Georgian Oak (Quercus iberica Stev.) Forest Types in Kakheti Ecotope – Cikum

Abstract

Forest typological science, as a key area of forestry, has reached a high level of development among the countries of the Caucasus, particularly in Georgia, since the 1930s. In the classical sense, a forest type refers to areas covered with forest that have a uniform species composition, vegetation, and fauna across different layers, as well as a consistent set of forest growth conditions (climatic, soil, hydrological). It also encompasses the interactions between plants and the environment, thereby maintaining uniform ecological conditions that require similar silvicultural measures. Unlike a " plant association," a forest type primarily refers to the uniformity of ecological conditions determining forest growth rather than the floristic composition.

Sixteen forest types are represented in the forest ecosystems of Eastern Georgia. The relatively high abundance of Georgian oak forest types is explained by their strong resistance to a relatively dry climate, carbonate-rich, thin, and undeveloped soils, as well as their excellent adaptability, which is attributed to the highly xerophilous nature of Q. iberica.

Among the forest types of Eastern Georgia, nine are found in the Kakheti region, where Georgian oak dominates, often mixed with other woody species. Oak primarily forms monodominant, sometimes bidominant, and occasionally polydominant groves, growing alongside Caucasian hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), cork elm (Ulmus suberosa), field maple (Acer avium and Acer campestre), common elm (Ulmus foliacea), additional hornbeam species (Acer laetum and Sorbus

torminalis), Caucasian linden (Tilia caucasica), and other woody species.

Considering the environmental conditions, the forest types studied by us are represented across all four ecotopes in the following order:

Ecotope – Siccum (Dry)

 Oak forest with sedge cover (Quercetum carexosum)

 Oak forest with sedge cover (Quercetum poosum)

 Oak forest with mixed herbaceous cover (Quercetum mixtoherbosum)

 Oak forest with hornbeam undergrowth (Quercetum carpinulosum)

Ecotope – Subsiccum (Moderately Dry)

Oak forest with sedge cover (Quercetum lathyrosum)

 Oak forest with fescue cover (Quercetum festucosum)

Ecotope – Subhumidum (Moderately Cool)

Oak forest with sparse undergrowth (Quercetum nudum)

Oak forest with hornbeam undergrowth (Quercetum cornosum)

Ecotope – Humidum (Cool)

Oak forest with blackberry undergrowth (Quercetum rubosum)

Forest Type – Kakheti Oak Forest with Bluegrass Cover