Phytocenotic Characteristics and Feed Value of Medicago sativa Pastures of the Eastern Cliff of Ustyurt

The ecological and phytocenotic characteristics of the Medicago sativa type of pastures, common in the Eastern Cliff of the Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan) are presented. The species composition, productivity of pasture varieties, soil type, vegetation cover, and landscape types are characterized; the recommended seasonality of use is determined. According to geobotanical zoning, the Medicago sativa type of pastures covers small areas concentrated in inter-hump depressions with close standing of groundwater, noted in the Kabanbai, Aktumsuk, Kassarma, Karakuduk, and Akbulak massifs. It is distributed from the first to the second terraces of the Cliff and occupies a territory of about 202 ha between the Urga and Baygubekmurun capes. This type consists of three pasture varieties: Medicago sativa + Agropyron fragile – Artemisia diffusa, Medicago sativa + Agropyron fragile and Medicago sativa + Cynoglossum viridiflorum, common on loamy and gray–brown soils. The seasonal yield of the forage mass fluctuates from 0.4 to 1.3 c/ha. According to the results of this study, the studied pasture varieties are recommended for use as year-round pastures.