Experience in artificial forest regeneration in the Vyhodsky Forestry Management Unit of the “Carpathian Forest Office” Branch

Abstract

Introduction

Global warming and climate change pose a serious threat to the stable functioning of the biosphere. Among vegetation types, forest ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to climate change, as they are highly sensitive to shifts in optimal environmental conditions. Increasing summer temperatures threaten the decline of certain tree species and the spread of new, including invasive, species, which may alter species composition and reduce forested areas. Rising winter temperatures may also contribute to the expansion of pest species and pathogens, such as bark beetles, which are already causing extensive dieback in coniferous forests. Changes in precipitation patterns, intensity, and frequency further negatively affect forest ecosystems, leading to deterioration in forest health, widespread stand decline, and increased wildfire risk.

Materials and Methods

The study of reforestation processes in the forests of the Vyhodsky Forestry Management Unit of the “Carpathian Forest Office” Branch was based on the results of the authors’ own research, departmental records for 2019–2021 covering 270 sites with a total area of 271.4 ha, as well as domestic and international scientific and practical experience in forest regeneration.

Results

The forest regeneration fund consists mainly of recent clear-cuts within beech–fir–spruce, beech–spruce–fir, pure spruce, spruce–fir–beech, and fir–spruce forest types. Their regeneration is planned through either natural or artificial methods. In most cases, the determining criterion is the quantitative and qualitative composition of natural regeneration, including the presence of self-seeded trees and advance growth. Artificial regeneration is carried out on a forest typological basis where natural regeneration is insufficient or where its species composition does not correspond to the target forest type. Forest plantations are established as mixed stands composed mainly of fir, beech, sycamore maple, and larch. Their planting density depends on the amount of existing natural regeneration.

Conclusions

The forest regeneration fund of the Vyhodskyi Forestry Management Unit of the “Carpathian Forest Office” Branch consists mainly of recently harvested areas following final felling (clear-cutting and the final stage of selective felling) as well as clear sanitary felling. During the three-year study period, 30% of the area was regenerated artificially, while 70% was regenerated naturally. In most of the clear-cut areas subjected to artificial regeneration, natural regeneration of mixed species composition was already present; however, its quantity was insufficient to ensure successful stand formation. The tree species introduced into newly established forest plantations included fir, beech, sycamore maple, larch, and spruce. In some cases, spruce accounted for up to seven units in the stand composition, which may be considered excessive under current environmental conditions. Artificial forest regeneration is carried out on a forest typological basis; however, under present conditions, the impacts of climate change must also be taken into account. The analysis of the quantitative and qualitative composition of natural regeneration in areas designated for artificial afforestation demonstrates considerable potential for changing regeneration approaches and increasing the proportion of natural regeneration through the application of close-to-nature forestry principles.

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