Forest reclamation potential of protective afforestation in the Central Forest-Steppe of the European part of the Russian Federation

In the Central Forest-Steppe of the European part of the Russian Federation, characterized by high plowed area and progressing degradation processes, protective forest plantations perform a key environment-forming and resource-saving functions. The aim of the study is to assess the forest reclamation potential of shelterbelts of different conditions and to substantiate the prospects for their use in agroforestry systems. The objects of study were 46 shelterbelts located on black soils in the Kamennaya Steppe, Semiluksky and Khokholsky districts of the Voronezh Region. The work was carried out using reconnaissance and instrumental survey methods, laying temporary test areas, taxation descriptions, and forestry reclamation assessment according to the E.S. Pavlovsky scale and the Forests Sanitary Safety Regulations. It was found that the studied plantations are in the age range of 20-126 years, differing in their species composition, structure, and sanitary condition. Based on the analysis of quantitative and qualitative forestry factors, three models of forest belts have been identified: those that have completely lost their intended purpose (subject to replacement), those that have partially lost their functions (require reconstruction), and those that have retained high efficiency (need systematic care). This made it possible to classify land areas according to the level of agroreclamation potential. The first group includes plantations with high forest reclamation efficiency (Forest reclamation assessment class 5a–4b) that do not require operational measures; the second group includes plantations with low potential (Forest reclamation assessment class 3a–3b) that are viable under reconstruction; the third group includes dead or poorly preserved plantations (Forest reclamation assessment class 2–0) that need complete replacement. The fourth group consists of low productivity agricultural lands suitable for implementing forest-climatic projects with a zero baseline. It has been shown that the most stable and productive plantings are those with the participation of Quercus robur and Acer platanoides and timely forest management. High reclamation potential is also demonstrated by mono species poplar and birch forest belts aged 20-30 years with tracery windswept structure. It has been found that practically 100% mortality of Fraxinus excelsior and Fraxinus pubescens due to the damage caused by the Agrilus planipennis, which requires excluding these species from the composition of the created protective plantations. The obtained results allow for a differentiated approach to planning measures for preservation, reconstruction, and new afforestation, as well as serve as a basis for integrating protective forest plantations into regional sustainable development strategies and forest-climatic projects.