Change in the Vector of Dynamics of Secondary Forests of the Slovechansko-Ovrutskyi Ridge under the Influence of Plant Invasions

The article examines the impact of plant invasions on the dynamics of secondary forests of the Slovechansko-Ovrutskyi Ridge. It is shown that the mass introduction of alien species (primarily Robinia pseudoacacia) in the 20th century, initially aimed at combating erosion and increasing forest productivity, has led to a fundamental shift in the vector of succession. Instead of progressing toward native climax forest communities, invaded ecosystems form a “catastrophic climax” dominated by the Chelidonio-Robinietalia pseudoacaciae order. This results in significantly reduced biodiversity, lower aboveground phytomass, and a substantial decrease in the potential for ecosystem services. The study emphasizes that viewing forests solely as a source of timber is a strategic mistake. Forests should be regarded as complex ecosystems whose stability and functionality are critically undermined by uncontrolled biological invasions.