The impact of herbaceous plants on biodiversity and stability of pine plantations in Western Polissia

Abstract

In the field of ecology, more and more attention is paid to the analysis of the interaction of herbaceous plants with the structure of ecosystems, including forests. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of herbaceous plants on the biodiversity and stability of pine plantations in Western Polissia of Ukraine. To achieve this goal, in 2010-2023, the State Enterprise “Research Farm “Horodetske” assessed the diversity of herbaceous plant species, measured their number and cover, evaluated soil physical properties and biometric parameters of pine trees, and assessed how changes in the pine plantation ecosystem caused by herbaceous plants can affect carbon sequestration and oxygen productivity. The study found that herbaceous species among pine plantations in Western Polissia perform important ecological functions that contribute to the conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The presence of these plants enriches the soil with organic matter and helps maintain the structural and functional stability of ecosystems. The study showed that herbaceous plants contribute to the restoration of pine plantations by providing protection and support for young trees, and have a positive impact on their biometric parameters, increasing the total phytomass. Herbaceous plants also improve soil physical properties, such as pH, humus content, aggregate water resistance and water permeability, which can contribute to soil structural stability and the health of pine stands. In addition, the presence of herbaceous plants contributes to more efficient carbon sequestration and oxygen production, which is important for the balance of the air environment in the ecosystem. The results obtained are of great importance for environmental management and conservation of natural resources in the Western Polissia region, as they provide scientific basis for developing strategies for the conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems, taking into account the role of herbaceous plants in their functioning