Productivity of pastoral ecosystems on the sand lands of the south of the European part of Russia

Abstract

On the sandy tracts in the South of European territory of Russia there are 842 species of psammophytes, 25 % (209 species) are obligate forms. Many of them are endemics. Species composition, structure and productivity of plant communities depends on the degree of overgrowing of the Sands (open sands, medium-overgrown sands, overgrown sands). Their abundance varies depending on the exposure and the part of the slope. The existence of species occurs as a result of continuous and close interaction with each other and as a response to irritation of various environmental factors. The development of vegetation in this area is limited by the lack of precipitation, strong desiccation of the upper soil horizons due to high summer temperatures, low snow cover, low temperatures of air and soil in winter, the poverty of the sands with nutrients, their mobility, and occasionally strong salinity. The process of natural overgrowing of sand can last more than 50 years. Unorganized unsystematic use of pastures significantly increases these periods. Active use of pastures with low productivity destroys natural ecosystems and causes desertification. As a result, the area of full forage land is reduced, and environmental and socio-economic tensions are increasing. One of the methods for restoration and improvement of sandy areas is the regulated grazing of farm animals in accordance with the productivity of pastures.