PLANTATIONS OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF THE DENDROLOGICAL PARK "ASKANIA NOVA": THE CURRENT STATE AND OPTIMIZATION MEASURES

Abstract

Taxonomical and phytocenotic plantation structure of the south-western part of the old park is described, a retrospective analysis of its changes compared to 2003 was carried out. The plantations consist of 40 species and 1 form, including 5 gymnosperm species. 4 deciduous species dominate, some of them has absolute advantage Celtis occidentalis L. (1505 individuals), Fraxinus excelsior L., represented by 426 individuals, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Ulmus carpinifilia Rup.Suck. – 257 and 247 individuals, Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott. – 81 individuals. A part of 5 species, including Quercus robur L. and Gleditsia triacanthos L., is from 20 to 30 individuals, another 6 – from 10 to 18. Other species are represented by solitary or several individuals. The taxonomical composition increased on 8 species due to expansion from neighbor’s massifs and restoration of landscape compositions. A group of large trees (a diameter of a stem from 40 cm) increased: such trees entered to its Fraxinus excelsior – 34, Robinia pseudoacacia – 7, Gleditsia triacanthos – 4, Styphnolobium japonicum – 3, Quercus robur of a pyramidal form – 1; significantly increased such undesirable species for the park Celtis occidentalis – 19. Trees with a trunk diameter of 61–65 cm to 92 cm have also been added. Fraxinus excelsior with diameter 92 –102 cm and Quercus robur – 122 cm were registered firstly. The quantitative composition is quite stable, however, a significant increase in the number of adults, juveniles and mass self-sowing Celtis occidentalis attracts attention. Changes in the ratio of the number of trees of park-forming and unwanted species indicates the need to carry out measures to restore plantations, among which the removal of invasive species Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swin. and Acer negundo L.; the removal of self-sowing Celtis occidentalis and the regulation of the number of its shoots are urgent; promotion of renewal for Fraxinus excelsior, Styphnolobium japonicum, Acer plantanoides L. and A. campestre L.; introduction of saplings Quercus robur on the southern and northwestern edges of the forests and in the "windows".