Features of the distribution of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. during the drought period

Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a weedy, invasive and allergenic plant of concern to agricultural producers worldwide. Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a weed, invasive and allergenic weed of concern to agricultural producers worldwide. The purpose of this work is to analyze the distribution patterns of A. artemisiifolia during drought to recommend measures that effectively limit its spread. Object of research — Ambrosia artemisiifolia . Agricultural fields, plots of steppe and piece planting in conditions of dryness and in its absence. During research, we used traditional methods of geobotanical inventory. Potential productivity calculated based on the number of female cotyledons before and after mowing. Hardness of soil was analyzed using DICKEY-john tester. We found that Ambrosia artemisiifolia does not establish in steppe phytocenoses. On agricultural lands, its viability and seed productivity are significantly higher compared to artificial green spaces, whereas its population density is lower. The species’ occurrence frequency depends on the interplay of soil and climatic factors. During droughts in untreated open areas, soil hardness increases sharply; at values of 7 MPa or higher, A. artemisiifolia fails to develop, despite a substantial seed bank in the topsoil. Mowing does not significantly reduce its potential seed output. A high density of cereal crops suppresses the spread of A. artemisiifolia and mitigates soil degradation during dry periods.