{"title":"Tapping below the lateral line does not reduce maple sap yield or quality","authors":"Tim Rademacher , Stéphane Corriveau , Jessica Durand , Jessica Houde , Mustapha Sadiki , Andréanne Ouellet , Marco Gilbert , Luc Lagacé","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100712","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100712","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Modern maple sugaring operations use vacuum tubing systems to enhance sap flow and maximize yield. The positioning of tapholes is a crucial aspect influencing tree health and sap yields, but is limited by dropline length. Inverting droplines to expand the tappable zone and reduce the risk of over-tapping has raised concerns about vacuum efficiency and microbial contamination.</div><div>We examined over 2200 trees on multiple high-vacuum 5/16″ tubing systems at two sites over three seasons, tapping at various heights above and below the lateral line. Our analysis showed no significant decrease in sap yield or sugar concentration when tapping below the lateral line. Taps at extreme heights above the lateral line produced slightly more sap (estimated at 0.6 l of sap per tap for a good production season) and marginally sweeter sap (0.06 °Brix). However, differences in vacuum management had a more significant impact on yield. Additionally, there was no evidence of increased microbial activity or changes in sap pH due to relative tapping height.</div><div>These findings demonstrate that tapping below the lateral line effectively doubles the tappable zone without significantly affecting sap yield or quality, promoting sustainable maple sugaring practices by ensuring long-term productivity without compromising sap yields or quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Examining woody plant diversity across indigenous agroforestry practices in the Kellem Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia","authors":"Yerosan Gutema Katebu , Dessalegn Obsi Gameda","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Growing woody plants on farmland not only promotes biodiversity conservation but also supports the livelihood of local communities by offering essential ecosystem services. The present study aimed to assess the woody species diversity within indigenous agroforestry practices in Kellem Wollega Zone, western Ethiopia. From Kellem Wollega, three districts: Dale Sadi, Gawo Qebe,and Sadi Canqa were purposively selected. A total of 135 plots were surveyed, with 45 plots per district across various land use classes, documenting species diversity, evenness, richness, frequency, and important value index. Fifty six (56) woody species from 29 families were counted. Fabaceae family was identified as the most dominant, comprising 7 species (12.5 %), followed by Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae families, each with 4 species (7.17 %). About 71.43 % of species identified species were categorized as trees, while 28.57 % were classified as shrubs. This finding confirmed that the indigenous home garden agroforestry exhibited the greatest diversity of woody species, while woodlots exhibited the lowest diversity. Furthermore, the results indicate significant variations in species diversity across different land use categories (<em>p</em> < 0.001). These results underscore the contribution of indigenous agroforestry practices in enhancing biodiversity and supporting a number of woody species within their ecosystem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142555003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The livelihood impacts of eucalypt plantations on rural farm households in Western Gurage Watersheds, Central-south Ethiopia","authors":"Belay Zerga , Bikila Warkineh , Demel Teketay , Muluneh Woldetsadik","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100711","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100711","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rural landscapes, particularly those close to human settlements and main roads throughout the highlands of Ethiopia, appear greener than the outfields because of eucalypt plantations. The most common factors for eucalypt plantations are two: fuel and construction demands and to generate income.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study tried to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of eucalypt plantations in Western Gurage Watersheds located in Central-south Ethiopia. The specific objectives are: to evaluate the socioeconomic importance of eucalypt plantations on the livelihood of farm households, and to assess perceptions on impacts of eucalypt plantation and copping strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Systematic and purposive sampling method was employed by selecting households with eucalypt woodlots from the list of each Woreda's Kebeles. Close- and open- ended questionnaires were distributed to every fifth households that possessed eucalypt plantations. Three hundred eighty three questionnaires were distributed and collected from households found in three Woredas (districts) namely Cheha, Enemorna Ener, and Eza located in the Watersheds. To supplement the information critical observations, discussions with focus groups and interviews with key informant were employed. The survey data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To describe data acquired from critical observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; critical and logical qualitative data analysis technique were used. Descriptive and dispersive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and correlation were employed using SPSS Version 20.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The result showed that eucalypt plantation dominated fuel wood and construction consumption and substituted further encroachment to natural forests. From multiple responses given, households prefer planting eucalypts to indigenous trees because it is fast growing (100 %), profitable (100 %), needs lesser labor (100 %), needs lower capital (100 %), can be used for multipurpose (100 %), and coppice itself fatly (93 %). They rated income gained from eucalypt as 2nd next to enset.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Households may continue planting the species particularly for fuel wood and construction need since substituting it by other alternative seems not feasible and challenging. To sustain the livelihood and environment; appropriate management like site selection and substitutions by horticultural and cash crops using micro irrigation schemes for market needs are recommended. Conducting in-depth participatory research and specific policy ratification and promulgation on eucalypt plantations will sustain its utilization and curb the drawbacks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Palynological approaches to forest restoration in Southeast Asia: Challenges and opportunities for Thailand—A systematic review","authors":"Thunyapat Sattraburut , Sirasit Vongvassana , Thamarat Phutthai , Yupa Thasod","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Southeast Asia (SEA) has experienced significant deforestation and increasing encroachment on its forests over time. This ongoing environmental issue arises from the persistent exploitation of protected forest areas by local communities, leading to further deforestation and the degradation of remnant forests. Although several organizations have implemented restoration measures, these efforts have primarily focused on reforestation. However, replacing once-diverse forests with only a single type of vegetation or non-native species undermines the fundamental objectives of restoration and exacerbates the vulnerability of these ecosystems, particularly affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions, making them more susceptible to collapse. This paper reviews the application of paleoecology to conservation and restoration efforts in forests worldwide, with a specific focus on SEA, through a systematic review. Out of 833 documents related to palynology and forest restoration worldwide, 19 studies were selected for review based on their clear topical focus on SEA. Of these, 18 studies concentrate on Holocene sediments, while one examines the Pleistocene to Holocene transition. Most studies were conducted in Indonesia, primarily focusing on wetland restoration, particularly in peat swamps. The use of palynological methods in these conditions proves valuable for restoration strategies. Additionally, the review examined challenges and opportunities associated with the palynological approach to forest restoration in Thailand. The findings indicate that there is currently no up-to-date, in-depth palynological analysis in Thailand that incorporates forest restoration efforts. Nevertheless, the palynological approach offers valuable opportunities for forest restoration in Thailand and similar regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impacts of land use and abiotic factors on fruit, seed, and leaf morphology of the desert date Balanites aegyptiaca in Benin: Implications for management","authors":"Amandine Dohoue Martinienne Akakpo , Moustapha Arèmou Kolawole , Kangbéni Dimobe , Kolawolé Valère Salako , Edmond Sacla Aide , Flora Josiane Chadare , Clement Agbangla , Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preserving intraspecific phenotypic variation within socio-economically important but declining species is fundamental in the current context of rapid change in land use and environmental conditions. <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> (L.) Delile is a valuable seed oil tree species native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. Notable morphological variations within the species are recognized by local communities, who often select trees with preferred traits for preservation in croplands. This study compared phenotypic variation in <em>B. aegyptiaca</em> based on sixteen phenotypic traits of fruits, seeds, and leaflets between trees in a strictly protected area and those in croplands. Furthermore, the relative role of land use, soil characteristics, bioclimatic variables, elevation, and slope in the observed variation was analysed. Student <em>t</em>-test, principal component analysis, redundancy analysis, and variance partitioning were used for data analysis in R software. Results showed that, after accounting for tree variation, significant differences were observed in only two traits: seed ratio, and leaflet dry weight, with mean values in cropland being 1.470 (higher), and 0.943 (lower) times that of wild trees, respectively. Furthermore, principal component analysis showed great overlap between ellipses of cropland and wild trees. The variance partitioning analysis showed that bioclimatic variables explained 18 % of the total variation followed by soil characteristics (11 %), and land use (9 %). These findings collectively suggest weak impacts of croplands and a lack of domestication syndrome in <em>B. aegyptiaca</em> in Benin, potentially due to persisting gene flow between wild and cropland trees, inadvertent species management, or low intensity of selection pressures. Future studies should explore organoleptic properties, physico-chemical characteristics of the pulp and seed oil and discern the extent to which observed differences are attributable to genetic factors and biotic factors (pest attacks, plant-plant interactions, etc.).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Timber traceability, determining effective methods to combat illegal logging in Africa: A review","authors":"Jesugnon Fifamè Murielle Féty Tonouéwa , Samadori Sorotori Honoré Biaou , Eméline Sêssi Pélagie Assèdé , Hippolyte Agossou , Rodrigue O. Balagueman","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Illegal logging is a leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. Effectively addressing illegal logging is therefore imperative, especially in the African context, which represents the most vulnerable area to deforestation and has fewer certified forests and traceability systems. Timber traceability involves tracking and monitoring species from the forest to their final use, aiming to support low-impact logging and the protection of forest biodiversity. Wood tracking can be planned intentionally from the tree in the forest, either before or during harvesting (prospective method); or it can be used to verify or determine the geographic origin of timber found on the market (retrospective method). Based on a bibliographic search in scopus, the existing literature on timber traceability worldwide was collected to identify those that are being implemented in Africa and those that could contribute to effectively combatting illegal logging in the continent. The most used traceability methods worldwide with useful results are anatomical wood characteristics, DNA methods, forest legislation and certification, marked wooden board surfaces, QR codes, RFID, NIRS, Blockchain and stable isotope ratios.</div><div>Based on the current situation of African forests, viz. low forest certification rates and low wood traceability (in Africa, on average 5 wood traceability methods have been investigated, of the 24 implemented globally), we propose a wood traceability package (a combination of methods) that includes two retrospective or prospective methods from around the world framed by local forest legislation and considering the socio-economic conditions of the countries. The package will be implemented through a secure integrated online platform supported by policies and monitored by designated competent services. This recommended combination of methods should be enshrined in criminal law. This would help protect African forests, improve their ecological status, and support sustainable forest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impacts of forest fires on watershed hydrological response. A review","authors":"Saeedreza Moazeni , Artemi Cerdà","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forest fires pose significant environmental challenges globally, profoundly affecting watershed hydrology. As human activities increase and climate change exacerbates, the incidence and severity of forest fires have escalated, leading to profound modifications in watershed hydrological behavior. This review synthesizes findings from numerous studies conducted between 1966 and May 2024, focusing on the short- and long-term effects of forest fires on watershed runoff, peak flow, sediment transport, and water quality. Key findings include significant increases in runoff volume and peak flow, with post-fire runoff in some regions increasing by up to 500 %. Fires also alter soil properties, reducing infiltration and increasing erosion. These changes persist over time, impacting groundwater recharge, baseflow, and water quality. Elevated levels of phosphorus, nitrate, and other pollutants in post-fire runoff present risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health, with potential for eutrophication and contamination of drinking water. The study highlights regional differences in hydrological responses to forest fires, with Mediterranean regions experiencing rapid runoff increases, while boreal forests exhibit more gradual hydrological changes. This review also discusses the methodologies employed, including hydrological models and remote sensing technologies, and outlines future research needs to address gaps in our understanding of fire-watershed interactions. Improved management strategies are essential to mitigate the hydrological impacts of increasing fire activity in forested regions worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative analysis of income level in matched small farms with and without eucalyptus plantations in Senan, Ethiopia","authors":"Fasika Belay , Messay Mulugeta , Teferee Makonnen , Arega Shumetie","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100708","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cultivation of eucalyptus trees is a widely practiced economic activity in the highlands of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. This study investigates the causal impact of eucalyptus plantation ownership on household income within the Senan District of Ethiopia. Using cross-sectional data from 332 rural households, comprising 166 households with eucalyptus plantations and 166 without, the study employed a two-sample <em>t</em>-test comparison to compare the income level of households in the two groups. To identify the key factors influencing household income, the study conducted a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to isolate the causal impact of eucalyptus plantations on household income. This involved estimating propensity scores using a binary logistic regression model. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) analysis revealed that households that plant eucalyptus trees had 40.2 % higher total household income than those that did not participate in such activities. Therefore, considering potential demand and market fluctuations, eucalyptus tree growers need to diversify their livelihood strategies by utilizing the income generated from their plantations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
José Jonathan Aguirre Zúñiga , Rosa Laura Heredia Bobadilla , Sergio Franco Maass , Todd S. Fredericksen , Angel Rolando Endara Agramont
{"title":"Occurrence and effect of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium globosum and A. vaginatum) in high-elevation forests in México","authors":"José Jonathan Aguirre Zúñiga , Rosa Laura Heredia Bobadilla , Sergio Franco Maass , Todd S. Fredericksen , Angel Rolando Endara Agramont","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change has very important effects on high mountain forests (>3500 masl), which face various ecological problems associated with global change including the proliferation of pests and parasitic plants. These sensitive ecological systems cover approximately 39,000 ha of Mexican territory and occur around some of the highest volcanoes in the country. The objective of this research was to determine the spatial distribution and infestation levels of dwarf mistletoe (<em>Arceuthobium</em> spp.) in the main populations of <em>Pinus hartwegii</em> in five mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic System (Pico de Orizaba, Nevado de Toluca, Cofre de Perote, Nevado de Colima and Monte Tláloc) and identify infestation patterns in relation to the structure of the forest. In the study, 2658 sampling sites (1000 m² each) were installed using the contour lines as access transects to the forest, distributed at every 100 of altitude, between 3500 and 4000 masl. Approximately 32 % of the sampled area had some level of attack by dwarf mistletoe, distributed across all diameter categories of the trees. The infestations affected the establishment of natural regeneration and rates of tree mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142441888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of stand characteristics and management activities on aboveground carbon storage in Japanese cedar and cypress plantations: Sustainable management implications","authors":"Kyaw Win , Tamotsu Sato","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tree plantations substantially sequester carbon in aboveground biomass and soil and serve as an alternative to forests in mitigating global warming. This study investigated the relationship between aboveground carbon and stand characteristics and management activities in two Japanese plantations (cedar and cypress) for their sustainable management viewpoint, which has not been studied before. Aboveground carbon stock ranged from 3.96 to 248.53 Mg C ha<sup>-1</sup> in 9- to 188-year-old Japanese cedar and 7.09 to 119.17 Mg C ha<sup>-1</sup> in 11- to 129-year-old Japanese cypress plantations. Annual aboveground carbon storage differed significantly between the two species. Aboveground carbon storage in Japanese cedar was affected by stand characteristics (e.g. soil moisture, electrical conductivity, soil texture especially sand and clay, site quality, and stem density) and management activities (e.g. initial silvicultural practices, stem exclusion practices, pest and wildlife management and land management). However, the same in Japanese cypress was affected by stand characteristics (e.g. soil moisture, electrical conductivity, soil texture especially sand, bulk density, site quality, stem density, and elevation) along with management activities (e.g. initial silvicultural practices, stem exclusion practices and land management). Therefore, continuous monitoring and periodic assessment of the stand characteristics and management activities may be taken into consideration in future policy-making decisions to promote aboveground carbon storage and climate change mitigation ability of these plantations in Japan on a sustained basis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}