THE INFLUENCE OF PROTECTIVE FOREST PLANTATIONS OF THE SOUTHERN RAILWAYS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF SNOW COVER

The influence of protective forest stands of various ages on deposition and distribution of snow cover on the railways in the left-bank forest-steppe has been studied. The multifunctional value of protective forest stripes on railways is described. The characteristics of snow distribution (the length of the plume and the height of the snow cover) are established, and the density and supply of water in the snow in protective plantations and adjacent fields are calculated. Protection of railways is an important issue since the beginning of the use of the trains. Forest protective stripes are one of the most powerful and long-term means of retaining snow. The stripes along the railways not only prevent the formation of snow drifts on the track, but also perform a number of useful functions. There is a double benefit from such protection: the railway line is protected and snow is accumulated in the fields. On the control plots, the biggest indicators of snow cover heights were recorded along the lines. This suggests that without a protective strip along the railway tracks, snow drifts are uneven, which can lead to negative consequences in the operation and movement of trains. It is pointed out the need for a scientifically based approach to the improvement of protective plantings adjacent to the railways. The main measures for keeping in proper condition and strengthening the protective functions of plantations of "Sumy distances" of protective forest plantations should be aimed at extending their lifespan due to thinning to improve the composition of the stand, carrying out selective sanitary cuttings, forming protective forest structures that will effectively protect railway tracks from snow drifts