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What is Novel in the Concept of Green Infrastructure? The Case Study of the Central Zone of New Belgrade Landscape Value
No full textКонцепт зелене инфраструктуре (ЗИ) има дубоке корене у планирању и урбанистичкој пракси тако да данас може бити представљен метафором: Old wine in a new bottle. Од првобитног значења у контексту очувања и унапређења квалитета животне средине у граду, данас, у време климатских промена, о ЗИ се говори као о путу у извесну будућност урба них предела. Међутим, анализа литературе показује концептуалну неодређеност зелене инфраструктуре, недовољну разрађеност њене практичне примене у планирању и заштити простора, као и нејасан однос према систему зелених простора града и еколошким мре жама. У даљем разматрању претходних увида, као одговор на питање: шта је новитет у концепту зелене инфраструктуре, у овом раду се истражује алтернатива у холистичком (интердисциплинарном) истраживању вредности урбаних предела које постају предмет заштите, уређења и планирања. У овом раду je представљен интердисциплинарни приступ анализи процеса трансформације урбаног предела Централне зона Новог Београда, који је 2021. године добио статус културног добра, категорисан као просторна културно-историјска целина. Полазећи од детаљне анализе кључних теоријских ставова уграђених у концептуа лизацију и изградњу Новог Београда, отворене озелењене просторе смо разматрали као обележје изузетне просторне/пејзажне вредности, које није у одговарајућој мери препо знато као део културног наслеђа. У том контексту, истраживање je усмерено ка процени карактера предела, што омогућава холистички приступ тумачењу вредности предела и услуга екосистема, прилагођен контексту великих стамбених насеља изграђених после Другог светског рата. Oво истраживање води ка развоју одговарајућих временски заснова них смерница за заштиту и ревитализацију отворених зелених простора у оквиру модерног изграђеног наслеђа изложеног општем процесу пропадања и урушавања градских средина.The concept of green infrastructure (GI) has deep roots in planning and urban planning practice, so that today it is often referred to as the metaphor: Old wine in a new bottle. From the initial “route” that is useful from the aspect of the quality of the environment in the city, today, in the time of climate change, GI is spoken of as “the way to a certain future of urban areas”. It is, in fact, a concept that was developed as an “antithesis” to the grey infrastructure, so that in urban and spatial planning, green spaces would gain the value of resources and a vital element of the structure and functioning of space. However, literature analysis provides insight into the conceptual ambiguity of green infrastructure, the insufficient development of its practical application in spatial planning and protection, as well as its relationship to the system of urban green spaces and ecological networks. In response to the previous findings, this paper presents an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of the process of transformation of the urban landscape of the Central Zone of New Belgrade, which received in 2021 the status of a cultural asset, categorised as a spatial cultural-historical unit. Furthermore, starting from the close reading of the key theoretical positions embedded in the conceptualisation and construction of New Belgrade, we have considered its open green spaces as a feature of great spatial/landscape value that is not recognised as a part of a cultural heritage in the proper measure. In that context, we continue our investigation through landscape character assessment — a holistic approach to interpreting the landscape values and ecosystem services, adopted here to large post-WWII housing estates. Investigation leads to the development of corresponding time-based guidelines for protecting and revitalising open green spaces within modern built heritage, threatened by contemporary challenges of urban decay and deterioration
VEGETATION-BASED WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT IN SERBIA: SPATIAL PATTERNS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE MEDALUS MODEL
No full textModeling frameworks allow for systematic evaluation of the effects of climate change and drought on the environment, enabling risk assessment and management. Drought is one of the key environmental drivers of wildfire, directly amplifying both fire risk and vegetation susceptibility. The MEDALUS model (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) was developed to identify and assess land sensitivity to degradation, particularly in drought-prone regions. In the MEDALUS model, environmental drought sensitivity is assessed through four core quality indices: soil, climate, vegetation, and management, which together determine the composite Environmental Sensitivity Area Index. The method has been widely used for many years, its indices and parameters enable its use across a wide range of environmentally diverse areas. However, the current Vegetation Quality Index (VQI) relies on generalized fire-risk classes derived from land cover, which do not accurately reflect actual fire occurrence or vegetation-specific exposure.
The forests are considered one of the most valuable components of natural ecosystems, providing numerous benefits and ecological services to people and the environment. This ecological value depends heavily on the health and stability of vegetation, which is increasingly jeopardized by climate-induced changes. Fires represent one of the most dominant ecological stressors affecting vegetation dynamics, land degradation processes, and ecosystem resilience in Serbia and the wider Balkans. Over the last two decades, climate change has intensified fire seasons, making them longer, more severe, and less predictable. Drought is one of the key environmental drivers of wildfire, directly amplifying both fire risk and vegetation susceptibility.
With this objective in mind, this study examines wildfire behaviour with the intention of improving the VQI in Serbia by integrating long-term satellite fire data. The study employed 25 years of MODIS fire detections (2000–2024), covering a total of 50,633 individual fire points. Annual burned-area polygons resulted in 46,457 km² of burned area. Extreme fire years were identified, with 2011 (4,422 km²), 2007 (3,422 km²), 2018 (3,754 km²), and 2019 (3,669 km²) representing the most severe fire seasons. Monthly patterns show that July–September dominate the fire season in terms of fire occurrence, while the October peak likely reflects agricultural post-harvest burning practices.
Vegetation exposure was assessed through an overlay of all fire points with the EUNIS vegetation types. Results demonstrate that the majority of fires occurred in agricultural (I1–65.5%) and broadleaved deciduous woodland (G1–12.9%) vegetation types, followed by mesic and dry grasslands (E2 and E1). Hotspot clusters were identified and dominant vegetation types included broadleaved deciduous woodland (G1–32.5%), arable land and market gardens (I1–31.3%), and mesic grasslands (E2–16.6%). The formation of clusters is assumed to be driven by anthropogenic influence due to the proximity of settlements, industrial areas, and mid-altitude locations below 500 m in nearly all clusters, which reflect the proximity of arable land, associated land-use changes, and the likely practice of post-harvest stubble burning as contributing factors to fire occurrence.
This approach provides an improved fire-risk parameter and enhances the VQI within the MEDALUS framework, representing a significant methodological advancement for future land degradation assessments
Soil preparation and examination for rainfall simulation: Foundation for reliable erosion assessment
No full textAccurate replication of natural erosion processes in simulated rainfall experiments relies on the careful selection, preparation, and characterization of the soil used in test plots. This study presents a methodology for preparing three small standardized erosion plots for simulated rainfall experiments, focusing on soil compaction and analysis of key physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Soil was collected from a forest site in Serbia, sieved through a 1 cm mesh for homogenization, and compacted under uniform pressure and moisture conditions.Laboratory tests included particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, porosity, bulk density, clay activity index, pH, and electrical conductivity, conducted in two phases—before and after compaction. Prior to compaction, composite samples classified the soil as silty loam (54% silt, 30% sand, 11% clay), with a liquid limit of 32% and a plastic limit of 17.7%. According to SRPS EN ISO 14688-2 (2018), it was categorized as fine-grained, organic sandy clay of low plasticity (orsaCIL). Consistency and liquidity indexes indicated semi-hard structure with resistance to mechanical erosion, but sensitivity to internal erosion under saturation. Chemical analysis showed slightly acidic pH (6.16), very low salinity (EC 40 μS/cm), and moderate carbonate content.Post-compaction testing aimed to verify the uniformity of installed soil and define initial (zero) conditions for erosion monitoring. Undisturbed samples revealed an average moisture content of 16.5%, with dry bulk density of 12.38 kN/m³ (SD 0.01). Results confirm that this preparation method ensures uniform initial conditions, allowing for reliable assessment of rainfall effects on erosion
Comparative Analysis Of Results Obtained From Different Shapes Of Sample Plots In Partial Inventory Of High Beech Forests In Montenegro
No full texte paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of the number of
trees, stand volume and the position of the height curve within the height
overdiameter curves, obtained through a partial survey of high beech forests on
different shapes of sample plots: concentric circles used in Montenegro (CC CG),
concentric circles used in Serbia (CC RS) and angle count sampling (WZP RS)
applied in the Serbian forest inventory. Data processing was conducted in Osnova
software and within a GIS environment. Height curves were modelled using the
Näslund function, while spatial interpolation of results was performed using the
Spline with Barriers method. Regarding the average number of trees and average
volume, although the CC CG method produced the lowest values, it is difficult to
determine which plot shape is superior. The reason lies in the differing elements of
partial survey designs among the tested plot types (number, size, sampling
intensity, number of detailed subplots, etc.). However, since the studied stand
belongs to selection forests, which represent extremely heterogeneous structural
forms, we consider that priority should be given to angle count sampling (WZP
RS). This method is based on unequal probabilities of tree selection for
measurement, specifically the likelihood of a tree being selected is proportional to
its diameter which undoubtedly contributes to a more reliable determination of
stand volume under the given conditions. Furthermore, we consider that the method
of selecting trees for height measurement in the forest inventory of Montenegro
does not ensure a representative sample for accurate modelling of the height curve.
As a result, poorer height classes are determined, leading to lower stand volume
values. Spatial visualization through raster analysis facilitates planning and
decision-making in forest management planning, as it provides a more realistic
insight into internal stand variations that are often overlooked in conventional
tabular presentations. In this context, GIS software and raster analyses represent efficient tools for the assessment, comparison and visualization of field data results,
enabling better decision-making and improvement of forest resource management
Effects of Beech Wood Surface Treatment with Polyethylenimine Solution Prior to Finishing with Water-Based Coating
No full textThe surfaces of beech wood samples were treated with polyethylenimine
(PEI) solutions at three different concentrations—0.5%, 1% and 2%—and two molecular weights—low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW). The effects
of PEI surface treatment of wood were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, the penetration
depth of PEI (EPI fluorescence spectroscopy), the bonding position of PEI (by SEM), the
wetting and surface energy, and the water uptake. After PEI treatment, the samples were
coated with a water-based transparent acrylic coating (WTAC). The dry film thickness, the
penetration depth of the coating, the adhesion strength and the surface roughness of the
coated wood surface were evaluated. EPI fluorescence and SEM micrographs showed that
PEI HMW chains were deposited on the surface, in contrast to PEI LMW, which penetrates
deeper into layers of the wood cells. Treatment with a 1% PEI HMW solution resulted
in a 72% reduction in water uptake of the wood (compared to untreated samples after
5 min of applying water droplets to the surface) and a 23.2% reduction in surface energy
(compared to untreated samples) while maintaining the adhesion strength of the applied
WTAC. The lower water uptake of the treated wood samples reduced the roughness of the
coated surface, which is particularly important when the wood surface is finished with
water-based coatings
Efects of climate on leaf phenolics, insect herbivory, and their relationship in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) across its geographic range in Europe
No full textAn increase in biotic interactions towards lower latitudes is one of the most consistent patterns in ecology. Higher temperatures and more stable climatic conditions at low latitudes are thought to enhance biotic interactions, accelerating biological
evolution and leading to stronger anti-herbivore defences in plants. However, some studies report contradictory fndings,
highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. We used a combination of feld observations
and feeding trials in controlled environments to investigate the efect of climate on chemical defences and insect herbivory
in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) throughout most of its geographic range in Europe, while controlling for physical
defences. The concentration of lignin, favonoids, and total phenolics increased signifcantly with temperature, whereas
both feld herbivory and weight of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) larvae were negatively infuenced by temperature.
Lignin concentration positively infuenced the weight of spongy moth larvae whereas it had no efect on feld herbivory.
We found no evidence of strong positive relationships between insect herbivory and larvae growth with leaf defences. Our
study underscores the complexity of plant–herbivore interactions along climatic gradients and highlights the need for further
research to disentangle these intricate relationships
Unraveling a century-old mystery: The role of Ophiostoma quercus in oak decline
No full textThe role of Ophiostoma quercus in oak decline, a significant threat to European oak ecosystems, has been debated for nearly a century. This long-term field experiment assessed the aggressiveness of O. quercus on Quercus petraea and monitored both fungal spread and tree defense responses, combining pathology, microscopy, X-ray tomography, FTIR, HPLC and proteome analyses. Fifty-nine months post-inoculation, 30 % of trees exhibited decline symptoms, while 70 % displayed extensive cankers and lesions, 28.3 times larger than those on controls. Infected trees responded by forming tyloses, blocking water transport around the inoculation site. Following infection, increased deposition of polyphenolic compounds was observed in both barrier and reaction zones. Histopathological observations and FTIR measurements revealed enhanced local deposition of suberin, lignin, lignin-related compounds, and tannins within the lumens of ray parenchyma cells, and the cell walls of both libriform fibers and vessels. Proteomic analyses suggest that host trees are employing a salicylic acid-based defense strategy. At the tissue level, these analyses indicate a shift in metabolic pathways, with downregulation of lignin biosynthesis and upregulation of flavonoid and stilbenoid biosynthesis, as evidenced by increased chalcone synthase abundance. Our groundbreaking use of submicron-computed X-ray tomography on woody tissues could pave the way for the widespread adoption of non-destructive 3D scanning technology in plant-fungal interaction research. The findings of this study demonstrated the aggressiveness of O. quercus towards adult Q. petraea and its contribution to the widespread syndrome of oak decline
Types of soils and their characteristics in the Northwest Bačka, Serbia
No full textThe forest cover of the North Bačka region, at just 5.4 %, is
significantly below the optimal level of 10.1 %. Given this, along with the
challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the
site's characteristics. This knowledge forms a solid foundation for both
preserving existing forests and successfully establishing new ones.
Considering that most of the forests in this area are located near
watercourses, it is essential to understand the soil properties present in these
locations. The majority of the soils in this area belong to the hydromorphic
order. This study was conducted in the "Karapandža" management unit,
where 10 soil profiles were examined. The parent material is an alluvial
deposit of sand and clay with different structure. Disturbed samples were
collected from the genetic horizons for laboratory analysis, with the aim of
identifying and classifying soil types. Two soil types were identified:
gleysols (3 soil profiles) and fluvisols (7 soil profiles).
The analyzed properties of the gleysols are as follows: soil reaction
(pH in H2O) is 8.26; CaCO3 content is 11.84 %; humus content is 2.09 %;
available P2O5 is 3.26 mg/kg; available K2O is 10.25 mg/kg (all average
values). Average soil depth is 105 cm. The texture ranges from sandy to clay
loam.
The studied fluvisols are characterized by the following properties:
soil reaction (pH in H2O) is 8.17; CaCO3 content is 11.04 %; humus content
is 2.82 %; available P2O5 is 5.93 mg/kg; available K2O is 19 mg/kg (all
average values). Average soil depth is 55 cm. The texture ranges from sandy
and silty loam to silty clay loam.
The studied soils have favorable physicochemical properties, and,
when properly managed, they provide an excellent habitat for both existing
and future forests in this area
Monitoring of the Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) populations in the territory of the Republic of Srpska
No full textBalkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) is an important indigenous large game species in the
Republic of Srpska. This constitutional-legal unit covers around 2.46 million hectares, which
corresponds to around 49% of the area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are three types of hunting
grounds in the Republic of Srpska: (i) special hunting grounds; (ii) sports and recreational hunting
grounds; and (iii) commercial hunting grounds. In terms of number and total area, sports and
recreational hunting grounds, which were given to hunting associations for management, dominate
(N=78) and cover approximately 2.17 million hectares, which corresponds to 88% of the total area of
hunting grounds in the Republic of Srpska. The aim of this study is to analyse the dynamics of the
number and spatial distribution of Balkan chamois populations in the hunting grounds of the Republic
of Srpska in the period 2007-2023. We used data collected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Water Management for each hunting year, namely the estimated spring count, the culling plan, and
the realized culling. The spatial distribution was determined on the basis of field research conducted
as a part of the international project Biopolis/2023/009_CPRV_AO2 (i.e., a case study of the Horizon
project Biodiversity Genomics Europe, BGE). We included 12 hunting grounds: Bakić, Panos, Čemernica,
Vrbnica, Treskavica, Velež, Sjemeć, Šipovo, Zelengora, Sušica, Kamenica, and Gacko. The map of the
spatial distribution of chamois was created using a 1×1 km grid in the ArcGIS 10.3 software package
Anti-Aging Potential of Illyrian Iris Rhizome Extract: Preliminary Chemical and Biological Profiling and Chemosensor Analysis via GC/MS and UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS Combined with HPTLC Bioautography
No full textIllyrian iris (Iris pallida subsp. illyrica (Tomm. ex Vis.) K.Richt.) is a rhizomatous geophyte,
an endemic species (subspecies), occurring within a limited range along the eastern coast of
the Adriatic Sea. The study presents the first in-depth chemical and functional investigation
of its rhizome extracts using both conventional and greener solvents, as well as essential oil
(EO) via hydrodistillation, employing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass
spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS) for metabolic fingerprinting, which was further
interpreted through a chemosensory lens. High-performance thin-layer chromatography
(HPTLC) bioautography (HPTLC-DPPH/ HPTLC-Tyrosinase) was applied for the first time
to this species, revealing zones of bioactivity. HaCaT cell viability and spectrophotometric
assays were employed to further evaluate the cosmetic potential. Results showed a distinctive
volatile profile of EO, including, to the best of our knowledge, the first identification
of a silphiperfol-type sesquiterpenoid in the Illyrian iris rhizome. UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS
and HPTLC fingerprinting further supported solvent-dependent differences in metabolite
composition. Notably, acetone, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts exhibited similar chemical
profiles, while greener extracts showed more divergent patterns. The results provide a
foundation for the future exploration of Illyrian iris in sustainable cosmetic applications,
emphasizing the need for further in vitro and in vivo validation