Characterization of naturally afforested farmlands in Latvia
2010
Lazdins, A., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Lazdina, D., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Liepa, I., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia)
Reduction of agricultural production has led to abandonment of farmlands in Latvia. According to the Central Statistical Bureau, 1.4 million ha of lands, including 0.6 million ha of farmlands were set aside in 2008. Most of them transform into forests; however, information about the afforestation has been limited until recent years. The first field measurement based evaluation of forest stands on abandoned farmlands was implemented within the scope of the National statistical forest inventory (NSFI). The NSFI covers forests, farmlands, settlements, wetlands and other lands, providing valuable information about the land use and forest resources. According to the NSFI, total area of naturally afforested farmlands is 257,850 ± 3,606 ha with growing stock of 2,870.364 ± 239,088 m³. Naturally afforested lands occupy 4% of the total country area. The highest share of naturally afforested lands is in Ludza (11% of the total area) and Krāslava districts (9% of the total area). Birch (Betula pendula Roth) and grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) are the most common dominant tree species in naturally afforested areas (77,092 ± 1,861 ha and 40,285 ± 1,395 ha, respectively). In relation to the Kyoto protocol it is important to separate lands afforested before and after 1990. The total area of lands afforested after 1990 in Latvia is 170,890 ± 2,862 ha with total growing stock of 1,367.427 ± 125,482 m³ and annual increment of timber volume – 122,530 ± 10,513 m³.
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