The main components of artificial forest biogeocenoses of a multi-year experiment

Abstract

The interaction of the main forest-forming species of Siberia: Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.), bush birch (Betula fruticosa Pall.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), aspen (Populus tremula L.), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), and Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) with agro-gray soil is considered. The study is carried out in a special long-term experiment with forest crops, initiated by prof. N. V. Orlovskiy in 1968-69 in the southern taiga on the territory of the Kemchug Upland. It was revealed that biological characteristics and successional position of tree species significantly influence all components of the phytocenosis. The biggest changes were recorded under the canopy of early successional coniferous (larch) and small-leaved (birch and aspen) species, while late successional species – spruce and cedar – at this stage significantly limit the development of subordinate layers. Over the 45-year period of growth of forest crops, the soil profile is formed due to the differentiation of the arable substrate of the soil-forming species into genetic horizons. The influence of the forest canopy on planted agro-gray soil occurs gradually and intensifies with the growth and development of crops, the formation of a litter horizon and covers all soil properties. Active modern soil formation affects the mineral soil layer 0–10 (13) cm. Vertical flows of matter and energy entering the soil in the process of increasing capacity and intensity of the biological cycle are the main factor in the formation of the soil profile. The development of soil under forest crops under the conditions of a long-term zonal experiment was noted.

Keywords

• gray planted soil
• tree species
• tree stand
• undergrowth
• underwood
• living ground cover