Omorika Digital repository of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrad
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Genofond drvenastih vrsta na području strogog rezervata prirode „Felješana“
No full textForests of primeval character in Europe usually receive the highest protection status. The importance of these ecosystems is highlighted in the BIO2023 Strategy, which outlines specific guidelines for the identification and protection of primeval forests within the European Union. Endemic ecosystems characteristic of Europe, such as pure beech forests, are facing numerous threatening factors in the context of climate change and are considered one of the most endangered habitats. Efforts to preserve and enhance forest ecosystems, as an initial step, involve conservation and long-term monitoring to gain insight into the adaptation and evolutionary strategies of the present species and ecosystems as a whole. The extremely strict protection conditions prescribed in strict reserves impose very limited human intervention, while non-invasive scientific research is considered a desirable activity. One of the first protected pure beech forests in Serbia is the Strict Nature Reserve "Felješana" which, despite being protected since 1950, has not been thoroughly and systematically studied from the aspect of woody species diversity. The aim of this paper is to provide, for the first time,data on the available gene pool of woody species in the primeval beech forest "Felješana". The field research methodology included recording woody species in the tree, shrub, and ground layers at pre-determined monitoring points and identifying and georeferencing target species. For the georeferenced individuals of the target species, height, diameter at breast height, breast circumference, and horizontal crown projection were determined. A total of 27 native woody species were recorded, with 14 species in the tree layer, 25 in the shrub layer, and 19 in the ground layer. Although beech is the dominant species across all three vegetation layers throughout the area, the recorded number of species in the shrub and ground layers indicates the potential for changes in species distribution and composition in this reserve in the future. All recorded species are of native origin, among which six species belong to one of the categories of rare, endangered, and vulnerable species in the forest fund of Serbia. Georeferencing and determining the basic characteristics of the target species individuals have provided a solid foundation for longterm monitoring of the gene pool and the conservation of woody species in SNR "Felješana"
Photosynthetic insights into winter-green leaves in Quercus pubescens Willd. seedlings
No full textQuercus pubescens Willd. is a deciduous species that can retain leaves in the winter either as dead, standing leaves
(marcescence), or as living, winter-green leaves. The retention of green leaves through winter is rare in continental areas.
Winter-green leaves were observed on one-year-old seedlings of Q. pubescens in the winter of 2020 in the nursery of the
Faculty of Forestry that lasted until the end of April 2021. The photosynthetic activity of photosystem II was measured using
the rapid light curve method based on modulated pulse chlorophyll fluorescence. We assessed the potential photosynthetic
activity of the leaves across the range of physiological stages: winter-green leaves retained from the previous growing season
and on the leaves from the first, second, and third growth flush during the growing season. Photosystem II of winter-green
leaves attained ~50-60% of the maximal photosynthetic activity obtained in spring and summer leaves, respectively. Climate
data indicated that winter-green leaves exhibited frost resistance in the winter of 2020/2021, as their photosynthetic activity
was preserved despite 33 days with sub-zero temperatures. The rapid light curve method also revealed the gradual acclimation of seedlings on a flush level, with leaves from the third flush best able to use available light under high temperatures
and insolation efficiently. The results of rapid light use as an indicator of seedling acclimation are discussed. Some remarks
on the possible practical significance of the winter-green leaves phenomenon (as in genetic selection) are highlighte
The Importance of Stand Structure in Narrow-Leaved Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) Dieback—Insights from an Extensively Managed Stand on a Humogley Soil in Serbia
No full textAsh dieback is a major issue affecting European ash populations, including narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl). An important factor contributing to the decline of narrow-leaved ash is the fungal disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. However, the mortality of trees also depends on stand structure that may influence the disease dynamics. In 2020, we analysed the stand structure of middle-aged, extensively managed, narrow-leaved ash stands growing on Humogley soil (Cariceto remotae-Fraxinetum angustifoliae, Jov., et Tom. 1979). This permanent sample plot is located in Posavina (Serbia), where we observed reduced tree vitality and mortality. The stand originates from natural regeneration after a succession of marsh habitats. At ages 20–25 years (1996) and 30–35 years (2006), selective thinning was carried out. Until the age of 45–50 years (2020), the stand was left unthinned, and the presence of ash dieback fungus was recorded in Serbia. In 2020, we measured the diameter at breast height (DBH) of each tree on the plot and assessed their crown class and degree of isolation. These parameters were evaluated in relation to the crown defoliation of the trees. The results indicate that reduced vitality and mortality of trees manifest in conditions of strongly expressed intraspecific competition in the stand, particularly during the stem exclusion stage. Healthy trees were observed primarily within the predominant/dominant crown class and exhibited the highest mean DBH. Trees classified as dead or dying (81%–100% defoliation) had a lower mean DBH compared to both healthy trees (<25% defoliation) and significantly defoliated trees (26%–80%). This was observed at both the stand level and in predominant/dominant trees, suggesting that tree mortality is primarily linked to their poor growth
Potential effects of climate change on growth and the implications for conservation of the endangered Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Pancic) Purk.)
No full textUnderstanding the impacts of climate change on the future growth of tree species is particularly important for conserving endemic species with limited geographic distributions, such as Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk.). This study describes an approach to assessing the effects of future climate conditions on the growth and the implications for future management to conserve this endangered species on the IUCN Red List. To investigate the climate-growth relationship, age structure and diameter growth trends, we have sampled 231 trees across 11 locations at National Park "Tara" in western Serbia. The existence of heterogeneous age structures suggests that Serbian spruce poses considerable potential for continual regeneration in stands with open canopy. Conducted dendroclimatological analysis exhibits exceptional coherence in growth patterns within populations (Rxy 0.67–0.78), allowing the established climate-sensitive mixed-effect model to achieve conditional Rc2 = 0.683. It is revealed that the radial increment of Serbian spruce is dominantly regulated by water deficit in the summer season. The rainfall amount during the spring is another meaningful climatic factor for growth trends, while minimal winter temperatures and previous autumn water balance show varying influences. Finally, the growth projections under climate change scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 foreseen reductions of up to one-third and almost half from the historical mean growth rate. The given estimations should be seen as a critical warning signal calling for immediate conversion from passive to active protection to preserve this unique species
Green infrastructure: implementation of wintersweet in landscape design and enhancement of ecosystem services
No full textGreen infrastructure (GI) represents a strategic network of green spaces meticulously
designed to safeguard and enrich biodiversity while offering essential ecosystem services to
human communities. While GI is embraced as a pivotal concept by urban policy-makers,
there remains a limited understanding of the varying values and benefits of distinct types of
green spaces and their synergistic relationships. Thus, this paper aims to illuminate the
significance of Wintersweet as an integral component of Belgrade urban green infrastructure
(UGI). The study delves into the interaction of climate and biodiversity, bridging the various
aspects of fundamental vegetation science through a specific case study spanning 18
consecutive years (2007-2024) amidst climate change conditions. To assess changes in
flowering patterns, the flowering phenology within the municipality of Čukarica was
monitored and noted. A total of 1,620 phenological observations during autumn, winter, and
spring were used to determine the stages and other key flowering events that regulate
pollination, fruiting and use in GI. The findings affirm that winter flowers during the colder
months not only ensure visual continuity but also serve as a manifestation of climate change
through phenological alterations. The research outcomes yield novel insights and avenues for
assessing the adaptability of Wintersweet amidst climate change. It is underscored that winter
flowers not only contribute to vibrant visual displays during the colder months but also enrich
biodiversity, while offering significant ecosystem services as honey-bearing plants
The influence of air temperature trends on cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh) in the blue-green infrastructure
No full textAir temperature variability and trends within the blue-green infrastructure (BGI) of the
southwestern suburban zone of Belgrade, specifically within the municipality of Čukarica,
were examined across various temporal scales. The study focused on seasonal fluctuations in
the flowering phenophase of Prunus cerasifera Ehrh (Cherry Plum), between the secondorder road P107 and the main road M19 to the settlement of Pećani. The study analysed the
relationship between the flowering phenophase of Cherry Plum and air temperature, a key
climatic factor, from 2007 to 2024. Findings indicate that the onset of the flowering
phenophase was influenced by climate fluctuations, with significant correlations observed
between flowering patterns and air temperature. It was confirmed that (a) as cumulative chill
hours (CHt) increase, temperatures during the flowering period decrease, (b) as the number of
days from full flowering (FF) to end of flowering (EF) increases, the flowering phenophase
lengthens, (c) as air temperatures from FF to EF increase, temperatures during flowering
increase, (d) as temperatures from BF to FF increase, the number of days from FF to EF
decreases, and (e) lower temperatures from bud break to BF imply lower temperatures from
BF to FF. Our research establishes a framework for understanding how Cherry Plum responds
to complex environmental conditions, considering factors such as stress memory and
acclimation. The analysis of variation in Cherry Plum flowering phenology proves valuable
for BGI management and landscape design within the study area, characterised by a mosaic of
forest communities, agricultural areas, meadows, and interconnected environmental corridors
Značaj šumskih zaštitnih pojaseva za regeneraciju zemljišta
No full textŠumski zaštitni pojasevi su do sada širom sveta uglavnom podizani sa ciljem zaštite od eolske erozije. Ipak, oni predstavljaju multifunckionalne objekte, koji pored primarne funkcije zaštite od erozije, vrše veliki broj ekosistemskih usluga i predstavljaju jednu od najčešće primenjivanih praksi agrošumarstva. Šumski zaštitni pojasevi su pogodna mera za povećanje šumovitosti, poboljšanje kvaliteta zemljišta, kao i za restauraciju poljoprivrednog proizvodnog područja uopšte, a time promenu celokupnog pejzaža. U ovom radu prikazan je uticaj zaštitinih šumskih pojaseva na rezerve ugljenika u zemljištu. Poseban je značaj vrsta u ovim pojasevima na stanje organske materije u zemljištu u pojasu. Uvođenje ovih mera agrošumarstva u sistemu značajno bi se doprinelo regeneraciji zemljišnog prostora
Mogućnost kreiranja edukativne staze inspirisane lekovitim i upotrebnim svojstvima žbunastih vrsta prisutnih u arboretumu Šumarskog fakulteta
No full textVegetation supports the life of many other organisms, ensures the
development of ecosystem functions, and regulates geomorphological and atmospheric
processes. Important coeenobionts of different types of vegetation are medicinal plants.
Medicinal plants represent a significant, both biological and economic resource of every
country. People use them as a source of active substances that have an important impact on
human health, and at the same time they find their application in landscape design because
they are characterized by great decorativeness. The aim of this work is the analysis of woody
shrub species in order to determine the possibility of forming an educational trail in the
Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry, with a focus on medicinal, aromatic and edible species,
as well as the research of existing biomimetic solutions, products and technologies based on
plant species present in the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade
Restitution of forests and forest land to churches in Serbia –- Impacts on forest management in the Braničevska eparchy
No full textThe process of forest restitution has had a significant impact on the forestry sectors of various
countries in Central-Eastern and South-eastern Europe over the past three decades. While
extensive research has been conducted on the process of forest restitution, there has been
relatively less focus on its specific effects on forest management. This research aims to assess
the outcomes of the forest restitution process by examining the return of forest property to the
church in Serbia and analyzing its consequences on forest management. By exploring the case
of Braničevska Eparchy, this research provides a local-level perspective on how the de facto
policy instruments of forest restitution have influenced the private forestry sector and its
management practices. To date, a total of 32,337.52 ha of forests and forest land have been
returned to the Serbian Orthodox Church, accounting for 1.4% of the total forest area. The largest
portion was returned to the Braničevska Eparchy, totaling approximately 6,700 ha. Thisresearch
investigates the process of initiating and implementing forest restitution while examining the
current state of forest management practices within the analyzed church-owned forests. We
conducted 13 in-depth expert interviews with key actors from the national and local levels, as
well as representatives from the Braničevska Eparchy as the forest owner and a private company
responsible for managing the church forest. Preliminary findings suggest that the restitution
process in Serbia was primarily driven by requirements imposed during EU accession
negotiations. The process began nearly two decades ago with the adoption of the Law on
Restitution of Property to Churches and Religious Communities in 2006. The resurgence of the
church as a "large" forest owner has brought about changes in the forestry sector. Furthermore,
restitution has indirectly stimulated entrepreneurial development in the private sector through the
emergence of private companies specializing in forest management. This study contributes to the
understanding and discussion of the challenges faced by current and future management
strategies in Serbia's private forestry sector, as well as their implications at the policy level
Evaluation of the phytoremediation potential of Tilia tomentosa Moench. for Cu, Pb and Zn on green areas in Belgrade
No full textLinden trees are one of the most popular tree species in European cities and also in Serbia, often used for planting on green areas (parks and tree lines) in Belgrade. In this study, individuals of silver linden Tilia tomentosa Moench. in the tree line (Bulevar Nikola Tesla) and city park (Park Ušće) in Belgrade were selected and the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) Cu, Pb and Zn in roots and leaves and in the soil (0-10cm and 10-30cm) under each individual as well as in the natural habitat on Fruška Gora mountain (control) were collected. To evaluate the potential of the selected species for phytoremediation (phytoextraction and phytostabilisation of PTEs), the bioaccumulation of roots and leaves (BCFroot and BCFleaf), and translocation factors (TF) were calculated. Site-dependent variations were observed for all analysed parameters. In the soil samples, the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn were above the average values for European soils only at urban sites (17.3 mg kg-1, 32 mg kg-1 and 68.1 mg kg-1, respectively) and in the critical range for plants for Zn (>70 mg kg-1) and for Cu (>60 mg kg-1) only in the tree line, while the concentration of Pb was above the MAC. A high correlation was found for the concentration of all tested elements in the soil and in the roots, and only for Zn in the leaves. Nevertheless, the levels of Cu and Pb in the roots and Cu in the leaves were within the normal range for plant tissues (5-30 mg kg-1, 5-10 mg kg-1) at all sites analysed, while Zn was in deficit (1). These findings could be of great importance in the planning of sustainable management of urban areas.Pavlović M, Pantović Pavlović M, Pavlović M, editors. Proceedings: 25th YuCorr International Conference: Meeting Point of the Science and Practice in the Fields of Corrosion, Materials and Environmental Protection; 2024 May 28-31; Divčibare, Serbia. Belgrade: Serbian Society of Corrosion and Materials Protection; 2024. p. 116