This paper presents an analysis of the radial growth, tree dimensions, and allometry of three phenological pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.; QURO) varieties (early (E-QURO), typical (T-QURO), and late (L-QURO)), from a common garden experiment. We focused on the resistance and resilience of each variety to drought events, which occurred in 2012 and 2017, as well as their recovery potential during juvenile and mature growth phases, with the goal of clarifying how QURO drought sensitivity is influenced by tree phenology and growth stage. Our results indicate that E-QURO is more drought resistant, while T-QURO and L-QURO exhibit greater recovery potential after a drought event. Hence, typical and late QURO varieties are better prepared to withstand climate change. We also noted differences in the physical dimensions and the allometry of the studied QURO varieties. On average, 21-year-old QURO specimens from the analyzed stand are 9.35 m tall, have a crown width (CW) of 8.05 m, and a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 23.71 cm. Although T-QURO varieties had the greatest DBH and CW, they were shorter than E- and L-QURO, which are similar in height. T-QURO is also shorter relative to DBH, while L-QURO has a wider crown relative to tree height (TH). Intra-variety variations are higher than variations among half-sib (open-pollinated) families of each variety. Moreover, the adopted regression model provided a better fit to the CW/DBH ratio than to TH/DBH and CW/TH.

Summary The loss of soil organic carbon stock and increased CO₂ emission from soil are induced by various human activities. The aim of this study was to examine whether an anthropogenic influence during the regeneration of a pedunculate...

Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services essential for human well-being, including provisioning, regulating, and cultural benefits. Among these, the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) by trees has emerged as a key factor mediating physiological and psychological health effects. BVOCs, particularly terpenes and phytoncides, influence immune function, reduce stress, support cardiovascular and respiratory health, and contribute to mental well-being. Forest-based therapeutic practices, such as Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing): capitalize on these natural compounds, demonstrating measurable improvements in mood, stress hormone levels, and immune parameters. Beyond direct health benefits, BVOCs interact with atmospheric chemistry, affecting air quality and urban environmental conditions. Despite growing evidence, the mechanisms linking specific tree species and BVOC profiles to health outcomes remain insufficiently understood, and interdisciplinary collaboration between forestry, medical sciences, and urban planning is limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on forest ecosystem services and BVOCs in the context of human health, highlighting chemical ecology, therapeutic applications, and potential risks in urban environments. It further identifies knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions to guide forest management, urban green space design, and public health strategies. By integrating ecological, physiological, and environmental perspectives, forests and their volatile compounds can be effectively leveraged as nature-based tools to promote sustainable health and well-being.

Urban roadside environments are characterized by altered microclimate and soil conditions that impose recurrent drought stress on trees, affecting their physiological performance and adaptive capacity. Understanding species-specific physiological and structural responses to drought stress is crucial for selecting tree species that are suitable for urban environments. In the present study, we investigated the species-specific and temporal (monthly) patterns of the in situ leaf physiological status and structural traits of two riparian tree species, Quercus robur L. and Carpinus betulus L., cultivated as urban roadside trees in Novi Sad, Serbia, throughout the growing season (from June to September). This was achieved by assessing leaf gas exchange and rapid light curves of chlorophyll a fluorescence together with leaf structural traits. Under drought stress, Q. robur exhibited sustained photosynthetic activity and transpiration rates due to reduced stomatal sensitivity, indicative of a more anisohydric behavior with respect to its water relations strategy. In contrast, C. betulus exhibited tighter stomatal regulation and showed lower assimilation rates accompanied by reduced cooling capacity, indicating stricter, more conservative water-balance management indicative of isohydric species. Fluorescence indices revealed contrasting behavior: C. betulus showed enhanced NPQ values accompanied by a decline in photosynthetic efficiency, while Q. robur exhibited lower NPQ, suggesting better maintenance of photosynthetic performance and electron transport in PSII under the observed drought stress. These patterns were further supported by higher stomatal density combined with smaller stomatal size, indicating faster stomatal response rates in C. betulus compared to Q. robur. Overall, these results suggest that C. betulus is a more promising riparian tree species for urban landscapes, particularly under drought-prone conditions and predicted climate changes, in comparison to Q. robur.

The emission of CO₂ from soil represents one of the most significant fluxes between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. It is crucial to investigate the impact of stand age on soil CO₂ emissions in order to evaluate the possibility of carbon sequestration through the establishment of new forests. In this study, soil CO₂ emissions and microclimate variables (soil temperature and moisture) were investigated in the chronosequence of three differently aged stands (4-, 14-, and 70-year-old stands) in floodplain pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) forests in Serbia. This study highlights how the artificial regeneration of pedunculate oak forests (establishment of new stands) can affect CO₂ emissions from soils. Seasonal fluctuations in soil CO₂ emissions were observed in all of the monitored stands, along with variations in the influence of soil temperature and moisture. Multiple linear regression, incorporating soil temperature, soil moisture, and their interaction, offered the most comprehensive explanation for the variation observed in soil CO₂ emissions. The seasons had statistically significant effects (p < 0.001) on CO₂ emission from the soil in the examined stands during 2022. The youngest stand (4-year-old) had significantly higher soil CO₂ emissions (p < 0.05) compared to the older stands over the entire study period (2021–2022). These results showed that the 70-year-old stand (natural high stand) had significantly lower soil CO₂ emissions compared to the 4-year-old stand (artificially regenerated stand).

The paper examines hydromorphic soils from the class of gley soils, soil type humogley. The examined soils are located in the protected part of the inundation of the middle course of the Danube. According to the chemical properties of the examined soils, the pH value ranges from 7,64 to 8,15 on average, and with depth there is an increase in alkalinity. The total salts of the examined soils had increased values in the humus horizon and ranged from 0,06 to 0,09%. The texture classes of the humus horizon of these soils are: clay loam to sandy clay loam, while the lower sub-horizons of the gley are textural classes of sandy loam, loamy sand and sand. The influence of the Danube water level on the groundwater level results in high correlation coefficients, which range from 0,67 to 0,88. The groundwater in these soils had the highest level from 28 cm to 70 cm depth, and the lowest level was from 110 to 175 cm deep. The amplitude of groundwater variation during the year in the examined humogley soils ranges from 66 to 132 cm. Groundwater quality classes according to U.S. Salinity Laboratories are unfavorable and range from C3S1 to C4S1, ie salt to very salty water with low sodium content, and according to the FAO classification the water quality is such that there is a moderate need for restriction. High groundwater level above the critical level, as well as watering the soil with water of this quality can have an impact on salinization of the surface horizon of humogley soil of the examined area.