The State of Dark Coniferous Forests on the East European Plain Due to Climate Change

Abstract

As a result of global climate changes, negative processes have been recorded in the coniferous forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Similar processes are observed in the Urals, including in Udmurtia. In the course of this research, archival analysis methods were used, as well as field research methods. In the process of analyzing archival materials in the Urals, a reduction of spruce forests was observed. If in the 20th century the share of spruce forests in the region was 50%, then in the 21th century it decreased to 35%. As a result of this research, it was revealed that the most unfavorable sanitary condition was recorded in the boreal–subboreal zone of Udmurtia, with a sanitary condition index of 3.2 (from 2.62 to 3.73). The main reason for the unfavorable sanitary condition of spruce forests was the vital activity of Ips typographus L. According to our research, in 11 sample plots out of 18, a high score for sanitary condition was associated with the vital activity of bark beetles. The correlation coefficient of the index of the sanitary condition of plantings and the number of individuals of Picea obovata Ledeb. affected by Ips typographus L. was0.93. Bark beetle activity has increased in the 21th century, which is associated with changing climatic factors. Unstable precipitation over recent years (differences of more than 100 mm) and an average temperature increase of 1.2 °C were observed in the region. The most significant increase in temperature over the past 10 years was observed in winter, which in turn affected the high survival rate of insect pests.

Features of the Territorial Distribution, Composition and Structure of Phytocenoses with the Participation of Fraxinus excelsior, Their Resource Qualities, Ecological and Economic Importance (Southeastern Part of the East European Plain)

“…In relation to Fraxinus excelsior L. and other native tree species in natural and artificial ecosystems, it is objectively required to ensure constant phytosanitary and ecological monitoring [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ]. Different types of monitoring [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 ] should not be local. The phytosanitary and ecological monitoring of the common ash and related woody plants in phytocenoses should be implemented throughout their natural range and culture.…”

Assessment of Biological and Environmental Factors Influence on Fire Hazard in Pine Forests: A Case Study in Central Forest-Steppe of the East European Plain

“…Also, consideration of environmental factors is of great importance in understanding the state, stability, and ecological role of forest stands [56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63]. It is especially important for protection and restoration of forest ecosystems [64][65][66] as well as in their management [67][68][69]. Accounting for the data obtained on the bioecological features of forest stands and environmental conditions are of paramount importance in managing the resource qualities of forest ecosystems, their stability and protection in forest-steppe and other landscapes.…”

Assessment of Phytomass and Carbon Stock in the Ecosystems of the Central Forest Steppe of the East European Plain: Integrated Approach of Terrestrial Environmental Monitoring and Remote Sensing with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

“…Taking into account intensive forest management [18][19][20], deterioration of meteorologicalclimatic [21][22][23][24], and ecological [25][26][27][28][29] environmental parameters, the assessment of the bioproductivity of tree stands and forests [30][31][32][33][34] seems to be an urgent scientific and practical task. The long-term accumulation of stored carbon in forest ecosystems results in a biospheric effect related to the absorption of greenhouse gases, counteracting changes in the climate system of the planet [35,36].…”