Expansion of tree and shrub plant species into undisturbed steppe phytocenoses

The article is devoted to the study of tree and shrub plant species that spontaneously invasively colonize anthropogenically undisturbed steppe ecosystems. The species composition, number and biometric characteristics of tree and shrub plant species are determined. It was established that there are 22 species, among which 8 show the greatest invasive activity, in 6 studied natural beams. These are: Cotinus coggygria Scop., Crataegus fallacina L., Prunus divaricata Ledeb., Prunus stepposa Kotov, Pyrus communis L., Rhamnus cathartica L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Ros corymbifera Borkh. According to the Serensen index of species composition of tree and shrub plants, comparing the slopes of beams of different exposures, it was found that steppe tracts have different similarities between the slopes, but the highest figure was observed for Balka Demurynа (80%).

THE LONG ROAD TO THE LIGHT: ON THE NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY OF T.L. BYSTRITSKAYA

Tatyana Lvovna Bystritskaya is a prominent representative of the post-war pleyade of Soviet soil scientists, who laid the foundations of functional ecological soil science in connection with the problem of bioproductivity of terrestrial ecosystems. She can rightfully be considered as one of the most signifi Russian researchers of the year-round carbon cycle and conjugated biophilic elements in natural and anthropogenic steppe ecosystems on the chernozem soils of the USSR. Tatyana Lvovna Bystritskaya is also the developer of the methodology for instrumental monitoring of “soil life” (the daily and seasonal dynamics of soil solutions using ion-selective electrodes), an international expert on black fusion soils of Eurasia and on the fusion processes unfavorable to agricultural soils, author and co-author of classical monographs on the bioproductivity of herbal ecosystems in connection with soil processes and nature management, on the genesis and evolution of soils in the opolian landscapes of Central Russia, on the vertisols of Eurasia, soil solutions of chernozems and gray forest soils in Russia and Ukraine. In November this year, Tatyana Lvovna celebrates her ninetieth birthday, and we present this publication as a humble gift on this momentous occasion.

CHANGES IN THE MAMMALIAN COMPLEX (MAMMALIA) ON THE TERRITORY OF THE ROSTOV NATURE RESERVE SINCE THE MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY

The complex of mammals on the territory of the Rostov Nature Reserve located in the arid steppes in the 20th-21st centuries was studied and the reasons for the changes that occurred in it were determined. We used the authors' observations since 1959, data from the staff of the Rostov Nature Reserve and publications on mammals. A total of 46 species of mammals were recorded. Under the influence of human activity steppe ecosystems underwent profound transformations, which led to changes in the number, distribution and importance of many mammals and to the disappearance of some and the penetration of other species here. The creation of the Rostov Nature Reserve has had a positive impact on the restoration of biocenoses. However, their composition differs from that of the mid-twentieth century. In the 21st century steppe ecosystems, including mammals, are affected by increased economic activity and climate change.

A pitfall trapping survey of beetles in steppe ecosystems of the Republic of Moldova

A pitfall survey of beetles in steppe ecosystems of the Republic of Moldova was conducted. Five locations were investigated, two from the Balti steppe and three from the Bugeac steppe. As a result, a total of 563 beetle specimens, belonging to 98 species, 51 genera, and 15 families were collected. Among families recorded Carabidae was the one with the highest number of species. The ecological features of collected beetle species were revealed. The results show that steppes are still important biodiversity reservoirs within the boundaries of the country and urgent conservation activities are required.

Evaluation of Soil Seed Banks in Different Aged Caragana microphylla Plantation in Desert Steppe Ecosystems

Soil seed bank (SSB) represents potential plant communities, which is essential in the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Consequently, SSB is crucial in the reconstruction and recovery of aboveground plants because they largely determine the process and direction of vegetation restoration. SSB is also important indicators that can be used to evaluate the effects of management on degraded desert steppe. Here, field sampling and soil seed germination experiments were used to investigate the role of SSB in the recovery of degraded desert steppe. Results indicated that (1) the species composition of SSB and ground vegetation significantly differed in different aged Caragana microphylla plantation and control in the Yanchi County. (2) The abundance of SSB was significantly promoted by C. microphylla plantation. The average seed density in Caragana plantation SSB was 11248.75 m−2, which was 17 times than that of SSB in areas without C. microphylla plantation. (3) The ages of C. microphylla plantation were closely related to the composition and density of SSB.

THE SPREAD OF SHEEP FLUKES ON THE ECOLOGICALY DIFFERENT TYPES OF PASTURES IN THE DAGESTAN LOWLAND

The trematodeses (fascioliasis, dicrocoeliosis, paramphistomatosis) are widespread helminthes of sheep. Animals are infected with pathogens of these helminthes on pastures and near water sources. It is established that these trematodoses are common among sheep with different intensity on ecologically different types of pastures of the Dagestan lowland. So, fascioliasis is recorded among sheep on wet lowland with many waterholes, as well as on steppe ecosystems with irrigation and near permanently functioning artesian wells with wetlands with developed freshwater malacofauna. Paramphistomatosis occur in habitats with permanent water sources with the fauna of freshwater mollusks of the family Planorbidae. Dictyocaulosis among sheep is observed in the dry steppe territories with an abundance of land mollusks and ants. Sheep were infected with fascioles in the Dagestan lowlands with an invasion extensity (IE) of 10.0–26.6%, with an invasion intensity (II) of 5–216 copies, with paramphistomum and calicoforum 3.0–15.8% and 4–140 copies, with dicrocelium 18,0–76,6% and 120–2670 copies, respectively. Mixed infestations of trematodoses, strongylatoses, and larval teniidoses are recorded in the interfluve area of Sulak, Terek, Talovka, and Kuma, as well as near the Arakum, Lower Terek, and Shirokolsky reservoirs.