Vasylyshyn R. Productivity, ecological and energy potential of forests in the Ukrainian Carpathians

These theses elaborate the theoretical and methodological backgrounds, approaches and regulatory-reference tools for assessing the energy potential of woody biomass in forests of the Ukrainian Carpathians based on principles of the sustainable development of mountain regions. A set of models of growth and biological production, as well as other relevant reference materials that describe the quantitative parameters of carbon cycling and oxygen producing functions of spruce, fir and beech forests were developed. The information basis of the theses research was represented by a relational database "Mensurational characteristics of forests by primary inventory units" (accounted for 480.3 thousand of primary inventory units) and results of measurements on 556 temporary sample plots. As a result of the investigations, the methodological and theoretic backgrounds were substantiated and methodical approaches were developed for assessing five types of woody biomass potentials: theoretically possible, technically accessible, ecologically safe, economically profitable, and socially conditioned ones. In the course of the potentials' assessment, it has been suggested to differentiate the woody biomass into three constituents: non-commercial stem wood, woody wastes on harvested areas and wastes of wood processing. A set of models and reference materials for evaluation of dynamic processes of growth and some ecological functions of forests were also developed. In particular, the yield tables of spruce, fir and beech stands, the models and tables of biological productivity were also developed These materials comprehensively represent quantitative indicators of carbon sequestration and oxygen production services of the studied forest ecosystems. Main directions of optimization of the multi-service forest management in the Ukrainian Carpathians would be oriented to maximization of both the ecological role and economic efficiency.