High-quality seedling production is crucial in forestry activities to enhance the success of planting efforts and ensure the sustainability of the species. In this study, the effects of different concentrations (0, 4, 8, and 12 mL/L) of nanotechnological liquid organomineral fertiliser on the morphological characteristics and seedling quality of two-year-old oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) seedlings were investigated. Morphological characteristics measured in the study included seedling height, root collar diameter, number of side branches, root length, root number, as well as fresh and dry weights of shoot, root, and seedling. For seedling quality evaluation, dry root percentage, sturdiness quotient, shoot￾root ratio, and the Dickson quality index were used. The results showed that the highest fertiliser concentration (F12 mL/L) produced the most favourable outcomes in terms of both morphological characteristics (e.g. 42.16 cm for seedling height, 8.42 mm for root collar diameter) and quality criteria (e.g. 0.39 for the Dickson quality index). Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between simple measurable parameters, such as seedling height and root collar diameter and quality indices, such as the Dickson quality index, indicating their potential as meaningful indicators in quality assessment. The study results demonstrate that fertiliser applications can significantly contribute to producing high-quality seedlings.

Keywords: fertilisation; morphological characteristics; quality index; seedling quality

   In this study, we present the results of an investigation of the long-term dynamics of natural silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) forests within the Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park, Belarus. Six sample plots represent two primary forest associations: Tilio-Carpinetum and Querco roboris-Pinetum sylvestris. All stands originated from clear-cuttings in the early 20^th century, and their age varies from 84 to 111 years as of 2023. The study spans from 1972 to 2023, encompassing the observation of various forest parameters, including diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, canopy positioning, living ground cover, and the shrub layer, conducted multiple times (from 2 to 4).

   Successional patterns were observed to develop in three main directions, contingent upon the initial composition of the forest stand. In most cases, Betula pendula forests transition directly to spruce (Picea abies) forests or through the short (around 20 years) European aspen (Populus tremula) phase. The emergence of broadleaved forests in their place typically occurs no earlier than 200 years after logging, coinciding with the period of decline of Picea abies due to droughts and bark beetle attacks. Exceptions are observed in forest phytocenoses thriving on more fertile soils, where Quercus robur and/or Acer platanoides can swiftly replace mixed Populus tremula-Betula pendula stands after a century of development. Consequently, a considerable reduction in Betula pendula forests within Belavezhskaya Pushcha is anticipated in the forthcoming decades, gradually replaced by Picea abies and mixed broadleaved forests. These findings are significant for predicting the stand structure, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration potential of unmanaged forests.

Keywords: long-term study; permanent plots; Betula pendula; DBH structure; regeneration; succession

   The amount of deadwood is a subject of heated debate regarding biodiversity conservation and carbon (C) storage as an instrument for climate change mitigation in north-eastern Europe. In the region, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) are among the principal forestry species providing a significant pool of stable deadwood, especially in overmature forests. Deadwood C stocks are highly variable, and regional deadwood estimates can be biased; thus, local data is vital, and accurately quantified deadwood C stocks, particularly in overmature stands on different soil types, are essential.

   The study aims to characterise deadwood C stock, modes (standing or lying), and decay classes in hemiboreal overmature coniferous forest stands on dry mineral, drained, and wet organic soils. C stock in deadwood and forest inventory parameters were estimated in 95 overmature (aged 122 to 218 years) coniferous stands using the sample plot method, taking into account the form of deadwood standing, decomposition class and soil type.

   Mean deadwood C stock (deadwood with a diameter ≥ 6.1 cm) in coniferous stands ranged from 4.59 C t ha^–1 to 11.25 C t ha^–1 in spruce stands on wet organic soil and pine stands on mineral soil, respectively. However, the amount of deadwood showed large spatial variability; at the same time, a statistically significant relationship between deadwood carbon stock and soil type, basal area, and the mean stand diameter at breast height, explaining a limited effect and maintaining high uncertainties. This suggests that the dynamics of deadwood were complex, driven by ageing, natural disturbances and any past management, perhaps carried out decades ago; for these reasons, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the potential legacy effect of any disturbances in some stands. Nevertheless, the results highlight the crucial role of large-sized coniferous deadwood as a stable carbon store, contributing to both carbon storage and maintaining biodiversity, in the hemiboreal region.

Keywords: carbon stock; coarse woody debris; decay stage; organic soils; Norway spruce; Scots pine

   The article presents the results of acoustic bird monitoring conducted in the Bukovynian Carpathians in April and May 2023 at nine locations, including both protected and anthropogenically transformed areas. A total of 96 bird species were identified, for which the phenological status of occurrence and the intensity of vocal activity were determined. The Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, Jaccard and Sørensen-Czekanowski similarity indices, and hierarchical clustering were used, and the results were visualised as heat maps and dendrograms. The obtained data indicate spatio-seasonal patterns in bird distribution depending on habitat type and the degree of its transformation. Three species were recorded in the region for the first time: Milvus migrans, Ficedula hypoleuca, and Acanthis flammea. The study confirms the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring in mountain ecosystems with logistical constraints and high biodiversity.

Keywords: birds; anthropogenic pressure; acoustic surveys; Bukovynian Carpathians; biodiversity