Ecological-coenotic confinement and resources characteristics of <i>Arctostaphylos uva-ursi</i> (L.) Spreng. in Kirov Region

The paper presents data on phytocoenotic confinement and resource parameters of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi in Kirov Region. The species is close to phytocoenotic optimum in pine herbaceous-lichen forests in coniferous-broadleaved forests sub zone. The highest productivity of A. uva-ursi coenopopulations is marked in pine hebaceous-lichen forests (56,1 4,2 g/ m) where the species has maximum coverage (16,8 1,1%) and shoot length (17,7 0,8 cm). Presence of A. uva-ursi in communities increases southwards within the Region. A. uva-ursi is restricted to sandy and sabulous soils with high acidity level (pH 3,4-4,0), humus poor and insignificant content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Reliable relation (р 0,05) between A. uva-ursi leaves productivity and Mg content in soil (r = 0,85) was defined. We have also determined straight and reliable connection between coverage, shoots number and productivity (R = 0,71-0,97). Raw material productivity can be presented by regression equation: P = Ао + А1C + А2N, где: P - Productivity (raw weight, g/m), C - coverage (%), N - number of shoot (per m). Biological stock (BS) of A. uva-ursi in Kirov Region reaches 285,5 t. Distribution of BS among vegetative subzones and administrative regions is uneven: 51% of BS (144,7 t) is concentrated in middle taiga subzone. Exploitation stock (ES) in the Region reaches 109,1 t. Volume of possible annual collection - 7,9 t, which is enough for local needs. In lichen pine forests with areas of A. uva-ursi in Kirov Region when 75% of peripheral shoots are cut , it does not recover within 5-years period between collections.