Mapping Forest Cover Changes using Sentinel-2A Imagery in the Municipality of Zubin Potok, Republic of Kosovo

This research aimed to investigate the changes in forest cover, utilizing Sentinel-2A imagery data. Annual results of deforestation, non-forest, and forest area in the Municipality of Zubin Potok (Kosovo) between 2016 and 2017 were presented and analyzed by applying the image difference change detection method on a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) product derived for both years. The study reveals that forest coverage in this municipality has changed due to human activity (harvested and burnt forests). The footprint of changes was evidenced by using Sentinel 2A band combinations and very high resolution (VHR) images available in Google Earth (GE). From the overall forest-covered area of 24,873.61 hectares, the detected changes during the annual period are as follows: 24,423.57 ha or 98.19 % is mapped as forest, 113.75 hectares or 0.46 % as non-forest, and 336.77 or 1.35 % of the area forest is mapped as deforestation. These results can be used to identify human-made deforestation and to develop monitoring forest plans for the coming years.

Tissue Proportion, Fibre, and Vessel Characteristics of Young Eucalyptus Hybrid Grown as Exotic Hardwood for Wood Utilization

This study sought to determine selected anatomical properties of young Eucalyptus hybrid species (E. grandis x E. urophylla) grown in Ghana. Images of fibres from macerated wood, and micro–sections produced with microtome were analysed using a compound digital microscope associated with Motic Image Plus Software (MIPS), version 2.0, installed on a computer. Images were initially processed using ImageJ software. Study data were analysed using an R statistical package. The overall mean value for fibre length was 907.67 µm, whereas double fibre wall thickness was 7.76 µm. Both variables had higher mean values in sapwood than in heartwood. Nevertheless, the found values decreased from the butt to the top portion. Statistically, axial and radial positions had no influence on fibre characteristics. In a 1 mm2 of the cross-section, the proportion of fibres was 38%, vessels were 19%, axial parenchyma were 22%, and radial parenchyma were 21% on average. Again, the radial and axial positions had no statistical influence on tissue proportion traits for the young eucalyptus wood. Mean value for vessel area was 9462.04 µm2 , whereas vessel frequency per mm2 was about 14. Vessels were significantly larger in area (range 9982.50 – 13544.41 µm2 ), yet reduced in frequency (range 6 – 17 per mm2 ) for sapwood. In heartwood, vessel area was comparatively smaller (range 6321.15 – 7816.69 µm2 ), whereas their frequency was high (range 15 – 18 vessels per mm2 ). Axial and radial position had statistical influence on vessel frequency and area for the young Eucalyptus grown in a plantation in Ghana.

Photodegradation Properties of Earlywood and Latewood Spruce Timber Surfaces

Spruce (Picea abies Karst.) samples were irradiated using an ultraviolet light emitter mercury vapour lamp. The examined specimen surfaces contained earlywood or latewood to determine the photodegradation properties of these two tissue types. The generated chemical changes were monitored by diffuse reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The difference spectrum method was used to present absorption changes. The earlywood suffered considerably greater degradation than the latewood during the UV irradiation. Most of the lignin molecules in the examined surface layer degraded during the first 11 days of UV irradiation for both earlywood and latewood. Results demonstrated that two types of unconjugated carbonyls absorbing at 1705 and 1764 cm–1 wavenumbers were created during the photodegradation. Time dependence of the absorption changes showed correlation between the guaiacyl lignin degradation and the generation of unconjugated carbonyl group absorbing at 1764 cm–1 wavenumber.

Correspondence Between Vegetation Patterns and Soils in Wet and Wet-mesic Grasslands of Hanság and Tóköz (Hungary)

Our research focused on the causes responsible for the fine mosaic pattern of plant associations on wet and wet-mesic meadows. The study area is located in the Little Hungarian Plain, including the former swamp basins of Hanság and Tóköz in Hungary. The vegetation survey data were evaluated by statistical methods (TWINSPAN method), and vegetation maps of the areas were prepared. Topsoil samples near the relevés were gathered for further laboratory tests. Soil profiles were opened by a Pürckhauer soil sampler for on-site description of the soil horizons and classification. Surface models provided a base for the preparation of contour maps that could be compared with the vegetation pattern. We found that of the two dominant vegetation types, mesotrophic wet meadows were associated with Mollic Gleysols, while non-tussock sedge beds were associated with Histic Gleysols. At the transitions of the two soil classes, the subgroup of non-tussock sedge beds is the dominant type. The soil class only determined the plant association on a habitat level, but it could not reason the fine pattern of the plant communities on the same soil class. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed to investigate the relationship between the distribution of dominant species and soil parameters. Several soil parameters combined have a significant effect on the distribution of dominant species. In conclusion, we found that the formation of association types strongly depends on the soil characteristics of the area, and that it is closely related to it. However, in the formation of the fine mosaic pattern, the driving ecological factors are the microrelief and the length of the saturated or flooded soil conditions.

Comparative Study of Conventional and Zero-joint Edgebanding

Edgebanding affects both the visual appearance and edge protection of wood-based panels. In order for edgebanding to provide the desired protection, it must adhere strongly to the entire surface of the panel edges and maintain this adhesion throughout the life of the product. The present research compares conventional and so-called zero-joint edgebandings in terms of water and steam resistance, and examines the environmental impacts of edgebanding technologies using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In-line with our hypothesis, our test results showed that corners are the critical points of edgebanded furniture fronts, especially when exposed to moisture. Due to high variations in measurements, there is no significant difference between the two edgebanding methods at the beginning. However, differences become more significant after longer treatment times. These differences amount to two quality categories after 6 hours and three quality categories after 12 and 24 hours. The edgebanded fronts exposed to water for less than 30 minutes experience no significant deteriorations with any of the edgebanding methods. In the case of steam resistance, zero-joint edgebanding provides better protection, especially after the second and third treatment cycle. We can state that the surplus costs of zero-joint technology are 1.45 times greater than costs associated with conventional technology. Both show the considerable costs of edging materials, chipboard, and electrical energy. The applied environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) method corresponds to the requirements of ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 standards. We built up the environmental inventory and the life cycle model of the manufacturing technology using the GaBi Professional LCA software. In the impact assessment, we analysed the specific environmental impact categories of the differing production processes by technology according to the operation order of the manufacturing technology. In relation to traditional and the zero-joint edging technologies, according to all impact assessment methods, the life-cycle contribution rate was uniformly 47% traditional – 53% zero-joint by impact category. The higher indicator values of the zero-joint method are due to larger edge material consumption and higher energy demand. Zero-joint technology appears to avoid the application of conventional hot melt adhesives, but replacing these adhesives does not necessarily result in better environmental indicators. Nevertheless, zero-joint egdebanding does not just improve aesthetic appearance but also exceeds the durability provided by conventional edgebanding technology.

Growing of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Candidate Cultivars on Arid Sandy Site

In the late 1990s, Hungarian Forest Research Institute researchers produced 15 micropropogated black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) clones as part of a program to select clones that could be successfully grown on arid sites. Five of these clones (R.p. ‘Vacsi’, R.p. ‘Szálas’, R.p. ‘Oszlopos’, R.p. ‘Homoki’ and R.p. ‘Bácska’) have been categorized as cultivar candidates. The current study presents information concerning the ‘Bácska’, ‘Vacsi’ and ‘Homoki’ candidate cultivars. Based on research results obtained thus far, the three aforementioned candidate cultivars seem the most promising. The cultivars, aged 6-15 years, were tested in a variety comparison trial under arid, sandy soil conditions in the Danube–Tisza Interfluve near the town of Helvécia. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed during results evaluation of full inventories and during the comparison of candidate cultivars partly with common black locust and partly with ‘Jászkiséri’ cultivars. The 15-yearold ‘Homoki’ outperformed common black locust in diameter and mean tree volume; ‘Vacsi’ outperformed in stem quality. The 14-year-old ‘Bácska’ candidate cultivar was compared with the ‘Jászkiséri’ cultivar and the ‘Oszlopos’ cultivar candidate. ‘Bácska’ proved to be significantly better in diameter and mean tree volume than Jászkiséri’, but weaker in trunk quality. The South Korean National Institute of Forest Science has supported this research for several years. The growing technology of the mentioned candidate cultivars are also examined in Korea, taking local ecological conditions into account.

Using Different Approaches of Particle Size Analysis for Estimation of Water Retention Capacity of Soils: Example of Keszthely Mountains (Hungary)

PSD (particle size distribution) is a key factor affecting soil hydro-physical properties (e.g. hydraulic conductivity and water retention), which makes its determination essential. Climate change increases the importance of water retention and permeability as extreme weather events can severely impair the water supply of drought-sensitive vegetation. The amount of water in soils is expected to decrease. The modified Thornthwaite model considers soil properties such as root depth, topsoil layer thickness and particle size distribution (silt and clay fraction) of soil particles combined with the most significant soil properties. At the beginning of the research, we developed a laser diffraction method to replace the standard based “pipette” sedimentation method. The theoretical background of laser diffraction measurements is already known, but their practical application for estimating soil water retention capacity is still poorly understood. The pre-sieving of soil aggregates, the pre-treatment (disaggregation and dispersion) of the samples greatly influence the obtained results. In addition to the sedimentation method, laser diffraction measurements (Malvern Mastersizer 3000) were applied with three variants of pre-treatment. For comparison, the results of a Leptosol, a Cambisol, and a Luvisol were prepared for the first modified Thornthwaite water balance model. Significant differences appeared, especially during drought periods, which could be a basis for studying soil drought sensitivity. The development of our method can estimate the water retention capacity of soil, which could support adaptive forest management plans against climatic and pedological transformations.

The Role of Grassy Habitats in Agroforestry

Planting shelterbelts on agricultural fields has long traditions in Hungary. The biodiversityenhancing effect of this type of agroforestry is intensively researched, but most of the results concentrate on tree species diversity and specific animal communities such as insects and birds. The characteristics of herbaceous vegetation and soil mesofauna related to shelterbelts are understudied; however, both communities play key roles in agricultural productivity. This study aimed to explore the diversity and species composition of these groups in shelterbelts and adjacent grassy and cropped habitats. Samples were taken inside and adjacent to a native and a non-native shelterbelt in an agricultural landscape. The results highlight that shelterbelt edges are at least as important as tree stands in preserving soil-related diversity. Native tree species composition shows slightly more favorable conditions concerning the examined communities. While the positive impact of shelterbelts on the agricultural productivity and the diversity of several animal communities has been proven, the appearance of forest-related herbaceous species in tree stands planted on cultivated fields is not expected, even after decades have passed. The research was supported by the Blue Planet Climate Protection Foundation.

Effects of Meteorological and Site Parameters on the Health Status of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Forests in Hungary

The influence of meteorological parameters on the health status of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) was analyzed using long term datasets (1989-2010) collected in 15 sample plots located in Hungary’s main beech regions. Leaf loss values were correlated with different meteorological parameters as explanatory variables. Analysis was performed by the CReMIT (Cyclic Reverse Moving Intervals Techniques) method. Weather, stand, and site parameters were also examined with PCA for comparison. Leaf loss levels showed stronger correlations with maximum monthly temperatures than with monthly precipitation sums. The monthly number of summer days and monthly number of hot days displayed a similar correlation to leaf loss as the maximum monthly temperature did. The correlations were regularly stronger and more frequent on more arid sites where the climate is less favorable for beech. Temperature affected leaf loss more than precipitation did. Our results show that beech forests may suffer heavy damage if climate change continues as projected.