German scientists describe the project “Conservation and Optimization of Mixed Stands of English Oak and Small-Leaved Lime (OMSK)”

In the Republic of Tatarstan the community of English oak and small-leaved lime is located in the north-eastern boundary of the range of their natural origin. The English oak is interesting for Tatarstan both environmentally and economically. However, due to the harsh environmental conditions the acorn years are quite rare in this region. Thus, for large-scale reforestation in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan the planting material of the English oak may be not enough. One way to solve this problem is to reduce the number of oak seedlings per hectare while establishing the artificial mixed lime stands. The aim of the project is to find out the minimum number of oak seedlings for the establishment of oak and lime plants where the production of quality oak wood assortment corresponding to regional needs would be provided. To clarify the issues raised and document the oak wood quality it will be required to make a chronological analysis in the different in age young English oak stands with different planting density and different forms of competition. The recommendations on the required quantity of oak seedlings when establishing the oak and lime plantings, as well as an assistance in establishment of the pilot sites according to Nelder, for study of interspecies competition and for determination of the optimal planting schemes will reduce the problem of providing the necessary amount of planting material.

Project Duration: 08.01.2015. – 30.09.2018.