Articles containing the keyword 'natural products'

A presentation based on the historical development of Russia is given in the form of an overview of the development of Russian forest resources, of the wood, non-wood, and biological aspects of the forest ecosystem. The list of non-wood forest resources includes resin, saps, oils, berries, wild nuts, mushrooms, hay harvesting, game animals, etc. The dynamics of the system are presented in the light of the data of the Forest State Account (FSA) of Russia for the period 1956–1993. The most significant changes in the dynamics of Russia's forest resources are related to concentrated, large-scale wood harvesting operations. The dynamics of non-wood resources follow the process of the economic recession in all parts of the forest sector of Russia, the said recession having begun in the mid-1980s. The forests of Russia are considered to be of immense social and cultural value and a globally significant factor contributing to the sustainable development of forest resources.

• Pisarenko, E-mail: ap@mm.unknown
• Strakhov, E-mail: vs@mm.unknown

A study on the bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) was made in the municipality of Pihtipudas (about 63° 30’ N, 23° 30’ W) in 1977. Berry yield was surveyed by picking along 17 lines, each 1,000 m long. The lines were chosen randomly and were situated on different vegetation types throughout the municipality. The picking and use of bilberries were studied by an inquiry addressed to a random sample of families living in the area. Marketing of bilberry was investigated by means of report based on purchasing certificates.

The total yield of bilberry in Pihtipudas was 2.4 million kg (21.9 kg/ha). The yield per hectare were best on Vaccinium and Myrtillus type sites, and on swampy heath sites, where the yield was about 27–65 kg/ha, 50% of the yield on the Vaccinium type and 25% of that of Myrtillus type. Only 1.8% of the total bilberry yield was picked from old forests. Women contributed 54, men 34 and children 12% of the volume.

72% of the berries were used for home consumption by the families, 24% were sold and 4% were used for other purposes. The earnings from bilberries for the families that sold berries was in average FIM 178.

The PDF includes a summary in English.

• Raatikainen, E-mail: mr@mm.unknown
• Raatikainen, E-mail: tr@mm.unknown