The linear increment variability of Scots pine in plantations and under forest canopy on the Penza region territory
The issue presents the results of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) indexed linear increment ranges investigation in plantation and natural forest stands. The variability dynamics assessment of these increment ranges was performed. The comparison of linear increment variability extent in plantations and under forest canopy was fulfilled. The Scots pine undergrowth was the investigation object. The activity took place in 2002 on “Pokrovka” and “Usovka” lots on the territory of the Mezshdurechenkoye forest division of Nikolsky forestry enterprise, in the Penza region. Within the boundaries of these lots study plots were founded both in planted and natural forest stands. Indexed increment ranges similarity and growth course variability were assessed by means of correlation and variance analysis. During investigations for each of natural undergrowth and plantation the linear increment variance decrease in length of time was found out. For the whole of measurements package (as well as for singular temporal ranges) the lower variance level of natural undergrowth in comparison with plantations was registered. A significant correlation between Scots pine increment indexed ranges under forest canopy on “Pokrovka” and “Usovka” lots was detected. At that the forestation increment indexes ranges on all study plots are characterized by absence of common tendencies against each other. Correlations between planted and natural forest stands indexed growth courses were off. The assessment of capability for usage pine forestation as model objects in aid of forest ecosystems monitoring in the Penza region was carried out.