Taxation Indicators Of Selected Conifer Species (Pinaceae) Introduced In The Turkestan Range, Uzbekistan

Abstract

This study evaluates the growth and taxation characteristics of selected conifer species of the Pinaceae family introduced in the Turkestan Range of Uzbekistan. Field observations and forest mensuration were carried out during 2022-2024 in the Kulsay area at 2,300 m above sea level and in the Zomin sanatorium area at 2,000 m. The assessment included stand area and planting scheme, tree height, stem diameter, tree density, cross-sectional area, growing stock and related taxation indicators. In Kulsay, the introduced stands occupied 4.0 ha and all six recorded taxa were planted at a 3 × 2 m scheme. By 2024, mean tree height ranged from 16.6 to 18.8 m and mean stem diameter from 15.4 to 34.6 cm. Siberian stone pine showed the greatest mean height (18.8 m), whereas Crimean pine had the greatest mean diameter (34.6 cm). The results also showed a consistent increase in height and diameter from 2022 to 2024 and higher biometric values in Kulsay than in Zomin for taxa represented at both sites. The findings confirm the long-term establishment of introduced conifers and demonstrate the importance of site conditions when assessing their growth and suitability for protective and landscape plantings.