Conditions of the oak forests growth and cultivation on the top surfaces and slopes of the Near-Volga and Ergeni uplands and the plains of the Sal-Manych interfluve

Planted oak forests in the south of European Russia are of great conservation and economic importance. The widespread practice of their creation in dry steppes and semi-deserts dates back to the 1950–1970s and allows to form oak (Quercus robur L.) plantations with longevity up to 40–60 years. The aim of the study is to investigate the growth features of oak trees under different soil-climatic and biocenotic conditions and to suggest methods to increase their longevity.

The research was carried out in 2011–2016 in the south of the Near-Volga Upland, the northern part of the Ergeni Upland and lowland plains of the Sal-Manych interfluve at 28 temporary sample plots using common methods of forest inventory and regression data analysis.

It has been established that the viability of oak is limited by unfavorable topographic position of plantations, increased climate dryness (HC 0,4–0,6), high content of soil carbonates and shallow-lying horizon of their accumulation, as well as the presence of shrub layer and other competitors for moisture. Under these conditions, afforestation of depressions on the plains and shady slopes with pure plantations of oak and other species without shrubs should gain advantage. The methods of their creation should be modified depending on the topographic position of particular forest area and the climate dryness.

So, the main soil cultivation in depressions could last 1–2 years, applying the system of black fallow with plantation plowing. It is advisable to keep 3,5–4,0-meter row spacing, frequent tending, and intensive clearing of young tree stands. Maturer plantations need careful sanitary-selective cuttings, mainly the low-type ones, and preservation of high canopy density. Poor water availability and deterioration of plantations should be prevented by construction of dams.

Reclamation plantations of low marketability are created on flat areas after 2–3 years of deeper basic tillage. The carbonate horizon should be loosened and a large moisture reserve is needed. Row spacing of 2,5–3,0 meters is reasonable, accelerating the canopy closure. The area of tree nutrition is expanded by lowintensive uniformly selective cuttings, forming more open stands.

The longevity of oak in already existing plantations could be increased by eliminating its competitors, such as living ground cover, shrubs and associated species.

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