Productivity of the forest band system on Chernozeme of the Southern steppe of the Volga Region

Abstract

The aim of the research was to study the state and productivity of Quercus robur L. when mixed with associated species - Fraxinus lanceolata L. and Acer platanoides L. in the forest band system and in forest bands reinforced with grooves for additional moisture accumulation. The investigations were carried out in the agro-forest landscapes of the steppes of the Volga Upland on the southern chernozem heavy loam with a humus content of 4.5%. In many respects, the productivity of Qvercus robur L. in forest belts depends on the applied mixing scheme, the selection of the accompanying rock, and the timely agrotechnical and silvicultural care in the created forest belts. In recent decades, silvicultural care (harvesting, sanitary, and reforestory cutting) is practically not carried out due to the changed economic situation in forestry and forest melioration in Russia. Therefore, the state and productivity of forest belts with Qvercus robur L. largely depends on the choice of the accompanying tree species that will grow in the forest belt along with Qvercus robur L. Optimal matching schemes for mixing Qvercus robur L. with associated tree species allow for maximum productivity and durability of the forest belt. Studies have shown that when mixing Qvercus robur L. and Acer platanoides L. growth Qvercus robur L. in height and diameter, respectively, by 5% and 14% greater than the growth of Qvercus robur L. when mixed with Fraxinus lanceolata L. Val ditch in the forest band, absorbing additional moisture, contributes to an increase in the intensity of growth of Qvercus robur L. by 10-12%.