DENDROLOGICAL AND DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF HIRKAN NATIONAL PARK OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

The Hirkan National Park of the MENR of the Republic of Azerbaijan is located in the southern part of the Caucasus, and in the southeastern part of Azerbaijan, in the territory of Lankaran-Astara administrative regions. In order to determine the edificator species that dominate the forest ecosystems of the Hirkan flora, scientific missions were organized to the Hirkan National Park, which is the nature museum of the Republic of Azerbaijan, observations, dendrochronological studies were conducted in the area, and samples were taken from old specimens. Without in-depth study of the structure and development dynamics of the forest, the inefficient use of natural resources leads to the decline of the forest ecosystem and the loss of biological diversity. Possibilities of increasing tree species that meet predetermined qualities create conditions for effective use of firewood. For this reason, we have dedicated the research work to the dendrochronological study of the species Georgian oak - Quercus iberica M.Bieb, European hornbeam - Caprinus betulus L., sweet chestnut - Castanea sativa Mill., black walnut - Juglans nigra L., Caucasian alder - Alnus subcordata C.A.Mey.