Growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands on soils with close bedding of crystalline parent rocks in Central Polissya, Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract The wide ecological range of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) demonstrates its ability to adapt to different environments. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of growth and productivity of Scots pine stands growing on soils with crystalline parent rock outcrops. The study area is located in the north of Ukraine in the Central Polissya within 50°15’ and 50°06’ north latitudes and 29°22’ and 29°86’ east longitudes. The base of the geological structure is granite. The depth of the parent rock bedding ranges from 15 to 86 cm. In total, 18 research plots were laid out on soils with crystalline rock outcrops and 18 research plots on sites with deep bedding of crystalline rocks (> 60 cm). To test the difference in stands growth within and outside sites with the crystalline outcrops, we used the Welch t-test. Pine forests on areas with deep bedding of parent rocks are systematically higher than those growing on sites with crystalline outcrops. With an increase of stand age, the difference between specified groups tends to be more significant. Stands growing on sites with and without crystalline rocks outcrops have similar dynamics, however, the latter ones accumulate more growing stock volume due to higher relative stocking, site index, mean diameter, and the number of trees. Our findings indicate the feasibility of establishing Scots pine stands in sites with different depths of the crystalline parent rocks bedding in Central Polissya, Ukraine.