This chapter aims to show the phenomenon of forest fires from socioeconomic aspects to present the readers with a new perspective. We start from the assumption that fire in forest ecosystems has a positive and negative impact, which can be represented by an appropriate valuation system. The basis for such an assumption was found in the paradox of fire (in natural ecosystems), which has had human attention from the very beginning of the human population. From early views on social dependence on fire to a modern perspective, that fire is a catastrophic phenomenon in nature. Today, it can be assumed that our valuation system is set at a point where fire harms nature. This tacit acceptance has become commonplace in fire reporting where the importance of fire in removing biomass especially coniferous stands, maintaining open spaces for grazing and hunting, reducing catastrophic wildfires, in carbon balance and water regulation or scientific knowledge is almost completely omitted. Contemporary streams in nature and forest science and practice point out that fire is an ecosystem service providing many services with trade-offs between fire prevention and the provision of ecosystem services. Here, we explain why fire in natural ecosystems become relevant for science after the eighties. We present that the extent of fire damage is more than 0.012% of Worlds GDP in this decade. Major socioeconomic driving factors of forest fires are presented too. The chapter presents examples of ecosystem services and economic impacts provided by wildfires.

The paper presents the comparative characteristics of the floristic composition in the association of the submontane beech forest (Helleboro odori-Fagetum moesiacae Soo & Borhidi 1960.) and artificially established spruce stands (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in the area of Kosmaj. According to the obtained results, the cover in the shrub and ground flora layers of the artificially established spruce stands increased significantly compared to the autochthonous beech forests, but the floristic diversity decreased. Regarding the spectrum of floral elements, a higher percentage of mesophilic (51%) and frigophilic plants (11%) was observed in the artificially established spruce stands compared to the beech forests. Significant differences could also be observed regarding the spectrum of life forms since there were twice as many phanerophytes in the artificially established spruce stands (48%) than in the beech forests (23%). This resulted from the open canopy of artificially established spruce stands and the influx of a greater amount of light, which made conditions favourable for an abundant shrub layer to develop in this community. A comparative study of the mean plant indicator values showed that in the artificially established spruce stands, the mean values of the ecological factors for moisture, light and soil nitrogen supply increased, while the value of the ecological factors for temperature and soil acidity decreased compared to the beech forests.

The paper presents the results of the analysis dealing with the impact of plant fertilisation in the first year after planting on the leaf morphological characteristics. The analysis was conducted within the research into the potential introduction and adaptation of paulownia to different sites in Serbia. The results related to the effects of fertilisation on the quality of plant leaves are useful for the cultivation of certain types of soil where the morphometric analysis of leaves reveals structure-function relationships, i.e., more detailed indicators of the species' adaptability. The research was conducted in two localities. Sample plots with Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu. and Paulownia fortunei Seem. Hemsl. were established in Obrenovac and Pambukovica, where leaf material was collected for laboratory analysis. The following morphometric leaf characteristics were measured: leaf area, leaf perimeter, leaf lamina length, central nerve length, maximum leaf width, leaf width at 1 cm from the base of the leaf, petiole length, distance between the 3rd and 4th nerve, the number of nerves to the left side of the midrib, and the number of veins to the right side of the midrib. The obtained results of leaf morphometric measurements were statistically processed in the Statgraphics software. Based on the results of measuring the leaf morphometric characteristics, fertilisation has a positive effect on the size of the leaves of the studied paulownia species.

Extreme weather events caused considerable harm to the forest ecosystems in Eastern Serbia over a few hard winters, resulting in widespread ice breaks and ice uprooting. Certain forest stands were severely impacted during the winter of 2014-2015, necessitating clear-cutting measures. This research was conducted in the Timok forest area, through examination of the floristic composition in areas subjected to clear-cutting, including natural beech forests and artificially established conifer stands within beech sites (Helleboro odori-Fagetum moesiacae). A phytogeographical and bioecological analysis was conducted five years after clear-cutting. Changes in ecosystems were assessed by analysing the spectra of area-types and plant life forms, with comparisons drawn to the “Vinatovača” old-growth forest, situated in the submontane beech forest of Eastern Serbia. Descriptive analysis of the phytogeographical and bioecological spectra of vascular flora, alongside multinomial correspondence analysis, revealed an increased presence of species from Eurasian, Mediterranean-sub-Mediterranean, and Pontic area-types, as well as hemicryptophytic, phanerophytic, and therophytic life forms in the clear-cut areas. In contrast, the old-growth forest was colonised by species of Central European and Holarctic area-types, along with geophytic life forms. These findings suggest a shift towards xerothermic microclimates in the clear-cut areas and the stronger influence of the continental climate of Eastern Serbia with its extremes on deforested areas, as well as on the processes of forest ecosystem degradation.

The paper presents the results of the research conducted in the "Vinatovača" virgin forest in northeastern Serbia. The investigated stands belong to the complex of mesophilic beech forest types. These stands haven't had any management treatments carried out since 1957 when the virgin forest was placed under state protection as a strict natural reserve of beech with the character of a virgin forest. The results of this research were obtained by selecting homogeneous parts of the virgin forest and surveying sample plots established evenly over the entire surface of the virgin forest. Beech is the dominant tree species in all sample plots. Besides beech, there are individual specimens of maple, common ash, cherry, hornbeam, manna ash and Norway maple in the virgin forest area. The investigated stands have a structure typical of virgin forests with the highest number of trees found in the lowest diameter degrees. The investigated stands have a similar volume as other beech virgin forests in Serbia. The obtained value of the stand volume indicates the high production potential of beech forests in northeastern Serbia.