Golub V.B., Chuvashov A.V., Bondareva V.V., Gerasimova K.A., Nikolaychuk L.F. CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF VOLGA-AKHTUBA FLOODPLAIN AFTER THE BEGINNING OF FLOW REGULATION ON VOLGA RIVER // Arid ecosystems. 2020. V. 26. № 1 (82). P. 54-61 . | PDF

Four stationary transects, made in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain by the Caspian expedition of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1954-1955, were studied. The transects were re-examined in 1982 and 2008-2013. The occurrence of the most common plant species during each of the three study periods was evaluated. It was stated that all transects were affected by introduction of xerophytic and ruderal flora, variously across different sections of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. Mostly it can be seen near the Volgograd hydroelectric station and in places where the valley is narrowing. The main reasons for xerophytic and ruderal species appearance are the reduction in height and duration of floods after the regulation of Volga water flow, high local grazing and recreation load. In the northern part of the floodplain, invasions into the natural phytocenoses of the adventitious species Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Bidens frondosa, Conyza canadensis, Xanthium strumarium made significant changes in vegetation cover.

Keywords: Lower Volga Valley, regulation of water flow, vegetation xerophytization, ruderal species.

DOI: 10.24411/1993-3916-2020-10083