical regions of Romania. In the case of forest soils in Dobrogea Plateau, a higher pH was found than in other hilly or highland areas in the country to eutric cambisol, luvisol and preluvisol. Thus soil pH ranges from moderately acidic in the case of luvisols to low alkaline in the case of chernozems. Regarding the base saturation degree (V), there are higher values in this part of the country for preluvisol, luvisol and eutric cambisol and slightly lower values for phaeozem than in other regions of Romania. The amount of humus of eutric cambisols from Dobrogea Plateau is smaller than other hilly areas of the country and slightly higher than similar altitude areas.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. The role of the urban common (i.e. shared space and resources) in sustainable provisioning of goods and services to city dwellers is discussed in this paper. Focusing on tree-based green infrastructure, the study scope includes three categories of provisioning (woody biomass, food/fibre, and non-timber forest products, i.e. NTFPs), alongside three categories of supporting services (fresh water replenishment, soil nutrient restoration, building preservation). As a first step, prospects of utilizing the urban common as facilitator of nature-based solution to the earmarked provisioning services are evaluated through dedicated literature survey and expert elicitation on perceived impact of environmental change triggers and management interventions (planning and/or governance). This is followed by a structured review of the state of affairs in four European cities (London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Ljubljana), representing different macro-geographical regions with distinct socio-economic drivers in managing these provisioning services. The pan-European expert elicitation exercise noted active management of the urban common as positively impacting on the performance of the majority of provisioning services, while environmental change impacts were found to be overriding and adversely influencing the provisioning of material resources (mainly NTFPs and woody biomass). The four-city case study highlighted some regional peculiarities in connecting the city dwellers to the urban common and identified the need to overcome socio-cultural barriers for enhancing pan-European best practice sharing in the management of goods and services provisioning. This is deemed essential to pave way for an emerging perspective on sustainable utilization of the urban common as an enabler for nature-based solution, making it fit for purpose in meeting the astronomical demands of future urban living.

Landslides mainly affect agricultural lands in Romania’s hill areas or in proximity of water sources. They are caused by a complex number of factors (of geological, geomorphologic and climatic origin) as well as by the land’s use. A significant part of Romanian’s land fund is in an improper state ecologically-wise and productivity-wise, as a result of landslide processes. This imposes a series of actions, for both the agricultural and forestry sectors, in order to mitigate landslides. The present paper emphasises the results of the investigations performed before 2000 and during 2015-2017, regarding the characteristics of landslides, their management / consolidation works, the forest culture species and types used on landslides, as well as their behaviour and efficiency. Experimental forest cultures established on landslides are 35 and 65 years old, so they can offer valuable scientific information regarding the types of cultures and silvotechnical works necessary for underlying ecological reconstruction solutions. The characteristics of landslides require the installation of forest vegetation only after the proper management of lands. The most important works are capturing and steering waters from outside the affected area, draining micro depressions with water excess, modelling the land as well as consolidation works for detachment ravines and versant basis. The forest vegetation installed on landslides ensures the land’s stabilization as a result of regulation of the hydric regime and mechanical consolidation by roots.

Developing "climate smart forestry" (CSF) indicators in mountain forest regions requires collection and evaluation of local data and their attributes. Genetic resources are listed among the core indicators for forest biological diversity. This study is a report on the evaluation of the standing genetic diversity within and across 12 pure beech stands (Fagus sylvatica L.) established within the CLIMO (CLImate Smart Forestry in MOuntain Regions) project, using nuclear microsatellite markers. The sampling sites were set along the species' distribution range, including the Balkan region and extending towards the Iberian Peninsula. Cores or leaves from 20 to 23 old, mature trees per plot were sampled for DNA analysis. Genetic diversity indices were high across the range (H-E = 0.74-0.81) with the highest in the Bosnian Mountains. Genetic divergence increased significantly with the geographical distance (Mantel test: r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Most of the stands exhibited an excess of heterozygotes, with the highest value at the Hungarian site (H-O/H-E = 1.177), where beech persists close to the eastern xeric limit of the species' distribution. STRUCTURE revealed within-region differentiation in the Balkan Peninsula, where the Bulgarian stand was the most outstanding. The genetic parameters of each stand could be assessed as a resource for CSF indicators interpreted especially at the local level. The authors acknowledge the networking support by the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CLIMO (Climate-Smart Forestry in Mountain Regions -CA15226) financially supported by the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020. Michal Bosela was additionally supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency (project Nos. APVV-15-0265 and APVV-19-0183).

Fagus sylvatica L. is widely distributed across Europe thanks to its high adaptability in a wide variety of soils and climate. Microbial communities are essential for maintaining forest soil quality and are responsible for forest ecosystem functioning; the ability of soil microorganisms to respond to abiotic stressors (e.g., organic carbon losses, water scarcity, temperature changes) is crucial under ongoing environmental changes and also supports tree health. In this study, soil samples were collected from pure beech plots as part of the COST Action project CLIMO to find differences in microbial community characteristics and evaluate the effects of soil properties on microbial communities across gradients of elevation, latitude, and longitude. Positive relationships were found between organic carbon content and both microbial abundance and dehydrogenase activity. Dehydrogenase and catalase activities were elevation-correlated and microbial activities were longitude-correlated. In the most southern beech plot, the microbial community was abundant and displayed high activities. This shows that microbial communities could help tree populations to better adapt to predicted changes in environmental conditions in the future. We suggest that research into forest health and beech performance should also test soil microbial enzymatic activity, particularly under changing climate conditions, to assist in identifying adaptation strategies.

The purpose of this study, which contains historical data recorded over a period of 40 years, was to identify the main factors that influence and control the level of wood mass production. The main reason was to optimize the management of forest areas and was driven by the necessity to identify factors that can influence most of the volume produced by coniferous forests located in southeast Europe. The data was collected between1980 and 2005 at the National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry, for forests located in the Southern Carpathians, Romania. The studied data refer to the parameters that model forest structure for spruce, fir, pine, and larch. These are the main resinous species found in the Southern Carpathians. The total area covered by these forests is 143,431 ha. At the forest species level, the analysis consists of 16,162 records (corresponding to the elements of the trees), covering an area of 45,008 ha for fir, 4711 ha for larch, 81,995 ha for spruce, and 11,717 ha for pine. The aim of this research has been to investigate and to assess the impact and magnitude of abiotic factors such as altitude and field aspect on forest structures from the main resinous stands located in the Southern Carpathians. Taking into account the size of the database as well as the duration for collecting data, a complete statistical and systematic approach was considered optimum. This resulted from our wish to emphasize and evaluate the influence of each analysed factor on the wood mass production level. The relationship between abiotic factors and forest structure has been analysed by using a systematic statistical approach in order to provide a useful theoretical reference for the improvement of forest management practices in the context of multiple climatic, environmental, and socio-economic challenges. These common characteristics have been found by applying ANOVA and multivariate statistical methods such as PCA and FA methods. A series of parameters were considered in this investigation, namely altitude (ALT), forest site type (TS), forest type (TP), consistency (CONS) etc. In order to obtain a complete image, we have also applied multivariate analysis methods that emphasize the effect size for each database parameter. At such a level of recorded data, the statistical approach ensures a factor level of p &lt, 0.001 while the accuracy in evaluating effect size is increased. As such, they influence the spreading and structure of the studied resinous stands to a higher degree, regardless of species.

Decision-makers need tailored information regarding future climate, land use, forest management and societal scenarios for sustainable watershed management. Such information can be attained by integrating the water-energy-land nexus approach with climate services. To support decision-makers from Brașov metropolitan area (Romania), we co-developed land use, forest management and societal scenarios and analysed their impact on the water-energy-land nexus under climate change. We applied the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to the Săcele reservoir from the Tărlung river basin in order to spot the interrelations between nexus components under different climate and societal scenarios. In particular, we applied four bias-corrected GCM & RCM model combinations for two climate scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, nine land use and forest management scenarios, and twelve societal scenarios. Modelling results were analysed between 2020 and 2099. The results for the study area indicate that the projected average annual precipitation is close to historical averages in most climate scenarios explored, while the projected average annual temperature is increasing. Furthermore, the analysed data suggest an increase in severe dry intervals from approximately 6% (for the period 1961–2013) to 12% by the end of the 21st century, indicating that precipitation variability may change considerably. The SWAT model results show no significant changes in the water flow under different forest management scenarios. In contrast, model results for scenarios that imply forests' clearcutting and their replacement with pastures or meadows indicate that water quality is affected by increased sediment flow. Regarding the number of months with water scarcity in the Săcele reservoir (i.e. water demand exceeds water supply), we found an increase from 0.4 months in 2020 to 1.5 months in 2099. The model results also revealed that climate change significantly influences the water supply in the reservoir. To conclude, the regional stakeholders highly value the model results for the co-developed scenarios, which have been already used to promote sustainable resource management.

Climatic conditions from areas where vine is cultivated or intended to be cultivated are essential and important to be acknowledged especially in the context of climatic changes that have taken place during the last 50 years. In this regard, prevention solutions are recommended to be implemented as well as solutions that decrease the damages caused by climatic changes or other stress factors. Among these solutions we mention the reorientation of vine areas, planting shelter-belts in areas and regions exposed to high intensity winds, reconsidering the structure of viticultural varieties or selecting the cultivated vine varieties.

"Climatic changes displayed through extremes (thermic or hydric) correlated with uncontrolled anthropic interventions exercised over time on land usages are the main factors that emphasize ecological and hydric disequilibrium from the South, East part of Romania. Specific of our country, the torrential precipitation regime generates rapid floods in mountain and hill areas. Torrential and land degrading processes occur on slopes and on the main hydrographic network as a result of torrential runoffs. Their consequences extend on a larger area than the one on which they occur. This happens especially as a consequence of perturbing the hydrological regime of water courses, generating floods in downstream areas or the cogging of accumulation lakes in periods with rain redundancies. Forest protection cultures (forest vegetation) installed on degraded or overexploited agricultural lands from the hill and mountain areas represent the most efficient solution for attenuating the negative effects of climatic changes. This happens by steadily re-establishing the hydrological equilibrium, together with creating an ecological equilibrium that has positive effects on the soil and waters. This paper emphasized the results of investigations realized in 2017 concerning the characteristics of forest protection cultures created on strongly and excessively degraded lands, followed by their hydrological and anti-erosion effects in the context of extreme meteorological phenomenon. As such, the runoff coefficient had values lower than 6.5% (from the total volume of precipitations in 24 hours), while the specific erosion was under 0.24 t/ha/an. The maximum charge of alluvium (erosion) produced by rain is of over 40 mm; their frequency and intensity has increased lately."

The present paper characterizes the soils from Romania�s West Plain from a chemical property point of view, based on data from forest management plans. As such, for each forest district, soil samples from characteristic forest areas are gathered once at ten years and then analyzed. In this manner, soil reaction, base saturation degree, total cationic exchange capacity, humus content and total nitrogen where analyzed and compared with results of soil analysis from other Romanian areas.

Purpose: Erosion is one of the main soil degradation problems. It diminishes soil biological activity and therefore its quality. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the application of two biostimulation processes could significantly increase biological activity, and therefore productivity, in soils deteriorated by erosion. This was done without synthetic fertilizers but with treatments accessible for farmers, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, the addition of a soil microorganism suspension or Macrocystis pyrifera algae concentrate was evaluated. Materials and methods: Soil samples were taken from a field area (Bihor County, Romania) affected by surface erosion processes. In particular, microbial mass, dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and the bacteria and fungi presence were analysed for three soil uses (corn, black locust and uncultivated field with terracing) and in different locations (above a slope, at the midpoint and below it). A bio-stimulation process (addition of a microbial suspension or seaweed concentrate based on the Macrocystis pyrifera algae; incubation for 24 h) was used in order to improve the activity of the soil with the lowest values of activity. Results and discussion: Statistical differences in DHA, bacterial numbers and microbial biomass were found depending on field use and the areas from which the soil samples were gathered. Higher values of the biological parameters were in general recorded in the middle part of the slope, because it favours bioaccumulation processes (e.g. actual and potential dehydrogenase activity values of about 3 mg TPF/10 g dry soil). The use of microbial suspensions did not significantly stimulate DHA for the soils with a low biological potential. This activity was stimulated by adding the seaweed concentrate to the soil. Conclusions: The use of the seaweed concentrate can be a good practice for improving activity in eroded soil. The study provides useful indications for better soil fertility management, in line with many of the goals of the 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development.

The surface of Argeş’ County forest fund is of 117.212 ha, from which 114.285 ha are covered by forests and 2.927 ha by other fields. The area has a mountain climate in the North part, a hill one in the middle part and a field one in the South part. 51 game funds are present here, amounting to a surface of 641.933 ha. The main game species from this county are: bear, common deer, chamois, roebuck, wild boar, rabbit, marmot, capercaillie, pheasant, badger, fox, marten, ferret, and weasel. 8 species (bear, common deer, wild boar, capercaillie, roebuck, fox and pheasant) were chosen and classified based on 19 criteria with the help of an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and with the Expert Choice Desktop software package. As such, the most important species resulting from the analytical hierarchy (AHP) are the common deer and the wild boar, and the least important are the capercaillie and the fox.

Soils are a natural capital which support life on Earth and are responsible for many ecosystem services that are the foundation for human wellbeing. However, soils have been intensively used and subject to degradation, particularly in urban areas. The main objective of this study is: i) to give an overview of soil conditions in urban protected areas (UPAs), and ii) to provide suggestions how the nature-based solution (NBS) can enhance the soil health in three UPAs located near or in the city of Belgrade, Serbia (Byford’s and Zvezdara forests, and Avala mountain). In this study pH values and soil organic matter content were analyzed as main parameters for the soil characterization. The Byford’s and Zvezdara forests have similar slightly alkaline soil pH, while the Mt. Avala soils are slightly acidic as a consequence of geological settings. The lower content of soil organic matter (1.26%–5.73%) in the Byford’s and Zvezdara forests might be improved with appropriate management practices. Introducing the principles of the NBS (e.g., incorporation of compost and biochar) in soil management practices in the protected areas, combined with conservation and restoration of forests, can provide enhanced soil health and supporting new green infrastructure (GI). The citizens and the society would highly benefit from a network of small green areas connected with UPAs in a number of ways, such as cleaner air, mitigation of noise stress, maintaining everyday wellbeing, recreation opportunities, contribution to employment and supporting social cohesion.

Bihor County is renowned for the quantity and quality of the non-wood forest products (NWFPs) harvested over time. Even if the potential of marketing of NWFPs is high, the focus is on timber production, that represents the main source of revenue for the forest owners. The aim of this research was to highlight the most important NWFPs from Bihor County. Four categories of NWFPs and nineteen criteria proposed within the FP1203 COST Action European non-wood forest products network were taken into account. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to evaluate the performance of selected alternatives by means of pairwise comparisons. The analyses were performed by using the Expert Choice Desktop software package. The non-wood forest products with the highest potential for Bihor County were the truffles (Tuber spp.) and the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.), while the less important ones were the flowers of the black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) and bear’s garlic (Allium ursinum L.). Based on the results of this study, we conclude that Bihor County has a great potential for NWFPs mainly due to its great biodiversity as regards the forest ecosystems.

Plant species from Amaranthus genus are extremely important from many points of view: from an historical point of view, they were mentioned in ancient cultures such as Inca or Ancient Greece; from a nutritional point of view, they have many usages as food sources or drinks in many cultures from all around the globe; from a cultural point of view, they have been an inspiration source for numerous poets; from an economic point of view, some are used as natural pigments. The present article shortly presents the mythology associated with Amaranthus genus, the usages of its different species as well as the inventory of plates present in INCDS Herbarium from Bucharest.

The present study was realized in Banatului Mountains (Romanian Carpathians) within Nera, Caransebeș and Băile Herculane Forest Districts, based on forest management plans from 1991-2008 and has led to the identification of 394 stand elements older than 200 years. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the trees’ main qualitative characteristics (age), the stands’ structural characteristics (consistency, composition, average diameter and average height) as well as the stational characteristics (altitude, slope, soil type). The main focus was to identify the oldest stands from Banatului Mountains. The present paper presents the oldest 18 stands as well as their most representative characteristics: diameter, height, consistency, slope, altitude, soil, site and structure. The oldest stand identified in this area is a 260-year-old common beech stand from Nera with heights between 36-38 meters and a diameter of 98 meters. Furthermore, it has been observed that common beech stands have a normal consistency, while their structure is relatively uneven-age. The research has shown that the surface occupied by old common beech stands that have reached their exploitability age is of 60.978 ha, namely 13% of the total surface of these forests. The site conditions where they are spread are characterised by preponderantly Northeast and South-West expositions, fields with slopes of 21-30 degrees, average altitudes of 900-1000 m, eutric cambisol and luvisol soils and medium and superior reliability sites.