Restored and modern landscape structures of the Synytsky Park in Cherkasy region

Abstract

Problem statement. In the conditions of increasing anthropogenic environment, loss of biodiversity, important problems are the preservation of quasi-natural areas and the rational design of landscape complexes. An important role in this regard is played by parks-monuments of garden and park art. The organic combination of their nature conservation and recreational functions requires knowledge about the landscape complexes of the territory. The park-monument of garden and park art of local importance “Synytsky Park” (hereinafter - Synytsky Park) was founded in the 18^th century. In 2023 it was included in the State Register of Immovable Monuments of Ukraine as an object of cultural heritage of national importance. However, a significant number of park’s cultural monuments have been destroyed or have undergone negative changes. Its restoration and further development require knowledge about landscapes that existed here before the park was founded (restored) and exist today (modern).

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to identify the features of the landscape complexes of the Synytsky Park.

Methods. To achieve the purpose, landscape studies of the territory were conducted, revealing the features of the restored (middle of the 18^th century) and modern landscape structure of the park. The research was conducted using the following methods: field expeditionary continuous survey (to identify the features of the modern landscape structure); analytical and cartographic analysis (in the process of analyzing existing maps of nature, economy, anthropogenic changes in landscapes); geoinformation methods - QGIS software (to create maps of natural (reconstruction) and modern landscapes).

Results and Discussion. The slope terrains dominated and still dominate (44.17 %) both in the restored and in the modern landscape structures of the Synytsky Park. The flat interfluve terrains occupied 40.4 %, the flood-plain terrains – 14.71 %, the channel terrains – 0.72 %. In the restored landscape structure of the park dominated (39.11%) the tracts of slightly undulating loess surfaces with dark gray podzolic soils under hornbeam oak forests. The landscape structure of the modern territory of the Synytsky Park has become significantly diversified and complicated. Based on 14 types of natural tracts 44 types of anthropogenic tracts have been formed and are currently distinguished. The most common (34.46 %) tracts in the modern landscape structure of the park are slightly undulating loess surfaces with dark gray podzolic soils under ash forest of the flat interfluve terrains. The area of the channel terrains in the Synytsky Park has decreased by half compared to the middle of the 18^th century. Due to the flooding of the dominant part of the river flood-plains by pond waters, the flood-plain type of terrains has transformed into a pond-flood-plain type.

Scientific novelty. The features of the restored landscape structure of the Synytsky Park were identified for the first time. The features of the anthropogenic transformation of types of terrains and tracts of the park from the middle of the 18^th century to the present day were identified.

Practical significance. The research results will become a scientific basis for the further development and optimization of the landscapes of Synytsky Park.