AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITION AND FUNCTIONALITY OF WINDBREAK BELTS IN THE OVCHE POLE REGION

Abstract

Windbreak forest belts in the Ovce Pole region were established approximately 65 years ago, aiming to protect agricultural land, reducing wind erosion, and improving the local microclimate. Due to their advanced age, insufficient maintenance, agricultural intensification, anthropogenic pressures, and the impacts of climate change, many of these belts have experienced a decline in their protective and ecological functions. The aim of this study was to assess the current agroecological condition, structure, and functionality of selected windbreak belts in the Ovce Pole region, with particular focus on the Municipality of Sveti Nikole. The research methodology combined a review of relevant literature, field observations, GPS-based georeferencing, morphometric measurements and dendrological analysis of vegetation condition. The assessed indicators included belt continuity, species composition, the proportion of cut and dry trees, the occurrence of dieback, grass cover, trampled vegetation, and the presence of leaf necrosis and chlorosis. The results from this research show that a considerable proportion of the investigated belts is degraded, fragmented, or affected by illegal cutting, natural senescence, drought stress, and inadequate management.  The study confirms the importance of windbreak belts for agroecosystem stability and highlights the need for systematic restoration, strengthened institutional protection, and long-term maintenance.