Current state of protective forest plantations with Sophora japonica (Sophora japonica L.) in the southern regions of Ukraine

Abstract

The results of studies of the state, growth dynamics and agroforestry efficiency of shelterbelt forest plantations of different species composition in the southern regions of Ukraine are presented. The positive impact of shelterbelt forest plantations on the state of agricultural land is noted, which is manifested in the termination of water and wind erosion, accumulation of moisture in the soil, creation of a favourable microclimate in crops, increase in overall biodiversity, which leads to yield enhancement of field crops by 15 %. Their optimal species composition, parameters and optimal structure in the respective types of habitat conditions are determined. The current state and silvicultural and taxation indicators of shelterbelts were analyzed. A survey of plantations with Sophora japonica growing on the territory of Odesa and Mykolaiv regions was conducted. In these plantations, the heights and diameters of trees were measured, their condition was established, planting schemes were established for the creation of 2-4-6-row forest strips, and their current density at the age of 30 to 96 years was determined. Field-protective belts with Sophora japonica compared to Quercus robur, which are created on ordinary black soils, are well adapted to the arid climate. They have significantly higher productivity in all types of plantings and are endowed with a whole complex of high adaptive and economically valuable features, thanks to which they can be widely used in planting field-protective forest belts. It has been established that the current state of protective forest plantations is significantly negatively affected by anthropogenic factors: trees are damaged by unauthorized fellings, every year, a significant part of them is damaged by fire during the stubble burning, the plantations located near the settlement are used as a place for storing household and other waste, and uncontrolled grazing is carried out. To increase the effectiveness of protective forest plantations, we recommend bringing the plantations into proper sanitary condition through selective sanitary felling; to carry out reconstruction in the field protection plantations, as well as to organize monitoring of pest foci and control unauthorized fellings. Key words: forest shelter belt, reconstruction, main species, sanitary condition of a plantation, steppe zone, productivity.