More than 17,000 European black alder seedlings were planted at the Rosa Khutor resort to increase the diversity of flora and strengthen the slopes. The planting began in the fall and lasted more than a month. The planted area exceeded 3 hectares.
This is how the resort prevents soil erosion and landslides in the Sochi mountains
“The planting was carried out in the immediate vicinity of the Rosa Khutor resort infrastructure on the right-of-way of the Mzymta forestry road along the river with the same name, where there is no vegetation and the soil is exposed to washouts. Soil erosion is typical for our region. It caused by high angle of slope of the mountains and a huge amount of precipitation, which washes the land away,” said Denis Riltsev, Head of the ecological service of Rosa Khutor resort.
Black alder seedlings were not randomly chosen to strengthen the slopes. This is the third year Rosa Khutor resort has been engaged in such planting. Almost 11,000 different plants have been planted at different times – willow, blackberry, hornbeam and others. But it was the black alder that showed the maximum degree of rooting.
“The European black alder is a native plant species, it grows remarkably on heavy loamy soils, which are typical for large areas of the Sochi Black Sea coast. According to our observations the survival rate of black alder is almost 90%. Trees grow actively for 70 years. They can reach 25 meters in height and more than 70 centimeters in diameter of the trunk. They not only strengthen the slopes thanks to the root system, but also make them aesthetically attractive,” said Ryltsev.
The European alder seedlings for planting at the Rosa Khutor resort were purchased from a specialized nursery. Continuing to select species composition to preserve biodiversity, specialists of the environmental service of the complex also planted 200 roots of Caucasian hornbeam, the survival rate of which will be assessed in the coming spring. According to the plan, trees to prevent soil erosion and landslides in the mountains will be planted next year.