Ecological-geobotanical study of the Festuceta-Poaeltum-Thymusosum formation phytocenosis in the mountainous part of Lankaran

Abstract

In the mountainous part of Lankaran, Festuca ovina – Poa meyeri – Thymus trautvetteri and Poa meyeri – Thymus trautvetteri associations belonging to the Festuceta-Poaeltum-Thymusosum formation are widespread. The phytocenosis specific to this formation was recorded in Yardimli district, in summer pasture areas No. 22 “Shikali yurt” and No. 23 “Der geçmezmez”. The species composition of the formation includes 25 species, of which 3 species (12%) are shrubs, 2 species (8%) are semi-shrubs, 17 species (68%) are perennial herbs and 3 species (12%) are annual herbs. According to ecological analysis, 17 species (68%) are xerophytes, 3 species (12%) are mesoxerophytes and 5 species (20%) are mesophytes. The dominant Thymus trautvetteri Klok et Shost (abundance 3–4 points), subdominant Poa meyeri Trin ex Roschen (2–3 points) and Festuca ovina L (2 points) were identified. The structure of the vegetation cover includes Filipendula ulmaria on the first floor, Elytrigia trichophora, Stipa holocericea, Achillea vermicularia, Poa meyeri, Onobrychis altissima, Bromopsis variegata on the second floor and Astragalus euoplus, Ast aurea, Acanthalimon hohenackeri, Thymus trautvetteri, Alchemilla sericata, Trifolium repens and Anisantha tectorum on the third floor. The design cover of the phytocenosis is 50–80%. One of the 25 species, Thymus trautvetteri Klok et Shost, is an endemic plant of Azerbaijan and requires protection. Degradation of the soil and vegetation cover of the steppe subalpine meadows is observed in the region, as a result of which the abundance of valuable forage plants decreases and productivity decreases.