Some aspects of Scots pine forests monitoring in extreme conditions of the Kola North

Abstract

Forest ecosystems located at the Northern limit of distribution in the Kola North are chronically affected by a variety of natural and anthropogenic factors, among which industrial atmospheric pollution is currently the main one. The spatio-temporal dynamics of structural and functional parameters of undisturbed middle-aged pine forests ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and forests exposed to chronic industrial emissions, which contain highly aggressive sulfur compounds in combination with heavy metals (Cu, Ni) was studied. Long-term studies have established that the current trends in the state of Scots pine communities in the background conditions are due to natural processes and intra-population relationships. At the beginning of our research (1982) vitalitetnye spectra of the dominant part of the pine populations differed absolute dominance of healthy individuals, pronounced positive asymmetry and peaked. By the end of observations (2014-2017) vitality distribution of individuals of the pine was transformed into full member, assymetrique moderately positive and moderately peaked. Aerotechnogenic pollution in the considered conditions of the Kola North is a significant factor determining the vital state of individual trees and stands in general, and near a large copper-nickel plant, it is the main factor that has an oppressive effect on individual trees and stands, and in some cases leads to the destruction of young communities of Scots pine. A significant reduction in atmospheric emissions by Severonikel in recent years causes a noticeable improvement in the living condition of pine forests, even in the area of heavy pollution.