The study examines forest stands within Production Unit I Vlădila, managed by the Caracal Forest District (Olt Forestry Directorate), focusing on the influence of ecological factors on the dominant species — black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and Hungarian oak (Quercus pedunculiflora). Using forest management data and field observations, climatic, edaphic, and site conditions were assessed. Results indicate a predominance of oak and black locust stands developed on cambic phaeozem and psamosol soils, characterized by medium productivity and generally satisfactory health. The study highlights the need for appropriate silvicultural measures to support natural regeneration, maintain productivity, and ensure the ecological stability of forests in the Oltenia Plain.

In recent decades, research on the effects of physical fields– particularly electric and magnetic– on biological processes in plants has developed significantly. These fields can influence seed germination, cellular activity, and the subsequent development of seedlings, offering innovative perspectives in agriculture and forestry. The present study evaluated the impact of electric and magnetic fields on spruce seeds, with the aim of improving germination rates and seedling growth. For the electric field, three voltages (10V, 30V, 50V) and two exposure times (15 and 35 minutes) were tested. The most effective combination was 10V for 35 minutes, while the 50V- 15 minutes’ variant had negative effects. The highest seedling height was obtained at 10V 15minutes. In the case of the magnetic field, the seeds were exposed to three different times intervals- 10, 20, and 30 minutes- at an intensity of 0.22 × 10⁻³ T. A 20-minutes exposure resulted in the highest germination rate and produced seedlings with significantly greater heights compared to the control and other variants. The results demonstrate the positive effect of using physical fields as an ecological and efficient method for stimulating germination and plant development, offering valuable applications in forest regeneration and the production of high-quality seedlings.

The rehabilitation project of the Magura amelioration perimeter is founded on a comprehensive approach that integrates the geomorphological, climatic, and geological characteristics of the area, along with the urgent need for ecological restoration measures. A detailed environmental assessment has revealed that the lands within the Magura perimeter are at significant risk of erosion and degradation, primarily due to climatic conditions and the geological particularities of the region. The geographical and administrative positioning of the perimeter highlights the strategic importance of the area within both administrative and ecological contexts, particularly given its proximity to protected zones and the necessity for sustainable land management. Moreover, climatic and geomorphological factors are critical drivers necessitating immediate intervention to prevent soil loss and to safeguard local biodiversity. The proposed technical solutions, including afforestation works and the implementation of an ameliorative complex, are essential for restoring the ecological balance of the region. Land mapping and monitoring measures will enable the effective and long-term implementation of restoration works, contributing to sustainable natural regeneration. The necessity of the investment is strongly supported by a cost–benefit analysis, which demonstrates that land rehabilitation efforts will yield multiple advantages—both economic (through improved soil productivity) and ecological (by stabilising ecosystems and preserving biodiversity). In addition, the proposed technical measures are aligned with environmental regulations and will contribute to achieving the European Union’s sustainability objectives. Therefore, the rehabilitation of the Magura perimeter represents a vital investment in environmental protection and the assurance of a sustainable ecological future, delivering substantial benefits to local communities and the wider region.

This study examines the forest fund managed by the Sasca Montană Forest District, integrating ecological, pedological, geomorphological, and climatic characteristics relevant to the foundation of sustainable forest management. Field investigations included medium-scale site mapping, detailed soil profile descriptions, physico-chemical analyses, and assessments of stand structure. The analysis of lithological substrate and landforms highlights their influence on soil formation and the productive potential of forest ecosystems. The climatic and hydrological regime, marked by balance and diversity, contributes to vegetation stability and the ecological functionality of forested areas. The data collected were codified and processed automatically, facilitating the development of management plans, functional zoning, and the identification of conservation measures. This work provides a robust scientific basis for the integrated management of forest resources in the context of current ecological challenges. The effectiveness of silvicultural measures will be evaluated at the end of the management cycle by comparing the current structure with the optimal model. Based on the results obtained, effective solutions will be continued, and new measures will be adapted to the ecological and economic realities of the forest fund.

Public policies such as the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support organic conversion to advance agri-food security, market-price competitiveness and trade positioning, yet cultivar-matched fruit-quality evidence for high-value niche crops remains scarce. This pilot case study compared biometric, physicochemical, biochemical, and mineral fruit traits of three organically grown sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) cultivars ('Mara', 'Dora', 'Clara') and 'Clara' under conventional management from a Romanian orchard, linked to CAP support payments (€620/€442/ha/year) and a farm-gate revenue scenario using export price benchmarks (€4.0/kg). Conventionally grown 'Clara' produced larger, heavier fruit (549.3 ± 26.5 mg vs. 218.7–282.0 mg; p < 0.001) and higher polyphenol content (1446.0 mg GAE/kg) than organic cultivars, but lower DPPH antioxidant activity (57.6%) and lower soluble solids/sugar content (p < 0.01). Organic price premiums (15–40%) plus the CAP maintenance payment closed 18–45% of the estimated revenue shortfall relative to conventional cultivation. This trade-off between fruit size/polyphenol content and sugar/antioxidant quality only partly aligns with CAP payments, indicating that market-price premiums and trade positioning, not subsidies alone, are needed to make organic conversion of niche high-value crops viable and support agri-food diversification and rural resilience.

Romania's forest sector has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades, with certification emerging as a key instrument for improving transparency, ecological safeguards and market access. This study examines the current state of forest certification in Romania within broader European trends toward sustainable forest management. Using national statistics, policy documents and comparative European data, the analysis evaluates the ecological, economic and social benefits of certification and the structural barriers limiting its adoption, especially among private and communal owners. Results show that certification has improved biodiversity protection, monitoring and institutional accountability, while facilitating access to international markets. A comparative analysis of 18 European countries, controlling for national income and EU accession timing, shows that Romania's certification coverage lags roughly 16 percentage points behind the level predicted by its income and accession cohort, comparable to gaps in wealthier Western European economies, indicating structural rather than economic barriers. Persistent challenges, including fragmented ownership, uneven administrative capacity and infrastructure gaps, continue to restrict implementation. The study concludes that Romania is progressing toward European models of sustainable forest management, but further convergence requires coherent policies, stronger institutional capacity and targeted support for small forest owners, in line with the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.