Rare Vascular Plant Species in the Lipetsk Region: Vital Status Assessment

EurAsian Journal of BioSciences Eurasia J Biosci 11, 78-84 (2017)

Vjacheslav L. Zakharov 1*, Tat’jana J. Petrishheva 1, Natal’ja V. Morgachjova 1 1 Yelets state university, Yelets, RUSSIA *Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract This article is devoted to the plant species (first category of rarity) growing in the Lipetsk region. Plants were registered by means of sample plots with the projective cover area indicated. This article presents 9 species of vascular plants and one fern. Based on the field research, we have assessed the vital status and magnitude of plant population within the specified region. We have shown the origin of previously unidentified limiting factors and their affect on the species. This article also reveals the reasons why the species status is unfavorable and provides a reintroduction efficiency assessment. We have also assessed the risks of other preservation measures. We have determined the most effective method for preserving and increasing the number of plant population for each species in a specified region.

Keywords: plant, vitality, phytocoenosis, forest-steppe zone, plant introduction

Zakharov VL, Petrishheva TJ, Morgachjova NV (2017) Rare Vascular Plant Species in the Lipetsk Region: Vital Status Assessment. Eurasia J Biosci 11: 78-84.

INTRODUCTION sosnowskyi, Bidens frondosa, Echinocystis lobata, Impatiens parviflora, Lepidium densiflorum, Epilobium The reasons for plant species disappearance and adenocaulon, Impatiens glandulifera, Oenothera reduction are of a general nature: habitat destruction, biennis, Conyza canadensis, Aster salignus, fragmentation and transformation of natural landscapes, Arrhenatherum elatius, Juncus tenuis (Starodubtseva et air and water pollution (Douda et al. 2017, Speed and al. 2014), Phalacroloma annuum (Kazmina and Austrheim 2017, Weber 2017). Private ownership of Agafonov 2014), Parthenocissus inserta (Khlyzova et al. land also has a negative impact on the natural 2012). Therefore, there have been developed criteria for ecosystems in the region. the Lipetsk Region that allow assessing the degree of The latest research on the plant species (1st species invasiveness (Gaba et al. 2016). category of rarity) growing in the Lipetsk Region dates We have conducted our research in the Lipetsk back to 2011. Scientists have examined several sites in Region because this region is industrially developed. a number of districts: Lipetsk, Krasinsky, Lebedyansky, Consequently, environment is significantly polluted. Dankovsky, Yeletsky, Zadonsky, Usmansky, Therefore, research on endangered species, as well as Stanovlyansky, Dobrovsky, Dolgorukovsky, Gryazinsky, recommendations for their preservation in this region, Khlevensky, Dobrinsky and Terbunsky Districts. A can be an example for species preservation in number of rare plants were recorded in these areas. As ecologically similar regions. for the Red Book plants (1st category of rarity), scientists The purpose of this research was to update data recorded lichens (Lecanora albescens) in the on the presence, magnitude and vital status of 9 Krasninsky District. The reasons why this species are vascular plant species (1st category of rarity) for the Red rare within the area are unclear. Limestone mining, Book of the Lipetsk Region and to find a plant grass fires, limestone outcrops overgrowing with tall preservation method. grass and woody-shrub vegetation pose a threat to the species (Kuznetsova et al., 2012). Scientists have also METHODS recorded moss (Neckera pennata) that can disappear due to forest and air pollution (Shcherbakova, 2014); Field research was conducted in the Lipetsk Region Allium ursinum – in the Yeletsky District; and Allium in 2014-2015. Each species was monitored in the schoenoprassum – in the Dankovsky District (Khlyzova and Burmisova 2011, Nedosekina and Skolzneva 2011, Received: December 2016 2014a, 2014b, Sarychev et al. 2011). When natural Accepted: June 2017 habitats of rare plant species are disturbed, there appear Printed: August 2017 species that replace the rare ones: Heracleum

EurAsian Journal of BioSciences 11: 78-84 (2017) Zakharov et al.

Table 1. Selected plants in June; in 2015, according to our data, it was at the level № Plant names habitat in the Lipetsk Region of the max hygroscopic moisture content – 12-15% of limestone oak fern (Gymnocarpium Lebedyansky District, Doctorovo 1 robertianum (Hoffm.) Newm.) village, the Don river bank the absolutely dry soil mass. Indirect negative effect of Dobrovsky District, Makhonovo 2 sand iris (Iris arenaria Waldst. et Kit) the third natural limiting factor was that a decrease in village, the Voronezh river village marsh helleborine (Epipactis Dankovsky Ddistrict, Bigildino snow cover thickness has led to a reduction in soil water 3 palustris (Mill.) Crantz) village, oak grove reserves by the spring period. Decrease in soil water fine-leaved peony (Paeonia Volovsky District, Turchanovo 4 tenuifolia L.) village, the Kshen river bank reserves is one of the reasons why the ground water Dankovsky Ddistrict, Polibino runoff over the limestone cracks feeding the lower part 5 Astragalus albiculis DC. village, rocky ravine of rocky outcrops along the river banks of the Central Lebedyansky District, 6 Astragalus dasyanthus Pall Gryaznovka village, ravine Russian Upland is weakening. Decrease in a degree of Izmalkovsky District, Lobanovka thyme (Thymus cretaceus Klok. et soil moistening is also evidenced by a change in 7 village, the Bystraya Sosna river Shost.) bank vegetation: the share of xerophytic grasses (red spire lady’s-slipper orchid (Cypripedium Dankovsky Ddistrict, Bigildino 8 and crested wheatgrass) in the plant cover has calceolus L.) village, oak grove increased. Reducing thickness of the snow cover also Khlevensky District, Vertyachye 9 military orchid (Orchis militaris L.)

village, the Voronezh river bank. had another indirect effect on the species status: in winter, the danger of soil/roots freezing has increased. following phenological stages: vegetation before As the status of the limestone oak fern population is flowering, flowering, fruiting. Plants were registered by weak, there are appearing many yellow wilting fronds means of sample plots with the projective cover area due to a decrease in soil moisture content. The latter indicated (Table 1). Each phytocoenosis involved 20 decreases due to a decrease in the amount of soil water sample square plots with an area of 100 m2 reserves. As there is no shadow from trees or bushes, (Syreyshchikov and Alyokhin 1926). During the study, a sun rays can dry the soil around the plants and cause detailed survey of the habitat of plants, their growth, sunburn. This and the increased transpiration reduce the color, and age was carried out. turgor. Sand iris RESULTS 1 species found. Soil over-moistening by spring waters of the Voronezh River is an abiotic limiting factor Limestone oak fern affecting the sand iris population. In the Lipetsk Region, 1 slightly depressed population with an area of 9 m2. water erosion (abiotic factor) and gathering The species prefers significantly humidified outcrops of (anthropogenic factor) were the major limiting factor in carbonate rocks (limestone, malmstone) bordered by places where iris sand was previously encountered. forests. It can be found on the forested slopes of river Water erosion is affecting indirectly: bedding rocks, on banks. Previously established limiting factors for the which the iris grew, were washed away from the slopes. specified cenopopulations are the following: abiotic Currently, sand iris growing in the Lipetsk Region has factors – low temperatures (freezing), biotic factors – almost disappeared giving way to the leafless iris (Iris eating by wild animals (roe deer, wild boar), aphylla L.) and dwarf iris (Iris humilis G.). Since the sand anthropogenic factors – unregulated tourism. Based on iris requires light granulometric soil composition, the observations, 3 new abiotic limiting factors were reason why the magnitude of its population reduces established: high air temperature in summer (up to 40 becomes apparent. Sand iris has longer underground °C v. the max 35 °C in 2014); low atmospheric moisture stem and is more demanding for loose and aerated soil capacity in summer (up to 45% v. 55% in 2014); compared to other two species presented above. Sand reducing thickness of the snow cover (5 cm v. 20 cm in iris prefers to settle on sandy soil phases along the 2014). Direct negative effect of natural limiting factors on edges of forests. Such environment is typical for the the vital activity of the limestone oak fern populations Dobrovsky District. However, this area is located on a was that the atmospheric moisture capacity, recorded in macrorelief called the Tambov Plain, which annually the first half of June and the second half of July, has descends a few millimeters down entailing gradual caused more intensive transpiration in leaves. This flooding by groundwater. At the indicated location of the entails a significant loss of water in plants. Direct effect sand iris, we found no anthropogenic influence. of the second limiting factor (high air temperature) in the Reduction in the number of specimens in this population specified calendar periods was that sunburns appeared can be explained by a rise in the level of groundwater. on the leaves. These two limiting natural factors affected Direct effect of this limiting factor is that aeration fern populations indirectly as well: the amount of water conditions are deteriorating. Indirect effect of this factor evaporated from the soil during the specified summer is as follows: marsh vegetation begins to grow around periods was greater than in normal years. Since the the population due to swamp formation. It will compete limestone oak fern requires high moisture supply, we with iris in the struggle for nutrients and space. The should emphasize that there is a soil water deficit. In groundwater level rises as a result of the annual lowering 2014, soil moisture content was at the level of 18-20%

EurAsian Journal of BioSciences 11: 78-84 (2017) Zakharov et al. of the Tambov Plain. This leads to swamp formation in grew, but simply limited its growth over the slope. the species habitat. Hydrological soil regime is However, these places were available for grazing. Thus, changing: soil is flooded by spring waters of the the last small population of the fine-leaved peony (on the Voronezh River for a much longer time. Poor soil right bank of the Kshen River, Turchanovo village) has aeration is detrimental to a species that prefers drained disappeared due to the sheep trampling the soil around areas. the peony and eating its leaves and flowers. Soil Marsh helleborine trampling has led to its re-consolidation, and thereby, 3 populations with 15-30 species in each. There are prevented the growth of roots. Plant eating at spring 3 new biotic factors that were previously unavailable: made it impossible for the seeds to appear. forest understory development, represented by dwarf Astragalus albicaulis DC. honeysuckle and ruderal vegetation (mainly cotton 2 species recorded. Limiting factors affecting the burdock); rills formed by hooves and canines of wild growth of this population are the following: land boars searching for food; fallen trees. This affects the subsidence due to water erosion (abiatic factor), shading natural environment significantly: sun’s rays dry the soil and plant eating by wild animals (biotic factors), sheep through the gaps allowing the drought-resistant and grazing (anthropogenic factors). There was also light-loving plants to grow and compete for moisture. recorded a new previously unidentified biotic limiting Forest understory development based on shrubs factor: increase in the land under Tatar maple and dog- creates a shadow effect, and thereby, protects the soil rose trees. Competition for moisture, as well as loose from drying out. On the other hand, shrubs are strong substrate used to grow Tatar maple and dog-rose trees, competitors in the fight against the helleborine for as natural biotic factor has a direct impact on the nutrients and moisture. However, we have noticed that population of the milkvetch (albicaulis). Their shoots helleborine avoids growing closely to shrubs and ruderal spread from the top of the slope. On the one hand, they vegetation. The plant prefers shaded areas of forests, will help to strengthen the slope in terms of water erosion where aspen, white and balsam poplar grow on the resistance, and thereby, to protect the substrate. On the territory without under stories and weeds. Forest soil other hand, there may be competition for moisture and disturbance by wild boars has a direct effect on the space. How the slope afforestation will affect the helleborine population – part of roots is eaten by astragalus status is not yet clear. The anthropogenic animals, part – exposed and damaged. This factor – sheep grazing – is unambiguously a dangerous undoubtedly inhibits the growth of marsh helleborine factor. Water soil erosion affects the species indirectly: population, but not to an extant of species extinction. through the reduction of the soil space for the roots. Anthropogenic affect on the population was not Biotic and anthropogenic factors affect directly. Since recorded. The appearance of forest edges as a result of the most numerous population of the milkvetch tree death indirectly affects the population through the (albicaulis) was found only on the chalk, loose naked soil moisture content. The later decreases as gaps slopes (Voronezh and Rostov Districts), its status in the appear. This inhibits the growth of marsh helleborines Lipetsk Region is unfavorable due to the lack of such a that prefer moist and shady areas. In this case, their loose substrate on hard limestone rocks. Recorded place is occupied by drought-resistant plants. Spread of species are located at the very edge of the limestone- species through the forest is prevented by the increased clay cliff. Trees and shrubs begin to grow at the top of number of understories of shrubs and ruderal the slope, where the sod grows, as a competitor for a vegetation. This restrains the growth of helleborine loose substrate and moisture. The lower part of the slope populations, because there is a competition for moisture is represented by the hard limestone outcrops without and light. Soil disturbance by wild boars is often a reason any loose substratum. The life space of the Astragalus why helleborine roots are on the surface and dry up. In albicaulis is too narrow. the case of sandy soils, old falling trees also negatively Astragalus dasyanthus Pall affect the status of marsh helleborines. Lebedyansky District was the last species habitat – Fine-leaved peony dry ravine, Gryaznovka village. Abiotic limiting factor Limiting factors affecting the growth of fine-leaved affecting the growth of this population is the same as in peony in the Lipetsk Region are the following: water and the case of Astragalus albicaulis – wind erosion. It wind erosion of steppe areas (abiotic factors), trampling affects indirectly through the reduction of the soil space and soil disturbance by animals digging burrows (biotic for the roots. There was also recorded a new previously factors). Currently, these factors are also valid. There unidentified anthropogenic limiting factor – cattle were also recorded new previously unidentified grazing. This factor affects the species directly causing anthropogenic limiting factors: grass mowing and sheep the extinction of this species in the Lipetsk Region. grazing. Anthropogenic factors were the only factors that Systematic soil trampling around the plants inhibited the caused the small-leaved peony loss in the region. Grass growth of roots. Plant eating before flowering or during mowing did not affect the steep slopes where the peony flowering made it impossible for the seeds to appear.

EurAsian Journal of BioSciences 11: 78-84 (2017) Zakharov et al.

Astragalus dasyanthus was too vulnerable for the Loose substrate accumulates at the bottom of the environment of the Lipetsk Region. Soil trampling and ravine, but its structure is different – there is no moss plant damaging by pets have led the extinction of and the soil moisture content is lower, since there is no species. shadow from the trees. This site is occupied by tall Thyme grasses (bromegrass, timothy grass, meadow foxtail, 3 good populations. Limiting factors affecting the bushgrass). According to our measurements, soil growth of thymes are the following: water erosion moisture content was 17% of the dry soil mass in the (abiotic factor) and gathering for medicinal purposes current year June. Last year June, this indicator was (anthropogenic factor). There was also recorded a new 22%. Visually, the change can be traced with vegetation previously unidentified biotic limiting factor: increase in – sedge grass (hairy sedge, vernal sedge) and orchids the area under the Tatar maple and dog-rose trees that (lesser butterfly-orchid) were replaced by the shade- begin to grow at the top of the slope and move down the tolerant plants described above. At the forest edges, slope. Water erosion affects indirectly – through the vegetation cover (described above) was transformed nutrient substrate destruction. Anthropogenic factor into a more drought-resistant and light-loving one. Thus, affects directly. In the Dankovsky District, species grow environment is too arid for species vitality to be at the very edge of the limestone-clay cliff. Biotic factor excellent. Two previously noted species did not form any affects indirectly – through the competition for the space flower-bearing stems. According to the last survey with young plants of Tatar maple and dog-rose, and conducted in the current year, there are no species on through the higher plants shading the thymes. In the the territory of the Samoylovskie Vyselki. Perhaps, there Izmalkovsky Region, thyme populations suffer from local is a karst process, during which the water flows through people gatherings the plans and from water erosion. In the subterranean cracks and comes to the surface dawn the Dankovsky Region, thyme population was almost the stream during the summer period. At the same time, destroyed due to two factors: annual land subsidence the sod mat is slipping out of the place; rocky areas are caused by the spring meltwaters and by trees and exposed and the bottom of channels is downwarped. shrubs growing in the following directing – from the Anthropogenic limiting factors were not detected. Since upper part of the slope. the limiting factors are affecting the growth of lady’s- slipper orchids, we single out the following reasons why Lady’s-slipper orchid the status of the species is unfavorable in the In the last species habitat (Samoylovskie Vyselki, Samoylovskie Vyselki: nutrient substrate destruction; Dankovsky District, the upper ravine), plant species reduced humidity; competition between the shade- were replaced with the drought-resistant ones while the tolerant grass and the broad-leaved plants from other soil moisture content was reduced. Limiting factors families; decreasing soil moisture content. affecting the growth of the population remain: soil drying and water erosion (abiotic factors), broad-leaved Military orchid vegetation growing as a competitor for light – lily of the 1 population, represented by 5 species. Their vitality valley; Solomon’s seal – multiflorum, odoratum; marsh is satisfactory. Limiting factors affecting the growth of the sowthistle) (biotic gactors). Green moss, small orchis, orchis are the following: gathering (anthropogenic flax, sedge grass and orchids have completely factor), vegetation that grows in grain fields – cotton disappeared, but the share of shade-tolerant grasses burdock, creeping thistle, field milk thistle, common increased (wood millet, giant fescue, black bent, wormwood, tansy – begins to growth in moist habitats as mountain melick, common quaking grass). The share of well (biotic factor). Proximity to the settlement light-loving grass (timothy grass, meadow fescue, (Vertyachye village) contributes to direct anthropogenic meadow foxtail, common meadow-grass, bushgrass, interference. Gathering plants for bouquets greatly bromegrass) has also increased. There were no new threatens the status of plant population. This can limiting factors found. We have compared the data on completely destroy it. On grassy glades, drought- the habitat collected in previous years with the current resistant vegetation began to prevail as a consequence information and found out that in spring, a thin humic of a decrease in soil moisture content after the shrubs layer with half-decomposed moss is being washed away were removed. This limits the growth of orchid by meltwater from the slopes to the bottom of the ravine. population. The glades, however, can regain the former At the same time, limestone areas are exposed. The hydrological regime upon condition that precipitation will nutrient substrate suitable for the orchid growth is be abundant in winter and summer. Competition for light destroyed, or rather it moves from the shady part of the and moisture with the plants growing in grain fields will oak forest to the bottom of the ravine that is completely intensify in dry periods and stop in wet periods. open to the sun’s rays. High humidity and the presence of a turf-like layer of semi-decomposed moss with DISCUSSION constant groundwater feed are prerequisites of good Negative human impact on the environment has vitality completely violated in the Samoylovskie Vyselki. serious consequences, in particular for lichens that are

EurAsian Journal of BioSciences 11: 78-84 (2017) Zakharov et al. very sensitive to external influences, especially air one should increase the density of tree belts by planting pollution making them vulnerable [16-18]. Based on this shrubs in their lower story. property, we consider the group as an important San iris species should be replanted in more suitable indicator of the overall state of environment. areas. In the Lipetsk Region, for these would be more Research reliability is based on a complete drained and higher areas with light granulometric examination of the following aspects: composition of soil (sandy soils and loosened loamy 1. species habitat; sands). Forest borders located on high terraces above 2. its life cycle; the floodplain are ideal for replanting. The groundwater depth should be at least 4 meters. Plants can be 3. natural changes. reintroduced both as seeds and underground stem. The Preserving mosses and lichens is extremely process of planting forest species resistant to swamping important to maintain a balanced natural state of the (black alder, crack willow, white poplar) for the purpose habitat, since they are directly involved in soil formation of local reclamation will help to reduce the degree of (Agnan et al. 2015, Nelson 2013, Vázquez et al. 2015). water saturation. However, the effect will be temporary Species frequency is rare and distribution – local – as long as the groundwater rises even higher. There is since they are confined to particular ecotopes (turf, no need in other forms of interference for species sandstones, limestones) (Saniewski et al. 2016, preservation. In the Lipetsk Region, sand iris population Wrzesień et al. 2016, Zieminska-Smyk et al. 2015), can be preserved only by reintroduction into drained growth at the border of the habitat (particular epiphytic soils of light granulometric composition, located on high types of broad-leaved forests). Rare frequency or local terraces above the floodplain in Dobrovsky, Lipetsk and distribution are also conditioned by a significant Usmansky Districts. anthropogenic impact in the area of energy, iron and Marsh helleborine reintroduction into other broad- steel enterprise enterprises of the Lipetsk Region (pine leaved forest phytocoenoses seems to be a quite forests on the left bank of the Voronezh River) effective measure if the following requirements are met: (Shcherbakova 2014). forest are should be located on a lowered platform with Thus, data on these rare plant species make it close occurrence of groundwater (30-100 cm); broad- possible to assess the prospects for their growth, the leaved forest area should not have weeds or fully ecological situation in the region, to predict the number stocked forest understory; tree density should be of populations and their magnitude, as well as method maximized to provide sufficient shade and greater for its improvement. thickness of the forest litter. Plants can be reintroduced Also there is a constant monitoring of all kinds of both as seeds and underground stem. The experiment plants, their account is regularly updated in the Red will show the comparative effectiveness of these Book of the Lipetsk region. For each species, methods. As for other forms of interference into the illustrations, a distribution map, a status and a category marsh helleborine habitat, we should draw our attention of rarity are given, a brief description, information on the to artificial overstocking by planting aspen, white and number and necessary security measures (Novikov balsamic poplars, small trees (mountain ash, European 2005). crab apple, European wild pear) and large shrubs. This will not create a competition for the helleborine CONCLUSIONS population and will provide additional shading and increase the forest litter thickness. In the Lipetsk Region, Limestone oak fern can be reintroduced by the most effective way to increase the number of transplanting grown plants to moist and shaded soil helleborine populations is to reintroduce the species into between rock limestone outcrops. Such areas must the forest phytocenoses, characterized by the greatest have stable soil moistening by groundwater. In the case shade and soil moisture content. These forest of planting a limestone oak fern in places without such phytocenoses, located in water-logged areas or in low moistening that are unprotected by the shadow of trees lands, are also characterized by great thickness of forest or shrubs, reintroduction process will not be successful. litter layers. In order to improve the microclimate of fern populations, In the Lipetsk Region, fine-leaved peony can be we advise to plant shrubs around the limestone reintroduced as seeds and underground stem. In the outcrops. The underground flow can be intensified due to increased snow retention. This can be achieved by case of successful reintroduction, livestock grazing and grass mowing should be completely stopped in places planting open tree belts in the fields located in the upper adjacent territory. The most effective way to preserve suitable for the growth of fine-leaved peony in order to preserve the species. These areas shall be declared as and increase the population of plant species is to frame a natural monument. In the Lipetsk Region, the only the limestone outcrops with bushes. Snow retention in the area opposite the place where the fern grows is a possible way to restore the population of fine-leaved second the most effective method. Higher up the slope, peony is to transplant the species from the Voronezh

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Region to the steepest river slopes far from the effectively reintroduced in places with limestone rocks populated areas. exposed to weathering. As for other forms of The milkvetch (albicaulis) can be effectively interference into the thyme habitat, we should draw our reintroduced by planting seeds along those limestone attention to the loose substrate retention by means of slopes where there is no chernozemic layer of sod, but man-made fences or by creating terraces for thymes to a loose weathered limestone substrate instead. Slope root in. The most effective way to increase the number steepness should not allow the loose limestone soil to of species populations is to protect its habitats from be washed away. The loose substrate must be fixed by grazing, gathering and fire. Loose limestone substrate hard rocks or exposed tree roots. Only this type of soil retention is also an effective method. will be suitable for the milkvetch while other species, not Lady’s-slipper orchid reintroduction by planting adapted to such a substrate, will be far behind in a grown plants or seeds requires forest communities with competitive struggle. The milkvetch has powerful roots the maximum shading, humidity and soil moisture penetrating deep into the cracks between the rocks if content. Species should be planted either on small they are filled with weathered loose material. As for other skirts, located on moistlands, or at the banks of forest forms of interference into the milkvetch habitat, we streams not stocked with shrubs, tall grass and ruderal should draw our attention to the loose substrate vegetation. Soil should be a combination of forest, retention by means of man-made fences or by creating meadow and peat substrates. Plants can be terraces for the milkvetch (albicaulis) to root in. Besides reintroduced both as seeds and underground stem. In reintroduction, there should be another measures to the Samoylovskie Vyselki, species population can be preserve this rare species in the Lipetsk Region. Initially, restored at the condition of high humidity and higher soil there should be created several sites with artificially moisture content. Thus, oak forest density must be retained limestone substrates, protected from shedding, increased on the slopes by planting small trees water erosion and colonization by alien herbs and (mountain ash, European crab apple, European wild shrubs. Reintroduction process will be effective only pear, common hazel, grey alder) and shrubs (dwarf after this measure. The milkvetch (albicaulis) is honeysuckle, warty-barked spindle, alder buckthorn, reintroduced as seeds collected in Voronezh or Rostov bird cherry). At the bottom of the ravine, one should build Districts. a small dam out of loamy bank to accumulate melt and In the Lipetsk Region, milkvetch (dasyanthus) can be rain water, and to form swamps. Black alder should be effectively reintroduced as seeds collected in the planted on the boundaries of the ravine bottom. The southern regions of the Central Black Earth Region. latter will be the place for lady’s-slipper orchid to grow. Seeds should be planted in the south ravines of the In the Lipetsk Region, the most effective way to restore Lipetsk Region. The plants should be completely the populations of the lady’s-slipper orchid is to protected from mowing, grazing, tourism and traffic. reintroduce it at the banks of forest streams. Slopes should be south-facing and occupied by steppe Military orchid can be effectively reintroduced by vegetation. An effective way to restore the population of planting grown species or seeds in moist forest skirts milkvetch (dasyanthus) is to plant its seeds in places along the banks of forest streams after clearing such inaccessible for grazing, especially in the southernmost glades from vegetation that grows in grain fields. In the areas of the Lipetsk Region. These areas should have a event of violated stream conditions (sinking), conservation status. reintroduction will not be successful. Plants can be Thymes can be effectively reintroduced as seeds on reintroduced both as seeds and underground stem. The limestone slopes with a loose weathered limestone most effective way to increase the number of substrate. Slope steepness should not allow the loose populations is to reintroduce the species into the moist limestone soil to be washed away. The loose substrate forest skirts along the banks of forest streams that are must be fixed by hard rocks or exposed tree roots. Only not subject to colonization by shrubs and ruderal this type of soil will be suitable for thymes while other vegetation. In this case, the groundwater depth should species, not adapted to such a substrate, will be far be 50-100 cm. behind in a competitive struggle. Thymes can be

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EurAsian Journal of BioSciences 11: 78-84 (2017) Zakharov et al.

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