Forest Site Types Research Articles

Ріст і продуктивність порослевих осичників у свіжих і вологих грудах рівнинної частини України

За результатами аналізу повидільної бази даних ВО «Укрдержліспроект» змодельовано хід росту модальних порослевих осикових насаджень свіжого та вологого груду за природними зонами. Встановлено, що модальні порослеві осичники у грудових типах лісорослинних умов ростуть за І класом бонітету, а їхній запас у 70-річному віці сягає 345 м3·га-1 у Поліссі, 320 м3·га-1 у Лісостепу та 270 м3·га-1 у Степу. Підтверджено, що деревостани свіжих і вологих грудів є продуктивнішими, ніж деревостани у відповідних гігротопах сугрудових типів лісорослинних умов. Визначено різницю між запасами деревостанів сугрудів і грудів. В умовах Східного Полісся вона становить 1–2 %, в умовах Лісостепу збільшується до 11–15 %, а у Степу становить 3–9 %. Визначено вік кількісної стиглості осикових насаджень, який в обох типах лісорослинних умов становить 25–30 років.

Соснові деревостани лісостепу Харківщини: продуктивність і природне поновлення

Наведено матеріали досліджень соснових лісостанів Лісостепу Харківської області. Встановлено основні лісівничо-таксаційні показники деревостанів в основних типах лісорослинних умов регіону дослідження за даними пробних площ. Проаналізовано дані стосовно повноти, запасу, середніх діаметрів і висот відповідно до класів віку. Наведено дані постійних пробних площ у ДП «Скрипаївське НДЛГ» та ділянок інтенсивного моніторингу в ДП «Жовтневе ЛГ» і НПП «Слобожанський». Показано динаміку таксаційних показників на ділянках; особливу увагу звертали на запаси деревостанів. Зроблено опис надґрунтового покриву ділянок за типами лісу, визначено характер розміщення рослин за площею та частку проективного покриття. Окремо встановлено співвідношення покриття на пробних площах трав, лишайників і мохів, показано його залежність від типу лісу. Проаналізовано дані щодо природного поновлення, вказано його густоту, характер розміщення, середні показники висот і діаметрів та їхню залежність від розміщення на ділянці, визначено категорію життєздатності підросту.

Phytosociological analysis of basophilic Scots pine forests in the Southeastern Alps

Abstract Based on hierarchical classification of more than 300 phytosociological relevés of basophilic black and (or) Scots pine communities in the Southern, Eastern and Southeastern Alps we described a new association Rhodothamno chamaecisti-Pinetum sylvestris, into which we classify stands that have until now been discussed in the framework of subassociations Fraxino orni-Pinetum nigrae pinetosum sylvestris, laricetosum deciduae and (partly) caricetosum humilis, and are floristically slightly similar also to certain forms of the association Erico-Pinetum sylvestris. The stands of the new association are for now classified into Natura 2000 habitat type Southeastern-European Pinus sylvestris forests (91R0), within it we propose a special habitat subtype Southeastern-Alpine Scots pine forests, and into a new forest site type Southeastern-Alpine Scots pine forest. At the contact of the Julian and Dinaric Alps we described a new subassociation Genisto januensis-Pinetum sylvestris campanuletosum cespitosae, which comprises also a Natura 2000 species Primula carniolica.

Distribution and habitat preferences of the stag beetle Lucanus cervus (L.) in forested areas of Poland

The incorporation of Lucanus cervus (L.) in Annex 2 of the EU Habitats Directive imposed on EU member countries the obligation to prepare protection plans and undertake adequate measures aimed at the preservation of this species. A necessary precondition for their implementation was connected with the identification of current localities of L. cervus. This paper presents the distribution of L. cervus localities in Poland, identified on the basis of a survey conducted in the areas administered by the State Forests. Habitat preferences for the selection of biotopes by stag beetles were evaluated in terms of forest-site types. This will facilitate effective protection of L. cervus by indicating potential biotopes for this species, particularly in areas with high abundance. The survey showed the presence of L. cervus in 176 localities distributed in 47 forest districts. Most of them were found in three main areas comprising forests in the areas of Zielona Góra, Wrocław and the Świętokrzyskie Mts. They constitute large-scale refuges. In 98% of cases the development of L. cervus was associated with oaks Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. Other host plants included Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus. The age of trees colonised by stag beetles ranged from 70 to 248 years, 134 years on average. Lucanus cervus was most frequently found in deciduous mesic forest sites (41% of localities) and deciduous mixed mesic forest sites (24% of localities). Over 90% of recorded localities are situated in forested areas, understood to include stands, residual trees and stumps, as well as localities at forest edges and along roads in the vicinity of forests.

Dimensional features of Thymus serpyllum L. Emend. Mill. and Thymus x polessicus Klokov (Lamiaceae) in the conditions of different phytocenoses in the Shostka geobotanical district, Sumy region

Introduction . As a part of the different phytocenoses, Thymus serpyllum L. Emend. Mill. та Thymus x polessicus Klokov undergoes significant anthropogenic effects and requires detailed study and development of measures for the reservation and reproduction of its populations. The issues of changing the morphometric parameters, depending on the forest site type and the stand density, remain not well studied. The study of dimensional features Th. serpyllum та Th. polessicus allows to interfere purposefully in the processes of growth and development of plants, to use more fully the natural properties of plants, to preserve and reproduce the population and increase its productivity. In this article analyzed the dimensional features Th. serpyllum and Th. polessicus plants in different phytocenoses in Shostka geobotanical district of Sumy region. Purpose . To estimate dimensional features of Thymus serpyllum L. Emend. Mill. та Thymus x polessicus Klokov (Lamiaceae) and to their main morphometric features in different phytocenoses in Shostka geobotanical district of Sumy region. Methods. To determine the dimensional parameters of plants of the researched species, we made a morphometric analysis. For this purpose, a number of static metric and static alometric parameters were evaluated in the studied cenopopulations. Based on the generally accepted approaches of morphometric analysis such parameters from the number of static metric parameters were determined, in particular, the height of the main shoot (H), the diameter of the main shoot (D), the number of leaves (NL), and the buds (B), the total weight of the plant (W), of all leaves (WL) and of one leaf (W1L), total weight of generative organs (Wg) and total area of leaf surface(A). From static alometric parameters we estimated leaf area ratio (LAR=A/W), leaf weight ratio (LWR=WL/W), heartwood ratio (HWR=H/W), height diameter ratio (HDR=H/D), absolute diameter ratio (ADR=A/D); specific leaf area (SLA=A/WL) and reproductive effort: (RE1=(Wg / W) x 100%, RE2=(Wg / A) x 100%). Results . As a conclusion, we can say that, рlants of Th. serpyllum and Th. polessicus show a rather diverse nature of changes in the magnitude of morphological parameters relative to the group in which they grow. Formation of plants Th. serpyllum in the group , is characterized by the smallest static metric and alometric parameters indicating the proximity of places to ecological-cenotic stress conditions. Conversely, the presence in Th. polessicus of large-sized individuals, which are also distinguished by the highest values of a number, static metric and alometric parameters, indicates the proximity of this location to the ecological-cenotic optimum. Originality . On the basis of the obtained quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the cenopopulations of the researched species, we are able to distinguish more fo estimate the resource potential of Th. serpyllum and Th. polessicus and to propose scientifically grounded approaches for the rational use of available stocks of valuable medicinal raw materials in the research district. Conclusions. The results of our analysis show that the realization of morphological variability (variation of values of plant morphoparameters within one population) and morphological plasticity (change of average values of morphoparameters at the transition from population to population) are an integral component of the complex of processes that provide and transform of populations of Th. Serpyllum and Th. polessicus in the territory of Shostka geobotanical district, Sumy region .

Морфометричні ознаки Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae) в різних фітоценозах Шосткинського геоботанічного району Сумської області (Україна)

У складі різних фітоценозів рослини Plantago major L.зазнають значного антропогенного впливу і потребують детального вивчення та розробки заходів щодо збереження та відтворення його популяцій. Питання зміни морфометричних параметрів залежно від типу лісу та густоти насаджень залишаються недостатньо вивченими. Вивчення морфологічних показників P. major дозволяє цілеспрямовано втручатися у процеси росту та розвитку рослин, більш повно використовувати природні властивості рослин, зберігати та відтворювати популяцію та підвищувати її продуктивність. У цій статті проаналізовані розмірні особливості рослин P. major та визначені їх морфометричні особливості в різних фітоценозах Шосткинського геоботанічного району Сумської області. Для визначення розмірних параметрів рослин досліджуваного виду ми зробили морфометричний аналіз. З цією метою в досліджуваних ценопопуляціях оцінювали ряд статичних метричних та статичних алометричних параметрів.Рослини P. major проявляють досить різноманітний характер змін величини морфопараметрів відносно угруповання в якому вони зростають. Формування рослин P. major. в угрупованні Plantagetum (majoris) urticosum (dioici), відрізняються найменшими статичними метричними та алометричними показниками, що указує на наближеність місцезростань до умов еколого-ценотичного стресу. І навпаки наявність в угрупованні Pinetum (sylvestris) sorboso (aucuparii)–urticosum (dioici) великорозмірних особин P. major , які виділяються ще й найвищими значеннями низки як, статичних метричних та алометричних показників, указує на наближеність цього місцезростання до еколого-ценотичного оптимуму та відношення популяції до процвітаючих.Виходячи з отриманих результатів, можна сказати, що розмірна структура ценопопуляцій P. major, суттєво змінюється при переході від одного фітоценозу до іншого. Ця особливість вказує на здатність даного виду до адаптації в різних умовах зростання. На основі отриманих кількісних та якісних характеристик ценопопуляцій досліджуваного виду ми можемо більш чітко оцінити ресурсний потенціал P. major та запропонувати науково обґрунтовані підходи до раціонального використання наявних запасів цінної лікарської сировини в зоні дослідження.
 На основі отриманих кількісних та якісних характеристик ценопопуляцій досліджуваного виду ми можемо більш чітко оцінити ресурсний потенціал P. major та запропонувати науково обґрунтовані підходи до раціонального використання наявних запасів цінної лікарської сировини в зоні дослідження.

Modellierung der Vegetationshöhenstufen und der Areale von Buche und Tanne für die Schweiz

Modelling of the vegetation belts and the areas of beech and silver fir for Switzerland The vegetation belts and the distribution area of beech and silver fir in Switzerland are an essential basis for the classification of forest site types with ecograms and therefore for site-specific recommendations of tree species and for forestry. Their limits, which are to a large extend defined by climatic factors, were until now only defined on a qualitative basis. For the future usage of the ecograms for tree species recommendations the limits must be described quantitatively, so that they can be modelled for the future with climate scenarios. With maps in a high spatial resolution of the forest-relevant climate variables and with additional important site parameters, those parameters were selected, which were relevant for the actual limits of the vegetation belts as well as for the beech and silver fir areal. The altitudinal belts were modelled by means of a linear regression between the known position of a representative altitudinal limit and the respective climatic factors at that position. The areal limits were modelled with a fuzzy logic approach. The climatic variables for the time span 2070–2099 were calculated on the basis of the climate (emission) scenario A1B (regional models RegCM3 and CLM), so that the limits of the altitudinal belts and the areas could be modelled for the future. The results of the model approaches are ecologically plausible. This could be shown in a comparison with the forest site types on the sample points of the National Forest Inventory and in an expert evaluation. The developed vegetation and climate maps as well as the modelled projections of the altitudinal belts in the future are the basis for the inclusion of climate change in the recommendation of tree species. They serve as decision support for forest managers and authorities in the forestry planning which is confronted with many uncertainties.

Negative Trade-offs Between Community Forest Use and Hydrological Benefits in the Forested Catchments of Nepal's Mid-hills

Widespread community forestry practices in Nepal's mid-hills catchments involve removal of forest products—including firewood, litter, fodder, and medicinal herbs—by the local communities. Uncertainty is growing about how sustainable the management of these catchments is and whether it can meet traditional needs and maintain ecosystem services, particularly water. As part of a broader study on the hydrological effects of community forestry practices, we measured selected soil properties, including saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), bulk density (BD,) and soil organic carbon (SOC) across 4 depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–50 and 50–100 cm) in 3 types of community forest sites—broadleaf, pine-dominated, and mixed—in the Roshi Khola catchment of Kavre district. The same measurements were made at a minimally disturbed religious forest site in the catchment that had higher Ksvalues than the mixed and broadleaf sites, signifying a lower degree of forest use-related disturbance. Likewise, SOC values for the religious forest were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and BD values significantly lower than the pine-dominated and mixed forest sites, particularly at shallower depths (0–50 cm). Importantly, comparison of the median Ksvalues (16–98 mm h–1) with rainfall intensities measured at the catchment showed the less intensively used pine-dominated site to be conducive to vertical percolation with possible greater contributions to subsurface storage even during high-intensity rainfall events. These results highlight the critical role of forest use practices in landscape hydrology and have implications for the management of the forested catchments in the broader Himalayan region, particularly in relation to the negative local perceptions of the role of pine plantations on declining water resources.

High density of keystone herbivore vs. conservation of natural resources: Factors affecting red deer distribution and impact on vegetation in Słowiński National Park, Poland

Rising deer densities are often in conflict with human activity. Among those conflicts there is conservation of natural resources whereas the protected areas, which are often unhunted, are known to form a hunting refuge resulting in higher deer densities than in the surrounding hunted areas. The issue is well known in many protected areas in the US, much less information on the matter is available in Europe, where protected areas are much smaller than in the other regions of the world. We studied red deer density, their distribution and pressure on vegetation in Słowiński National Park, northern Poland, whose land area is 11,000 ha and the forest area is just 6000 ha. Red deer density inside the forest area of the Park (ca. 26 ind./100 ha) was 2–3 times higher than in the surrounding hunted forest districts. Deer density in the Park had a limited influence (within a zone of 1 km) on the density of the species in the forest districts (only in one out of two districts). Despite its small size red deer densities within the Park were diversified and they were influenced by the forest site type and the distance to non-forest sites. Red deer density in the Park’s forests was inversely related to the distance to food abundant agricultural areas and positively related to the distance to the cover offering ones. Though the impact on forest vegetation (in terms of its biomass) was proportional to its availability, distance to non-forest sites strongly influenced the pressure. We conclude that that lack of hunting, together with favourable food and cover condition, can increase large herbivore densities even in relatively small protected areas. Since their high densities can have a negative direct and indirect influence on biodiversity and the primary goal of protected areas is biodiversity protection, we call for more research on the issue followed by a public debate in Europe concerning potential control of large herbivore populations in protected areas.

Forest site types of the Saint-Petersburg area

The goal of the study was to classify the forest sites of St. Petersburg area. The urban forest typology based on a set of 630 sample plots of 20×20 m each, located in the parks, gardens, urban forests, and natural reserves was elaborated. The 25 forest site types were distinguished.

Associations between forest vegetation and the fertility of soil organic horizons in northwestern Russia

BackgroundBeing the product of the same environment, soil and vegetation are mutually associated with each other, but the relationships between edaphic properties and vegetation characteristics are still far from clear. Accordingly, the specific aim of this study is to identify relationships between forest site types/forest types and the fertility of soil organic horizons in northwestern Russia. The relationships were assessed at the level of three large forest regions, the northern and middle taiga of the Republic of Karelia, and the Karelian Isthmus (Leningrad region), based on 37 spruce, 66 pine, and 16 birch plots which were integrated with the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).ResultsSoil forming rock and land-use history partly explain the differences in the fertility of soil organic horizons between the forest ecosystems in northwestern Russia. Climatic factors are closely correlated with plant species richness, density and the fertility of soil organic horizons. Nutrient content in the organic horizons increased from poor to rich site types identified according to composition of understory vegetation and the occurrence of certain indicator species, i.e. Cajander’s forest site types. The most informative parameters in explaining differences between Cajander’s types were nitrogen, carbon to nitrogen ratio, exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium, and base saturation. Extractable phosphorus, carbon to nitrogen ratio, exchangeable calcium, magnesium, aluminum and base saturation were the most informative parameters in explaining differences between forest types identified within the Cajander types in accordance with the tree species composition, i.e. Sukachev’s forest types. The organic horizons of spruce and birch-dominated forests contained significantly more nutrients, compared to those dominated by pine. These differences were explained by differences in litter quality, and the crown shape and density of tree species, which affect the intensity of nutrient leaching.ConclusionsThe study presents new findings regarding the relationships between forest sites/types and the fertility of soil organic horizons in northwestern Russia. Differences in organic horizon’s fertility between the taiga subzones are explained by differences in the soil forming rock, climatic conditions, land-use history and shares of forest site types/forest types.

On Dryopteris site type forests in Estonia

Abstract Fern-rich forest communities are presented in Estonia in mesic or moderately humid nutrient-rich habitats, in areas of drained mire forests, on floodplains and lower parts of talus slopes of the North-Estonian limestone escarpment (klint). In the recent official forest typology only one site type has been distinguished and labelled by the ferns: the Dryopteris site type in the scope of boreo-nemoral forests. The aims of the current study were (i) to clarify whether distinguishing between two fern-rich forest site types, one among the full-drained forests group and another in the boreo-nemoral forests group, is reasonable, and if so, then (ii) what the main characteristics of both considered forest site types are, (iii) what the main environmental factors determining the structure of these communities are, and (iv) what the mutual relationship between those forests and other fern-rich forest communities is. Our results asserted a distinct difference between the full-drained and undrained Dryopteris site type forests distinguished by the former scholars. The undrained boreo-nemoral fern-rich stands have developed in the same place in harmony with habitat conditions, while drained forests have significantly changed. It seems that despite some vagueness due to long-lasting post-drainage succession, it is nevertheless justified to recognise the fern-rich drained stands in Estonian forest typology as representing an autonomous forest site type in the group of full-drained forests. To avoid confusion in nomenclature, in the future, the undrained fern-rich boreo-nemoral forests site type could be named according to the most conspicuous indicator species as the Athyrium (filix-femina) site type and fern-rich stands on full-drained peat soils as the Dryopteris (expansa) site type.

Обеспеченность подростом спелых и перестойных темнохвойных насаждений Пермского края

Provision with preliminary generation undergrowth of mature and overripe dark coniferous stands of the Middle Ural taiga forest region was analyzed based on the forest management materials’ data of Krasnovisherskoye forestry (Perm krai). It has been found that dark coniferous stands are represented by spruce, fir, and cedar forests; which occupy 55.3 % of area covered with forest vegetation and 83.7 % of area covered with coniferous stands. Herewith, spruce forests occupy 98.7 % of the total area of dark coniferous stands, fir forests – 1.2 %, and cedar forests – 0.1 %. There are stands of the 5th and elder bonitet classes (65.4 %), 3rd and 4th classes (87.1 %) with the stand density of 0.5–0.7 (67.9 % from the total area) among dark coniferous stands. Spruce stands usually belong to the following types of forest sites (forest growth conditions): C3 (66.2 %), B2 (12.5 %) and B4 (9.7 %). Under the canopy 90.8 % of mature and overripe dark coniferous stands’ area is occupied by coniferous un-dergrowth, while its density exceeds 2.0 thousand pcs/ha on 12.0 % of the area. The maximum provision with undergrowth in the C3 and B4 forest growing conditions is characterized by mature and overripe dark coniferous stands with the relative density of 0.6, and in the A4, B2, B5 and C4 forest growing conditions – 0.5. The latter should be considered in selective logging and methods of reforestation schedule.For citation: Vedernikov E.A., Zalesov S.V., Zalesova E.S., Маgаsumovа А.G., Tolkach O.V. Provision with Undergrowth of Mature and Overripe Dark Coniferous Stands in Perm Krai. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Forestry Journal], 2019, no. 3, pp. 32–42. DOI: 10.17238/issn0536-1036.2019.3.32

ENERGY WOOD STORES IN UNDERGROWTH OF FORESTS IN LATVIA

INTRODUCTION&#x0D; Forest resources are the most significant natural asset of the state of Latvia. According to data of the 2nd stage of forest resource monitoring for 2014, Latvia has 3575 thousand hectares of forest land comprising 55.3 percent of the total territory of Latvia, while the total timber stock is estimated at 668 million cubic meters (Bumanis et al., 2014).&#x0D; However, from the available data on forest resources it is only possible to theoretically and hypothetically state what proportion of these resources would be useful and economically justified as an energy supply. Each forest stand has a certain amount of undergrowth and understorey – small woody plants (shrubs) which have not been researched much until now. A precise determination of the amount of energy wood in Latvian forests would be of great benefit to the Latvian economy.&#x0D; MATERIAL AND METHODS&#x0D; Research data were collected in forests at the Jelgava Forest District “Forest Research Station”. The research was carried out in two forest subquarters of forest site type Myrtillosa mel. Eight circle-shaped sample plots were established. The area of each single plot was 25 m2.&#x0D; In the sample plots, the understorey and undergrowth trees were cut at the root neck. A sample was prepared from each tree harvested which was then sent for drying.&#x0D; The wood samples were transferred to "Forest and wood products research and development institute Ltd” for moisture determination. Total moisture content of the wood sample was determined according to standard LVS EN ISO 18134-2: 2016.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; In the forest subquarter with a stand composition of 10Pine (66 years old) the sum biomass of undergrowth and understorey was 177.91 kg per sample plot. In the forest subquarter with a stand composition of 9Pine1Birch (88 years old) there was a total understorey tree mass of 180.9 kg but 16.17 kg of undergrowth per plot. This means there was more biomass in understorey than undergrowth in the site investigated.&#x0D; DISCUSSION&#x0D; When the tree stand was 10Pine (66 years old) the amount of dry matter to be extracted from all sample plots was 12.37 t ha-1 on average. In the forest subquarter with a stand composition of 9Pine1Birch (88 years old) the amount of dry mass is 10.24 t ha-1 on average.&#x0D; According to previous research, 7-20 t ha-1 of dry mass was obtained in Sweden, 7 to 12 t ha-1 in Poland, 6 to 14 t ha-1 in Germany and 8 to 12 t ha-1 in Latvia (Lazdina et al., 2010). There are also several researches papers which describe biomass from young hardwood stands on abandoned agricultural land in Canada: the values vary from 0,6 t ha-1 to 82,6 t ha-1 (Lupi et al., 2017). Consequently, a sufficient amount of biomass was obtained in the forest subquarters investigated in our research, which fits with the results of other studies carried out.&#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; The volume of potential energy wood in undergrowth and understorey in Myrtillosa mel. forest site types is significant and it is advisable to use it as a raw material for energy production together with felling residues. However, it is necessary to evaluate the technical and technological capabilities from an economic perspective in each particular case.&#x0D;

Типи лісу та запаси деревини рівнинних букових лісостанів України

Ведення лісового господарства на типологічних засадах передбачає, що достовірно встановлені під час лісовпорядкування типи лісу та коректні значення лісівничо-таксаційних показників насаджень, зокрема запасів деревостанів, дають змогу планувати раціональні лісогосподарські заходи для підвищення продуктивності насаджень та ефективного використання лісових ресурсів. Відповідно до вимог лісовпорядної інструкції, лісівничо-таксаційні показники насаджень встановлюють окомірно-вимірювальним методом з визначеною нормативами точністю.&#x0D; За даними лісовпорядкування, рівнинні букові деревостани та насадження за участю бука у складі представлені таксаційними виділами різної величини в 74 типах лісу, зокрема, в суборових умовах – у шести, сугрудових – у 36-ти та грудових – у 32-х, які охоплюють гігротопи від сухих до мокрих. Дослідники букових лісів виділяють значно меншу кількість типів лісу (від 25 до 35), в яких бук представлений як типотвірна, друга головна порода чи росте у складі деревостанів інших, переважно дубових, типів лісу. Наведена значна кількість типів лісу, які встановлені візуально під час лісовпорядкувальних робіт за наявними у насадженнях деревними видами, є штучно завищено, і не відповідає методологічним підходам до виділення типів лісу.&#x0D; За результатами перевірки коректного встановлення основних таксаційних показників букових деревостанів, зокрема запасів стовбурової деревини на підставі видових чисел, встановлено, що для 36,7% від загальної кількості таксаційних виділів видові числа є некоректними (менші за 0,4 (до 0,158) чи більші за 1,0 (до 4,080), тоді як за таблицями ходу росту у букових деревостанах видові числа змінюються в межах 0,424-0,840.&#x0D; Для вдосконалення системи безперервного лісовпорядкування доцільне вирішення проблеми розроблення обґрунтованого переліку типів лісу та їх діагностичних ознак, оцінки встановлених під час лісовпорядкування запасів і механізму актуалізації лісівничо-таксаційних показників електронної бази даних.

Topsoil acidity of forested mineral lands in Estonia

Abstract. The active acidity (pH) of forested mineral lands’ topsoil, its relationships with alternative soil acidity characteristics and the influence of soil acidity on forest soils’ profile fabric and functioning are analysed in the pedo-ecological conditions of northeastern Europe. The active acidity of the forest floor (O-horizon) was taken as the baseline for this analysis. The acidity of the forest floor was studied in accordance with the underlying soil horizons, which are humus and/or raw-humus horizons in the more fertile soils, whereas in less fertile soils, they are podzolized horizons. The data on soil acidity are presented by main soil types, forest site types, forest humus cover types (pro humus forms) and forest stand groups. In this work, the influences of forest floor acidity on mineral topsoil fabric, soil processes and peculiarities of carbon sequestration are explained. The active acidity of the forest floor provides a great indicative value in elucidating the regularities of the forest soil cover, as a whole, formation and functioning. For evaluating the normality of soil functioning, or the absence of disturbances in ecosystem functioning, the intervals of soil type specific reference pH levels have been established.

Екоморфічна структура фітоценозів на арені р. Дніпро (в межах природного заповідника «Дніпровсько-Орільський»)

Проведено екоморфічний аналіз фітоценозів на арені р. Дніпро в межах природ-ного заповідника «Дніпровсько-Орільський». Оцінено екологічну специфіку фітоце-нозів, що є основою для розробки екологічно обґрунтованого їх збереження. Визначе-но, що у фітоценозах значну частину складають багаторічники. Проаналізовано це-номорфічну, трофоморфічну та гігроморфічну структуру фітоценозів. Різноманітнішляхи рознесення насіння призводять до формування значного потенціалу дистри-буції рослин у межах та за межами досліджуваного полігону.

Morphometric parameters ofConvallaria majalis L. in the conditions of different phytocenoses in the Yampil district of Sumy region

Introduction . There is a decrease in the populations of many species, which prompts us to find directions and ways of regulating the mechanisms of development of natural phytocenoses as a result of radical changes in natural ecosystems. As a part of the forest phytocenoses, C . majalis undergoes significant anthropogenic effects and requires detailed study and development of measures for the preservation and reproduction of its populations. The issues of changing the morphometric parameters, depending on the forest site type and the stand density, remain poorly studied. The study of morphological parameters C . majalis allows to interfere purposefully in the processes of growth and development of plants, to use more fully the natural properties of plants, to preserve and reproduce the population and increase its productivity. Purpose . To estimate dimensional sizes of C. majalis plants and to determine their morphometric features in different forest phytocenoses in Yampil district of Sumy region. Methods of research. We made a morphometric analysis to determine the dimensional parameters of plants of the researched species. For this purpose, a number of static metric and static alometric parameters were evaluated in the studied cenopopulations. Based on the generally accepted approaches of morphometric analysis, such parameters from the number of static metric parameters were determined, in particular, the height of the main shoot (H), the diameter of the main shoot (D), the number of leaves (NL), and the buds (B), the total weight of the plant (W), of all leaves (WL) and of one leaf (W1L), total weight of generative organs (Wg) and total area of leaf surface(A). We estimated leaf area ratio (LAR=A/W), leaf weight ratio (LWR=WL/W), heartwood ratio (HWR=H/W), height diameter ratio (HDR=H/D), absolute diameter ratio (ADR=A/D); specific leaf area (SLA=A/WL) and reproductive effort: (RE1=(Wg / W) x 100%, RE2=(Wg / A) x 100%) from static alometric parameters. Results . Each of the morpho-parameters has its own specific features regarding changes in values upon transition from one cenopopulation to another. At the same time, the greatest values of four (the weight of one leaf (W 1 L =2,03 + 0,030 g), the weight of all leaves ( WL =4,06 + 0,03 g); the diameter of the main shoots (D=0,5 + 0,01 mm) and the number of buds ( B =3,1 + 0,04 pieces)) of the nine static metric parameters that were evaluated in C . majalis are recorded in the Pinetum ( sylvestris ) coryloso ( avellanae )– urticosum ( dioici ) population. Plants from this group are also differed from the largest values of three of the eight evaluated static alometric parameters, such as: leaf area ratio ( (LAR=15,2 + 0,35 cm 2 / g) and the parameter of the reproductive effort ( (RE1=69,9 + 7,88%, RE2=4,6 + 0,53%). At the same time, plants from this group have comparatively low indicator of such a morpho-parameter as heartwood ratio ( HWR = 4,24 + 0,054 cm/g), with the values of this characteristic in the researched populations within the range of 4,03-6,07 cm/g. It was registered the lowest values of the four static parameters (height of the main shoot ( H =29,7 + 1,04 cm), the diameter of the main shoot ( D =0,3 + 0,015 mm), number of buds ( B =2,5 + 0,12 pieces.), weight of generative organs ( Wg =0,3 + 0,03 g)) and of three alometric parameters ( heartwood ratio (HWR=4,0 + 0,150 cm/g), parameter of reproductive effort (RE1=4,5 + 0,47 %, RE2=0,32 + 0,039 %), at the same time, they have the highest values - height diameter ratio (HDR =111,2 + 5,28 cm/cm) and absolute diameter ratio (ADR=404,9+35,19 см2/см) in the cenopopulation of Querceto ( roboris )− Tilietum ( cordatae ) fragariosum ( vescae ) . Originality . We are able to distinguish more clearly the features of ecological-cenotic optimum, to estimate the resource potential of C. majalis and to propose scientifically grounded approaches for the rational use of available stocks of valuable medicinal raw materials in the research area on the basis of the obtained quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the cenopopulations of the researched species. Conclusions. Plants of C. majalis show a rather diverse nature of changes in the magnitude of morphological parameters relative to the group in which they grow. Formation of plants C. majalis in the group Querceto (roboris)−Tilietum (cordatae) fragariosum (vescae),), is characterized by the smallest static metric and alometric parameters indicating the proximity of places to ecological-cenotic stress conditions. Conversely, the presence in Pinetum ( sylvestris ) coryloso ( avellanae ) – urticosum ( dioici ) of large-sized individuals, which are also distinguished by the highest values of a number, static metric and alometric parameters, indicates the proximity of this location to the ecological-cenotic optimum.

Epiphytic lichen synusiae and functional trait groups in boreo‐nemoral deciduous forests are influenced by host tree and environmental factors

Deciduous forests with temperate broad‐leaved tree species are particularily important in terms of biodiversity and its protection, but are threatened habitats in northern Europe. Using multivariate analyses we studied the effect of forest site type, environmental variables and host tree properties on epiphytic lichen synusiae as well as on the composition of species‐specific functional traits. Epiphytic lichens were examined on Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Tilia cordata, Ulmus glabra and U. laevis in two types of forests: Humulus‐type floodplain forests and Lunaria‐type boreo‐nemoral forests on the talus slopes of limestone escarpment (klint forests). Klint forests located near the seashore were under greater maritime influence compared to floodplain forests located in inland Estonia which experience stronger air temperature contrasts. In addition to stand level and climatic variables, tree level factors (bark pH, trunk circumference and cover of bryophytes) considerably affected the species composition of the lichen synusiae. Overall, 137 lichen species were recorded, including 14 red‐listed species characteristic of deciduous trees. We defined 13 lichen societies and showed their preference to forests of a specific site type and/or host tree properties. In forests of both types, most of the epiphytic lichens were crustose, and had apothecia as the fruit bodies and chlorococcoid algae as the photobiont. However, the proportion of lichens with a foliose or fruticose growth form, as well as the proportion of lichens with vegatative diaspores, were higher in floodplain forests. In klint forests with a stronger influence from the wind, crustose species completely dominated, while species with vegetative diaspores were rare and most species dispersed sexually. Lichens with Trentepohlia as the photobiont were characteristic of these forests, and lichens with lirellate ascomata were prevailing, indicating the great uniqueness of the kint forests for epiphytic lichens in the boreo‐nemoral region.

Ecosystem carbon stocks of Estonian premature and mature managed forests: effects of site conditions and overstorey tree species

The crucial role of forests in terrestrial carbon (C) balance is well acknowledged, but nationwide C assessments still show some uncertainties. We estimated the effect of forest site type on various ecosystem C pools in premature- and mature-aged forests of hemiboreal Estonia. Furthermore, the effects of soil physico-chemical properties and the tree species on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks were analysed. The weighted mean SOC stock of Estonian forests was 77 Mg C ha−1 in humipedon layer and 118 Mg C ha−1 in solum. The mean ecosystem C stock of Estonian forests was 174 (confidence range: 141 to 214) Mg C ha−1, from which 111 Mg C ha−1 was distributed in the solum layer, 61 Mg C ha−1 in the overstorey tree layer, 0.5 Mg C ha−1 in the understorey tree layer and 1.7 Mg C ha−1 in the ground vegetation. Forest site type had a significant (p < 0.001) effect on all analysed C stocks. The variation of SOC stocks in the humipedon (R2 = 0.71) and in the solum (R2 = 0.79) was explained by the thickness of the layer, the total nitrogen stock, base saturation, hydrolytic acidity, soil trophic and moisture conditions. The higher quantity of deciduous tree species in a stand composition was in a positive correlation with the SOC stock in the humipedon of fertile site types. The accuracy of nationwide assessments of forest C reporting can be improved by using a site-specific approach, considering deeper soil layers and incorporating other structural forest layers.