Allometric scaling models for tree saplings: Assessing potential fodder for ungulate herbivores

Madalcho, Aklilu Bajigo; Szwagrzyk, Jerzy; Maciejewski, Zbigniew; Gazda, Anna; Bodziarczyk, Jan

doi:10.1016/j.tfp.2023.100424

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…The measurements taken for tree saplings, such as height (cm), basal diameter (mm), crown length (cm), and crown width (cm), were employed to compute the total dry mass of twigs for each species per transect and then per m 2 . This computation was carried out using newly established allometric equations specific to the particular tree species and study location [39].…”

Section: Data Generation and Soil Lab Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Soil Quality on the Browsing Intensity of Ungulate Herbivores on Tree Species in European Forests

Madalcho,

Gazda,

Wanic

et al. 2024

Forests

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The impact of ungulate browsing on tree saplings has been found to have a negative effect on the regeneration of temperate forests. However, it remains ambiguous whether a relationship exists between browsing intensity and soil quality in natural forests. Therefore, we conducted a study in Roztoczańskie National Park to investigate the relationship between soil quality and browsing intensity for tree saplings. The aim was to gain a better understanding of how soil quality affects the browsing of ungulates on tree species. Baseline data (sapling height, basal diameter, crown length and width, browsed-shoot diameter, and soil samples) were collected from the 22 belt transects established in the permanent research plots. The soil quality index was calculated using physical and chemical soil properties. Twig dry mass was determined using allometric equations. Species relative density and browsing intensity were assessed through field measurements. Relationships between the variables were established using a linear regression model. The results suggest that browsing intensity is influenced by the gradient of the soil quality index and that it varies between tree species. Along the increasing soil quality gradient, tree species’ relative density (p = 0.012) and twig dry mass m−2 (p = 0.005) significantly decreased for A. pseudoplatanus. In contrast, browsing intensity increased significantly with an increasing species relative density for A. pseudoplatanus (p = 0.00) and C. betulus (p = 0.001) and with an increasing twig dry mass for F. sylvatica (p = 0.034) and C. betulus (p = 0.004). Browsing intensity increased significantly with an increasing soil quality index for F. sylvatica (p = 0.027) and decreased significantly for A. pseudoplatanus (p = 0.036). Notably, there was a significant positive relationship between browsing intensity and species relative density and twig dry mass, indicating that ungulate browsing is concentrated where browsing is abundant. These results provide insights that can be used to improve management and conservation strategies to protect tree species vulnerable to ungulate herbivory.

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Section: Data Generation and Soil Lab Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%