Current state and ecological features of Hippophae rhamnoides L. cenopopulations in Northern Kazakhstan

Abstract

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is an important resource for agriculture, landscaping, and medicine due to its beneficial properties, high winter hardiness, and adaptability to various soil conditions. These factors make the study of the current state and ecological-cenotic characteristics of sea buckthorn populations in Northern Kazakhstan particularly relevant. The research conducted in the North Kazakhstan and Kostanai regions covers eight key populations of H. rhamnoides and their plant communities. The study found that sea buckthorn thrives and can be successfully used for reclamation in technogenically disturbed areas with moderate moisture. Sea buckthorn forms a shrub layer in forests and creates thickets on the edges of birch groves. In flatland landscapes, sea buckthorn dominates plant communities, particularly in dry steppe and meadow conditions, indicating ecological and phytocenotic plasticity. The species composition of the studied communities involving sea buckthorn depends on the ecological and cenosis conditions of their habitats. The herbaceous layer is predominantly composed of mesoxerophytic species. The studied sea buckthorn populations are mainly composed of pre-generative and generative individuals and require further monitoring and research.