A long-term program for the restoration of degraded lands and the creation of sustainable forest gardens

A long-term program for the restoration of degraded lands and the creation of sustainable forest gardens

Strategic planning for 150 years with an environmental forecast for 300 years

1. General concept

The program is designed to restore lands damaged by:

dehydration;

erosion;

desertification;

soil depletion;

salinization;

heavy metal contamination;

petroleum products;

industrial emissions;

fires;

deforestation;

overgrazing;

destruction of the water regime;

losses of organic matter and soil biology.

The ultimate goal of the program is not just to plant trees or create a productive garden. The main objective is the gradual formationsustainable natural and economic ecosystem, capable of:

independently maintain the circulation of water and organic matter;

restore the soil;

resist erosion;

survive droughts, fires, frosts and climate fluctuations;

preserve natural and genetic diversity;

provide people with food, wood, medicinal raw materials and other resources;

remain viable for many generations.

The program is built in the following sequence:

degraded land → stabilized soil → herbaceous community → forest-steppe → young forest → mature forest → managed forest ecosystem → sustainable forest garden.

In this model, a forest garden does not replace a natural forest. It becomes a late stage of development and forms within an already restored natural structure.

2. Planning horizons

The operational horizon is 25 years.

At this stage the following are created:

map of the territory;

water infrastructure;

primary soil cover;

protective strips;

nurseries;

first tree communities;

monitoring system;

organizational structure of the project.

Ecosystem horizon: 50–80 years

During this time, the following should form:

stable soil profile;

developed root system;

forest-steppe and forest communities;

first mature tree layer;

stable microclimate;

natural regeneration of key species;

working water and organic cycle.

Strategic horizon: 150 years

By this time, the territory should become a full-fledged multi-age system, including:

old long-lived trees;

young natural renewal;

middle-aged plantings;

shrub and herbaceous communities;

fruit and nut crops;

areas of natural forest;

forest-steppe areas;

wetland areas;

areas of regulated agricultural production;

reserve territories of natural succession.

The forecast horizon is 300 years.

The 300-year forecast is not a detailed production plan. Its purpose is to ensure that the current development trend is maintained.

The following are taken into account on this horizon:

climate change;

change in water regime;

change in vegetation composition;

aging of the first generation of long-lived trees;

natural change of generations;

migration of species;

the emergence of new pests and diseases;

possible changes in the economic needs of society;

the need to preserve the gene bank and nature-forming species.

The main principle of the three-hundred-year forecast:

Each generation must pass on the territory to the next generation in a more stable state than it received it in.

3. Priority of nature-forming trees

The foundation of the future ecosystem should be formed not only by fast-growing pioneer species, but above all by long-lived trees capable of determining the structure of the territory for centuries.

These types include:

oak;

linden;

maple;

ash tree;

cedar pines;

pine;

beech;

hornbeam;

elm;

chestnut;

walnut;

fir;

spruce - in suitable conditions;

larch;

local long-lived species of the respective region.

Why do they have priority?

Long-lived trees:

create a stable upper tier;

form deep root systems;

affect the water regime;

create a long-lasting microclimate;

accumulate significant amounts of carbon;

form the forest litter;

support fungi, birds and insects;

ensure the continuity of the ecosystem;

become seed centers for natural regeneration;

create an environment for a future forest garden.

Fast-growing trees are necessary in the early stages, but they should be seen as helpers and a temporary protective framework, not as the final foundation of the entire system.

4. The role of the main nature-forming species

Oak

Oak is one of the main frame species of long-term forest.

He:

can live for several centuries;

forms a powerful root system;

creates a stable tree layer;

supports a large number of insects, fungi and birds;

provides acorns as a food resource for animals and potentially for humans;

fits well into forest-steppe and mixed systems;

is capable of forming a stable natural community around itself.

Oak should not be planted as a continuous monoculture, but in groups, groves, lines and individual seed centers.

Linden

Linden:

improves the forest microclimate;

is an important honey plant;

creates a soft forest floor;

interacts well with shade-tolerant undergrowth;

can live for several hundred years;

creates a favorable environment for forest soil formation.

It is especially valuable next to oak, maple, elm and other deciduous trees.

Maple

Maples:

quickly become involved in the formation of the tree layer;

produce significant leaf mass;

support pollinators;

improve the structure of the forest litter;

form a varied crown;

Suitable for mixed forests and forest gardens.

Preference should be given to local and climate-resistant maple species.

Ash tree

Ash:

forms a powerful wooden frame;

capable of deeply developing the soil;

produces valuable timber;

goes well with oak, linden, maple and elm;

contributes to the formation of a complex forest structure.

It's important to consider the high vulnerability of some ash species to modern diseases and pests. Therefore, building a system based on a single species or a single genetic origin is not an option.

Cedar pines

In the practical project, the word “cedar” should be used to distinguish between true cedars of the genusCedarand cedar pines, such as the Siberian cedar pine.

Cedar species:

durable;

form a powerful upper tier;

create a stable coniferous microclimate;

provide seeds and other resources;

support birds and forest animals;

can become an important element of mountain, northern and continental forest gardens.

The choice of a specific species must correspond to the climate and soil of the area.

5. The principle of a multi-age system

A sustainable forest cannot be created by one mass planting of trees of the same age.

If all trees are planted at the same time, they:

reach maturity at the same time;

age at the same time;

become equally vulnerable;

create the risk of massive loss of one generation.

Therefore, the planting of long-lived trees should take place in waves.

Example:

first generation - at the beginning of recovery;

second generation - in 15-25 years;

third generation - after 40-60 years;

subsequent generations - through natural regeneration and controlled replanting.

By the 150-year horizon, the system must simultaneously contain:

ancient or old-growth trees;

mature trees;

middle-aged trees;

young;

seedlings and undergrowth.

This creates continuity in the forest.

6. Main types of restored areas

Dehydrated lands

The main problem:

moisture loss;

deep drying;

weak infiltration;

lack of vegetation;

high surface temperature.

Key measures:

slowing down of flow;

creation of contour watersheds;

mulching;

temporary shading;

planting drought-resistant grasses and shrubs;

restoration of organic matter;

creation of windbreak strips;

gradual increase in tree cover.

Eroded lands

Main tasks:

stop soil erosion and blowing away;

secure the slopes;

restore the upper horizon;

distribute the surface flow.

Used:

dense cereals;

rhizome plants;

shrub strips;

contour plantings;

terraces;

shafts;

wood and stone barriers;

trees with different root depths.

Depleted soils

The main problem:

lack of organic matter;

poor soil biology;

destroyed structure;

lack of nutrients.

Required:

green manure;

legumes;

mulch;

compost;

wood chips;

mycorrhiza;

minimal processing;

deep-rooted plants;

gradual formation of forest litter.

Contaminated lands

The priority here is not food production, but risk reduction.

Subsequence:

analysis → hot spot removal → stabilization → industrial plants → soil closure → contaminant control → gradual transition to non-food forest → limited food use only after safety confirmation.

A food forest garden cannot be created directly on an unknown contaminated area.

Saline lands

Main tasks:

determine the source of salt;

improve drainage;

prevent re-salination;

use salt-tolerant pioneer species;

accumulate organic matter;

reduce evaporation;

gradually replace pioneers with more demanding species.

7. Stages of territorial development

Stage I. Diagnostics and protection

0–5 years

At this stage the following is carried out:

soil and hydrological survey;

Pollution analysis;

relief mapping;

study of winds;

hot spot identification;

creation of a water plan;

restricting access to hazardous areas;

stopping erosion;

nursery organization;

collection of seeds of local species;

creation of a gene bank.

The goal of this stage is to stop further destruction of the territory.

Stage II. Primary stabilization

3–15 years

The first continuous vegetation cover is formed.

Used:

perennial cereals;

legumes;

alfalfa;

clover;

fescue;

ryegrass;

fireweed;

local herbs;

shrubs;

temporary fast-growing trees;

willow;

poplar;

birch;

alder;

pine on poor dry soils.

Tasks:

stop dusting;

reduce erosion;

create a shadow;

accumulate organic matter;

restore soil biology;

begin forming the root network.

At the same time, the first groups of long-lived species are planted:

oak;

linden;

maple;

ash tree;

cedar pines;

beech;

chestnut;

walnut.

Stage III. Formation of forest-steppe

10–35 years old

The territory acquires a mosaic structure:

open grassy areas;

shrub groups;

young groves;

wood strips;

wet areas;

areas of natural regeneration.

The forest-steppe is especially important for:

arid territories;

transitional climate zones;

biodiversity conservation;

reducing fire risk;

formation of the food supply;

maintaining a mosaic of light and shadow.

At this stage, we shouldn't try to completely cover the entire area with dense forest. Parts of the area should remain open.

Stage IV. Young sustainable forest

25–60 years old

Tree communities begin to dominate.

The following are being formed:

upper tier;

middle tree layer;

shrubby undergrowth;

grass cover;

mushroom net;

forest litter;

areas of natural undergrowth.

The following are carried out:

selective thinning;

formation of light windows;

removal of dangerous and diseased trees;

preservation of part of the dead wood;

creation of animal habitats;

planting a second generation of long-lived trees.

The first fruit and nut elements of the forest garden are introduced only in safe and sufficiently restored areas.

Stage V. Formation of a forest garden

40–90 years

A forest garden is created within an already formed, stable forest structure.

Added:

fruit trees;

nut-bearing species;

berry bushes;

perennial vegetables;

vines;

honey plants;

medicinal crops;

mushroom areas;

food meadows;

nursery areas.

In this case, the priority is maintained:

oak;

linden trees;

maple;

ash;

cedar pines;

bull;

elm;

chestnut;

other nature-forming species.

Fruit crops should not completely displace the long-lived natural framework.

Stage VI. Mature natural-economic system

80–150 years

The territory becomes a stable mosaic:

mature forest;

forest-steppe;

forest gardens;

water and marsh areas;

meadows;

nature reserves;

economic zones;

nurseries;

seed plots.

By this point the system should have:

natural renewal;

several generations of trees;

stable water regime;

restored soil;

high biological complexity;

low dependence on external resources;

ability to adapt to climate change.

8. Forest garden as a late stage of restoration

The main mistake is trying to immediately plant a fruit forest orchard on degraded land.

In dehydrated, eroded or polluted areas, fruit crops often:

do not take root well;

require constant watering;

suffer from overheating;

are sick;

do not form a stable system;

become completely dependent on humans.

Therefore, a sustainable forest garden is created through the following sequence:

water recovery;

soil stabilization;

formation of grass cover;

the appearance of shrubs;

creation of forest-steppe;

formation of young forest;

accumulation of organic matter;

development of the mushroom network;

planting a long-lived wooden frame;

gradual inclusion of food crops;

creation of a mature multi-tiered system.

The forest garden should be integrated into the forest, and not the forest replaced by the garden.

9. The ratio of natural and economic zones

A recommended long-term territorial structure may include:

The exact proportions depend on:

climate;

relief;

water resources;

pollution level;

fire risk;

project objectives;

population density;

the need for food production.

10. Nature-forming wooden frame

A mature system should have several types of tree structures.

Seed groves

Groups of long-lived trees intended for:

natural reproduction;

preservation of genetics;

obtaining seeds;

formation of future generations of forests.

Forest corridors

They connect separate forest areas and allow movement:

birds;

insects;

small animals;

seeds;

genetic flows.

Protective forest belts

Reduce:

wind speed;

evaporation;

dusting;

erosion;

damage to plantings.

Water-regulating plantings

The following are being formed:

along the rivers;

near ravines;

around bodies of water;

in runoff zones;

at the boundaries of wet areas.

Old-age kernels

Areas where trees are allowed to reach their maximum age and complete their life cycle naturally.

They become centers:

biodiversity;

mushroom life;

dead wood;

nesting;

natural formation of soil.

11. Fast-growing and pioneer species

Pioneer plants are necessary, but their role must be determined in advance.

These may include:

willow;

poplar;

birch;

alder;

pine;

acacia and legume shrubs;

they have become sea buckthorn;

sucker;

local resistant shrubs.

They perform the following functions:

quick shadow creation;

wind protection;

soil stabilization;

biomass accumulation;

microclimate preparation;

protection of slow-growing trees.

Some of the pioneer trees over time:

is removed;

is cut off;

converted into wood mulch;

remains as an element of mature forest;

used as a support for vines;

left as dead wood.

12. Transition from forest to forest garden

In mature young forests, special light windows and food glades are created.

The following are gradually planted in them:

apple trees;

pears;

plums;

cherries;

medlar;

quince;

hazel;

walnut;

chestnut;

mulberry;

local fruit species;

berry bushes;

grape;

actinidia;

perennial vegetables;

medicinal plants.

In this case, the natural upper tier is partially or completely preserved.

Example structure:

oak or linden is the main durable frame;

nut or chestnut - food top tier;

apple or pear tree - middle fruit tier;

hazel and currant - shrub layer;

strawberries and clover - ground cover layer;

chicory, onion, horseradish - root tier;

grapes or actinidia - vertical tier;

mushrooms - tree and soil level.

13. Water strategy for centuries

Water restoration is the main condition of the entire program.

It is necessary not only to build separate reservoirs, but also to restore the water cycle of the territory.

Main areas:

slowing down of surface runoff;

increased infiltration;

restoration of swamps and wetlands;

protection of springs;

snow accumulation;

decrease in wind speed;

restoration of soil organic matter;

creation of shade cover;

prevention of deep erosion;

reuse of purified water;

formation of a cascade of ponds and wet areas.

Trees should be selected with water balance in mind. On dehydrated soil, it's not advisable to immediately plant moisture-loving species in excessively dense stands.

First, water and soil are formed, then the wood density gradually increases.

14. Soil as the basis of a three-hundred-year system

The goal of the program is not just to increase crop yields, but to create a new, sustainable soil profile.

Over the decades, the following should happen:

accumulation of humus;

formation of forest litter;

restoration of soil horizons;

increase in the number of pores;

increase in moisture capacity;

development of mushroom networks;

the appearance of earthworms;

increase in root mass;

wood carbon accumulation;

reduction of erosion;

restoration of the natural circulation of elements.

The indicator of success is not the amount of fertilizer applied, but the ability of the soil to independently support vegetation.

15. Contaminated areas

On contaminated lands the program is developing in a separate way.

First stage

Pollution analysis;

hazardous waste disposal;

hot spot isolation;

access restriction;

dust prevention;

water protection.

The second stage

phytostabilization;

mineral binding of pollutants;

non-edible herbs;

willow;

poplar;

miscanthus;

other industrial plants.

The third stage

creation of non-food forest;

control of contaminants in wood, leaves and soil;

separation of contaminated biomass;

gradual decrease in the mobile fraction.

The fourth stage

Once the risk reduction has been confirmed, it is possible to create:

buffer forest;

recreational area;

limited non-food forest garden;

food forest garden only on isolated clean soil.

In some areas, food production may remain permanently prohibited. This should be accepted as a normal decision, not as a failure of the project.

16. Fire resistance

With a horizon of 150–300 years, a fire strategy is essential.

It is necessary to create:

mosaic structure of the forest;

open forest-steppe areas;

wet stripes;

fire roads;

reservoirs;

low vegetation zones;

gaps between dense plantings;

adjustable shrub tier;

controlled grazing or haymaking areas;

system for removing excess dry matter.

Old trees should be preserved, but dead wood and flammable vegetation around infrastructure must be controlled.

17. Genetic strategy

For a 300-year project, simply buying seedlings is not enough.

It is necessary to create:

own seed bank;

nurseries;

mother groves;

collections of local species;

collections of resistant varieties;

archive of origin of planting material;

reserve populations;

areas of natural selection.

For each key species it is advisable to use plants:

from several geographic sources;

with different growth periods;

with different drought tolerance;

with different frost resistance;

with varying resistance to diseases.

But the introduction must be carried out carefully so as not to displace local genetic lines.

18. Monitoring for 150 years

Indicators need to be recorded not only for the harvest.

Soil

humus horizon depth;

organic matter;

density;

infiltration;

erosion;

humidity;

salinization;

pollutants;

activity of soil biota.

Water

groundwater level;

volume of surface runoff;

water quality;

seasonality of reservoirs;

evaporation;

condition of springs.

Vegetation

survival rate;

natural regeneration;

age structure;

proportion of long-lived species;

crown condition;

spread of disease;

proportion of open spaces;

number of invasive species.

Biodiversity

birds;

pollinators;

soil organisms;

mushrooms;

amphibians;

mammals;

number of natural habitats.

Business indicators

harvest;

volume of wood and non-wood products;

care costs;

need for watering;

income;

employment;

processing;

local community participation.

19. Program checkpoints

20. The principle of gradual modernization

The project should not remain unchanged for 150 years.

Every 10-15 years a review is carried out:

climate;

water regime;

composition of species;

diseases;

productivity;

soil conditions;

needs of society;

monitoring technologies;

water conservation methods;

fire safety.

Modernization may include:

replacement of unstable species;

adding new climate-adapted varieties;

change in forest density;

creation of new water bodies;

expansion of food zones;

reduction of food zones while deteriorating safety;

transition from manual care to automated monitoring;

restoration of open forest-steppe spaces;

planting a new generation of long-lived trees.

Modernization should not destroy the basic ecological structure. It should strengthen it.

21. Intergenerational Management

A project like this requires a special form of management.

You should create:

long-term land fund;

environmental charter of the territory;

ban on complete felling;

register of old-growth trees;

succession plan;

observation archive;

digital twin of the territory;

annual and ten-year reports;

scientific and public council;

a system for training the next generations of managers.

A territory should not depend on one owner, one leader or one generation.

22. Definition of the program

The DREVO long-term program for the restoration of degraded lands is a system for the sequential restoration of water, soil, vegetation, and biodiversity, with a 150-year plan and a 300-year forecast, aimed at creating sustainable forests, forest-steppes, and forest gardens with a priority on long-lived, nature-forming trees.

The program is based on:

oak;

linden;

maple;

ash tree;

cedar pines;

beech;

elm;

chestnut;

walnut;

other local long-lived species.

Fruit and agricultural crops are gradually integrated into this structure, without replacing the natural forest framework.

23. The main formula for development

Water first. Then the soil. Then herbs and shrubs. Then forest-steppe. Then a young forest. Then a mature nature-forming forest. And only inside it is a sustainable forest garden.

This approach allows us to create not just temporary plantings, but ecosystems that can survive, renew themselves, and provide benefits for centuries.