The concept of the phytogenic field: theory, research experience and practical significance

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the theoretical foundations of the concept of the phytogenic field, to show the fruitfulness and practical feasibility of studying the phytogenic field of plants, especially edificatory species, using the example of studies carried out in various ecological and phytocenotic conditions and to determine the effect of uneven-aged black saxaul plants on wormwood-ephemeral vegetation by studying phytogenic field of this edificator species. The phytogenic field of black saxaul was studied by the phytometer method in the Karnabchul desert. It was found that the phytogenic effect of the edificator on the wormwood-ephemeral vegetation is observed at a distance of 90-150 cm outside the crown, depending on the age state of black saxaul. The average crown radius of black saxaul in the studied phytocenosis is 115 cm, and the average radius of its phytogenic field is 235 cm.To create a continuous integral phytogenic field in the entire phytocenosis, 434 black saxaul individuals per 1 ha are required evenly.