Main forestry and management indices of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands involving beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in composition of Ukrainian Roztochchia

Abstract As of 2019, the total area of forest stands with the varying proportion of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in composition on the Ukrainian Roztochchia was 11,251.3 ha and the area of pine stands involving European beech in composition was 6879.5 ha. Pine stands involving beech in composition are formed on the fresh, moist and boggy relatively pure and relatively rich soil condition. Pine forest stands (average share of pine exceeds 56%), which include beech in composition occupy more than 80% of the total area of interest. Mature and overmature forest stands dominate most of the landscape. More than 85% of stands are characterized by an average relative completeness. Undergrowth of deciduous tree species, which is mainly formed by European beech or hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and rarely by common oak (Quercus robur L.) or sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), is available under a canopy of middle-aged, ripening and mature stands. The study points to the need to rethink forest management approaches and eventually to use such methods of forest cuttings that ensure natural regeneration not only of a European beech and common oak, but primarily of a pine. The practice of creating pine plantations in such conditions favourable for its growth and development should be used only in those cases when it is impossible to achieve natural regeneration of pine.