Evaluating stumps volume in managed, protective pine stands of the subtaiga forest-steppe region of Middle Siberia

The article evaluates the stump reserves in pine forests of the subtaiga-forest-steppe region of Central Siberia. It was found that in stands with high density (relative density above 1.0) and high productivity (I– II productivity classes), the stump stock ranged from 0.23 to 2.21 m3 per ha 1. The proportion of stump wood in the total timber stock ranged from 0.04% to 0.44%. The majority of stumps (39.1%) were in the 2nd decay class, indicating that the silvicultural practices used in the area were implemented over a decade ago. The mass of stumps ranged from 0.07 to 0.70 t per ha-1, while the stump carbon reserve varied from 0.04 to 0.35 t С per ha-1

Young pine stands growth on abandoned farmlands

Afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. The aim of the research is to study the growth dynamics of pine forests on abandoned farmlands. The average biometric parameters of the model trees indicate that the young stands in the study area are approaching the 20th age. Significant relationships were revealed between morphological parameters, which shows the sustainability of young trees growth dynamics. Carbon sequestration rate in young pine stands is high in low-density stands growing on abandoned farmlands where trees diameter increment rate is high. The height increment rate in the studied pine stands is 1.0-1.5 m lower than in natural high-density forests

Designing in vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Models Reproducing Alterations in Brain Aging

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) modeling in vitro is a huge area of research covering study of intercellular communications and development of BBB, establishment of specific properties that provide controlled permeability of the barrier. Current approaches in designing new BBB models include development of new (bio) scaffolds supporting barriergenesis/angiogenesis and BBB integrity; use of methods enabling modulation of BBB permeability; application of modern analytical techniques for screening the transfer of metabolites, bio-macromolecules, selected drug candidates and drug delivery systems; establishment of 3D models; application of microfluidic technologies; reconstruction of microphysiological systems with the barrier constituents. Acceptance of idea that BBB in vitro models should resemble real functional activity of the barrier in different periods of ontogenesis and in different (patho) physiological conditions leads to proposal that establishment of BBB in vitro model with alterations specific for aging brain is one of current challenges in neurosciences and bioengineering. Vascular dysfunction in the aging brain often associates with leaky BBB, alterations in perivascular microenvironment, neuroinflammation, perturbed neuronal and astroglial activity within the neurovascular unit, impairments in neurogenic niches where microvascular scaffold plays a key regulatory role. The review article is focused on aging-related alterations in BBB and current approaches to development of “aging” BBB models in vitro

Litterfall carbon cycle in pine stands growing in the Central Siberian subtaiga forest-steppe zone

The article presents the methodology of collection and desk study of forest litterfall samples. The fractional composition of woody debris has been studied. Biomass and carbon stocks in pine stands litter have been estimated

Spatial structure and morpholody of understory in the southern taiga zone of central Siberia

The spatial structure of understory is influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of the present study was to reveal the role of spatial distribution of the understory and its influence on the morphological and other forest characteristics in young stands. Visual and instrumental forest measuress were conducted to assess the spatial distribution of understory (forest inventory data for Boguchanskoye, Daurskoye and Manskoye forestries in 1965–1975 were used). In Central Siberia, the spatial structure of understory is significantly influenced by the number of understory trees and the share of conifers in the stand composition. Quality of the understory worsens with increase in its number and age. At the same time, the condition of young trees growing in groups is lower. Competition in groups accelerates growth in height, making trees growing in groups higher than those arranged uniformly after 30 years of age. It was confirmed that the spatial structure of understory changes from a group to a uniform one with age. The analysis of variance showed that group arrangement of the understory significantly influences its quality and the share that dominant forest-forming species (spruce) takes in the young generation. In the case of uniform arrangement, a significant characteristic is the number of understory trees. Group spatial structure significantly influences the quality of understory and its growth rate in the southern taiga zone of South Siberia. In Central Siberia, abandoned agricultural lands are restocked mainly with coniferous (Scots pine) and deciduous (birch) species

Young pine stands growth on abandoned farmlands

Afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. The aim of the research is to study the growth dynamics of pine forests on abandoned farmlands. The average biometric parameters of the model trees indicate that the young stands in the study area are approaching the 20th age. Significant relationships were revealed between morphological parameters, which shows the sustainability of young trees growth dynamics. Carbon sequestration rate in young pine stands is high in low-density stands growing on abandoned farmlands where trees diameter increment rate is high. The height increment rate in the studied pine stands is 1.0-1.5 m lower than in natural high-density forests

Seasonal carbon accumulation by groundcover in the Central Siberian subtaiga forest-steppe zone

The research is dedicated to comparing the above ground living vegetation carbon stock in various site conditions. The study was carried out in the Karaul'noe forestry located near Krasnoyarsk, Russia. We placed the research plots in stands of varying density (0.34-1.06) and landforms. Seven research plots are of the closed type (the groundcover develop under the canopy) and three research plots are of the open type (the bank of the Yenisei River, hayfield, area under power lines). Open (forestless) plots (the bank of the Yenisei River, hayfield, area under power lines) and pine forests with forest floor dominated by ferns/tall grasses were of the maximum above ground living vegetation carbon stocks values (from 2.01 to 2.46 tonnes of carbon per ha). A significant carbon sequestration was observed in the pine forest of lingonberry/moss type (1.58 tonnes of carbon per ha) since the moss layer makes a significant contribution to the groundcover carbon accumulation

Assessment of Carbon Productivity Dynamics in Aspen Stands under Climate Change Based on Forest Inventories in Central Siberia

The aim of the present research was to study the dynamics of growth and conditions of aspen stands under climate change, according to different periods of forest inventory. The study was conducted in modal aspen forests growing in the subtaiga/forest steppe region of Central Siberia. Aspen forests grow intensively at young age, which allows them to realize maximum carbon sequestration potential. The research was based on forest inventory data from 1972, 1982, 2002, and 2021 (the study was conducted on a limited territory). There was a steady increase in temperatures in the growing season from 1982 to 2002. The amount of precipitation in the same season and period, however, did not exceed the median value. With an increase in the sum of temperatures in 1982–2002 from 1800 °C to 2100 °C, carbon stored in the stands increased from 0.56 to 1.48 tons C/ha per year. This statement is true for pure aspen forests aged from 10 to 30 years. There is a certain (although indirect) influence that climate trends have on aspen forests’ carbon dynamics. There was a decrease in the average carbon increment in aspen forests from the age of 40. After 55 years, the average carbon increment values in the aspen forests leveled off, and the differences depending on the stand composition became insignificant. Along with an increase in biomass increment with age, aspen stands started losing resilience, and trees began to die due to natural and pathogenic mortality. At ages between 50 and 80, carbon emission increased from 1 to 12 tons C/ha