Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Martina Đodan Author-Workplace-Name: Department for Silviculture, Croatian Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, Croatia Author-Name: Sanja Perić Author-Workplace-Name: Common Affairs Service, Croatian Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, Croatia Author-Name: Karmen Vugdelija Author-Workplace-Name: Department for Silviculture, Croatian Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, Croatia Title: The role of hyperspectral imaging in forest seedling phenotyping Abstract: In recent years, hyperspectral imaging has been widely adopted in agriculture and plant phenotyping, while its application in forestry has been increasing. From that point onward, hyperspectral imaging has become a valuable tool for plant phenotyping, enabling the assessment of a broad range of plant traits. Given that seedlings of forest trees are one of the most widely used types of forest planting stock, advancements in hyperspectral technology have created new possibilities for improving seedling quality assessment. High-quality forest seedlings are important for the successful establishment of forest stands, especially after outplanting within restoration initiatives. Even though hyperspectral imaging brings numerous advantages, continued technological improvements are necessary to address its several limitations and challenges. Despite its widespread use in agricultural phenotyping, applications in forest nursery production remain limited. Therefore, this review focuses on research involving hyperspectral imaging in forest seedling production and its potential for assessing seedling quality parameters. Keywords: plant evaluation, remote sensing, research gaps, technological approaches, spectral imaging techniques Journal: Journal of Forest Science Pages: 269-284 Volume: 72 Issue: 6 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/22/2026-JFS File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/22/2026-JFS.html File-Format: text/html File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/22/2026-JFS.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/jfs-202606-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnljfs:v:72:y:2026:i:6:id:22-2026-JFS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ondřej Špulák Author-Workplace-Name: Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Opočno Research Station, Opočno, Czech Republic Title: Effects of red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) on early soil development during afforestation of nutrient-poor post-mining sands Abstract: The article aims to raise the knowledge on how the Northern red oak affects the soil formation and nutrient cycling compared to Scots pine during the early-stage reclamation of nutrient-poor mineral soil that originated in the deep soil layers in a former sand quarry. Furthermore, the aim is to also answer the question if the admixture of red oak helps to regenerate the soil properties more effectively than pure stands. Three treatments were established: pure red oak, pure pine, and a mixed stand, where organic [composite samples of L+F (litter and fermented), F+H (fermented and humic)] and mineral (A, C) soil horizons were analysed. The oak significantly outperformed the pine in the soil amelioration, showing elevated pH, higher base saturation, and enriched concentrations of basic cations in the humus horizons. The lower litter accumulation under the oak reflected the enhanced decomposability of its litter. A pattern of reduced cation exchange capacity, but the elevated base saturation of the oak soils suggested the development of a nutrient-rich microenvironment with a diminished risk of aluminium toxicity. Phosphorus remained critically limiting. The mixed stand exhibited intermediate properties closer to the pine stand, with the synergistic effects currently limited. Our results support red oak as an effective reclamation species for infertile post-mining soils, though sustained amelioration requires a decades-long perspective and integrated forest management strategies. Keywords: development of soil layers, mine site restoration, nutrient cycling, post-mining substrates, soil amelioration Journal: Journal of Forest Science Pages: 297-307 Volume: 72 Issue: 6 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/29/2026-JFS File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/29/2026-JFS.html File-Format: text/html File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/29/2026-JFS.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/jfs-202606-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnljfs:v:72:y:2026:i:6:id:29-2026-JFS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jan Kašpar Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Zohreh Mohammadi Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Meryem Tahri Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Title: Evaluation of selected forest ecosystem services in forest management planning using multi-criteria decision analysis: A pilot study in the Czech Republic Abstract: Forest ecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services (ES), including timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, and cultural functions. Integrating these often conflicting objectives into forest management planning represents a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDA) problem. This study proposes a practical MCDA framework for evaluating selected ecosystem services within the Czech forest management planning system (LHP/LHO). The framework integrates forest growth simulation, ecosystem service indicators, GIS data, and MCDA methods. Five indicators were evaluated: wood production, carbon stock, erosion risk, biodiversity, and cultural ecosystem value. Criteria weights were derived using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), while management scenarios were ranked using TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and PROMETHEE methods. A pilot simulation over a 100-year horizon compared four forest management scenarios: clear-cutting, shelterwood, selective, and non-intervention management. Selective management achieved the highest multifunctional sustainability [composite sustainability index (CSI) = 0.855], combining relatively high production with strong ecological and cultural performance. Clear-cutting management maximised short-term production but showed higher erosion risk and lower biodiversity. The study demonstrates the potential of MCDA to support transparent multifunctional forest management under Central European conditions. Keywords: Czech Republic forests, non-productive forest functions, strategic planning, sustainability assessment Journal: Journal of Forest Science Pages: 308-321 Volume: 72 Issue: 6 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/43/2026-JFS File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/43/2026-JFS.html File-Format: text/html File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/43/2026-JFS.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/jfs-202606-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnljfs:v:72:y:2026:i:6:id:43-2026-JFS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jakub Černý Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Workplace-Name: Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Jíloviště, Czech Republic Author-Name: Jaroslav Čepl Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Zdeněk Vacek Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Jan Cukor Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Workplace-Name: Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Jíloviště, Czech Republic Author-Name: Stanislav Vacek Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Title: Comparison of indirect optical methods for estimating effective leaf area index in young Norway spruce stands Abstract: Forest canopy structure is crucial for regulating light interception, carbon exchange, and water balance, making accurate estimation of leaf area index (LAI) essential for forest ecology and management. This study compared three indirect optical methods (LAI-2200 PCA, LaiPen LP 110, and digital hemispherical photography - DHP) for estimating effective leaf area index (LAIe) in young Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] stands. It evaluated the influence of the field of view (FOV) and seasonal timing on inter-method agreement. The research was conducted in young, even-aged Norway spruce stands at the Křivina experimental site in the Czech Republic, using three research plots with varying stand densities. Results showed that LAIe estimates were influenced by the selected FOV, with mean values generally decreasing as FOV increased, particularly for the LAI-2200 PCA. Narrow FOV configurations produced greater local variability among sampling positions, whereas broader FOVs resulted in more homogeneous spatial canopy patterns. The strongest agreement among methods was observed between LaiPen LP 110 and LAI-2200 PCA, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.84 across temporally matched measurements. In contrast, DHP exhibited weaker and more variable relationships with LaiPen LP 110. Differences among research plots were most pronounced between the dense control stand and the heavily thinned stand, indicating that canopy density and structural heterogeneity substantially affected LAIe estimation. The study demonstrates that indirect optical methods are sensitive to both canopy structure and measurement configuration; therefore, careful instrument selection, FOV standardisation, and synchronised measurements are essential for obtaining reliable and comparable LAIe estimates. Keywords: canopy transmittance, digital hemispherical photography, field of view, gap fraction, LaiPen LP 110, LAI 2200 PCA, Picea abies Journal: Journal of Forest Science Pages: 285-296 Volume: 72 Issue: 6 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/42/2026-JFS File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/42/2026-JFS.html File-Format: text/html File-URL: http://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/42/2026-JFS.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/jfs-202606-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnljfs:v:72:y:2026:i:6:id:42-2026-JFS