ИСТИНА

Structure and some features of the functioning of sub-Mediterranean landscapes within the North-Western Caucasus have been revealed on the basis of field landscape profiling and mapping, analysis of remote sensing data, phytomass determination. The “Utrish” nature reserve, the only one protecting these landscapes in the region, was chosen as the main object of study. The large-scale landscape maps and profiles were compiled; the main factors and basic regularities of the spatial organization of vegetation and landscapes were revealed. The predominance of slope geosystems of maximum diversity, altitudinal zonation, the asymmetry and inversion of nature complexes are typical for the landscape structure of the region. The south slopes facing the sea are characterized by most complex structure due to ability of geosystems of seism gravitational landforms of different age with high biodiversity including Mediterranean species such as juniper (Juniperus excelsa, J. foetidissima, J. oxycedrus), pistachio (Pistacia mutica), oak (Quercus pubescens), etc., which is also reflected in the functioning of the landscapes. Some features of the primary vegetation succession stages after logging, recreational use and fires, including a major fire in 2020 were identified. The study of aboveground phytomass stocks, carried out in accordance with the methodology used in the expeditionary works, revealed that the stock of the stand in sub-Mediterranean landscapes in juniper and pistachio-juniper woodland varies from 5.3 t/ha to 49.8 t/ha and up to 72 t/ha in hemixerophytic oak forests. Dry herbaceous phytomass stocks vary from 0.3 to 20 cwt/ha, reaching the highest values in pistachio-juniper and juniper woodlands with developed herbage. These forests were also generally characterized by low stocks of ash elements in the aboveground herbaceous phytomass (1.1-3.3 cwt/ha) with reduced ash content of the dominant grasses. Recommendations on landscape monitoring in the reserve are suggested to strengthen its role in the sustainable development of the region.