Filters
The possibility of using non-native spruces for norway spruce wood replacement—a case study from the Czech Republic
European forests are facing ongoing climate change, and certain tree species are being critically impacted. The Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is one of the most sensitive species to climate fluctuations, a fact manifesting itself through massive dieback resulting in a lack of high-quality timber and timber market destabilization. Therefore, the possibility of wood substitution with non-native spruce species, namely, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britt., Sterns, et Poggenburg), Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk.), and blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.), under the specific conditions of forest reclamations with great potential for future afforestation was tested. Wood density, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity were used to evaluate wood quality in comparison with native Norway spruce. The results confirmed that only the Serbian spruce reached the quality of Norway spruce and even exceeded it in terms of wood density (P. omorika 525 kg·m−3 vs. P. abies 517 kg·m−3) and exhibited comparable parameters with regard to other properties. The density of the other species was significantly lower for blue spruce (476 kg·m−3) and black spruce (468 kg·m−3). A similar trend was found for other wood parameters, which confirmed that Norway spruce quality was nearly comparable with that of Serbian spruce. On the other hand, black spruce and blue spruce did not match the quality of Norway spruce. The within-stem variability of the properties tested was low for all the spruce species examined. In conclusion, the Serbian spruce showed great potential for future usage in forest management and is one of the possible methods of Norway spruce replacement in times of unprecedented forest disturbances under the effects of global climate change.
The Potential of Non-Native Pines for Timber Production—A Case Study from Afforested Post-Mining Sites
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) represents one of the most important commercial coniferous tree species, providing valuable timber. Due to climate change, it is experiencing serious problems in some areas, therefore, finding a suitable substitute for its wood is currently a challenge. In this study, we compared the wood quality of three different non-native pine species and Scots pine growing at the same site to ensure identical growing conditions. Black pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold), a pine species native to Southern Europe, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex C. Lawson) native to North America were compared to Scots pine for selected quantitative (productivity) and qualitative (physical and mechanical) properties. Significant differences between pine species were found in all quantitative dendrometric parameters, except average diameter at breast height. The stand volume ranged from 157 m3 ha−1 for lodgepole pine to 356 m3 ha−1 for Scots pine. For qualitative characteristics, wood density, shrinkage, and compressive strength were used to find differences among species in choosing the best alternative. The highest wood density was obtained for Scots pine (458 kg m−3), followed by black pine with 441 kg m−3. The density of the remaining pine species was significantly lower. Scots pine also exceeded the tested species in compressive strength (44.2 MPa). Lodgepole pine achieved the second highest value (39.3 MPa) but was statistically similar to black pine (36.5 MPa). The tested pine species exhibited similar values in shrinkage, which were statistically insignificant, ranging from 14.3% for lodgepole pine to 15.1% for Scots pine. Based on applications and preferred characteristics, black pine or lodgepole pine could serve as the Scots pine substitute in some areas. And vice versa, ponderosa pine did not attain the Scots pine wood quality.
Tis červený (Taxus baccata L.) a jeho význam v přírodě blízkém obhospodařování lesů v podmínkách klimatické změny – review
European yew (Taxus baccata L.) is a key tree species in forest ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. However, its populations have declined significantly due to historical overexploitation, habitat fragmentation, and increasing environmental pressures, particularly under ongoing climate change. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the ecological characteristics, distribution, and silvicultural management of yew, emphasising its role in close-to-nature forest management. It discusses the species’ resilience to drought, shade tolerance and potential for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Conservation strategies including natural and artificial regeneration, site-specific silvicultural interventions and the need for wildlife management to mitigate herbivore damage are also reviewed. The economic and pharmacological importance of yew, particularly as a source of taxanes for anticancer treatment, is also highlighted. The review also examines the sensitivity of the species to biotic and abiotic stressors and predicts its future distribution under climate change scenarios. The results highlight the need for targeted conservation measures, assisted migration, and adaptive forest management to sustain yew populations. Future research should integrate genetic diversity studies, climate modelling, and field-based silvicultural experiments to increase the species’ viability and ecological functions in European forest ecosystems.
Unlocking Pinus ponderosa (Douglas ex C. Lawson) potential: a comprehensive review of results from native and introduced areas
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is one of the most valuable American pines growing naturally in the western and Pacific states of Arizona and California. Based on previously published research, its ecological valence makes this species suitable for introduction worldwide, including Europe. In Central Europe, climate change—the primary cause of significant dieback of native tree species, such as Norway spruce and Scots pine—has increased the need to explore new methods to ensure forest stand sustainability. Introducing previously overlooked tree species, such as ponderosa pine could help address this challenge. We reviewed 229 research sources to analyze P. ponderosa’s potential for utilization in new areas. The existing research from its native distribution range indicates ecological plasticity and strong resistance to drought and climatic extremes. Production parameters were evaluated in young European forest stands with a stand volume of 430 m3⋅ha–1 at the age of 45, pointing toward a promising use in the forestry sector. In European forestry, ponderosa pine’s importance could grow due to its adaptability to warm and dry climates and tolerance of diverse soil conditions. Moreover, the extraordinary quality and texture of the wood, as well as ponderosa’s biodiversity and ornamental functions, make the species destined to become part of future landscapes and forest ecosystems of Central Europe under changed climatic conditions. However, we also see challenges and scientific gaps associated with the management of ponderosa pine and its introduction to mixtures with native tree species without prior verification and silviculture recommendations.