Forestry and Forest Melioration

Regeneration dynamics of forest coenoses with Rhododendron luteum Sweet (Ericaceae) undergrowth after clear cutting in moist relatively fertile oak-pine site type in Zhytomyr Polissia, Ukraine

Andriy Tushak — 2025-06-30

Introduction

The yellow azalea (Rhododendron luteum Sweet) is a relict species with a distinct distribution. The lowland populations are primarily located in Ukraine, specifically in Zhytomyr Polissia region. The aim of this study was to investigate the key ecological and silvicultural characteristics of Rh. luteum habitats in moist relatively fertile forest sites and to evaluate the success of regeneration of forest coenoses with undergrowth of this species following clear-cutting in the region.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted primarily in 2024. Data on Rh. luteum undergrowth regeneration were derived from field observations in Korosten district, Zhytomyr region. To assess the regeneration dynamics of Rh. luteum undergrowth, 30 experimental plots, each of 0.5–1 ha, were established in different forest age groups, including: mature maternal forests (130–140 years old), young forest plantations (before crown closure): 0–1 year and 4–7 years old; forest plantations after crown closure – 8–10, 11–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70 years old. Within each experimental plot, assessments were conducted to evaluate the development of the floristic composition, coenotic structure, and condition of the Rh. luteum undergrowth.

Results

The total area of forests with Rh. luteum undergrowth in the moist relatively fertile pine site type (C₃) in two forestry enterprises amounts to 2,614.4 ha. Of this total, 88.2% consists of forests of natural origin, while only 11.8% comprises forest plantations. Quercus robur dominates in 53.5 % of the studied stands, and the remaining 46.5 % of the area is represented by secondary stands. Within these, Betula pendula occupies 28.6 %, Pinus sylvestris 14.4 %, Populus tremula 2.1 %, and Alnus glutinosa 1.5 %. The largest proportion of the studied forests belongs to the 71–80-year age group (29.2%) and the 61–70-year age group (26.8%). It was shown that in stands older than 40 years, the forest coenosis reached a fully developed state, characterised by a typical floristic composition and coenotic structure. The Rh. luteum undergrowth exhibited a projective cover of approximately 45% at 41 years, increasing to 60–70% at 58 years and 80–90 % at 66 years. The species displayed high vitality, even distribution, and mass flowering. These findings indicate that after clear-cutting Rh. luteum undergrowth regenerates satisfactorily within 40 years. By the 60–70-year age group, the development of a closed Rh. luteum undergrowth is nearly complete, and the physiognomy of the coenosis closely resembles that of the original (maternal) stands.

Conclusions

Following clear-cutting, Rh. luteum undergrowth regenerates satisfactorily within 40 years in those forests. However, in 17% of surveyed plots, Rh. luteum failed to regenerate, primarily due to excessive stand density, as well as untimely and insufficient thinning in stands under 30 years old. In the Branch “Luhyny Forestry” of the SFE “Forests of Ukraine”, the area of forest stands with Rh. luteum-dominated undergrowth in moist relatively fertile pine sites (C₃) declined by 2.2 times between 1978 and 2018, from 926.0 ha to 423.8 ha.

10 Figs., 2 Tables, 30 Refs.

Fire risks in the forest fund of State Specialised Forest Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”

Olena Andreieva — 2025-06-30

Introduction

In recent decades, the frequency and extent of forest fires have increased globally. Arid climatic conditions and forest degradation caused by biotic and anthropogenic factors contribute significantly to fire risk. The accumulation of forest fuel, due to the drying of branches and parts of tree crowns, further elevates this risk. Ukrainian forests are classified into five natural fire hazard classes, based on forest site type (hygrotope), dominant tree species (coniferous or deciduous), stand age, and other characteristics. These parameters are used to calculate a weighted average fire hazard index for individual forest management units. However, forest fire risk is also influenced by such factors as weather conditions, population density, and stand composition. Incorporating these variables enables the development of regional fire risk forecasts. Considering recent administrative reforms and structural changes in forest governance, there is a need to update and adapt the forest fire zoning system to align with the current structure of the forest sector.

This research aimed to compare the predicted forest fire risk at the administrative regional level with actual fire incidence data recorded at the Forest Office level within the State Specialised Forest Enterprise (SFE) “Forests of Ukraine”.

Materials and Methods

The analysis used official statistical reports from the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine on fire occurrences and burnt areas across administrative regions, which is subordinate to the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, as well as the forest arrangement database as of January 1, 2011. The classification of forests by fire risk within administrative regions, developed by Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration was considered, including the complex of natural, climatic and socio-economic characteristics of each region.

Fire hazard classes for each Forest Office were calculated as weighted averages of the forest area of each class for individual regions, considering the corresponding total forest area. The average number of fires and the annual burned area were estimated for each year by summing the relevant indicators across administrative regions. The average burned area per fire was calculated by dividing the total burned area by the number of fire events in a given year. Due to ongoing military activities, including shelling and the presence of unexploded ordnance since 2022, it has become difficult to accurately assess fire incidence and affected areas in some regions. Therefore, two time periods were analyzed: 2007–2023 and the pre-war period 2007–2020.

Results and Conclusions

Forest fires are driven by drought, forest fuel accumulation, and forest weakening due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Considering this, a forest fire zoning system of Ukrainian forests has been developed. The research aimed to compare the predicted fire risk at the regional level and actual data for the forest offices of the SFE “Forests of Ukraine”. It has been found that the fire risk at the level of the SFE “Forests of Ukraine” Offices generally aligns with regional-level forecasts for forest fire incidents and burnt areas. However, inconsistencies were observed in the forecasts for the Southern and Central Forest Offices, which encompass areas with diverse stand compositions that influence fire hazards. The study concludes that refining forest fire zoning at the Forest Office level is essential. The refinement should take into account up-to-date data on the distribution of pine forests, especially in light of recent changes due to clear-cutting, sanitary felling in pests and disease outbreak areas, the expansion of burnt areas, and an increase in unforested lands in occupied territories.

5 Figs., 1 Table, 24 Refs.

Approaches to organising a system for monitoring carbon accumulation in the forests of NNP “Kremenetski Hory”

Volodymyr Pasternak — 2025-06-30

Introduction

Increasing forest cover and productivity, along with the implementation of sustainable forest management practices, plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon dioxide sequestration. International carbon markets, operating through the carbon credit mechanism, offer substantial opportunities for financing climate-positive initiatives. For Ukraine, this creates the potential to support projects aimed at expanding forest areas, improving forest management, and establishing new protected territories. These actions also contribute to the environmental and socio-economic resilience of the forest sector, support biodiversity conservation, and foster the development of local communities. However, the successful justification and implementation of these climate-positive projects require robust scientific support and a systematic monitoring and verification of the volumes of carbon accumulated as a result of these projects.

The aim of the present research was to estimate the volume of carbon sequestration in woody phytomass and to conduct baseline calculations necessary for monitoring carbon stocks in the forest stands of the Kremenetski Hory National Nature Park.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in 2024 within the Kremenetski Hory National Nature Park, located in the European Broad-Leaved Forest Province of the Opil-Kremenetsk District of beech, hornbeam-oak forests, real and steppe meadows and meadow steppes. Much of the native forest has been replaced by secondary hornbeam stands, many of which have reached maturity and now require restoration.

To assess carbon stocks, circular monitoring plots with a radius of 17.84 meters were established. Within these plots, all living and dead trees were inventoried, recording species identification, diameter at breast height, tree status, and visible damage. Tree biomass was calculated using established conversion factors, while deadwood was classified according to density and assessed for volume and mass. This allowed for the calculation of carbon stocks in both living and dead organic matter. Additionally, the status of the European beech understory, established for native stand restoration, was evaluated.

Results

The growing stock of forest stands ranged from 234 to 379 cubic meters per hectare, while deadwood volume ranged from 6.7 to 37.8 cubic meters per hectare. Based on the calculations, carbon stocks were estimated for the primary forest stand components. The average carbon stock in the living stands was 98.3 tons per hectare, with deadwood containing 5.8 tons per hectare. Although natural regeneration and beech forest crops were present, beech density was low and insufficient for successful future stand replacement. Regeneration was dominated by maple and hornbeam, with oak and other species occurring only sporadically. The weakest regeneration was observed in oak-dominated stands.

Conclusion

Establishing baseline carbon stock values is essential for long-term monitoring and for evaluating the effects of restoration activities on the carbon sequestration capacity of forest ecosystems. The total estimated carbon stock across the surveyed plots was 2,200 tons, with approximately 83% stored in aboveground phytomass, 12% in belowground phytomass, and 5% in deadwood. The methodology and dataset developed in this study provide a solid foundation for future carbon monitoring and are suitable for use in climate-related projects, including carbon credit modelling strategies.

4 Tables, 23 Refs.

Efficiency of complex fertiliser application in the cultivation of Scots pine seedlings and establishment of forest plantations in Kharkiv Forest Research Station

Oleh Danylenko — 2025-06-30

Introduction

Fertilization is an integral component of forest nursery management for producing high-quality standard seedlings for reforestation and afforestation. It significantly enhances plant growth, increases nutrient reserves and improves resistance to drought and adverse biotic and abiotic factors., However, there is currently limited information on the effectiveness of different fertilizer types, particularly complex fertilizers, in the cultivation of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings and their subsequent use in forest plantation establishment.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of various fertilizers on the biometric parameters, biomassand yield of standard container-grown Scots pine seedlings, as well as on the growth and survivability of plantations established using these seedlings in Kharkiv Forest Research Station.

Materials and Methods

The research was conducted in 2020. Scots pine seedlings were grown in protected ground conditions in cylindrical agrofiber containers with a volume of 700 cm³. The growing substrate was composed of a 1:1 volume ratio of well-humified dark gray medium loamy and sandy loamy soils, mixed further with peat and humus in a 3:1:0.25 ratio.

During the growing season, the seedlings were fertilized twice using four types of complex fertilizers: Partner Standard, Master, Rost Kontsentrat and Help Rost, applied at rates recommended by the manufacturers. Pine seedlings grown in containers without fertilizers served as the control.

The effectiveness of the tested fertilizers was evaluated based on biometric parameters and air-dry biomass of aboveground and root parts of Scots pine seedlings. Growth and survivability of one-year-old plantations established with these seedlings were also assessed.

Data were analyzed using variation statistics in Microsoft Excel, with differences between the control and experimental treatments tested at the 5% significance level.

Results

Seedlings treated with fertilizers exhibited significantly higher biometric values compared to the control. In fertilized treatments, seedling height increased by up to 40%, root collar diameter by up to 20%, aboveground biomass by up to 27%, and root biomass by up to 59%.

The highest biometric parameters and biomass were observed in seedlings treated with Partner Standard 20:20:20 and Partner Standard 35:10:10 fertilizers, while the lowest values were recorded with Master fertilizer.

The proportion of standard-grade one-year-old seedlings ranged from 82% to 95% in fertilized treatments, compared to 76% in the control.

Forest plantations established with fertilized container-grown seedlings showed superior growth indicators – height increased by up to 29%, height increment by up to 21%, and root collar diameter by up to 19% – as well as higher survivability (86–92%) compared to plantations established with unfertilized seedlings (84%).

Conclusions. The results confirm the effectiveness of complex fertilizers such as Partner Standard, Master, Rost Kontsentrat, and Help Rost at recommended rates to enhance the growth and quality of container-grown Scots pine seedlings cultivated in protected conditions. These seedlings also demonstrate improved performance and survivability when used for reforestation and afforestation.

4 Figs., 2 Tables, 25 Refs.

Some features of the growth of one- and three-year-old Scots pine plantations in Central Polissіa

Maksym Rumiantsev — 2025-06-30

Introduction

Key challenge in establishing Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations is the selection of appropriate planting material – specifically, whether to use container-grown or bare-root seedlings. Studies conducted across various natural zones in Ukraine indicate that Scots pine plantations established with container-grown seedlings exhibit more vigorous growth and higher survival rates compared to those planted with bare-root seedlings.

However, research in Central Polissia on the growth and development of Scots pine plantations established with these two types of planting material has been limited and, more recently, discontinued – underscoring the need for renewed investigation.

The aim of the study was to compare the growth parameters and survivability of one- and three-year-old Scots pine plantations established with container-grown and bare-root seedlings in Central Polissia.

Materials and Methods

Surveys and measurements were conducted in two one-year-old Scots pine plantation plots established in spring 2024 in fresh and moist relatively infertile pine forest sites, as well as in one plot of three-year-old forest plantations, established in spring 2022 in fresh relatively infertile pine site. All plots are located within the Potashnіa forestry of the Radomyshl Forest and Hunting Enterprise (now Radomyshlske Forestry Management Unit, part of the Stolychnyi Forest Office branch of the State Specialized Forest Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”, Zhytomyr region).

The standard planting pattern was 2.5 x 0.7 m (initial density: 5,714 trees · ha^-1), except for part of Plot 3, where container-grown seedlings were planted at a 2.5 x 1.0 m spacing (initial density: 4,000 trees · ha^-1).

Survivability was calculated as the percentage of viable trees recorded in September 2024 relative to the number initially planted. For three-year-old plantations, the crown width was also measured along and across the row.

Collected data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and standard statistical methods. The significance of differences between the control and experimental treatments was tested using Student’s t-test at the 5% significance level.

Results

In fresh relatively infertile pine sites, one-year-old plantations established with container-grown seedlings showed significantly better growth than those with bare-root seedlings –15% greater in height, 19% greater in height increment and 19% greater in root collar diameter. For all growth characteristics, the differences between the experimental treatments and control were significant.

Survivability was also higher for container-grown seedlings (89%) compared bare-root seedlings (82%).

In moist relatively infertile pine sites, one-year-old plantations established with container-grown seedlings had higher growth characteristics compared to those established with bare-root seedlings, with growth increase of 15% in height and root collar diameter and 25% in height increment. For all growth variables, the differences between the experimental variant and the control were significant.

Survivability was 89% for container-grown seedlings and 85% for bare-root seedlings.

Three-year-old plantations established in fresh relatively infertile pine site with container-grown seedlings exhibited 22% greater height and root collar diameter, and 24% greater height increment compared to those planted with bare-root seedlings. The differences between the experimental treatments and the control were statistically significant.

Survivability was 100%for container-grown seedlings and 87% for bare-root seedlings.

Additionally, in three-year-old forest plantations established with container-grown seedlings, Scots pine trees had significantly wider crowns – 19% wider along the row and 20% across the row – compared to those grown from bare-root stock.

Conclusions

In fresh and moist relatively infertile pine sites of Central Polissіa, both one- and three-year-old Scots pine plantations established with container-grown seedlings demonstrated superior growth (height, height increment, root collar diameter), greater crown width, and higher survivability compared to plantations established with bare-root seedlings.

The findings have been incorporated into recommendations for improving the establishment and cultivation technology of Scots pine plantations using container-grown seedlings in Central Polissіa.

2 Figs., 3 Tables, 19 Refs.

95 years of URIFFM: Scientific achievements, 2020–2025

Viktor Tkach — 2025-06-30

Introduction

The Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration (URIFFM) established in late 1929, has undergone multiple changes in name and administrative subordination over its 95-year history. Despite these transformations, the Institute has consistently played a leading role in Ukrainian forestry science by addressing both fundamental and applied problems and by training scientific personnel for the forest sector. URIFFM has been the cradle of several scientific schools, including those in forest typology, silviculture, protective afforestation and soil erosion control, forest hydrology, forest mechanization, forest entomology, phytopathology, forest ecology and radioecology, and forestry economics While the Institute’s history and accomplishments up to 2020 have been documented in various publications, this study aims to highlight the major achievements of URIFFM scientists during the challenging years from 2020 to 2025 – a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and military aggression against Ukraine.

Materials and Methods

This analysis is based on archival materials from URIFFM, official scientific reports, and publications authored by Institute researchers during the reporting period.

Results and Conclusions

This paper presents an overview of the current structure of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G.M. Vysotsky (URIFFM) and its affiliated research network. It summarizes key scientific achievements from 2020 to 2024 in areas such as forestry, silviculture, forest restoration and afforestation, forest protection from pests and fires, forest breeding, information technologies, forest economics, and forest monitoring and inventory. Despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war, all scheduled fundamental and applied research was completed across 12 state-funded research topics and several dozen commercial contracts. Over the five-year period, more than 40 regulatory documents were developed, most of which were endorsed by the Scientific and Technical Council of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine. Scientific capacity building continued, with three doctoral and four candidate (PhD) theses successfully defended. Approximately 800 scientific works were published, including monographs, manuals, journal articles (many indexed in Scopus and Web of Science), and conference proceedings from national and international events. URIFFM serves as the base institution for the Scientific Council on Problems of Forestry and Silviculture at the Department of General Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Additionally, 25 URIFFM researchers are members of the Eastern Department of the Forestry Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Plans for future research covering the period 2025–2029 have been outlined and will focus on both ongoing and emerging challenges in forestry science and management.

38 Refs.

Current state of forests in Ukraine under the influence of climate change and military aggression

Viktor Tkach — 2025-06-30

Introduction

Forests are globally recognized as vital components of sustainable development and modern climate policy, as reflected in numerous international agreements that Ukraine actively supports. Notably, participants of the most recent Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (2024) endorsed a dedicated paragraph in the Bonn Declaration on Ukraine, calling for enhanced multilateral cooperation and technical support for restoring Ukraine’s forest sector during and after the war. These efforts are supported in part by the scientific contributions of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration (URIFFM) across a broad range of topics.

This study aims to assess the current state of Ukrainian forests in the context of climate change and military aggression, and to identify steps for their effective restoration and sustainable management.

Materials and Methods

To evaluate forest resources, we applied generally accepted theoretical and methodological approaches to the economic valuation of natural assets. The analysis was guided by the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), which distinguishes three primary categories of ecosystem services: provisioning services, regulation and maintenance services, and cultural services. The valuation of material forest resources and estimation of war-related damage were based on data from the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, and relevant scientific publications.

Results

Ukraine’s current forest cover has been significantly altered by human activity – both quantitatively and qualitatively. The forestry sector contributes over 3% to the national gross domestic product, underlining the considerable ecological and economic importance of forests.

Nonetheless, the current level of forest cover remains suboptimal. Achieving the target of 20% forest cover will require the afforestation of at least 2–2.5 million hectares using site- and purpose-optimized approaches. This expansion must incorporate intensive technologies, particularly the use of container-grown seedlings and genetically improved planting stock. Realization of this goal necessitates a dedicated Forest Seed Development Program and sustained financial support.

Russian military aggression has caused substantial damage to Ukrainian forests, affecting nearly one-third of the total forest area. Approximately 450,000 hectares are contaminated with explosive remnants and require demining. Demining and recultivation of contaminated forest areas will take decades, restricting access to natural resources and recreational areas. There is also an urgent need for standardized methodologies to objectively assess forestry-related war damage. URIFFM has developed scientific recommendations that can aid in addressing these issues.

Post-war forest restoration will be a matter of national priority. A comprehensive program must be developed to rebuild the productive capacity of Ukrainian forestswhich would include, in particular, the creation of favorable conditions for meeting the needs of the industry in valuable wood. In the context of climate change, increasing the resilience of forest stands to adverse environmental factors is essential. This can be achieved through the implementation of scientifically grounded forest management strategies, many of which have been developed by URIFFM.

Conclusions

A strategic vision for the development of forestry in Ukraine must be formulated, accounting for evolving environmental conditions and socio-economic dynamics. This includes the broader application of ecologically oriented, close-to-nature forestry practices that support sustainable land use.

There is an urgent need for a new edition of the Forest Code of Ukraine and a comprehensive revision of the legislative framework governing forest use. This overhaul should integrate climate considerations, elevate the ecological role of forests, and align national forestry legislation with that of European countries. Future forestry research must also be oriented toward fulfilling Ukraine's international obligations and recognizing the increasing importance of forests in contemporary environmental and socio-economic contexts.

3 Tables, 28 Refs.

Methodology for studying tree trunk shape with and without a superimposed crown

Volodymyr Kichura — 2025-06-30

Introduction

The shape of a tree trunk significantly influences the volume and quality of industrial assortments derived from harvested trees. Consequently, the study of trunk shape has remained a central topic in forest mensuration for over a century. Traditionally, research has focused on the shape of trunks without the crown, a practice that continues today. However, investigations into trunk shape with the crown superimposed are relatively recent and still emerging.

Comparative studies of trunk shapes with and without an overlapping crown have shown that shape variability primarily depends on the proportion of crown volume relative to the total volume of the tree’s above-ground parts. Specifically, an increase in the crown’s relative volume tends to correlate with increased tapering of the trunk, and vice versa.

This relationship can be analyzed through a specially developed methodology that satisfies the unique requirements for collecting, measuring, and processing experimental data. This method is intended for comparative analysis of trunk shape in two configurations: (1) without the crown, and (2) with the crown superimposed.

Materials and Methods

The methodology was developed using generalized data from a substantial sample of sample trees: 233 trees for trunk shape analysis with a superimposed crown, and over 1,000 trees for assessing average trunk shape without the crown.

The approach combines traditional forest mensuration techniques with mathematical methods, including direct inductive and deductive reasoning, mass observation, and averaging.

Results

The methodology outlines procedures for data collection, measurement, and processing. Key components include: criteria for selecting trees for measurement, general measurement protocols, field procedures for measuring actual trees, data processing techniques to derive results for trunk shapes both with and without superimposed crowns..A distinctive feature of the method is its use of stump volume formulas to convert volumetric data into linear parameters. This enables a mathematical expression of the crown's influence on trunk shape. The method allows the precise identification of characteristic points on the S-shaped portion of the trunk, both with and without the crown.

Conclusions

The proposed methodology enables the characterization of trunk shape with and without a superimposed crown and provides insights into the distribution of the volume along the tree height.

4 Figs., 6 Refs.

Fagus sylvatica plantings in the Rivne region

Roman Savchuk — 2025-06-30

Introduction

The urgent need for forest restoration in Ukraine highlights the ecological and silvicultural significance of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). While beech forests in the Carpathians have received considerable attention, more eastern regions – particularly the Rivne region – have been relatively overlooked. In the context of forest restoration across the Volyn-Podillia Upland, especially in its elevated areas, it is worth revisiting the practices of local foresters from a century ago, who successfully established artificial European beech stands.

Materials and Methods

Research was conducted between 2015 and 2025 in artificially established beech stands within the Volyn Upland in the Rivne region. Sample plots were laid out according to standard forest mensuration techniques to assess silvicultural and mensuration parameters. Tree height and trunk diameter were measured, while plantation area and age were determined based on forestry inventory records.

The aim of the study was to assess the current state of beech forests in the Rivne region, to identify priorities for future research, and to explore prospects and strategies for expanding the area of beech plantations both within the region and beyond.

Results

This study presents the first comprehensive mensuration of beech stands in the Rivne region within the Volyn Upland. Research findings indicate that the condition of beech stands in this region can be confidently rated as “good” on a five-point scale. Although seed production was observed, natural regeneration and seedlings were largely absent – except in isolated openings within low-density stands in Section 52, Myrohoshcha Forestry. In 2024, abundant natural regeneration (100–200 seedlings per m²) was documented on a southern slope in Section 25 of Khoriv Forestry. Beech stands planted between 1925 and 1939 as monocultures (100% beech) within the Volyn Upland proved highly productive, falling into site quality classes I^a – I^band reaching significant timber stocks of 372–477 m³·ha^-1 at maturity. In contrast, attempts to establish mixed plantations with Picea abies (50% beech, 50% spruce) and Quercus robur (80% beech, 20% oak) were unsuccessful. Spruce, competing with beech for light, developed elongated, weak trunks that bent and distorted under snow loads, ultimately lagging in growth or dying. These trees were subsequently removed. Similarly, oak failed to compete effectively and was eliminated during thinning.

Conclusions

Artificial beech plantations were established on elevated sites of the Volyn Upland (245–350 m above see level) on gray forest soils within fresh and moist hornbeam-oak forest types. These plantations, primarily pure beech plantings (100% beech), were established using various planting patterns. Most of the surveyed stands are now approaching maturity and are scheduled for clear-cutting. We recommend that the most valuable of these stands be reassessed for alternative management. Instead of harvesting, they should be preserved for their historical, recreational, and scientific-forestry significance, meriting further research and conservation.

3 Figs., 1 Table, 25 Refs.