Интродукция климатипов лиственницы европейской в зоне смешанных лесов

Abstract

The range of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) covers Central Europe, while in Podmoskovie this species grows out of its natural distribution area. In plantings this species is known for its fast growth, stability, good soil and water protection properties, and high wood quality. All larch species in the Moscow region have a positive reputation in terms of high adaptability, they are often more productive than the local coniferous forest-forming species. Similar results were obtained by foresters in Central and Eastern Europe. The increment in stock in a number of Polish larch populations at the age of 50–60 years can reach 10–15 m3/ha per year, that is why this wood species is widely used in silvicultural practice in these countries. The research aims at studying the growth and productivity of European larch climatypes outside its natural habitat. The research covered experimental sites of European larch introduction located in the territory of the center of the Russian Plain within the Moscow region. Of all the European larch climatypes, the Polish larch has the highest growth rates in height and diameter, as well as in the accumulation of trunk stock. It forms stands with very large trunks and has an increased value of soil-light basic increment in diameter of the trunks. The Polish larch is superior to the European larch of Sudeten origin in terms of silvicultural effect. As a result, Polish larch has undeniable advantages among all the reviewed provenances in terms of growth rate and accumulation of trunk wood reserves, which is a strong argument in the issue of its expanded introduction as a promising conifer for target reforestation. European larch from Scotland has the worst growth and productivity. On the whole, all climatypes of European larch successfully adapt to the conditions of the center of the Russian Plain and are superior to all local coniferous forest-forming species in terms of inventory characteristics.