http://www.sciepub.com/journal/AEFS Applied Ecology and Forestry Science is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancements in forestry and ecological research. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of forestry. All manuscripts must be prepared in English and are subject to a rigorous and fair peer-review process. Accepted papers will immediately appear online followed by printed hard copy. The journal publishes research articles and review papers. Papers submitted to Applied Ecology and Forestry Science must contain original material. Any translation of submitted paper, must neither be published, nor be submitted for publication elsewhere. Violations of these rules will normally result in an immediate rejection of the submission without further review. Science and Education Publishing en 2013 Science and Education Publishing Co. Ltd All rights reserved. Applied Ecology and Forestry Science 6 1 January 2024 2013 Science and Education Publishing Co. Ltd All rights reserved. http://pubs.sciepub.com/aefs/6/1/1 Acacia is one of the alien tree species in forests. The ecological relationship between Acacia melanoxylon invasion and forest ecology is not well understood in tropical humid forest ecosystems. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the influence of A. melanoxylon on two commercial forest tree species (Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula) in a humid tropical forest (North Tinderet Forest, in Kenya). Transects measuring 500 m long were used for sampling the uninvaded and invaded sites. Along the transect, three 10 m × 10 m plots were systematically placed at 235 m intervals to enable counting and recording of trees (density), measuring diameter at breast height (DBH) > 1.3 m) as well as tree heights. The study established that the tree density, DBH and height of Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica, were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the non-invaded sites compared to the invaded sites. These findings suggest that A. melanoxylon invasion reduced the growths and establishment of commercial tree species. It is thus recommended that future studies on ecological conditions for growth of A. melanoxylon should be conducted in controlled environment through growth response measurements which was not possible under the current study. Invasion by A. melanoxylon reduce the growth of commercial plantation tree species (Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica) therefore strategies for controlling growth of the A. melanoxylon should be done. Future studies should investigate how the nutrient uptake by the commercial plantation tree species is influenced by Acacia melanoxylon density.]]> Thomas Kiprotich Kiptoo, James L. Kiyiapi, Francis K. Sang 2024-06-26 Science and Education Publishing 2024-06-26 1 6 1 9 10.12691/aefs-6-1-1 http://pubs.sciepub.com/aefs/6/1/2 0.05 among the different forest degradation type and across soil depths (0-10 cm > 10-20 cm > 20-30 cm). Soil under partially degraded forest stored significant organic carbon due to litter deposition from illegally felled trees, enhancing carbon levels. This soil also shows improved physicochemical properties. The stable fraction of organic carbon (MOC) was highest in soil under undisturbed forest, while particulate organic carbon (POC) peaks in soil under partially degraded forest. The study also assessed soil physical and chemical properties, finding that degradation led to increased bulk density and reduced porosity, potentially affecting water retention and root penetration. pH levels were slightly lower in degraded areas, while available phosphorus and total nitrogen showed marked decreases. These findings highlight the significant impact of forest degradation on soil carbon stocks and overall soil health, emphasizing the importance of forest conservation for maintaining ecosystem services and mitigating climate change.]]> Ale Olanrewaju Olabode, Oke David 2024-12-19 Science and Education Publishing 2024-12-19 1 6 10 17 10.12691/aefs-6-1-2