Feature of Syngenetic Succession in Technologically Disturbed Landscapes of Kabardino-Balkaria

Abstract

The article presents the results of monitoring syngenetic succession on a toxic substrate of the tailings of the Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum plant in 2001 and 2018. According to the features of succession processes on terraces of different ages, 3 types of ecotopes were distinguished: 1 - automorphic (eluvial) upper slopes; 2 - transit transeluvial of the middle part of the slopes; 3 - transelyuvial-accumulative foothills of the slopes. The delay in the beginning of the phases of succession and the duration of the stages of syngenesis grows in the series 3 → 2 → 1. In 2018, the state of vegetation cover corresponded to the initial stages of syngenesis and was characterized by a high level of synanthropization and apophytization of the flora. On the lower and middle terraces of the tailing, weeds and intruders dominate, not typical of the zonal flora. On the upper terraces ruderal and pioneer plants are found sporadically. The succession process on the technogenic substrate of the tailings takes place spontaneously and under extreme conditions, the onset of the final stages of natural demutation is problematic. In order to stabilize the technogenic ecotope, it is necessary to carry out the technical stage of recultivation (application of fertile layer on the ground) with the sowing of multi-species grass mixtures, the wild-growing components of which are most tolerant of the extreme substrate (Cirsium vulgare, Centaurea kubanica, Taraxacum officinale, Echium vulgare, Jurinea ciscaucasica, Inula germanica).