Flora of meadow communities of the Uryumkan Nature Reserve (Transbaikalia)

The floristic composition of meadow communities of the valley of the Uryumkan River at the territory of the Uryumkansky nature reserve in Zabaykalsky krai was studied. The flora of meadows is characterized by significant participation of species of the genus Sanguisorba and other medicinal plants used in medicine. The meadows are very attractive and can be used as an educational object for tourist excursions.

Communities with Galega orientalis Lam. in Kursk Region

. Plant communities dominated by the invasive species Galega orientalis, common in natural and anthropogenic habitats, have been identified in Kursk Region. On anthropogenic ecotopes (wastelands, roadsides), phytocoenoses of the ass. Galigetum orientalis are formed as a result of introduction of Galega orientalis into communities of the order Agropyretalia intermedio–repentis (class Artemisietea vulgaris). In natural habitats, Galega orientalis spreads in mesophylous meadow communities (order Arrhenatheretalia, class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea), while derivative communities Galega orientalis [Arrhenatheretalia] are formed. Galega orientalis is unevenly present in derivative communities, forming separate loci, as a result, its cover is less intensive than in anthropogenic communities. It may be due to a more intensive distribution of this species in disturbed habitats. Comparison of ranges of values of environmental factors showed that derivative communities are formed in wetter habitats. Phytocoenoses of the association are characterized by wider variation in values of acidity and richness of soils in mineral nitrogen.

Syntaxonomy of secondary communities formed instead of earlier agricultural lands in the middle and south taiga subzones of the European North-East of Russia

We have identified the diversity of secondary communities formed instead of earlier agricultural lands (middle and south taiga subzones of the European North-East of Russia). The work describes 8 associations, 2 subassociations of the classes Papaveretea rhoeadis, Artemisietea vulgaris,Epilobietea angustifolii, Molinio–Arrhenatheretea, Vaccinio–Piceetea. 3 associations (Urtico dioicae–Chamaenerietum angustifolii, Centaureo phrygiae–Dactyletum glomeratae, Deschampsio cespitosae–Salicetum capreae), 1 subassociation (Galeopsietum bifidae galeopsietosum speciosae)were fixed for the first time. We noted a replacement of segetal communities (subass. Galeopsietum bifidae galeopsietosum speciosae) by meadow communities (аss. Centaureo phrygiae–Dactyletum glomeratae) through the domination stage of Cirsium setosum and Elytrigia repens (аss. Cirsio setosi–Elytrigietum repentis). Favorable conditions for development of woody plants (small size of study area, its close position to forest ecosystems, poorly sodded soil) respond for replacement of meadow succession stage by young woody plants towards the second decade of succession. Earlier agricultural lands are an appropriated place for formation of birch forests with a well-developed undergrowth of Salix caprea and herb layer of meadow and forest edge plants (аss. Deschampsio cespitosae–Salicetum capreae). Big-size study areas with a well-formed grass stand are dominated by meadow communities towards the second succession decade even in case of no haying. The highly competitive nitrophytes as Heracleum sosnowskyi, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Anthriscus sylvestris form the following communities as аss. Urtico dioicae–Heracleetum sosnowskyi, аss. Urtico dioicae–Chamaenerietum angustifolii, аss. Symphyto officinalis–Anthriscetum sylvestris. Being highly competitive, these species lead to degradation of first-formed meadow communities.

Current condition of populations and spatial-environmental features of habitats of russet ground squirrel Spermophilus major

The russet ground squirrel (Spermophilus major ) is known in the literature as a numerous widespread ground squirrel species. In recent decades, a decline in its abundance was found in some parts of its range. We have assessed the condition of this species in most parts of its distribution area based on our observations and interviews with local people. Spatial, landscape and vegetation cover parameters of S. major settlements have been studied. The research results showed a decline in the number, disappearance of settlements and a decrease in suitable habitats for this species. Small and medium-sized settlements with relatively low density of burrows, associated with low grass meadow communities typical for pastures and cattle grazing, prevail among the found settlements. One of the main factors for the decline in the number and disappearance of settlements of russet ground squirrel is, apparently, a decrease of pasture cattle grazing intensity. The continuing trend of degradation of pasture ecosystems may pose a threat to the existence of this species.

Mineral Contents in Aboveground Biomass of Sedges (Carex L., Cyperaceae)

The importance of mineral elements, both in animal and plant nutrition, has been well recognized, but, in the case of sedges, the mineral composition is relatively poorly known. Studies usually relate to the content of the elements in sedge communities, or sward or hay communities with sedge participation, and rarely of Carex representatives. The objective of our study was to determine the concentrations of C, N, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Si, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr and Ni in the biomass of 11 Carex species commonly occurring on natural sites of Central European lowland. Interspecific differentiations have been observed in concentrations of the major and trace elements among studied sedge species. The elemental composition of examined Carex species is diversified but generally similar to the composition of grasses. The study shows that sedges can increase fodder value and, therefore, they should be considered in meadow management as a valuable component of economically important meadow communities. Moreover, the data reported herein can be used for modelling the phytoaccumulation of various elements in the biomass of sedges. This will help in creating different patches suitable for obtaining adequate fodder. Our results can supplement current knowledge concerning the fodder value of meadows with sedge participation.

Characteristics of the Hole-Meadow Vegetation of Kur-Aras Lowland (Azerbaijan)

In article the description of the main types of meadow communities which were registered in Mil plain was given. It was also given their geobotanical classification. Distribution, contemporary situation, species biodiversity, morphobiological, bioecological and phytocenological features of this vegetation was analyzed. It was determined that hole-meadow vegetation type of researched area contains 4 formation classes, 14 formation groups and 39 associations.

Structural transformations of ground beetle meadow communities in the Northeastern Baikal region because of post-anthropogenic successions

Ground beetles are sensitive to environmental changes. We analysed the consequences of haymaking and cattle grazing on communities of meadow ground beetles in Barguzin State Reserve. We assessed community structures during 12 years of the anthropogenic disturbance and after its cessation. The number of categories, types, and variants increased. A decrease in species diversity, a rearrangement of the composition of dominant species, an increase in the relative abundance and share of participation of dominants in the carabid community observed. Of nine dominant species of ground beetles six showed increase of the population number, while others were stable.

On the study of the coenoflora of poplar relict woodlands of the middle course of the Syrdarya river

The article provides a list of the coenoflora species of poplar relict woodlands of the Syrdarya River valley within the Kyzylorda region. The list is compiled on the basis of data obtained as a result of the implementation of grant and contract projects related to the study of flora and vegetation of the middle course of the Syrdarya river. A map of the description points is provided. The taxonomic composition is revealed and a comparative analysis of the spectrum of the leading families with the data of floristic and geobotanical studies of other authors conducted in this region is carried out. In particular, 103 species from 31 families were identified in the cenoflora, with the 5 largest families accounting for 61.2 % of the total number of species. The hierarchical order of addition is as follows: Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae. Comparative analysis shows that the set of leading families in the compared lists is the same. However, the sequence of the three families changes somewhat: Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae. If the floristic composition of the floodplain of the valley of the Syrdarya river Poaceae takes 3 spot, followed by Fabaceae and Brassicaceae, to sanoflore woodland, the sequence is as follows: Brassicaceae is in third place, followed by. Poaceae and Fabaceae, respectively. The significant role of representatives of Poaceae in the floodplain flora is quite natural, given the significant participation in the composition of vegetation of meadow communities. And the high position of Brassicaceae in the cenoflora, as a rule, of antrogogenously disturbed woodlands, is formed due to the annual anthropophilic species of this family.

Assessment of the state of coenopopulations Erythronium sibiricum (Fischer et Meyer) Krylov in anthropogenically disturbed areas of Kuzbass

This article presents the results of studies of cenopopulations of the Erythronium sibiricum in the disturbedareas of Kemerovo region. Erythronium sibiricum is a rare plant listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. To assess the condition of the cenopulations of the studied species in disturbed territories, research was carried out on an oldlimestone quarry (kandyk-sedge birch forest, anthropogenically altered birch-pine forest) and on anthropogenically disturbed meadows. 4 phytocenoses of various compositions have been studied. As a result of research, it was found that inthe kandyk-sedge birch forest Erythronium sibiricum occupies 10 % of the herbaceous cover, in the anthropogenically altered birch-pine forest – 5 %, in anthropogenically disturbed grasslands Erythronium sibiricum occurs singly and makesup less than 1% of the herbaceous cover. Under the forest canopy, the biometric indicators of generative individuals of thisspecies are higher than in meadow communities, where, for example, the length of generative shoots is 6–8 cm less, or generative individuals are absent. No seedlings, senile and dying individuals were found in the age spectrum of Erythroniumsibiricum cenopulations. Reproduction of the species occurs by seed. In the age structure, all cenopulations are left-handed, incomplete, of the normal type.