Forest Phytocenoses Research Articles

Reaction of Small Mammal Communities to Different Degrees of Urbanogenic Transformation of Forest Phytocenosis

Reaction of Small Mammal Communities to Different Degrees of Urbanogenic Transformation of Forest Phytocenosis

Растительный покров лесных фитоценозов заповедника «Кологривский лес»

При исследованиях структуры растительных сообществ только описание флористического состава является недостаточным, а необходимо выявление функциональных связей между отдельными видами растений, между растениями и окружающей средой, обилия и эколого-ценотических групп видов. Цель исследования – выявление особенностей растительного покрова лесных фитоценозов по данным наблюдений на постоянных пробных площадях в условиях государственного природного заповедника «Кологривский лес» (Костромская область). Объектом исследования послужили 34 постоянные пробные площади, заложенные на Кологривском (28 пробных площадей) и Мантуровском участках заповедника (6 пробных площадей). В исследовании использованы данные учетов 2018–2022 гг. Проведенный анализ геоботанических описаний на постоянных пробных площадях заповедника «Кологривский лес» позволил выделить семь основных групп по общности растительного покрова, каждая из которых характеризуется индивидуальным эколого-ценотическим спектром: i) сосновые формации с преобладанием вереска в травянистом ярусе Мантуровского участка; ii) ельники липняково-ильмовые; iii) коренные ельники и производные от них насаждения в местах старых вырубок; iv) насаждения на участках с нарушенным почвенным покровом с преобладанием лугово-опушечной эколого-ценотической группы, v) еловые насаждения с нарушенной структурой верхнего полога и vi) насаждения на участках с нарушенным почвенным покровом с преобладанием боровой эколого-ценотической группы; vii) сосняки черничные Мантуровского участка. Ординации геоботанических описаний в абстрактных осях факторов по экологическим шкалам Д.Н. Цыганова позволила выделить две основные группы местообитаний: i) с сильно кислыми/кислыми почвами очень бедными/бедными азотом в пергумидных климатических условиях, где получаемого солнечного тепла недостаточно для испарения поступающей влаги; ii) с кислыми/слабокислыми почвами бедными азотом, относящихся к эугумидной экологической группе. На исследуемых пробных площадях наблюдений должны быть продолжены для выявления динамических процессов в составе и структуре растительного покрова без воздействия антропогенных факторов в условиях заповедного режима территории. When studying the structure of plant communities, only a description of the floristic composition is insufficient, but it is necessary to identify functional relationships between individual plant species, between plants and the environment, the abundance and ecological-coenotic groups of species. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of the vegetation cover of forest phytocenoses according to observations on permanent sample plots in the conditions of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve (Kostroma region). The object of the study was 34 permanent trial plots laid out on the Kologrivsky (28 trial plots) and Manturovsky areas of the reserve (6 trial plots). The study used survey data from 2018–2022. The analysis of geobotanical descriptions on the permanent sample plots of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve made it possible to identify seven main groups according to the common vegetation cover, each of which is characterized by an individual ecological and coenotic spectrum: i) pine formations with a predominance of heather in the herbaceous layer of the Manturovsky area, ii) linden-elms spruce forests, iii) native spruce forests and plantations derived from them in places of old clearings, iv) forest stands in areas with disturbed soil cover with a predominance of the meadow-edge ecological-coenotic group, v) spruce stands with a disturbed structure of the upper canopy and vi) forest stands on areas with disturbed soil cover with a predominance of boron ecologicalcenotic group; vii) blueberry pine forests of the Manturovsky area. Ordinations of geobotanical descriptions in abstract axes of factors according to D.N. Tsyganov ecological scales made it possible to distinguish two main groups of habitats: i) with strongly acidic/acidic soils, very poor/poor nitrogen in perhumid climatic conditions, where the received solar heat is not enough to evaporate the incoming moisture; ii) with acidic/slightly acidic soils poor in nitrogen, belonging to the euhumid ecological group. On the sample plots under study, observations should be continued to identify dynamic processes in the composition and structure of the vegetation cover without the impact of anthropogenic factors under the conditions of the protected regime of the territory.

Влияние рекреации на радиальный прирост сосны обыкновенной

The article deals with the stages of recreational digression of different biogeocenoses in the Shirokovsky district forestry of the National Park “Buzuluksky Bor” and the peculiarities of radial growth of the common pine as a dominant stand. The aim of the work was to analyze the comparative response of the common pine trees in the zone of active recreation and in undisturbed areas. The presence or absence of undergrowth, understorey, projective cover and dominance of indicator plants were noted. Sub-tree enumeration with averaged data was carried out on temporary sample plots. Using a Flir i7 thermal imager, the presence or absence and localization of stem and root rots of pine from sponges were determined. A decrease in the total projective cover of the living ground cover and the number of forest species was observed, with an increase in the number of cereal species as recreational digression increased. As recreation intensifies, undergrowth and understorey disappears. It was noted that with increasing stages of digression the monotony of undergrowth species composition appears, the density and height of forest litter decreases, the number of trees infected with rots and infested with stem pests (black pine moustache, pine bark beetles, six-toothed bark beetle, apex bark beetle) increases. Changes in all components of biogeocenosis lead to loss of stability of forest phytocenosis as a whole. Even a simple stay of a large number of people in the forest leads to degradation of plant communities.

PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RAW MATERIALS OF BUPLEURUM LONGIFOLIUM SSP. AUREUM L. (FISCH. EX HOFFM.) SOO) ON THE BORDER OF THE RANGE OF THE TATARSTAN REPUBLIC

B. longifolium ssp. aureum cenopopulations were detected in forest phytocenoses of the coniferous-broad-leaved forests and the forest-steppe zones of the Republic of Tatarstan. In each habitat, the concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and photosynthetic pigments was determined in 20 collected plants of the middle age ontogenetic state. Chromatographic analysis of phenolic compounds of the raw materials of each cenopopulation was carried out.
 It was found that the content of rutin and ferulic acid of plants in the zone of coniferous-broadleaf forests was higher than in the forest-steppe zone. However, there was a more diverse spectrum of phenolic compounds. The chlorogenic and benzoic acids, quercetin and kaempferol were detected. In all communities, high intra-population variation in the concentration of biologically active substances was revealed. This fact should be taken into account during plantation creations and raw materials collection.

Analysis of the flammability of forests in the Orenburg region

The article provides information on the dynamics of forest fires in the forestry districts of the Orenburg region, the potential danger to the gas processing and oil production industries of the region, and the impact of fires on forest phytocenoses. The Orenburg region, compared to other regions of Russia, is characterized by a high level of anthropogenic impact, so it is the most vulnerable, prone to fires, including forest fires, which in recent years tend to increase. The analysis of fire dynamics has shown that in the sparsely forested territory of the Orenburg region, forest fires cause serious economic damage every year. The territory of the Orenburg region is characterized by a high risk of fires. During the period under review, fires occurred everywhere. The most fire-prone areas are the territories confined to the transition from steppe to dry-steppe zones, as well as those located near large population centers. It is recommended to take into account the presented data when planning forest protection measures in the territory of the Orenburg region.

Anatomycal, morphological and biochemical features of Pinus sibirica needles on recultivated and non-recultivated ash dump sites in the Middle Urals

The article presents the results of anatomical, morphological and biochemical study of Pinus sibirica Du Tour needles of fly ash dumps and natural habitats in the Middle Urals. The study has shown that there was an increase in the area of resin ducts, as well as a decrease in the total nitrogen content in the needles of P. sibirica on ash dumps, compared with control habitats. An increase in the content of phenols and proline in the needles which indicates a response to stress, was also observed on the nonrecultivated ash dump unlike natural forest phytocenoses and recultivated ash dump. The revealed changes in the studied characteristics of P. sibirica needles are associated with the specific physico-chemical parameters of the technogenic substrate: an alkaline reaction of the medium as well as low content of clay particles and total nitrogen. Recultivation measures, namely covering the ash with strips of clay soil, contributed to the improvement of substrate parameters and the creation of more favorable conditions for plant growth.

OVERGROWN AGRICULTURAL LANDS AS A POTENTIAL FOR NATURAL DECARBONIZATION OF OIL AND GAS FIELDS

In the north-western part of the Republic of Bashkortostan there are a large number of oil and gas fields, which are located on abandoned agricultural lands. Taking into account the increased level of impact on forest phytocenoses of natural and artificial origin in this zone, it becomes necessary to study the volume of carbon uptake by woody vegetation. To fulfill this goal, the tasks of carrying out an inventory of overgrown agricultural lands, entering coordinates of the boundaries of oil and gas fields into geoinformation projects and applying the results of digitization of overgrown agricultural lands to the boundaries of oil and gas fields are set. The study covers 18 municipal districts: Askinsky, Bakalinsky, Baltachevsky, Belebeyevsky, Bizhbulyaksky, Blagoveshchensky, Buraevsky, Dyurtyulinsky, Ilishevsky, Kaltasinsky, Karaidelsky, Krasnokamsky, Kushnarenkovsky, Mishkinsky, Tatyshlinsky, Tuymazinsky. Sharansky, Yanaulsky. The Q-GIS program defines the areas of overgrown areas. According to satellite images, 4 stages of overgrowth have been identified: the fourth (the age of trees is 20 years or more), the third (the age of trees is about 15 years), the second (the age of trees is about 10 years) and the first (the age of trees is up to 5 years). The main breeds that ensure overgrowth are pine and birch. The results of the study demonstrate an increase from 1985 to 2022 for the forest area by 20.41% for the north of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Calculation of accumulated carbon with subsequent conversion into carbon units and assessment of their value showed that at the moment the stand of overgrown agricultural land has already accumulated about 182 thousand tons of carbon units. About 135 thousand tons of carbon units are deposited annually. The high dynamics of carbon accumulation by woody vegetation allows us to assume with a high degree of probability that agricultural lands overgrown with forest, when implementing certain forestry measures, can be the basis for the implementation of costeffective climate projects for both owners of licensed plots and other interested parties. According to the results of our work, the use of the Severo-Kushkul and Mishidinsky license areas of oil and gas fields is promising for forest-climatic projects.

The effect of hydrogel on one- and two-year-old saplings of English oak Quercus robur L.

Survival rate of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) saplings (one- and two-year-old) on experimental plots under different hydrological conditions (long-interval flooding, short-interval flooding, no flooding) and the effect of hydrogel on the survival of the planted stock were studied. At present, these studies are relevant for the floodplain forest ecosystem of the Volga River, since the forests of this region are experiencing huge natural and anthropogenic loads, therefore, developments are needed for their conservation and restoration. The purpose of the research was to study the method of planting English oak ( Qurcus rbur ) with annual and biennial saplings using hydrogel to restore and increase the biodiversity of degraded forest phytocenoses in conditions of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain in the north of the Astrakhan region. In the work, the following methods were used: soil moisture was determined by the thermostatic-weight method (B.A. Dospekhov); experimental data were processed by the method of dispersion analysis using Microsoft Excel. According to the results of the study, the best survival rate (83 %) was observed in one-year-old saplings of English oak in the variant with using hydrogel in no-flooding site.

DYNAMICS OF SPECIES CHANGE OF LIVING ABOVE GROUND COVER IN YOUNG CULTURES OF ZHEREBKIVO FORESTRY

The species composition of herbaceous vegetation in oak plantations before their closure were analyzed. It was found that after cutting down the mother stand, the diversity of plants from different families begins to increase already in the first year. According to the results of field observations, a sharp reduction of shade-tolerant species and an increase of light-loving and drought-resistant species was revealed. As a result, non-forest edifiers increase and the change of tree communities by grassy non-forest formations, uncharacteristic for forest biocenoses. Representatives of the Poaceae family, as well as Fabaceae and Rosales, characteristic of the steppe zone, begin to actively appear on a fresh log. In the following years, the dominant position is occupied by the family of Asteraceae. In the first year after felling, about 40 species were identified, over the years their number decreases, and already in the sixth year, the number of species is about 17 species. Analysis of the coenomorphic structure shows that in the first years the number of sylvans significantly decreases, some species disappear altogether from the plantations. Instead, ruderants (from 55% in the first year to 35% in the sixth) and pratants (from 28% to 35%) begin to dominate. In the trophomorphic structure of the living ground cover on the lands not covered by forest, there is a significant decrease of mesotrophic species between 1–2 and 3–5 years. A significant decrease in oligotrophs (from 6% to 0%) and mesomegatrophs (from 3% to 0%) is also observed. No significant difference in the change of megatrophic species was found. According to the hygromorphic structure, mesophytic vegetation (46%-58%) is dominant in all studied areas. The greatest floristic similarity of grass cover is characterized by 2-3-year crops with 45% similarity of species composition, 4-5-year crops (46%) and 5-6-year crops (46%). The same types of grass vegetation grow on these Фlogs, acting as indicators of ecological conditions in the forest phytocenosis.

Влияние экологических факторов на генетический полиморфизм в природных популяциях Fragaria vesca

Genetic polymorphism of natural cenopopulations of wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) from the Republic of Mari El was measured by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The method of molecular genome marking based on RAPD-PCR makes it possible to determine the genetic status of populations and establish interpopulation relationships. The cenopopulations that we selected for the analysis were confined to different stages of the forest phytocenosis succession: the climatic phytocenosis and the area of the forest felling. These F. vesca cenopopulations differed in the ratio of sexual and vegetative reproduction during the maintenance of the cenopopulation size. In a felling area in conditions of greater illumination the intensity of sexual and vegetative reproduction increases. However, specimens of seed origin were not found in the felling area, since in conditions of high competition with ruderal and meadow plants, slowly developing strawberry seedlings died. The germination of seeds and plants of seed origin was noted under conditions of climatic phytocenosis. For the cenopopulation confined to the climax forest, Shannon’s diversity index and Nei’s genetic distance were 0.5179 and 0.3613 respectively. In a felling area vegetative reproduction processes predominate, so Shannon’s diversity index and Nei’s genetic distance were lower, 0.4573 and 0.3132 respectively. In a felling area revealed the loss of certain genetic clusters present in the climax forest. This indicates the loss of a strawberry genetic diversity in the transition to vegetative reproduction due to anthropogenic impact. Our data confirm the idea that climax communities with their more stable conditions can act as regenerative niches of the species.

Ecological and biological features and nectariferous value of elm trees

Bee pasturages and natural-climatic conditions in the forest fund of the steppe Pridonye are characterized by great variability. Plantations of European white elm, Scotch elm and English elm occupy 2.2% of the area of the steppe Pridonye. The purpose of this study was to identify honey-bearing species by the forest phytocenosis components in ravine elms and floodplain forests and to determine the honey productivity of plant formations. Accepted methods of scientific research in beekeeping were utilized. The silvicultural and taxational characteristics of the forest stand were obtained, the species composition of the honey-bearing flora was specified and the honey productivity by forest types was determined. Honey productivity of the plant formation of ravine elms is 106.4–203.3 kg/ha. European white elm (Ulmus laevis) provides honey productivity of 32.9 kg/ha in the forest phytocenosis on the shady banks of the ravine oak forests. Field maple (Acer campestre) contributes to this significant index (203.3 kg/ha) in the stand composition on high and steep gully slopes. On the light banks honey production is characterized by honey-bearing undergrowth species, which are found mainly in forest glades and woodsides, as well as the carpet plants representatives. In elm-herbage-nettle-blackberry floodplain forests, the main honey yield (35.3 kg/ha) is given by European white elm and white willow (Salix alba), while in the undergrowth it is given by common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), alder (R. alnus), and European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus). Skillful use of the honey-bearing potential of forest plants not only makes it possible to successfully develop beekeeping, but also to ensure a significant increase in the forest fund of the southern regions of the European part of the Russian Federation.

Влияние сплошнолесосечных рубок на биоразнообразие среднетаёжных ельников черничных Северо-Востока европейской части России

The article discusses the biodiversity dynamics of the components of secondary plant communities grown after winter clear cutting in the series of restoration of blueberry spruce forests in the bioclimatic conditions of the middle taiga subzone. For every succession stage (1(2)-year-old, 17(18)-year-old and 49(50)-year-old secondary communities and primary forest), about 20 descriptions (81 in total) were done. The authors separately describe the plant communities of forests swaths, skidding trails in cutting strip and main skid roads. On the basis of the obtained results, we determined species richness and biodiversity indices separately for tree, shrub, herb-dwarf shrubby, and moss layers. Industrial logging has been found to have an extremely negative impact on the species richness of forest species which absolutely disappear (especially stenobionts), decrease in abundance and constancy. In secondary communities on the territory of forest swaths and skidding trails, we fixed a decrease in biodiversity in the tree, shrub and moss layers and an increase in the herb-dwarf shrubby layer due to invasion of meadow, edge, and peatland species against a decrease in the abundance of species normally dominating in forest ecosystems. At heavily disturbed areas of the cutting area (main trails), secondary communities increase in both the total species richness and biodiversity at any layer except for the woody layer. The recorded increase in values happens due to formation of communities of very active species from different ecologic and cenotic groups. The floristic composition of the disturbed forest phytocenosis does not recover in fifty years after the anthropogenic impact.

Структурные особенности лесных фитоценозов формирующихся на скальниках после пожара

It has been established that, depending on the forest-forming species and growing conditions, the restoration of the forest ecosystem in the burnt area is extended for a long period. A feature of the formation of a full-fledged forest phytocenosis after the forest fire is the delayed accumulation of organic matter. This is also connected with the time-delayed development of all components of the forest. Under these conditions, 15 years after the fire, young trees with a predominance of pine and birch were formed on the site of the burnt pine forest. The undergrowth of aspen, spruce and gray alder is represented by single individuals. The total amount of undergrowth of natural origin reaches 4.5 thousand trees /ha. The undergrowth with a height of more than 2 m prevails. The undergrowth includes five types of shrub species such as mountain ash, willow, juniper, honeysuckle and juneberry. The total number of understory species is 350 trees/ha. More than 21 plant species have been identified as part of the living ground cover. The occurrence of lichens, heather, polytrichum juniperus, hairy ojica, willow-tea and meandering meadow grass is more than 50 %. Lichens, heather, lingonberry and polytrichum juniperus predominate in the protective coating. The composition of the herbage is polytrichum juniperus — 32 %, lichens — 23 %, heather — 22 %, lingonberries — 15 %, others — 8 %. The purpose of the research is to identify the features of the forest ecosystem regeneration after the forest fire after the burnt lichen pine. The object of research was a 15-year-old young forest after the forest fire in the territory of the Prionezhsky forestry of the Republic of Karelia.

Микрорельеф поверхности листьев дикорастущей айвы Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae) лесных фитоценозов предгорий Дагестана

Cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used to study the micromorphology of the leaf surface of the wild-growing Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae). The only habitat of wild-growing quince in Russia is the southern part of Dagestan. Mountain forest phytocenoses of Dagestan provide unique grounds for studying the adaptive potential of plants, since growing conditions change not only according to the change of seasons, but also directly depend on the altitude above sea level. The adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) surfaces of the studied samples have a number of micromorphological and microstructural features. The epidermis on the adaxial and abaxial sides differed not only in structural organization, but also in the specifics of surface micromorphology. The most striking feature of the micromorphology of the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf blade surface is cuticular folding in the form of microstrands on the main cells of the epidermis, as well as radial striations, peristomatic rings, and protrusions in the stomata region. Regardless of the habitat of fruit plants, their leaves were hypostomatous with anomocytic stomata of two types (primary and secondary), differing in qualitative and quantitative indicators. The primary stomata had a more prominent cuticular pattern and were also larger than the smaller secondary stomata. It should be noted that the presence of several types of cuticular folding, as well as stomatal polymorphism, are common features of other studied species of the subfamily Pyrinae, early Maloideae (Rosaceae). According to the data obtained, the identified features of cuticular folding are stable within the species and can be used as additional taxonomic characters.

Ecological aspects of meadow phytocenoses

The article states that meadow phytocenoses are distinguished from others (forest, steppe, desert, water and others) by the dependence of the composition and structure (structure) of meadow communities on environmental conditions. At the same time, onions differ from agrophytocenoses on arable lands. On arable land, in the process of crop rotation every year (or with a break of one year in the chain of peren-nial grasses), the existence of phytocenosis is disturbed by the agricultural machinery used to cultivate the soil. Therefore, crops of grain or row crops are always available for the spread of weeds. In order to control their number, it is necessary to use an integrated system of plant protection, which includes agrotechnical measures, and biological and chemical methods of control. The meadow, unlike such agrophytocenosis, is closed to the spread of weeds, since there are competitive relationships between the plant populations that are part of it. It is substantiated that as a result of competition and differentiation of niches, the structure of the meadow phytocenosis is formed – the height difference of the aerial parts and the depth of the root systems. There are no clear layers of it above ground or below ground in meadow grass stands, but sometimes stable combinations of species are formed on the meadow, which are repeated like spots. Such spots are called micro groups, and the phenomenon itself is called mosaicism. However, mosaicism is not very common and is usually associated with the distribution of leguminous components, which have a stronger impact on the environment than other species. Leguminous grasses are known to enrich the soil with nitrogen as a result of the activity of nitrogen fixers symbiotically associated with them, and in favorable years they form many leaves, which can limit the growth of light-loving species. It was noted that the peculiarity of meadow phytocenoses is the correspondence of their composition and structure to the smallest changes in environmental conditions, which in forest phytocenoses will be leveled as a result of the strong influence of trees, and in arable land they are somewhat leveled by the system of soil cultivation, application of fertilizers and sowing. However, rapid spatial variability is only one of the many qualities of these plastic communities. Meadow phytocenoses can change over time quite quickly. At the same time, it is worth distinguishing 2 types of changes – reversible and irreversible. In the first case, changes in the composition of meadow phytocenosis are associated with seasonal changes, with fluctuations in weather conditions in different years, with the intensity of pasture use, outbreaks of the number of certain types of meadow grasses, or the spread of nematodes or pest insects on meadow grasses. In the second case, meadow communities change under the influence of anthropogenic factors (hay mowing or fertilization) or, on the contrary, self-restore after the cessation of the influence of a certain factor. It should be noted that usually 2 main variants of successions can be observed on meadow phytocenoses: caused by internal causes (autogenic) and external (allogenic). However, it should be noted that the main successions in meadows are allogenous, which are related to changes in environmental conditions or the mode of use. Most often, the root cause of these changes is the human factor. Autogenous changes are most often restorative in nature.

Распространение и эколого-ценотическая приуроченность дикорастущих пищевых видов рода Sorbus L. (Rosaceae) на острове Cахалин

The investigations were carried out to clarify the distribution and habitats of two species of wild food plants of the genus Sorbus L. (Sorbus sambucifolia (Cham. et Schlecht.) M. Roem., Sorbus sibirica Hedl.) on Sakhalin Island. Sorbus sambucifolia is a summer green shrub 1.0-2.5 m high. Sorbus sibirica is a summer green tree up to 10 m high. Shrub mountain ash is found throughout Sakhalin Island, this plant is the dominant and subdominant in the shrub layer of forest phytocenoses (spruce-fir, fir-spruce, larch, stone-birch, white birch, Siberian pine), as well as in subalpine thickets, in secondary phytocenoses in felling and burnt areas; it has a relatively wide phytocenotic spectrum. Sorbus sibirica is limited in distribution by forest phytocenoses (spruce-fir, larch and stone-birch communities) in the north of Sakhalin Island. Mapping of the mountain ash growing area on Sakhalin Island was carried out using the ArcGIS Desktop 10 software package in the ArcMap base application. The data obtained in the course of the study on the habitats of food mountain ash are an effective tool for planning and implementing measures for the rational use of island wild growing food species. The results of the study can serve as material for updating resource data.

Особенности восстановления лесного фотоценоза после сгоревшего сосняка на скальниках

Установлено, что послепожарное восстановление лесной экосистемы имеет свои особенности. В результате низового лесного пожара сосняк черничный сменился березняком черничным. Это в первую очередь связано с лесорастительными условиями. Объект исследования – гарь 2006 года на юге Республики Карелия. Видовой состав, состояние и структура древостоя, подроста, подлеска и живого напочвенного покрова установлены с использованием метода круговых учетных площадок. Через 15 лет после пожара сформировался новый древостой, его густота превышает 22 тыс.экз./га. Из-за высокой густоты молодняка отпад березы достигает 23%. Всего в составе молодняка выявлено 7 лесообразующих пород. По численности преобладают Betula pendula Roth. – 73% и Alnus incana (L.) Moench. – 15%. Несмотря на большую густоту основного яруса, в восстановлении лесной экосистемы участвует и подлесок. Общая численность растений в этом компоненте леса – около 17 тыс./га. Более 95% численности подлеска приходится на Salix caprea L. и Sorbus aucuparia L.. В небольшом количестве встречаются Prunus padus L., Viburnum opulus L и Juniperus communis L. Живой напочвенный покров сложен преимущественно теневыносливыми видами. Преобладают Polytrichum commune HEDW., Avenella flexuosa (L.) DREJER и Oxalis acetosella L. Только эти 3 вида из более 26, выявленных в составе живого напочвенного покрова, имеют проективное покрытие около 5%. Общее проективное покрытие травяно-кустарничкового яруса составляет около 50%. Участки без живого напочвенного покрова (мертвопокровные парцеллы) занимают в целом более 29% площади лесного участка. Мохово-лишайниковый ярус представлен несколькими видами мхов и лишайников. По типологии В.Н. Сукачева сформировавшийся березняк можно отнести к березнякам черничного типа леса. It is established that the post-fire restoration of the forest ecosystem has its own characteristics. As a result of a grass-roots forest fire, blueberry pine was replaced by blueberry birch. This is primarily due to forest conditions. The object of the study is a 2006 fire in the south of the Republic of Karelia. The species composition, condition and structure of the stand, undergrowth, undergrowth and living ground cover were established using the method of circular accounting sites. 15 years after the fire, a new stand was formed, its density exceeds 22 thousand copies / ha. Due to the high density of the young, the loss of birch reaches 23%. In total, 7 forest-forming breeds were identified in the young stock. Betula pendula Roth. – 73% and Alnus incana (L.) Moench predominate in number – 15%. Despite the large density of the main tier, the undergrowth also participates in the restoration of the forest ecosystem. The total number of plants in this component of the forest is about 17 thousand/ha. More than 95% of the number of undergrowth falls on Salix caprea L. and Sorbus aucuparia L.. In small numbers there are Prunus padus L., Viburnum opulus L and Juniperus communis L. The living ground cover is composed mainly of shade-tolerant species. Polytrichum commune HEDW., Avenella flexuosa (L.) DREJER and Oxalis acetosella L. predominate. Only these 3 species out of more than 26 identified as part of the living ground cover have a projective coverage of about 5%. The total projective coverage of the grass-shrub layer is about 50%. Plots without living ground cover (dead-cover parcels) occupy in general more than 29% of the area of the forest plot. The moss-lichen layer is represented by several types of mosses and lichens. According to the typology of V.N. Sukacheva formed birch can be attributed to the birch forests of the blueberry type of forest.

Features of the Territorial Distribution, Composition and Structure of Phytocenoses with the Participation of Fraxinus excelsior, Their Resource Qualities, Ecological and Economic Importance (Southeastern Part of the East European Plain).

At present, the distribution area of Fraxinus excelsior L. in the forest ecosystems of the Volga Region is rather low and ranges from 0.01% to 2.5%. In the Middle Volga Region, using the example of the Penza region, five types of deciduous forests were identified in the composition with Fraxinus excelsior L.: oak forest aegopodium, oak forest nettle, oak forest hazel-linden, oak forest aegopodium-motley grass, oak forest carex-motley grass. In the forest phytocenoses of the Moksha River basin, the quality of Fraxinus excelsior L. is 1.5-1.7. In the forest phytocenoses of the Khoper River basin, the average quality value reaches 2.4-2.8, and in the forest tracts of the Sura river basin it is 2.8-3.2. In the western part of the study area, individuals of age class II-III (21-40, 41-60 years) predominate, in the central part-age class I (1-20 years), in the eastern part-age class V (81-100 years). This circumstance allows us to conclude that its populations in the western regions are represented by stands of different ages; the presence of young stands and middle-aged stands indicates the presence of conditions for reproduction and distribution. At the border of its range, Fraxinus excelsior L. grows in a stable population; in the western part of the Middle Volga Region, the number of species in forest stands with a predominance of Fraxinus excelsior L. is 26-30% higher than this indicator in more eastern regions. In the direction from east to west, the number of species in the composition of forest stands increases (up to 8.4), with a predominance of Fraxinus excelsior L. The number of plant associations increases in the direction from east to west. If in the east of the Penza region Fraxinus excelsior L. occurs in 6-7 plant associations, then in the west of the region-in 18-25 associations. The maximum timber stock for 100 years of Fraxinus excelsior L. stands reaches 380 m3/ha. Such a natural bioresource potential is of importance for the conduct of the national economy. Forest management in phytocenoses with the participation of this tree species is a strategic branch direction. It is expedient to restore populations of Fraxinus excelsior L. everywhere and to cultivate them in the territory of the East European Plain and especially in its south-eastern part. This is fully consistent with the principles of sustainable ecological and economic development against the background of local natural, climatic and geographical conditions. This type is necessary when solving environmental, resource-saving and economic problems in the territory under consideration.

Analysis of ecofloristic diversity of the Poaceae family of forest biogeocenoses of the northern steppe Prydniprovya

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of cereals in the functioning of natural ecosystems and their use for human life. They often play the role of dominants and edifiers in the composition of plant cover, primarily herbaceous types of vegetation. But they also take part in the composition of forest phytocenoses of different natural zones. Within Ukraine, the Poaceae family includes 71 genera (of which only 4 are in culture) and 208 species (of which only 15 are in culture) [20]. The cereal flora of forest biogeocenoses of the analyzed area was studied in the end of the 19th century [1]. Since the studied forest complexes are located within the steppe zone with various conditions of watershed-beam and valley-terrace landscapes, they contain species of various ecomorphs: from xerophytes to hygrophytes (or even helophytes); from heliophytes to sciophytes, from oligotrophs to megatrophs. The flora of forest biogeocenoses of the northern steppe Prydniprovya region includes 73 species of vascular plants. The greatest species richness belongs to the flora of floodplain forests, which confirms the statement about the extraordinary biodiversity of floodplain landscapes [35]. Of the entire flora of forest biogeocenoses, hemicryptophytes (42 species) predominate among climamorphs, heliophytes (66 species) predominate among heliomorphs, mesotrophs (39 species) among trophomorphs, and mesophytes (45 species) among hygromorphs. Among the coenomorphs, the majority are forest-meadow (55 species) and ruderal-forest (18 species). The Roaceae family of the forest biogeocenoses of the northern steppe Prydniprovya region includes 6 rare species that are included in the regional red list of rare plants [29]. The ecomorphic analysis of the flora confirms the peculiarities of the physical and geographical conditions of different types of forests. Among the climamorphs, hemicryptophytes predominate in birachous and wall forests. The majority of heliophytes are characteristic of arenaceous forests, and sciophytes are characteristic of floodplain forests. Among trophomorphs, megatrophs predominate in birachous and walled forests, oligotrophs in arena forests. The largest number of hygrophytes is characteristic of floodplain forests, and xerophytes is characteristic of arena forests. The forest biogeocenoses of the northern steppe Prydniprovya are characterized by significant anthropogenic transformation of the vegetation cover. In the composition of the forest flora, there are only 16 purely ruderal (weedy) species, and 23 ruderal species in mixed ecomorphs. Among them, 16 are adventive ruderal species. The assessment of anthropogenic transformation of the plant cover using the hemerobium method shows that the majority of the hemerobium species belong to mesohemerobes – species that grow on the territories of landscapes with a medium degree of transformation. This indicates a moderate transformation of the forest biogeocenoses of the northern steppe Prydniprovya. Among all types of forests, the least transformed are floodplain, ravine and wall forests.

BRYOPHYTES OF THE NATURE MONUMENT OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE «TEPLA JAMA» WITHIN THE VOLCANIC CARPATHIANS (UKRAINE)

Among all floristic regions of the Ukrainian Carpathians, the Volcanic Carpathians remain relatively poorly studied in terms of bryological research, and the objects of the low-ranking natural reserve fund are almost not covered by floristic investigations. As a result of our research, 60 species of bryophytes were revealed on the territory of the botanical natural monument of local importance «Tepla Yama», which is about 10% of the bryoflora diversity of the Ukrainian Carpathians as a whole. It was found out that in the taxonomic spectrum of bryophytes, the orders Bryales and Hypnales are the richest. The mosses (Bryophyta) are represented by 2 classes, 8 orders, 24 families, 45 genera and 52 species. The species richness of the families Orthotrichaceae (9 species), Brachytheciaceae (6), Neckeraceae and Amblystegiaceae (by 4), Polytrichaceae and Dicranaceae (by 3 species) reflects the general features of the bryoflora structure of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Epiphytes dominate in terms of substrate preference, which is a characteristic feature of bryophytes in broad-leaved forests. The low amount of decaying wood at this stage of forest phytocenosis development is the reason for the small number of epixylic bryophytes. Several rare montane species were found, occurring mainly in primeval and slightly disturbed forests of the Carpathians and Crimea. Among them are Metzgeria conjugata, Zygodon rupestris, Zygodon viridissimus, Ctenidium molluscum, Grimmia hartmanii, as well as Dicranum viride, which occasionally occurs on the plains and is included in the Red Book of bryophytes of Europe (Hodgest, Lockhart, 2020). Therefore, despite the close location of this forest massif to populated areas and its easy accessibility for tourists, it remains a natural center of a significant diversity of bryophytes, including montane species that are rare in Ukraine. Our research has initiated the monitoring of species diversity of this organism group, which will allow forecasting the development of this forest biogeocenosis in the future.