Variability of Resource and Coenotic Parameters of Vaccinium Vitis-idaea (Ericaceae) in Artificial Pinetum Pleuroziozum Stands Influenced by the Age Succession Gradient

The features of the resource-coenotic parameters variability of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. coenopopulations in the age series of artificial green moss pine forest (Рinetum pleuroziozum) in the western Belarus (the Grodno Pushcha Nature Rreserve) are shown. The highest resource and coenotic characteristics of V. vitis-idaea (airdry shoot yield of 8.5–53.8 g/m2) were observed in mature communities with stand transparency of 46–64%, where no intensive forestry measures that radically change the light regime were carried out. Based on the stand transparency, green moss pine forests with V. vitis-idaea coenopopulations are differentiated into two large clusters: densely closed (pole stand; transparency: 17.0–33.0%, with low values of resource and coenotic parameters) and moderately sparse (two subgroups; transparency: 36–98%). Maximum values of resource-coenotic parameters of V. vitis-idaea coenopopulations are characteristic for mature stands that are divided into two subclusters with different light regimes: stands where no logging was carried out (subcluster 1) with the transparency of 46–64%, and stands after clear-cutting (subcluster 2) with the transparency of 95–98%. The values of the resource-coenotic parameters of coenopopulations are following: in subcluster 1 (no logging) yield – 52 g/m2, height – 7 cm, projective cover – 7%, occurrence – 36%; in subcluster 2 (after clear-cutting) yield – 54 g/m2, height – 10 cm, projective cover – 13%, occurrence – 100%. A sharp change in the light regime exerts the most significant effect on the resource-coenotic parameters of V. vitis-idaea. When performing clear-, successive and other types of fellings that increase the transparency >90%, we recommend that V. vitis-idaea medicinal plant materials be harvested in the amount of the operational stock in the first three years following it. Age classification of forest stands can be used to effectively search for resource-significant biotopes (with V. vitis-idaea).