Forest Shelterbelts Research Articles

Soil temperature dynamics in the forest shelterbelt and in the field

Soil temperature dynamics in the forest shelterbelt and in the field

Stand characteristics regulate forest water use efficiency in the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program region of China

Abstract The Three-North Shelter Forest Program (TNSFP) of China, one of the largest forestry ecological projects, serves as a nature-based solution to addressing ecological, social, and economic challenges and issues. This program, mainly situated in arid and semi-arid regions, critically focuses on improving water use efficiency (WUE) - maximizing carbon sequestration per unit of water consumed - as a key strategy for optimizing water resource utilization and ensuring the long-term success of vegetation restoration efforts. However, the regulatory mechanisms of forest WUE in this region remain unclear. Here, we adopted an interpretative machine-learning method to investigate the influence of main environmental elements, topographical conditions, and stand characteristics on forest WUE in the TNSFP region from 2001 to 2022 based on remote sensing products, ground monitoring data, and forest inventory data. Our study identified soil moisture (SM) as the primary factor influencing forest WUE across the TNSFP region, with higher SM levels generally leading to improved WUE in forests. However, stand characteristics strongly mediated their relationship. Specifically, forest WUE initially increases against forest density before peaking at about 1000 trees hm–2 for needle-leaved forests and 800 trees hm–2 for broad-leaved forests, respectively, then gradually declining due to water competition. When SM is relatively adequate, moderate thinning could significantly enhance forest WUE. Furthermore, implementing management strategies to improve WUE is crucial as needle-leaved forests mature. This study emphasizes the significant impacts of stand characteristics on forest WUE in the TNSFP region, offering essential insights for optimizing water resource management in managed forests across arid and semi-arid regions.

Multi-omics analyses reveal the mechanisms underlying the responses of Casuarina equisetifolia ssp. incana to seawater atomization and encroachment stress

Casuarina equisetifolia trees are used as windbreaks in subtropical and tropical coastal zones, while C. equisetifolia windbreak forests can be degraded by seawater atomization (SA) and seawater encroachment (SE). To investigate the mechanisms underlying the response of C. equisetifolia to SA and SE stress, the transcriptome and metabolome of C. equisetifolia seedlings treated with control, SA, and SE treatments were analyzed. We identified 737, 3232, 3138, and 3899 differentially expressed genes (SA and SE for 2 and 24 h), and 46, 66, 62, and 65 differentially accumulated metabolites (SA and SE for 12 and 24 h). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that SA and SE stress significantly altered the expression of genes related to plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interaction, and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. The accumulation of metabolites associated with the biosynthetic pathways of phenylpropanoid and amino acids, as well as starch and sucrose metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were significantly altered in C. equisetifolia subjected to SA and SE stress. In conclusion, C. equisetifolia responds to SA and SE stress by regulating plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interaction, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid and amino acids, starch and sucrose metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Compared with SA stress, C. equisetifolia had a stronger perception and response to SE stress, which required more genes and metabolites to be regulated. This study enhances our understandings of how C. equisetifolia responds to two types of seawater stresses at transcriptional and metabolic levels. It also offers a theoretical framework for effective coastal vegetation management in tropical and subtropical regions.

Assessment of the Restoration Potential of Forest Vegetation Coverage in the Alxa Desert Region of China.

To scientifically evaluate the sustainability of tree planting and afforestation in the Alxa Desert region, this study, grounded in the principles of water balance within the natural water cycle, employed multi-source remote sensing products and ground-based measurements to construct a quantitative response relationship model. This model links evapotranspiration (ET) with meteorological variables and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Furthermore, the study estimated the recovery thresholds and potential of forest and grassland vegetation coverage in the Alxa Desert region under various precipitation scenarios. The findings reveal that ET exhibited an increasing trend in 84.17% of the Alxa Desert region, with a significant increase observed in 61.53% of the area, indicating positive outcomes from the implementation of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. Notably, however, ET in the southeastern plain region demonstrated a decreasing trend, which is strongly associated with human activities. The response relationship model demonstrated that linear relationship areas constituted 47.52%, while nonlinear relationship areas accounted for 45.51% of the total. The overall model exhibited an R2 value of 0.69, indicating a high level of predictive accuracy. Analysis of forest and grassland coverage revealed that, under wet year scenarios, the vegetation coverage showed a significant trend of recovery, with an average recovery threshold of (75.4 ± 12.5)% and an average recovery potential of (8.5 ± 3.6)%. It is noteworthy that the vegetation coverage in 31.25% of the area had already surpassed the recovery threshold. The outcomes of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the formulation of more scientifically rigorous ecological restoration strategies in the future.

Spatial Distribution Patterns and Influencing Factors of Dominant Species in Plain Valley Forests of the Irtysh River Basin

The Irtysh River, which stretches for 633 km, is the second longest river in Xinjiang. The valley forests within its basin are unique forest resources that exhibit crucial ecological functions and form an integral part of China’s “Three North” Shelterbelt Forest Project. However, previous studies mainly focused on individual tributaries or main streams, lacking comprehensive research on the overall river and valley forest resources and their ecological functions. To address this research gap based on comprehensive investigations, this study analyzed the dominant species composition, spatial distribution patterns, and influencing factors of valley forests across various branches of the Irtysh River basin plain. The results revealed the presence of 10 local tree species in the area, with Populus laurifolia, Populus alba, Salix alba, and Betula pendula as the dominant species. However, seedling regeneration was relatively weak. P. laurifolia, P. alba, and S. alba were widely distributed across tributaries and main streams, whereas B. pendula was primarily found in the tributaries. The four dominant species exhibited distinct clustering patterns. The concentration intensity of these dominant species in the main stream of the Irtysh River basin was significantly higher than those in other tributaries, with P. laurifolia showing a lower concentration intensity across the entire basin than the other dominant species. Negative density dependence was the primary biological factor influencing species aggregation intensity, with significant positive effects on P. alba and S. alba and significant negative effects on B. pendula. Among the abiotic factors, elevation had a significant positive effect on the aggregation intensities of P. alba, S. alba, and B. pendula, indicating that these species tend to aggregate more densely at higher elevations. Conversely, slope had a significant negative impact on the aggregation intensities of P. laurifolia, P. alba, and S. alba, suggesting that increasing slope steepness leads to a decrease in the clustering of these species. Similarly, the distance from the river channel had a significant negative effect on the aggregation intensities of S. alba and B. pendula, implying that as the distance from the river increases, the clustering patterns of these species become less pronounced. This study aimed to detail the current state of valley forest resources and their ecological functions, thereby laying a foundation for their effective protection.

CURRENT STATUS AND EFFICIENCY OF ABANDONED LANDS RE-DEVELOPMENT IN RIVER BASINS OF SOUTH-WESTERN TRANSBAIKALIA

Complex ecological and economic studies of post-agrarian landscapes in the middle reaches of the Selenga, Chikoy and Temnik rivers were carried out within the boundaries of the Selenga administrative region of the Republic of Buryatia (RB). A map of abandoned agricultural lands has been compiled. A brief description of agroclimatic conditions of the study area is given; the structure of agricultural land, the yield of grain and forage crops, the dynamics of livestock and the load of livestock on pastures and hayfields are analyzed. The reasons for the arable land abandonment are formulated. It was revealed that pastures and hayfields are not excluded from the agricultural use. This is due to an increase in the livestock numbers in households, which are the main agricultural producers in the RB, as well as a shortage of natural forage lands. The species composition and the state of shelterbelt forests are described as an integral part of the ecotopes of post-agrarian landscapes. The main taxonomic indicators of trees are given. The study of shelterbelt forests is topical due to the need for their inventory, lack of maintenance, and the adoption of Federal Laws on protective afforestation and land reclamation. A brief agrochemical description of the state of soils in key areas is given. To assess the effectiveness of arable land reuse, a net operating income (NOI) or rental income was calculated for each grain and grainfodder crop grown in the region under study. It was revealed that oats and spring wheat are the most profitable. Recommendations were formulated for the redevelopment of post-agricultural landscapes, optimization of protective afforestation, and reconstruction of shelterbelt forests

A GPU-Implemented Lattice Boltzmann Model for Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Flows in and around Forest Shelterbelts

A GPU-Implemented Lattice Boltzmann Model for Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Flows in and around Forest Shelterbelts

Рост и состояние дуба черешчатого в смешанных древостоях полезащитных лесных полос

An analysis of the creation and operation of protective forest plantations at agricultural enterprises of the Central Chernozem Region allows us to assert that positive ameliorative functions are performed by those forest plantations that have good growth, high stability and longevity. Russian forestry scientists have recognized that the main species in the steppe conditions for all types of protective forest plantations is the English oak. The aim of the research has been to assess the current state of the stands in forest shelterbelts planted via different methods with the English oak as the main species. Taxation works and forest pathology research were carried out in 1997–2021 in the forest shelterbelt no. 9, established in the spring of 1989 by 2-year-old seedlings in the land-use territory of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Experimental Production Farm “Znamya Oktyabrya” of the Talovskiy District of the Voronezh Region. It has been established that the influence of combinations of tree species in forest belts on the growth of the English oak at the age of 32 years is quite significant. As a result of competitive relations for environmental resources by fast-growing and associate species, the number of live oak trees in a continuous row planting option is 35.6...52.1 % less than in intermittent forest belt options, of their number during planting. The remaining sharply oppressed oak trees in the plantation sown in the continuous row planting way are far behind in height and stem diameter (by 0.8...7.6 m and 4.1...12.7 cm, respectively) compared to the oaks growing in the intermittent forest belts sown in a block planting way. The absence of improvement felling in the experimental plantations during their growth and formation has led to a significant number of dead oak wood and non-viable trees of this species. Moreover, the proportion of dead oak wood and non-viable trees in the forest belt sown via continuous row planting exceeds the indicator in the intermittent forest belts by 36.6...40.6 %. The number of viable oak trees in the intermittent belt options is 17.7...27.3 % higher than in the continuous row planting option, and the number of limitedly viable trees is 11.5...18.9 % higher.

Evaluation of Soil Quality and Analysis of Barriers of Protection Forests along Tarim Desert Highway Based on a Minimum Data Set

To gain a thorough grasp of the soil quality conditions in the preservation forests along the Tarim Desert Highway, a detailed assessment of the research area’s soil quality is necessary, along with the identification of any potential obstacles. This evaluation should identify any potential obstacles and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization and precise management of protection forest soils. This paper examines the protection forest along the Tarim Desert Highway as the study area. To characterize the features of the soil quality, thirteen indicators of the chemical, physical, and biological composition of the soil were examined. The principal component analysis method was used to construct the minimum dataset (MDS) for soil quality evaluation. The diagnostic model for obstacle factors was combined with the MDS to explore the soil quality characteristics and obstacle factors in the study region. The findings indicated that (1) the constructed indexes of the MDS of protection forest soil in the study area included soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N); quick-acting phosphorus (AvP); organic carbon (SOC); alkaline phosphatase (AP); and total salt (SS); (2) soil quality based on the MDS and the total dataset (TDS) showed a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.748; p < 0.05), and the research region’s soil quality were all in the medium and below level (100% of SQI ≤ 0.6), showing the status quo of high soil quality in the two ends of the shelterbelt forest and the tower center area, while the other areas were relatively low; (3) according to the findings of the soil barrier analysis, the two main obstacles influencing the soil quality of the shelterbelt forest at this time are NH4+-N and SOC, and that the soil quality of the shelterbelt forest could be improved by artificially increasing the inputs of nutrients and precise conservation measures, promoting the overall function of artificial protective forests on desert highways. In addition to providing a solid scientific foundation for the sustainable use and maintenance of shelterbelt forests along the Tarim Desert Highway, this study is also an invaluable resource for researching the soil quality of artificial shelterbelt forests in arid regions.

Forest Site and Stand Structure Affecting the Distribution of Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in Eastern Ukraine

The Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive phloem-boring beetle, was first detected in the Luhansk Region of Ukraine in 2019. Subsequently, it rapidly expanded its presence to encompass a significant portion of the Kharkiv region and the parks of Kyiv. Previous research has established that the climatic conditions in Luhansk and its neighboring regions are conducive to the EAB, and the absence of a host plant (Fraxinus sp.) does not act as a deterrent to the pest’s expansion in Ukraine. Recognizing the urgency of identifying infested trees, our current research aimed to identify the most attractive EAB forest subcompartments based on forest site conditions and stand structure. Utilizing the MaxEnt model, we achieved an average performance in predicting the potential distribution of the EAB (AUC = 0.842). The six most impactful variables, contributing to 88.2% of the model, include “age of trees, years”, “area of forest subcompartment, ha”, “mean height of trees, m”, “proportion of Fraxinus excelsior in the stand composition, %”, “hygrotope index (humidity level), point”, and “number of neighboring-non-forest subcompartments”. Most likely, EAB occurrence is expected in the driest forest site conditions; the well-lit and warmed-up parts of stands, in particular; small subcompartments surrounded by non-forest landscapes; and forest shelter belts near roads and fields. However, the data obtained can be considered preliminary. To enhance the accuracy of our forecasting, it may be imperative to consider data on road localization, along which the pest can spread passively, as well as dominant wind speed.

The soil zones of Saskatchewan: Creating art to visualize the concept

Ken is a Professor Emeritus of Forest Soils from the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. His research career investigated forestry impacts on soil properties and tree growth as well as quantifying carbon sequestration in forest shelterbelts in the prairies. However, it wasn't until he started incorporating art into his soil field courses in 2004 at the historic Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus, that he began his artistic adventure of creativity and play using paints, soil and charcoal. His artistic journey created a new way for him to connect and understand boreal forest ecosystems.

Arid Urban Green Areas Reimagined: Transforming Landscapes with Native Plants for a Sustainable Future in Aksu, Northwest China

The exponential growth of the economy and society has resulted in a substantial need for superior urban green spaces, consequently fostering a significant surge in urban landscape construction. The integration of plant landscapes in urban landscape construction is crucial. The rational use of plant landscape resources to create high-quality urban green spaces is of great significance for promoting urban sustainable development. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the landscape and ecological functions of indigenous plants in the context of urban landscape implementation and then provide utilization strategies of indigenous plants for urban landscape construction. This research focuses on the utilization of native plants in Aksu’s urban green spaces (a city in northwest China). Through a contrastive analysis of the dust retention, windbreak and sand fixation, and landscaping capabilities of these native plants, certain indigenous species are identified as suitable candidates. Specifically, Styphnolobium japonicum and Ulmus densa exhibit a dust adhering per plant of 656.50 and 388.46 g·m−2, respectively. Consequently, augmenting their planting proportion can effectively augment the overall dust adhering within the garden. The windbreak distances of Populus bolleana, Populus euphratica, and Styphnolobium japonicum were found to exceed 60 m, indicating their effectiveness in mitigating wind and sand erosion. Therefore, strategically planting these species can contribute to the establishment of a robust urban windbreak forest. Additionally, optimizing the arrangement of Rosa multiflora, Hippophae rhamnoides, Berberis thunbergii, and Salix matsudana can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban gardens. The utilization of native plants holds promise in enhancing the ecological and landscape functions of urban gardens in Aksu. The effective enhancement of the ecological function and the landscape effect of urban gardens can be achieved through the appropriate reconstruction with native plants. The findings of this study hold significant reference value for the urban landscape architecture in arid urban areas.

Influence of Forest Strips on Changes in Soil Properties in the Agrolandscape

Background: In Russia 5.2 million hectares of protective forest plantations were created on agricultural land. Forest strips optimize moisture turnover, heat and gas exchange of the territory and transform agrarian landscapes into more sustainable forest-agrarian ecosystems (agroforest landscapes). Studying the impact of shelterbelt forests on the transformation of soil properties in the context of climate change (organic carbon storage) is an important problem. The aim of our research was to study the effect of shelterbelt forests on soil indicators and to digitally map the contours of forest-meliorated soils on the test site using GIS-technology and field studies. Methods: In the present study, the methodology of soil studies in agroforested soils (1978) and the methodology of assessing the accumulation of substances in plants and soils in agroforested landscapes were used to study forest-meliorated soils. We proceeded from the position that the reclamation effect of forest belts occurs at a distance of 30 heights. The research was conducted from 2016 to 2022. Result: Research has established, that the soil profile under the forest belt has an organogenic horizon A0 (forest floor); the thickness of the humus horizon (A+B1) under the forest belt is 8-10 cm higher compared to other zones. Spatial distribution of humus content in the A+B1 horizon from the forest belt to the centers of inter-belt squares (zone 20H) is not characterized by great variability and clear patterns and on average makes 1.15-1.2%. The increase in calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content in the soil occurs in the direction from the forest belt to the 20H zone. The indicator of dense residue in terms of the content of readily soluble salts is not relevant in estimating the forest belt’s influence on transformation of soil properties. A preliminary digital map of the contours of forest-reclaimed soils has been compiled. The obtained materials will serve as a basis for modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of soils under forest belts in the zonal section and improving soil fertility in the interstrip space.

Coupling GEDI LiDAR and Optical Satellite for Revealing Large‐Scale Maize Lodging in Northeast China

AbstractWind‐induced crop lodging can reduce agricultural production and impact food security. However, a systematic evaluation of large‐scale crop lodging and its drivers is lacking, mostly due to the limited observations available. Such knowledge gaps hinder the application of effective management practices to mitigate yield losses. Here, we quantify maize‐lodging induced by three consecutive typhoons in Northeast China in 2020 using direct crop canopy height observations from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigations (GEDI) instrument and optical satellite imagery. We show that the canopy water‐related vegetation index provides a robust wall‐to‐wall mapping of crop lodging, supported by changes in GEDI canopy height. Our spatially contiguous lodging maps show that lodging intensity is mainly due to typhoon intensity (64.34%), with maize plantation fraction (11.94%) and phenology (7.94%) as secondary factors. The shelterbelt forest may partly alleviate the lodging risk, but its effect requires further investigation. Considering the recent expansion of maize cultivation and the poleward shift of landfalling typhoons alongside climate change, the lodging risk may increase for maize and further threaten China's food security.

Poisoned for gold: Assessing the spatial extent of heavy metal contamination within the Tutua-Bura-Angoben Shelter Belt Forest Reserve in Ghana

The Tutua-Bura-Angoben Shelter Belt project in Ghana, aimed at combating desertification and land degradation, faces an unexpected threat from heavy metal contamination. This study investigates the levels and spatial distribution of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) within the forest reserve, focusing on the implications for environmental health and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), 195 soil samples from the forest reserve were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations. The results reveal significant contamination, with arsenic levels ranging from 3.19 to 138.63 ppm, and an alarming 26 % of the reserve exceeding the 20 ppm threshold for arsenic. Copper, lead, and zinc showed lower contamination levels, with mean concentrations of 13.83 ppm, 7.63 ppm, and 27.53 ppm, respectively. Spatial interpolation using kriging in ArcGIS highlighted localized hotspots of arsenic contamination, primarily influenced by nearby Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted environmental management strategies, including stricter waste management protocols, sustainable mining practices, and community engagement to mitigate the contamination risks and preserve the ecological integrity of the Tutua-Bura-Angoben Shelter Belt.

Агроэкологическая характеристика черноземов Каменной степи: влияние растительных сообществ и распашки

Changes in soil carbon stocks have a significant impact on atmospheric CO2 concentrations and the global carbon balance. Despite the proven effectiveness of agroforestry in erosion control and prevention of soil fertility loss, there are many controversial data suggesting that the impact of afforestation on Chernozem soils should be further investigated. The Kamennaya Steppe site (arable land surrounded by shelterbelt forests) is a reference site for monitoring studies at the Voronezh Carbon Test Site, where the carbon balance of agro-ecosystems is being studied and the ecological role of shelterbelt forests in changing soil properties and carbon sequestration is being evaluated. The study was focused on the evaluation of agro-ecological characteristics and the impact of tillage on Chernozems of Kamennaya Steppe under different vegetation types. The study of the chemical properties of chernozems was carried out using classical chemical methods; the analysis of heavy metals was carried out using the voltampermetric method. Comprehensive agro-ecological evaluation showed that the studied Vorony-Calcic Chernozems had a high content of humus, which reached 7-8% in the upper horizons, enriched with mineral nutrition elements, and had favorable physical and chemical properties. Forest and grassland vegetation contribute to enrichment of the soil with organic residues, while tillage and mineralization of organic matter on arable land led to a decrease in humus content. Data analysis suggested that the study area did not suffer from contamination. Furthermore, it was found that the organic matter of the studied chernozems was able to bind the studied metals and retain them in an unavailable state. This phenomenon was supported by rather high correlations between humus and total heavy metal content (r = 0.946 for Pb and r = 0.975 for Cd at p < 0.00001). It should be emphasized that shelterbelt forests could act as a biogeochemical barrier to the lateral migration of heavy metals. Cadmium is a rather mobile element potentially capable to migrate to adjacent environments. Therefore, regular monitoring of the agro-ecological condition of the Chernozems of the Kamennaya Steppe is required.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal tree species used in the treatment of diseases by forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana

Demand for medicinal plant remedies is rising globally, while indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants is declining rapidly. The preservation of indigenous knowledge is critical in discovering and developing innovative drugs. The ongoing discussions on providing nature-based solutions to contemporary issues make it urgent to document indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees, especially in areas with limited or no studies such as our study area. Our study aimed to understand the use of medicinal trees among the communities fringing the Asukese and Amama Shelterbelt Forest Reserves. We administered structured questionnaires and interviewed 88 respondents who were selected using snowball and simple random techniques. The ethnobotanical survey data were processed and evaluated using parameters such as Indigenous Knowledge Index (IKI), Relative Citation Frequency (RCF), Species Use Value (SUV), Family Use Value (FUV), and Plant Part Value (PPV). We found that ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal trees was higher in respondents who were widowed or had larger number of dependants. We found that the local communities used diverse medicinal trees (70 species belonging to 33 families) to treat 83 ailments. Azadirachta indica had the highest RCF (8.9) and SUV (23.4). The other top four species according to the SUV were Alstonia boonei (SUV = 11.1), Khaya senegalensis (SUV = 10.7), Moringa oleifera (SUV = 10.3) and Cocos nucifera (SUV = 10.2). The most-well represented and valuable families were Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae and Malvaceae. Medicinal trees had alternative uses such as food, fodder, fuelwood, and construction material. Indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees was transmitted to younger generations predominantly by parents. The results show that the most known botanical families and species with the most useful parts were the most useful plant families and species. Thus, the selection of medicinal trees was driven by their traits. Furthermore, results indicate that species diversity is critical to the healthcare needs of local communities and that their conservation and sustainable use and the preservation of indigenous knowledge are crucial to ensuring good health and the general well-being of local communities of all ages.

Changes in Parameters of Effective Soil Fertility in the Kamennaya Steppe under the Effect of Forest Shelter Belts Allocated to Various Landscapes

Changes in Parameters of Effective Soil Fertility in the Kamennaya Steppe under the Effect of Forest Shelter Belts Allocated to Various Landscapes

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

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.

Periodic Flooding Decoupled the Relations of Soil C, N, P, and K Ecological Stoichiometry in a Coastal Shelterbelt Forest of Eastern China

Understanding the variation in soil nutrients found in coastal shelterbelt forests in response to periodic flooding is crucial for restoring the soil quality of flooded stands. In this study, we examined soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK) contents and their ecological stoichiometry, as well as soil organic matter and soil-available N, P, and K contents at three soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm), in a shelterbelt forest of eastern China that was affected by periodic flooding. Results showed that soil C, N, and P contents all had a clear decreasing trend after being flooded, with significant decreases in SOC, TN and hydrolyzable N of 0–10 cm soil, as well as TP of 10–20 cm soil. Soil K content, however, had minimal changes after flooding across different soil layers. Soil C:N ratio increased significantly in 0–10 cm layer, while soil C:P, C:K, N:P, N:K, and P:K ratios decreased notably in both 0–10 cm and 20–30 cm layers following the flooding. Additionally, periodic flooding partially decoupled the correlations among SOC, TN, TP, TK and their ratios. For example, the connection between TK and N:P reversed into a negative correlation in 10–20 cm soil, while SOC and TK became negatively correlated with TP and P:K in the 20–30 cm layer. Principal component analysis revealed the effects of periodic flooding on soil C, N, P, and K availability, in which the total explained variance was decreased from 94% to 86.6%. Specifically, flooding significantly reduced the SOC and soil TN contents on the first axis, influencing C- and N-related ratios. On the second axis, flooding mainly affected soil TK content, which subsequently influenced the correlation between SOC and TK. Thus, periodic flooding notably affected the soil C, N, P, and K ecological stoichiometries of the coastal forest, but the variation patterns were depth-dependent. The insights gained from these results can contribute to the restoration of soil quality in degraded stands caused by flooding in the coastal shelterbelts regions of Eastern China.