The potential of natural forest renewal and recommendations for its use in the conditions of the Eastern Moscow region

The characteristics of natural forest regeneration are examined using forestry units in the eastern Moscow Region as an example. These units are located in the Meshchera Lowland, which is characterized by its unique geological structure, soil conditions, vegetation characteristics, and history of economic development. A survey of forest regeneration of the main tree species was conducted on sample plots established in areas recovering from disturbances of varying ages. It was established that the predominant patterns of natural regeneration include the reforestation of clearings, burnt-out areas, and areas of dead and damaged forest stands with birch, aspen, and willow, followed by the development of spontaneous spruce seeding under the deciduous canopy; spruce self-seeding from preliminary regeneration in decaying dead spruce stands, under the canopy of overmature softwood and mixed-coniferous stands dominated by pine; pine self-seeding near forest walls, as well as in areas with light, dry soils and on microelevations. Data has been obtained on the unsatisfactory results of measures to promote natural regeneration by plowing furrows to increase the number of conifers in young stands. Based on regulatory requirements for ensuring the formation of forest stands that meet the intended purpose of protective forest categories, the main provisions of recommendations for the use of natural reforestation for forest reproduction in the Meshchera region of Moscow have been formulated. These recommendations include the goals, objectives, and standards for natural reforestation measures, as well as the transformation of softwood stands into deciduous-coniferous and coniferous-deciduous forests. Conclusions have been drawn regarding the feasibility of using natural forest regeneration to increase forest resilience to various adverse factors and the rational use of forestry resources.

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