Ecological and phytocenotic state of floodplain forests in the vicinity of the city of Orenburg and their recreational use

Abstract

Introduction. Urban forests are considered to be the cultural heritage of Orenburg. The article provides data on the ecological and phytocenotic state of floodplain forests carried out on the territory of two forest park areas, urban plantings of the city of Orenburg. Object of study. “Transural Grove” and “Oaks”. In the study areas, the following succession series is distinguished: willow forests (Salix triandraL., S. viminalisL.) – willow forests (S.albaL.) – sedge forests (Populus nigraL.) – white poplar forests (P.albaL.) – elm forests (Ulmuslaevis Pall.) – oak forests (Quercusrobur L.). Results and conclusions. Within these formations, seven main, most common associations have been identified: willow forests with a predominance of three-stamen willow, bromegrass, blackberry willow, common sedge, white reed grass, blackberry elm, oak-lily of the valley elm. Of the total number of species growing in the study area, 96 species are herbaceous plants, 14 are woody plants, 11 are shrubs and subshrubs. In the study area, 121 species of vascular plants were recorded, they belong to 38 families and 99 genera. Due to the increase in anthropogenic impact, plant communities with the dominance of Acer negundo L. appeared. In areas No. 1, 2, 3, ruderal plant species were noted: Ambrosia trifida L., Urtica dioica L., U. urens L., Xanthium strumarium L., Cannabis ruderalis Janisch., Biden tripartite L., Shenopodium hybridum L. and others. According to a survey on the territory, weeds make up about 10% of the total number of plant species, this is one of the signs of recreational digression of the urban floodplain forest. To preserve natural forest communities, it is necessary to carry out constant monitoring and environmental measures to preserve the species diversity of plant communities characteristic of the floodplains of steppe rivers.