The structure of plant communities in the dry steppes of Central Mongolia and their response to irrigation

The present state of the dry-steppe vegetation cover is considered on the example of Central Mongolia, including the structure of plant communities and the vitality of dominant species at the time of peak vegetation and in a winter period. Data on the plant communities have revealed the dominance of Ephedra sinica , a small xeromorphic shrub, and a sizeable decrease in the share of the tussocky graminoid Stipa krylovii , of which the majority of specimens was found in a state of inactivity. Due to the intensification of grazing and a prolonged period of soil-moisture deficiency, the response of Stipa krylovii tussocks to an artificial water supply was insignificant.