ECOLOGICAL AND COENOTIC EVALUATION OF COMMUNITIES WITH HYDROCOTYLE VULGARIS L.) IN UKRAINE

Abstract

An ecological and cenotic analysis of Hydrocotyle vulgaris, a rare sub-Atlantic species, which is in Ukraine on the eastern border of distribution and is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, was carried out. The article presents data on the distribution of the species in Ukraine, obtained on the basis of personal data, literary materials and the database of the National Biodiversity Information Network (UkrBin). Six new localities of the species are presented. It was discovered that H. vulgaris occurs on the territory of four regions. It is most widespread on the territory of the Volyn and Lviv region. The locality in the Ternopil region should be considered as lost. For the first time, the locality on the territory of the Rivne Nature Reserve, which is currently the easternmost in Ukraine, is given. The phytocenotic peculiarities of the species on the territory of Ukraine and neighboring countries has been established. Types of vegetation with presence of the species were defined. According to the analysis of literary sources, the species is widespread on peat bogs, marshy meadows, in the zone of periodic flooding along the banks of mesotrophic reservoirs, on alder bogs with peaty, moderately acidic, silty sands. In general, the species was noted as part of 6 classes and 9 alliances, presented by woody, shrubby and herbaceous vegetation. Based on personal data, it was found that H. vulgaris occurs in communities of three classes, four alliances and four associations on the territory of Ukraine. The ecological and coenotic study of H. vulgaris made it possible to establish the peculiarities of the ecology of this species. It was established that the leading edaphic factors affecting the distribution of the species are humidity and soil composition. It is limited to nutrient-poor non-saline slightly acidic soils, mainly peaty or sandy. H. vulgaris belongs to the species that are affected by the changing water regime and is limited to places where temporary flooding is observed. It prefers habitats with reduced interspecific competition. Taking into account this feature, it is proposed to introduce regular mowing as a factor that prevents civilization of the territory and stimulates the vegetative renewal of the populations of the species. In tree and shrub communities, it is proposed to carry out selective felling. In order to preserve the populations of the species, it is also necessary to maintain the bare, well-moistened areas. In nearby agricultural lands it is necessary to avoid fertilizers.