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Biotic and abiotic factors can act as filters for determining the species composition of biological communities. We aimed to identify abiotic factors driving the assembly of bat communities in Eastern Mediterranean pine plantations along a north–south climatic gradient, as they are crucial forest habitats for the assessment and conservation of these communities. We expected that bat communities are predominantly shaped by environmental filtering. We conducted acoustic sampling in 35 pine plantations in Israel and analyzed recordings for species identification. We used the ESLTP analysis, an extension of the three‐table ordination (RLQ analysis), to explore relationships between environmental characteristics, species occurrences, and functional traits of species while accounting for phylogenetic relationships between species and spatial distribution of the communities. Communities showed phylogenetic and trait clustering. Climatic conditions and forest vegetation composition shaped communities of bats, affecting the distribution of traits related to foraging behaviors, vegetation clutter, and the ability of bats to maneuver in it. Maneuverable species were associated with the northern Mediterranean climatic zone, with a scarce cover of drought‐tolerant small shrubs and grassland. Fast flyers were associated with the center‐south semi‐arid area, with abundant drought‐tolerant small shrubs and grassland. These forces might have a predominant role in the assembly of these communities, presumably due to the stressful climatic conditions of the study area. The ESLTP approach can be extended to other taxa and environments to predict species responses to disturbance and environmental changes and give insights into environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural forest ecosystems of South Florida, USA, support a high biodiversity of plant and animal species and provide valuable ecosystem services. However, these ecosystems remain poorly represented in global studies, primarily due to a paucity of standardized data. Here, we present previously unpublished data from 332 censuses of 54 permanent 1‐ha tree inventory plots in the Racoon Point area of Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA, including a total of nearly 100,000 measurements (diameter or height) of > 17,000 individual living trees and palms (with additional measurements of nearly 6000 dead pine snags) collected sporadically over a 19‐year period (1993–2012). These data, which were originally collected as part of a project to investigate tree responses to different experimental burning regimes, provide unique insight into the diversity, composition, structure, and dynamics of South Florida's unique and endangered pine forest ecosystems. Data files include the species identity, size (dbh = diameter at breast height), and location of all trees ≥ 5 cm dbh in 54 individual tree plots. Additional data are provided about heights of palm trees, and the location and burn history of each plot. These data are freely available for noncommercial scientific use under a Creative Commons license; users are encouraged to cite this paper when using the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of how boreal forest composition responds to global environmental changes is an important challenge to predicting the future global carbon balance. Boreal forests are the most significant sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide; however, their sequestration capacity is highly sensitive to ongoing climate changes. The combination of the hydrothermal conditions of a territory strongly regulates its biogeochemical processes. The carbon fluxes in boreal forests are strongly mediated by the ground vegetation cover, composed of mosses (mesic) and lichens (xeric). Despite the concurrence of xeric and mesic vegetation types, their responses to climate variations varies significantly. Soil emission is an informative indicator of ecosystem functioning. In this study, we focused on the soil CO2 dynamics during frost-free seasons with different precipitation regimes in the xeric and mesic boreal ecosystems of Central Siberia. Seasonal measurements of soil CO2 emissions were conducted during frost-free seasons using the dynamic chamber method. Our findings reveal that the precipitation regimes of each year may control the seasonal soil emission dynamics. The soil moisture is the most important driver of emissions growth in the water-limited lichen pine forest (R2adj. = 18%). The soil temperature plays the largest role in the feather moss pine forest during the dry (R2adj. = 31%) seasons, and in the lichen pine forest during the wet (R2adj. = 41%) seasons. The cumulative efflux for the xeric and mesic sites is mostly related to the hydrothermal conditions, and not to the differences in ground vegetation cover. During the dry seasons, on average, the soil CO2 emissions are 45% lower than during the wet seasons for both sites. These findings emphasize the need for estimating and including the hydrothermal characteristics of the growing season for detailed emission assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work compares two dune fixation processes in Catalonia (Spain), the Montgrí and Begur massifs and the Llobregat delta, and disproves that both were undertaken to impede the advance of the sands. The fixation process in the Montgrí and Begur massifs is well documented and was planned in response to the need to stop sand advancement, whereas in the case of the Llobregat delta, the actions taken were spontaneous, took place over centuries and were aimed at mitigating health issues while at the same time gaining an economic benefit from the fruit and wood of the planted pine trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting carbon‐climate feedbacks relies on understanding the environmental factors regulating soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and dynamics. Here, we employed a microbial ecological model (MEND), driven by downscaled output data from six Earth system models under two Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5) scenarios, to simulate long‐term soil biogeochemical processes. We aim to analyze the responses of soil microbial and carbon‐nitrogen (C‐N) processes to changes in environmental factors, including litter input (L), soil moisture (W) and temperature (T), and soil pH, in a broadleaf forest (BF) and a pine forest (PF). For the entire soil layer in both forests, we found that, compared to the baseline period of 2009–2020, the mean SOC during 2081–2100 increased by 40.9%–90.6% under the L or T change scenarios, versus 5.2%–31.0% under the W change scenario. However, soil moisture emerged as a key regulator of SOC, MBC and inorganic N dynamics in the topsoil of BF and PF. For example, W change led to SOC gain of 5.5%–37.2%, compared to the SOC loss of 15.5%–18.0% under L or T scenario. Additionally, a further reduction in soil pH by 0.2 units in the BF, representing the acid rain effect, significantly resulted in an additional SOC gain by 14.2%–21.3%, compared to the LTW (simultaneous changes in the three factors) scenario. These results indicate that the results derived solely from topsoil may not be extrapolated to the entire soil profile. Overall, this study significantly advances our comprehension of how different environmental factors impact the dynamics of SOC and the implications they have for climate change. Plain Language Summary: Accurately predicting carbon‐climate feedbacks relies on understanding the environmental factors regulating soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and dynamics. We aim to analyze the responses of soil microbial and carbon‐nitrogen (C‐N) processes to changes in environmental factors, including litter input (L), soil moisture (W) and temperature (T), and soil pH, in a broadleaf forest (BF) and a pine forest (PF). We found that soil moisture change would be beneficial for SOC accumulation and serves as a key regulator of MBC and inorganic N in topsoil, whereas the change in litterfall or soil temperature are favorable for SOC accumulation in the entire soil profile. Additionally, a further reduction in soil pH by 0.2 units, representing the acid rain effect, significantly resulted in an additional SOC gain by 14.2%–21.3%, compared to the scenario with simultaneous changes in L, W, and T. These results indicate that findings solely from topsoil may not be extrapolated to the entire soil profile. Overall, this study significantly advances our comprehension of how different environmental factors impact the dynamics of SOC and the implications they have for climate change. Key Points: Soil C responses to climate change are depth dependent, therefore, results from just the topsoil may not apply to the entire soil profileSoil moisture change benefits topsoil SOC accumulation, whereas litterfall and soil temperature changes favor SOC accumulation in the entire soil profileWe need to pay more attention to the effects of soil moisture and pH rather than temperature and litter‐input on soil biogeochemical processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The natural forest ecosystems of South Florida, USA, support a high biodiversity of plant and animal species and provide valuable ecosystem services. However, these ecosystems remain poorly represented in global studies, primarily due to a paucity of standardized data. Here, we present previously unpublished data from 332 censuses of 54 permanent 1‐ha tree inventory plots in the Racoon Point area of Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA, including a total of nearly 100,000 measurements (diameter or height) of > 17,000 individual living trees and palms (with additional measurements of nearly 6000 dead pine snags) collected sporadically over a 19‐year period (1993–2012). These data, which were originally collected as part of a project to investigate tree responses to different experimental burning regimes, provide unique insight into the diversity, composition, structure, and dynamics of South Florida's unique and endangered pine forest ecosystems. Data files include the species identity, size (dbh = diameter at breast height), and location of all trees ≥ 5 cm dbh in 54 individual tree plots. Additional data are provided about heights of palm trees, and the location and burn history of each plot. These data are freely available for noncommercial scientific use under a Creative Commons license; users are encouraged to cite this paper when using the data.

In the spring of 1987, point-count surveys of breeding birds (passerines and picidae) were conducted, resulting in a dataset of 197 counts. The purpose was to analyze the effects of forest fragmentation on bird community composition in a mountain pine forest located in the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve in the central French Pyrenees between 1800 and 2400 metres. The study aimed to differentiate between the impacts of landscape factors (patch area, isolation) and habitat characteristics (altitude, vegetation structure). Additional information was gathered regarding the presence of Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), and Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in the forest. The sampling design ensured that the selected patches represented a wide range of sizes and distances to the nearest large pine patch or low-altitude forest stand. Bird sampling utilized the point-count technique [3], focusing on singing passerines and Picidae within a 50-metre radius. The altitude, the percentage of open areas, of stones, boulders and of herbaceous and ligneous plant cover at various heights, the canopy height and number of dead trees, along with landscape variables describing patch size and isolation from large pine stands or low-altitude forests, were assessed for each point count. This dataset offers insight into the breeding bird community and squirrel occurrence in a typical high-altitude mountain pine forest in the Pyrenees in 1987, serving as a baseline for future comparisons to study changes in bird and squirrel populations, the impact of climate change, habitat fragmentation, and conservation priorities. These data aim to inspire further research and enhance our understanding of bird and squirrel ecology in mountain regions.

Abstract Accurately predicting carbon‐climate feedbacks relies on understanding the environmental factors regulating soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and dynamics. Here, we employed a microbial ecological model (MEND), driven by downscaled output data from six Earth system models under two Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5) scenarios, to simulate long‐term soil biogeochemical processes. We aim to analyze the responses of soil microbial and carbon‐nitrogen (C‐N) processes to changes in environmental factors, including litter input (L), soil moisture (W) and temperature (T), and soil pH, in a broadleaf forest (BF) and a pine forest (PF). For the entire soil layer in both forests, we found that, compared to the baseline period of 2009–2020, the mean SOC during 2081–2100 increased by 40.9%–90.6% under the L or T change scenarios, versus 5.2%–31.0% under the W change scenario. However, soil moisture emerged as a key regulator of SOC, MBC and inorganic N dynamics in the topsoil of BF and PF. For example, W change led to SOC gain of 5.5%–37.2%, compared to the SOC loss of 15.5%–18.0% under L or T scenario. Additionally, a further reduction in soil pH by 0.2 units in the BF, representing the acid rain effect, significantly resulted in an additional SOC gain by 14.2%–21.3%, compared to the LTW (simultaneous changes in the three factors) scenario. These results indicate that the results derived solely from topsoil may not be extrapolated to the entire soil profile. Overall, this study significantly advances our comprehension of how different environmental factors impact the dynamics of SOC and the implications they have for climate change.

We present a study comparing assemblages of ground beetles between small and large pristine peat bogs in Central-Eastern Europe, to better understand biodiversity variability in peatland ecosystems in tundra patches in the temperate zone. We found that Shannon diversity and Pielou evenness indices and species composition for carabid assemblages of small peat bogs were significantly higher compared to large peat bogs. However, NMDS ordination revealed a high similarity between the assemblages of open habitats in peat bogs of different sizes. Regardless of peat bog size, assemblages included mostly specialised, medium-sized and flightless species. The predominance of habitat specialists with poor dispersal ability indicates that the habitat conditions in both small and large peat bogs are stable in the region. Small peat bogs were represented by a higher number of open habitat and forest dweller species, but their abundances were not high. When comparing ground beetle assemblages of small peatlands and adjacent pine forests on mineral soils, clear differences in diversity, species composition, imago body size and flight ability were revealed. Only some forest dwellers were recorded in peat bog habitats, while peat bog specialists were not found in the pine forests. Consequently, even small peat bogs can support highly specialised species assemblages and represent an environmental filter (probably due to the high humidity and acidity of Sphagnum mosses), which can exclude most generalist species and species from adjacent habitats.

Due to large variability in CO2 emission estimates in different types of forest ecosystems, obtaining experimental data on the respiration of their soils remains relevant. The study aims to characterize CO2 emission from the soil surface of mature and maturing middle taiga pine forests, taking into account forest conditions. The objects of the study were sphagnum, blueberry, and lingonberry-lichen pine forests located on the territory of the forest field stations of the Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Komi Republic, Russia). In 2008–2017, CO2 emissions were measured by a gas analyzer LI-COR 8100. A brief description of weather conditions for the study period is given. During the snow-free period, relatively high values of CO2 flux from the soil of pine forests were detected in July (sphagnum pine forests: 1.9–2.9 g C m–2 day–1) and August (blueberry and lingonberry-lichen pine forests: 2.5–6.6 g C m–2 day–1). The interannual variability of average monthly CO2 emission and the influence of weather conditions were determined. A close positive relationship between the rate of carbon dioxide emission and soil temperature was revealed (R2 = 0.49–0.77). The correlation of CO2 emission with soil moisture was weak. During the summer months, 188–442 g C m–2 was released into the atmosphere from the soil of the blueberry pine forest; during the growing season (May 1–September 30), 279–563 g C m–2; during the snow-free period (May 1–October 31), 308–583 g C m–2, which is 1.5–1.8 times higher than in sphagnum and lingonberry-lichen pine forests during the snow-free (p = 0.014) and growing season (p = 0.020) periods. No significant influence of forest conditions on C–CO2 losses in the summer months was found (p = 0.106). Lichen and sphagnum pine forests were comparable in terms of the C–CO2 flux from the soil surface both during the growing season and the snow-free period (p > 0.05). The data presented are important in determining the expenditure part of the carbon balance in forest ecosystems in the European northeast of Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree transpiration considerably contributes to evaporative fluxes to the atmosphere in terrestrial ecosystems. Accurate transpiration quantification provides relevant information about forest water use and may benefit adaptive forest management, especially in a global change context. Tree transpiration can be measured by several methods, and sap flow measurements are one of the most valued. However, species‐specific validations of these techniques are required to avoid undesirable bias. This is especially relevant in species with low transpiration rates where errors may be relevant, such as Aleppo pine trees (Pinus halepensis Mill.). Moreover, another significant source of uncertainty in sap flow measurements is probe misalignment. Hence, the aim of this study was to correlate transpiration rates estimated by sap flow probes using the heat ratio method (THRM) and load cells to independently monitor water transpiration in juvenile Aleppo pine trees. The corrections to improve transpiration measures, including misalignment correction, were applied to THRM results to test if the accuracy of results improved. These measurements were recorded in greenhouse under controlled conditions to implement different environmental conditions. The environmental variables that ruled the experiment, mainly vapour pressure deficit and soil water availability, spanned in a wide range of values. The results showed an accurate linear correspondence between TOBS and THRM for low and medium values, but moderate underestimations at high transpiration rates were observed. These underestimations were partly removed when applying probe misalignment correction. This study supports the notion that HRM offers accurate Aleppo pine transpiration estimations with low and medium values under a variety of abiotic conditions, which also has implications for HRM application in other isohydric species. The results also support the interest in the use of probe misalignment correction to estimate transpiration, mainly when high transpiration values are recorded. The results of this study can be considered as a preliminary approach for future research in order to improve the estimates of the transpiration rates of the Aleppo pine under the limiting conditions of the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of how boreal forest composition responds to global environmental changes is an important challenge to predicting the future global carbon balance. Boreal forests are the most significant sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide; however, their sequestration capacity is highly sensitive to ongoing climate changes. The combination of the hydrothermal conditions of a territory strongly regulates its biogeochemical processes. The carbon fluxes in boreal forests are strongly mediated by the ground vegetation cover, composed of mosses (mesic) and lichens (xeric). Despite the concurrence of xeric and mesic vegetation types, their responses to climate variations varies significantly. Soil emission is an informative indicator of ecosystem functioning. In this study, we focused on the soil CO2 dynamics during frost-free seasons with different precipitation regimes in the xeric and mesic boreal ecosystems of Central Siberia. Seasonal measurements of soil CO2 emissions were conducted during frost-free seasons using the dynamic chamber method. Our findings reveal that the precipitation regimes of each year may control the seasonal soil emission dynamics. The soil moisture is the most important driver of emissions growth in the water-limited lichen pine forest (R2adj. = 18%). The soil temperature plays the largest role in the feather moss pine forest during the dry (R2adj. = 31%) seasons, and in the lichen pine forest during the wet (R2adj. = 41%) seasons. The cumulative efflux for the xeric and mesic sites is mostly related to the hydrothermal conditions, and not to the differences in ground vegetation cover. During the dry seasons, on average, the soil CO2 emissions are 45% lower than during the wet seasons for both sites. These findings emphasize the need for estimating and including the hydrothermal characteristics of the growing season for detailed emission assessments.

Experimental data on soil respiration are needed for estimating the effect of industrial cutting on the carbon cycle in forest ecosystems. Investigations were carried out during snowless periods of 2019–2021 on a felled area of pine forest ten years after clear cutting (Komi Republic, Russia). The studied soil is a Gleyic Folic Albic Podzol (Arenic). The CO2 emission was measured by the closed chamber method using LI COR 8100 analyzer. Weather conditions and soil temperature dynamics at 10-cm depth were characterized. Weather conditions are shown to strongly influence the soil respiration rate. More intensive CO2 flux from the soil surface was observed in warm summer with insufficient precipitation. Mean monthly emissions from skid trails were 1.3–1.9 times higher than emissions from felled forest strips characterized by relatively small soil cover disturbance. A significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.12–0.86) was revealed between soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm and respiration from the soil surface. A significant correlation between CO2 flux and moisture content in the topsoil was observed on skid trails in a year with abundant precipitation, while in dry year such a correlation was absent. For forest strips, a reverse relationship between the CO2 flux and the soil moisture in wet and dry years was observed. Soils of forest strips emitted 303–379 g С m–2 owing to soil respiration during the snowless period; soils of skid trails, 419–573 g С m–2, which corresponds to 60–75 tons of CO2 for the entire felled area (5 ha). A larger part (86–90%) of carbon efflux during snowless period (May–October) occurs during the growing season (May–September), and the contribution of summer period (June–August) is 56–65%. The data obtained form the basis for estimating the role of timber harvesting in the carbon cycle of taiga forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pyrenees is a mountain range in south-western Europe that supports a rich diversity of bird species. In 1981, point count surveys of breeding birds (passerines and picidae) were carried out in the Vanera valley, a valley in the eastern Pyrenees, resulting in a data set of 228 counts. These data provide valuable information on the distribution and abundance of bird populations on 5350 ha of heterogeneous land (including cropland, grasslands, heaths and river banks, and pine forest) at altitudes ranging from 1100 to 2600 meters. Additional point count surveys were carried out in the pine forest from 1982 to 1985, resulting in a data set of 144 counts. Habitat descriptors (percentage of herbaceous and ligneous plant cover at different heights - 0-1m, 1-4m and more than 8m; vegetation type) and altitude were assessed around each point count.This dataset provides a complete picture of the breeding bird community in a typical valley of eastern Pyrenees in the early 1980s, which could be compared with future censuses to contribute to a variety of research questions, such as quantifying changes in birds between the early 1980s and now in mountain areas, understanding the effects of climate change on bird populations, examining the effects of habitat fragmentation and land-use change, and identifying priority areas for conservation and management. These data could inspire new research and contribute to our collective understanding of bird ecology in the Pyrenees.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a river as a water source for purification of soil damaged by the tsunami in a pine forest in Enjugahama, Mihama town, Wakayama prefecture, and to create a "purification map" visualizing the amount of purification water. Soil from the pine forest was placed in a plastic container and seawater was poured into it, followed by river water. The amount of water required for soil purification was determined by measuring the EC at this time. It was confirmed that 333,364 m3 of water would be required to purify the entire pine forest, which is approximately 1 km2. The time required to collect this volume of water from the West River would be 265 h (about 2 weeks) for an average flow rate. These results were aggregated to create the purification map. Using this map, it is possible to estimate the amount of water needed for purification at any given point and to make decisions, such as prioritizing areas that are easier to purify, thereby contributing to the purification of pine forests after tsunamis. However, it could be said that purification would be difficult in cases where seabed sediments have been deposited on the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an occurrence of Glaucomys volans (Linnaeus, 1758) in Honduras after 43 years since its last verified record. The observation was in an area in which forestry and silvicultural activities are carried out for the sustainable exploitation of logging and timber of Pinus oocarpa in Las Lechuzas, department of Olancho (eastern Honduras). This record supports the initiation of new conservation activities in areas in which forestry is being implemented; population studies and the protection of their refuges are the priorities at its southernmost locality.

Forest litter under linden and pine forests was studied at the Forest Experimental Dacha of the RSAU–MAA named after K.A. Timiryazev. Despite significant differences in physical and chemical parameters between the litter formed under the conditions of different forest communities, the properties of sod-podzolic soils formed under both vegetation types are quite similar. The litter under linden forest has higher ash content, it is less acidic and contains almost 2 times more exchangeable bases, the content of hydrogen and nitrogen is higher by 0.82 wt% and 0.66 wt%, respectively. The litter of linden and pine forests, according to the atomic ratios H : C, C : N and the degree of oxidation, are equal to 1.82, 30.3, -0.92 and 1.64, 45.7, -0.71, respectively; the litter of linden forests differs from litter of pine forests in the higher content of aliphatic, nitrogen-rich, reduced organic compounds. In the litter of linden forests concentration coefficients of phosphorus and magnesium 1.2 times higher; of carbon, potassium and aluminium – 1.3 times higher; of calcium – 1.4 times higher; of nitrogen – 1.8 times higher, and of silicon – 3 times higher, than in the litter of pine trees. However, the concentration factor of manganese in the pine forest litter is 1.9 times higher compared to the litter of linden. According to the results of UV spectroscopy, water-soluble organic matter of pine forest litter, unlike water-soluble organic matter of linden forest litter, is more enriched by components of aromatic origin. This is evidenced by higher values of SUVA254 and lower values of coefficients E2/E3 and E4/E6.

Soil physical and chemical properties are important indicators to measure soil quality, and soil microorganisms can sensitively reflect changes in the soil environment. The impact of raising chickens under the forest on the soil environment under the forest can be fed back through the changes in both. However, previous studies on the effects of chicken breeding in Masson pine forests on soil physical and chemical properties and the diversity of soil microbial communities are rare. Thus, the design of this study was centered on the chicken coop, within 50 m, and every 10 m is a sample point. A five-point sampling method was used to study the impact of chicken flock activities on soil physical and chemical properties and microbial communities at different distances. The results showed that soil pH and nutrient content presented a decreasing trend with increasing distance, with significant differences among groups. Soil bulk density, water content and organic carbon content had opposite trends. The diversity of the soil microbial community showed a decreasing trend with increasing distance, in which bacterial diversity was higher than fungal diversity; Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria; and Arthropoda and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla. This study shows that raising chickens under the forest has improved the forest environment, and a certain frequency of chicken activity or breeding density may be the key factor affecting the forest environment. When applying and promoting raising chickens under the forest, we should pay attention to the appropriate breeding density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires are considered to play a fundamental role in structuring many forest plant communities. Prescribed burning is a useful tool to reduce fire risk by reducing the amount of fuel. Our main objective was to analyse the effects of prescribed burning on undergrowth species richness and diversity as well as on other characteristic variables in a reforested Pinus canariensis stand. In areas where prescribed burning had been performed in the last 10 years, we established 8 plots of 900 m2. Their respective control plots were in nearby unburned and environmentally similar areas. We systematically selected 10 points in each plot and sampled the presence, richness and diversity of species in 1 m2 grids. For each plot, the basal area, mean canopy height and average height of individuals were measured. In centred 10 × 10 m plots, shrub species were counted as well as the litter depth, litter cover and herb cover. There was no significant change in the number of species richness found when comparing burned vs. control plots. Additionally, we did not find any differences in diversity or shrub composition, nor were we able to determine the species associated with any of the treatments. The basal area and litter depth were the only parameters that revealed significant differences. Ecologically, prescribed fire is a good practice to reduce biomass accumulation in P. canariensis plantations, with little effect on species richness and forest structure but with positive effects for stand management, insofar as biomass reduction can help control summer wildfires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neuroptera of the pine Tanaika Forest in the Republic of Tatarstan were studied using five beer-and-sugar bait crown traps operated continuously from April 30 to October 1, 2021. The chrysopids Apertochrysa prasina and Chrysotropia ciliata clearly dominate among 1043 collected specimens (17 species). The number of species stenotopic for pines (Chrysopa dorsalis and Wesmaelius concinnus) is very low. The large number of Chrysopidae in this forest, normally characteristic of a deciduous forest, and the rarity of species characteristic of pines, can be explained by the fact that the traps mainly attract Neuroptera that feed at the imaginal stage on pollen and honeydews, whereas almost all species characteristic of pines are predators. In addition, the traps on pine trees were located at a relatively low height (4–5 m from the ground), so they attracted more specimens from the nearest deciduous trees and deciduous undergrowth than from pines, whose canopies are located much higher. Eleven species of Neuroptera are recorded from the Republic of Tatarstan for the first time; 32 species are now known from the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the current climate crisis, the ecological integrity of forest ecosystems is key to increasing resilience and the sustainability of water and soil resources. Most forests around the world have experienced deforestation and degradation in the past few decades; however, the rate at which these occur varies depending on many factors, including the type of trees, management, and climate. We conducted a review of the deforestation, degradation, and soil erosion of the pine-oak forest within the Rio Conchos basin in northern Mexico. Preference was given to recent studies (last 10 years) conducted within this basin. Out of 27 recent publications on oak forests in Mexico, 19 focused on this forest and half of them were in Spanish. The results show that pine trees are more affected than oak trees, also that the deforestation rate has increased with time and is greater at higher elevations, making this area vulnerable to loss of topsoil during extreme hydrological events. Studies report an annual change in cover rate between 1985 and 2016 of −1.2% for pine, oak and mix vegetation. More recently, between 2000 and 2018, the change in pine cover was calculated as −2.8% concurrent with a +3.4% increase in cover of oak and other secondary vegetation. Proposed conservation strategies vary from runoff control to increased collaboration between landowners, government agencies, and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe Geophis berillus sp. nov., a new species of the Geophis sieboldi group based on three specimens from the Valle de Bravo region in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Estado de México, Mexico. The new species differs from all other members of this group by having 17 dorsal scale rows without apical pits, 149 and 151–152 ventrals (in males and females, respectively), and the lower portion of each scale in the first dorsal scale row pale. The new species is allopatric respective to other Geophis species. A phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial DNA (cyt-b) supports the inclusion of G. berillus sp. nov. in the G. sieboldi group and a sister relationship with G. sieboldi, a finding corroborated by morphological evidence. Describimos a Geophis berillus sp. nov una nueva especie del grupo Geophis sieboldi con base en tres especímenes de la región de Valle de Bravo en la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana. La nueva especie se diferencia de otros miembros del grupo por poseer 17 hileras de escamas dorsales sin fosas apicales, 149 y 152–153 ventrales (en machos y hembras, respectivamente) y la porción inferior de cada escama en la primera hilera de escamas dorsales clara. La nueva especie es alopátrica con respecto a otras especies de Geophis. Un análisis filogenético basado en DNA mitocondrial (cyt-b) respalda la inclusión de Geophis berillus sp. nov en el grupo G. sieboldi y su relación como grupo hermano de G. sieboldi, lo cual se corrobora con la evidencia morfológica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure of insular species to local disturbances can influence their evolutionary trajectory resulting in specific adaptations. On the island La Palma, Canary Islands, the archipelago-endemic tree species Pinus canariensis forms forest ecosystems and has been described to be adapted to wildfires. The frequency of these in the recent past, however, is higher due to anthropogenic activities. Recent studies suggest that the species traits might also be an evolutionary response to volcanic outbreaks, consisting of massive sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions and ash fall. Several stands of P. canariensis have been exposed to both disturbances, wildfires and volcanic outbreaks, in the recent past. We assess the recovery of P. canariensis after double exposure to these disturbances. P. canariensis recovery was assessed based on Sentintel-2 NDVI images within a 7 km radius of the craters of the Tajogaite volcano that erupted in 2021. Within the same area, wildfires occurred in 2009, 2012 and 2016. We used a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to assess the recovery of P. canariensis after volcanic and wildfire disturbances. The model shows the P. canariensis forest recovers after the volcanic outbreak with a peak at a distance of 1000–1200 m to the eruption crater, which is in line with our first hypothesis. Our second hypothesis was met with unexpected results, forests exposed to the recent wildfire in 2016 showed an increased recovery, which underlines that P. canariensis exhibits traits related to fire adaptation or might also be the result of stand-specific characteristics such as forest height or local topography. The double pressure of volcanic and forest fire disturbances did not lead to suppressed recovery of the Canary-endemic tree species and highlights the resilience of P. canariensis. • P. canariensis recovery after wildfires and volcanism assessed using GAMs. • Surviving stands recover, with NDVI recovery rates influenced by SO 2 damage. • Pine stands affected by 2012 and 2016 fires show the fastest recovery post-eruption. • Image collection and time series was compiled using the open source software FORCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire modifies the composition and distribution of biodiversity, but the availability of broad elevational gradients for evaluating its effects is limited. Studies conducted along elevational gradients provide valuable insights into the impacts of large-scale disturbances. Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and low palatability to invasive herbivores, bryophytes serve as effective bioindicators for analyzing disturbance levels in oceanic island ecosystems where herbivores have been introduced. Our research focused on examining how α and β diversity and bryophyte species composition change along an elevational gradient from 200 to 2000 m a.s.l. in areas affected by fire 20 years ago compared to control areas that have been fire-free for at least 50 years. This study was carried out using different functional bryophyte groups in the pine forest of La Palma Island (Canary Islands), where this ecosystem is well represented. The findings revealed the sensitivity of the Canarian pine forest ecosystem to fire. Pine forest areas burnt 20 years ago were significantly poorer in bryophyte species than those in areas free from fire for at least 50 years. α-diversity is proposed as the most indicative parameter for analyzing the impacts of fire on the studied functional groups along the entire gradient analyses. However, β-diversity is more dependent on environmental conditions, increasing in the wettest pine forests. The results suggest that the fire impacts vary depending on the specific functional group of bryophytes and the type of pine forest. • Bryophyte functional groups' responses to fire are studied in Canarian pine forests. • Fire modifies the richness, cover, diversity, and species composition of bryophytes. • Fire effects vary along the elevational gradient according to each functional group. • α-diversity is the most indicative parameter for analyzing the impacts of fire. • β-diversity is highly dependent on moisture, increasing in the wettest areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) using Landsat 8 operational land imagery (OLI) images has been extensively studied, but forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is often difficult to estimate accurately, in part due to the multi-level structure of forests, the heterogeneity of stands, and the diversity of tree species. In this study, a habitat dataset describing the distribution environment of forests, Landsat 8 OLI image data of spectral reflectance information, as well as a combination of the two datasets were employed to estimate the AGB of the three common pine forests (Pinus yunnanensis forests, Pinus densata forests, and Pinus kesiya forests) in Yunnan Province using a parametric model, stepwise linear regression model (SLR), and a non-parametric model, such as random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). Based on the results, the following conclusions can be drawn. (1) As compared with the parametric model (SLR), the non-parametric models (RF and SVM) have a better fitting performance for estimating the AGB of the three pine forests, especially in the AGB segment of 40 to 200 Mg/ha. The non-parametric model is more sensitive to the number of data samples. In the case of the Pinus densata forest with a sample size greater than 100, RF fitting provides better fitting performance than SVM fitting, and the SVM fitting model is better suited to the AGB estimation of the Pinus yunnanensis forest with a sample size of less than 100. (2) Landsat 8 OLI images exhibit superior accuracy in estimating the AGB of the three pine forests using a single dataset. Variables, such as texture and vegetation index variables, which can reflect the comprehensive reflection information of ground objects, play a significant role in estimating AGBs, especially the texture variables. (3) By incorporating the combined dataset with characteristics of tree species distribution and ground object reflectance spectrum, the accuracy and stability of AGB estimation of the three pine forests can be improved. Moreover, the employment of a combined dataset is also effective in reducing the number of estimation errors in cases with AGB less than 100 Mg/ha or exceeding 150 Mg/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacement of primary old-growth forests by secondary woodlands in threatened subtropical biomes drives important changes at the level of the overstory, understory and forest floor, but the impact on belowground microbial biodiversity is yet poorly documented. In the present study, we surveyed by metabarcoding sequencing, the diversity and composition of soil bacteria and fungi in the old-growth forest, dominated by stone oaks (Lithocarpus spp.) and in the secondary Yunnan pine woodland of an iconic site for biodiversity research, the Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve (Ailao Mountains, Yunnan province, China). We assessed the effect of forest replacement and other environmental factors, including soil horizons, soil physicochemical characteristics and seasonality (monsoon vs. dry seasons). We showed that tree composition and variation in soil properties were major drivers for both bacterial and fungal communities, with a significant influence from seasonality. Ectomycorrhizal Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) dominated the functional fungal guilds. Species richness and diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities were higher in the pine woodland compared to the primary Lithocarpus forest, although prominent OTUs were different. The slightly lower complexity of the microbiome in the primary forest stands likely resulted from environmental filtering under relatively stable conditions over centuries, when compared to the secondary pine woodlands. In the old-growth forest, we found a higher number of species, but that communities were homogeneously distributed, whereas in the pine woodlands, there is a slightly lower number of species present but the communities are heterogeneously distributed. The present surveys of the bacterial and fungal diversity will serve as references in future studies aiming to assess the impact of the climate change on soil microbial diversity in both old-growth forests and secondary woodlands in Ailaoshan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of complex research (research was conducted in 2019) of the Botanical natural monument territory “Pine forest near Venetsiya village” (Russia). In 2007, part of the nature monument territory was destroyed by a hurricane, resulting in massive windfall. The purpose of the research was to study the processes of evolution of natural complexes (vegetation and soil cover) in the areas affected by the hurricane. Classification of vegetation was done according to the Braun-Blanquet and Kopečký and Hejný approaches. NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) was used to estimate the amount of photosynthetically active biomass. Changes in morphological, physical and chemical properties were studied in the soil cover. The conducted research showed that the vegetation of the natural monument is represented by relict pine and broad-leaved pine forests. Under the pine canopy linden and birch are dominated. In the herb layer grow in various combinations of nemoral and boreal species. Soil cover is represented by Gray-humus (Umbric Luvisol). There is a strong transformation of vegetation in the areas damaged by the hurricane in 12 years (2007-2019). There is an active formation of highly productive herbaceous vegetation and renewal of deciduous stands, which leads to an increase in biomass (confirmed by changes in NDVI). The terminal stage of the restoration succession will be the formation of secondary deciduous and mixed nemoral forests. The active development of grass vegetation leads to the formation of a sod horizon on the surface of the soil with a thickness of about 14 cm. There is also an increase in the content of organic carbon, alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, the value of electrical resistivity increases and acidification of the soil solution.

The pine forest of Kragilan village, Magelang, is a forested area on the west slopes of Mount Merbabu with a humid environmental condition. The conditions make this region suitable for the growth of a macrofungal community. The macrofungal inventory in Merbabu Mountain is very limited and this is inversely proportional to the increasing deforestation. Thus, the macrofungal inventory is a fundamental way of managing natural conservation in this area. The study aimed to provide information and the potency of macrofungi found in the pine forest area of Kragilan, Magelang. The method used is purposive sampling in the research area, and the fungi obtained were identified based on characteristics with some related references. This research described eight species of eight different genera, including one from the Ascomycota (Xylaria sp.), and seven others from the Basidiomycota (Auricularia auriculajudae, Lentinellus sp., Mycena sp., Skeletocutis sp., Gymnopilus sp., Coprinopsis sp., and Coprinellus disseminatus). The current study is the first report on macrofungi diversity in the research area. Further exploration is still needed to record the macrofungal diversity on the western slopes of the Kragilan pine forest.

Replacement of primary old-growth forests by secondary woodlands in threatened subtropical biomes drives important changes at the level of the overstory, understory and forest floor, but the impact on belowground microbial biodiversity is yet poorly documented. In the present study, we surveyed by metabarcoding sequencing, the diversity and composition of soil bacteria and fungi in the old-growth forest, dominated by stone oaks (Lithocarpus spp.) and in the secondary Yunnan pine woodland of an iconic site for biodiversity research, the Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve (Ailao Mountains, Yunnan province, China). We assessed the effect of forest replacement and other environmental factors, including soil horizons, soil physicochemical characteristics and seasonality (monsoon vs. dry seasons). We showed that tree composition and variation in soil properties were major drivers for both bacterial and fungal communities, with a significant influence from seasonality. Ectomycorrhizal Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) dominated the functional fungal guilds. Species richness and diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities were higher in the pine woodland compared to the primary Lithocarpus forest, although prominent OTUs were different. The slightly lower complexity of the microbiome in the primary forest stands likely resulted from environmental filtering under relatively stable conditions over centuries, when compared to the secondary pine woodlands. In the old-growth forest, we found a higher number of species, but that communities were homogeneously distributed, whereas in the pine woodlands, there is a slightly lower number of species present but the communities are heterogeneously distributed. The present surveys of the bacterial and fungal diversity will serve as references in future studies aiming to assess the impact of the climate change on soil microbial diversity in both old-growth forests and secondary woodlands in Ailaoshan.

Abstract Background Forest fire incidences in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India are very common in summers. Pine and oak are the principal and dominant species of Himalayan subtropical forest and Himalayan temperate forest, respectively. Forest vegetation influences the physicochemical and biological properties of soil and forest fire in pine and oak forests may have a different effect on the physicochemical and biological properties of soil. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the impact of forest fire on soil microbial properties, enzymatic activity, and their relationship with soil physicochemical properties in the advent of forest fire in the pine and oak forests of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand Himalaya, India. Results The soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, soil basal respiration, and acid phosphatase activity decreased, whereas dehydrogenase activity increased at burnt sites of both forest types. The overall change in soil microbial biomass carbon was 63 and 40% at the burnt oak forest and burnt pine forest, respectively. Dehydrogenase activity and acid phosphatase activity showed a strong positive correlation with soil organic matter (r = 0.8) and microbial indices, respectively. The ratio of soil microbial biomass carbon/nitrogen was reduced at burnt sites of both forest types. Factor analysis results showed that fire had a significant impact on soil characteristics. The soil basal respiration was linked with macro- and micronutrients at burnt sites, whereas at control sites, it was linked with physicochemical properties of soil along with nutrients. Conclusion Forest fire had a significant impact on soil properties of both forest types. The impact of forest fire on soil microbial biomass carbon was stronger in the oak forest than in the pine forest. Forest type influenced soil enzymatic activity at burnt sites. The bacterial community was dominated over fungi in burnt sites of both forests. Soil microbial indices can be used as a selective measure to assess the impact of fire. Furthermore, forest type plays an important role in regulating the impact of forest fire on soil properties.

Forest managers require climate adaptation strategies that are regionally relevant and translatable into planning processes. Adaptation frameworks, such as the resistance, resilience, transition framework, can guide the development of these strategies. However, there are limited examples of how these concepts can be operationalized with concomitant estimates of changes in forest structural complexity and diversity, which may support adaptive capacity. To address this knowledge gap, two operational-scale, replicated experiments were studied to understand how application of the resistance, resilience, transition framework influences stand structure in two contrasting northern forests: mixed pine and mesic hardwoods. We found that treatments corresponding to each adaptation approach (resistance, resilience, transition) manifested differently in each forest type. In mixed-pine, there were greater differences in structural diversity metrics among treatments; there were fewer differences among treatments in the mesic hardwood forest, which had comparatively greater pre-treatment structural variation. In both forests, our analyses demonstrate that management strategies associated with greater emphasis on change and adaptation (i.e., resilience and transition) created a quantifiably more heterogeneous arrangement of structural elements across treatment units, supporting shifts in stand-scale understory resource patterning. These results underscore the importance of accounting for the influence of pre-treatment stand conditions on outcomes of adaptation treatments and that stand-wide averaging of plot measurements may serve to obscure stand-scale diversity metrics. The variation in structural conditions across stands that we found is expected to contribute to forest response to novel disturbances by providing multiple recovery pathways. Based on these findings, application of adaptive silvicultural treatments can generate varying levels of structural heterogeneity at the stand-scale which in turn can confer adaptation potential; however, ecological memory strongly influences post-management stand conditions. • Adaptation treatments led to a wide variety of structural conditions and shifts in biomass pools. • Adaptive silviculture influence on forest structure was more visible in comparatively less complex pre-harvest forests. • Management strategies with greater emphasis on change and adaptation led to increased structural diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires are considered to play a fundamental role in structuring many forest plant communities. Prescribed burning is a useful tool to reduce fire risk by reducing the amount of fuel. Our main objective was to analyse the effects of prescribed burning on undergrowth species richness and diversity as well as on other characteristic variables in a reforested Pinus canariensis stand. In areas where prescribed burning had been performed in the last 10 years, we established 8 plots of 900 m2. Their respective control plots were in nearby unburned and environmentally similar areas. We systematically selected 10 points in each plot and sampled the presence, richness and diversity of species in 1 m2 grids. For each plot, the basal area, mean canopy height and average height of individuals were measured. In centred 10 × 10 m plots, shrub species were counted as well as the litter depth, litter cover and herb cover. There was no significant change in the number of species richness found when comparing burned vs. control plots. Additionally, we did not find any differences in diversity or shrub composition, nor were we able to determine the species associated with any of the treatments. The basal area and litter depth were the only parameters that revealed significant differences. Ecologically, prescribed fire is a good practice to reduce biomass accumulation in P. canariensis plantations, with little effect on species richness and forest structure but with positive effects for stand management, insofar as biomass reduction can help control summer wildfires.

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Available habitat and hence the global population of the Endangered giant nuthatch Sitta magna, restricted to lower montane habitats of south-western China, eastern Myanmar and northern Thailand, remains poorly quantified. Thailand is the only portion of the species' range for which there is a population estimate. To obtain a more precise estimate of the Thai population and clarify the extent and characteristics of suitable habitat remaining, we conducted 335 point-count surveys at 67 points across eight localities during November 2019–February 2020. We estimated abundance and identified preferred habitat characteristics using N-mixture models, and created suitable habitat maps based on data from surveys and remote sensing. Our estimate for Thailand was 578 (95% CI 391–854) individuals based on a density of 3.7 (95% CI 2.5–5.5) individuals/km2 in 156 km2 of suitable habitat. The giant nuthatch prefers dry forest with a large amount of mature native or planted pine Pinus kesiya and with a large tree basal area and an open canopy. Our estimate of suitable habitat remaining was less than previously reported and thus the population has probably decreased, although most of this habitat is within protected areas. Habitats for the species in Thailand have a stronger level of protection than in Myanmar and China, although habitat in China remains unquantified. We recommend further research in Myanmar and China, which may hold the majority of available habitat for the giant nuthatch. For long-term management, detailed study of the association of the giant nuthatch with pine plantations is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Macromycetes play relevant roles in ecosystem functioning as pathogens, mutualists, and organic matter decomposers. Their diversity and distribution are strongly related to environmental conditions and vegetation types, however, there is a lack of ecological studies assessing which biotic and abiotic factors affect macrofungal communities. Questions: Which vegetation type harbors the highest macromycete diversity? Do macromycete diversity and species composition change among forest types? Which are the main environmental factors related to diversity and distribution patterns along the study area? Data description: Macromycete species richness and abundance, and environmental variables recorded in temperate forests. Study site and dates: Ayoquezco de Aldama, Oaxaca. June-November 2019. Methods: Macromycetes were collected twice a month in oak, oak-pine, pine-oak and pine forests, and environmental variables were recorded at each site. Species diversity and composition turnover were calculated using diversity and similarity indexes. The relation between diversity and species composition with environmental variables was determined with statistical analyses. Results: A total of 186 species were collected. Oak-dominated forests showed the highest similarity in macromycete diversity and species composition. The observed patterns of diversity and distribution were related mainly to air and soil humidity and temperature, topographic factors, and vegetation structure. Conclusions: Macromycete diversity and species composition can conspicuously change in short distances owing to the heterogeneity of habitats and resources provided by woody plants, and the topographic characteristic of the landscape. Vegetation type affects both macromycete diversity and distribution due to its influence on local temperature and humidity. Translate stop Translate stop Translate stop Translate stop

The conversion of coniferous forest to deciduous forest is accompanied by changes in the vertical distribution of fine roots and soil organic carbon (SOC) content. It is unclear how these changes affect soil CO2 efflux and vertical soil CO2 production, considering changing climate. Here, we present the results of a 6-year study on CO2 efflux, covering relatively warm-dry and cool-wet years. A combination of the flux-gradient method and closed chamber measurements was used to study the CO2 efflux and the vertical distribution of soil CO2 production in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and a pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest in northeast Germany. We observed, on average, similar CO2 efflux with 517 (±126) and 559 (±78) g C m–2 a–1 for the beech site and the pine site, respectively. CO2 efflux at the beech site exceeded that at the pine site during the wet year 2017, whereas in dry years, the opposite was the case. Water availability as indicated by precipitation was the primary determining long-term factor of CO2 efflux, whereas seasonal variation was mainly affected by soil temperature, and—in the case of beech—additionally by soil water content. CO2 efflux decreased more dramatically (-43%) at the beech site than at the pine site (-22%) during the warm-dry year 2018 compared to the cool-wet year 2017. We assumed that drought reduces heterotrophic respiration (Rh) at both sites, but additionally decreases autotrophic respiration (Ra) at the beech stand. Soil CO2 production at the beech site ranged over a greater soil depth than at the pine site, attributed to different fine root distribution. The organic layer and the A horizon contributed 47 and 68% of total CO2 efflux at the beech site and the pine site, respectively. The seasonal patterns of different CO2 efflux between both sites were assumed to relate to different phases of tree physiological activity of deciduous compared to evergreen tree species.

Key message: A systematic review from 1962 to August 2021 summarizes the research on Hartwegʼs pine (Pinus hartwegii). We identify research gaps and propose new direction for future studies and discuss the main study topics. Hartwegʼs pine (Pinus hartwegii Lindl.) is a high-value timber species adapted to the harsh alpine environment of high-elevation mountains (3000–4200 m) in Mexico, where it provides a wide array of ecosystem services to society. However, this species is currently facing temperature increases associated with global warming, with models predicting upward altitudinal shifts to maintain suitable growth conditions. Here, we present a systematic review of Hartwegʼs pine to establish current knowledge, identify research gaps, and indicate directions for future studies. This search recovered 196 scientific references from 1962 to August 2021, which were classified into 21 research topics. References to Hartwegʼs pine increased considerably during the period from 2000 to 2021, representing 77% of the total publications. Most of the references were focused on the management of the species (n = 89) and its relationships with climate change (n = 49). Fewer references were focused on human impacts on the species, taxonomy, and systematics, as well as biogeochemical and hydrological cycles, phenology, and evolution. Most of the study areas were in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, such as in Izta-Popo National Park, Cofre de Perote National Park, the Nevado de Toluca Flora and Fauna Protection Area, and Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. These results highlight the incipient knowledge that we have about population genetics, phenotypic plasticity, physiology, biotic interactions and about of the specific environmental conditions where P. hartwegii populations develop, which limits our capacity to understand how this species will respond to global warming and whether there are risks to the persistence of these forests and the ecosystem services they provide, both to local human populations and those located farther down the mountain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report fungal pathogens of invertebrates (FPI) (Entomophthorales, Hypocreales, and Orbiliales) from roots of an endemic Mexican pine, Pinus greggii Engelm. ex Parl., at four primary montane forests using next-generation sequencing. We found twenty-nine OTUs from 18 genera of FPI associated to the roots of P. greggii. New records for Mexico are: Beauveria felina (DC.) J.W.Carmich., Dactylella mammillata S.M. Dixon, Dactylella ramosa Matsushima, Drechslerella brochopaga (Drechsler) M. Scholler, Hagedorn & A. Rubner, Hirsutella minnesotensis Chen, Liu & Chen, Leptobacillium leptobactrum (W.Gams) Zare & W.Gams, Metapochonia variabilis Z.F.Zhang, F.Liu & L.Cai, Monacrosporium leptosporum (Drechsler) A. Rubner, and Simplicillium aogashimaense Nonaka, Kaifuchi & Masuma. A largely unknown array of fungal pathogens of invertebrates are likely to be found in Mexican forests. This work facilitates future analyses of fungal diversity in these primary forests, as well as basic and applied research in biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spittlebugs have been identified as the main European vectors of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. in different pathosystems. However, our knowledge about bacterium epidemiology in Apulian (Southern Italy) olive orchards is currently limited to the late spring secondary (olive-to-olive) spread mediated by the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.). Summer dispersal toward wild trees and shrubs is a common trait observed in several spittlebug species that could have important impacts on X. fastidiosa epidemiology. Here, we report preliminary data on presence and abundance of spittlebugs during the year in four different habitats interspersed with cultivated orchards within a natural area in Apulia. In two surveyed habitats, a pine forest and a lake shore, the latter dominated by elm plants, spittlebug adults peaked during the period June-September, with maximum values in July-August on elm. Three spittlebug species, Neophilaenus campestris (Fallen), P. spumarius and Philaenus italosignus Drosopoulos et Remane were evenly collected on pine plants, while the latter was the most abundant on elms. A few individuals were collected on elm throughout the end of the year, while on pines spittlebugs were only collected in summer. The possible implications of our findings for X. fastidiosa epidemiology in both cultivated orchards and natural habitats, together with future research needs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires are drivers of spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of vegetation and biodiversity. On the Canary Islands, large areas of pine forest exist, dominated by the endemic Canary Island pine, Pinus canariensis C. Sm. These mostly natural forests experience wildfires frequently. P. canariensis is well-adapted to such impacts and has the ability to re-sprout from both stems and branches. In recent decades, however, anthropogenically caused fires have increased, and climate change further enhances the likelihood of large forest fires. Through its dense, long needles, P. canariensis promotes cloud precipitation, which is an important ecosystem service for the freshwater supply of islands such as La Palma. Thus, it is important to understand the regeneration and vegetation dynamics of these ecosystems after fire. Here, we investigated species diversity patterns in the understory vegetation of P. canariensis forests after the large 2016 fire on the southern slopes of La Palma. We analyzed the effect of fire intensity, derived from Sentinel-2 NDVI differences, and of environmental variables, on species richness (alpha diversity) and compositional dissimilarity (beta diversity). We used redundancy analysis (dbRDA), Bray–Curtis dissimilarity, and variance partitioning for this analysis. Fire intensity accounted for a relatively small proportion of variation in alpha and beta diversity, while elevation was the most important predictor. Our results also reveal the important role of the endemic Lotus campylocladus ssp. hillebrandii (Christ) Sandral & D.D.Sokoloff for understory diversity after fire. Its dominance likely reduces the ability of other species to establish by taking up nutrients and water and by shading the ground. The mid- to long-term effects are unclear since Lotus is an important nitrogen fixer in P. canariensis forests and can reduce post-fire soil erosion on steep slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, the use of environmental radionuclides, particularly caesium-137 (137Cs), represented one of the most valid methods for estimating soil erosion. However, the cost associated with the use of the equipment needed for radiometric analyses is still high and, for this reason, finding more easily measurable indicators can be useful. There is a strong correlation between 137Cs, organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N) and water soluble phenols (WSP) exists, indicating the latter parameters as possible early indicators of soil erosion. Based on the above assumptions, the main purpose of this work is to identify specific soil chemical parameters able to indicate early triggering of soil erosion. Specifically, several soil parameters such as pH, electric conductivity (EC), WSP, OC, N and C/N have been evaluated against 137Cs and on a comparative basis. In addition, since the rate of soil erosion depends on the degree of coverage and canopy structure, two different tree species (Pinus nigra laricio Poir. and Fagus sylvatica L.) have been considered in this contribution in which ten different scenarios of forest management have been analysed. The results show that the reduction in tree cover of managed sites triggers erosion and nutrient loss processes. It has been observed that the loss of 137Cs, compared to the control areas, is closely correlated with those of WSP, OC and N. These parameters (WSP, OC and N), more easily assessable, can be a valid tool to understand easily, triggering of erosive phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the very beginning of Novosibirsk (pre-revolutionary Novonikolaevsk), the ribbon of the Ob River pine forest began to dwindle as a result of man-induced activity, e.g. logging, wood clearing, construction of dugouts and houses, etc. The small rivers that flew through the forest were used for quarries and water mills. As a result, the intensive industrial development disturbed the terrain and provoked revinement. Subsequently, the abandoned intracity park zones of the relict forest were transformed into residential, business, and industrial areas, such as Alhambra, Mikhailovsky Grove, etc. The quality of the forest stand during the period of industrialization was affected by the technogenic load from industrial enterprises that had no sewage treatment plants. An ill-conceived green policy led to the loss of the environment-forming function of the Novosibirsk pine forest, because only small areas of it remained within the city boundaries. The once green banks of small rivers that flew into the Ob preserved the last remains of the pine forest. However, they were destroyed, as the rivers were placed in underground pipelines, the ravines were washed away, and infill construction flourished. At the moment, the remaining green areas fail to perform the main function of urban forests: they neither reduce the negative environmental load, nor reproduce themselves. In addition, they make poor recreational areas. The remaining relic pine forest and other green areas continue to experience both direct and indirect negative impact, e.g. deforestation, air and water pollution, etc. The largest preserved site of the Ob River pine forest is the Zaeltsovsky public park. Located to the north of the Yeltsovka-2 (Bolshoi) River, it has been used for summer cottages, recreation, and foraging mushrooms and berries since the XIX century. The article gives a historical retrospective of the reduction in the area of the Ob River pine forest and its causes. It also describes the Comfortable Urban Environment project aimed at preserving green areas and pine forests.