N. G. Lapenko, O. V. Khonina
North Caucasus Federal Agrarian Research Centre, ul. Nikonovа, 49, Mikhaylovsk, Shpakovskii r-n, Stavropol’skii krai, 356241, Russian Federation
Abstract. The research aimed to study the current state of the natural steppe ecosystems of the Stavropol Territory, their bioresource potential and the degree of pasture degradation. The study area belonged to an extremely arid zone. The climate was sharply continental, the hydrothermal index was 0.63, the average annual precipitation was 384 mm. The work was carried out in 2019–2021 on 12 quadrats (10 m × 10 m). The herbage lacked dominant zonal-type cereals typical for the study area: koeleria (Koeleria cristata (L.) Pers.), wheatgrass (Agropyron Gaertn), feather grass (Stipa L.), and fescue (Festuca L.). Species diversity per unit area was low and averaged 8 species per 100 m2. The projective cover of the soil surface by plants varied from 25 to 60-90%. This was due to different levels of pasture load. The floristic group of cereals in the herbage accounted for 34%, legumes – 5%, and forbs – 61%, which indicated a deficit of legumes. The family of cereals and the group of herbs were represented by non-virgin plant species: bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa L.), Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Thunb.), Eremopyrum (Eremopyrum triticeum (Gaertn.) Nevski), etc. The herbage contained about 50% of pasture weeds, mostly annuals and biennials. Their dominance was the result of the loss of zonal species of wild flora from the herbage. Of the 12 plant associations studied, only one corresponded to the zonal type of vegetation. The rest were characterised as highly degraded or very highly degraded with low species diversity and low forage potential.
Keywords: steppe ecosystems; biodiversity; wild flora; pasture degradation; floristic groups; productivity.
Author Details: N. G. Lapenko, Cand. Sc. (Biol.), leading research fellow (e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.); O. V. Khonina, Cand. Sc. (Agr.), leading research fellow (e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.).
For citation: Lapenko NG, Khonina OV [Assessment of pasture degradation of steppe ecosystems in the arid zone of Stavropol]. Dostizheniya nauki i tekhniki APK. 2022;36(5):16-20. Russian. doi: 10.53859/02352451_2022_36_5_16.