A mathematical model to study the dynamics of carbon capture in forest plantations

Fast-growing forest plantations play an important role in reducing global warming and have great potential for carbon capture. In this study, we aimed to model the dynamics of carbon capture in fast-growing plantations. A mathematical model is proposed consisting of a tridimensional nonlinear system. The variables involved are the amount of living biomass, the intrinsic growth of biomass, and the burned area by forestry fire. The environmental humidity is also considered, assumed as a parameter by simplicity. The solutions of the model are approximated numerically by the Runge-Kutta fourth-order method. Once the equilibria of the model have been obtained and its local stability determined, the analysis of the model reveals that the living biomass, as well as the stored carbon, decreases in each harvest cycle as a consequence of the negative effects of fire on soil properties. Furthermore, the model shows that the maximum area burned is attained always after the maximum volume of biomass is obtained. Numerical simulations show that the model solutions are reasonable for the growth dynamics of a plantation, from a theoretical perspective. The mathematical results suggest that a suitable optimal management strategy to avoid biomass losses in the successive regeneration cycles of the plantation is the prevention of fires together with soil fertilization, applied to fast-growing plantations.

Prospects and directions of using forest crops phytocenoses to harmonize the natural environment of industrial regions

The main purpose of this work was to consider artificial tree plantations in terms of ecosystem approach, as a significant factor in improving the ecological environment for the introduction of the sustainable development paradigm in the conditions of industrial pollution Kryvyi Rih region. During 2015–2020, natural forest ecosystems and artificial forest plantations were studied by classical methods. These woody plantations are located in contrasting ecological conditions. The relevance of our research is determined by the need to find practical measures aimed at the formation and maintenance of woody plantations to increase resistance to areas under industrial pollution. The solution to this problem was carried out by assessing their living conditions and biometric indicators.

The oldest Pinus nigra plantations in the central Apennines: distribution and floristic-vegetational characterisation

This paper represents the first syntaxonomic study on the Pinus nigra subsp. nigra artificial stands in the Apennines. It refers exclusively to the mature Pinus nigra forest plantations in the central Apennines that were planted before the 1950s, and then not managed. The mature Pinus nigra forest plantations in the central Apennines are distributed within four National Parks, on limestone substrata, mainly with southern aspects and rugged slopes, and at elevations ranging from 655 m to 1670 m a.s.l.. Two new phytosociological associations are described here and classified in the alliance Junipero communis–Pinion nigrae: Orthilio secundae–Pinetum nigrae and Digitalidi micranthae–Pinetum nigrae. The association Orthilio secundae–Pinetum nigrae comprises the relative mesophilous mature pine forests of the supratemperate thermotype in the plant landscape context of the alliance Aremonio agrimonioidis–Fagion sylvaticae potential vegetation belt. The Digitalidi micranthae–Pinetum nigrae comprises the thermophilous pine forests occurring on rocky stands within mesotemperate and lower supratemperate thermotypes in the potential belt of alliance Carpinion orientalis woods. The comparison of these two new associations and the phytosociological literature concerning the natural communities of Pinus nigra in the Apennines highlights their floristic and coenological autonomy.

Does the Introduction of N2-Fixing Trees in Forest Plantations on Tropical Soils Ameliorate Low Fertility and Enhance Carbon Sequestration via Interactions Between Biota and Nutrient Availability? Case Studies From Central Africa and South America

Plant and/or crop growth rely on nutrient dynamics driven by specific soil biota in different environments. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of interactions between soil organisms, nutrient dynamics, and C sequestration. To this end, we investigated published results from three forest plantations (eucalyptus monocultures and mixed plantations with N2-fixing acacia) on tropical nutrient-poor soils. One case study is located in Central Africa (Congolese coastal plains) and two others in South America (Southeastern Brazil). Overall, the studies showed that soil biota activity exerted positive effects on (i) C accretion, as both soil carbon and belowground and aboveground biomass are driven and enhanced by soil biota; and (ii) on nutrient dynamics and biogeochemical cycles in nutrient-poor soil of tropical ecosystems, which are boosted following C accumulation. On the other hand, the pedoclimatic environment may potentially impact soil functioning of mixed-species plantations through its influence on the composition and activity of bacterial communities. Regardless of the potential risk of acacia invasiveness, benefits such as pulp, fuelwood, electric pole and non-timber products supply, have been reported in Central Africa. We, therefore, conclude that including N2 fixing trees in forestry plantations as reported in this mini-review helps strengthen the links between soil biota, nutrient and SOC dynamics in mixed-species plantations on tropical nutrient-poor soils.

Environmental Assessment of Relationships and Mutual Influences in the System “Protective Forest Plantations – Anthropogenic Landscapes”

Protective forest plantations (PFP) play an essential functional role in the operation of anthropogenic landscapes (AL). A study of processes in the system “PFP-AL” was conducted in the Boguslav agroforestry state, Kyiv region, Ukraine, to maintain sustainability. A method of ecological monitoring has been proposed to achieve environmental equilibrium stability. The calculations show the stable state of the ecosystem. A graphic-analytical method for quantitative assessment of the potential adverse effects of natural resource management has been proposed. It is shown that additional compensation of adverse effects is necessary, which can be performed by green structures.

Sanitary and forest health monitoring of forested area in Kaliningrad region

The data on the sanitary and forest health of monitoring of the forested area in the Kaliningrad region are presented. The influence of the main factors on the sanitary and forest health of plantations for the period from 2017 to 2019 is considered, considering forest fires, unfavorable weather and soil-climatic conditions, the foci of pests and diseases, as well as anthropogenic and non-pathogenic factors. Their threat to forest plantations is analyzed. The main reasons for the forest plantations death in the Kaliningrad region are highlighted, they are negative weather and soil-climatic conditions (65 % of the total damaged area) as well as diseases. The study results of the forested areas with the established weakening and dying, the distribution of foci of pests and diseases are presented. The main insect pest, i.e. typographer bark beetle (Ips typographus), has been determined. The absence of insects as forest pests, listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and the Kaliningrad Region, and classified as quarantine pests, was recorded. The impact of negative factors causing the weakening (drying out) of forest plantations in the Kaliningrad region has been analyzed, it is recommended to conduct forest health monitoring, sanitary and recreational activities, perform reclamation work, strengthen control over the timing and quality of forest protection measures, and sanitary cuttings in particular, by the authority executive power of the subject and its subordinate institutions.

Protective forest plantations and treatment methods influence on agrophysical properties of chestnut soil and agricultural yield

The article presents the results of many years research on the complex effect of basic tillage and shelterbelts methods on the content of macroelements in the soil, the conditions of water supply and the formation of the spring barley yield on zonal light-chestnut soils.