Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has suffered extensive environmental damage, with military activities affecting nearly one-third of its territory. Forest ecosystems have been severely impacted by wildfires, soil disturbance, and pollution from military waste, making restoration efforts difficult. Given their ecological adaptability, fast growth, and phytoremediation capacity, Populus species show strong potential for rehabilitating degraded landscapes. This study uses GIS-based analysis to evaluate the suitability of Populus species for post-war forest recovery in Ukraine, considering their distribution, habitat preferences, and tolerance to soil and human impact conditions.
This study analyzed the distribution and ecological niches of Populus species in Ukraine using occurrence data from GBIF, high-resolution land cover, and soil data, as well as Human Influence Index (HII). Apart from, species potential for ecosystem restoration was assessed based on tolerance to disturbed environments, using factors such as the Human Influence Index, soil pH, and soil carbon and nitrogen content.
The studied Populus species demonstrate broad ecological tolerance and adaptability to varying soil conditions, nutrient levels, and human influence. Their distribution across both natural and disturbed biotopes underscores their resilience, while P. nigra and P. × canescens particularly associated with heavily impacted areas. These characteristics make Populus species promising candidates for restoring ecosystems degraded by human activity or military actions.
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