Improving stem quality assessment based on national forest inventory data: an approach applied to Spanish forests

20 Pág.Key message: This paper proposes a methodology that could be considered as a base for a harmonized protocol for stem-quality reporting in Europe while conducting National Forest Inventories, in order to cost-efficiently obtain a visual wood quality proxy. The importance of the variables selected, the limitations identified, and some improvements to the methodology are suggested. Forest areas with better wood quality, which in turn it would be useful for breeding programs, can be easily detected. Context: The establishment of harmonized standards or indicators that allow us to determine the quality of the wood present in a forest prior to its exploitation has long been demanded by the European forestry sector, although agreed methodologies for the evaluation of wood quality in standing trees, which is one of the sector’s most urgent requirements, have not, as yet, been implemented. Aims: To develop a protocol that visually characterizes wood quality on standing trees in a cost-effective way for the National Forest Inventory (NFI). After some improvements, it can be considered as a base for a European harmonized protocol. Methods: In this article, we analyze the implementation, in the NFI, of a visual wood-quality assessment methodology in forests of Central Spain based on the different European standards as well as on research papers addressing this issue. Results: The silvicultural practices employed are of the utmost importance to obtain the best wood quality, regardless of the species. Several areas with higher wood quality were identified as well as areas most affected by specific pests in the studied region. The impact of the variables measured (e.g., branchiness, crookedness, maximum branch diameter) is discussed. Conclusion: It is feasible to estimate a proxy for wood quality on standing trees in the NFI. Furthermore, after studying the inventory data provided, several enhancements are proposed, not only to improve wood-quality estimates but also to optimize fieldwork costs. Harmonizing NFIs to assess and map European standing wood quality can be achieved.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food (Encomienda de Gestión. EG17-042 “Soporte científico a la generación de información Forestal”).Peer reviewe

Socio-economía y paisaje forestal de la Sierra de Gredos: el caso de El Arenal (Ávila)

El paisaje forestal está ineludiblemente unido a las actividades socio-económicas de la población rural. El caso de la Sierra de Gredos, en su vertiente sur conocida como el Valle del Tiétar, es un buen ejemplo de evolución del paisaje ligada a la forma de vida de sus habitantes. Tomando como ejemplo el pueblo de El Arenal (Ávila), se describe el proceso seguido en gran parte de las poblaciones de esta comarca abulense a lo largo del siglo XX. Su paisaje forestal está dominado por las masas de Pinus pinaster, especie cuya extensión viene fluctuando según perturbaciones socio-económicas. En pocas décadas se ha pasado de una forma de vida predominantemente basada en el aprovechamiento de los pastos, la madera, la resina y los cultivos en bancales a otra economía más variada y de mayor componente terciario. En cierto modo, los recursos naturales del monte sufren ahora una menor presión, pero sigue latente, si acaso con mayor gravedad, el peligro del abandono y los seculares incendios forestales