Omorika Digital repository of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrad
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Genetic diversity of oak species in Zvezdara forest
No full textArtificially created forests can exhibit varying levels of genetic diversity, influenced by numerous factors such as source of planting material, breeding practices, and management strategies. Some studies reveled genetic diversity comparable to natural forests, while other showed reduced diversity due to selective breeding and limited genetic bases. Zvezdara Forest is an urban protected forest – IUCN Category III. This forest was artificially created by afforestation actions in different periods of mid XX century with seedlings of unknown origin. Two native oak species were plantend: pedunculated and sessile oak. Aim of this study was to explore genetic diversity of adult populations of pedunculated and sessile oak, as well as in juvenile population of sessile oak. We analyzed 171 individuals: 62 adults and 50 juvenile sessile oaks, 59 adult pedunculated oaks. For genetic analysis 14 nSSRs were used. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) was similarly high across all three groups (~0.72–0.73), while the inbreeding coefficient (F) showed moderately positive and statistically significant values (F ≈ 0.14–0.16). The lowest, yet statistically significant, FST value (0.0078) between adult and juvenile sessile oaks reflects genetic continuity, likely resulting from the reproductive contribution of adult trees to progeny. Conversely, the highest FST value (0.073) observed between pedunculated oaks and juvenile sessile oaks indicates moderate genetic differentiation. Despite their artificial origin, both pedunculated and sessile oak populations in Zvezdara Forest exhibit substantial genetic diversity, including in juvenile sessile oaks. This is a key factor for resilience and adaptive capacity under changing environment, especially in urban forest ecosystems
Predicting Urban Land Cover Changes Based on Data-Driven Models
No full textUrban Land Cover Changes (ULCC) refers to the modifications in physical characteristics of the Earth’s surface and the human-made structures, as urban landscapes evolve over time. Understanding of ULCC is pivotal in powering urban Green Agenda initiatives as well as combating climate changes and preserving biodiversity. This research showcases the Data-Driven Spatial Planning possibilities through predicting the land cover distribution of Belgrade’s urban area in the following decades. The proposed approach is based on non-guided “trend” urban development, which aims to capture the historical trend and then apply it to predict possible future scenario. The proposed methodology has been successfully utilized to predict LC maps over the Belgrade metropolitan area for years 2030 and 2040. The subsequent analysis highlighted trends to be expected in the following decades. As expected, an intensive urbanization and increase in artificial surfaces is expected, mostly on account of agriculture and high-vegetation areas. Obtained results provide spatial planners and policy makers with an efficient tool for informed decision-making, predictive analysis, efficiency improvement and sustainability
The Impact Of Harvest Time On The Content Of Polyphenolic Compounds And Antioxidant Capacity Of Fruits Of Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach
No full textJapanese quince is a medicinal and edible plant with a long history of use, yet the optimal
harvest time has not been clearly defined. This study aimed to determine the appropriate harvest
times for various uses of Japanese quince fruits by examining the stability of the biochemical
composition and antioxidant capacity in the juicy parts of fresh fruits, at the genotype level.
Ethanol and distilled water were used as analytical-grade reagents according to the official
protocols. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine total phenols, tannins,
anthocyanins, flavonoids, and the antioxidant capacity of fresh fruit extracts collected in
September, November, and December 2024. The results suggest that ethanol more efficiently
extracts bioactive components and enhances their potential to neutralise free radicals. The
quantities of phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, and the antioxidant test by DPPH with ethanol
favour harvesting immediately after ripening in September, while flavonoids and antioxidant
tests by FRAP and ABTS favour November, according to the Tukey test results. However, the
Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope tests indicate that the differences in polyphenolic compound
content and antioxidant tests are not significant, meaning that harvest time is not decisive for
the same solvent. Additionally, they confirm the significant content of polyphenolic compounds
and antioxidant capacity in all harvest times, making fruits of the selected genotype a promising
raw material. The results can be used as quality descriptors when making decisions about
potential industrial applications and also imply the necessity for in situ conservation measures
The greening of urban ruins - an efeective way for multifunctional revitalization of abandoned urban spaces
No full textGreening urban ruins represents an innovative approach to the revitalization of
abandoned built structures. This process merges greenery with ruins or abandoned
structures, creating synergy between natural and built elements of the space. The goal of
greening ruins is not only ecological but also aesthetic, as it transforms neglected
buildings into green "oases" that promote biodiversity and improve microclimatic
conditions in urban environments. As a part of urban green infrastructure revitalized ruins
can become an effective way in adaptation cities to climate changes, especially in the
terms of rainwater regulation and minimize urban heat island. Revitalization contributes to
social cohesion, creating spaces that can become gathering places for various
community activities. Case studies at both European and global levels provide examples
of good practices that offer insights into the benefits and challenges of revitalizing
abandoned structures.This paper explores the potential for revitalizing ruins through the
application of plant materials, emphasizing the benefits greenery can contribute to the
renewal of abandoned urban spaces, as well as analyzing various greening possibilities,
including the use of different techniques such as vertical greening systems, rooftop
gardens, green walls, and interior greening of buildings. Greening ruins also contributes
to preserving cultural identity, through the appropriate use of plant materials, to become
integral parts of contemporary urban ecosystems. The potential for revitalization depends
on the structural stability of the buildings, the maintenance and care requirements for
green areas, potential legal issues, and financial considerations, which highlight the need
for careful planning and implementation. Further research in this area can contribute to
the understanding and making practices and specific solutions for the future revitalization
of urban spaces through greenin
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
THE IMPACT OF LONG-TERM AEROPOLLUTION ON FOREST SOILS IN THE MT. GOČ AREA
No full textPollutants of natural or anthropogenic origin enter the soil through direct deposition or indirectly via complex processes that may lead to contamination or pollution. As a multifunctional system, soil has the capacity to retain pollution caused by the high content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The aim of this study was to determine the content of PTEs in soils under black pine on formerly degraded sites, as well as in soils of beech and fir ecosystems, over the past 30 years.
The research was conducted within the Teaching Base of the Faculty of Forestry, in selected experimental catchments characterized by different soil and vegetation conditions. Within the reclamation unit B, three catchments were studied (Ravnine: R-I black pine and spruce, R-II grassland community, and R-III Scots pine culture), while within the management unit A, one catchment was included (Vaona, under beech-fir forest). Soil samples were collected from representative sites as composite samples of five subsamples from the 0–20 cm organo-mineral layer, and forest litter samples were also taken. In forest ecosystems, the main pathways of PTE transport are atmospheric. According to the EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme) under the United Nations Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, modelled values of Cd and Pb deposition for the Goč area show a decreasing trend for the period 1990–2021. In the Ravnine area, the contents of Zn, Cu, and Pb were below the limit values prescribed by the Regulation (Official Gazette 88/2010, 30/18, and 54/19). However, Cd contents exceeded the limits in both the organic and organo-mineral layers. It should be noted that three decades ago, Cd contents in the A horizon of the Ravnine site were 0.1–0.2 mg Cd∙kg⁻¹, while in the sediment deposits of these catchments, Cd ranged from 0.4 to 0.61 mg∙kg⁻¹ (Kadović et al., 1994), remaining below the limit value in both cases (0.8 mg∙kg⁻¹). In the Vaona catchment, Zn and Cu contents were below, while Cd and Pb contents were above the regulatory limits. Previous studies confirmed higher concentrations of Pb and Cd in soils, primarily attributed to the influence of airborne pollutants. Based on the calculated mean values of the single pollution index, the studied sites belong to the class of unpolluted soils, except for Pb, which classifying them as slightly polluted. Establishing an integrated monitoring system at this site would be of great importance, coordinated by the Programme Centre for Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (ICP IM, UNECE, CLRTAP). Integrated ecosystem monitoring involves simultaneous measurement of physical, chemical, and biological properties of ecosystems over time and across different components at the catchment level
MODEL FOR SECURING PLANTING MATERIAL OF NATIVE WOODY SPECIES USING THE EXISTING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AS A RESOURCE
No full textThe European Nature Restoration Law, which entered into force in October 2024, emphasizes that 80% of habitats in Europe are in an alarmingly poor condition and must be restored by 2050. In order to align with European legislation, Serbia has initiated the development of a new Nature Protection Act, which will create the conditions for the gradual application of Regulation (EU) 2022/869. Based on the prescribed set of measures required for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, while taking into account the importance of the agriculture sector, food security, and the achievement of EU climate and biodiversity objectives, a transition would be made from traditional conservation approaches towards the implementation of direct nature restoration measures.
One of the measures includes ecological restoration projects that require the use of planting material of native tree and shrub species, particularly those that would naturally occur at the site in the absence of human influence- i.e., species belonging to the potential natural vegetation. Considering the restoration approach, the selected plant assortment must consist of material that is ecologically adapted to the environmental conditions of the restoration site, and ideally of local origin. Since the implementation of nature-restoration activities is expected to begin in the near term, it is necessary to start securing substantial quantities of planting material. However, such material is extremely scarce in nursery assortments—both in forestry nurseries and in nurseries of ornamental plants—and seedlings of rare native species are not available commercially. Therefore, methods for securing the required quantities of seedlings must be identified in accordance with applicable legislation.
Existing green infrastructure has been recognized as a valuable resource for supplying planting material, particularly through the use of seedlings, vegetative regrowth of shrub species, and seed material.
This paper analyzes the procedures and protocols that must be followed to ensure that the obtained planting material complies with legal requirements, while also remaining feasible and cost-effective in practice. Since the Law on Seed and Planting Material of Agricultural and Ornamental Plants does not regulate the origin of planting material collected from the “natural sources”, the Law on Forest Reproductive Material has been applied, which allows the use of various plant parts (seeds, buds, leaves, roots, cuttings, natural regeneration), but only when parent trees meet the criteria for source material, particularly regarding plant health and phenotypic traits. The 2016 Quality Standard for Ornamental Planting Material permits the use of wild-collected plants. With the approval of the competent authorities, such plants may be considered seedlings once they have recovered from transplantation and have been cultivated in a nursery for at least one growing season.
Therefore, with the approval of the competent Ministry, the model enabling the use of seed and planting-material sources for supplementary or urgent needs should include: (1) organizing seed collection from existing green areas; (2) designing mechanisms for the collection, coordination, and integration of public enterprises and nurseries to ensure rapid response in urgent situations; and (3) verification by the competent authorities that trees and other vegetation from urban areas (avenues, parks, hedges, etc.) may be used as source material in cases where such use is justified in terms of genetic diversity and demonstrable necessity
Spatial identification of erosion processes in the Sarajevo canton
No full textErozija zemljišta predstavlja jedan od ključnih oblika degradacije životne sredine
sa izraženim posledicama po poljoprivredu, vodne resurse i stabilnost ekosistema. U ovom
radu analizirana je prostorna distribucija intenziteta erozionih procesa i produkcija erozionog
materijala na području Kantona Sarajevo primenom Metoda Potencijala erozije. Metod
je unapređen upotrebom Geografskih Informacionih Sistema (GIS), daljinske detekcije
i terenskih istraživanja, čime je omogućena kvantifikacija erozionih procesa i izrada Karte
erozije zemljišta visoke pouzdanosti. Analiza je zasnovana na integraciji digitalnog modela
terena (DEM), pedoloških karakteristika, klimatskih podataka, načina korišćenja zemljišta
(CORINE Land Cover 2018), vegetacionog indeksa (NDVI) i indeksa golog zemljišta
(BSI). Prostorni proračuni izvršeni su u raster formatu sa prostornom rezolucijom od 100 m.
Validacija modela sprovedena je poređenjem preliminarne i finalne Karte erozije zemljišta
nakon terenske verifikacije, pri čemu su izračunate mere tačnosti na osnovu matrice konfuzije.
Dobijeni rezultati pokazuju visoku ukupnu tačnost klasifikacije (Overall Accuracy = 0,943;
Kappa = 0,88), što potvrđuje pouzdanost modela i stabilnost kategorizacije erozionih procesa.
Na istraživanom području dominantna je kategorija vrlo slabe erozije (oko 70% površine), dok
su jake i ekscesivne forme erozije prostorno ograničene, ali jasno izražene. Prosečna specifična
produkcija erozionog materijala iznosi 339,31 m³·km⁻²·god⁻¹, što ukazuje na umerenu
degradaciju zemljišta u većem delu područja. Povećanje površina pod ekscesivnom erozijom
u finalnoj fazi rezultat je unapređenja metodologije, više prostorne rezolucije i preciznije
terenske verifikacije, a ne realnog porasta procesa. Rezultati potvrđuju da integracija daljinske
detekcije, GIS analiza i terenskih istraživanja omogućava pouzdanu procenu erozionih procesa
i predstavlja osnovu za planiranje mera zaštite zemljišta i voda. Ovakav pristup pruža značajan
doprinos unapređenju sistema monitoringa i održivom upravljanju prirodnim resursima
Hydroseeding – a green solution to soil degradation
No full textУбрзана деградација земљишта услед климатских промена, урбанизације
и интензивне експлоатације природних ресурса представља један од најозбиљнијих
еколошких изазова савременог доба. У циљу очувања и обнове земљишних ресурса,
развијају се приступи засновани на конзервацији и еколошкој рестаурацији. Хидросетва
се истиче као ефикасна техника која омогућава брзо озелењавање и стабилизацију
еродираних и тешко приступачних терена. Комбинујући семе, воду, хранљиве материје
и стабилизујуће компоненте, ова метода доприноси успостављању вегетационог
покривача, смањењу ерозије и унапређењу биодиверзитета. Рад анализира примену
хидросетве у свету и Србији, са освртом на њене техничке карактеристике, еколошке
ефекте и могућности за даљу примену у контексту борбе против деградације земљишт
OCJENA ZDRAVSTVENOG STANJA DRVEĆA URBANIH PROSTORA - STUDIJI SLUČAJA PANČEVO I SARAJEVO
No full textViše od polovine svjetskog stanovništva i preko 70% stanovnika Evrope
žive u urbanism područjima. Količina i kvalitet urbanog zelenila (pojedinačna
stabla, parkovi, urbane šume) utiču na zdravlje i kvalitet stanovnika nekog
područja. U današnje vrijeme urbano zelenilo nalazi se pod većim pritiscima
nego u proteklim razdobljima. Klimatske promjene, štetni abiotski i biotski
faktori, invazivne strane vrste, fragmentacija zelenih površina i ubrzana
urbanizacija značajno utiču na zdravstveno stanje drveća urbanih prostora i
umanjuju njegove osnovne funkcije. Cilj istraživanja u ovom radu je bio
utvrđivanje zdravstvenog stanja drveća u urbanim površinama