Forest Rehabilitation Research Articles

Особливості поширення вивірки лісової (Sciurus vulgaris) на півдні України: приклад з Миколаївщиною

Until recently, the natural geographic range of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) has not covered the area of Mykolaiv Oblast, as opposed to Podillia and the forest-steppe belt of Ukraine. Over the past 40 years, due to artificial and natural dispersal, this dendrophilous rodent species has significantly expanded in range into Mykolaiv Oblast, 93% of which is located within the steppe and 7% within the forest-steppe zones of Ukraine. The squirrels moved from the forest-steppe zone, from the city of Kryvyi Rih and along the Dnipro valley. The dispersal has been gradual, took place in waves, and has become widespread in the last 10–15 years. In the city Pervomaisk, the species was observed for the first time at the Southern Bug River in 1980, then in the north-east of the oblast region in 2002, and near the city of Mykolaiv in 1997. On the Kinburn Peninsula, the squirrel first appeared as a result of artificial introduction in the 1980s in the adjacent territory of Kherson Oblast. In the 21st century, other subspecies also dispersed naturally into the region along the Dnipro River valley and are now widespread here together with descendants of the ‘common’ and teleutka squirrels. The animals appeared in Ochakiv as a result of introduction in 2020. As of 2024, the squirrels are widespread within the northern steppe subzone of the steppe zone and locally within the middle steppe and dry steppe subzones of the steppe zone. The species is more widespread than scientists considered. The squirrel’s distribution was facilitated by forest reclamation, in particular the planting of forest belts and walnut orchards and other plantations, as well as by its ecological plasticity, introduction, synanthropisation, and the loyal attitude of the majority of the population to the species. In some places, the animals have established themselves and started breeding, such as in the cities of Novyi Buh, Mykolaiv, and Pervomaisk, and also in forest tracts, etc. The species’ natural enemy is the Eurasian goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). According to the available data, in Mykolaiv Oblast, there are red squirrels from natural populations of the forest-steppe and Podillia of Ukraine, introduced teleutka squirrels, and probably their hybrids as well. As of 2020–2024, the estimated abundance of squirrels in the territory of Mykolaiv Oblast is approximately 250–500 individuals.

The Social and Ecological Dimension of Ecosystem Service Enhancement in Post-Mining Forest Rehabilitation: Integrating Stakeholder Perspectives

Mining activities lead to significant environmental degradation, including soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In South Korea, abandoned coal mines cause considerable ecological disturbances in mountainous regions. Forest rehabilitation has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate these impacts, but its effectiveness depends on successfully integrating ecosystem services (ES). This study assesses the social value of ES in post-mining rehabilitation by incorporating perspectives from local communities and experts in forestry and mining sectors. A mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews was employed to gather stakeholder views on 18 ES, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and habitat services. Results indicate that local communities prioritize cultural and regulating services, such as mental health, aesthetic value, and climate regulation, while experts emphasize regulating services like soil erosion control and carbon sequestration. This divergence highlights the need for a balanced approach that integrates both ecological and socio-cultural benefits, suggesting that community needs have not been adequately reflected in current practices. The study findings underscore the importance of incorporating community input into forest management to ensure both ecological outcomes and social value, offering a framework for adaptive management that aligns ecological goals with community needs, ultimately promoting sustainability and resilience in post-mining landscapes.

Интенсивность выпаса скота как фактор изменения продуктивности и структуры растительного покрова лесопастбищ Бажиганского песчаного массива

Abstract. Scientific novelty. Based on experimental data, new modern knowledge about the productivity of pastures has been obtained to determine the mechanism of their transformation under the influence of pasture load. Practical significance. Data on the regenerative and productive potential of herbaceous plants in the forest pastures of the Bazhigan sandy massif with varying degrees of pasture load were obtained. The results of intensification of pasture land use, without the use of appropriate land reclamation measures, lead to degradation and desertification. In the 70–90 years, the Achikulak scientific research agroforestry experimental station, in large foci of deflation of the Bazhigan sandy massif, carried out forest reclamation with plantations of squat elm and robinia, on an area of more than 500 hectares. Complex multi-tiered plant cenoses were created, including various types of plantings (backstage, strip, savanna), transforming the environment, and as a result, increasing the productivity and sustainability of pasture lands. The purpose of the research is to study the influence of the degree of livestock load on the dynamics of changes in productivity and structure of grassland in pasture and natural lands. Methods. The research was based on field experiments using geobotanical surveys during the growing season. The yield of the forage was determined by the mowing method on each type of pasture in 4-fold repetition. Results. Uncontrolled use of forage lands by animals has an impact on the increasing degree of degradation of pasture phytocenoses, manifested in a violation of the stability of natural ecosystems, low forage productivity (open natural lands 0.07–0.13 t/ha), loss of valuable species of cereals, legumes and various grasses from the herbage, a decrease in their growth and development. It has been established that pastures reclaimed by tree plantations, with their intensive use and not subject to deflation, are 1.1–1.5 times more productive than natural open lands. Pastures with robinia plantations (3.5–4.0 t/ha) have high productivity of herbage during the growing season at optimal and minimum load, respectively. With an increase in the load on pastures, the degree of loss of species is 45–52 % at optimal load, 60–84 % at high load. The supply of phytomass at optimal load decreases by 0.4–0.6 t/ha or 20–22 %, at high by 0.7-–1.3 t/ha or 35–45 %.

The Influence of the Depression Zone of Forest Shelterbelts on the Productivity and Profitability of Winter Wheat

Background: The article presents the results of a study which is characterizing the impact of a forest shelterbelt on the productivity and profitability of winter wheat of the dry steppe zone of Volgograd region (Russia). The relevance of the problem was due to the fact that most of the agriculture is used to be concentrated in the steppe and forest-steppe natural zones. It is known that these territories were used to be forest reclamation facilities in the form of a network of protective forest belts. Also it touched the research aimed n need to evaluate the efficiency of winter wheat production within depression zones. The hypothesis means that the soil and climatic conditions of dry steppe regions, were utilizing these depression zone for arable land which significantly reduced the productivity and profitability of winter wheat cultivation. Methods: The work presents the biological productivity which was taken into account by using the method of meter-long plots in triplicationand a soil moisture was determined by the thermostat-weight method and grain quality was determined by using an infrared analyzer “InfraLUM FT-12”. The territory was visualized by using an unmanned aerial vehicle and chemical analyzes of soil samples were performed in the soil analysis laboratory of the FSC of Agroecology RAS by using generally accepted methods in soil science. Result: The research determined that depression zones arise in the steppe and dry steppe zones on the territory of agroforest landscapes near protective forest plantations. The areas of these zones occupy 4-8% of the total arable land area. Observations have shown that soil moisture in the depression zone in the meter-long layer is lower than in the inter-strip space. At the same time, the lack of mineral nutrition elements leads to a significant decrease in biometric indicators and the quality of winter wheat grown.

Estimation of the distribution of deflation sites on the territory of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug by data of remote sensing

Geoinformation assessment of deflation processes in the Arctic conditions makes it possible to move to a new technological level in the planning of forest reclamation of the landscapes of the Arctic zone. The use of forest reclamation and phytomelioration of accumulative forms makes it possible to control desertification processes. To achieve the purpose of the study – to assess the spatial distribution of deflated surface areas on the territory of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, a geoinformation analysis of current space sensing data was carried out and the degree of degradation (deflation and anthropogenic transformation) of the territory in controlled areas was revealed, on the basis of which the necessary measures are proposed to prevent land deflation and it is planned to create an information system for monitoring and forecasting the state of soil and vegetation cover. The decoding of satellite images of deflation sites in the research area made it possible to develop vector cartographic GIS layers, which show selected coastal, continental not grown and overgrown massifs. The conducted geomorphological differentiation of deflation sites makes it possible to effectively use such parameters as tiering, exposure, meso- and microclimatic differences, as well as plan anti-deflation measures. Vector cartographic layers of the spatial distribution of sandy accumulative forms have been developed and their morphometric characteristics have been determined, the features of the development of continental and coastal deflation have been established, the areas of which are 31.51 and 20.86 thousand hectares, respectively, the total number of sites allocated by vector contours exceeds 166 thousand, and their sizes vary from 0.001 hectares to more than 5.5 thousand hectares. As a result of a spatial assessment of 68 large sandy massifs overgrown with vegetation, their area of 543.85 thousand hectares has been established.

Intraspecific variation in root system structure in a Pinus thunbergii stand grown in a gravelly spit coast.

ABSTRACT Root systems of Pinus thunbergii planted in coastal forests exhibit high phenotypic plasticity under edaphic conditions. The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to determine intraspecific variation in root system traits, maximum root depth and length of horizontal roots of P. thunbergii in a gravelly spit within a stand by excavation of entire root systems, and root system structure modelling from photographs; and 2) to determine whether the root system traits can be inferred from aboveground traits. The P. thunbergii trees grew twisting roots through the hard soil layer of sand and gravel and exhibited variation in root systems; most individuals had inherent tap root systems, but one had a two-tiered thick horizontal root system with a thinner tap root. Although the maximum length of the horizontal root had no relationship with the aboveground traits, the maximum root depth of P. thunbergii was significantly related to tree height. This suggests that tree height can be a predictive indicator of root depth, which is valuable for the rehabilitation of disaster-resistant coastal forests. Both surface and solid models of root system were produced using structure-from-motion with a multi-view stereophotogrammetry method, which enabled continuous estimation of the sum of the root cross-sectional area at any depth in the depth direction. The new method of reconstructing root system models was effective for post-analysis of traits after excavation. We concluded that intraspecific variations in the root system traits of P. thunbergii were observed even at the stand level on a gravelly spit coast.

Relasi Kuasa dalam Tata Kelola Hutan Mangrove di Desa Aeramo Kecamatan Aesesa Kabupaten Nagekeo

The aim of this research is to analyze power relations in Mangrove forest governance in Aeramo Village, Aesesa District, Nagekeo Regency. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, namely describing the current state of the object qualitatively using data obtained from research. The data sources used are primary and secondary data sources. Data collection techniques use observation, interviews and documentation methods. The data analysis techniques used are data collection, presentation, reduction and drawing conclusions. The research results show that power relations are seen from 4 (four) interactions, namely, Decisional, Anticipated Reaction, Non Decision Making, and systemic. In decisional interactions it was found that the decision to change land use was made by the community itself who had power over the land covered by mangrove forests. By forming a group to open a pond. Anticipated reaction interactions found that the desire for land clearing was carried out by each management group based on personal encouragement and oriented towards improving the community's economy. The non-decision making interaction of the management has the power in clearing land because they have a certificate and receive direct support from the provincial government. Systemic interactions found that the interest that the management group carried out from the start was to help the community's economy. The Mangrove forest rehabilitation process has been carried out by the Nagekeo Regency environmental service and the Kajumata Farmers Group which was formed to preserve the Mangrove forest in Aeramo Village. Socialization activities regarding the importance of mangrove forests and the opening of environmentally friendly ponds have also been carried out by the Environmental Service and the Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Service.

«Владельцы песков»: пескоукрепительные работы на землях кочевых народов Юга России (ногайцев, калмыков и туркмен) в XIX – начале XX веков

The publication examines the organization of sand protection works carried out in semi–desert zones of Southern Russia in the XIX - early XX centuries. Despite separate publications on measures to combat desertification in the Russian Empire, sand protection activities that unfolded in the XIX – early XX centuries on the lands of the nomadic peoples of Southern Russia (Nogais, Kalmyks and Turkmens) did not become the subject of separate works, which determines the nov-elty of the study. The peculiarities of the natural, climatic and geographical living conditions of nomads and their irrational use of arid zones as pasture lands for their livestock were factors that caused the rapid growth of sands in the XIX – early XX centuries. Sand protection works in the south and officials of the sand-ravine parties and the corps of foresters of the Forest Department, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of State Property, carried south-east of Russia out. The ac-tivities of sand protection organizations included experimental measures to combat desertifica-tion, which included husking and grass sowing on the sands, sowing sandy oats, removing sands from the use of their owners, forestry and horticulture in the steppe. The source base of the study was materials extracted from the State Archives of the Stavropol Territory (GASK) funds: 153 «Forester of the Stavropol sandy-ravine district» and 247 «Stavropol Provincial Forest Protection Committee». Historiographical works on the study of the problem include publications by pre–revolutionary, Soviet and modern researchers involved in combating desertification in Southern Russia in the XIX - early XX centuries. The analysis of materials and sources made it possible to trace the peculiarities of the activities of central and regional authorities, local societies (A.D. – owners of sands), and other organizations that participated in sand protection works during the historical period under consideration. The conclusion is formulated that the sand protection activi-ty that unfolded in the South of Russia in the XIX – early XX centuries. It included many forest reclamation works, the purpose of which was to curb the process of desertification of pasture and agricultural lands of Nogais, Kalmyks and Turkmens, which in turn was a measure of protection and guardianship of the life, health and economic and cultural activities of nomadic peoples with-in the Russian Empire.

Evaluating The Physical Quality of Trembesi Seedlings (Samanea saman) in The Permanent Nursery of BPDAS Indragiri Rokan, Pekanbaru City, Riau Province

The availability of high-quality seedlings is crucial for reforestation and forest rehabilitation initiatives aimed at mitigating deforestation. This study assesses the physical quality of rain tree (Samanea saman) seedlings produced by the Permanent Nursery of BPDAS Indragiri Rokan, located in Pekanbaru, Riau Province. A systematic sampling method with a random start was employed, involving 15,155 raintree seedlings that were six months old, from which a sample size of 200 seedlings was selected following SNI 8420 of 2018. The parameters observed included seedling height, stem diameter, leaf count (LCR), compactness of the planting medium, and root crown ratio. Data analysis was conducted based on the general and specific quality requirements outlined in SNI and Perdirjen RLPS No. P.05/V-Set/2009. The findings revealed that 66.5% of the seedlings satisfied the general requirements, while 72.38% met the specific requirements. The rain tree seedlings were classified within quality class D, with a percentage of normal seedlings falling below 95% and several samples exhibiting damage from pests and diseases. These results underscore the necessity for enhancements in nursery management, particularly concerning pest and disease control, to elevate the quality of raintree seedlings in future production.

PERAN MODAL SOSIAL DALAM PELESTARIAN TANAMAN MANGROVE DI DESA TONGKE-TONGKE KECAMATAN SINJAI TIMUR

This research was conducted with the aim of examining the role of social capital in preserving mangrove plants in Tongke Tongke Village, East Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency. This research uses a qualitative descriptive research method with data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The results of this research show that there are three important indicators in the application of social capital, namely trust, norms, and networking. The application of social capital is considered important for the people of Tongke Tongke Village because the application of trust indicators can form social interactions that can last for a long time, and the application of norms can help the community comply with the rules in managing mangrove forests as a source of life and the existence of a network built by the Tongke Tongke Village government. both internal and external help in preserving mangrove forests which must be maintained by all parties, both government and community. The condition of the mangrove forests in Tongke - Tongke Village, East Sinjai District requires effective forest rehabilitation and integrated management. In integrated mangrove forest management, the role of each stakeholder involved in the management is very necessary. Mangrove forest management in Tongke - Tongke Village involves local communities and the condition of the mangrove forests in the village is starting to improve and some are still experiencing damage, this cannot be separated from the social capital of the local community who manage and utilize the mangrove forests.

Optimising forest rehabilitation and restoration through remote sensing and machine learning: Mapping natural forests in the eThekwini Municipality

Forests are crucial in delivering ecosystem services that underpin human well-being and biodiversity conservation. However, these vital ecosystems are threatened by forest degradation and rapid urbanisation. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a comprehensive framework for mapping natural forests at the municipal scale. The framework integrates remote sensing techniques with machine learning algorithms to provide valuable insights into the extent of natural forests within the eThekwini Municipality. The study utilised Landsat 7, Landsat 8, and Landsat 9 satellite imagery to analyse and map the historical and current distribution of natural forests. Five spectral indices, namely, Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), Chlorophyll Index Green (CIG), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index-2 (EVI-2), which were calculated from Landsat bands, were employed in the analysis. Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning algorithms were used to model forest distribution. Accuracy was assessed through confusion matrices, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curves, area under the ROC curve (AUC), and the F1 scores. LightGBM achieved the highest overall accuracy (90.76%), followed by CatBoost (89.56%) and XGBoost (84.34%). LightGBM also obtained the best F1 score (90.76%). These findings highlight LightGBM's effectiveness in classifying natural forests, making it the preferred model for mapping the historical extent of natural forests in the eThekwini Municipality. However, classifications based on Landsat 7 significantly underestimated the extent of natural forests within the study area, whereas Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 data revealed an increase in natural forests from 2015 to 2023. These findings will guide effective and targeted forest rehabilitation and restoration efforts, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of forest ecosystem services.

Levels of Land Cover Density on Carbon Reserves and Income in Dongo Baru Community Forest (HKm)

Community Forest (HKm) in Dongo Baru, Mount Rinjani forest area, in land management applies a mixed agroforestry pattern. The application of this pattern is the result of forest rehabilitation activities covering 138 ha in 2019. This HKm has a variety of different types of land management in one management area. This study aims to describe the condition of HKm using an environmental approach by estimating carbon stock data and economic value by looking at the value of arrive efficiency. The strategy utilized in this inquire about is graphic method by means of observation, Center Gather Discourse, and interviews, to 27 respondents / owners of land economic aspects by taking carbon stock data to 27 farmer-owned land. The environmental assessment to measure carbon stocks used a sample of 27 plots, measuring 50m x 20m for trees, 10m x 10m for poles, and 5m x 5m for saplings. The plots represent the density level of the forest area, i.e. dense, medium, not dense. Determination of forest density classification using Landsat-7 satellite image analysis in 2022. Based on the comes about within the ponder, it can be concluded that there are 3 density classifications that exist in the Dongo Baru HKm forest area, namely Meeting density, Moderately Meeting density and Not Meeting density. their respective incomes are meeting land density (Rp. 21,273,889), Moderately Meeting land density (Rp. 19,210,333) and Not Meeting land density (Rp. 22,431,556). Meeting land has carbon stock (256.86 tonnes/ha), Moderately Meeting land has carbon stock (95.34), and Not Meeting land has carbon stock (52.90 tonnes/ha). Land management with the density of Rapat land is considered to have fulfilled the principles of forest management from the economic and environmental aspects.

Effects of Forest Reclamation on Carbon Stocks and Respiration in Soils of Natural and Technogenic Ecosystems of Southern Karelia

Effects of Forest Reclamation on Carbon Stocks and Respiration in Soils of Natural and Technogenic Ecosystems of Southern Karelia

Лесохозяйственные мероприятия в полезащитных лесных полосах Краснодарского края

In the process of growth and development of forest belts, some of their taxation characteristics and design change. Forest reclamation complexes are subject to homeostasis. Changing the design of shelterbelts leads to crop shortages, loss of profits for agricultural organizations, as well as to the deterioration of the ecology of field soils. A way out of this situation can be found in the application of a system of measures, an important part of which is forestry measures. The aim of the research has been to determine the timing and types of forestry measures aimed at improving the agro-ecological efficiency of protective forest reclamation complexes on agricultural lands of the Krasnodar Territory. Data from the 2019 inventory of protective forest plantations and data obtained by the authors in 2015–2021 in the Kushchevskij and Leningradskij Districts of the Krasnodar Territory have been used. According to the data obtained, graphs of the dependence of stock on the age and height have been constructed for some tree species of field protection forest reclamation complexes. It has been established that in the study area the largest number of areas of shelterbelts have a dense structure – 538.5 ha, and 501.7 ha of them are trees of the III age class. A significant increase in the stock of plantations has been noted at the age of: Robinia pseudoacacia L. – 15 years, Fraxinus excelsior L. – 25 years, Gleditsia triacanthos L. – 10 years, Ulmus pumila L. – 35 years. The equations of the regressional dependence of stock on the age and height for the main tree species have been obtained. These equations can be used to predict the timing of forestry measures in order to maintain the openwork design of forest belts recommended for the region under study.

Phytoremediation of technogenically disturbed soils of coal mines

The use of joint planting of tree species with different life strategies, annual growth rates, but with a complementary reaction to co-growth in reclamation sites makes it possible to more effectively use ecological niches and ensure the formation of species-rich forest communities with higher biological productivity. At each age stage of planting, a certain category of woody plants "works" on carbon accumulation, which generally provides an increased deposition effect compared to single-species plantations. Modern recommendations on forest reclamation are focused on the creation of monocultures that are insufficiently stable, do not create a nature-like structure of plant communities and are not sustainable for a long period of time. Currently, technologies have been developed taking into account the sustainability of forest plantations on landfills.

Multi-Factor Evaluation of RHL Success in Neniari Village, Indonesia

General Background: Forest and land rehabilitation (RHL) is essential for addressing critical land conditions, aiming to transform unproductive lands into areas that can enhance community living standards through increased productivity. Specific Background: In Neniari Village, the RHL program has been implemented with mixed success, utilizing agroforestry systems and involving various species, including both timber and non-timber plants. Knowledge Gap: Existing studies often lack detailed analysis of the factors influencing RHL success at a community and ecological level. Aims: This study seeks to evaluate the overall success of the RHL program in Neniari Village by considering plant survival rates, environmental factors, and community participation. Results: The survival rate of plants averaged 70%, indicating a moderate level of rehabilitation success, which did not meet the targeted benchmarks. Novelty: This research uniquely combines biotic and abiotic factor analyses with community engagement levels to assess RHL outcomes. Implications: The findings highlight the need for enhanced community involvement and improved environmental condition management to boost RHL success rates, suggesting adjustments to future rehabilitation strategies.Highlights: Community Involvement: Higher levels of community participation are directly linked to the success of rehabilitation efforts, indicating the need for more focused engagement strategies. Plant Survival: An average survival rate of 70% among various plant species underlines the challenges of RHL in achieving its goals, pointing towards the necessity for improved environmental management. Agroforestry Benefits: Utilizing agroforestry systems has shown potential benefits in enhancing ecological diversity and economic returns, suggesting its suitability for RHL practices. Keywords: Forest Rehabilitation, Community Participation, Agroforestry Systems, Plant Survival Rates, Environmental Factors

Эколого-биологические методы формирования устойчивых лесомелиоративных комплексов в степных и полупустынных ландшафтах европейской территории России

The arid region of the European territory of Russia includes a zone of dry steppe (dark chestnut soils) and a semi-desert zone (light chestnut and brown soils). There is practically no woody natural vegetation in the region on elevations and plains, and on the prevailing complexes of zonal soils, forest plantations are characterized by low durability. Materials and methods. The work used the results of field (expedition) and laboratory studies of the growth, condition, durability, productivity of protective forest plantations of tree and shrub species in various soil and hydrological conditions of the dry-steppe and semi desert zones. Results and discussion. The author’s developments made it possible to recommend a reliable range of trees and shrubs for the creation of forest-reclamation plantations in each agroforestry area and soil ecological niche. It was revealed that when selecting the assortment, a significant role should be given to selection and genetic methods of using seed and planting material well adapted to local conditions (drought-, salt- and frost-resistant and healthy genotypes). The main reason for the early drying of protective plantations on complex light chestnut soils of the dry-steppe and semi-desert zones has been established. Taking into account the extremely arid conditions and the main causes of their drying, the concept of increasing their stability and effectiveness in adverse growing conditions is given. Agroforestry zoning and groups of soil forest suitability by type and classification, as well as groups of longevity of the main tree species are given. Conclusion. The large diversity of soils contributes to the formation of a stepped profile in adult cereals. Woody species shrink when their root system comes into contact with salt horizons. Ecological techniques are reduced to the correct selection of tree species that correspond to a specific ecological background. The technological use of differentiated agricultural cultivation techniques involves the use of moisture-saving technologies. Biological measures include biological reclamation of unsuitable soils and methods of breeding and genetic improvement of the qualitative composition of forest reclamation plantations. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The results of the work can be used by managers and specialists of forestry enterprises, researchers, graduate students, students of educational institutions. The assortment of trees and shrubs can be used in the design of plantings of various types on different soils.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРОТИВОЭРОЗИОННЫХ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ ПРИ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ТЕРРИТОРИИ ПАШНИ

At this stage of the development of land management in the Russian Federation, forest reclamation measures, including the design of protective forest belts, play a special role in effectively combating wind erosion on arable land. The article analyzes the effectiveness of the creation of forest belts for the purpose of erosion control organization of the territory of the Pavlograd municipal district, calculates the assessment of the effectiveness of the placement of the projected field protection forest belt, the amount of capital investments, the payback period of design solutions, and also makes a feasibility study of the project proposal.

Assessment of the state of forest vegetation of waste dumps of coal mines in Ukraine

The aim of the work was to assess the current state of protective vegetation cover formed as a result of forest reclamation and natural overgrowth of all rock dumps of coal mines in Ukraine. The relevance of the research is conditioned by the important role of taking into account the degree of forest cover on the surface of dumps when assessing their ecological hazard to the environment. Forest plantations reduce the intensity of deflation and erosion of the surface of dumps, so the intensity of pollutants entering the adjacent territory is also sharply reduced. The main research method was the analysis of space images. The scientific novelty of the research results consists in the estimation of the average afforestation of the surface of dumps of the Lviv-Volynsky coal basin, Western and Central Donbass and in the established dependence of the afforestation of dumps slopes on their exposure and insolation coefficient proposed by the authors. Differences in afforestation of dumps of the above-mentioned basins (50.6%, 5.6% and 10.6%, respectively) testify both to the role of differences in climatic conditions and to the low level of dump reclamation in the Donetsk coal basin. Almost 1,900 ha or 79.5% of the dump surface in the north-eastern part of the Central Donbas is not forested and is a source of intensive environmental pollution. The afforestation of southern slopes in the Central Donbas is 4.7 times lower than that of northern slopes. However, a part of dumps is characterised by almost complete afforestation of southern slopes. This important fact proves the possibility of growing plantations under conditions of unstable moisture inherent in Donbas, even on such slopes. The practical significance of the work consists in the presented low-cost reclamation technology and the results of its use by the authors in forest reclamation of two rock dumps of PJSC ‘Lisichanskvugillia’. The given results of the survey of forest plantations more than 30 years after their creation by the authors prove the possibility of mass afforestation of rock dumps in Ukraine and, as a consequence, the reduction of the area of agricultural lands polluted by dumps and the intensity of their pollution.

Exploring the post-harvest ‘window of vulnerability’ to landslides in New Zealand steepland plantation forests

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions to address societal problems. They are similar to soil and water bioengineering (SWB), where trees and forests are used to mitigate natural hazards. However, NbS can have unintended consequences.Forest-based NbS may involve the enhancement, rehabilitation or restoration of natural forests or planting of trees and forests to provide a range of services including the production of timber and wood. In New Zealand, planted steepland forests have been widely used as NbS for erosion control. While intact, these forests provide various beneficial ecosystem services. However, if these forests are harvested, there is a period of up to 6–‍8 years following clear-fell harvesting, known as the ‘window of vulnerability' (WoV) when the landscape is susceptible to rainfall-induced landslides. During this time, the combination of declining root strength and changes in soil hydrology can lead to shallow landslides, especially during heavy storms.This study focuses on three questions: determining whether there is a time within the WoV when susceptibility to rainfall-induced landslides, expressed as landslide density, reaches a maximum; are such landslides related to forestry infrastructure; and are those landslides connected to the stream network. We examined three areas in New Zealand (Tolaga Bay, Marlborough, and Tasman) where exceptional rain events triggered thousands of landslides on forest land harvested in the years immediately preceding those events. Using a range of high-resolution satellite imagery, we manually mapped rainfall-induced landslides and identified those due to the rain events.The maximum landslide number and density occurred on land harvested 1–4 years (and on average 2–3 years) before the event and varied slightly for each study area. Landslides also occurred in areas with trees up to harvest age of about 30 years and on areas with different vegetation covers, i.e., mature indigenous forests, pasture, scrub, etc. There were fewer landslides associated with forest infrastructure such as roads and landings than triggered on clearcut slopes. On average across the three study regions, about half the landslides were connected to streamlines, and so were able to deliver sediment and woody debris.Better information on susceptibility to rainfall-induced landslides following forest removal may help forest managers and regulators understand this hazard and what can (and cannot) be done to mitigate events which often result in ‘disastrous’ off-forest impacts as observed in New Zealand in recent years.