Sowing density is one of the most important factors influencing seedling quality. In forest nurseries, to ensure full seeding, it is recommended to obtain approximately 200 seedlings from 1 m 2 (ZHL 2012). The aim of the study was to assess the effect of sowing density on sowing efficiency and the morphological features of pedunculate oak seedlings. Acorns were sown directly by broadcast seeding on 20 test plots, each 4 m in length, in four replications. The following variants were used:

• 250 acorns capable of germination totaling 341 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m²);
• 300 acorns capable of germination totaling 410 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m²);
• 350 acorns capable of germination totaling 478 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m²);
• 400 acorns capable of germination totaling 546 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m²);
• 450 acorns capable of germination totaling 614 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m²).

   At the end of the growing season, seedlings were counted per 1 m (0.9 m²) in the central part of each plot. Sowing efficiency was determined as a percentage of seedling yield from the sown seeds. For laboratory analysis, 30 seedlings from each plot (600 in total) were collected. Based on biometric features like shoot height, root collar diameter, and dry weights of shoots, roots, and leaves, quality indicators such as the sturdiness quotient (SQ) and the Dickson quality index (DQI) were calculated. Sowing efficiency at the end of the vegetation season ranged between 39.68% and 50.12% and was not statistically significant. The research revealed that sowing density influenced seedling biometric characteristics. Pearson’s correlation coefficients showed significant negative correlations between the number of seedlings obtained in an experimental plot and the dry weight of the root, number and dry mass of leaves, as well as the DQI. The seedlings from all sowing variants complied with the binding Polish standard, outlined in the Regulation of the Minister for the Environment of 18 February 2004 (Ministerstwo Środowiska 2004) by over 96%.

Keywords: seeding density; sowing rate; seedling quality; sowing performance; sturdiness quotient (SQ); Dickson quality index (DQI); Quercus robur L

   Spruce (Picea abies) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) dominate much of Scandinavia, but it is unclear how these species fare in places not subjected to forestry. Currently, evidence suggests that in the absence of disturbance, spruce will increase while pine will decrease. The term “sprucification” has been coined to describe the landscape-wise change. We tested this prediction in a 3.4 ha wooded meadow in southern Sweden set aside for free development in 1923. Comparing with older data, we assessed how tree density, basal area and size distribution has changed since 1937 when trees were mapped. We also estimated annual mortality and recruitment of new trees. The number of trees had declined since 1937, while the basal area had increased somewhat. Spruce but not pine had shifted its geographic distribution within the reserve. Mortality was three times higher among spruce than pine. Recruitment of new trees was modest, with most being spruce. Size distribution of spruce changed substantially over time with a loss of small trees and addition of large trees. Size distribution of pine, however, remained unaffected, except for the decline in the number of small trees. On balance, despite a century of free development, there was no clear evidence for sprucification in this former wooded meadow, now a dense mixed forest.

Keywords: Sweden; Pinus sylvestris; Picea abies; agricultural land; over-growth

   Large clear-cut areas as a consequence of drought and bark beetle infestations necessitate extensive replanting efforts in German forests, leading to an increased interest in efficient planting systems. In addition to manual planting, mechanized and semi-mechanized systems utilizing surplus forest machine capacities available after completion of salvage logging operations are likely required for timely reforestation of the clear-cut areas. A semi-mechanized system utilizing a standard forwarder with a grapple-actuated soil borer for both, the transport of planting material and the preparation of planting pits, combined with two workers carrying out manual planting, was investigated in a time-and-motion study. The frequency method was used after video recording of a planting operation that covered an area of approximately 1.2 hectares. A total of 815 alder saplings (Alnus glutinosa L.) with heights of 1.2–1.5 m were planted. Observed productivity was 93 saplings per system work hour (SWH). With additional placement of stakes for stabilizing the plants, the productivity decreased substantially. While directly comparable results were not found in the literature, available productivity figures of purely manual planting systems do not suggest an increased productivity of this semi-mechanized system. Considering ergonomics, however, forwarder utilization provides reduced workload not only in plant hole preparation but also with material transport and clearing of planting spots. Both the ergonomic aspects of the system and, in particular, the suitability of the soil borer for different soil textures should be further investigated.

Keywords: time studies; forwarder; stand regeneration; windthrow; forest operations

   Wildlife management is an integral part of forest management, and game animals should be considered an essential part of the forest ecosystem and agroecosystems in which the flow of energy changed fundamentally during the 20th century due to the use of fertilisers, pesticides, and modern technologies. An approximately four-fold increase in the production of crops brought with it an increase in the number of ungulates in the world. The tasks of foresters and hunters in wildlife management include creating the best suitable living conditions for animals and mitigating conflicts between forest animals and human activities. This necessitates the creation and implementation of modern land units called Game Management Regions (GMRs) in Poland. This concept was defined in the Polish Hunting Law primarily for managing big game populations. The aim of the GMRs is to ensure year-long management of game populations within their respective ranges. Long- term Hunting Management Plans were developed for each GMR, serving as the basis for adopting management directions, and achieving the desired state of the game population as recorded in the multi-year plan (typically spanning ten years). However, experiences and the current situation reveal several weaknesses in the functioning of these divisions, including rapid changes in the environment, particularly the emergence of barriers like highways and new buildings. This research aimed to develop a method for determining or verifying the boundaries of the GMRs based on objective criteria as a case study hosted by the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Lublin. During the conducted analysis we examined data provided by the Regional Directorate of State Forests (RDSF) in Lublin, including information on the current density of red deer (Cervus elaphus), forest cover, forest patch fragmentation, categories of hunting districts, ecological corridors, as well as existing, under-construction and planned highways and expressways. The boundaries of the GMRs were determined by aggregating hunting districts with similar characteristics using GIS software while considering ecological barriers. The analysis results indicated the need to establish 12 divisions instead of 8, with significant deviations from the previous delimitation. The obtained results underscore the necessity of verifying the boundaries of the GMRs nationwide.

Keywords: large-scale game management; big game; Game Management Region; hunting plans