Soil-improving tree species
Soil-improving trees are species thatincrease soil fertility, accelerate humus formation, activate soil microflora and mycorrhiza, improve soil structure and nutrient cycling.
| Priority | Tree | Soil improvement | Main functions | Optimal zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Alder (Alnus spp.) | Very high | Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (symbiosis withFrankish), rapid restoration of poor soils, accumulation of organic matter | Springs, streams, floodplains |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ash (Fraxinus spp.) | Very high | Rapidly decomposing leaf litter, rich in calcium and potassium, high earthworm activity | Middle slopes, floodplains |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Linden (Tilia spp.) | Very high | Formation of fertile humus, neutralization of acidity, development of soil biota | Middle slopes |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Beech (Fagus spp.) | Very high | Accumulation of a thick humus layer, protecting the soil from erosion | Medium wet slopes |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Maple (Acer spp.) | High | Easily decomposable leaf litter improves soil structure | Middle slopes |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Elm (Ulmus spp.) | High | Deep loosening of the soil by roots, accumulation of organic matter | Middle slopes, floodplains |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hazel (Corylus avellana) | High | Rich leaf litter, development of soil fauna, protection of slopes | Undergrowth |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) (only outside natural ecosystems and with caution due to invasiveness) | High | Nitrogen fixation, rapid restoration of degraded lands | Economic zones |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Birch (Betula spp.) | Average | Rapid accumulation of organic matter on poor soils, pioneer breed | Upper and middle slopes |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Aspen (Populus tremula) | Average | Rapid formation of humus, stimulation of fungal communities | Young forests |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Willow (Salix spp.) | Average | Enrichment of floodplain soils with organic matter, strengthening of banks | Springs, floodplains |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Poplar (Populus spp.) | Average | Rapid accumulation of biomass and organic matter | Floodplains |
| ⭐⭐ | Oak (Quercus spp.) | Average | Slow but long-term accumulation of humus | Middle and lower slopes |
| ⭐⭐ | Chestnut (Castanea spp.) | Average | Enriching the soil with organic matter, promoting fungal development | Lower slopes |
| ⭐⭐ | Walnut (Juglans spp.) | Moderate | Deep roots improve soil structure (the effect of juglone on some plants must be taken into account) | Foothills |
Soil-improving shrubs
| Priority | Bush | Main function |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) | Nitrogen fixation, slope stabilization, restoration of poor soils |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hazelnut | Formation of humus, development of soil fauna |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Black elderberry | Rapid accumulation of organic matter, support for microorganisms |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Viburnum | Improving the soil structure, forage base |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Red | Slope stabilization, leaf litter |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Honeysuckle | Soil protection and undergrowth development |
Priority groups
| Group | Main types | Main function |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen-fixing | Alder, sea buckthorn (robinia - only in controlled management systems) | Enriching the soil with nitrogen |
| The best humus former | Ash, linden, beech, maple | Formation of a fertile humus layer |
| Soil biota activators | Linden, ash, hazel | Development of fungi, earthworms and microorganisms |
| Pioneers of Recovery | Birch, aspen, willow | Rapid improvement of degraded soils |
| Long-term fertility | Oak, beech, maple | Stable accumulation of organic matter |
DREVO Soil Forest formula
The most fertile forest soils are formed with the combined presence of:
alder- natural nitrogen enrichment;
ash- rapid return of nutrients;
linden trees— formation of high-quality humus;
bull— accumulation of powerful forest litter;
maple— acceleration of organic circulation;
hazelnuts- development of rich undergrowth.
This mixed forest creates a self-sustaining soil system with high biological activity, resistant to erosion, drought and intense rainfall.