Assessment of pine vital states in the urban forests of the Tyumen city (on the example of Zatyumensky ecopark)

Abstract

The assessment was given regarding the vital state of the pine forests in the Zatyumensky Ecopark based on indicators of the sanitary and vital status, relative height and a comprehensive assessment indicator. According to majority of indicators, the vital state of pine forests in the zone of active visits is assessed as severely weakened, in the zone of moderate and weak visits – as weakened. Common pattern of an increase in the number of severely weakened and dying trees and a decrease in the number of healthy trees with an increase in recreational impact has been observed. In particular, there is a decrease of healthy trees by 7–9 times in the zone of active visits with an increase of weakened and dying trees by 2.5–5 times compared to the zones of moderate and weak visits. The analysis of tree trunk damage types showed that the most common types are tree scorch marks, resin flow and mechanical damage. Common pattern of an increase in the number of tree damages with an increase in recreational impact has been observed. It was found that the in the zones of active visits the number of trees scorch marks on tree trunks, wood-destroying fungi and with mechanical damage is 1.5–5 times more compared to the zones of moderate and weak visits. In order to prevent degradation of pine plantations of the Zatyumensky Ecopark and increase their sustainability, a number of forestry measures are proposed, in particular, temporary fencing of forest areas in critical condition for the period of their restoration; landscape felling to rejuvenate stands and create recreationally attractive sustainable landscapes of semiopen type, etc.