Scientific Journal of KubSAU

In the article we have stated results of the monitoring of local populations of rare plans species in the territory of the nature monument (NM) of the Rostov region «Raznotravno-tipchakovo-kovylnaya steppe» (Zernogradsky district). Vegetation of NM belongs to the poor version of the Azov steppe, flora contains 291 species, including 13 rare species (Astragalus ponticus Pall., Bellevalia sarmatica (Pall. ex Georgi) Woronow, Calophaca wolgarica (L. f.) DC., Caragana scythica (Kom.) Pojark., Centaurea talievii Kleop., Crambe pinnatifida R. Br., C. tataria Sebeok, Crocus reticulatus Stev. ex Adam, Eriosуnaphe longifolia (Fisch. ex Spreng.) DC., Iris pumila L., Stipa pulcherrima К. Koch, S. ucrainica P. Smirn., Tulipa schrenkii Regel), included in the Red List of the Rostov region, including 6 species included in the Red List of the Russian Federation. In 2016 were specified the patterns of rare species distribution in NM borders, and also other important parameters of their populations (number, density, age structure, etc.). The group of rare plants species, included in the Red List of the Rostov region, in the territory of NM includes 65 % of their total number known in Zernogradsky district. The special sozological value of NM is determined by the large local populations of Calophaca wolgarica, Astragalus ponticus and Crambe pinnatifida. Local populations of all rare species in the territory of NM can be considered to be steady as inhabit here during last 50 years

Significant changes in mountain ecosystems occur after deforestation on limestone massifs of the Western Caucasus. Tall-mountain-meadow vegetation with a large variety of species formed at low and medium soil disturbance 3 years after logging. Physical and biological properties of calcareous soils also vary greatly. The values of biological activity decrease at the maximum load is more than 10 times. Biological activity is increased by 20-50% or more cutting stations with low disorders. Biological properties of soils (especially the enzymatic activity) are very sensitive indicators of changes that have occurred as a result of logging. Changes in the activity of soil hydrolases different from changing oxidase activity at different times after logging

The regularity that increases biological and enzymatic activity with increasing the age of the deposits of 10 to 82 years has been shown. The indicator of recovery of black leached soil steppes can be presented as invert-ase activity and humus content, as well as reducing the density of the soil. Integrated indicator of the biological properties decreases with decreasing age deposits: 82 years (100%) - 26 years (84%) - 16 and 10 years (74%) - arable land (64%)

We have studied changes in flora, humus content, peroxidase activity and polyphenoloxidase in ordinary black soils in natural succession of different-age deposits. We have also selected stage successions in uneven deposits