Present condition and distribution of Pinus mugo in the Ukrainian Carpathians
The modern area of mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) was formed in the Ukrainian Carpathians in the postglacial period. Significant distribution of mountain pine outside the lower limit of its modern range in the ancient Holocene is confirmed by the absolute maximum of its pollen in the most ancient...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Ukrainian National Forestry University
2021-06-01
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| Series: | Наукові праці Лісівничої академії наук України |
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| Summary: | The modern area of mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) was formed in the Ukrainian Carpathians in the postglacial period. Significant distribution of mountain pine outside the lower limit of its modern range in the ancient Holocene is confirmed by the absolute maximum of its pollen in the most ancient layers of the Holocene strata. Mountain pine, at that time, was widespread, much lower level than the current position of the upper forest boundary. The clumps of mountain pine in the swamps grow also nowadays (at absolute altitudes of about 700 m above sea level). The thickets of the mountain pine in the past had undergone significant changes, in particular, due to anthropogenic activities: the destruction of the shrub forest and transformation of such areas into mountain meadows in the Ukrainian Carpathians. This activity influenced significantly on the formation of the modern area of mountain pine plantations. Pine shrub forest plays an extremely important ecological role in the Carpathian highlands. In particular, such forests perform soil protection, anti-erosion, water regulation, soil-forming, snow-retaining and other functions. Currently, the mountain pine community (Pineta mugi) is under protection. It is included in the Green Book of Ukraine. The forest management planning materials of the Lviv Forest Management Planning Expedition of 2009 are analyzed. These materials used for estimation of areas of stands with mountain pine participation and classification according to age groups, stocks, stand density, quality, altitude, exposure and slope steepness.
The field studies has confirmed the is a habitat of mountain pine on Mount Hoverla – about 100 m from its top, at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, which can be considered the highest place of growth of Pinus mugo in the Ukrainian Carpathians. One of the lowest natural habitats of mountain pine on the north-eastern megaslope of the Ukrainian Carpathians was found on the marshy terraces of rivers in the Carpathians (700 m above sea level; 48.173118, 24.736421, Guchivka Street). The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve has an even lower location of Pinus mugo (500 m a.s.l.).
According the forest inventory data the total area of the Pinus mugo crooked forests in the Ukrainian Carpathians is 9319.2 ha. Pine crooked forests are distributed unevenly, mainly in the south-eastern part of the Carpathians, where most areas are concentrated on the north-eastern mega-slope (7642.2 ha or 82.0%). This aspect is primarily related to the biology of mountain pine, which is resistant to harsh conditions in the subalpine zone and the difference in climatic conditions on the megaslopes. Mountain pine mainly forms pure forests, the area of which is 8427.4 ha (90.43%). Minor areas are occupied by mixed stands of Pinus mugo and Picea abies (L.) Karst. (707.4 ha), as well as thickets of Pinus mugo and Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC (165.8 ha).
The studies of the areas of mountain pine stands distribution have shown the importance of their environmental, scientific, historical and cultural value, as well as that they perform protective, recreational and health functions. |
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| ISSN: | 1991-606X 2616-5015 |