Formation of artificial phytocenoses on sandy soils of pre-tundra woodlands

Extraction of fuel-and-energy resources in the north of the taiga zone of the European North-East of Russia leads to the desturbance of forest ecosystems. Their restoration on poor technogenic sandy substrates in severe climatic conditions is very difficult. To develop effective techniques for forest reclamation in the sand quarry, we carried out experimental work on planting different species of woody plants in combination with (complex technique) and without (traditional technique) with the formation of artificial grass stand from perennial grasses.For 9 years, detailed observations of the growth of woody plants, the dynamics of the projective cover of artificial grass stand and other rooted plants as well as soil formation were carried out.When planting woody plants without additional agrotechniques improving technogenic sandy substrate (traditional technique), seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Picea obovata die from dehydration, sand drift or sand blowing. Even when planting Pinus sylvestris, Picea obovata, Betula pubescens, and Larix sibirica as wildings with earth clods, formation of ground cover or soil formation during the first ten years of experiment is not observed. Moreover, sandy substrate intertwines by air flows.When applying complex technique, due to the deposition and accumulation of organic mass of artificial grass stand the technogenic substrate was stabilized, its agrochemical and physical properties improved. With the stoppage of fertilization, the sown grasses are suppressed and the active introduction of apophytes begins, which will allow to continue the restoration process. The creation of artificial grass stand with PP of about 60% favors the growth of woody plants planted as seedlings or wildings. The early-succession species of Pinus sylvestris and Betula pubescens are highly promising woody species for planting. The application of large-size planting material of local origin with earth clods is preferable to the use of seedlings with open root system.