Evaluation of the safety of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest plantations created on clearings with different soil cultivation methods in the Vologda region.

Abstract

In recent years, the use of excavators and other specialized machines, such as the Bracke P11.a unit, has become more widespread in the taiga forests of Russia. These machines combine mechanical tillage with the planting of seedlings with a closed root system. The purpose of this study is to assess the survival rate, preservation, and growth of Scots pine forests in sorrel-bilberry conditions using different methods of tillage and planting techniques. The research was conducted in the Vologda region, where logging areas were chosen for the trial areas. These areas were used to assess the growth and survival of forest crops. In sorrel fresh conditions, the initial survival rate of the forest crops was 94% at the end of the first year of planting, when the plow beds were used. This is a promising result, indicating the potential for successful forest regeneration in these conditions. In the bilberry forest, the survival rate of forest crops was 70%. The creation of forest crops was carried out using the Bracke P 11/a planting unit. About 8-10% of the planting material had a fracture of the apical bud. The unit sealed about 20% of the planting material above the root neck due to the use of different heights of planting material. In moist bilberry forests, the preservation of crops was 90%. However, additional crops were planted to achieve this level of preservation. In sorrel fresh forests, the growth of crops created using micro-plants was more intense compared to those created using plow beds. To increase the survival rate and growth of pine forest crops, we recommend that soil treatment be carried out by creating micro-elevations using an excavator. The height of these micro-elevations should be at least 15-25 centimeters in sorrel and fresh bilberry conditions, and 30-40 centimeters in moist bilberry forests.