Productivity and Sanitary Condition of Oak Forests in the Foothills of the North Caucasus (Case Study of the Republic of Adygea Forests)

The purpose of the study is to assess the current state, productivity and commodity structure of oak forests in the foothills of the North Caucasus using the example of the Maikop Forestry District of the Republic of Adygea to develop scientifically sound recommendations on forest management. The research was conducted on 13 permanent trial areas with an area of 0.25 hectares each, created in artificial plantations, dominated by oak petiolate (Quercus robur) and oak Hartwissiana (*Quercus hartwissiana%). The methods of complete inventory and tax assessment were used to determine the main indicators of forest inventory (age, height, diameter, canopy density, vegetation reserve). The sanitary condition was assessed using a weighted average category, taking into account the species composition; the commodity structure was analyzed using sorting tables. It was found that the studied oak forests are characterized by medium and high productivity with an average growth rate of 85 m3/ha. The maximum reserve (395.05 m3/ha) was recorded in oak and hornbeam stands. Petiolated oak was identified as the main breed for commercial timber production (up to 81 m3/ha), while Caucasian hornbeam dominates in the categories of semi- and fuel wood. The sanitary condition of the stands is assessed as weakened (index 1.57-2.37 points). A significant negative impact of fast-growing species (black alder, aspen) on the sanitary condition of stands has been revealed. Based on the research results, a set of forestry measures was developed, including recommendations for the formation of mixed stands, sanitary logging and reforestation, taking into account local soil and climatic conditions to increase the stability and productivity of oak forests.