Forest type identification by random forest classification combined with SPOT and multitemporal SAR data

We developed a forest type classification technology for the Daxing＇an Mountains of northeast China using multisource remote sensing data.A SPOT-5 image and two temporal images of RADARSAT-2 full-polarization SAR were used to identify forest types in the Pangu Forest Farm of the Daxing＇an Mountains.Forest types were identified using random forest（RF） classification with the following data combination types： SPOT-5 alone,SPOT-5 and SAR images in August or November,and SPOT-5 and two temporal SAR images.We identified many forest types using a combination of multitemporal SAR and SPOT-5 images,including Betula platyphylla,Larix gmelinii,Pinus sylvestris and Picea koraiensis forests.The accuracy of classification exceeded 88% and improved by 12% when compared to the classification results obtained using SPOT data alone.RF classification using a combination of multisource remote sensing data improved classification accuracy compared to that achieved using single-source remote sensing data.

Effects of Topographical and Edaphic Factors on the Distribution of Plant Communities in two Subtropical Karst Forests,Southwestern China

Relationships between topography,soil properties and the distribution of plant communities on two different rocky hillsides are examined in two subtropical karst forests in the Maolan National Natural Reserve,southwestern China.Surveys of two 1-ha permanent plots at each forest,and measurements of four topographic and thirteen edaphic factors on the slopes were performed.Twoway Indicator Species Analysis(TWINSPAN) and Detrended Canonical Correspondence Analysis(DCCA) were used for the classification of plant communities and for vegetation ordination with environmental variables.One hundred 10m×10m quadrats in each plot were classified into four plant community types.A clear altitudinal gradient suggested that elevation was important in community differentiation.The topography and soil explained 51.06% and 54.69% of the variability of the distribution of plant species in the two forest plots,respectively,indicating both topographic factors(eg.elevation,slope and rock-bareness rate) and edaphic factors(e.g.total P,K and exchangeable Ca) were the important drivers of the distribution of woody plant species in subtropical karst forest.However,our results suggested that topographical factors were more important than edaphic ones in affecting local plant distribution on steep slopes with extensive rock outcrops,while edaphic factors were more influential on gentle slope and relatively thick soil over rock in subtropical karst forest.Understanding relationships between vegetation and environmental factors in karst forest ecosystems would enable us to apply these findings in vegetation management strategies and restoration of forest communities.

Classification and management of community forests in Indian Eastern Himalayas:implications on ecosystem services,conservation and livelihoods

Introduction:Evidence is mounting that traditional knowledge can play a critical role in shaping the biodiversity conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem services.This study was conducted with Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh(Ar P)state in the Eastern Indian Himalayas to understand as how local systems of forest classification governs conservation tradition and influences subsistence livelihoods.Twenty Adi villages were sampled from East Siang district of Ar P.A total of 197 men and 204 women(total of 401)Adi respondents were selected for this study.A combination of methodologies including in-depth interview,transect walks,focus group discussion,participant observation and informal interactions were combined for data collection.Results:Local forests are classified into 10 different categories based on indicators such as topography,cultural significance,use typology,ownership rights and plant diversity indicators.Local people assign different values(economic,cultural and ecological)to different forest types.Overall,morang followed by regpi and homegardens are perceived to be more valuable to the local needs than other forests with relative ranking of a particular forest reflecting its sustainability.Adis access several diverse services from these community-managed forests.Compared to men(3–35%),the role of women was assessed to be much higher(65 to 100%)in conserving forest biodiversity.Woman-led practices,instrumental in sustainable forest management,included deliberate manipulations of micro-habitats,sustainable harvesting strategies and species domestication.Men were mostly involved in ownership and decision-making roles and in devising social norms to ensure sustainability.Adi celebrate a number of cultural events to sustain biodiversity.Forest-based livelihoods are intrinsically connected to forest resource conservation and are governed by community approaches.Most of the community members gather plants,hunt wild animals and access other ecosystem services from these forests to sustain their livelihoods.Community-owned forests are collectively managed by an indigenous institution‘Kebang’.Conflicts relating to forest land use and resource management are resolved by the customary chief‘Gaon Burha’and his associates using traditional norms.Conclusions:Adi’s system of forest classification,based on ecological,socio-cultural and livelihood indicators,is a location-specific yet comprehensive in nature.Study suggests that integrating the local indicators applied in classifying and strategies applied in managing the local forests can provide valuable insights to the policy makers for the sustainable conservation of forest resources.

Soil quality index as a tool for Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris) monoculture conversion planning on afforested,reclaimed mine land

In Central Europe, a large portion of post-mining sites were afforested with Scots pine, which is characterized by good adaptability and a tolerance for poor habitat at the beginning of forest ecosystem development. Conversion of monoculture on mine sites into more biodi- verse mixed hardwood forests, especially on more fertile deposits, can be an emerging need in this part of Europe in next decades. The ability to classify the forests at these post-mining sites will facilitate proper species selection as well as the management and formation of the developed ecosystem＇s stability. This work describes the guidelines that can be followed to assess reclaimed mine soil （RMS） quality, using the mine soil quality index （MSQI） and a classification of developed forest sites as a basis of tree-stand species selection and conversion of pine monocul- tures. The research was conducted on four post-mining facilities （lignite, hard coal, sulphur, and sand pit mining areas） on different RMS sub- strates dominant in Central Europe. Soil quality assessment takes into account the following features of the soil： texture soil nutrients （Ca, Mg, K, Na, P）; acidity （pH KC1）; and Corg-to-Nt ratio in the initial organic horizon. An analysis was conducted of classification systems using the MSQI validation correlation （at p =0.05） with vegetation features af- fected by succession： aboveground biomass of forest floor and ecological indicators of vascular plants （calculated on the basis of EUenberg＇s （2009） system）. Eventually, in the analysed data set, the MSQI ranged from 0.270 for soils on quaternary sands to 0.720 for a mix of quaternary loamy sands with neogene clays. Potential forest habitat types and the role of the pine in the next generation of tree stands on different RMS parent rock substrate were proposed.

Concept of the integrative aspects of the forest ecosystem services with case study on recreation services assessment in Slovakia

Introduction:This paper presents basic information on the research,classification,and application of the functions of tree species and their communities(mainly forest)in Slovakia.The main aim is a scientific assessment of acquired knowledge regarding the functional effects of forests under real ecological,forest management and socio-economic conditions from various regions in Slovakia;the most up-to-date findings concerning the ecology and economics of natural resources will be applied here.The second part of the paper presents methodological possibilities for valuation of outdoor recreation in forests.Different methods and methodological approaches suitable to a valuation of recreation based on various principles and criteria(preference and non-preference methods,cost-based methods,revenue-based methods,and direct and indirect methods)are analyzed.A practical application of one indirect preference method(travel cost method)is made to evaluate outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia.Results and conclusions:A new classification system and a methodology of integrative utilization of forest functions for the forest ecosystem services are constructed.Outdoor recreation in forests,besides recreational forests and areas,assumes the character of a public good:its use by individuals has some influence on utilization by other individuals,and single users cannot be excluded from its utilization.Therefore,some stimulation for its production is missing.In principle,there are no markets for these kinds of public goods and services.The total value of outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia amounted to€163.4 million;if opportunity time costs were included,this amounted to as much as€825.7 million.