Specific features of early stages of progressive succession in an anthropogenic landscape: An example from southeastern Belarus

Specific features of progressive succession in the vegetation of anthropogenically transformed landscapes in southeastern Belarus have been studied in permanent test plots. Using phytoindication scales proposed by Ellenberg (1974) and Tsyganov (1983), trends of changes in ecological conditions in the first years of succession have been revealed.     

Experience in using ecological phytoindication scales for revealing unfavorable factors at the boundary of species distribution

The ecological phytoindication scales proposed by Tsyganov (1983) were used for characterizing biotopes at the northern limit of the distribution of three nemoral species:Ajuga reptans, Asarum europaeum, andPulmonaria obscura. Regional ecological amplitudes of the model species were determined. The environmental factors approaching the lower limit of species amplitudes in Tsyganov's scales were classified as unfavorable.     

Geobotanical Indication of the State of Suburban Forests (an Example of Birch Grove in Akademgorodok,Krasnoyarsk)

The influence of recreation activity on grass cover was studied in a herbaceous birch forest within a territory of city development. Effects of the activity depended on size and arrangement of recreation sites. It was found that most of the forest was at the second stage of degradation, while degradation of forest edges was considered as intermediate between the second and third stages. Forest edges and glade-clump communities play a particular role in maintaining the stability of recreational forests.These ecotones are both barriers preventing introduction of alien plant species into a cenosis and centers of dissemination of ruderal and meadow species.