Spatial regularities of placing the halophytic associations of Elton lakeside terrace

The article shows the results of research carried out in 2012-2013 in the Eltonsky natural park. This area is located in the southeast of the European part of Russia and includes Elton Lake and its surrounding landscapes - one of the most valuable natural territorial complexes of southern Russia. The objective of the research is to reveal patterns of distribution of halophytic associations. The author applies the method of landscape profiling, conducts geobotanical descriptions and selects soil samples to determine soil moisture coefficient over the horizons. The results of this study characterize the patterns of distribution of halophytic plant associations of Elton lakeside terrace. The article presents the dependence of the distribution of plant associations basin lake Elton depending on soil moisture and relative elevation. The results indicate that the highest soil moisture is observed at the depths of 35-55 cm. Landscaped profiles showed that Halocnemum strobilaceum and Atriplex cana occupy micro lowlands. The land, located over the surrounding space is covered with Suaeda salsa and cereal associations. The communities of Salicornia perennans dominate in the vast fields of salt lakeside. Phragmites australis prevails along the edge of the Malaya Smorogda river.