On the state of the pedunculate oak plants (Quercus robur L.) of the orenburg climatype

Abstract

Abstract The degradation of oak forests is an acute problem throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. Pedunculate oak is a valuable and durable tree species. The stability of oak forests is largely determined by biotypic characteristics. However, in recent years, anthropogenic impact is the main reason for the drying out of oak forests, which leads to the death of resistant pedunculate oak climatypes. The article presents the results of a study of pure stands of low-stemmed pedunculate oak on the territory of the Orenburg region. The silvicultural characteristics of plantings are given, their phytocenotic structure is described. It was found that in dry oak forests and oak undergrowth the stand was characterized by a low growth class, in fresh oak forests the highest growth class was noted. The plant density varied significantly from 0.3 to 0.7. In dry oak forests, the density index tended to decrease with age. The maximum plant density was observed at the junction of ripe and overmature ages, at the age of 60 years. The state of pure pedunculate oak stands on the territory of the Orenburg region can be assessed at the moment as satisfactory, but requires significant measures to promote seed reforestation.