Structural and functional analysis of forest stands in the kremenets botanical garden (Ukraine): peculiarities of natural regeneration and rare species protection

Autorzy

• Oleksandr Bondar West Ukrainian National University, Department of Ecology and Health Protection
  46009, 11 Lvivska St., Termopil, Ukraine
  e-mail: olexandr.bondar91@gmail.com
• Antonina Lisnichuk Kremenets Botanical Garden
  47003, 5 Botanichna St., Kremenets, Ukraine
• Nelia Tsytsiura Kremenets Taras Shevchenko Regional Academy of Humanities and Pedagogy, Department of Biology and TeachingMethods
  47003, 1 Lyceina St., Kremenets, Ukraine
• Ruslana Panasenko Kremenets Botanical Garden
  47003, 5 Botanichna St., Kremenets, Ukraine

Abstract

The Kremenets Botanical Garden, located in the Ternopil region, covers 200 hectares and serves as an important nature reserve in Ukraine. It is divided into four zones: exposition (59.2%), scientific (25.1%), protected (10.6%), and administrative (5.1%). The exposition zone showcases the natural diversity of the Вotanical garden, while also fulfilling educational and recreational functions. The scientific zone is dedicated to research and development, providing a space for scientific activities. The protected zone is designated for the preservation of natural ecosystems, ensuring their conservation. The administrative zone supports the operational functions of the Вotanical Garden. The Вotanical Garden’s forests are represented by three different types. The fresh fertile hornbeam-oak forest type covers 68.0% of the area and forms the core of the garden’s forest ecosystems. The fresh, relatively fertile hornbeamoak-pine forest type accounts for 17.8%, while the dry, relatively fertile forest type is the least represented, covering just 0.5%. Natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) was studied on nine temporary sample plots, with additional planting recommended for areas with insufficient natural regeneration. The observed regeneration was determined to be viable, indicating favourable growth conditions.
The soil cover is diverse, consisting of sandy loam (47.5%), light loamy (35.0%), clay (10.0%), and sandy (5.0%) soils, along with mine rock (2.5%). Sandy loam and light loamy soils offer the best conditions for plant growth, while degraded and sandy areas require reclamation to improve their suitability for vegetation.
The Kremenets Botanical Garden is home to 12 plant species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine and 17 regionally rare species. It also hosts three rare plant communities: Festuceta pallentis Host, Carex humilis Leyss., and Querceta roboris L., dominated by Hedera helix L., which play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity. This multifunctional garden is a key center for conservation, research and recreation.

Keywords

• nature reserve fund
• functional zones
• Red Data Book species
• regionally rare species
• fresh hornbeam-oak forest site type
• soil cover
• ecosystems
• forest site types
• nature protection
• biodiversity
• natural regeneration
• recreation