Object of research - the undergrowth in hornbeam-oak forest stands of the Western forest-steep zone. Aims - to analyze peculiarities of the undergrowth, to identify trends of its functioning, identify the main forestry and ecological properties and evaluation of vitality of the undergrowth most common species, obtain materials for systematic evaluation of the undergrowth role in the forests, prepare the practical recommendations. Methods. General scientific, forestry, inventory, electrophysiological, soil science, mathematics and statistics. Scientific novelty - firstly in the region identified trends and changes level, characteristics of the formation and functioning of undergrowth in hornbeam-oak forests depending on density, age and under the influence of forestry activity are identified, some aspects of the undergrowth impact on the natural reforestation, soil, fauna are characterized; understory species are proposed to classify to - typical understory, facultative understory and forest edge understory; data of electrophysiological and fluorescence characteristics of the most common undergrowth shrubs, interplay of the undergrowth and groups of soil nematodes in hornbeam-oak forests are received, the size, weight and power consumption of trophic groups of soil nematodes in forest stands with understory and without it is identified. Research method of the forestry and ecological role of undergrowth; classification of the forest edges was expended. Approaches of undergrowth participation in shaping forest stands on the principles of close to nature forestry further developed. The practical significance. The results are recommended for the forestry enterprises when using forest inventory methods, creation of forest plantations, the formation ( updating of ) stands of hornbeam-oak forests indigenous to native type of forest stands. The practical recommendations " Undergrowth in hornbeam-oak forest stands of the Western forest-steep zone: composition, formation, using" are adopted for use in Ternopil forestry and hunting administration. Summary of the thesis can serve as methodological basis of forecasting trends of forest stands hornbeam-oak forests in different age periods. Area of application: forestry.
