ARTIFICIAL REFORESTATION OF ZANGILAN FORESTS

Abstract

Summary:  The Zangilan district, located in the southwestern part of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the southeastern slopes of the Minor Caucasus and along the left bank of the Araz River, is characterized by diverse natural landscapes and unique forest ecosystems. During nearly three decades of occupation by the Republic of Armenia, the forests and ecosystems of the district were severely degraded and subjected to ecological terrorism, resulting in the destruction of rare and valuable forest stands, including the Basitchay State Nature Reserve - home to centuries-old Oriental plane trees (Platanus orientalis L.). Comprehensive field studies conducted by the Institute of Dendrology of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan revealed that the forest ecosystems of the region suffered the greatest damage among all types of natural ecosystems. The research identified that most forests in the district developed on brown mountain-forest soils and were dominated by drought-resistant and light-demanding species such as Juglans regia L., Populus alba L., Quercus araxina, Celtis australis L., Ulmus glabra Huds., Celtis caucasica Willd., Platanus orientalis L., and Populus schischkinii. The study emphasizes that the biological characteristics and ecological requirements of these tree species differ significantly. Therefore, successful forest restoration in the Zangilan district requires taking into account their ecological demands and the exposure of mountain slopes. Most dominant species are heliophilous, thermophilous, and grow predominantly on southern slopes. Considering the influence of slope exposure on the distribution, productivity, and stability of forest-forming species is essential for establishing sustainable and resilient forest ecosystems in the region. Properly planned reforestation based on these principles will ensure the recovery of healthy and ecologically stable forests in the Zangilan district.

Keywords: Zangilan district, forest restoration, ecological terrorism, Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis L.), slope exposure, ecological requirement, drought-resistant species, mountain forests