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Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning
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Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Forestry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 13883

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Surendra Singh Bargali

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Guest Editor
Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital 263002, Uttarakhand, India
Interests: forest and grassland ecology; invasive biology; agroforestry; carbon sequestration; microbial biomass; fine root dynamics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kiran Bargali

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Guest Editor
Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital 263002, Uttarakhand, India
Interests: forest ecolgy; agroecosystems
Dr. Kapil Khulbe

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Guest Editor
Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital 263002, Uttarakhand, India
Interests: botany; medicinal plants; microbiology; plant pathology; molecular biology
Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhariya

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Guest Editor
Department of Farm Forestry, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya (Formerly, Sarguja University), Sarguja, Ambikapur 497001, India
Interests: forestry; ecology; agroforestry; biodiversity assessment; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

On the Earth’s land surface, forests have been estimated to occupy more than 4 billion hectares. Forests perform a great number of functions both as a natural formation and as a product of skilful human activity. Forest ecosystem consists of organisms (plants, animals and micro-organisms) and their habitats (the soil and air). The functioning of forest ecosystems is characterized by energy flow and nutrient cycling, biomass production and the decomposition of dead organic matter via microbes. Micro-organisms play important roles in regulating ecosystem processes ranging from nutrient cycling to soil carbon storage, fluxes, transformation of aqueous solutes and processing of water pollutants. Human activities are part of the ecosystem dynamics and human perceptions of forests are changing. Forests contain 80% of all aboveground carbon and approximately 40% of all belowground carbon, which plays an important role in terrestrial functions. In addition, a large amount of mineral nutrients in forest soils sustain forest growth and regeneration. In recent years, human activities have changed the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems in most of the region of world. While deforestation and conversion to agricultural land are the most visible threats to forests worldwide. These systems are also increasingly exposed to atmospheric nutrient decomposition and climate change. The three main functions performed by a forest ecosystem are protective, productive and social. Forest structure is both a product and drivers of ecosystem processes and biological diversity. It has become apparent in recent years that changes in forest structure as a result of management or disturbances have undesirable consequences for other components of forest ecosystems and humankind.

Therefore, this special issue is devoted to ‘Structure and Functioning of Forest Ecosystems’. We encourage studies on structure and functioning of forest ecosystems from a wide range of geographical settings. This issue specially will try to seek out studies which explore various aspects of forest ecosystems. The article published in this issue will try to stimulate more and wide discussions about the manifold interactions in forests and their ecosystems that influence the products and services on which people rely, role of natural and human disturbances in changing the forest ecosystems and strategies to improve the forest health.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include the following:

  • Forest structure and functioning
  • Climate change and forest
  • Role of biotic and abiotic factors on forest ecosystem
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Determining the level of forest ecosystems vulnerability to environmental hazards
  • Developing new approaches to support risk and vulnerability assessment in forest ecosystems
  • Relationship between forests and agroecosystems
  • Predicting the future species distributions and vulnerability of forest ecosystems to climate change scenarios

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Surendra Singh Bargali
Dr. Kiran Bargali
Dr. Kapil Khulbe
Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhariya
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • climate change
  • ecosystem services
  • disturbances
  • forest ecosystems
  • nutrient cycling
  • phyto-diversity
  • structure and functioning
  • nature-based solutions
  • soil micro-biota

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1683 KiB  
Article
Effects of Stand Density on Growth, Soil Water Content and Nutrients in Black Locust Plantations in the Semiarid Loess Hilly Region
by Bochao Zhai, Meimei Sun, Xiaojuan Shen, Yan Zhu, Guoqing Li and Sheng Du
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010376 - 31 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1291
Abstract
Stand density is an important index of forest structure, which strongly affects local environments and functions in the forest. Many black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) plantations with low quality in the Loess hilly region are assumed to be caused by inappropriate stand [...] Read more.
Stand density is an important index of forest structure, which strongly affects local environments and functions in the forest. Many black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) plantations with low quality in the Loess hilly region are assumed to be caused by inappropriate stand density. In this study, the growth status, spatio-temporal variations in soil water and nutrient conditions were investigated in the nearly middle-aged plantations with three density classes. The proportion of stunted trees increased with the increase in density class. The stands of <2500 stems ha−1 not only had the distribution peak of diameter at breast height (DBH) being at a larger diameter class, but also showed relatively rapid growths in diameter and biomass per tree. However, stand density did not show a significant effect on the growth rate of both mean tree height and biomass density. The maximum biomass density and relatively high soil NH4+-N content appeared in the density class of 2500–3500 stems ha−1. The temporal stability of soil water content (SWC) on a seasonal scale increased with the deepening of the soil layer, and spatio-temporal variations in the SWC remained relatively stable in the deep layer (200–300 cm). While the infiltration depth after rainfall was rainfall-amount-dependent, the depth of effective replenishment reduced with the density class increasing. The average SWC and its temporal stability in 0–300 cm of soil layer are the best in a stand density of less than 2500 stems ha−1. No significant differences were observed among the stand density classes in the contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, NO3−-N, and available phosphorus in soils of these nearly middle-aged plantations that have experienced similar management history since the afforestation of abandoned cropland. Overall, the stand condition of density class I is superior at present. But thinning of stand density may be needed to maintain the best stand conditions in the future, with the stand age increasing. The results contribute to further understanding of the relations between density gradient and multiple variables in the plantations, which offer a reference for the forest management and sustainable development of ecosystems in the semiarid region of the Loess Plateau. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning)
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24 pages, 847 KiB  
Article
Is Regulation Protection? Forest Logging Quota Impact on Forest Carbon Sinks in China
by Ziqiang Zhang, Jie He, Ming Huang and Wei Zhou
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813740 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1514
Abstract
As the central part of terrestrial ecosystems, forests have an irreplaceable role in regulating climate, prompting various efforts to protect them. Logging regulation is the most commonly used forest conservation strategy. Although the logging permit scheme was written into the Forest Law in [...] Read more.
As the central part of terrestrial ecosystems, forests have an irreplaceable role in regulating climate, prompting various efforts to protect them. Logging regulation is the most commonly used forest conservation strategy. Although the logging permit scheme was written into the Forest Law in China, its effect on forest carbon sequestration has rarely been subject to careful empirical scrutiny. In this paper, we develop and estimate a spatial econometric model to disentangle its potential effects on forest carbon sinks based on a panel dataset of 29 provinces from 1989 to 2018 in China. Our calculations show that China’s forest carbon sinks are still growing and are connected geographically, with a tendency towards “high-high” and “low-low” aggregation. Increasing the logging quota produced a spatial spillover effect that might encourage the formation of forest carbon sinks in nearby areas. It considerably encouraged the expansion of forest carbon sinks. Additional mechanism testing is consistent with the claim that rising logging quotas have significantly boosted the proportion of timber forests in afforestation but had no effect on the movement of rural labor to urban areas. The development of forest carbon sinks is impacted in different ways by various logging quota types, with an increasing tendency for logging quotas to have a more significant contribution. Additionally, the non-collective forest region has a more significant spatial spillover effect of the logging quota on forest carbon sinks. The logging quota scheme should be improved by policymakers, beginning with eliminating tending quotas in the southern collective forest region. After that, the logging quota would gradually be eliminated nationwide, notably for commercial forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning)
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21 pages, 1942 KiB  
Article
Invasive Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae) in Agroecosystems of Kumaun Himalaya, India: A Threat to Plant Diversity and Sustainable Crop Yield
by Bhawna Negi, Kavita Khatri, Surendra Singh Bargali and Kiran Bargali
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10748; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410748 - 8 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1784
Abstract
Invasive plant species pose a serious threat to agricultural yield, although how the threat varies with the distance of crops from invasive plants remains unclear. Therefore, utilizing this viewpoint, objectives were formulated to quantify differences in the native vegetation and performance of crops [...] Read more.
Invasive plant species pose a serious threat to agricultural yield, although how the threat varies with the distance of crops from invasive plants remains unclear. Therefore, utilizing this viewpoint, objectives were formulated to quantify differences in the native vegetation and performance of crops growing near A. adenophora–invaded (treatment plots) and uninvaded ridges (control plots) in the terraced agricultural fields of Kumaun Central Himalaya. Morphological and yield parameters of two crops, viz. rice (Oryza sativa L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.), were assessed systematically by laying parallel transects from the ridge of the field up to 5 m towards the centre of the field in three equal distance intervals of 1 m in the order: 0–1 m, 2–3 m, and 4–5 m. Crofton weed showed 95–100% crown cover throughout invaded ridges/risers of terraced fields, with stem densities of 134–208 ind. m−2 and an average basal area of 0.15 cm2. The total mean density of herbs (other than A. adenophora) in invaded ridges/risers decreased by 38–85% compared to uninvaded ridges, but species richness increased by 31–37%. Soil nutrient availability was high across invaded ridges/risers as well as crop fields. The average irradiance level near uninvaded ridges was 19.6 ± 1.80%, and near invaded ridges, it was 1.8 ± 0.31%. Compared to straw, root, and grain yields obtained at the farthest distance, the yield of rice near uninvaded ridges was reduced by 27%, 19%, and 33%, while near invaded ridges, it was reduced by 37%, 39%, and 43%, respectively; the yield of soybean near uninvaded ridges declined by 62%, 66%, and 42%, while near invaded ridges, it decreased by 59%, 69%, and 47%, respectively. Compared to the values obtained at the farthest distance, the harvest index (HI) of rice near ridges was reduced by 7% and 13%, while the HI of soybean increased by 15 and 10% across uninvaded and invaded field ridges, respectively. The findings indicated that the Crofton weed could suppress field crops and could form a single dominant population in the invaded area, causing a serious threat to the plant community, its diversity, and the yield of the native agroecosystem in the foreseeable future if timely management actions would not be taken. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning)
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16 pages, 3432 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Management Influences Root Characteristics and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in the Vegetable-Based Agroecosystem in the Northwestern Himalayas
by Archana Sharma, Jagjeet Chand Sharma, Yog Raj Shukla, Manohar Lal Verma, Upender Singh, Ranjit Singh Spehia, Deeksha Sharma, Krishan Lal Gautam, Rushal Dogra, Huseyin Baris Tecimen, Munesh Kumar and Amit Kumar
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10593; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310593 - 5 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1770
Abstract
Imbalanced nutrient fertilization adversely affects root growth and alters the nutrient use efficiency of a crop. This study aimed to understand the influence of integrated nutrient management on root characteristics and nitrogen use efficiency in the vegetable-based agroecosystem. The field trial was conducted [...] Read more.
Imbalanced nutrient fertilization adversely affects root growth and alters the nutrient use efficiency of a crop. This study aimed to understand the influence of integrated nutrient management on root characteristics and nitrogen use efficiency in the vegetable-based agroecosystem. The field trial was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and Water Management of Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan (HP) India in 2019 and 2020. There were nine treatments viz. T1- control, T2-100% farmyard manure (FYM; N equivalent basis), T3-100% N, T4-100% NP, T5-100% NK, T6-100% PK, T7-100% NPK, T8-100% NPK + FYM (recommended practice), and T9-150% NPK + FYM on root densities (mass, volume, and length) and N use efficiency of cauliflower and capsicum. The results observed that different treatments exert significant effects on measured as well as derivative parameters. In detail, the application of 150% NPK + FYM recorded significantly higher root-mass density (0.72 and 1.71 g m−3 × 10−3), root-volume density (4.49 and 2.52 m3 m−3 × 10−3), and root-length density (1.21 and 0.81 cm m−3 × 10−4) in cauliflower and capsicum, respectively, which was statistically at par with treatment T9 (100% NPK + FYM). Similarly, this treatment (150% NPK + FYM) resulted in a maximum positive N (774.6 kg ha−1), P (650.4 kg ha−1), and K (334.9 kg ha−1) balance of soil after the complete harvest of two cropping-sequence cycles. However, maximum agronomic N use efficiency (59.9 and 67.9 kg kg−1) and apparent recovery of N (39.3 and 59.7%) were recorded under 100% FYM (N equivalence) in cauliflower and capsicum, respectively, but this treatment produced the negative N balance (−91.7 kg ha−1) and K (−340.3 kg ha−1) in soil, whereas significant improvement in agronomic use efficiency, apparent recovery of applied N, as well as in soil, and the NPK balance was recorded under 100% NPK + FYM over the other treatment. This study recommended an integrated nutrient module that is the application of 100% NPK + FYM to ensure better root growth and positive nutrient balance in the soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning)
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24 pages, 4039 KiB  
Article
Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Forest Carbon Stocks—A Case Study from Gori Valley, Western Himalaya
by Soni Bisht, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali, Gopal Singh Rawat, Yashwant Singh Rawat and Archana Fartyal
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16918; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416918 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 2407
Abstract
Carbon stock assessment in various ecosystems is vital for monitoring the health of these ecosystems and national accounting for the United Nations convention on climate change. The influence of various anthropogenic drivers on carbon stock in different ecosystems has not been examined comprehensively. [...] Read more.
Carbon stock assessment in various ecosystems is vital for monitoring the health of these ecosystems and national accounting for the United Nations convention on climate change. The influence of various anthropogenic drivers on carbon stock in different ecosystems has not been examined comprehensively. This study aims to determine the impact of anthropogenic pressures (lopping, cutting, grazing) on soil physico-chemical properties and carbon stock in four temperate broadleaf forests dominated by different species of oak, viz., Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Rianj oak (Quercus lanuginosa), Moru oak (Quercus floribunda) and Kharsu oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) along an elevation gradient from 1700–3000 m asl in Gori valley, western Himalaya. Biomass data were collected from 120 quadrats of 10 × 10 m size at three distinct altitudes (4 forest sites × 3 altitudes × 10 quadrats) and analysed for carbon stock, whereas soil samples were randomly collected in triplicate from three depths of each altitude of the forest site and further analysed for their physico-chemical properties. A total of 767 individual trees with a diameter of ≥31 cm were measured at twelve sites and standing biomass was estimated following the growing stock volume equations. Mean carbon stock was highest in Moru oak (396.6 ± 29.5 Mg C ha−1) and lowest in Banj oak forest (189.3 ± 48.6 Mg C ha−1). We also found soil to be the largest pool of forest carbon (43.0–59.7%) followed by aboveground biomass (31.5–45.0%), belowground biomass (8.4–11.7%) and litter (0.4–0.5%). The basal area showed significant effect on altitude and carbon stock, whereas disturbance showed significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with the total carbon stock. Soil nitrogen exhibited a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.60) with the basal area, indicating that nitrogen enhances tree growth and forest carbon stock. However, anthropogenic disturbance showed a significant negative impact on the basal area, soil nutrients and carbon stock of oak forests. This concludes that forest structure, anthropogenic pressure and soil parameters contribute to the carbon stock of the area. Considering the significance of these overexploited oak forests, it is recommended to conserve the old-growth forest species in the study area, since they have the highest carbon accumulation potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystem: Structure and Functioning)
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