Boyka Malcheva (1),  Emilia Velizarova* (2), Maja Nustorova (1), and  Ibrahim Molla (2) 

1. Department of Soil Science, University of Forestry, 10 K. Ohridski Blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: boika.malcheva@gmail.com, m.nustorowa@abv.bg

2. Department of Forest Ecology, Forest Research Institute - Sofia, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 132 K. Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mails: velizars@abv.bg*, mollata@abv.bg
 

Enzyme activity of forest soils affected by forest fire under conifers (Pinus sylvestris L., Larix desidua Mill.) and mixed (Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus cerris L.) forests from north slopes of Rila Mountain (region of Dolna Bania) have been analysed in samples, collected 7 days after wildfire occurrence. Results on catalase, cellulase and protease enzyme activities in fire-affected soils show a considerable increase in comparison with the same enzyme activities of the control (fireunaffected) site. The activities of these three enzymes can be used as indicators of the on-going biological processes in post fire-affected soils. The values of catalase and cellulase were lower in the forest litter, and higher in the subsequent layers of soil. Protease activity increases in depth in three of analyzed fire-influenced soils. In the control soil the activity of this enzyme remains constant in depth of the soil profile. Higher pH values and lower soil humidity were established in fire-affected soils compared to the control soil. A higher content of organic carbon and nitrogen in the soil of surface fire as compared to those with crown fire and control soil was established. 

Gradimir V. Gruychev* and Chrysto D. Mihaylov 

Department of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mails: gradi.val@gmail.com*, h_mihajlov@abv.bg
 

 Between August 2009 and May 2010 74 Chukar Partridge (25 August to November 2009 and 49 from February to May 2010) were released. Chukar Partridges inhabit different size areas between 31.5 and 65.7 ha, but about 10 % of the area of the habitat. Birds prefer thorn bushes during the day to the other areas (χ2 = 13.185, df = 4, p < 0.05). Data show low efficiency of the release and the need to change the practices of resettlement of Chukar Partridges in Bulgaria. 

Munesh Kumar 

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. E-mail: muneshmzu@yahoo.com
 

The aim of the present study was to assess the total standing dead trees of Chir pine and their potential of carbon stock in the forests. Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) in Himalayan forest plays a major role in carbon sequestration. Chir pine is a very prominent forest cover in Uttarakhand, out of total 24,414.80 km2 area under forests; it occupies 3,943.83 km2 which is 16.15 % of total forest area of the state. In sub-tropical region of Garhwal Himalaya, large numbers of standing dead trees have been observed on southern aspect and increasing continuously last few years. Dead standing (snag) trees in the forest play equal role in carbon sequestration as live trees. Although regular inputs of dead tree components play important role in enrichment of forest floor though litter, twigs, fruits and some time entire tree. The results show that the average standing dead trees were reported 14.83 ha-1 of which mean volume and carbon stock values were of 23.14 m3.ha-1 and 14.67 t.ha-1 respectively. 

Youlin Tepeliev and Radka Koleva* 

University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: youlin@abv.bg; rad.koleva@gmail.com*
 

The main objectives of the EU project 'CORINE Land Cover' are creation of a unified European land cover map through interpretation of satellite images and preparation of a digital database of land cover and the changes in it. The results are used for assessment of land cover and its state and policy formulation on protection of the environment, planning and management of agriculture, forestry, transportation, etc. at European and national level. The databases created in different stages of the project 'CORINE Land Cover' - Bulgaria are analysed, some of the most typical changes in the forest territories of Bulgaria concerning the forested areas during the period 1990-2012 are identified, and from there the trends in their development are found. 

Liubka Varbeva and Nasko Iliev* 

Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Forestry, 10 St. Кliment Ochridski blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mails: lubka.varbeva@gmail.com, ilievnasko@abv.bg*
 

Mature seeds of Sycamore maple have a physiological dormancy. Different studies suggest fall sowing or cold stratification for a period varying from 3 weeks to 3 months. The aim of the study is to find optimal way for dormancy breaking of sycamore seeds in South-East Europe conditions. Variants of fall sowing, spring sowing of stored in dry substratum (untreated) seeds and sowing after 1, 2, and 3 months cold stratification were tested. The results showed that during a 2 and 3 months cold stratification the seeds germinate in substratum (relatively 51.5 % and 71.8) and they become useless for sowing. Only 7.0 % of seeds germinate during 1 month cold stratification period in the substrate. The germination after fall sowing is 68.8 %. After spring sowing of untreated seeds and 1 month cold stratificated seeds the germination is relatively 82.3 % and 82.75 %. The height of seedlings was smaller after fall sowing - average 9.76 cm. The seedlings produced after spring sowing of untreated seeds had average height 12.3 cm. The seedlings of seeds, which were cold stratified for 1, 2 or 3 months prior to spring sowing, exhibited the best growth in height (18.5-19.5 cm). The results bring to some conclusions. It is not recommended to store Sycamore maple seeds till spring in wet substrate because it has characteristics of cold stratification and lead to their early germination. The best way for seed dormancy breaking is 1 month cold stratification at 4 °C. The germination dynamics show that stratification have to begin 45 days before the date of last spring frost and the sowing have to be done 15 days before the determinate date. Second variant is spring sowing of seeds stored in dry substrate. In this case germination begins 25 days after the sowing and there is no danger of frost caused damages.