Datsyuk V. Forest vegetation of the Volyn Upland: syntaxonomy, dynamics, conservation

The paper is devoted to study of the current state of the forest vegetation of the Volyn Upland, its syntaxonomical features, anthropogenic dynamics and conservation. The historical review of the studying of the forests of the Volyn Upland with the main directions of their research is presented. The physical and geographical features of the location of this territory and main factors of the forest distribution within it are indicated. The soil composition of the Volyn Upland is characterized. Features of the hydrological regime and geomorphological characteristics of individual regions within the Volyn Upland are revealed. The analysis of the main formations of the forest vegetation, their characteristics and a list of associations are carried out. The classification scheme of the forest vegetation of the Volyn Upland was developed on principles of the dominant approach. It includes six formations, nine subformations, 24 groups of associations and 64 associations. Features of the territorial differentiation of the plant cover of forests on the territory of the Volyn Upland are indicated. Major changes of the forest vegetation was carried out and their main stages were characterized. Ecological-coenotic profiles show the spatial distribution of forest communities. Sozological analysis of the flora of forest communities was made. 42 rare species from different conservation lists are presented on studied territory. Rare forest communities consist of four rare association from "The Green Data Book of Ukraine". The analysis of the natural reserve fund of forest ecosystems of the region was carried out, perspective directions for its expansion and protection are indicated. Recommendations for the management of forest ecosystems and main directions of restoration and preservation of phytocoenoses have been developed.