Currently, wood remains a primary material for construction and finishing applications due to its inherent advantages, including accessibility, environmental sustainability, ease of processing, and renewability. However, the structural application of wood is constrained by several limitations: low resistance to mechanical, atmospheric, thermal, and biological stressors; susceptibility to degradation; and the aesthetic disparity between affordable and premium species. To mitigate these disadvantages while maintaining environmental integrity, thermal modification is employed. This process enhances biological durability and ensures the dimensional stability of wood products during operational cycles. The study utilized radial samples of spruce wood with a rectangular cross-section 35 × 12 × 0.6 mm. These samples underwent thermal modification at temperatures of 180°C and 210°C within a nitrogen-controlled environment. The viscoelastic behavior (creep) under constant loading was analyzed using a Gabo Eplexor 25N Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA). The experimental protocol was governed by a software module based on the Burgers model. Primary data acquisition and processing were conducted via the GABO software suite. Viscoelastic characteristics were evaluated in tensile mode using "Time Sweep" and "Temperature Sweep" modules at a quasi-static load frequency (f = 0...0.01Hz). The investigation established the correlation between thermal modification temperature in nitrogen, medium and the resulting changes in viscoelastic characteristics and creep modulus. Analysis of deformation kinetics under load indicates that thermal modification significantly alters the mechanical stability of the material. This effect demonstrates a distinct gradational dependence on the treatment temperature. The comparative analysis of deformation ranges between modified and unmodified spruce wood provides a quantitative basis for evaluating the impact of thermal treatment on the material's rheological properties. It has been demonstrated that modification at a moderate temperature of 180°C results in a relatively minor increase in the material's deformability, within the range of 13-15% compared to the control group. This indicates the initial stage of structural transformations, where the degradation of hemicelluloses does not lead to a substantial loss of stiffness. Increasing the treatment temperature to 210°C induces a sharp shift in rheological behavior and leads to a reduction in the mechanical stiffness of the thermally modified European spruce. Consequently, the deformation rate increases by 52-57%, and the difference in ultimate deformation values between the unmodified and high-temperature thermally modified wood reaches 45-47%. It has been established that the thermal modification of wood at 210°C, despite improving biological durability and dimensional stability, leads to a significant reduction in resistance to sustained loading. The intensification of creep processes and the increase in residual deformations restrict the application of such wood in load-bearing building structures. It is recommended to either optimize the thermal treatment parameters or account for the actual decrease in the modulus of elasticity when designing structural elements. The findings offer a quantitative assessment of how temperature influences the structural integrity of spruce wood. Based on the established viscoelastic profiles, practical recommendations are proposed for the industrial application of thermally modified spruce wood in environments requiring high dimensional and mechanical stability.
The increase in deforestation limits the availability of wood, raises its cost, and intensifies competition for raw materials, which complicates the sustainable development of the wood-based panel industry. This stimulates the search for alternative raw material sources for the partial or complete substitution of wood in the production of wood-based composite materials. The use of agricultural residues makes it possible to reduce dependence on wood, lower production costs, and decrease negative environmental impacts, while simultaneously creating additional economic value from agricultural waste. The increase in deforestation limits the availability of wood, raises its cost, and intensifies competition for raw materials, which complicates the sustainable development of the wood-based panel industry. This stimulates the search for alternative raw material sources for the partial or complete substitution of wood in the production of wood-based composite materials. The use of agricultural residues makes it possible to reduce dependence on wood, lower production costs, and decrease negative environmental impacts, while simultaneously creating additional economic value from agricultural waste. Moreover, the wood content in particleboards is approximately 90%; therefore, their properties largely depend on the type of lignocellulosic raw material used in production. The type of raw material affects not only the performance characteristics of the finished board but also the parameters of the manufacturing process and the final production cost. The cost of primary materials, adhesives and wood particles, constitutes the major share of particleboard manufacturing expenses. The share of wood particles in the overall cost structure is estimated at 30–40%. The cost of agricultural biomass is, on average, about 50% lower than that of wood particles. In this regard, replacing wood particles with alternative non-wood raw materials may result in a significant reduction in production costs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of partial or complete replacement of wood particles with sugar beet pulp (SBP) on the mechanical properties of particleboards. Single-layer boards with target densities of 600 and 750 kg/m³ were manufactured using different volumetric ratios of wood and SBP: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100%. Polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) adhesive was used to bond the particles. The vertical density profile, bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bond (IB) strength of the boards, were investigated. It has been established that single-layer boards are characterized by a uniform, flat density profile without pronounced densification of the surface layers. This is attributed to the peculiarities of the raw material composition, in particular the lower proportion of wood particles and the particle size of SBP. With an increasing SBP content, a decreasing trend in MOR and MOE is observed, indicating limitations in its use at high concentrations to ensure the mechanical performance of the boards. At the same time, boards with a high SBP content, particularly 100%, demonstrate increased IB strength, which can be explained by effective adhesion between the components of the board. An important role in this is played by pMDI adhesive, as well as the natural constituents of SBP (pectins and sugars), which may act as additional binding agents. Boards containing 25–100% SBP comply with the requirements of EN 312 regarding the minimum IB strength for different board types (P1–P5), confirming their potential for practical application. An increase in board density from 600 to 700 kg/m³ leads to a 19% improvement in internal bond strength, demonstrating the feasibility of optimizing density as a key technological parameter. A promising direction is the production of three-layer boards using wood particles in the outer layers and SBP in the core layer (up to 50%), which would improve the performance properties of the material. The use of sugar beet pulp in particleboard production contributes to reducing dependence on primary wood resources and enhances the environmental and resource efficiency of the industry.
The study presents the results of investigating the effect of sunflower-stalk (Helianthus annuus L.) and miscanthus-stalk (Miscanthus × giganteus) particles (chips) on free formaldehyde emissions from lightweight three-layer particleboards glued with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive. The relevance of this study is due to increasingly stringent environmental requirements for wood-based composite materials and the need to reduce the consumption of wood raw materials in the production of boards (panels). Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogenic and substance, and current trends in the woodworking industry are focused on reducing its emissions while simultaneously reducing dependence on traditional wood raw materials. In this context, agricultural lignocellulosic residues are considered promising alternative resources for sustainable particleboard production. Among such materials, sunflower stalks and miscanthus biomass attract considerable attention due to their low density, porous structure, wide availability and potential for improving the environmental performance of composite panel materials. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the impact of partial and complete replacement of wood particles in the core layer of lightweight particleboards with sunflower stalk and miscanthus stalk particles on the level of formaldehyde emission. Three-layer particleboards with a density of 550 kg/m3 were manufactured in laboratory conditions. The outer layers consisted entirely of wood particles (chips), while the core layer contained different proportions of wood particles, sunflower stalks and miscanthus stalks. Agricultural raw material particles were included in the core layer with a substitution step of 50%, including mixtures of sunflower and miscanthus particles. An urea-formaldehyde resin-based adhesive was used for bonding. The emission of free formaldehyde was determined by gas analysis according to EN ISO 12460-3. The highest emission value was recorded for the control boards and was 3.05 mg/(m²·h). The lowest formaldehyde emission level was obtained for boards containing 100% sunflower stalk particles in the core layer amounting to 2.32 mg/(m²·h), which is 23.93% lower compared to the control samples. Boards made from 100% miscanthus stalk particles showed an average formaldehyde emission value of 2.76 mg/(m²·h), which is 9.51% lower than this indicator of the control boards. The combined use of sunflower and miscanthus particles also contributed to the reduction of formaldehyde emissions compared to the control lightweight particleboards. All tested specimens met the requirements for formaldehyde emission class E1 in accordance with EN ISO 12460-3. The reduction in formaldehyde emission can be attributed to the structural characteristics of lignocellulosic agricultural raw materials, their lower density and the formation of a denser internal structure of the board with improved adhesive bonding and reduced porosity. In particular, sunflower stalk particles demonstrated the best ability to bind and retain formaldehyde due to the presence of a porous parenchymal structure of the stem pith. The findings demonstrate the potential of sunflower stalk and miscanthus particles as environmentally friendly alternative raw materials for the production of lightweight particleboards. Their use enables the expansion of the raw material base for panel production, reduces wood consumption, enhances environmental sustainability, and facilitates the development of sustainable technologies aimed at reducing the use of wood in the manufacture of wood-based composite materials.
Wood is among the materials whose linear dimensions vary depending on the temperature and humidity conditions of the surrounding environment. These characteristics should be taken into account not only during wood machining processes, where allowances for shrinkage must be considered, but also during service under conditions of varying environmental parameters. The experimental studies were carried out on specimens (blanks) with nominal dimensions of 50×50×1,000 mm, sawn from pedunculate oak wood (Quercus robur L.). The magnitude of shrinkage was determined after drying the specimens in a batch-type convective kiln (KAD-1×6S, Katres) and in a Hildebrand-Brunner vacuum-convective drying kiln. Both kilns had a capacity of approximately 50 m³ of timber to be dried. Stacks measuring 1,200×1,200×1,000 mm were formed from the sawn oak specimens. Stickers with a thickness of 22 mm were used during stack formation. A total of 72 stacks were loaded into each kiln. The specimens were dried to a target final moisture content of 8%. Multi-stage drying schedules were employed for drying the specimens, comprising the following phases: initial heating, drying, final heat and moisture treatment (conditioning), and cooling. At the first stage of the drying schedule in the convective kiln, the drying agent temperature (tc) was 33°C and the equilibrium moisture content (Wᵣ) was 16%. At the final stage of the drying schedule, the drying agent temperature was maintained at 60°C, and the drying gradient (TG) was 2.4. In the vacuum-convective kiln, the drying agent temperature at the first stage of the schedule was 40°C and the equilibrium moisture content was 14%. At the final stage of the drying schedule, the drying agent temperature (tc) was 63°C and the equilibrium moisture content (Wᵣ) was 5.4%. After unloading from the drying kiln, the specimens were conditioned in a storage facility with a controlled microclimate for 48 hours, after which their moisture content was measured using a MERLIN HM9 WS-25 capacitive moisture meter. The linear dimensions of the specimens, specifically their thickness and width, were then remeasured at the previously marked locations. The sample size comprised 238 specimens dried in the convective kiln and 210 specimens dried in the vacuum-convective kiln. When the moisture content of wood decreases below 30%, a reduction in its linear dimensions occurs. The magnitude of this change is influenced by several factors, including wood species, moisture content, density, wood grain (orientation of wood fibres relative to longitudinal axes of the tree), dimensions of the timber assortment., drying schedule, proportion of latewood, anatomical and submicroscopic structure of the wood and the location of the wood specimen extraction with respect to the height and diameter of the log, etc. The change in the linear dimensions of the specimens was found to be 3.03 mm after vacuum-convective drying and 3.41 mm after convective drying. The corresponding wood shrinkage factors were 0.247 and 0.273 for the vacuum-convective and convective drying methods, respectively. The experimental results indicated that vacuum-convective drying is characterized by a higher drying intensity, which influences the shrinkage behavior of the wood, leading to lower shrinkage values than those observed in case of convective drying.
The paper presents the results of an experimental study on the influence of cutting tool diameter and feed rate on the time required to machine a lock mortise in a door leaf. The study also considers the influence of toolpath geometry, as well as the mortise length and depth. Particular attention is focused on investigating the nonlinear effect of the cutting tool feed rate on lock mortise milling time caused by the presence of acceleration and deceleration sections along the toolpath. A graphical representation of the relationship covering a feed rate range from 1 to 10 m/min is presented. The obtained experimental results were approximated using a second-order polynomial. A mathematical model was developed for calculating the machining time time required for lock mortise production, taking into account the geometrical parameters of the mortise, cutting tool diameter, and tool feed rate. As the feed rate increases, the machining time required to produce the lock mortise decreases nonlinearly. The value of the feed rate coefficient varies from 0.992 at a feed rate of 1 m/min to 0.756 at a feed rate of 10 m/min. This is explained by the fact that increasing the feed rate of the cutting tool increases the length of the toolpath sections where acceleration and deceleration occur. A significant influence of the cutting tool diameter on the feed rate coefficient was observed. In the case where the tool diameter matches the width of the mortise, the feed rate coefficient reaches its highest values. When the tool diameter is smaller than the mortise width, the coefficient values decrease but exhibit little dependence on the specific tool diameter used. This confirms the feasibility of using a cutting tool whose diameter is equal to the width of the lock mortise, provided that the CNC equipment is technologically capable of applying such a tool diameter. In addition, the influence of mortise length on the feed rate coefficient was established. The coefficient increases with increasing mortise length. This is attributed to the relative increase in the length of toolpath sections at the specified feed rate compared to the length of the acceleration and deceleration sections. The magnitude of this effect is insignificant at low feed rates but increases considerably as the feed rate rises. The influence of mortise depth on the feed rate coefficient is the smallest and does not allow clear patterns of variation to be identified due to its minor magnitude. This is explained by the fact that increasing mortise depth increases the number of repeated toolpath segments resembling spiral turns. However, the ratio between the length and number of constant-feed toolpath sections and acceleration/deceleration sections remains almost unchanged. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of a mathematical model for predicting the machining time required to produce a lock mortise in a door leaf, taking into account the feed rate coefficient, the values of which were obtained experimentally and approximated by a second-order polynomial. The practical significance of the study consists in the potential application of the developed mathematical model for planning the technological process of door leaf manufacturing and for analyzing the influence of the applied cutting tool, feed rate, as well as mortise depth and length on milling time. The obtained results may be applied under industrial production conditions for predicting and controlling the machining time required for producing lock mortises on CNC woodworking machines.
The physical principles underlying the formation of protective and decorative coatings based on modified linseed oil have been investigated. The wetting behavior of wood substrates with linseed oil was investigated in comparison with that of an alkyd varnish. The latter is widely used to create protective and decorative coatings for joinery. Linseed oil modified with rosin was used in the study. Previous studies have demonstrated that rosin improves the performance characteristics of coatings made from oil-based materials. The investigations showed that rosin-modified oil increases the film hardness and reduces the ability of the oil to diffuse into the wood substrate. Consequently, the thickness of the protective and decorative film increases. The wetting and spreading of a coating material over the wood surface is a prerequisite for the formation of a uniform coating. It is well known that the ability of coating materials to wet wood substrates and spread evenly over their surfaces plays a crucial role in determining the appearance, mechanical strength, adhesion, and protective properties of protective and decorative coatings. The surface tension was determined using a Rebinder apparatus. It is based on the maximum bubble pressure method, the maximum pressure required to detach an air bubble from the test material. For a comparative evaluation of the surface tension of rosin-modified linseed oil with varying rosin contents and alkyd varnish as structured (Bingham) fluids, their surface tension values were compared with that of distilled water as an (unstructured) Newtonian fluid. The surface tension value also significantly affects the ability of coating compositions to spread across the substrate surface. In order to conduct experiments aimed at determining the surface tension of oil compositions and alkyd varnish, the contact angle, and the penetration depth of the aforementioned materials into the wood substrate of English oak, European beech, and European ash, linseed oil was modified with rosin in amounts ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 parts by weight. The studies were carried out at a temperature of (20 ± 2)°C and a relative humidity of 70%. According to the results of the study, rosin-modified linseed oil can be used for the formation of protective and decorative wood coatings. The introduction of rosin as a modifier in amounts up to 3.0 parts by weight does not significantly increase the surface tension of the composition. However, when determining the surface tension, the lowest values were demonstrated by the modified linseed oil within the range of 1.0-2.0 parts by weight, which is a positive aspect. The wetting behavior of wood substrates with coating and oil compositions is influenced to a greater extent by the type of wood substrate than by the surface tension of the coating material. In the study of wetting wood substrates with modified oil compositions and alkyd varnish, the best indicators of the coating material's ability to spread over the substrate surface were found for European beech. Rosin-modified linseed oil provides better wetting of wood substrates compared to alkyd varnish. The results of the study on the penetration of rosin-modified linseed oil into wood substrates indicated that increasing the rosin content decreases the penetration depth while correspondingly increasing the thickness of the resulting coating. The penetration depth of the modified oil exhibits a 16% lower penetrating capability compared to natural oil.
The forest sector is a vital component of Ukraine's economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP and social well-being. In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies has become a global necessity for ensuring sustainable forest management and transparent supply chains. For Ukraine, this transition is further emphasized by the State Forest Management Strategy until 2035, which prioritizes the development of electronic information systems to enhance transparency and efficiency. Despite the severe impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the sector continues to evolve, necessitating a deep understanding of how digital innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain can be effectively implemented in a national context. The primary goal of this research is to identify the key directions and socio-economic challenges associated with the digitalization of the Ukrainian forest sector. To achieve this, the study aims to: 1) clarify the conceptual framework of "digitalization" and "Forestry 4.0"; 2) systematize existing national initiatives and projects; and 3) identify the barriers and challenges faced by both state and private stakeholders. The study utilizes a combination of narrative synthesis and statistical analysis. Narrative synthesis was employed to track the evolution of digitalization concepts and to systematize Ukrainian initiatives through four stages: conceptualization, data synthesis, relationship identification (tabulation), and result evaluation. Statistical analysis served as a complementary method to assess the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) among woodworking and furniture enterprises based on data from the State Statistics Service and the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine for the period 2018-2022. The research systematizes a wide array of state-led digitalization projects introduced since 2019, including electronic timber tracking, e-auctions via Prozorro.Sale, the "Fire" automated system, and the "EcoSystem" platform. These initiatives have significantly improved transparency and state control over forest resources. However, statistical data reveals a critical "digital gap" in the private sector. As of 2022, only a small fraction of woodworking and furniture enterprises utilized advanced technologies: cloud computing (approx. 8%), ERP systems (4-6%), and AI (4-7.5%). The analysis shows that while the state focuses on transparency and monitoring, private enterprises are still in the early stages of basic automation, primarily using IoT for security and energy monitoring. The study provides a first-of-its-kind systematic classification of Ukraine’s digital forest initiatives and identifies a pronounced asymmetry in digital maturity between state forest management and private manufacturing. It introduces a refined understanding of how the "Forestry 4.0" concept manifests in a developing economy under crisis conditions, highlighting the transition from analog data to integrated cyber-physical systems. Theoretically, the work expands the discourse on digital transformation within the bioeconomy. Practically, the findings inform policymakers about the need for targeted investment in digital infrastructure and the creation of specialized educational programs to bridge the skill gap. The results provide a roadmap for aligning Ukraine’s forest sector, ensuring international competitiveness and sustainable development.
The common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) is one of the most popular game bird species in Ukraine. Before the Russian invasion, annual harvests during the hunting season amounted to approximately 50,000-60,000 individuals. Initial attempts to introduce the species into the hunting grounds of Volyn Region were made in the 1960s; however, large-scale acclimatization efforts did not begin until the early 21st century. In 2005, the common pheasant was recorded in the hunting grounds of six game management users in the region, and as of 2025, the birds were recorded in the hunting grounds of 25 users. Furthermore, of the 64 hunting ground users in whose hunting areas the common pheasant occurs, only seven have pheasant populations exceeding 200 individuals, which necessitates the implementation of intensive wildlife management measures, including habitat improvement, supplementary feeding, predator control, and the periodic release of captive-reared birds into the wild. According to the study results, the common pheasant population in the hunting grounds of Volyn Region increased fivefold during the 2020-2025 period. The current pheasant population in the hunting grounds of the region exceeds 4,000 individuals. At present, the species occurs in the hunting grounds managed by approximately 50% of the region's hunting ground users. The species is distributed across the territories of state forestry enterprises, the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen, hunting grounds managed by users of other forms of ownership, and areas within the nature reserve fund. An analysis of population trends for the main predators (gray wolf, red fox, and raccoon dog) in the hunting grounds of Volyn Region showed that, as a result of the hunting ban, the populations of the gray wolf increased 5.6-fold, the red fox 1.7-fold, and the raccoon dog 1.4-fold. Since 2020, the golden jackal has also been recorded in the hunting grounds of the region. The combined impact of these predators can lead to a significant decline in pheasant numbers or to their complete extinction. The bird losses caused by predation, diseases, and adverse weather conditions can be mitigated through the implementation of wildlife management measures, including the establishment of wildlife management facilities, supplementary feeding, and the monitoring and control of predator populations, including both predatory mammals and birds. To replenish the pheasant population in the wild, captive breeding of pheasants in enclosures (breeding aviary) is practiced in Volyn region. Such a breeding program has been established at the Novo-Zboryshiv forest district of Volodymyr-Volynskyi Forestry Enterprise. Eggs are incubated in commercial hatcheries operated by private poultry producers. After an incubation period of 23-25 days, hatching success reaches 60-65%. Newly hatched chicks are transferred to brooders measuring 2×1 m, where up to 50 chicks are kept for 28-30 days. A breeding aviary measuring 83×75 m, enclosed by a fence more than 2 m high, has been constructed at the Novo-Zboryshiv forest district. Adult birds are maintained at a sex ratio of one male to five or six females (1♂:5–6♀♀). Under local conditions, the breeding season extends from 25-30 March until the end of July, during which each female lays 25-30 eggs. The aviary is equipped with wildlife management facilities, including feeders, drinkers, nesting sites, and shelters providing shade during periods of excessive solar radiation. Gravel, sand, and crushed mollusc shells are also supplied regularly to ensure adequate mineral nutrition and proper digestion. The breeding stock is renewed annually. In 2024, the breeding flock consisted of 280 birds, increasing to 290 birds in the following year. Annual chick production amounts to approximately 1,500 individuals. In 2025, the maintenance costs of the breeding aviary amounted to UAH 78.6 thousand, whereas the sale of approximately 400 chicks generated revenues exceeding UAH 95 thousand, indicating that the breeding operation was economically viable and profitable. During the 2020-2025 period, captive breeding in fenced enclosures made it possible to establish common pheasant populations in the hunting grounds of 15 hunting ground users. Over the study period, approximately 15,000 birds were released into the hunting grounds of Volyn Region.
The article develops a theoretical and methodological framework for integrating the value of forest ecosystem services into the system of financial and economic performance indicators of forestry enterprises in Ukraine under conditions of contemporary polycrisis. The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing interaction of military, climatic, energy, institutional, ecological, and macroeconomic shocks, which simultaneously undermine the productive capacity of forest ecosystems and reveal the limitations of conventional accounting approaches focused almost exclusively on timber harvesting and sales. Under such circumstances, forests should be regarded not merely as a source of raw materials, but as multifunctional natural capital that generates a broad portfolio of market and non-market benefits for society and the economy. The purpose of the study is to substantiate conceptual, methodological, and applied approaches to incorporating ecosystem services into financial and economic indicators used to evaluate the performance of forestry enterprises. The research is based on a systemic and interdisciplinary methodology combining the concepts of natural capital, ecological economics, ecosystem accounting, sustainable development, and ESG-oriented corporate finance. The Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) and the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting - Ecosystem Accounting were used as the methodological foundation for identifying and structuring forest ecosystem services. The research methods include systems analysis, comparative analysis, structural-functional classification, and economic valuation methods such as market pricing, replacement cost, avoided cost, benefit transfer, and social cost of carbon. The study demonstrates that the traditional financial model used in the forestry sector creates a methodological trap of economic reductionism, whereby the multifunctional value of forests is reduced to the market value of timber. As a result, essential ecosystem benefits - including carbon sequestration, climate regulation, water retention, erosion prevention, biodiversity conservation, public health support, ecological tourism, and recreation - remain largely invisible in financial statements and management decisions. This leads to a systematic underestimation of both the contribution of forests to national welfare and the true economic losses associated with ecosystem degradation. An economic-functional typology of forest ecosystem services is proposed. It distinguishes three categories of ecosystem assets: directly monetized services (timber, non-timber forest products, recreation, hunting, carbon credits, certified products); indirectly monetized services (avoided costs related to flood control, water purification, erosion prevention, and health protection); and strategic ecosystem assets (biodiversity, climate resilience, genetic resources, landscape integrity, and post-war restoration potential). This typology provides a practical basis for integrating ecosystem values into enterprise-level financial analysis. To operationalize this integration, a system of innovative indicators is developed, including the Index of Ecosystem Services Capitalization (IKEP), Ecosystem-adjusted Financial Performance (EFP), Ecosystem EBITDA, and Return on Natural Capital (Rnc). These indicators enable the transformation of non-market ecological functions into measurable financial parameters and provide a more comprehensive assessment of enterprise performance. Their application allows forestry enterprises to evaluate the extent to which they generate or degrade natural capital and to compare economic outcomes while accounting for ecosystem contributions and environmental damage. The study confirms that the capitalization of forest ecosystem services creates new opportunities for revenue diversification and sustainable financing. These include participation in carbon markets, Payments for Ecosystem Services mechanisms, green bonds, ESG investments, biodiversity finance, and nature-based solutions. Such instruments are especially important for Ukraine’s post-war recovery, where forest restoration can become both an ecological priority and a strategic investment platform. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of an integrated methodological approach for incorporating ecosystem services into the financial and economic performance indicators of forestry enterprises under polycrisis conditions. The practical significance of the study consists in providing a conceptual and analytical basis for improving financial reporting, strategic planning, and investment decision-making in the forestry sector. The proposed approach supports the transition from a resource-oriented model of forest use to a multifunctional natural capital management model aimed at strengthening resilience, investment attractiveness, and long-term sustainability.
The circular transformation of woodworking enterprises is a strategic priority for ensuring the sustainable development of Ukraine’s forest sector, particularly in the context of the urgent need for “green” post-war recovery and European integration. It is noted that the transformation of the sector has become especially relevant due to the consequences of military aggression, including large-scale forest damage, loss of forest resources due to landmines, and disruptions to logistics chains. The aim of the study is to justify an integrated approach to assessing the ecological impact of woodworking enterprises and their products on the environment, developing sustainability-oriented business models and integrating biodiversity conservation and natural capital principles into the strategic development of woodworking enterprises and the forest sector of Ukraine as a whole, based on the results of the HORIZON Europe CircHive project. The studyʼs results demonstrated that the ecological footprint of woodworking enterprises in the Ukrainian Carpathians is mainly driven by energy-intensive technological processes, particularly wood drying, whereas the direct impacts of primary forest use and transportation are significantly lower. The findings also showed that the use of alternative energy sources and the implementation of circular approaches can substantially reduce the ecological footprint of production and improve resource-use efficiency. The application of the ENCORE conceptual framework confirmed the high dependence of woodworking enterprises on natural capital and demonstrated that biodiversity degradation directly increases the operational and economic risks of production systems. Based on the integration of ecological footprint assessment results, analyses of dependencies on natural capital, and empirical data, three-level sustainable business models were developed to increase product added value, promote circular resource use, and implement climate-adaptive management approaches. At the macro level, the “National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Forest Sector” was substantiated, integrating economic, environmental, and social objectives while strengthening the orientation toward long-term sustainability. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of applying the proposed approach to developing sustainable development strategies for woodworking enterprises, improving environmental management, and increasing the efficiency of forest resource use. The implementation of the proposed solutions will contribute to the development of the circular economy, reduction of negative ecological impacts, and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the forest sector of the economy.
The paper presents the results of an experimental study on the influence of the geometric parameters of lamellae and their structural combination on the mechanical properties of furniture panels made from pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) wood. The modulus of rupture in static bending was adopted as the main evaluation criterion, serving as an integral indicator characterizing the performance of the structure under operational loading conditions. The study was carried out using methods of mathematical experimental design and regression analysis, taking into account two variable factors, namely the width of radial and tangential lamellae. An increase in lamella width within the range from 22 to 66 mm resulted in a decrease in the bending strength of furniture panels by up to 35%, which is attributed to the non-uniform stress distribution and the reduced number of adhesive joints. It was established that the width of tangential lamellae exerts a more pronounced negative effect on strength compared to radial lamellae, owing to the higher anisotropy of wood under tangential sawing. The quantitative influence of the geometric parameters of lamellae on the bending strength of furniture panels under static loading was determined. A regression model expressed in natural variables was obtained, adequately describing the variation in the modulus of rupture of furniture panels under static bending as a function of the width of radial and tangential lamellae. This makes it possible to predict the bending strength values depending on the structural parameters of the panel. The combined arrangement of lamellae of different sawing patterns and widths makes it possible to partially compensate for the negative influence of individual factors and to ensure a more uniform stress–strain state of the structure. The highest strength values (up to 35 MPa) were achieved when narrow lamellae (22–30 mm) with a predominance of radial sawing were used. At the same time, structures composed of wide lamellae (66 mm) operated near the limit of prescribed standard requirements, which reduces their operational reliability. The scientific novelty of the study lies in identifying the patterns of how the cross-sectional dimensions of lamellae (width and thickness), the type of sawing pattern (radial and tangential), and the method of their arrangement within the furniture panel structure affect the strength limit under static bending. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the combined effect of these factors was carried out using methods of mathematical design of experiments and regression analysis. Such an approach makes it possible to obtain empirical relationships and to determine the optimal parameters for the fabrication of furniture panels. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the established relationship to optimize the manufacturing technology of furniture panels made from Quercus robur wood. The obtained results make it possible to increase the strength of products by 15–25% without increasing material consumption, to ensure the stability of geometric parameters, and to reduce the probability of defects during service life. The recommendations formulated on the basis of the study findings may be implemented in the production practice of furniture manufacturing enterprises and may also be used in the development of regulatory and technological documentation.
Picea abies (L.) Karst. is one of the promising tree species for obtaining significant growing stock, not only in spruce forest types but also in fir forest types. Therefore, this tree species was widely cultivated in the fir forest types of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, often resulting in the creation of pure spruce stands. The Verkhovyna Forestry of the Verkhovyna Higher Forestry, whose forest fund is characteristic of the Pokuttya-Marmaros Carpathians, was selected as the base object for the research. Under the conditions of a moist spruce-beech-fir forest type, Norway spruce –with a high share in the stand composition – forms its maximum growing stock at the age of 60-70 years, reaching approximately 600 m3∙ha-1. As the age of the stands increases, their volume declines, primarily due to the loss of biotic resistance in spruce. Along with this, certain spruce stands can remain productive (400-500 m3∙ha-1) even at the age of over 120 years. Under the conditions of the moist beech-fir-spruce forest type, the largest number of plots – both by count and area – is concentrated at an altitude of 1101-1200 m above sea level, while under the conditions of the moist spruce-beech-fir forest type, it is at 1001-1050 m a.s.l. In the moist beech-fir-spruce forest type, the highest proportion of plots (47%) is concentrated on southern, northwestern, and northeastern slopes. In the moist spruce-beech-fir forest type, a significant share of plots (32%) tends toward northern and northwestern slopes. The vector of growing stock dynamics for spruce stands in the studied forest types demonstrates opposite directions. While under the conditions of the moist beech-fir-spruce forest type, ascending the mountains (up to 1200 m) leads to environmental optimization for native spruce and an increace in its productivity, under the conditions of the moist spruce-beech-fir forest type, ascending above 900 m results in environmental stress for derivative spruce stands, increased competitive pressure from native tree species, and a decline in stem volume. Furthermore, the anthropogenic factor plays a significant role in this process. The ecological optimum for the formation of high growing stock of spruce wood in moist beech-fir-spruce and spruce-beech-fir forest types is shifted toward shaded aspects (primarily northern). Concurrently, stands on southwestern and western slopes are characterized by a significant decline in productivity. This decrease is minimal under the native conditions of the beech-fir-spruce forest type (430 m3∙ha-1) and becomes critical in derivative spruce stands of the spruce-beech-fir type (282 m3∙ha-1). This aspect highlights the synergistic effect of climatic and anthropogenic pressures. The growing stock on slopes of various aspects is higher under the conditions of the moist beech-fir-spruce forest type (402-483 m3∙ha-1), whereas in the moist spruce-beech-fir forest type, it is noticeably lower (282-412 m3∙ha-1). Such differentiation may be attributed to the loss of biotic resistance in spruce after reaching a certain age threshold. Slope steepness acts as a regulator of anthropogenic pressure. Due to the high transport accessibility of gentle ecotopes (10-15°), the growing stock of spruce stands within them is minimal. The restriction of management activities on very steep slopes (30-35°) ensures the preservation of the maximum timber volume in both forest types. Mathematical models of the relationship between the inventory characteristics of spruce stands and orographic factors are significantly more adequate for the beech-fir-spruce forest types (R = 0.54-0.64) than for the spruce-beech-fir forest types (R = 0.32-0.47). In the stands of the moist beech-fir-spruce type, the growing stock dynamics is natural and upward, with the positive influence of the age factor being decisive. In the stands of the moist spruce-beech-fir type, destructive processes have been detected. On northern slopes, an increase in the share of spruce leads to a decrease in growing stock (b = -0.24), whereas on southern slopes, a regression of growing stock is observed with increasing stand age (b = -0.320), indicating their loss of resistance and premature dieback.
The influence of the understory on the formation of ground vegetation cover and natural regeneration of tree species was investigated in 56–90-year-old Scots pine forest stands of the Shepetivka Polissia. The stands grow under conditions of fresh and moist fairly fertile and relatively poor site types. The ground vegetation cover in the Scots pine stands was represented by 58 plant species, including seven moss species, belonging to 36 families. Mosses exhibited the highest representation and dominated most of the study sites. Their mean frequency ranged from 23.3% to 100.0%, while their mean projective cover varied between 20.0% and 69.3%. Among the mosses, Pleurozium schreberi was the most widespread species, exhibiting the highest phytocoenotic significance coefficient (PSC) in the majority of the sample plots. The herbaceous layer was represented by 9–24 species, with a species density of 5.5 species per m². Vaccinium myrtillus was the most widespread species, exhibiting the highest phytocoenotic significance coefficient (PSC) in the majority of the study sites, reaching up to 60.2%. Rubus hirtus was also abundant, with its PSC attaining 45.2% beneath the forest canopy. The ground vegetation cover was further characterized by a substantial presence of Oxalis acetosella, Stellaria holostea, Melampyrum nemorosum, Pteridium aquilinum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Maianthemum bifolium, whose PSC values ranged from 4.0% to 12.4%. According to moisture requirements, the herb–moss layer of the forest stands covers the full ecological spectrum, from xerophytic to hygrophytic species. Mesophytes constitute the dominant ecological group in the Scots pine phytocoenoses of the region, representing 56.9% of all recorded species, while mesohygrophytes account for 24.1%. The trophic-group distribution of understory and herbaceous species is largely similar. Mesotrophs represent the dominant ecological group, accounting for 20.0–53.4% of the species composition, whereas other trophic groups are represented across the entire trophic gradient, each comprising 8.6–20.0% of the recorded species. With respect to soil moisture preferences, most understory species are mesophytes (50%), followed by xeromesophytes (40%), while mesohygrophytes constitute only 10% of the understory flora. The canopy of the Scots pine stands allows sufficient light penetration to support the establishment of light-demanding understory species. Herbaceous vegetation is represented by species covering the full range of light preferences. Heliophilous species predominate, accounting for 48.3% of the recorded flora, while shade-tolerant and shade-loving species comprise 34.5% and 17.2%, respectively. The total density of natural regeneration in the Scots pine stands ranged from 0.67 to 33.0 thousand individuals per hectare. Oak and pine were the most frequently occurring species in the regeneration layer. Oak regeneration was recorded on 64.3% of the study plots, with densities ranging from 0.33 to 6.34 thousand individuals ha-¹, whereas pine regeneration occurred on 42.9% of the plots, with densities varying from 0.33 to 25.00 thousand individuals ha-¹. On certain plots, considerable densities of Betula pendula regeneration (0.33-3.67 thousand individuals ha-¹), Ulmus glabra (13.67 thousand individuals ha-¹), and Carpinus betulus (8.33 thousand individuals ha-¹) were also recorded. Regeneration of other tree species, including Tilia cordata, Picea abies, Acer platanoides, Malus sylvestris, and Pyrus pyraster, was sparse, with densities not exceeding 1 thousand individuals ha-¹. The understory was found to exert a significant effect on the development of natural regeneration beneath the canopy of Scots pine stands. Understory density showed a strong negative correlation with regeneration density (r = -0.72) and a significant negative correlation with regeneration frequency (r = -0.67). In contrast, the effect of the Scots pine overstory on both regeneration density and frequency was considerably weaker and was characterized by low correlation coefficients.
The stand structure, measurement indicators and biotope potential of an 85-year-old stand with dominant silver fir in beech-fir forests on rich soils of the Rozluch forest district of the Sambir forestry enterprise of the State Service "Forests of Ukraine" were studied. The experimental trial area (marteloscope) was laid out in the form of a square with an area of 1 ha (100 × 100 m) and a division into four sections of 50 × 50 m. The plot contains 663 trees, of which 97.6% are silver fir trees, 1.6% are Norway spruce and 0.8% are other species. The stand is characterized by high productivity (growing stock ‒ 788 m3·ha-1, I site class, average diameter ‒ 34.5 cm, average height ‒ 27.4 m). The diameter distribution is characterized by a moderate right-sided asymmetry (A = 0.261) and negative kurtosis (E = -0.275), which indicates a more scattered diameter distribution with a numerical predominance of small trees. For heights, a pronounced left-sided asymmetry (A = -0.743) and negative kurtosis (E = -0.561) were recorded, which indicates that the majority of trees are concentrated in classes with relatively large heights, and a small number of trees have heights significantly lower than the average. The identification and classification of microhabitats was carried out according to the international catalogue of the European Forest Institute. A total of 136 trees with microhabitats were identified (21% of the total number), on which 12 habitat types on average were established. The largest number of trees were noted with wounds and growths on the trunk and skeletal branches caused by fir cancer (GR3). There are also many trees with bark loss (IN1) and broken trunks or crowns (IN2). The total stock of organic carbon deposited in the phytomass of the studied forest stand is 197.1 t·ha-1 . The main carbon storage is silver fir, accumulating 99.1% of the total phytomass. In the spatial structure of the phytomass, the largest amount of organic carbon is concentrated in the stem wood ‒ 135.4 t (68.7% of the total amount). The underground phytomass (roots) accounts for 18.1% of the deposited carbon, and the crown components accumulate a total of 13.2% of carbon. The silvicultural and ecological efficiency of three methods of conducting transformation felling (group-selective, selective and combined) was modelled and compared, taking into account the requirements for preserving biodiversity. With the group-selective method, the volume of harvested wood will be 77.7 m3·ha-1, and the intensity of felling will be 9.9%. With the selective method, the volume of felled trees is projected at 119.0 m3·ha-1, which corresponds to a moderate intensity of felling – 15.1%. The most intensive is the combined method – it is planned to cut down 151.2 m3·ha-1 of wood, and the intensity of felling – 19.2%. Among the simulated options for transformation felling, the combined method is the most promising. It integrates the simultaneous creation of regeneration “windows” for the appearance of self-seeding and undergrowth of shade-tolerant silver fir and selective felling of adjacent strips of the stand. This approach ensures a soft but effective transformation of the even-aged and single-tier structure of the silver fir stand into a sustainable multi-aged and multi-tier forest ecosystem.
The study focused on analysing the species diversity of woody plants and the taxonomic structure of the dendroflora in park plantings in small towns of Western Ukraine (The Transcarpathian region – Khust City Park in the town of Khust; Ivano-Frankivsk region – Kyrylo Trilovskyi Park in Kolomyia and Apollinaris Tarnavskyi Park in Kosiv; Lviv region – Horodok City Park in Horodok and Pustomyty City Park in Pustomyty; Chernivtsi region – Yuriy Fedkovych Park in Vyzhnytsia). The species diversity of the dendroflora was investigated using a combination of general scientific and specialised biological methods. The species composition of the dendroflora, the quantitative representation of woody plants, and the structural characteristics of plant communities within the park plantings were determined through field surveys conducted using the route method. The dendroflora of park phytocoenoses in small towns of Western Ukraine was found to comprise 95 species and forms of woody plants belonging to 59 genera, 28 families, and 22 orders. According to the study findings, the species diversity of the dendroflora in historic parks of Western Ukrainian towns is significantly richer than that recorded in newly established park plantings. The biomorphological structure of the park plant communities is dominated by trees, which account for 83.2% (79 species and forms) of the total dendroflora, whereas shrubs comprise 16.8% (16 species); woody lianas were absent. Woody plant species of the division Magnoliophyta predominate in the park plantings, representing 80.0% (76 species and forms) of the total species diversity, while species of the division Pinophyta account for only 20.0% (19 species and forms). In the dendroflora of the studied park ecosystems, the proportion of native woody species is slightly higher (52.6%) than that of introduced species (47.4%). An analysis of the distribution of the total number of woody plants within the park phytocoenoses revealed that the most abundant species were Acer platanoides L. (4.23%), Picea abies (L.) Karst. (4.26%), Cornus alba L. (4.30%), Fraxinus excelsior L. (5.23%), Aesculus hippocastanum L. (5.26%), Thuja occidentalis L. (6.57%), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (7.32%), Carpinus betulus L. (7.86%), Tilia cordata Mill. (8.13%), Ligustrum vulgare L. (8.67%), and Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. (9.72% of the total number of woody plants). The species Acer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Picea abies (L.) Karst., Prunus divaricata Ledeb., Robinia pseudoacacia L., and Tilia cordata Mill. were recorded in all of the investigated park ecosystems of the small towns. Enhancing the biodiversity of the dendroflora of park phytocoenoses and enhancing the aesthetic appeal, ornamental value, and attractiveness of plant compositions in the park ecosystems of small towns in Western Ukraine can be achieved by increasing both the abundance and species diversity of coniferous woody plants, expanding the proportion and species richness of shrubs in the parks' dendrological collections, introducing various species of woody lianas into park plant communities, and increasing the quantitative representation of highly ornamental woody plant woody plant species.
Forest management based on the principles of close-to-nature forestry requires reliable inventory data, which serve as the foundation for developing forest management plans for wood forest resources within a specific study region. The aim of this study is to determine the volume of growing stock, investigate the structural characteristics of harvested timber in highly productive commercial beech stands of moist pure fertile beech forest type, and provide them with a forest mensurational, commercial and economic assessment. Modal beech stands are represented by moist pure fertile beech forest types and are most widespread within the forest fund of the Khust, Svaliava, and Uzhhorod forest management units. Based on the 2021 subcompartment-level forest inventory database, growing stock volumes were analyzed in relation to stand year classes, slope aspects, altitudes above sea level, site index classes, and relative density. The largest growing stock of modal beech stands in the study region is concentrated within the forest fund of the Khust and Svaliava forest management units, amounting to 49.45 million m³, which accounts for 76.9% of the total volume. At altitudes of 401 to 800 m a.s.l. within the southern megaslope of the Polonynian Ridge, 34.4 million m³ of timber or 67% is concentrated, while in the Volcanic Ukrainian Carpathians at altitudes of 201 to 600 m a.s.l., the volume constitutes 7.8 million m³ or 63%. In the study region, high-quality merchantable beech stands are formed under conditions of moist pure fertile beech forest types with a relative stocking density of 0.71-0.80, characterized by site class Ia and higher, and located at altitudes of 401 to 800 m a.s.l., predominantly on north-facing slopes. In terms of productivity, commercial beech stands on the southern megaslope of the Polonynian Ridge predominate, with an average growing stock of 380 m3∙ha-1 (and a maximum of 780 m3∙ha-1). Under conditions of the Volcanic Ukrainian Carpathians, the average growing stock is slightly lower, amounting to 330 m3∙ha-1 with a maximum value of 630 m3∙ha-1. Within the forest fund of the forestry enterprises in the study region, approximately 410 thousand m³ of stemwood is harvested annually, of which 234 thousand m³ (57%) accounts for final harvesting, while 176 thousand m³ (43%) is obtained from fellings associated with silvicultural activities. The intensity of wood resource exploitation remains low, with the harvest (utilized) share of the total average annual increment ranging between 38% and 48%, which indicates the presence of significant forest resource potential. The areas of forest stands with a share of merchantable trees exceeding 40% are predominantly represented in medium- and high-density European beech stands. Specifically, on the southern megaslope of the Polonynian Ridge, they account for 60–67% in stands with a relative stocking density of 0.61–0.80, and 13–18% in stands with a relative stocking density of 0.81–0.90. In the Volcanic Ukrainian Carpathians, these areas constitute 60–63% for stands with a relative stocking density of 0.61–0.80, and 14–18% for those with a stocking density of 0.81–0.90. In addition to accumulating timber at 100 years of age at a level of 500 m3∙ha-1 with a value of 138 thousand UAH-ha-1, the region's beech stands also perform a highly vital ecosystem function by sequestering 212 t∙ha-1 carbon. To balance the ecological, ecosystem-service, and commercial directions of forest resource utilization within the region's modal beech stands, a unified regional forest policy for forest management based on close-to-nature forestry principles must be developed. The research findings should be utilized to implement optimal parameters for the formation of highly productive and high-quality merchantable beech stands. Equally important is the introduction of modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally sound logging technologies, alongside a transition to a selection silvicultural system, which should form the foundation of the Development Strategy of Zakarpattia Oblast for the coming years.
Coniferous tree species occupy approximately 52.4% of the forest area in the low-mountain part of the Bukovynian Carpathians, whereas broadleaved species account for the remaining 47.6%. At the same time, the forest structure is dominated by only three principal forest-forming tree species – Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica, and Abies alba – which together account for more than 95% of the total forest area and nearly 97% of the total growing stock. The middle-mountain part of the Bukovynian Carpathians is characterized by a distinct species composition. Whereas European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and silver fir (Abies alba) predominate in the low-mountain forests, Norway spruce (Picea abies) becomes the unequivocal edificatory species in the middle-mountain zone. This pattern represents one of the most prominent manifestations of the altitudinal differentiation of forest vegetation in the Bukovynian Carpathians and should be taken into account when planning measures for sustainable forest management, forest regeneration, and biodiversity conservation. The forest-covered area of the low-mountain part of the Bukovynian Carpathians amounts to 36.8 thousand hectares, compared with 41.8 thousand hectares in the middle-mountain part. In comparison with the low-mountain zone, the middle-mountain forests exhibit lower tree species diversity, comprising 15 tree species versus 24 in the low-mountain forests. Nevertheless, the middle-mountain stands are more productive, with an average growing stock of 305 m³ ha⁻¹, compared to 273 m³ ha⁻¹ in the low-mountain zone. The total growing stock of the low-mountain forests is 10,053.74 thousand m³, whereas the middle-mountain forests contain 12,756.04 thousand m³. The age structure of the forest stands within the subregion is unbalanced. Thus, in relative terms, middle-aged stands account for the largest area (44.2%). Maturing and mature stands occupy considerably smaller areas accounting for 14.9% and 11.1%, respectively. Overmature stands represent only a minor share (1.9%), while young stands of age classes I and II account for slightly higher proportions, comprising 11.1% and 12.4%, respectively. The forest stands of the Bukovynian Carpathians are characterized by high site productivity. Stands of Site Class I and higher occupy 80.6% of the forest area, while Site Class II and Site Class III stands account for 15.8% and 2.7%, respectively. Stands of Site Class IV and lower occur in only 0.9% of the total forest area. The forest stands of the subregion are predominantly of medium stocking density, accounting for 66.9% of the total forest area. Low-stocking stands occupy 29.9%, while sparse woodlands represent 1.5%. High-stocking stands are poorly represented, comprising only 1.7% of the total forest area. A total of 43 forest types have been identified within the region, including four subor forest types (fairly infertile pine site types), 23 sugrud forest types (fairly fertile site types), and 16 grud forest types (fertile site types). Among the forest site types, sugruds predominate, covering 75.3% of the area, followed by gruds (23.9%) and subors (0.8%). In terms of soil moisture conditions, mesophytic forest site types predominate. The spruce forest type group is the most widespread, occupying 58.2% of the total forest-covered area of the Bukovynian Carpathians. The fir forest type group accounts for a considerably smaller proportion (35.7%), while the beech forest type group occupies only 5.2%. Within the spruce forest type group, the largest forest areas occur in sugrud forest site types; within the fir forest type group, they are concentrated in both sugrud and grud forest site types; whereas within the beech forest type group, they are predominantly associated with grud forest site types.
The establishment of new experimental sites for studying the hereditary characteristics of selected (plus) trees and populations under conditions requiring the adaptation of forestry to climate change is a highly relevant task for contemporary forest management. At the southern boundary of the Ukrainian Polissya, the adverse effects of climate change are already evident, and further forest regeneration activities in the region require the involvement of forest tree breeders and a reassessment of appropriate breeding approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the progeny performance of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest reproductive material from the permanent forest seed base at an early age and to assess the potential of such regional progeny trials for forest tree breeding programmes. The relevance of this research is further reinforced by the need to implement pan-European approaches aimed at enhancing the multifunctional role of forests in Ukraine. The study considers the use of the synergistic potential of progenies derived from synthetic local populations in combination with those of native populations to improve the resilience of future forests. The establishment of synthetic mini-populations based on progenies from seed orchards and permanent seed stands is proposed as one possible approach, alongside the adaptive evaluation of local Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations. A similar approach has been successfully applied in field trials of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) population varieties established in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and along its southern boundary. This approach also provides an opportunity to improve the procedure for verifying the compliance of forest reproductive material with the requirements for the “Tested” category under Council Directive 1999/105/EC of 22 December 1999 on the marketing of forest reproductive material, as well as under the corresponding EU Regulation that replaces this Directive. The broad geographical range represented in the trials (covering more than 700 km along the southern boundary between the Ukrainian Polissya and the Forest-Steppe) provides a strong basis for evaluating the adaptive potential of different provenances in developing resilience to adverse climatic conditions. Preliminary assessments of the established progeny trials confirm the value of genetically improved forest reproductive material, which promotes superior early growth performance of the progeny and provides an important foundation for the development of highly productive and resilient forest stands. The results of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) variety trials in Ukraine indicate that, in some cases, the geographical origin (provenance) of the seed exerts a greater influence on progeny growth than its breeding category. This aspect should be taken into account when developing regulatory frameworks for the regionalization of forest reproductive material use in the process of harmonizing national legislation with European requirements. The results obtained from progeny trials established using forest reproductive material from permanent forest seed base objects of different geographical origins should be further analysed in conjunction with long-term monitoring data on the condition and reproductive performance of these seed sources, as well as the condition of the plus trees whose clones constitute their genetic base. Such experimental material represents a valuable resource for integrated ecological, silvicultural, and forest tree breeding research. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of materials of different origins, continuous monitoring, and systematic scientific support.
In the context of global climate change, the ecosystem functions of forests represent an effective tool for mitigating these processes and have been a major focus of scientific and public attention over the past decades. Particular attention is paid to forest ecosystems that act as critical buffers at the boundaries of geographical zones. The forests of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine represent precisely such systems, requiring detailed studies of their ecological impact on the regional environment. The implementation of this task requires an up-to-date assessment of the structure of forest stands according to the main mensuration features. For this purpose, the structure of the main mensuraed indicators of stands of the main forest-forming species of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine was analyzed according to the data of the separate database of the Production Association «Ukrderzhlisproekt» as of 01.01.2024. The mensuraed structure of stands was assessed, its components were analyzed within the forest fund of 8 administrative regions of the studied region. According to the results of the research, it was found that the structure of mensuraed indicators of stands of the main forest-forming species of the region has a low dispersion within the groups of hardwood and softwood species. One of the reasons for this is the absence of a category of operational forests. In the hardwood group of species, the average age of stands is relatively high and ranges from 62-104 years. In the softwood group, the average age is significantly lower and ranges from 31-58 years, with the exception of species of the poplar species, where the average age of standing stands is 115 years. The average productivity indicators for the main species of the hardwood group of species (oak, robinia and ash) are within the II and III site classes. The average stock of stem wood of the named species is 169, 94 and 203 m3·ha-1, respectively. The soft-leaved group of species (poplar species, birch and alder) is characterized by high average productivity of stands in the corresponding types of forest vegetation conditions, which fluctuates within the Ia and II site classes. Their average stock of stem wood is 210, 90 and 211 m3·ha-1, respectively. The coniferous group of species is represented by Scots pine of average productivity (I.5 site class), the prevailing range is within the Ib - IV site classes. The average stock of stem wood is 230 m3·ha-1. It is noted that all groups of species form mainly medium stocking stands with a relative stocking of 0.6 and 0.7. Depending on the tree species, the area of such stands ranges from 46.8 % to 67 % of the area occupied by them. High-relative stocking and low-relative stocking stands of coniferous and hardwood species in the study region are rare. Despite the high average age of the analyzed groups of stands, their productivity, average stocks and relative stocking are characterized by low indicators, which is quite natural for the forests of this geographical subzone. The studied category of stands constitutes a significant share in the resource and ecological potential of the region and requires the development of current regulatory and information support for assessing the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the ecosystem functions of forests.
Висвітлено результати закладання мартелоскопа у 85-річному ялицевому деревостані вологої букової яличини Розлуцького лісництва Самбірського надлісництва ДП «Ліси України» у рамках міжнародної програми Європейського лісового інституту «Integrate+». Мартелоскоп закладено у формі квадрата площею 1 га (100 х 100 м) з поділом на чотири секції розміром 50 × 50 м. На ділянці знаходиться 663 дерев, з них 97,6% дерев ялиці білої, 1,6% – ялини європейської і 0,8% – інші види. Деревостан відзначається високою продуктивністю (запас – 788 м3·га-1, І клас бонітету, середній діаметр – 34,5 см, середня висота – 27,4 м). Розподіл за діаметром характеризується помірною правосторонньою асиметрією (A = 0,261) та негативним ексцесом (E = -0,275). Для висот зафіксовано виражену лівосторонню асиметрію (A = -0,743) та негативний ексцес (E = -0,561). На мартелоскопі обліковано 136 дерев з мікрооселищами (21% від загальної кількості), на яких встановлено 12 різновидів оселищ. Найбільше дерев відмічено з ранами і наростами на стовбурі та скелетних гілках, спричинених раком ялиці (GR3). Сумарний запас органічного вуглецю, депонованого у фітомасі досліджуваного лісостану, становить 197,1 т·га-1. Основним депонентом вуглецю є ялиця біла, акумулюючи 99,1% від загальної маси. У просторовій структурі фітомаси найбільша кількість органічного вуглецю зосереджена у стовбуровій деревині – 135,4 т (68,7% від загальної кількості). На підземну фітомасу припадає 18,1% депонованого вуглецю, а компоненти крони акумулюють сумарно 13,2% вуглецю. Змодельовано і порівняно лісівничо-екологічну ефективність трьох способів проведення рубок переформування у ялицевому деревостані (групово-вибіркового, вибіркового та комбінованого) з урахуванням вимог щодо збереження біорізноманіття. Серед них найперспективнішим є комбінований спосіб. Він інтегрує одночасне створення відновлювальних «вікон» для появи самосіву і підросту тіньовитривалої ялиці білої та рівномірне розріджування прилеглих смуг деревостану.
