Most research on carbon storage in forests has focused on qualitative studies of carbon storage and influencing factors rather than on quantifying the effect of the spatial distribution of carbon storage and of its influencing factors at different scales. Here we described the spatial distribution of aboveground carbon storage (ACS) in a 20-ha plot in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest to evaluate and quantify the relative effects of biotic factors (species diversity and structural diversity) and abiotic factors (soil and topographic factors) on ACS at different scales. Scale effects of the spatial distribution of ACS were significant, with higher variability at smaller scales, but less at larger scales. The distribution was also spatially heterogeneous, with more carbon storage on north- and east-facing slopes than on south- and west-facing slopes. At a smaller scale, species diversity and structural diversity each had a direct positive impact on ACS, but soil factors had no significant direct impact. At increasing scales, topographic and soil factors gradually had a greater direct influence, whereas the influence of species diversity gradually decreased. Structural diversity had the greatest impact, followed by topographic factors and soil factors, while species diversity had a relatively smaller impact. These findings suggest studies on ACS in subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests in southern China should consider scale effects, specifically on the heterogeneity of ACS distribution at small scales. Studies and conservation efforts need to focus on smaller habitat types with particular emphasis on habitat factors such as aspect and soil conditions, which have significant influences on community species diversity, structural diversity, and ACS distribution.
The distance from the river is a crucial factor that affects the structure and function of desert riparian forests, impeding their regeneration and biodiversity due to water conditions. However, few studies have confirmed the long-term variation in structure and function of this azonal riparian forest type caused by water stress. We hypothesize that a complex and diverse stand structure is associated with the distance from the river, and tree size plays a crucial role in establishing random frameworks for stability in forest stands. Our investigation was conducted in the lower Trim River. Based on long-term observation from 2005 to 2023, both stand structure parameters and diversity index were used. The variation in stand structure was analyzed using the least significant difference, and stand stability was assessed using Gaussian distribution and bivariate regression methods. Our study indicated that there were no significant differences in the response of size differentiation and crowding to distance from the river. However, a significant divergence in spatial pattern was observed at greater distances from the river, which became more pronounced over time. Regardless of the distance from the river or time-scale, there were significant differences in DBH, crown diameter and length. Furthermore, structural diversity exhibited varying trends with distance from the river and time-scale, indicating a diverse and complex pattern in stand structure due to water stress. The proportion of random frameworks for stability is influenced by the distance from the river, and tree size, especially crown diameter and length, plays an important role. Our research examines the multiple relationships among water conditions, forest structure, and function in an arid region, highlighting the significance of water conditions in the natural restoration of desert riparian forest ecosystems. The findings provide new insights for further exploration of the relationship between stand structure and stability, enhancing our understanding of the theory of random frameworks-stability. Overall, the study provides scientific guidance for sustainable forest management and conservation in the context of a changing climate, particularly regarding water stress.
Forest ecosystems are one of the largest terrestrial carbon (C) reservoirs on Earth and an important sink of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Abiotic and biotic disturbances such as windfalls, fires, outbreaks of insects or pests may negatively affect C storage in forest ecosystems decreasing their role as CO2 sink. The objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of large-scale forest ecosystem disturbances caused by windthrow and insect outbreaks on soil C stocks and cycles, and to gather information on the impact of restoration treatments performed in disturbed stands in the context of carbon accumulation in forest soils. Discussed were effects of windstorms and insect outbreaks as well as impacts of various approaches of forest regeneration after disturbance on C stocks and fluxes. Disturbances decrease C stocks in forest ecosystems and turn them from C sink into C source for a certain time. Regeneration of the disturbed forest restores its role as a CO2 sink. In montane forests artificial afforestation seems to shorten the time of achieving C parity. However, no data exists for lowland forests. Hence, there is an urgent need for studies that assess effect of windfalls and insect outbreaks on carbon storage in forests of lowland Europe.
Pinus densiflora is a pine species native to the Korean peninsula, and seed orchards have supplied material needed for afforestation in South Korea. Climate variables affecting seed production have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to determine climate variables that influence annual seed production of two seed orchards using multiple linear regression (MLR), elastic net regression (ENR) and partial least square regression (PLSR) models. The PLSR model included 12 climatic variables from 2003 to 2020 and explained 74.3% of the total variation in seed production. It showed better predictive performance (R 2 = 0.662) than the EN (0.516) and the MLR (0.366) models. Among the 12 climatic variables, July temperature two years prior to seed production and July precipitation after one year had the strongest influence on seed production. The time periods indicated by the two variables corresponded to pollen cone initiation and female gametophyte development. The results will be helpful for developing seed collection plans, selecting new orchard sites with favorable climatic conditions, and investigating the relationships between seed production and climatic factors in related pine species.
Effective wildland fire management requires real-time access to comprehensive and distilled information from different data sources. The Digital Twin technology becomes a promising tool in optimizing the processes of wildfire prevention, monitoring, disaster response, and post-fire recovery. This review examines the potential utility of Digital Twin in wildfire management and aims to inspire further exploration and experimentation by researchers and practitioners in the fields of environment, forestry, fire ecology, and firefighting services. By creating virtual replicas of wildfire in the physical world, a Digital Twin platform facilitates data integration from multiple sources, such as remote sensing, weather forecasting, and ground-based sensors, providing a holistic view of emergency response and decision-making. Furthermore, Digital Twin can support simulation-based training and scenario testing for prescribed fire planning and firefighting to improve preparedness and response to evacuation and rescue. Successful applications of Digital Twin in wildfire management require horizontal collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, as well as enhanced resource sharing and data exchange. This review seeks a deeper understanding of future wildland fire management from a technological perspective and inspiration of future research and implementation. Further research should focus on refining and validating Digital Twin models and the integration into existing fire management operations, and then demonstrating them in real wildland fires.