Authors: Alokhina O.V., Korus M.M., Turych V.V. et al.

Summary: The results of research into modern transformation processes in the post-agrarian ecosystems of the Western Ukrainian Polissia are presented, exactly concerning their spontaneous afforestation and restoration of natural vegetation cover. It is noted that a wide distribution of this phenomenon on former arable lands (fallows), hayfields and pastures, which has acquired the name «sylvatization of post-agrarian ecosystems», is observed not only in Polissia, but also in the Carpathians, Volyn-Podillya, Roztoche. Sylvatization and renaturalization of formerly managed lands are already considered both as a scientific and as an economic problem, and not only in Ukraine, but also in neighboring states. Detailed studies of sylvatization and renaturalization of former agrarian lands were carried out on Shatsk Lake district as a model area for the Western Polissia region in general. The theoretical aspects of regional conditioning of the phenomenon of sylvatization of post-agrarian ecosystems are considered, the socio-economic, historical and ecological reasons for its development are characterized. The results of the study of the dynamics of afforestation of former agrarian lands on test sites using the methods of distance sensing of the Earth are presented. The positive and negative aspects of the sylvatization are characterized. The changes in the soil as a result of the abandoning of arable lands and their subsequent afforestation are reflected. Restorative phytocenotic successions in post-agrarian ecosystems are characterized, a forecast of their possible course depending on ecological conditions is given. The expediency of applying ecological and forestry measures for the reshaping of derivative stands that arose as a result of sylvatization of post-agrarian ecosystems has been confirmed. The importance of preserving the unique swamp landscapes of Shatsk Lake district, as well as rare vegetation communities, is shown. Measures to preserve habitats of rare plant species in marshes are proposed. Based on the results of the research, recommendations were made to optimize environmental protection activities in the region. The research results can be used in the educational process when teaching the courses «Forestry» and «Ecology» at the Shatsk Forestry College, as well as in the environmental protection activities of the Shatsk National Nature Park.

Reading audience: For foresters, botanists, ecologists, specialists of nature protection institutions, students of educational institutions of natural history profile and simply for lovers of recreation on the Shatsk lakes.

ISBN 978-966-02-9947-4

Responsible institutions: Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians of NAS of Ukraine

Published: Lviv

Other institutions: Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine ; Shatsk National Natural Park

Size in pages: 200

Print run: 120