Substantiation of optimum planting schemes for forest plantations: a computer experiment

The article presents the results of computer simulations aimed to assess the influence of tree spatial locations (planting schemes) on the productivity and the dynamics of soil fertility in forest plantations. The growth of aspen ( Populus tremula L.) in plantations with short rotation (30 years) was simulated in the EFIMOD system of models with the soil and climatic data matching forested lands in the Mari El Republic. The outcome reveals that higher biomass rates, increase in soil organic matter stocks, and the minimal loss of soil nitrogen can be obtained when the distance between trees in the row equals 1-4 m and 4-6 м in aisles.