RESOURCES OF WOODY PLANTS OF NORTH CAUCASUS BEECH FORESTS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate material and monetary valuation of forest resources in the beech forests of the North Caucasus. The plots were selected in the Central part of the North Caucasus, on the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (Kartсinsky ridge), between 1200-1350 m above sea level. Two objects are located on the northern macroslopes and two on the southern macroslope. The characteristics of phytocenoses on the experimental plots were established based on the results of a continuous enumeration of trees on a test area of 50x100 m. The number of undergrowth and undergrbrush, their composition and distribution by height groups, are established on circular areas of 10 m2. The average wood volume is about 300 m3/ha, and the average stand density is 248 trees per 1 hctare. The average number of undergrowth is 8988 per hectare, and underbrush 1998 per hectare. The average height of the young generation is 0.65 m, and the undergrowth is 0.86 m. The weight of one plant of average height in the air-dry state is 0.24 kg for undergrowth and 0.55 kg for undergrbrush. Phytomass of undergrowth and underbrush by species was set by weighing in a fresh and airdry state. Prices for all types of wood resources used average market prices as of 2019. The main income can be obtained from the sale of wood – about 650 thousand RUB/ha. Undergrowth and underbrush can give in a total about 43 thousand RUB/ha. At the same time, the period of maturation for the harvest of beech and related species is 100-140 years. During this period, it can be carried out about 15-20 harvests of undergrowth and underbrush, which together can generate income comparable to the amount from the sale of wood.