Plant formations found in xerophytic (arid) sparse forests in the Azerbaijan territory and their protection

Based on the ecological and geobotanical studies conducted in xerophytic (arid) sparse forests in the territory of Azerbaijan and the study of the relevant literature, a classification scheme was developed taking into account xerophytic tree species that form such groups as Caragana grandiflora DC. and Astragalus microcephalus Willd. In the course of the study, based on phytocoenological principles, a xerophytic (arid) sparse forest type of vegetation was noted in the Turyanchay Reserve, in the mountainous part of the Lankaran-Yardymli district, in Nakhchivan and the Gabala district located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus. It was established that this type of vegetation consists of 1 formation class, 2 formation groups and 2 associations. A geobotanical description and species composition of the formations was carried out and it was established that the sparse forests of Caraganeta-Pistacetum-Juniperosum , found in the leguminous shrubs, need protection from the negative impact of anthropogenic factors. And this, in turn, creates the basis for the conservation of plant formations found in the forest ecosystems of Azerbaijan.