Strategies and challenges of artificial forest reproduction in the forest-steppe zone: Experience of the Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi forest enterprise branch

Abstract

One of the key problems that arise in the reproduction of forests in the paradigm of sustainable development of the forest industry is the volume of reforestation, which requires its correlation. This problem requires attention, since effective afforestation and reforestation determine the stability of the ecosystem and the importance of forest resources for the conservation of biodiversity in the forest sector. The purpose of the study is to investigate the features of artificial forest reproduction in the conditions of the forest-steppe climatic and geographical zone. The methodological basis for organising observations included field survey of planting material plots, monitoring the state of crops on the area, conducting analytical substantiation of progressive experience, and evaluating the final results obtained. The study was conducted in the Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi forest enterprise branch of the state enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”. The dynamics of annual volumes of artificial forest reproduction, considering the predominant tree species during 2012-2021, is presented. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of transplanting of main and related species in the presented forest conditions were analysed. During this period, there is a fluctuation in the volume of artificial forest reproduction in the forest districts under study. With regard to the transplanting of main and related species, it is worth noting its advantages in ensuring biodiversity and rapid forest regeneration. However, there are disadvantages, such as the possibility of losing genetic diversity and considering local conditions for effective seating. As a result, the study helped to determine the trends and features of forest reproduction in these forest districts, and to note the advantages and disadvantages of transplanting of the main and related breeds in various forest-growing conditions. The enterprise is actively implementing measures for forest reproduction, focusing on intensive planting of forest crops. This is achieved by placing plantations in areas that have been subjected to continuous sanitary and reforestation logging. One of the key tasks of the enterprise is to ensure high productivity of forest crops in the region. For this purpose, significant amounts of reforestation work are carried out, including systematic soil preparation and careful selection of optimal species for specific conditions. Considering the recommendations of forest management, an integrated approach to reforestation is reflected, which ensures sustainable and productive ecosystems in the region. The developed strategies can serve as an important tool for introducing innovations in the field of forestry