Simeon Bogdanov

University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Bld., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: sbogdanovs@abv.bg

The paper presents results from investigation on soil texture changes caused by forest fires. Cinnamonic Forest soils (Chromic Luvisols, FAO) and Gray Forest soils (Gray Luvisols, FAO) have been investigated. The sample plots were set up in burned and unburned control areas. They were situated in the Lower forestry zone (0-700 m a.s.l.) of the Tracian forest area and the Lower forestry zone (0-600 m a.s.l.) of the Moesian forest area, respectively. Soil samples have been taken three times in a course of nine years. The fractions of sand, silt and clay have been determined by pipette method. A relationship was established between soil texture and soil type, and the type and intensity of fires.

Vladan Popovic¹, Vladan Ivetic², Mirjana Sijacic-Nikolic²,Radmila Knezevic², Bratislav Matovic¹, and Vera Lavadinovic¹

¹Institute of Forestry, Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 3, Serbia. E-mail: veralava@eunet.rs
²University of Belgrade - Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 1, Serbia.

In the1950s, the interest of the professional public was drawn by Taxodium distichum Rich., as an allochthonous coniferous species in Serbia. It can be considered a fast-growing species, one of rare coniferous species that can be favourable for the afforestation of lowlands, and especially flooded sites, on which it can achieve high productivity. There is only one registered Taxodium seed stand in Serbia, located near Backa Palanka, within FMU 'Palanacke Ade - Cipski Poloj', Compartment 11, Section a, area 0.22 ha, with 111 trees. The stand is about 70 years old, d_s=51.7 cm, h_s=26.5 m. The effect of four different pre-sawing treatments on Taxodium seed germination percentage was studied on five trees originating from the seed stand. Germination percentage was researched on a standard sample (4 x 100 seeds per tree), during 28 days. The study data were processed using the software 'Statgraph 6.0'. The summary statistics was presented, the two-way analysis of variance for treatment and tree, and LSD-test. The study results show that seed immersion in citric acid (100 or 500 ppm) during 48 hours stimulates the germination percentage in laboratory conditions. Based on the two-way analysis of variance, it was confirmed that the differences in the number of germinated seeds was the result of the applied treatments, and not of the seed origin. Taking into account that this treatment is simple, inexpensive and harmless to human health and environment, it can be more widely applied in the production of Taxodium seedlings.

Gradimir Gruychev

Department of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd. 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: gradi.val@gmail.com

The purpose of this study was to determine some of the environmental factors affecting the population of Blackbirds (Turdus merula) in the area of the West Park in Sofia. The study was conducted in 2008 and 2009. The number of blackbirds during the breeding (12.5 pair per 100 ha) and non-breeding (5.3 ind. per 100 ha) season was determined. It was found that the density of Blackbird in the area surveyed is defined by the availability of suitable nesting sites, the quantity of food and the soil moisture. The human presence also impacts the number of reported blackbirds.

Dana Dina Kolevska

Faculty of Forestry, bul. A. Makedonski bb, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. E-mail: dkolevska@sf.ukim.edu.mk; danakolevska@yahoo.com

In this paper, results of investigation of root systems of containerized and bare root seedlings and trees in stands of Austrian black pine in the R. of Macedonia are presented. The aim of the investigation was to analyze root morphology and deformations of 1+0 Austrian black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) seedlings and trees grown in containers 'Paperpot' and 'Yucosad', compared with bare root seedlings. Presence and deformations of lateral and vertical roots of the seedlings were analyzed. Investigated stands were raised by the same seedling stock types and developing in different ecological conditions. On each stand trees were excavated with root ball, cleaned, measured and analyzed. Deformities of roots and irregularities of lateral roots spreading were recorded. Indexes R, HV and A were calculated. Root systems of seedlings of both container types are modified and deformed by the container. Morphology and deformities of root systems of young trees of both container types are similar and the influence of primal container is still perceptible. Root systems of older trees gradually overcome this disposition and develop according to site conditions ensuring functionality and stability. Secondary deformations take part in root morphology modification of all seedling stock types. There is no significant difference between Paperpot and Yucosad seedlings and trees features, roots morphology and field performance. Container and bare root stands' growth and vitality depend mostly on site conditions and planting technique.

Plamen Aleksandrov^*, Emil Galev, Vladimir Shtilianov,
and Veselin Rangelov

Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria. ^*E-mail: breze@dir.bg

The article illustrates the deteriorated condition of wood-bush formations of the park “Vrana” and the reduction of their high artistic value as a building material for well-scaled in the past parks, which were created with excellent knowledge of the biological characteristics and artistic effect of the vegetation. All archival materials and documents about the composition of the park spaces in different periods of its construction and development are systemised. Mapping is performed and forest taxation of bush-tree arrays is made, as the species structure and their other forest features (established in 2008) are defined. Photo archive is also complied documenting their condition at this time (2009). The significance of the forest stand and the seedlings for the aesthetic qualities of the park spaces is substantiated. The conclusions made on this basis underline the need for urgent measures to improve their health and aesthetic condition. The characteristics and the main criteria, which those forest stands should meet, are defined and there is a proof for the need of timely forestry and landscaping intervention to improve the artistic aspect with a view to the future exposition of the park to the citizens and the guests of the Bulgarian capital. Concrete proposals have been made and possible present solutions to the issue have been formulated as a basis for planning the major events for the recovery and preservation of the authentic spatial composition in the park. The idea is this to serve to specify the biological, ecological and aesthetic aspects of a common strategy for the conservation, development and socialization of park “Vrana” according to the accepted principles of conservation of cultural and historical heritage.