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Over the last 50 years, groundwater levels have been decreasing and air temperatures have been increasing in Poland. Maintaining this trend may make it impossible to maintain hydrogenic habitats in good condition. Reactions to ongoing climate change recorded in tree rings may be a good indicator describing the degree of this threat. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of climatic and hydrological changes on the growth of scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn) in the Narew National Park over past 50 years. The research was based on tree increment cores extracted from 42 pine trees and 57 alder trees that were randomly selected and ranged in age from 25 to 88 years, as well as climatic and hydrological data. Standardised data (5-year index) were analysed by species, generation (Y—21–40 years, M—41–60, O—61–90), and decade using correlation analysis. The results of the study show that pine responded more strongly to changes in air temperature and changes in precipitation totals, while alder growth was more strongly related to fluctuations in the water level of the Narew River and changes in precipitation totals. Our research showed that differences in response to environmental factors also occur between tree generations. The decrease in the water level of the Narew River that occurred over the last 50 years did not adversely affect the condition of the trees. Analysis of DBH growth rates showed that the younger generations (Y, M) grow faster than the older generation (O). This is positive news for managers of commercial and protected forests, but accelerated tree growth may be associated with specific consequences, such as increased wind damage as a result of reduced wood density or reduced sensitivity of trees to climate and hydrological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, assortment yields were studied for Scots pine, Norway spruce, birch spp. (silver and downy birch), European aspen, black alder, and grey alder stand elements. Theoretical assortment yields were calculated using the Ozolinš’ stem taper curve, incorporating tree diameters and heights. The modelled results were compared with actual yields provided by the State Forest Management Centre. During the study, differences in timber assortments and firewood yields were modelled compared to actual data. Changes in wood assortment yields, compared with undamaged and straight trees, depended on the tree species, stand site index, and stand element age. For Scots pine, depending on the stand site index and age, the reduction in log volume ranged from 7 to 28% of the total volume of all assortments. For Norway spruce, it was 5–30%, for birch spp. 30–70%, for aspen 50–90%, for black alder 20–50% and grey alder 5–30%. The increase in firewood volume according to the volume of all assortments was 3–4% for Scots pine, 5–14% for Norway spruce and birch spp., and 5–16% for European aspen. The difference between log and firewood changes represents the change in pulpwood. Over time, the need for new studies arises to adapt to evolving industry practices, including changes in log diameters and quality criteria. The appendix outlines steps that programmers can take to utilize the developed model.

Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. appears naturally as stands, fragments, patches or river lines mainly around rivers and streams in central Bosnia. Considering spatial frame (mountainous on the headwaters and hilly valley afterward) arises the question of how A. glutinosa responds to exposed climate, hydrology and site conditions. We identified twenty tree temporary sample plots on five sites and conducted measurements of tree dominant trees per plot related to tree structural characteristics (diameter et breast height, height, crown projection) and registered the chlorophyll content index (CCI) in leaves of dominant trees monthly in season 2022. To examine structural, climate, hydrology and site effects on CCI quantity and dynamic we used descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and Kruskal - Wallis test. Obtained results indicated that dominant trees of A. glutinosa reach similar tree dimensions but physiologically responded differently depending on climate factors (mean annual temperature and maximal precipitation) and water (mean annual water flow and water level) fluctuations pointing out site-dependent responses. We notified increase in CCI on the sites exposed to reduced maximal precipitation and shortage of water at the second half of season. Our results confirmed A. glutinosa ability to resist climate challenges and contribute to ecological services on different sites in central Bosnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histosols cover about 8–10% of Lithuania's territory and most of this area is covered with nutrient-rich organic soils (Terric Histosols). Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from drained Histosols contribute more than 25% of emissions from the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. In this study, as the first step of examining the carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in these soils, total soil CO2 efflux and several environmental parameters (temperature of air and topsoil, soil chemical composition, soil moisture, and water table level) were measured in drained Terric Histosols under three native forest stands and perennial grasslands in the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021. The drained nutrient-rich organic soils differed in terms of concentrations of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, as well as soil organic carbon and total nitrogen ratio. The highest rate of total soil CO2 efflux was found in the summer months. Overall, the rate was statistically significant and strongly correlated only with soil and air temperature. A trend emerged that total soil CO2 efflux was 30% higher in perennial grassland than in forested land. Additional work is still needed to estimate the net CO2 balance of these soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable and rational use of forest resources in the context of the transition of the forest industry of Ukraine to European standards and market principles of management requires the systematic development of appropriate regulatory and information support for the assessment of wood resources of the country's main forest-forming species. At the same time, the information about the size and quality structure of the stock of stands to be felled is, perhaps, of the utmost importance in the planning of forestry production activities. The implementation of this task requires an up-to-date assessment of the stocks of timber stands according to the main mensurational characteristics, which was carried out within the scope of the presented work. The analysis of the structure of the main mensurational indicators of stands of black alder in the Ukrainian Polissia is given according to the data of the database of the PU "Ukrderzhlisproekt" as of 1 January2011. One of the valuable tree species that occupies a specific ecological niche in the forests of Ukraine is the sticky (black) alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth). It is the main forest-forming tree species in humid and wet places, because its stands perform an important water protection function - water-regulating and landscape-forming function. This species is widespread almost throughout the entire territory of Ukraine, especially in the northern Polissia of Ukraine. Due to its biological and ecological properties (fast growth, intensive synthesis of organic matter, oxygen productivity), the alder is an extremely valuable tree species in the implementation of solutions to a number of environmental problems of the region. The areas of black alder stands are localized in the western and northwestern part of Ukrainian Polissia (78.0%), with the greatest distribution in Volyn region (36.1%), which is due to the soil and climatic conditions of the area. The resource potential of exploitable stands and its components within the forest fund of the administrative regions of the study zone were analyzed. At the same time, it was found that the age structure of the stands is in the range of 43-50 years, which indicates a sufficient potential for marketable wood of black alder with an average wood supply from 152 m3·ha-1 in Rivne region to 189 m3·ha-1 in Kyiv region. The studied category of stands is characterized by average relative densities (0.70) and fairly high site indices (I.8). The age structure of the region's forests is uneven with a significant predominance of mid-aged stands. More than 80.0% of the stands are of vegetative origin. The seed origin of black alder stands in the study region, both natural and artificial, does not exceed 20.0% in total. The largest numbers of black alder crops were created in Chernihiv region (15.7%), and the smallest - in Kyiv region (3.7%). Black alder stands grow in almost all types of forest growth conditions of the Ukrainian Polissia, dominating, however, in fairly fertile hornbeam site type (87.6%), of which 77.6% are in wet hygrotops. The researched category of plantations makes up a significant share of the forest resource potential of the forest fund of Ukraine and requires the development of modern normative and informational support for the assessment of quantitative and qualitative parameters of trees and stands.

Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth. (Betulaceae) are found at the southern limit of the species’ range and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes with no available pollen data. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological and morphometric variability of the pollen, specifically focusing on pollen diameters and the number of apertures. To achieve this, we sampled 11 populations that are representative of the Moroccan distribution area of this species. We employed a hierarchical sampling design (11 populations, 10 trees per population, and from 30 to 300 pollen grains per tree, depending on the character measured) to examine different levels of variability: interpopulation, intrapopulation, and intraindividual. The results demonstrate that there is no discernible difference in the morphology or size of the pollen among the Moroccan tetraploid populations. However, we observed a high degree of intraspecific variability in pollen morphometric traits, but most of this variability is associated with the intraindividual level.

In this study, assortment yields were studied for Scots pine, Norway spruce, birch spp. (silver and downy birch), European aspen, black alder, and grey alder stand elements. Theoretical assortment yields were calculated using the Ozolinš' stem taper curve, incorporating tree diameters and heights. The modelled results were compared with actual yields provided by the State Forest Management Centre. During the study, differences in timber assortments and firewood yields were modelled compared to actual data. Changes in wood assortment yields, compared with undamaged and straight trees, depended on the tree species, stand site index, and stand element age. For Scots pine, depending on the stand site index and age, the reduction in log volume ranged from 7 to 28% of the total volume of all assortments. For Norway spruce, it was 5–30%, for birch spp. 30–70%, for aspen 50–90%, for black alder 20–50% and grey alder 5–30%. The increase in firewood volume according to the volume of all assortments was 3–4% for Scots pine, 5–14% for Norway spruce and birch spp., and 5–16% for European aspen. The difference between log and firewood changes represents the change in pulpwood. Over time, the need for new studies arises to adapt to evolving industry practices, including changes in log diameters and quality criteria. The appendix outlines steps that programmers can take to utilize the developed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientifically informed decisions for the long-term conservation of extant genetic diversity should combine in situ and ex situ conservation methods. The aim of the present study was to assess if a progeny plantation consisting of several open pollinated (OP) families and established for breeding purposes can also serve as an ex situ conservation plantation, using the case study of a Lithuanian progeny trial of Alnus glutinosa, a keystone species of riparian ecosystems that warrants priority conservation actions. We employed 17 nuclear microsatellite (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers and compared the genetic diversity and copy number of the captured alleles of 22 OP progeny families from this plantation, with 10 wild A. glutinosa populations, originating from the two provenance regions of the species in Lithuania. We conclude that the progeny plantation could be used as an ex situ plantation for the A. glutinosa populations from the first provenance region (represented by eight genetic conservation units (GCU)). Based on the present study's results, we can expect that the A. glutinosa progeny plantation harbors enough genetic diversity of wild A. glutinosa populations from the first provenance region. This progeny plantation can serve as a robust ex situ collection containing local alleles present in at least one wild population with at least 0.05 frequency with 25 replications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth. (Betulaceae) are found at the southern limit of the species' range and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes with no available pollen data. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological and morphometric variability of the pollen, specifically focusing on pollen diameters and the number of apertures. To achieve this, we sampled 11 populations that are representative of the Moroccan distribution area of this species. We employed a hierarchical sampling design (11 populations, 10 trees per population, and from 30 to 300 pollen grains per tree, depending on the character measured) to examine different levels of variability: interpopulation, intrapopulation, and intraindividual. The results demonstrate that there is no discernible difference in the morphology or size of the pollen among the Moroccan tetraploid populations. However, we observed a high degree of intraspecific variability in pollen morphometric traits, but most of this variability is associated with the intraindividual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In declining broadleaf forests in western Ukraine, several Phytophthora species including P. plurivora, P. bilorbang, P. polonica, P. gonapodyides and P. cactorum were recovered using soil baiting assays and identified using morphological and molecular methods. Pathogenicity tests of selected isolates were performed on black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) to assess susceptibility of these two tree species to the newly detected Phytophthora species. Phytophthora plurivora, P. bilorbang and P. polonica showed higher pathogenicity in both alder and birch compared to the other tested Phytophthora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planted vegetation is considered one of the most important soil‐forming factors in the reclamation of degraded post‐mining lands for forestry. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of N‐fixing tree species and non‐N‐fixing tree species on the organic phosphorus (Porg) forms in technosols developing from various substrates. Samples were taken from the uppermost layer (depth 0–5 cm) of technosols afforested with black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), silver birch (Betula pendula), and scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Samples of the tree foliage and the O‐horizons were taken as well. The studied technosols developed from Quaternary sands (sands), fly ashes after lignite combustion (ashes), and Miocene clays (clays). The soil samples were measured for the contents of labile (POlab) and moderately labile organic phosphorus (POmod), phosphorus contained in fulvic and humic acids (Pfulv and Phum, respectively), and residual organic phosphorus (POres). The foliage and O‐horizon samples were measured for the concentrations of C, N, and P. The N‐fixing tree species had higher P concentration in their foliage than non‐N‐fixing tree species. However, in the O‐horizon, the highest P concentration was determined under birch and not under N‐fixers. The effect of tree species on the organic P (Porg) concentrations in the mineral soil was limited with significantly lower Porg concentrations under pine. The soil under this species contained less Pfulv, Phum, and POres. However, the percentages of POlab, POmod, Pfulv, Phum, and POres in soil Porg were nearly the same under all tree species. The largest effect on the Porg concentration and the contents of particular Porg fractions was from the substrate type. Sands contained much less Porg than the clays and ashes, but their percentage of POlab in Porg was much higher than in the two other substrates. We conclude that N‐fixing trees do not affect the concentration of labile organic P, and the major factor controlling this Porg fraction is the soil substrate quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histosols cover about 8–10% of Lithuania’s territory and most of this area is covered with nutrient-rich organic soils (Terric Histosols). Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from drained Histosols contribute more than 25% of emissions from the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. In this study, as the first step of examining the carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in these soils, total soil CO2 efflux and several environmental parameters (temperature of air and topsoil, soil chemical composition, soil moisture, and water table level) were measured in drained Terric Histosols under three native forest stands and perennial grasslands in the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021. The drained nutrient-rich organic soils differed in terms of concentrations of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, as well as soil organic carbon and total nitrogen ratio. The highest rate of total soil CO2 efflux was found in the summer months. Overall, the rate was statistically significant and strongly correlated only with soil and air temperature. A trend emerged that total soil CO2 efflux was 30% higher in perennial grassland than in forested land. Additional work is still needed to estimate the net CO2 balance of these soils.

Reforestation with native and non-native tree species is one of the most effective strategies to cope with climate change, and is also the most effective management method for solving soil erosion problems in degraded forests around the world. The current research investigates three skid trails, which were planted with three species in the clearcutting areas, in comparison with a natural forest of hornbeam (CB; Carpinus betulus L.) and velvet maple (AV; Acer velutinum Boiss.) and degraded land without trees (DL), as well as evaluates the recovery of soil characteristics in the skid trails in response to the planting of native species, including black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.), and non-native species, including eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides L.) and Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis (Mill.) Gord.) in a mid-term period of 25 years, in the Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran. Significantly higher litter nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were detected in the plantation of black alder (AG), whereas the lowest values were measured under the DL treatment. Soil physio-chemical properties significantly differed among treatments, except silt content. Among the soil chemical properties, N storage and available nutrients of P and K under the black alder plantation were fully restored as compared to the value observed at the hornbeam and velvet maple (CB-AV) stand over a 25-year period after soil disturbance and planting. Over a 25-year period after logging operations, soil biological and microbial properties of carbon and nitrogen, and enzyme activity in the black alder plantation were partially recovered, but these values have not returned to pre-harvest level at the CB-AV treatment as control. Overall, these results suggested that black alder had greater positive effects on the recovery of soil properties than other trees due to the faster litter decomposition as a N-fixing species, and its labile substrate with low organic C and high N concentration. Therefore, black alder reforestation should be increase in future ecosystem restoration in the area influenced by logging operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diversity of populations is the ultimate source for adaptation and survival under changing environmental conditions. Genetic monitoring of temporal genetic diversity changes in autochthonous forest tree populations of key ecosystems species allows us to predict and mitigate potentially harmful changes of forests adaptability. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of autochthonous protected A. glutinosa populations, to compare the genetic diversity between maternal and progeny generations, in a distribution area that is known to harbour extensive genetic diversity, and to assess if there is an impact on genetic diversity when forest management practices to promote natural regeneration of mature stands are introduced. The genetic diversity of ten A. glutinosa populations from Lithuania was studied using 20 nuclear SSR primers. In total, 597 individuals (300 juvenile and 297 mature trees) were investigated. In half of the studied black alder GCUs, forest management to promote natural regeneration was carried out. The present study revealed high genetic diversity (average population Ar was 5.77, Ho and He–0.70) and low, but a significant population differentiation of studied A. glutinosa populations. The lack of significant genetic differences among different generations (population cohorts), is a strong indication that the black alder GCUs in Lithuania form an excellent platform for the protection of the species' genetic diversity in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ukrainian companies mainly use birch in the manufacture of plywood, but species, such as black alder, are not yet widely used in the manufacture of plywood due to their poorer properties. It is well known that thermal compression is often used to improve the properties of solid wood. Good lay-up schemes of veneer can maximize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of these wood species, and generally improve the utility value of the plywood. This research aimed to develop plywood panels with two wood species and two types of veneer treatments in order to evaluate the influences of different lay-up schemes on the properties of the plywood. Five-layer plywood panels were formed with 16 different lay-up schemes using birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.) (B) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) (A) veneers, which were non-densified (N) and thermally densified (D). The different lay-up schemes were used to identify opportunities to improve the mechanical and physical properties of the plywood by replacing the birch veneer in the plywood structure with an alternative alder veneer. The veneer sheets were thermally densified in a laboratory hot press at a temperature of 180 °C and pressure of 2 MPa for 3 min. The conducted study showed that the bending strength, modulus of elasticity and shear strength of mixed-species plywood (BD–AN–AN–AN–BD) increased by up to 31.5%, 34.4% and 16.8%, respectively, in comparison to those properties of alder plywood from non-densified veneer (AN–AN–AN–AN–AN), by positioning alder non-densified veneers in the core layers and birch densified veneers in the outer layers. Moreover, the surface roughness of plywood panels with outer layers of birch veneer was lower than that of panels with outer layers of alder veneer. It was shown that non-treated alder veneer, despite exhibiting somewhat lower strength properties than birch veneer, could be successfully used with proper lay-up schemes in the veneer-based products industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To determine the dynamics of clinical and cytological parameters of the gingival mucosa in the treatment of experimental gingivitis with a phytopreparation based on black alder leaves tincture. Material and methods. The effectiveness of phytogel containing black alder leaves tincture was evaluated on the model of experimental gingivitis caused in Wistar rats by injecting 0.2 ml of Vipraksin (an aqueous solution of the viper’s venom) into the submucosal layer of the gum. Phytogel and the comparison drug Metrogil Denta were applied 1 or 2 times a day with an interval of 8 hours during 2 (4) days in the corresponding groups. Results and conclusion. The effectiveness of phytogel with alcohol extraction from the leaves of black alder in experimental gingivitis has been studied, depending on the frequency of use and duration of treatment. It has been found out that the double use of phytogel containing black alder leaves tincture during 4 days in experimental gingivitis leads to the disappearance of clinical symptoms and complete restoration of the gum structure. With a similar scheme of using Metrogil Denta gel, clinical symptoms disappear, the basal layer of the gingival mucosa is restored, but the histological sign of an inflammation – intracellular edema of the epithelium of the spinous layer remains, which indicates the high effectiveness of the developed herbal preparation in experimental gingivitis.

Many research papers highlight the positive impact of wood densification on mechanical properties of solid wood as well as wood veneers. Previous experimental studies comparing densified to non-densified wood materials of the same thickness consistently demonstrated higher strength properties in bending for densified materials. However, these studies often overlooked an important comparison: the strength and load-carrying capacity of non-densified wood material to its densified state, in which the thickness is reduced and thus the material's moment of inertia. The current study, aims to address this gap for plywood made from low-quality, underutilized hardwood species, encompassing both non-densified and densified veneers. Additionally, these plywood panels are compared with high-quality birch plywood. Plywood samples made from common aspen (Populus tremula L.) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) species, incorporating densified veneers, are compared to conventional silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) plywood. The study also considers material utilization efficiency. Results showed that plywood made from non-densified aspen and black alder veneers exhibited comparable strength to standard birch plywood, positioning them as competitive alternatives to high-quality wood species. While densified black alder veneers increased strength in average from 83.6 MPa to 126.3 MPa, a loss in load-carrying capacity was observed from 1930 N to 1637 N due to reduced thickness and moment of inertia. [Display omitted] • Densifying surface veneers increases the bending strength and stiffness of plywood of the same thickness. • The total material usage increases when densified veneers are used. • Using densified veneer only on face of the plywood increases bending strength while using less material. • To increase the moment of inertia, the densified veneers should be placed as far as possible from the neutral axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientifically informed decisions for the long-term conservation of extant genetic diversity should combine in situ and ex situ conservation methods. The aim of the present study was to assess if a progeny plantation consisting of several open pollinated (OP) families and established for breeding purposes can also serve as an ex situ conservation plantation, using the case study of a Lithuanian progeny trial of Alnus glutinosa, a keystone species of riparian ecosystems that warrants priority conservation actions. We employed 17 nuclear microsatellite (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers and compared the genetic diversity and copy number of the captured alleles of 22 OP progeny families from this plantation, with 10 wild A. glutinosa populations, originating from the two provenance regions of the species in Lithuania. We conclude that the progeny plantation could be used as an ex situ plantation for the A. glutinosa populations from the first provenance region (represented by eight genetic conservation units (GCU)). Based on the present study’s results, we can expect that the A. glutinosa progeny plantation harbors enough genetic diversity of wild A. glutinosa populations from the first provenance region. This progeny plantation can serve as a robust ex situ collection containing local alleles present in at least one wild population with at least 0.05 frequency with 25 replications.

Th e paper deals with production capacity of selected pioneer species – Silver birch, black alder, European aspen and goat willow. Th e review focused on these fi elds of research: ecology requirements and natural distribution of discussed species; their growth and yield; eff ect of site conditions on growth and production (the main goal) and yield comparison of these species. Th e vigorous growth and marketable production of Silver birch is considered on fertile soils with adequate moisture and air content. Warmer climate and lower altitudes create optimum growing conditions for European aspen. Rich sites and middle altitude are considered optimal site conditions for goat willow as well. Th e productivity of black alder is greatest on riverside site. Th e mean annual volume increment (MAI) for analysed species varied from 4 to 10 (12) m3/ha, for goat willow relevant data are missing. Rotation period for these species should not be longer than 55 (60) years due to the risk of heart rot occurrence. Th e highest potential for biomass production shows Silver birch with maximum annual increment ranged from 5 to 7 t/ha within the age of 15–25 years. Faster growth in the young and shorter rotation period advantages production of pioneer species contrary to common shade tolerate species as a spruce, fi r and beech, in the process of reforestation of large clearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study explores the combination of dendrogeomorphology and detailed mining data. • The tree-ring data clearly depicted a period influenced by subsidence. • The tree growth response exhibited no distinct differences across various subsidence rates. • The utilization of dendrogeomorphology proves valuable in studying subsidence. Mining operations can have a significant impact on the environment, which may result in surface lowering due to overburden disturbance, commonly referred to as mining subsidence. This issue has been extensively studied in many engineering studies. However, the dendrogeomorphic approach can provide additional insights into this issue. This study examined the tree-ring response of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) to subsidence. The analysis of subsidence activity was exclusively conducted through tree-ring eccentricity (EC). Using the Knothe method, the theoretical radius of main subsidence influence range was determined to differentiate between periods of mining influence and non-mining influence. Significantly higher event-response (I t) index (p = 0.0001) was calculated during years with mining influence. Nevertheless, the use of the I t index alone is insufficient for reconstructing the subsidence events as the process is continuous. When comparing the recorded reactions of the onset of EC across different subsidence rates from 2012 to 2015, no distinctive differences were found in tree growth response. The use of dendrogeomorphology and tree-ring eccentricity has proven valuable in studying the subsidence process. Nonetheless, new challenges persist, particularly regarding secondary processes like landslide activity or residual subsidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest soil compaction caused by heavy machines can cause ecosystem degradation, reduced site productivity and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recent studies investigating the plant-mediated alleviation of soil compaction with black alder showed promising results (Alnus glutinosa). This study aimed to measure soil recovery and GHG fluxes on machine tracks with and without black alders in North-East Switzerland. In 2008, two machine tracks were created under controlled conditions in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stand with a sandy loam texture. Directly after compaction, soil physical parameters were measured on one track while the other track was planted with alders. Initial topsoil bulk density and porosity on the track without alders were 1.52 g cm−3 and 43%, respectively. Ten years later, a decrease in bulk density to 1.23 g cm−3 and an increase in porosity to 57% indicated partial structure recovery. Compared with the untreated machine track, alder had no beneficial impact on soil physical parameters. Elevated cumulative N2O emission (+30%) under alder compared with the untreated track could result from symbiotic nitrogen fixation by alder. Overall, CH4 fluxes were sensitive to the effects of soil trafficking. We conclude that black alder did not promote the recovery of a compacted sandy loam while it had the potential to deteriorate the GHG balance of the investigated forest stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural land abandonment due to biophysical and socioeconomic constraints is increasing across Europe. Meanwhile there is also an increase in bioenergy demand. This study assessed woody crop performance on several relevant types of marginal agricultural land in Europe, based on field experiments in Latvia, Spain and Ukraine. In Latvia, hybrid aspen was more productive than birch and alder species, and after eight years produced 4.8 Mg ha−1 y−1 on stony soil with sandy loam texture, when best clone and treatment combination was selected. In Spain, Siberian elm produced up to 7.1 Mg ha−1 y−1 on stony, sandy soil with low organic carbon content after three triennial rotations. In Ukraine, willow plantations produced a maximum of 10.8 Mg ha−1 y−1 on a soil with low soil organic carbon after second triennial rotation. The productivity was higher when management practices were optimized specifically to address the limiting factors of a site. Longer rotations and lower biomass yields compared to high-value land can be expected when woody crops are grown on similar marginal agricultural land shown in this study. Future studies should start here and investigate to what extent woody crops can contribute to rural development under these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of triterpene saponins in infructescences and leaves of gray (Alnus incana (L.) Moech) and black (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth) alder is revealed by qualitative analysis. Oleanolic acid (OA) is detected in all the studied plant materials by thin-layer chromatography. Using direct spectrophotometry (detection wavelength, 310 nm), the total triterpene saponins are determined in infructescences (1.538–1.682%, as OA) and leaves (1.102–1.274%, as OA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current ages of felling in the forests of Belarus were established in 2001. In production forests they make up 81 years and more for coniferous stands, 101 years or more for hardwood, 61 years or more for birch trees, 51 years and more for black alder –, aspen – 41 years and more. The current age of logging does not correspond to high-grade assortments for coniferous and alder stands. In Belarus, due to the improvement of the structure of forests over the past 25–30 years, adequate conditions have been created for improving the methods for determining cutting ages and a certain increase in ages and turnovers. Changing the harvesting ages requires the formation of a new regulatory framework in connection with the adoption of a new Forest Code. Recently, new cutting ages for the forests of the Republic of Belarus have been developed and adopted. They are formed on the basis of quantitative and technical ripeness of the forest, taking into account ecological requirements. New logging ages for conifers (pine and spruce) of the II grade and below have been increased by 10 years; for ash, the logging ages are reduced; for black alder the ages was raised by 10 years. The adopted changes are not supposed to induce marked increase in the size of the calculated cutting area, and the output of commercial timber at the plantations of pine, spruce (site productivity grade II and below) and black alder will not rise substantially in the near future. The alignment of the age structure of tree stands due to new cutting rules is expected to produce the effect no earlier than 2050–2060.

Forest soil compaction caused by heavy machines can cause ecosystem degradation, reduced site productivity and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recent studies investigating the plant-mediated alleviation of soil compaction with black alder showed promising results (Alnus glutinosa). This study aimed to measure soil recovery and GHG fluxes on machine tracks with and without black alders in North-East Switzerland. In 2008, two machine tracks were created under controlled conditions in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stand with a sandy loam texture. Directly after compaction, soil physical parameters were measured on one track while the other track was planted with alders. Initial topsoil bulk density and porosity on the track without alders were 1.52 g cm−3 and 43%, respectively. Ten years later, a decrease in bulk density to 1.23 g cm−3 and an increase in porosity to 57% indicated partial structure recovery. Compared with the untreated machine track, alder had no beneficial impact on soil physical parameters. Elevated cumulative N2O emission (+30%) under alder compared with the untreated track could result from symbiotic nitrogen fixation by alder. Overall, CH4 fluxes were sensitive to the effects of soil trafficking. We conclude that black alder did not promote the recovery of a compacted sandy loam while it had the potential to deteriorate the GHG balance of the investigated forest stand.

Agricultural land abandonment due to biophysical and socioeconomic constraints is increasing across Europe. Meanwhile there is also an increase in bioenergy demand. This study assessed woody crop performance on several relevant types of marginal agricultural land in Europe, based on field experiments in Latvia, Spain and Ukraine. In Latvia, hybrid aspen was more productive than birch and alder species, and after eight years produced 4.8 Mg ha−1 y−1 on stony soil with sandy loam texture, when best clone and treatment combination was selected. In Spain, Siberian elm produced up to 7.1 Mg ha−1 y−1 on stony, sandy soil with low organic carbon content after three triennial rotations. In Ukraine, willow plantations produced a maximum of 10.8 Mg ha−1 y−1 on a soil with low soil organic carbon after second triennial rotation. The productivity was higher when management practices were optimized specifically to address the limiting factors of a site. Longer rotations and lower biomass yields compared to high-value land can be expected when woody crops are grown on similar marginal agricultural land shown in this study. Future studies should start here and investigate to what extent woody crops can contribute to rural development under these conditions.

A review of literary sources on the diameter distribution of trees and marketability structure of black alder stands in the Slobozhanskyi forest typological district and the whole of Ukraine is carried out, the relevance of this study is established. Comparison of forest typological and forest management zoning is presented for a clearer identification of the study region, as a prerequisite for the creation of regional standards for forestry. The analysis of the distribution of black alder in the forest fund of the study region is carried out and the forestry and evaluation indicators of the alder forest stands are studied. The distribution of black alder stands of the region by origin, forest types, density of stocking and productivity has been evaluated. The evaluation indicators and marketability structure of black alder stands in the study region are considered. Models of the diameter variability of the modal stand, the ratio of the variability of the industrial timber part to the total dimensional variability of the stand, taking into account the minimum and maximum diameters in the modal stand, have been calculated. The relationship between the proportion of industrial timber and the age of modal alder stands of coppice origin has been established. The tables of the marketability structure dynamics of modal alder stands were created, taking into account the distribution of the volumes of industrial timber by dimensional classes, consistent with European approaches to round timber measurement. When compiling the standards, the previously developed yield tables of modal black alder stands of coppice origin of the Slobozhanskyi forest typological district, a comparative analysis of the dynamics of the output of industrial timber in modal black alder stands according to different standards is carried out. When comparing the standards developed for the Slobozhanskyi forest typological district with the standards developed for the whole of Ukraine, it was found that in the latter the output of industrial timber is significantly higher, which is primarily associated with the forest site conditions of the region and the coppice origin of forest stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of the growing altitude, particle drying temperature and press temperature on some technological properties of particleboard produced from black alder wood. The particles were produced from wood taken from the KTÜ Campus and from Çamoba in Trabzon. Production and tests of the experimental particleboards were carried out at Kastamonu Integrated Wood Company. In production of the particleboards, wood from different growing altitudes [50 m and 250 m] was used, and different drying temperatures [120 and 150°C] and press temperatures [150 and 200°C] were applied. Mechanical, physical and anatomical properties of the produced boards were investigated. According to the results, the mechanical properties deteriorate when the altitude increases. Increasing the particle drying temperature and press temperature had a positive effect on dimensional stability. A high press temperature improved the mechanical properties of the boards. In addition, growing altitude had an effect on anatomical properties: when the altitude increased, the diameter of vessels narrowed, the number of vessels per mm2 increased, and fiber length decreased. This resulted in a deterioration in mechanical properties at the higher altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora is an important plant pathogen that can cause serious damage in a wide range of forest species. Understanding how this pathogen disseminates is fundamental to disease management. There is a continual need for improvement of Phytophthora species monitoring in natural ecosystems. However, currently there is little evidence for whether avian vectors may be transporting spores and contributing to the spread of the pathogen. This is the first survey of birds as vectors of Phytophthora species. Analysis of swabs from feathers from 112 birds belonging to seven species showed that most of them transmit P. cactorum and to a lesser extent P. plurivora. Pathogens of black alder − P. alni and P. multiformis were detected in the investigated area, but their frequency was low. This study showed that avian vectors are important in spreading Phytophthora. In addition, analysis of swabs from feathers can be sensitive method for detection of Phytophthora presence in ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining activities, one of the most drastic examples of human intervention to nature, have considerably deteriorated the environment. Although being one of the smallest and least populated cities of Turkey, Artvin is notably affected by mining in many ways such as acid rains, water contamination and medical problems. The activities also affect soil properties. The present study aimed to assess the effects of restoration and reclamation of the former smelter factory and determine the changes in some soil properties according to land use/land cover (LULC) and slope aspect. With this purpose, Pearson correlation and two-way ANOVA methods were used. Results showed that while LULC significantly affected (p < 0.05) all soil properties except silt content, bulk density, CaCO3 content, C:N ratio, Cd and Zn; slope aspect significantly affected less soil properties such as sand, silt, pH, EC, CaCO3 and Pb. The interaction between factors also significantly affected (p < 0.05) soil properties like LULC. According to partial eta squared (η2) values, while the most significantly affected soil properties by LULC, slope aspect and their interaction were found to be Cr (0.93), Clay (0.59) and Cr (0.94), respectively; the ones least affected were found to be total nitrogen (0.12), CaCO3 (0.14) and total nitrogen for 63-day (0.18), respectively. Despite the black alder’s and black locust’s lack of phytoremediation abilities concerning soil heavy metal content except Pb, Alnus glutinosa and Robinia pseudoacacia may be suggested for the restoration and reclamation of mining soils in terms of phytoremediation beside their advantages such as improving nitrogen mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adhesion strength and glossiness of black alder wood (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn. L.) coated with water-borne and UV varnishes by two application systems. Prior to coating, the samples were prepared by sanding with four combinations of grit size sandpapers, 180 being the final grit. The surface quality of the specimens was measured with a white light profilometer. Any increase in grit size gradually reduced surface roughness, which further influenced the overall coating performance of the samples. UV varnish applied by roller presented higher adhesion strength and gloss as compared to spraying. The specimens varnished with a water-borne finish by spraying exhibited a better adherence to the substrate than those of UV varnished samples by the same method and provided glossiness at 60° geometry in the same range. These results are valuable for the furniture manufacturing industry for generating a better use and efficiency of secondary wood resources in order to achieve value-added products.

The paper presents the results of a case study applied to the milling process of solid wood specimens made of black alder wood (Alnus glutinosa L. Gaertn.) with a view to find the optimal cutting schedule when two main criteria, such as the minimum power consumption and the best surface quality are fulfilled.The experimental work was performed with black alder wood originating from mature trees from the Buzau Valley region in Romania. All samples were processed on their longitudinal edges by straight milling with a milling cutter having glued straight plates on the vertical milling machine under different cutting schedules. An electronic device connected to the machine engine and an acquisition board were used to record and compute the power consumption during milling. Roughness measurements of the samples were performed by employing an optical profilometer. All data were processed using the regression method and variance analysis. The study revealed that best results are to be obtained in terms of cutting power and surface quality when processing with low feed speeds and light cutting depths.

Abstract The gradual increase in temperature over the last few decades is one of the major consequences of global change. It is also projected that drought frequency and intensity in the Mediterranean region will increase, promoting changes in plant responses to environmental conditions and ultimately species distribution. Studying past growth trends can help understand future impacts of climate change on species-function and predict alterations in how species are distributed. This study sought to evaluate growth trends in riparian tree species to assess both their resistance and resilience responses to, and their complementary strategies in the face of, climatic and hydrological changes. Their supporting ecosystem role in riverine ecosystems and their representativeness in the study region led to the selection of the species Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl for this purpose. Yearly growth curves were obtained for coexisting A. glutinosa and F. angustifolia , sampled in 2009 in a riparian forest in a Southern Portuguese river basin. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was calculated to select drought events, identified as years of extreme and severe drought combined with adverse river discharge conditions. Temporal trends in Basal Area Increments (BAI) were explored for both species across 1970–2009, particularly during drought years. Tree growth response was associated with long-term SPEI, minimum temperature, rainfall and discharge. Both species presented an increase in BAI until the 1980s, apparently triggered by the rise in minimum temperatures, which lengthened the growing season. However, after the 80′s this trend in tree growth has been reversed due to the reduced precipitation associated with increased drought intensity. Similar tree growth responses to drought were observed in both species, but responses to extreme drought events were species-specific. Distinct long-term resilience trends between species suggest that under the current climate change scenario, mesic species (e.g. A. glutinosa) will gradually be replaced by more drought-tolerant species, such as F. angustifolia. Finally, further research should be undertaken to provide information on physiological and anatomical changes of riparian tree species in the Mediterranean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alnus glutinosa (black alder) is a mycorrhizal pioneer tree species with tolerance to high concentrations of salt in the soil and can therefore be considered to be an important tree for the regeneration of forests areas devastated by excessive salt. However, there is still a lack of information about the ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) associated with mature individuals of A. glutinosa growing in natural saline conditions. The main objective of this study was to test the effect of soil salinity and other physicochemical parameters on root tips colonized by EMF, as well as on the species richness and diversity of an EMF community associated with A. glutinosa growing in natural conditions. We identified a significant effect of soil salinity (expressed as electrical conductivity: ECe and EC1:5) on fungal taxa but not on the total level of EM fungal colonization on roots. Increasing soil salinity promoted dark-coloured EMF belonging to the order Thelephorales (Tomentella sp. and Thelephora sp.). These fungi are also commonly found in soils polluted with heavy-metal. The ability of these fungi to grow in contaminated soil may be due to the presence of melanine, a natural dark pigment and common wall component of the Thelephoraceae that is known to act as a protective interface between fungal metabolism and biotic and abiotic environmental stressors. Moreover, increased colonization of fungi belonging to the class of Leotiomycetes and Sordiomycetes, known as endophytic fungal species, was observed at the test sites, that contained a larger content of total phosphorus. This observation confirms the ability of commonly known endophytic fungi to form ectomycorrhizal structures on the roots of A. glutinosa under saline stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytomelioration and tree species selection on poor mine soils are important for reclamation and afforestation success. Black alder ( Alnus glutinosa ), as N-fixing species, is often planted on afforested post-mining barrens as an admixture to improve soil properties and enhance growth of target tree species. Objective of this study was to assess the effect of black alder admixture on chemical, physical and microbial properties of sandy mine soils afforested with Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris ). The topsoil samples (0–5 cm) were taken in areas afforested with Scots pine with black alder admixture at 1 m, 2 m, 4 m and 8 m from the black alder rows and measured for texture, maximum water holding capacity (WHC), pH, C org and N contents. The measured soil microbial properties included microbial biomass (C mic ), basal respiration rate (RESP), N mineralization rate and urease activity (URE). Community level physiological profiles (CLPP) of soil microbial communities were determined with Biolog ® Ecoplates. The highest C org , N, C mic , RESP, N mineralization rate and URE values were measured at 1 m from the alders row and then decreased rapidly. The influence of alders ranged to ca 2 m–3 m from the alders row depending on the soil property. Soil microbial communities close to the alders row were functionally more diverse than those in soils from larger distances. There were distinct differences in CLPPs between microbial communities from soil at 1 m and 8 m from the alders row wherein those close to the alders were more efficient in degradation of carbohydrates and those at 8 m in degradation of polymers. Results of the study clearly indicate positive influence of black alder on several soil properties crucial for their biological activity and fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]