Reserves and nutritive value of species of the Medicago L. genus in pastures of the Shirvan (Azerbaijan)

31 are species of the Medicago L. genus - alfalfa common in the Caucasus, 21 in Azerbaijan. 1 of them is cultivated, 7 are distributed directly in the Shirvan territory. As a result of the studies carried out in 10 cenopopulations in different phytocenological arrays, it was revealed that the M. caerulea species is characteristic of all CPs, and at the same time is effective. In terms of age indices and efficiency indices in 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 populations, individuals belonging to the juvenile and immature periods of ontogenesis mainly dominate (Δ=0.08-0.28; ω=0.21-0,54). In 8 and 9 fully mature populations, the spread rate of the species, as well as their indices, were high (Δ=0.39-0.55; ω=0.82-0.89). Only in 5 and 6 populations were no individuals found belonging to the senile (s) and subsenile (ss) periods, which is one of the signs confirming the constant development of plant populations. The largest reserve for the annual exploitation of the M. caerulea species falls on the Kura-Araz lowland and the Pirgulu massif of the Shamakhi district. Thus, from the results obtained, it can be concluded that the supply and use of the plant in natural resources as food can be carried out continuously.