Efficiency of forest planting in the spring and autumn periods in the conditions of the Republic of Kalmykia

Abstract

Abstract The Republic of Kalmykia is the driest region in the south of the European part of Russia. The purpose of the study is to find a new approach to reforestation and breeding in the republic, which will ensure the increase in the survival rate of forest crops, and subsequently increase the forest cover of the region. The article analyzes data for a ten-year period in a zonal section on the survival rate of tree and shrub species cultivated in the forestry of the Republic of Kalmykia. It is concluded that carrying out forest cultivation works in the autumn period has no advantages in survival rate over the spring period and they should be carried out either in early spring (in late March and early April) on thawing soil, or in autumn, before the onset of persistent cold weather. The main factor of successful afforestation in the dry steppe and semi-desert is the correct selection of the forest area, the accuracy and quality of forest planting, agrotechnical and forestry care. Special attention should be paid to the control of locust pests, which in the conditions of Kalmykia in some years can cause significant damage to the planting of young forest crops.