Development of optimal species diversity of shelterbelt forest plantations in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the structural and species-specific characteristics of shelterbelt forest plantations in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, to determine the ecological condition of the main tree species, and to identify their resistance to anthropogenic and natural factors, followed by the substantiation of approaches to optimizing species composition in order to enhance the agroecological efficiency of shelterbelts.
Methods. The research employed a comprehensive set of field and analytical methods, including a taxation survey of shelterbelts and the determination of their structural parameters (number of rows, width, species composition); bioindicative analysis of tree species with the registration of necroses, chloroses, leaf spot symptoms, and other diagnostic indicators of foliar damage; as well as a comparative assessment of the ecological condition of the dominant species Acer platanoides L. and Fraxinus excelsior L.
Results. The article presents the results of the investigation of structural and species characteristics of shelterbelt forest plantations in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The structure of their species composition was analysed, the main tree species were identified, and their resilience to anthropogenic and natural impacts was evaluated. It was established that the shelterbelt plantations of the region are predominantly composed of two species – Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). The findings indicate that their current ecological condition is deteriorating under the influence of multiple adverse factors, among which climate change, agricultural intensification, and atmospheric pollution are the most significant.
The bioindicative analysis revealed characteristic morphophysiological responses of trees to stress conditions, including necrotic lesions, chlorosis, leaf spotting, and pre-mature yellowing. Based on the obtained data, the necessity of optimizing the structure of shelterbelt plantations was substantiated, particularly through the selection of more resilient tree and shrub species and the adjustment of structural parameters of the shelterbelts.
Conclusions
1. The shelterbelt forest plantations of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe are characterized by limited species diversity, with Acer platanoides L. and Fraxinus excelsior L. being the dominant components.
2. The ecological condition of the dominant species is declining under the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors, which is confirmed by bioindicative manifestations.
3. To increase the resilience and agroecological efficiency of shelterbelts, it is advisable to optimize their species composition by introducing more resistant tree and shrub species, as well as regulating stand density and performing sanitary cuttings.
4. The proposed directions for forming an optimal plantation structure may serve as a basis for further recommendations aimed at enhancing the adaptive potential of shelterbelt systems under the current ecological challenges.