Amur Oblast continues to strengthen its forest restoration initiatives by cultivating seedlings with closed root systems (ZKS) in specialized greenhouses. Currently, young trees are being grown across several districts, including Blagoveshchensk, Belogorsk, Zavitinsk, Bureya, and Shimanovsk. Now, the region plans to establish two additional greenhouse facilities in Zeya and Tynda districts to further boost production.
According to the Ministry of Forestry and Fire Safety of Priamurye, “Reforestation plays a key role in maintaining ecological balance and sustainable forest resource management. The most effective method is planting ZKS seedlings, which are grown under controlled greenhouse conditions.”
Why Closed-Root Seedlings?
Seedlings with closed root systems offer several advantages:
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Higher Survival Rates: Individual containers with nutrient-rich soil protect roots during transplantation, reducing shock.
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Faster Growth: Greenhouse conditions accelerate growth, allowing seedlings to reach optimal planting size sooner.
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Better Adaptation: Protected roots improve resilience against harsh environmental factors post-planting.
2024 Targets and Progress
This year, Amur Oblast aims to produce 3 million ZKS seedlings, covering 1.5 hectares of greenhouse space using 950 kg of seeds. Key species include:
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Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
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Ayan spruce (Picea jezoensis)
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Gmelin larch (Larix gmelinii)
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Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)
Global and Regional Context
Globally, reforestation efforts are intensifying due to climate change and deforestation. According to the FAO (2023), sustainable forest management could sequester up to 30% of global CO₂ emissions. Russia, home to 20% of the world’s forests, has prioritized ZKS methods, with regions like Amur leading in adoption due to their 95%+ seedling survival rate (Rosleskhoz, 2024).
Amur Oblast’s expansion of greenhouse seedling production marks a significant step toward sustainable forestry. By leveraging ZKS technology, the region not only enhances reforestation efficiency but also contributes to global climate resilience. As emphasized by local authorities: “Forests are the future of our planet—support reforestation programs and protect nature!”
