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Spectral Indices as a Tool to Assess the Moisture Status of Forest Habitats
Measurement of water content in forest habitats is considered essential in ecological research on forests, climate change, or forest management. In the traditional forest habitat classification, two systems of habitat conditions analysis are found: single factor and multifactor methods. Both are laborious and therefore costly. Remote sensing methods provide a low-cost alternative. The aim of the presented study was to find the relationship between the spectral indices obtained from satellite images and the forest habitats moisture indices used traditionally in the Polish forest habitats classification. The scientific hypothesis of the research is as follows: it is possible to assess the variation in the humidity of forest habitats on the basis of spectral indices. Using advanced geographic information system (GIS) technology, 923 research plots were tested, where habitat studies performed with the traditional methods were compared with the analysis of 191 spectral indices calculated for Sentinel-2 image data. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has proved to be the most useful to the assessing of moisture of forest habitats. The ranking of the most correlated indices was calculated as Eintg—the product of the absolute value of the slope and the mean square error complement, and for the top five indices was as follows: NDVI = 0.248619, EXG = 0.242112, OSAVI = 0.239412, DSWI-4 = 0.238784, and RDVI = 0.236995. The results also highlight the impact of water reservoirs on the humidity and trophicity of forest habitats, showing a decrease in the fertility of habitats with an increase in distance from the water reservoir. The results of the study can be used to preparing maps of the diversity of forest types, especially in hard-to-reach places, as well as to assess changes in the moisture status of habitats, which may be useful, for example, in the assessment of the fire risk of forest habitats. We have proved that NDVI can be used in applications for which it was not originally designed.
Hidden Heritage: The E-FORESTER Project as a New Opportunity to Search for Relics of Past Human Activities in Forests
Drought Differently Modifies Tolerance and Metal Uptake in Zn- or Cu-Treated Male and Female Salix × fragilis L.
The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance to metals (Zn, Cu) and drought of male and female Salix × fragilis L. under isolated and combined treatments, and to assess the metal uptake and profiling of metabolic plant responses. The 14-day experiment was performed in a hydroponic system, and metals were applied at 1.5 mM in a Knop’s solution. Drought simulation was achieved by adding sorbitol at a moderate level (200 mM). Isolated Zn treatment enhanced plant growth, more pronouncedly in females. Equimolar Cu treatment caused diverse reactions, and females exhibited significantly higher tolerance. Male specimens were less tolerant to isolated drought and to combined drought and metal presence. The highest contents of Cu and Zn were found in roots, compared to the aboveground tissues (wooden rods and leaves), of both female and male metal-treated plants. Simultaneously applied drought limited Zn accumulation in roots and elevated its translocation to leaves while increasing Cu accumulation, predominantly in females showing higher tolerance. Both isolated and combined drought and metals reduced leaf water content, caused the allocation of mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, and Na), and affected metabolism in a stressor-specific and sex-dependent manner. For males, Cu accumulation in the leaves was significantly correlated with the majority of metabolites, while for both sexes, kaempferol and salicylic acid were strongly correlated, indicating their role in tolerance against the metal. The obtained results are an excellent starting point for the practical use of male and female Salix × fragilis L. in areas heavily polluted with Cu or Zn and exposed to drought, for the purpose of their recultivation.
Prospects for the Preservation of the Main Pinus sylvestris L. Ecotypes in Poland in the Context of the Habitat Conditions of Their Occurrence
This study investigates the prospects for preserving the main Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) ecotypes in Poland, considering the habitat conditions of their occurrence. Scots pine is known for its wide distribution and natural adaptability to various habitats. However, there is an increasing vulnerability of pine forests to damage from biotic factors and a decrease in natural regeneration, particularly in areas under legal protection. Additionally, projected climate change has raised concerns about the future of Pinus sylvestris, placing it in the “losing” group of tree species. The aim of the study was to analyze the habitat conditions of the seven main selected Pinus sylvestris L. ecotypes to assess the sustainability of pine stands in their natural habitat conditions. Out of the seven populations of studied pine ecotypes, only one grows under conditions representing a typical form of pine forest (Leucobryo–Pinetum plant association). Two populations grow under conditions corresponding to potential deciduous forests (Galio sylvatici–Carpinetum and Calamagrostio arundinaceae–Quercetum petraeae). The remaining populations represent potentially mixed oak–pine forests. Such a distribution of plant communities, except for Leucobryo–Pinetum, does not guarantee the continuity of the studied pine stands as a result of their natural regeneration. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve the offspring of the studied populations outside their occurrence sites, but the studied pine stands should be preserved until their natural death in their natural habitats. In the conducted research, the NDVI turned out to be very useful, showing a high correlation with the trophicity of habitat expressed in the diversity of plant communities, as well as with the height and diameter of the studied stands.
Copper, lead and zinc interactions during phytoextraction using Acer platanoides L. - a pot trial
AbstractOf the many environmental factors that modulate the phytoextraction of elements, little has been learnt about the role of metal interactions. The study aimed to show how different concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the cultivation medium influenced the biomass, plant development and phytoextraction abilities ofAcer platanoidesL. seedlings. Additionally, the impact on the content and distribution of Ca, K, Mg and Na in plant parts was studied with an analysis of phenols. Plants treated with a mixture of two metals were characterised by lower biomass of leaves and higher major elements content jointly than those grown in the salt of one element. Leaves ofA. platanoidescultivated in Pb5 + Zn1, Pb1 + Zn1and Pb1 + Zn5experimental systems were characterised by specific browning of their edges. The obtained results suggest higher toxicity to leaves of Pb and Zn present simultaneously in Knop solution than Cu and Pb or Cu and Zn, irrespective of the mutual ratio of the concentrations of these elements. Antagonism of Cu and Zn concerning Pb was clearly shown in whole plant biomass when one of these elements was in higher concentration (5 mmol L−1) in solution. In the lowest concentrations (1 mmol L−1), there was a synergism between Cu and Zn in plant roots. Plants exposed to Zn5, Cu1 + Pb5, Pb5 + Zn1and Cu1 + Zn1were characterised by higher total phenolic content than the rest plants. Both the presence and the concentration of other elements in the soil are significant factors that modulate element uptake, total phenolic content, and plant development.Graphical Abstract
Addressing multiple perspectives in studying environmental changes in forest landscapes during the modernization period (18th-19th centuries)
Combining different diverse data on human and environmental history during the Anthropocene is an extremely challenging task, particularly, if one wants to compare written or cartographic data with a whole range of environmental data recorded for more than the past 200–300 years. In this article, our objective was to demonstrate that one of the keys to facilitating syntheses for the study of forest landscape dynamics was to conduct a thorough investigation into the historical phenomena of modernization. We believe that a comprehensive understanding of the advancements in post-enlightenment thought and contextualizing them within the evolution of the state apparatus during the 18th and 19th centuries will empower us to formulate new research questions and broaden our understanding of the mutual relations between nature and humans in the past.
NDVI as a potential tool for forecasting changes in geographical range of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.)
AbstractDetermining the natural range of Acer pseudoplatanus and the future directions of its spread is not clear. Modern technological achievements, including tools related to remote sensing, provide new opportunities to assess the degree of spread and adaptation of species to a changing climate. The aim of the work was to demonstrate the possibility of using NDVI to assess the habitat conditions of sycamore in Poland and the possibility of its natural expansion. The data analysis was divided into 2 parts. The first covered the characteristics of all sycamore stands occurring in Poland. In the second part, the analysis of sycamore stands using NDVI was made. The results of the study show that the highest average NDVI values are found in sycamore stands in the northern part of Poland, which has so far been considered less favorable for sycamore. This may suggest the potential for an increase in the share of sycamore towards the north. The results also confirm the forecasts given in the literature regarding the spread of sycamore towards Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The results also point to Denmark and the western part of the British Isles as potentially favorable habitats for sycamore.
Root anatomical adaptations of contrasting ectomycorrhizal exploration types in Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea across soil horizons
Abstract Aims The anatomical characteristics of ectomycorrhizal exploration types in response to soil variability remain insufficiently understood. We examined the root anatomy of contact and long-distance exploration types in Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea, species with distinct ecological needs, across different soil horizons. Methods The diameter of ectomycorrhizal roots, the root absorptive traits i.e. proportion of cortex and mantle area, the percentage stele in the diameter, and the weighted average diameter of vessels (Ra) in the ectomycorrhizas were measured within ectomycorrhizas collected from organic and mineral soils across the soil profile. Results The absorptive traits varied along soil horizons, in which water and nutrient availability changed inversely. The proportion of cortex was associated with exploration type, but was not specific to tree species. However, the ectomycorrhizal diameter and the percentage of mantle within the root forming contact exploration type of P. sylvestris showed no variation among soil horizons. In contrast, the soil horizon significantly influenced all root anatomical traits in the contact exploration type of Q. petraea by enhancing the contribution of the absorption area of the root area, mainly in the illuvial horizon, but reaching the smallest value in the organic horizon. The Ra and the cell wall thickness of the vessels were strongly dependent on tree species. With increasing soil depth, Ra in Q. petraea increased, and stele proportion in root diameter decreased. Conclusion The results suggest that water acquisition traits differ among tree species, but traits associated with nutrient absorption (proportion of cortex and mantle area) within specific soil horizons are closely related to the ectomycorrhizal exploration type.
Long-term analysis of sap flow conditions in the trunk of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the old-growth phase in relation to air temperature
Phytosociological Factors Determining Forest Management in Forests with Share of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
The distribution of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), similar to other tree species, depends on habitat conditions (climate, soil, and location), which are further affected by forest management. The analysis of forest ecosystems utilizes the link between the knowledge of habitat requirements of forest trees and their share in plant communities described via the phytosociological method. There is a significant knowledge gap in this regard, namely the lack of plant communities with the natural participation of pine and beech. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify the variability of plant communities involving Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica within its northeastern range. Our research resulted in the identification of two new phytosociological units described as a Fago–Pinetum association and a subassociation within the existing Leucobryo-Pinetum plant community (Leucobryo-Pinetum fagetosum). Leucobyro-Pinetum fagetosum is characterized by the constant presence of beech in the herb and seedling layer or by a share of beech in the shrub and small-tree layer up to 10% cover. Fago–Pinetum is characterized by a greater share of beech in the shrub and small-tree layer (covering 10%–30% area) and by the presence of beech in the lower understory.
Modelling the moisture status of habitats by using NDVI on the example of the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes borderland (Brazil)
Does the State of Scientific Knowledge and Legal Regulations Sufficiently Protect the Environment of River Valleys?
The pressure of human activity in river valley environments has always been high. Even today, despite the increasing awareness of societies around the world regarding the need to protect water and biodiversity, there are concerns that the current river valley management systems are insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the state of knowledge about the soils and forest ecosystems of river valleys in terms of the possibility of protecting river valley environments. This study used data obtained from the Forest Data Bank (FDB) database, which focuses on forests in Poland. After analyzing 17,820 forest sections where the soils were described as fluvisols, it was found that forest areas associated with fluvisols (typical, fertile soils of river valleys) are quite well recognized and protected in Poland. Most (55%) forested fluvisols are located in Natura 2000 sites (an important European network of biodiversity hotspots), 4% in nature reserves, and 1% in national parks. Additionally, the main forest habitat type associated with fluvisols is riparian forest, composed mainly of Quercus, Ulmus, and Fraxinus, which is protected as Natura 2000 habitat type 91F0. Preserving the sustainability of the forest is also a form of soil protection. Despite the identification of soils and forests in river valleys, as well as appropriate legal tools, their protection may be ineffective due to the fragmentation of forms of protection and the lack of a coherent system for managing river valleys. Because the conservation status of the river valleys is also influenced by the management of areas located outside the river valleys, in order to protect river valley ecosystems, integrated conservation plans for entire catchments should be implemented. Due to potential conflicts related to the management of areas with diverse expectations of local communities, it would be advisable for such plans to be created by local experts but under the supervision of a specialist/specialists from outside the area covered by a given river basin.