Agroforestry improves the stability and productivity of agro-ecosystems and reduces environmental pressures, making it extremely flexible and useful in a variety of physical and social contexts. This practice is crucial to farmers' livelihoods on both an ecological and economical level. Using an interview schedule, data were gathered from 170 heads of rural families who were chosen at random. Of the responders, the majority (77.5%) were young (25 to 40 years old). Of those who had completed more than five years of schooling, only 46.7% were literate, while a sizable majority (53.3%) were illiterate. For the vast majority of responders (62.4%), farming was their primary source of income. Given that over 54% of the respondents only owned up to five acres of land, small farming is extremely common. The majority (61.3%) were considered poor with a monthly income of less than 18000 PKR. "Good source of fuel wood" was placed at the top (mean = 3.1%) when it came to the effect of agroforestry on the food security of rural households. One of the main obstacles was having a small land holding (mean = 2.52). The majority of respondents believed that the primary benefit of agro-forestry was a reduction in soil loss. The amount of land held, income source, and educational attainment all significantly correlated with the perception of poverty. The study found that the best way of sustainably assuring food security in the study area and satisfying rural residents' needs for food for extended periods of time is to incorporate agroforestry into the current farming system.

Fragmented forests often experience altered environmental conditions that can change species' behaviours and ranges, potentially leading to new hybridization opportunities. In some cases, hybridization can be beneficial, providing a genetic rescue effect for small, isolated populations by introducing new genetic material, increasing genetic diversity, and enhancing the population's ability to adapt to changing conditions. Conversely, hybridization can lead to outbreeding depression or even genetic swamping of parental species. Epidendrum orchids, a diverse genus in the neotropics, frequently hybridize in nature. Hybridization in this genus can be facilitated by their generalist pollination strategies, where multiple pollinator species visit the flowers. Natural hybrids among Epidendrum species have been observed in regions where their ranges overlap, with divergent evolutionary outcomes. In this study, we address if natural hybridization between two species of Epidendrum (E. calanthum and E. cochilidium) is more frequent in fragmented sites than in well-conserved forest patches. Morphometrics, plastid and AFLP markers, confirmed the presence of hybrids between the two species in seven out of eighteen samples. The hybrids exhibit a wide range of morphological traits including different colours, often blurring species discrimination. Undisturbed populations generally showed a lower number of hybrids, or only parental species. Establishing continuous monitoring of orchid populations and research on hybridization patterns would provide valuable insights into the dynamics of hybridization and inform conservation actions.

Macrofungi play diverse roles in ecosystems, serving as nutritional sources and finding applications in biotechnology, medicine, and ecology. Most of these macrofungi belong to the basidiomycete group, characterized by their production of large fruiting bodies that are visible to the naked eye. These fungi can be categorized based on their ecological relationships as saprophytes, parasites, and symbiotic species. The forests of Algeria are known for their rich diversity of macrofungi; however, the diversity of macrofungi in the Constantine region remains poorly understood. This study aims to identify macrofungal diversity in two forests in Constantine, Algeria.

Macrofungi typically begin to appear following the first fall rain. Surveys were conducted in the Djebel el Ouahch and Chettaba forests over two years (2017-2018). Fungal fruiting bodies were systematically collected and photographed for identification purposes, focusing on macroscopic characteristics such as shape, color, cap and stipe features, and spore morphology. A total of 90 species of macrofungi (Basidiomycota) were identified during the study period. The most represented families included Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Auriculariaceae, Boletaceae, Bolbitiaceae, Coprinaceae, Gasteromycetaceae, Gloeophyllaceae, Hydnangiaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, Phallaceae, Psathyrellaceae, Polyporaceae, Steccherinaceae, Stereaceae, Russulaceae, Tapinellaceae, Tricholomataceae, and Tubariaceae.

This study provides foundational data on the diversity of macrofungi in Constantine forests, offering a basis for further research and educational purposes.

The extensive use of composite products in numerous developing countries has significantly impacted human health, primarily due to the toxic synthetic adhesives employed in their production. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional adhesive using lignin and phytogenic protein (mustard oilcake) for producing composites from lignocellulosic materials without aldehydes. The adhesive formation process involved three steps. First, the wood was chipped at a thickness of 4 mm, and cooked in a digester at a temperature of 160 °C, using a 17% NaOH solution to extract lignin (black liquor). Next, the mustard oilcake was ground into a fine powder. The black liquor and powdered mustard oilcake were then mixed with a 35% citric acid solution. Finally, the resulting solid was mixed with a 35% citric acid solution and heated to 350 °C to form the adhesive. The physical, mechanical (shear strength), and chemical (viscosity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Glass Transition Temperature (GTT), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)) properties of the adhesive were evaluated. The adhesive's average shear strength values were determined to be 4.70 and 4.67 MPa, respectively, according to ASTM D 905 and EN 205 standards. Compared to commercial urea-formaldehyde, the adhesive exhibited higher viscosity, longer gel time (58 seconds), and a higher glass transition temperature (170.6 ºC). Therefore, with further necessary studies, this adhesive can potentially be used by wood-based industries due to its lower cost and biodegradability.

Introduction

The Siberian moth Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetverikov (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a significant threat to the taiga forest ecosystem in Siberia. It has already caused extensive damage to forests dominated by Siberian fir Abies sibirica, Siberian spruce Picea obovata, and Siberian pine Pinus sibirica (also known as dark-coniferous taiga). Evergreen trees are unable to tolerate severe defoliation, which ultimately leads to their death.

The current insect pest monitoring system fails to provide the necessary tools for the timely implementation of measures aimed at eliminating the outbreak at its earliest stage.

The objective of the present study was to refine the forest pathology monitoring system by developing a spatial model to predict the primary areas of the Siberian moth outbreak in dark-coniferous stands of Central Siberia.

Methods

The methodological approach to the spatial modelling of Siberian moth outbreak areas is based on an understanding of the ecology of the pest, the characteristics of site conditions and landform, and remote sensing data. The algorithm was developed through a retrospective analysis of previous outbreaks.

Results

The model facilitates the identification of at-risk areas within the dark coniferous forests, which require close monitoring. The map provides an illustrative representation of the potential outbreak areas. The forecast model's overall accuracy is estimated at 75%. Nevertheless, the accuracy of this figure is contingent upon the specific set of predictors and the extent of the area in question.

Conclusions

The research yielded a model of spatial distribution that may be used for forecasting the primary outbreak areas of the Siberian moth.

The research was carried out within the framework of the project "Methodological bases for assessment of forest pathology risks in southern Central Siberia" (â„– FEFE-2024-0016) under the state order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russia for implementation by the Scientific Laboratory of Forest Health.

Tree transpiration is an important component of the water cycle in forested ecosystems, accounting for more than 50% of the evaporative fluxes. Assessing the effects of meteorology and water availability on forest ecosystem functions like transpiration is becoming increasingly important in the context of climate change. We exploited the natural variability of soil moisture dynamics along a hillslope to analyse the effects of soil moisture and meteorological forcings on the sap flux dynamics of Fagus sylvatica L. trees. The study site is in the Re della Pietra catchment, Apennine Mountains, Central Italy, characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Sap flux and soil moisture at different depths were monitored at three different locations along the hillslope (TOP, MID and BOTTOM), as were the meteorological conditions outside the forest. The sensitivity of sap flux to hydrometeorological conditions changed along the slope: in the BOTTOM location, transpiration was most sensitive to incoming radiation and vapour pressure deficit, while in the TOP, there was a higher importance of soil moisture; the MID location showed intermediate conditions. A rise in the correlation between soil moisture and transpiration and a decrease in the correlation between transpiration and radiation were observed during the hot and dry month of August, for the TOP and MID locations, following a decrease in soil moisture. We show that in Mediterranean areas, during the growing season, transpiration can switch from “radiation-controlled” to “moisture-controlled”, when a threshold in soil water content is crossed. We provide evidence of spatial heterogeneity in transpiration, due to soil moisture variability, ultimately driven by topography. Furthermore, the severity of the drought effects on trees may be variable at a fine spatial scale due to topography. Accounting for these effects might allow for more effective management strategies, aiming at mitigating the climate change impact on forests and their ecosystem services.

Introduction: Tree size and spatial distance regulate tree distribution pattern and future development of forest stand. The relationship between neighbouring tree distance and size expresses competition and coexistence processes. However, presence of different sizes and shapes makes no single tree size variable consistently related to spatial tree distance. Hence, detection of tree competition and coexistence processes in tropical natural rainforest is difficult. Therefore, understanding the dominant process regulating tree distribution at different spatial distances is required for efficient management of forests. This study was designed to investigate spatial patterns of tree distribution in Akure Strict Nature Reserve.

Method: Eleven 11 (30m x 30m) plots was demarcated systematically on two parallel transects with interval of 50m in this study. Tree stem with diameter-at-breast height (dbh≥5cm) enumerated, identified to species level and measured for diameter, total height and crown diameter. Two trees (Large and Small DBH) were selected as reference trees. A circular subplot of radius=10m; (314.2m²) was demarcated around each of reference tree and trees with DBH ≥5 cm within subplot were enumerated and their distances to reference trees were measured. Data collected were analysed using correlation and Nearest Neighbour analyses at α0.05.

Result: Twenty seven percent (27%) of the subplots expressed significant negative correlation between distance and canopy area up to distance of 7.37m around Large reference trees while 18% of subplots expressed significant negative correlation between distance and canopy area at 6.65m distance around Small reference trees. Hundred and 90.9% of subplots of Large and Small reference trees, respectively, expressed regular pattern at 10m distance scale, Regular pattern increased and aggregate decreased with increasing distance scale.in subplots of Large and Small reference trees.

Conclusion: Spatial distribution of trees around large and small trees expressed canopy structure stratification and weak competitive interaction. in Akure Strict Nature Reserve.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of forest biodiversity through a model representing a disease–food web system, focusing on the interactions among four animal species within a forest ecosystem. The relationships between predators and prey, as well as the transmission of diseases within this system, provide valuable insights into the functioning of such ecosystems. If predator species are not present, it is proposed that the prey population will experience logistic growth. The hypothesis suggests that the infected prey consume healthy prey, utilizing a Holling type II functional response. This analysis focuses on maintaining non-negative solutions, ensuring that solutions remain within a specific range, and preserving non-negativity over time from initial conditions. These considerations are essential for comprehending the system's behavior and stability. Also, it involves assessing the stability of equilibrium points, which are states where the system remains unchanged over time, and evaluating how the system behaves under different conditions, such as varying environmental factors. Here, local stability is determined by examining the eigenvalue distribution. By investigating the effects of the factors on the model parameters, the study aims to understand how changes in the environment can impact the dynamics of the ecosystem. Thus, by exploring these aspects, the numerical findings of infection rate and predation rate contribute to a deeper understanding of ecological models. This model can be utilized to study and protect forest biodiversity, especially in the face of challenges posed by environmental changes.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for livestock products, particularly milk and meat, is anticipated to increase between 3.2 and 3.9 percent year between 1997 and 2020 as a result of population expansion, income growth, and urbanization, according to Rose grant et al. (2001). They were evicted from Northern Nigeria due to the worsening environmental conditions, land degradation, and ongoing drought in the Sudan/Sahel savanna between 1960 and 1970. This explained why pastoralists left their home base and moved as far as the Guinean savanna and the edges of the forests in southern Nigeria. 2007 (Fabusoro).The movement of nomadic pastoralists is said to be governed by variations in rainfall, grazing animals, pasture, and water, according to Adisa and Adekunle (2010) and Baba (personal communication). Gbaka (2014) reaffirms that while constantly moving toward pasture, water sources, salt licks, and livestock markets, the nature of the terrain that permits unhindered movement and protective mechanisms for their livestock against the whims of nature, they occasionally avoid the tsetse flies, severe weather, tribal enemies, livestock bandits, tax assessors, and hostile social environments. Additionally, such migration acts as a drought coping technique, Land disputes can cause conflict between farmers and herders. The effect of this is noticed on household wellbeing, loss of material resources, agricultural produce, and lower revenue. This is related to lack of grazing resources and climate change. Data was gathered via a structured interview schedule, focus group talks, visual representation, and personal observations. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were then utilized to analyze the data. This presentation explores the various conflicts and makes recommendations for how to resolve them, including increasing awareness of land management, enforcing different regulations among farmers and herdsmen, providing grazing land, offering extension services to teach farmers and herdsmen about conflict coping .

Pinus radiata (D. Don) intensively managed plantations, that dominate Chilean forest landscape, have been challenged on their potential for carbon sequestration. Therefore, under this scenario, our study considered to account for potential under recognized carbon (C) sequestration pools and the following objectives: : i) above and belowground biomass (TBC), forest floor (FFC), mineral soil (SOC) and total C stocks (TCS) of adult stands at sandy and volcanic ash soils sites; ii) model the effect of stand productivity and soil type on C stock; and iii) model the C stock with respect to environmental, soil and site variables. Ten Pinus radiata stands were selected across a productivity gradient in sandy and volcanic ash soil sites. At each site, three 1000 m² plots were established. TBC was determined using allometric equations, while SOC was sampled to a depth of 1 meter. Litter and woody debris were sampled to assess FFC. Results showed that recent ash soil sites presented a slightly higher TBC than sandy soil sites (178.5 Mg ha^-1 vs 172.4 Mg ha^-1 respectively), and significantly higher SOC for recent ash soil sites (281.4 Mg ha^-1) than sandy soil sites (139.9 Mg ha^-1). In both soil types, FFC represented the lowest carbon stock of stands, with 2.9 % for recent ash and 5.8 % for sandy soil sites. There was a strong relationship between productivity with SOC and TCS (r²= 0.91, p < 0.001) when considering soil type. The variables related to better nutritional and soil water conditions had a positive effect on the total C stock, and there was a negative effect on the variables related to water stress. Differences in C stocks according to soil type and climate showed the value of developing site-specific models to adequately estimate C stocks.