Forest reclamation as a tool for climate adaptation of agricultural landscapes
Abstract
Against the backdrop of intensifying climate challenges and the degradation of agricultural landscapes in Ukraine, agroforestry and land reclamation measures are coming to the forefront as important tools for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. This article justifies the relevance of developing a network of field-protective forest strips and agroforestry programs within the agricultural sector. It presents an analysis of the latest research in the field of agroforestry, which demonstrates that protective plantings increase soil resilience and boost crop yields. The aim of the study is a comprehensive assessment of the functioning of the system of protective forest strips in part of the territory of the Kurisovska Territorial Community in Odesa Oblast as an example of agroforestry adaptation. Mapping materials, statistical data on crop yields, and costs associated with establishing forest belts were used. The results showed that the existing area of field-protection plantings in the study area (total area of 3,991.77 ha, of which 3,888.68 ha is arable land) provides protection for approximately 2,220.44 ha of arable land, while unprotected land accounts for 42.90 %. The economic impact of creating new field buffer strips covering an area of 43.88 hectares (48.76 km) has been calculated: the total capital costs of the project amount to 5.158 million UAH, and the additional annual grain yield increases by 4 q/ha (for winter wheat by 4–5 q/ha) compared to unprotected plots. Taking into account the discount rate, the real value of future cash flows (revenues) and total costs (operating and capital) in the model area was determined, which over 50 years amounted to 124.51 million UAH and 18.78 million UAH, respectively. Over the 50-year period, the project’s net profit amounted to 105.72 million UAH (an average of nearly 27.50 thousand UAH/ha), indicating long-term economic viability under the established conditions. Based on an analysis of the data obtained, conclusions were drawn regarding the need to strengthen agroforestry and land reclamation policies to enhance the effectiveness of climate adaptation in the agricultural sector.Received: 01.07.2026;Accepted: 07.08.2026;