Projects / Programmes
Planning and silvicultural intervention in situations of the presence of alien invasive tree species
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.01.01 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Forestry, wood and paper technology |
Forest - forestry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B430 |
Biomedical sciences |
Sylviculture, forestry, forestry technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
forest, invasive alien tree species, insolation, diyamics of spread, height and radial growth,, silvicultural planning, care, regeneration
Researchers (11)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
In the past, the development of the living world on Earth are physical barriers (sea, mountain barriers, deserts) prevent the migration of species, thus creating a process of speciation resulted in new species and biodiversity. But these physical barriers were eliminated due to human activities, in such a way new species come randomly or systematically to new areas that are thousands of miles away from their natural habitats. Some of these species (i.e. non-native species) are poorly adapted to a new environment and disappear soon, some begin to reproduce and remain in the area. Among them are those who are beginning to spread rapidly in the new environment and thrive in natural habitats so that their presence and frequency cause big changes in the structure and function of ecosystems (forests). Invasive species affect the change in habitat, compete with native species, alter the structure of ecosystems and hybridize with native species and thereby reduce yields in agriculture and forestry. In prevention of damage caused by invasive species, it is important to act quickly as they can in the first phase only prevent invasive species that occur in the forests. If we are not successful in the first step, in the second phase, if the invasive appear and it is noticed early enough, it can easily be eradicated. It depends on if we have a mechanism of observation (monitoring) and early detection of species. In the present, rapidly changing environment (abandonment of traditional agriculture, climate change), there is a good chance that new invasive species will settle in our environment. As a last phase, an invasive species that are already established and widespread, and there can only strengthen observation and implement actions to control and stop the spread of these species.
Objectives of the project
Objective 1: Identify the problem of non-native invasive species and description of their ecology;
Objective 1 was determined following detailed objectives
The objective of 1.1. Data collection and preparation of the area of distribution of non-native species
Target 1.2. To determine which are problematic non-native invasive tree species
The objective of 1.3. Description of the ecology of these species and designation of sites
Objective 2: Determination of areas where alien invasive tree species are a problem in achieving the objectives of multifunctional forest management;
Within the Objective 2 was determined following more detailed objectives:
Objective 2.1. On the basis of factors of Objective 1 model the distribution of these species is prepared
Objective 2.2. Based on the model to create map the potential distribution of invasive species and also to identify vulnerable zones
Objective 2.3. On the basis of a verification model to identify actual and potential areal problematic invasive species
Objective 3: Creating silvicultural guidelines for the management of invasive alien tree species in a variety of site conditions and circumstances different functions of forests.
Within the 3 were determined following more detailed objectives:
Objective 3.1. Analysis of past use of modified stands and stands with a dominant share of invasive species that are incurred in the process of succession.
Objective 3.2. Analysis of the situation in changed stands
The objective of 3.3. Analysis of ecological rejuvenation of invasive species
The objective of 3.4. Making silvicultural guidelines for action in terms of reducing the proportion of invasive species and prevent their spread for each invasive species.
Expected results
Report on the identification and ecology of invasive species
Model of distribution of each type (designation of vulnerable zones)
Making silvicultural guidelines
Implementation of the results
Into practice
The project will be put into practice through the implementation of
Significance for science
Research has brought new knowledge in the field of forestry, nature conservation, botany and ecology. We found the limiting conditions that enable the emergence of invasive species and compared the results with similar studies elsewhere. We found out which are the most threatened forest habitats and we will include these findings in different (international) projects in the field of nature conservation. We tested a methodology for modeling the potential distribution. Based on the analyzes rejuvenation and previous experiences, we have developed guidelines for silvicultural action in presence of invasive species, which could be used elsewhere. The results were reported at international conferences and articles were published in international journals.
Significance for the country
Achievements of the project will be firstly visible in the field of forestry. We have identified invasive species in forests, created models and on a basis of analyses prepared the guidelines for silvicultural measures that will be directly implemented by collaborators of Slovenian Forest Service in forest planning. In addition, the project results will be indirectly useful in nature conservation (more invasive species), agriculture (pasture cadastre of bees), spatial planning, etc. The results will be included in the university curriculum, carried out by collaborators of the project at various Slovenian universities. In addition, the project also addressed the general public, who will be aware of the danger posed by invasive species to our environment.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
final report
