Natural Environment and Landscape Energy of Western Georgia

The particularly great practical importance of modern physical geography and, in particular, landscape science, is first of all manifested in the detection and study of the resource potential of landscapes, as well as in the optimization of the environment. The resource potential, on the other hand, greatly depends on the balance of substance and energy exchange in the natural resources, i.e. the energy of the landscape. In this case, one of the important things is to study the functioning of natural-territorial complexes (NTC). Through it, it is possible and relatively easy to explain, model and, most importantly, predict many complex processes taking place in NTC, including the role of landscape energy balance in increasing the productivity and yield of agro-landscapes, which was the first attempt to research this problem in Georgia.

Ranking of Feijoa (FEIJOA Sellowiana) in Subtropical Humidified Zone of Adjara and Forest Ecosystem by Multiple-Factor Approach

It was elaborated a method of agro-ecosystem ranking for feijoa culture and forest ecosystem in one of regions of Western Georgia—Adjara subtropical humidified zone. On the basis of mineralogical and morphometric analysis (biometric parameters, beginning and end of growth, beginning of fruit ripening and mass ripening, frost resistance etc.) of feijoa culture (Feigoa selliowiana) and by multiple-factor approach we have evaluated culture’s rational disposition and optimal environment for development of land. The main accent was made on geomorphological (relief, inclination, exposition) and agro-climatic (sum of active temperatures, hydrothermal coefficient, temperature conditions, physical and chemical features of soil) factors. As a result of implemented zoning a landscape zone with agricultural resources potential and hypsometrical levels optimal for development of feijoa culture was revealed. During the research we also revealed corresponding agro-eco- system zone, compatible with feijoa zone, evaluation of quality of forest land and determination of ecosystem and its indicating character. For determination of compatibility of feijoa plants and distribution of forest ecosystem we have created a map of large-scale ecosystems and geo-information system. By Cartometric and geographic-informational analysis, it became possible to find information about types of forest ecosystems, areas occupied by them and their share in researched zone.