Distribution, productivity and natural regeneration of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) in Ukrainian Polissya

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the current state and productivity of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) stands and determine the optimal conditions for the emergence and further growth of its natural regeneration in Ukrainian Polissya. The area of black alder stands in Ukrainian Polissya (Ukrainian forest zone) is 162,348 ha, reaching 8.4% of the total forest area. Volyn Region has the largest area of alder stands within Ukrainian Polissya (61,271 ha covering 37.7% of the total area). In the forests of this region, a more detailed study of the current condition, productivity, growth and regeneration of alder stands was performed. The natural regeneration under the alder canopy was characterized as poor. The largest numbers of alder seedlings (1,600–1,800 stems per ha) were recorded under the canopy of 76–78-year-old stands with a relative density of stocking of 0.63–0.70 and 80–100% of alder in their composition. Naturally regenerating alder seedlings had mainly group distribution on the area (occurrence is up to 40%). These specificities should be taken into account to promote natural seed regeneration of alder stands.

Riparian Forests of Alnus Species Communities and Their Role in Sustainability in the Romanian Carpathians and Adjacent Regions

“…With our study, we complement the knowledge of wetland plant species diversity with the riparian habitats of the study area. A. glutinosa and A. incana represent a common occurrence in the studied area, which is consistent with all previous observations [34][35][36]. However, the hybrid, with rare records in the study area and documented only in a limited number of years, appears to be considerably less widespread.…”

“…Determining the optimal conditions for the emergence and natural growth and regeneration of A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. was also the objective of the research of some stands in Ukrainian Polis [35]. The distribution of various communities in the Romanian Carpathians was reported in the recent year [36,37] Understanding the global spatial distribution of species is important for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes and effectively managing the impact of climate change [38].…”