The issue of the annual volume of afforestation directly affects changes in the degree of forest cover and represents one of the most topical and complex activities of the forestry profession. Therefore the main aim of this research was to determine the current trends in the scope of afforestation and make projections about future courses by monitoring multi-year trends. Norway spruce and Austrian pine are coniferous forest species most frequently used in afforestation in Serbia. Oaks are broadleaved species most frequently used in afforestation, although beech forests are the most common forests in Serbia. For that reason, we analysed the trends in the scope of afforestation with these tree species in the period from 2002 to 2021. All species, except for beech, recorded a negative trend in the scope of afforestation. The analysis of data related to the extent of afforestation, together with the data related to the level of subsidisation provided by the state for afforestation, gives an insight into the dynamics of afforestation, based on which recommendations and guidelines can be given for planning and carrying out work on further afforestation, the establishment of new forests, which would, in turn, increase the degree of forest cover.

To select woody fruit species for biomass cropping, a study of the carbon and nitrogen content of the bark and wood of five wild fruit species in Southwest Serbia was conducted. Compared with common hazel, wild cherry, walnut, and european pear, the european crab apple has a high potential for carbon and nitrogen storage, representing a promising fruit species for biomass production.

The analysis of Bald cypress genetic variability at the level of test trees was performed using RAPD (Random Amlified Polymorphic DNA) markers. RAPD analysis was performed on 20 test trees with 13 primers. A total of ten primers gave a clear picture while three primers amplified weakly. 60 is a total number of detected bands obtained by RAPD analysis with 10 selected primers, and the average number of bands is 6. Based on presence/absence of RAPD fragments among all 20 Bald cypress test trees were calculated similarity coefficients by Dice and they range from 0.73 to 1. Based on similarity coefficients was performed the cluster analysis and results were presented as a dendrogram. All 20 test trees were grouped into two sub-clusters. Test trees 1, 4 and 11 were grouped in the first sub-cluster while other test trees were grouped in the second sub-cluster. By analysis of relations within every sub-cluster and sub-sub-cluster the existence of genetic distances between observed test trees can be noticed. The greatest similarity is between test trees 2, 12, 15 and 18. The results of genetic similarity and distance between observed test trees indicate the overwhelming presence of genetic diversity. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31070: The developments of technological procedures in forestry in order to attain an optimal forest cover percentage]

Of all terrestrial ecosystems, forests are the most important carbon reservoirs. Therefore they deserve special care and protection. They are also an irreplaceable source of biomass for energy. Forest biomass has been used as a fuel since the earliest times, and since the late twentieth century, there has been a renewed interest in its use for the production of heat and electricity. Forest biomass has become interesting as a source of energy due to some of its characteristics, above all its availability and uniformity around the world, which implies that both developing and less developed countries can use biomass as a renewable source of energy. Furthermore, biomass fuel is considered to be CO2 neutral. However, its use is not risk-free. The risks are mainly related to the sustainability of forest systems and their productivity. Therefore, the forestry profession must be extremely cautious in using forest biomass and follow the prescribed allowable cut. This paper deals with the current state of biomass for energy, its estimates and properties as fuel. It studies the sustainability of biomass through the preservation of forest ecosystems and all multipurpose benefits of forests.

To select softwood broadleaves for biomass cropping, a study of the carbon and nitrogen content of the bark and wood of six softwood broadleaves in southwestern Serbia was conducted. Compared with white willow, european aspen, common alder, black poplar, and silver birch, goat willow has a high potential for carbon storage in bark and wood, representing a promising softwood broadleaf for biomass production.