HIGH-MOUNTAIN STEPPE ALPINE MEADOWS OF AZERBAIJAN: FLORISTIC DIVERSITY, PHYTOCENOTIC STRUCTURE AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The article studies the floristic composition, phytocenotic structure and distribution characteristics of cereal-mixed steppe alpine meadows spread in the high mountainous areas of Azerbaijan. During the study, the Festuceta-Thymetum and Festuceta-Kobresietum formation groups formed in the alpine and subalpine belts of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, were studied. It was determined that the main edificators of steppe alpine meadows are Festuca versicolor Tausch, Festuca picta Kit and various Thymus species. These phytocenoses develop mainly on peaty-grassy mountain-meadow soils at altitudes of 2600–3200 m. As a result of the studies, the floristic composition, storeying and project cover of the Festuceta picta-Thymetum nummularius and Festuceta versicolor-Thymetum collinus associations were determined. In the studied associations, 21–27 species of higher plants were recorded, and it was determined that the grass cover varied between 60–80% of the design cover. In addition to species belonging to the Poaceae family, representatives of the genera Thymus, Poa, Alchemilla, Taraxacum, Trifolium and others predominate in the composition of phytocenoses. The article also assesses the current state of steppe alpine meadows, degradation processes occurring as a result of anthropogenic impacts and grazing load. It was determined that in some areas, thinning of phytocenoses, soil erosion and a decrease in productivity are observed. Therefore, the protection of high-mountain pasture ecosystems, the implementation of anti-erosion measures and the application of efficient pasture management are of great importance.