Diagnostics and classification of territories DREVO

Diagnostics and classification of territories DREVO

From site assessment to understanding the living system

Restoring land does not begin with choosing plants or creating a planting scheme.

The first stage is the diagnosis of the territory – a systematic study of its origin, condition, limitations, risks and capacity for restoration.

Seemingly similar areas may require completely different solutions. A dry surface may be the result of insufficient rainfall, deterioration of the soil structure, rapid runoff, strong winds, salinization, or groundwater disturbance. Poor vegetation may indicate a lack of organic matter, compaction, pollution, unsuitable pH levels, or persistent grazing damage.

If planting begins without identifying the root cause of degradation, the project risks dealing with the visible consequences without addressing the source of the destruction.

The main diagnostic principle of DREVO:

It is first necessary to understand why the territory has lost its ability to support life, and only then determine what should be created on it.

The diagnosis should answer five main questions:

What was the territory like before?

What natural and human processes have changed it?

What processes of destruction are ongoing now?

What elements of the system have survived and can form the basis for restoration?

What state of the territory is realistically achievable within 5, 25, 50, 150 and 300 years?

1. Diagnostic objectives

The territory diagnostics is carried out in order to:

establish the causes of degradation;

identify threats to people, animals and plants;

assess the condition of water and soil;

identify remaining natural resources;

determine the recovery potential;

divide the territory into functional zones;

select acceptable plant species;

determine the sequence of interventions;

avoid ineffective landings;

create a baseline for long-term monitoring;

prepare an environmental passport and a digital twin of the territory.

The result of diagnostics should not be just a set of laboratory tests, but a holistic understanding of how the territory functions.

2. The principle of the initial state

Before starting the main work, it is necessary to record the initial state of the territory.

This state becomes the base point against which all changes are subsequently compared.

The following are recorded:

site boundaries;

square;

coordinates;

heights;

slopes;

slope exposure;

geological basis;

soil types;

soil profile depth;

water flows;

existing vegetation;

condition of trees;

pollution;

erosion processes;

economic use;

infrastructure;

climatic and microclimatic conditions.

The initial examination should preferably be accompanied by:

photographs;

video;

cards;

satellite images;

filming from unmanned aerial vehicles;

laboratory tests;

description of the history of the territory;

interviews with local residents;

archival materials.

Without recording the original state, it is impossible to objectively prove that the territory is actually being restored.

3. History of the territory

The present state of the earth cannot be properly understood without its history.

You need to install:

what natural ecosystem existed before;

what plant species were predominant;

where there were streams, springs, swamps and temporary watercourses;

how the land was used;

were there any loggings;

was there intensive grazing;

were fertilizers and pesticides used;

were there any landfills;

were there any industrial emissions;

were there any fires;

were any excavation works carried out;

did the relief change;

were the wet areas drained;

were the ravines and riverbeds filled in;

were minerals mined;

whether unknown soils and waste were used on the site.

History allows us to distinguish between the natural features of an area and the consequences of human intervention.

For example, an open steppe isn't necessarily a degraded forest. A swamp isn't "unused land." A rocky area doesn't always have to be converted into an orchard.

The goal of restoration is not to make every site the same, but to return each landscape to a sustainable function.

4. Scale of diagnostics

Diagnostics are carried out simultaneously at several spatial levels.

Regional level

Studied:

climate zone;

amount and seasonality of precipitation;

average and extreme temperatures;

prevailing winds;

geological structure;

river basins;

regional groundwater;

natural vegetation;

animal migration routes;

wildfires;

major sources of pollution.

Regional analysis shows which natural system the project is located in.

Landscape level

Evaluated:

slopes;

valleys;

watersheds;

ravines;

floodplains;

forest areas;

agricultural fields;

populated areas;

roads;

reservoirs;

ecological corridors.

At this level, how the site is connected to the surrounding area is determined.

Project area level

Basic zoning is carried out:

watersheds;

soil types;

slopes;

plant communities;

contaminated areas;

erosion areas;

existing valuable trees;

business facilities;

future restoration zones.

Local level

Individual ones are being investigated:

trees;

plant groups;

soil profiles;

water sources;

pollution sites;

slide;

foci of erosion;

microclimatic zones;

areas of natural regeneration.

This multi-level approach prevents the mistake of viewing a single site in isolation from the overall aquatic and ecological system.

5. Relief diagnostics

Topography determines the movement of water, soil, cold air, seeds and organic matter.

Main parameters:

absolute height;

relative differences;

steepness of slopes;

direction of slopes;

shape of slopes;

watersheds;

lowering;

riverbed;

ravines;

terraces;

sediment accumulation areas;

potential landslide zones.

Basic forms of territory

Any excavation work must take into account the natural flow of water. No structures should be constructed that redirect dangerous water flows toward buildings, roads, or adjacent properties.

6. Water diagnostics

Water is tested before major plantings are designed.

It is necessary to determine:

precipitation sources;

seasonality of rains and snow;

directions of surface runoff;

water speed;

infiltration areas;

stagnation areas;

temporary watercourses;

permanent watercourses;

springs;

groundwater level;

depth of impermeable layers;

water quality;

flood risk;

drought risk;

existing drainage systems;

water consumption by humans and the economy.

Water classes of territories

The main task is not just to provide plants with water, but to restore a sustainable water regime for the entire territory.

7. Soil diagnostics

Soil is assessed as a physical, chemical and biological system.

Physical indicators

The following are being investigated:

soil depth;

thickness of the humus horizon;

granulometric composition;

density;

compaction;

porosity;

water permeability;

moisture capacity;

stability of units;

stoniness;

root layer depth;

the presence of a plow sole;

signs of erosion.

Chemical indicators

The following are determined:

acidity;

electrical conductivity;

salinization;

organic carbon content;

nitrogen;

phosphorus;

potassium;

calcium;

magnesium;

microelements;

carbonate;

heavy metals;

petroleum products;

pesticide residues;

other pollutants.

Biological indicators

Evaluated:

the number and diversity of soil organisms;

presence of earthworms;

fungal activity;

the smell of soil;

rate of decomposition of organic matter;

root development;

presence of mycorrhiza;

forest litter condition;

soil respiration;

natural formation of soil aggregates.

Main soil classes of DREVO

Classes can be combined. For example, a site can be simultaneously eroded, saline, and polluted.

8. Pollution diagnostics

Contaminated areas require a separate protocol.

You can't judge the safety of soil solely by the appearance of plants. Some plants grow normally in contaminated soil and yet accumulate toxic elements.

You need to install:

type of pollutant;

concentration;

penetration depth;

mobility;

ability to pass into water;

ability to accumulate in plants;

possible source;

direction of propagation;

risk to people and animals.

Pollution classes

A food forest garden is only permitted after confirmation of the safety of the soil, water and produce.

Biomass grown for the extraction or stabilization of pollutants should not be used:

as food;

as food;

like regular compost;

as mulch in the food area;

as a fuel without emission controls.

9. Diagnosis of erosion

Erosion can be:

water;

wind;

superficial;

linear;

ravine;

slope;

coastal;

man-made.

Signs of water erosion

washed away upper horizons;

small furrows;

gullies;

ravines;

exposed roots;

sediment accumulation;

muddy runoff;

destruction of the coast.

Signs of wind erosion

dusting;

sand movement;

root exposure;

damage to young plants;

formation of sand deposits;

disappearance of small soil particles.

Erosion state classes

In areas E3–E5, destruction is first stopped and only then the creation of permanent productive plantings begins.

10. Salting Diagnosis

Salinization can occur due to:

close level of mineralized groundwater;

insufficient drainage;

overwatering;

use of salt water;

strong evaporation;

sea ​​aerosol;

salt transfer by wind;

geological composition;

industrial pollution.

Evaluated:

electrical conductivity;

composition of salts;

depth of the salt horizon;

seasonal change;

groundwater level;

quality of irrigation water;

condition of plants;

soil structure.

Salinity classes

Planting without removing the source of salt usually only provides temporary results.

11. Vegetation diagnostics

Existing vegetation is an important indicator of the condition of an area.

It is necessary to take into account:

species composition;

percentage of coverage;

height;

density;

age structure;

natural regeneration;

condition of trees;

presence of rare species;

presence of invasive species;

traces of grazing;

traces of fires;

diseases;

pests;

flowering seasonality;

amount of dead wood;

the state of the undergrowth.

Particular attention is paid to plants that:

preserved in extreme conditions;

survived a long drought;

frost-resistant;

grow without artificial watering;

have healthy offspring;

support a large number of other organisms.

Such plants can be considered candidates for:

seed groves;

gene bank;

vegetative propagation;

future environmental certification.

12. Biodiversity Diagnostics

Diagnostics is not limited to tree counting.

Studied:

herbs;

shrubs;

trees;

mosses;

lichens;

mushrooms;

insects;

pollinators;

birds;

amphibians;

reptiles;

small and large mammals;

soil organisms.

Not only species but also ecological functions are assessed:

pollination;

seed dispersal;

pest control;

decomposition of organic matter;

soil formation;

support of food chains;

creation of habitats.

Levels of biological state

Areas B5–B6 should be considered primarily as conservation areas, rather than as open areas for new economic development.

13. Climate and microclimate diagnostics

Regional climate does not fully describe the conditions of a particular area.

The following may exist on the same territory:

warm southern slopes;

cold northern slopes;

wind corridors;

frosty depressions;

wet valleys;

dry uplands;

shaded areas;

overheating zones.

Measured:

air temperature;

soil surface temperature;

soil temperature at different depths;

air humidity;

soil moisture;

wind speed and direction;

solar illumination;

shading duration;

frost dates;

freezing depth;

snow cover;

evaporation.

The microclimate map helps to correctly place heat-loving, moisture-loving, frost-resistant and shade-tolerant plants.

14. Fire diagnostics

For projects with a lifespan of 150–300 years, fire safety is a mandatory part of the classification.

Evaluated:

history of fires;

duration of the dry season;

amount of dry biomass;

shrub density;

coniferous litter;

dead wood;

wind direction;

availability of roads;

access for fire-fighting equipment;

distance to water;

proximity of buildings;

the possibility of creating fire breaks.

Fire risk classes

Dense forests aren't always the most sustainable solution. In fire-prone regions, forests should be combined with meadows, forest-steppes, wetlands, and managed open spaces.

15. Social and economic diagnostics

The territory is connected not only with nature, but also with people.

It is necessary to determine:

form of ownership;

legal restrictions;

site accessibility;

existing users;

interests of local residents;

traditional uses;

presence of conflicts;

available labor force;

infrastructure;

product market;

educational potential;

the possibility of creating a cooperative;

sources of funding;

long-term custodian of the territory.

Even an environmentally sound project may be unsustainable if:

there is no responsible organization;

the local population is excluded from the process;

no funds for the first stages;

land rights are unclear;

there is no succession mechanism;

production has no distribution channels.

16. Main classes of DREVO territories

After the territory has been diagnosed, one or more main classes are assigned.

Class T-N - natural valuable area

Features:

preserved natural ecosystem;

high biodiversity;

natural regeneration;

rare species;

mature trees;

valuable water areas.

Basic strategy:

preservation, observation and minimal intervention.

Class T-R - Recovery Area

Features:

the natural structure is partially damaged;

individual elements of the ecosystem have been preserved;

restoration is possible through support of succession.

Strategy:

eliminating the causes of degradation and promoting natural recovery.

Class T-D - degraded area

Features:

loss of vegetation;

soil deterioration;

disturbed water regime;

erosion;

low biodiversity.

Strategy:

active restoration of water, soil and vegetation.

Class T-C - contaminated area

Features:

heavy metals;

petroleum products;

toxic waste;

pesticides;

contaminated water or dust.

Strategy:

safety, isolation, remediation and non-food use until safety is confirmed.

Class T-S - saline area

Features:

accumulation of salts;

weak soil structure;

plant suppression;

connection with evaporation or mineralized water.

Strategy:

Salinity source removal, water management, halophytes and gradual restoration.

Class T-E - erosion zone

Features:

soil washing or blowing away;

ravines;

outcrop of rock;

unstable slopes.

Strategy:

immediate surface stabilization and flow control.

Class T-W - Wetland

Features:

constant or seasonal over-watering;

marsh vegetation;

high water-regulating function.

Strategy:

preservation of water regime and limited compatible use.

Class T-A - agriculturally depleted area

Features:

long-term processing;

low organic content;

compaction;

chemical dependence;

weak soil biota.

Strategy:

transition to perennial cover, regenerative agriculture and forest gardens.

Class T-F - reforestation area

Features:

pre-existing forest;

deforestation, fire or degradation;

preserved seed sources.

Strategy:

natural and managed restoration of mixed-age forests.

Class T-G - sustainable forest garden area

Features:

safe soil;

controlled water regime;

sufficient biological activity;

possibility of multi-tiered planting;

access for care and collection of products.

Strategy:

creation of a multifunctional productive ecosystem.

Class T-X - experimental territory

Features:

research site;

plant testing;

comparison of technologies;

testing of remediation methods;

testing water solutions.

Strategy:

controlled experiment with mandatory recording of results.

17. Land suitability matrix

Once the classes are assigned, the permitted type of use is determined.

The matrix does not replace a professional decision, but it does prevent dangerous use of the area until the survey is completed.

18. Integrated ecological passport of the territory

After diagnostics, a preliminary passport is generated.

It includes:

Identification data

name of the territory;

registration code;

square;

coordinates;

owner or custodian;

observation start date.

Geology and Relief

rock type;

heights;

slopes;

erosive forms;

geological risks.

Water

precipitation;

stock;

groundwater;

sources;

quality;

water class.

Soil

type;

depth;

structure;

organic matter;

pH;

salinization;

pollution;

biological activity.

Vegetation

types;

age groups;

coating;

natural regeneration;

valuable plants;

invasive species.

Animals and biodiversity

pollinators;

birds;

soil organisms;

amphibians;

mammals;

rare species.

Risks

drought;

flood;

fire;

erosion;

landslide;

pollution;

salinization;

diseases;

economic conflicts.

Classification

main class;

additional classes;

level of degradation;

recovery potential;

Permitted uses.

Development program

priority measures;

prohibited actions;

5-year plan;

25 year plan;

target for 50-150 years;

monitoring system.

19. Levels of recovery potential

Restoration potential cannot be assessed solely by current productivity. Sometimes an apparently impoverished area has high potential due to remaining water, a seed bank, or an intact geological foundation.

20. Priority of interventions

After diagnosis, actions are arranged according to degree of urgency.

Safety is the first priority

toxic waste;

hazardous pollution;

unstable slopes;

threat to people;

drinking water pollution;

active fires;

destruction of infrastructure.

The second priority is to stop degradation

erosion;

dusting;

water leak;

overgrazing;

illegal logging;

re-contamination;

secondary salinization.

The third priority is to restore core processes.

water infiltration;

vegetation cover;

organic matter;

soil biota;

protective strips;

natural regeneration.

The fourth priority is the formation of a structure

forest-steppe;

wooden frame;

water zones;

ecological corridors;

nurseries;

seed areas.

The fifth priority is productive use

fruit crops;

nut-bearing;

mushrooms;

medicinal plants;

beekeeping;

processing;

tourism;

education.

Production must not take precedence over safety and restoration of the natural environment.

21. The principle of adaptive classification

The territory class is not assigned permanently.

As the site is restored, it may transition to:

from contaminated to remediated; from remediation to non-food forest; from degraded to forest-steppe; from forest-steppe to young forest; from a restored forest to a sustainable forest garden.

At the same time, reverse changes are possible:

new pollution;

fire;

prolonged drought;

spread of disease;

destruction of the water regime;

excessive economic burden.

Therefore, the classification is being revised:

after significant events;

upon completion of each recovery stage;

at least once every 5 years;

as part of an in-depth analysis every 10–15 years.

22. DREVO diagnostic card

The final map should contain separate information layers:

Boundaries and property.

Relief.

Geology.

Surface water.

Groundwater.

Soil types.

Erosion.

Salinization.

Pollution.

Plant communities.

Valuable trees.

Invasive species.

Biodiversity.

Microclimate.

Fire risk.

Economic infrastructure.

Security zones.

Remediation areas.

Territories of natural succession.

Zones of future forest and forest garden.

Based on these layers, an integrated decision-making map is created.

23. What diagnostics should not do

Diagnostics should not:

used to justify a pre-determined decision;

limit yourself to one soil analysis;

ignore the history of the territory;

consider the land separately from the catchment area;

evaluate natural value only by productivity;

automatically consider the absence of forest as degradation;

consider swamps and meadows as "empty lands";

allow food production without contamination testing;

replace long-term observation with one examination;

hide uncertainty.

If the data is insufficient, this must be explicitly stated in the territory passport.

Uncertainty is a basis for further investigation, not for jumping to conclusions.

24. The main result of the diagnosis

The result of the diagnosis is not a recommendation on “what to plant,” but a scientifically based model for the development of the territory.

It should show:

what needs to be saved;

what needs to be protected immediately;

what causes of degradation should be eliminated;

which processes can recover on their own;

where active intervention is needed;

where food production is prohibited;

What zones are suitable for forests?

which areas should remain open;

where a sustainable forest garden is possible;

how the result will be measured.

The final formula for DREVO diagnostics

**History of the territory

geology and topography

water

soil

pollution

vegetation

biodiversity

climate risks

human activity = reasonable recovery scenario.**

DREVO diagnostics does not consider the land as a homogeneous area.

It reveals its internal structure, memory, limitations and possibilities so that each intervention corresponds to the real state of the territory and helps it move towards a more sustainable standard of living.