The dynamics of pyrogenic succession of pine plantations in Togliatti and Volzhsky District of the Samara Region

Abstract

In this paper, for the first time, taxonomic, biomorphological, ecomorphic analyses have been carried out at different stages of secondary pyrogenic successions of pine plantations on the territory of Togliatti and Volzhsky District of the Samara Region. The study sites belong to the conditions of the forest-steppe zone. Indicator plant species have been identified for the initial and for the transition to the shrubby stage of secondary pyrogenic succession in the forest-steppe zone. The study examines the damage to territories by fire of varying intensity (a steady grass-roots fire of moderate and strong intensity, a runaway riding fire of strong intensity). An assessment of the state of forest communities, a description of plant groupings, and general patterns between plant communities of different growth patterns have been found. Phytocoenotypes of forest communities have been analyzed and a detailed annotated list of vascular plants distributed in the study area has been compiled. In the course of the study, the authors have revealed that pyrogenic successions follow a syngenesis scheme and tolerance model with a change of elements of pioneer communities by forest-steppe and typical forest vegetation. The sequence of settlement of burning species is determined by their life strategies (explorers, patients, violents). Each site under study is characterized by the presence of certain plant communities in the vegetation cover, which are gradually replaced by plant species with certain life cycles, strategies and ecology that are more characteristic of that forest environment.