Omorika Digital repository of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrad
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Amorpha fruticosa l. In the alluvial habitats of Belgrade and Novi Sad: morphological and phenological characteristics of inflorescences, flowers, and flowering in the context of ecosystem services
No full textEcosystem services are often underestimated because they fall outside the scope of market
economics, yet without them, ecology and the environment would become unbalanced. This study
highlights the role of Amorpha fruticosa L. in preserving ecosystem services within urban alluvial
habitats. The research examined variations in the morphometric characteristics of inflorescences,
flowers, and the flowering phenophase of the Indigo Bush in Belgrade and Novi Sad over two
consecutive years with differing climatic conditions. Quantitative traits, in both years and at both
locations, differed from previous studies, showing longer inflorescences and a greater number of
stamens. The higher number of stamens per flower, along with strong positive correlations indicating
that an increase in inflorescence length is associated with an increased number of flowers, is of
particular importance, as stamens are a rich source of nectar and a vital food resource for bees. An
integrative approach combining phenological observations of flowering, air temperatures, and
precipitation confirmed that this species is adaptive and suitable for innovative strategies. With
appropriate maintenance measures, it supports the preservation of benefits for insects, birds, and the
human population in the urban landscap
Ornamental cherry trees in the open urban spaces in front of the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade: identification and significance
No full textThe aim of this paper is to identify the significance of ornamental cherry trees as
components of the open spaces in front of the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade. Given that their
application in landscape design is limited by a short flowering period, the influence of air
temperature and precipitation on the phenological flowering patterns and seasonality of the
ornamental cherry cultivars 'Choshu-Hizakura' and 'Kiku-Shidare Zakura' was analysed. Circular
statistics were used to investigate the spatio-temporal phenological changes and quantify relevant
parameters. Both cultivars exhibited strong flowering seasonality, occurring during the early spring
two climatologically distinct years. The study confirms the seasonal dynamics of phenology as a valid
criterion for assessing the ecological quality of open urban spaces. It also highlights the need for a
holistic approach to green integration and the strategic placement of ornamental cherry trees in
order to preserve the visual identity of the space
Relativna dužina žive krune i koeficijent vitkosti kao indikatori stabilnosti stabala bukve
No full textThis study investigates the applicability of the live crown ratio (LCR) and
the slenderness coefficient (SC) as indicators of tree and stand stability of European beech
(Fagus sylvatica L.). The research was conducted within the Forest Management Unit
(FMU) "Lomnička Reka", managed by the Public Enterprise "Srbijašume". Data were
obtained from the stand inventory of the analyzed FMU, conducted on a network of
permanent sample plots. The analysis focused on five structurally uneven-aged stands,
encompassing 103 beech trees belonging to the middle-aged silvicultural group across eight
sample plots. For each measured tree, both the live crown ratio and the slenderness
coefficient were determined. Logistic regression and Conditional Inference Tree (CIT)
analyses were used to identify critical LCR thresholds distinguishing slender from nonslender trees, with bootstrap procedures employed to assess the stability of the results. The
findings revealed a significant negative relationship between LCR and SC (p < 0.001), with
a critical LCR threshold of approximately 0.36–0.40 identified as necessary to maintain tree
stability. Both statistical approaches yielded consistent results, supporting the robustness of
LCR as a reliable predictor of slenderness. The obtained results emphasize the importance
of analyzing these parameters during the process of planning silvicultural measures,
particularly thinning, aiming to enhance tree stability, and improve the overall resilience of
beech standsOva studija istražuje primenljivost relativne dužine žive krune (LCR) i
koeficijenta vitkosti (SC) kao pokazatelja stabilnosti stabala i sastojina evropske bukve
(Fagus sylvatica L.). Istraživanje je sprovedeno u okviru gazdinske jedinice (FMU)
„Lomnička Reka“, kojom upravlja Javno preduzeće „Srbijašume“. Podaci korišćeni u ovoj
studiji dobijeni su iz sastojinske inventure analizirane gazdinske jedinice, sprovedene na
mreži permanentnih primernih površina. Analiza je obuhvatila pet sastojina, strukturno
raznodobnih, sa ukupno 103 stabla bukve na 8 primernih površina koje pripadaju srednjedobnoj uzgojnoj grupi. Za svako izmereno stablo određeni su relativna dužina žive
krune i koeficijent vitkosti. Za identifikaciju kritičnih vrednosti LCR koje razdvajaju vitka od
nevitkih stabala korišćene su logistička regresija i analiza uslovnog stabla zaključivanja
(CIT), dok su bootstrap postupci primenjeni za procenu stabilnosti dobijenih rezultata.
Rezultati ukazuju na značajnu negativnu vezu između LCR i SC (p < 0.001), pri čemu je
utvrđen kritični prag LCR od približno 0.36–0.40 kao neophodan za održavanje stabilnosti
stabala. Obe statističke metode dale su konzistentne rezultate, potvrđujući pouzdanost LCR
kao prediktora vitkosti. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na potrebu da se ovi parametri analiziraju
u postupku planiranja uzgojnih mera, posebno proreda, sa ciljem povećanja stabilnosti
stabala i poboljšanja ukupne otpornosti sastojina bukve
RECOVERY AND RESTORATION OF ICE-STORM-DAMAGED FORESTS IN EASTERN SERBIA
No full textThe effects of climate change represent one of the key challenges for modern forestry. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, along with their numerous consequences, significantly disrupt the implementation of planned management operations. Their overall impact is often difficult to assess fully and introduces substantial uncertainty regarding future forest development. These considerations, together with the specific microclimatic and mesoclimatic characteristics of Eastern Serbia and the severe damage caused by the 2014 ice storm, which affected 43,305.78 ha of forests, initiated research focused on assessing the responses of the ice-damaged stands during the period 2022–2024. The study was conducted in the forest management area “Timočke šume” Boljevac, within the management units “Rtanj” (43°42'–43°48' N; 21°47'–21°58' E) and “Čestobrodica” (44°46'–44°50' N; 21°40'–21°48' E). Research on site conditions, stand characteristics, and regeneration dynamics was performed on 13 permanent plots measuring 50 × 50 m (total area 3.25 ha). Salvage logging activities prescribed in the rehabilitation plans were carried out once or repeatedly, depending on stand condition. From the standpoint of regeneration, the most favorable situations were those in which the degree of damage did not entirely compromise stand stability and structural integrity. Based on the three-year research, silvicultural guidelines for future restoration and regeneration of damaged stands were developed. Recommended measures include performing repeated silvicultural rehabilitation measures to support natural regeneration, retaining portions of less-damaged parent stands to ensure regeneration continuity, and applying artificial regeneration only as complementary support—primarily on smaller areas where natural regeneration is insufficient
INTRAPRENEURSHIP IN PUBLIC FOREST ENTERPRISES AS LEVERAGE FOR EMPLOYEE INNOVATIVENESS
No full textIntrapreneurship as a business concept originates from forestry and is based on utilitarian theory with a principle of conservation ethics. This concept implies the ability of Public Forest Enterprises to produce from the forest whatever it can yield for the service of man. In practice, it means that every employee possesses a certain level of creativity, which should be encouraged so the company can benefit from new products, new services, organizational procedures, and other innovations. A simple definition of intrapreneurship is entrepreneurship within existing companies. A comprehensive definition describes it as a process that occurs within an existing company, regardless of its size, and influences not only the creation of new business activities but also the improvement of existing products and services, technologies, organizational processes, administrative procedures, business strategies, and the competitive position of companies within their economic sector. The main idea behind the conceptualization of intrapreneurship is that employees do not need to leave the enterprise to become entrepreneurs. Such employees are characterized by a risk minimization strategy, decision-making based on analysis, motivation beyond financial gain, and the integrity to propose new ideas. Such an employee is dedicated to their job, uses available resources to increase productivity, is motivated by success, and remains loyal to long-term business goals. In this research, we understood employee innovativeness as the willingness, propensity, and ability of an employee to recognize new ideas for innovation in products, services, processes, or new organizational methods in business practices, the application of which can improve the company's performance. There are at least eight intrapreneurial factors influencing employee innovativeness: i) professional training, ii) business environment, iii) flow of information, iv) entrepreneurial attitudes and motives, v) managerial support, vi) work autonomy, vii) rewards system, and viii) working time availability. In this study, we used a survey questionnaire as the instrument to measure the influence of intrapreneurial factors on employee innovativeness. Results reveal that three factors are most influential to employee innovativeness: managerial support, work autonomy, and rewards system. In today's complex environmental, societal, and economic context, Public Forest Enterprises need to demonstrate the ability to innovate in a variety of products and services while fulfilling their main role of managing forests in a sustainable manner. The intrapreneurial concept, over a long period, offers the possibility for a positive influence on employee innovativeness
BALANCING PASTORAL TRADITIONS AND FOREST PROTECTION: INSIGHTS FROM TARA NATIONAL PARK, SERBIA
No full textTraditional livestock grazing is a subsistence strategy in the mountainous regions of western Serbia,
including the territory of Tara National Park. Although pastoralism has shaped local landscapes for
centuries, contemporary nature conservation policies often view human activities with caution,
especially when they occur within protected forest ecosystems. This study examines the ecological,
social and cultural dimensions of livestock grazing in Tara National Park, with the aim of assessing
whether current grazing practices pose a threat to forest integrity or reflect a sustainable model of
coexistence between people and nature. Using the stocking rate as a central ecological indicator,
the study assesses the intensity of grazing and its potential impact on forest structure. Field
observations, interviews with local residents, and analysis of management and livestock records
reveal that the overall anthropogenic pressure on the Tara forests is extremely low. Extensive, lowintensity grazing contributes to the maintenance of semi-open stands, the prevention of shrub
growth, and the maintenance of plant and animal species associated with traditional land use. The
results show that grazing, in its current form, does not affect ecological stability or threaten the longterm health of the forests.
However, the study also highlights socio-economic challenges faced by communities living within
the park boundaries. Restrictions imposed by conservation regulations increasingly limit traditional
pastoral activities, affecting local livelihoods and raising concerns about the viability of village life in
protected areas. As younger generations migrate, the continuation of pastoral knowledge and
cultural heritage becomes uncertain, potentially altering both social fabric and landscape character.
The research underscores the need for integrated management approaches that reconcile
conservation objectives with human well-being, acknowledging that cultural landscapes and forest
ecosystems are deeply interconnected. By recognizing the socio-ecological value of traditional
pastoralism, Tara National Park can serve as a model for protected areas where biodiversity
conservation and rural livelihoods are mutually reinforcing rather than conflicting goals
DOMAĆINI PARAZITSKE GLJIVE Perenniporia fraxinea u SRBIJI
No full textParazitska gljiva Perenniporia fraxinea uzrokuje trulež pridanka i korena stabala lišćara (Karadžić i sar. 2019). Plodonosna tela ove qljive su karpofore koje su konzolaste, fiksirane za supstrat, veličine do 20 cm (do 60 cm kad srastu)
Comparative analysis of silvicultural treatments in even-aged Hungarian oak stands
No full textThe research was conducted in Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto Ten.)
coppice stands located on Mt. Cer in western Serbia. Data collection and processing on the
experimental fields were carried out using standard dendrometric methods. The aim was to
identify the most appropriate silvicultural treatments for converting these stands into a high
forest structure, based on an analysis of their initial condition. The paper also presents the
state of the stands before and after the applied treatments, allowing for a comparative
evaluation. The investigated stands exhibited higher values of volume and volume increment
compared to the average for Hungarian oak coppice forests in Serbia. Based on the analysis
of site conditions, total volume, number of trees per unit area, and the dominant tree height,
it was concluded that the stands could be converted into high forest through indirect
conversion. The statistical significance of differences in mean tree volume and mean tree
height between the experimental fields (EF) was tested using an independent t-test. The
obtained values of stand parameters, together with the statistically confirmed differences in
mean tree volume and height, indicate that the stand on EF I has higher productivity
compared to the stand on EF II, which consequently required the application of different
silvicultural treatments. In the stand on EF I, selective thinning was conducted due to the
sufficient number of high-quality trees per unit area and the larger diameters and heights of
dominant trees. Conversely, the condition of the stand on EF II suggested that postponing its
conversion to a high forest form would be unjustified; therefore, the process of indirect
conversion was initiated immediately through the application of a preparatory–regeneration
felling. The conducted research highlights the importance of a detailed analysis of forest
stand parameters as a basis for making appropriate decisions when selecting suitable
silvicultural treatments for converting Hungarian oak coppice stands into a high fores
Geodesign Framework in Green Infrastructure Planning: Prioritizing Uncertainty in the Future of Urban Ecosystem Services
No full textContemporary urban landscapes face increasing pressure on natural and semi-natural elements, threatening vital ecosystem services. The proliferation of sealed surfaces precipitates a decline in crucial ecosystem services, pivotal for enriching urban environments and augmenting economic and cultural well-being. Recognised as a sustainable development approach, green infrastructure emerges as a multifunctional and strategically planned to counterbalance these pressures. The amalgamation of rapid urbanisation and climate variability paints an enigmatic future for urban landscapes, necessitating methodologies conducive to more apparent scenario analyses. A Geodesign framework emerges as a systematic instrument, furnishing a nexus of interconnected facts that foster discerning deliberation and facilitate optimal solutions for improving urban landscape resilience. Research endeavours pivot towards applying Geodesign’s Change and Impact models to green infrastructure, focusing on evaluating primary ecosystem services within the urban matrix. The foundational blueprint for Belgrade`s green infrastructure is delineated within the General Regulation Plan of the Green Area System, further refined by the draft version of the Master Plan. The current state of the urban landscape structure, coupled with planned enhancements through integrating new green infrastructure elements at the watershed level, represents the main spatial context. An array of geostatistical models furnishes profound insights into the dynamics of natural processes, elucidating ecosystem services at the landscape level
Pollution assessment of soils in the protected areas of Palić and Ludaš lakes, Serbia
No full textPalić Lake and Ludaš Lake are two ecologically significant lakes located
near Subotica in northern Serbia, each with important conservation roles.
Palić Lake is recognized as a Nature Park (NP), while Ludaš Lake is
designated both as a Special Nature Reserve (SNR) and a Ramsar Site of
International Importance. Due to their protected status and ecological
significance, recognizing and assessing potential ecological risks in these
regions is of high importance.
Therefore, this research assesses the presence of potentially toxic
elements (PTEs - Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Mn) in soils from two
protected lake areas in NP „Palić“ and the SNR „Ludaš Lake“, recognizing
the potential pressures from surrounding anthropogenic activities. Soil
samples were collected during 2021 at fix depth (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm).
Soil samples were analyzed to assess the level of contamination using
geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI) and Nemerov pollution
index (PIN).
The results indicate that most samples are within the unpolluted to
moderately polluted category according to Igeo values, with localized
increases in Cd (Palić region). Pollution Index values reflect absent to low
contamination across most sites, while Nemerov pollution index values
ranged from 0.54 to 1.26, which indicates a moderate degree of ecological
risk. In general, soils from the Palić area exhibited slightly higher
contamination levels than those from the Ludaš area.
Elevated values of soil pollution in the area of Palić (especially Cd) are
probably due to anthropogenic sources, as a consequence of intensive
agricultural production and proximity of urban settlements. Higher
concentrations of Cd may originate from the excessive and inadequate use
of mineral fertilizers, particularly phosphate fertilizers, as well as from
pesticides and fungicides with older formulations (e.g., cadmium-based).
Further research is needed to effectively monitor the status of PTEs and
establishment of buffer strips between targeted locations, areas of intensive
agriculture and the lake water body, which can reduce the transfer of pollutants, limit erosion, and enhance the ecological resilience of the
shoreline