Current state and ecological features of Hippophae rhamnoides L. cenopopulations in Northern Kazakhstan

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is an important resource for agriculture, landscaping, and medicinedue to its beneficial properties, high winter hardiness, and adaptability to various soil conditions. These factorsmake the study of the current state and ecological-cenotic characteristics of sea buckthorn populations inNorthern Kazakhstan particularly relevant. The research conducted in the North Kazakhstan and Kostanai regionscovers eight key populations of H. rhamnoides and their plant communities. The study found that seabuckthorn thrives and can be successfully used for reclamation in technogenically disturbed areas with moderatemoisture. Sea buckthorn forms a shrub layer in forests and creates thickets on the edges of birch groves.In flatland landscapes, sea buckthorn dominates plant communities, particularly in dry steppe and meadowconditions, indicating ecological and phytocenotic plasticity. The species composition of the studied communitiesinvolving sea buckthorn depends on the ecological and cenosis conditions of their habitats. The herbaceouslayer is predominantly composed of mesoxerophytic species. The studied sea buckthorn populationsare mainly composed of pre-generative and generative individuals and require further monitoring and research.