Earticle

This study created the running water (Bandibooliwon) and lentic water (Sooryunwon) artificial habitats of Luciola lateralis in Hwadamsup, Gwangju-si, Gyunggi-do from April 2014 to February 2016. Through various habitat types, metapopulation was formed, and more sound population was induced to be maintained via interactions between habitats. We investigated coenosite at the habitat creation-target site, and 20 species in the lentic water site and 38 species in running water site were found. After releasing L. lateralis, we checked the status of settlement of L. lateralis larvae through traps and macroscopy, controlled the flow velocity of the habitats in line with the life cycle of L. lateralis (hatching, larva period, landing, pupation, copulation, and oviposition), and shaped gentle slope at water side, and planted moss. We artificially supplied melanian snails (Semisulcospira sp.), the food source, in the running water site and induced stable feeding. Also, We created artificial insectary, bred larvae stably in winter, and secured firefly population for a festival. Through night time observation, the time most suitable for a festival was confirmed to be from 20:30 to 22:00.

The study investigated the concentrations of Pb in soil, air and fruit of C. sinensis in selected landuse types in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Five fruits of C. sinensis were collected randomly in residential, commercial, industrial and natural forest (control). The weight, length and width of the C. sinensis fruits were measured. A total of three soil samples were collected around the C. sinensis trees where the fruits were collected into well labeled polythene bags and thereafter taken to laboratory for analysis. Pb concentrations in C. sinensis and soil samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentration of Pb in the air was measured for 14 days using Aeroquel 500. The significant relationship between Pb concentration in the C. sinensis fruits, soil and air was determined using Spearman’s rank correlation. Findings showed that the mean weight and width of C. sinensis fruits were highest in the residential landuse while the mean length of C. sinensis fruits was highest in the industrial landuse. However, the mean Pb concentration in the C. sinensis fruit was highest in the industrial landuse (0.46±0.15 mg kg-1), commercial landuse (0.33±0.09 mg kg-1) and the least was found in the natural forest (0.25±0.06 mg kg-1). The mean Pb concentration in the soil was highest in the industrial landuse (0.177±0.16 mg kg-1) and commercial landuse (0.121±0.10 mg kg-1). However, the mean Pb concentration in the air was highest in the industrial landuse (0.85±0.09 mg kg-1) and followed by commercial landuse (0.30±0.17 mg kg-1). The correlations between the Pb concentration in the C. sinensis fruit and soil (r=0.768, p＜0.05) and air (r=0.642, p＜0.05) were significant. The study concluded that the Pb concentration in the C. sinensis fruits was higher than the WHO standard; hence people should be discouraged to consume them, especially those from the industrial and commercial areas.

Sumber Jaya (54,194 hectares) is a district in West Lampung, Indonesia, located at the upper part of Tulang Bawang watershed. This watershed is one major water resource for Lampung Province, but has become a focal point of discussion because of the widespread conversion of forestland to coffee plantations and human settlements which lead to environmental and hydrological problems. This research aimed to evaluate Sumber Jaya watershed affecting by rapid land use change using hydrological methods as a base for watershed management. Nested catchment structure consisted of eight sub-catchments was employed in this research to assess scaling issues of land use change impacts on rainfall-runoff connections. Six tipping bucket rain gages were installed on the hill slopes of each sub-catchment and Parshall flumes were installed at the outlets of each sub-catchment to monitor stream flow. First, unit hydrograph that expressed the relationship of rainfall and runoff was computed using IHACRES model. Second, unit hydrograph was also constructed from observations of input and response during several significant storms with approximately equal duration. The result showed that most of the storm flow from these catchments consisted of slow flow. A maximum of about 50% of the effective rainfall became quick flow, and only less than 10% of remaining effective rainfall which was routed as slow flow contributed to hydrograph peaks; the rest was stored. Also, comparing peak responses and recession rates on the hydrograph, storm flow discharge was generally increased slowly on the rising limb and decreased rapidly on the falling limb. These responses indicated the soils in these catchments were still able to hold and store rain water.

This study investigates to identify the impact factors of timber production cost on the relationship between production cost components and revenues generated by evaluating the entire timber supply chain. In this research, selected 13 logging zones as target areas and classified 14 forest production cost factors, six groups. Additionally, established 13 externalenvironmental factors with related stakeholders and forestry experts. And the BCR (Benefit Cost Ratio) method was then used to analyze the economics of each zone. Filled up a checklist and rated using 5 point scale for each target region, and extracted major cost factors for the production economy of the item. The analysis of major cost factors in the timber production revealed that wood grab equipment usage fee was the first ranked and forest trees purchase cost was ranked in the 2ndAlso, the 3rdranking was logging expenses, and transport cost, which accounted for 84% of the total cost, was ranked in the 4th. In addition, the rock land ratio, slope, timber payment (forest trees purchase cost), special timber, ratio of timber, DBH (Diameter at Breast Height), and mixed forest ratio were the factors that most affected the timber supply chain cost.

Tectona grandis (teak) is one of the most important timber species worldwide and India is one of the major teak growing countries. Though some volume equations were developed for teak in India but the models developed were neither evaluated using robust statistical criteria nor validated. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop statistically tested appropriate volume equation to predict total wood volume (over- and under-bark) for teak trees in Gujarat. A total of 41 trees with age varying from 15 to 33 years and diameter at breast height (dbh) from 7.3 to 30.8 cm were felled for the purpose. Linear and non-linear equations were used to model the relationship of the total wood volume with respect to dbh and total height. The equations tested mostly fitted well to the data. Model evaluation and validation indicated that models should be calibrated with local data for greater accuracy in the prediction.

The characteristics of 124 Phytolacca americana present areas and 88 surrounding absent areas over the country were investigated and compared from July 2016 to Sept 2017. The Phytolacca americana was confirmed as having been nationally distributed and is usually found in roadsides at an altitude of 380 m (26%), forest edges (24%), forests (19%), sunny spots (60%), dry soils (53%), sandy loams (31%) and sand＋gravel soils (22%). 321 taxons consisting of 79 families, 209 genera, 289 species, 2 subspecies, 26 varieties and 4 cultivars and 286 taxons consisting of 76 families, 195 genera, 256 species, 2 subspecies, 24 varieties and 4 cultivars were found in the Phytolacca americana present areas and the absent areas, respectively. The relative net contribution degree was found highest in the Phytolacca americana (100) followed by Robinia pseudoacacia (29.4), Humulus japonicus (8.8) and Artemisia princeps (6.0) in the present areas, while it was found highest in Robinia pseudoacacia (100) followed by Humulus japonicus (44.4), Artemisia princeps (35.9), Pueraria lobata (18.6) and Setaria viridis (12.3) in the absent areas. The Raunkier’s life form in the present/absent areas was found highest in the therophytes (34%/34%), followed by hemicryptophytes (17%/18%), megaphanerophytes and mesophanerophytes (18%/17%), nanophanerophytes (11%/11%) and geophytes (9%/11%). There was no significant difference in the species diversity between the present (2.141) and the absent (2.124) areas. However, the allelopathic agent and light blocked-out by the Phytolacca americana could possibly inhibit germination and the development of other species; especially, where a difference in species diversity was found high in forests, compared to other habitats (p=0.0605). Accordingly, it is suggested to review possible disturbances of native species habitats in shady spots including forest gaps, although the effect of Phytolacca americana on the ecological system in the suburban open and disturbed areas is not large.

This study was conducted in a long-term experimental forest in the central hardwoods region of southwestern Michigan to retrospectively examine the role of past forest management practices and climate on red oak (Quercus rubra L.) productivity. Initially, in 1971, plots within the experimental forest were treated separately with a clearcut and shelterwood regeneration harvest in an attempt to increase red oak regeneration. From 1987-1989, a new study was initiated within a portion of the clearcut and shelterwood plots to evaluate the effectiveness of additional oak crop tree release using mechanical and chemical applications. Cumulative diameter and mortality rates of 719 red oaks were monitored across the four silvicultural treatments: Clearcut-A (clearcut without additional release treatment), Clearcut-B (clearcut with additional release treatment), Shelterwood-A (shelterwood without additional release), and Shelterwood-B (shelterwood with additional release) plus an untreated control. Increment cores were obtained from red oak trees and neighboring competitor species. Tree-ring analyses (dendrochronology) were applied to examine the effect of these silvicultural treatments and climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) on red oak productivity. The results indicated that crop tree release following a clearcut or shelterwood harvest reduced mortality rates and thus increased survival of red oak. Red oak in control plots or plots only receiving the initial regeneration harvesting treatment and no additional competition release were negatively affected by climatic stress, which included summer moisture stress. In contrast, red oak in plots that received the competition release treatment from shade tolerant tree species not only had higher tree level productivity (i.e., tree basal area) and lower mortality rates, but were also relatively more resilient to climatic stress by showing limited or no associations between climate and growth.

This research paper investigates available options for implementing clean development mechanism (CDM) project in Sarawak state, Malaysia. To investigate economic feasibility, data was collected using survey and field research methods. Also, economic analysis was estimated using net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (PBP) during the 30 years CDM: afforestation and reforestation periods. The result of economic analysis indicated that, the payback period was estimated at 9 years with 18 percent of internal rate of return (IRR). This study also highlighted that CDM biomass supply project have a lot of challenges due to the reduction and exclusion of bio-Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF), supply and demand scenario, and impact of restriction of illegal logging in Malaysia. This study results demonstrate the methodology and guideline for future CDM investment and projects.