FOREST DYNAMICS IN THE «KOLOGRIVSKY LES» NATURE RESERVE

Abstract

Introduction. «Kologrivsky Les» nature reserve was established in 2006, therefore the dynamics, growth and yield of forest vegetation have been understudied so far. The prior research carried out on the area was sporadic, irregular and incomplete. The work is aimed at the analysis of forest dynamics of stands included into nature reserve  «Kologrivsky Les» beginning from 1998 to 2009 in order to identify alterations occurred without any forest operations and for the purpose of further monitoring. The key research method  included compiling summary tables of area distribution covered with forest stands based on the main species age class, quality class, forest type, forest site type and thickness. In order to find correlation between inventory indicators and the age of stands we used Korsun-Bachmann function. Results. The nature reserve consists of two parts that differ significantly in terms of species composition of a forest stand. In the framework of the reference period from 1998 to 2009 we observed the ageing of a stand and reduction of areas covered with young stands. The yield of Kastovskoy forest district is lower than in the Central forest district. The difference in area distribution in 1998 and 2009 in terms of forest type and forest site type is minor. Unlike the above mentioned indicators the quality type is the most variable indicator, characterizing the conditions of the stand habitat. Soil humidity compared with nutrient status is considered to be a more reliable diagnostic indicator when classifying stand conditions. Conclusion. The nature reserve features mainly medium stocked stands. In comparison with 1998 by the end of 2009 the area coved with medium stocked stands enlarged.