Work

Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Spatial Analysis of Arid Sparse Forest Vegetation in the Turyanchay State Nature Reserve (within Azerbaijan)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The research was conducted in the territory of the Turyanchay State Nature Reserve, located in Ganja-Gazakh and Shirvan physiographic regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Here, arid, sparse forest vegetation was studied using phytocenological principles. The study analyzed the relief, altitudinal zones, and spatial distribution characteristics of the Turyanchay State Nature Reserve (SNR) using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach. The analyses were conducted in the ArcGIS Pro software environment. Based on the digital elevation model (DEM) of the area, elevation intervals, slope, and exposure indicators were calculated, and the relationship of these indicators with the distribution of pistachio-juniper arid sparse forests was assessed. Studies were carried out based on generally accepted geobotanical principles, and species forming vegetation were determined; their life forms were clarified. It has been established that arid, sparse forest vegetation consists of 2 formations and 3 associations within the forest vegetation type. This type of vegetation was also found in the mountainous part of Lankaran (within the Yardimli region) and in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. In the course of the study, a classification scheme of plant groupings was developed, and geobotanical descriptions were given. Phytocenological analysis revealed that the association Caraganetum-Pistaciae-Juniperosum was formed with participation of 25 species (20-50% of total cover), the association Astragaletum- Acantholimonae-Juniperosum with 18 species (45% of total cover), and the association Paliurusetum- Pistaciae-Juniperosum with 24 species (60% of total cover). In general, in these cenoses, Pistacia mutica Fisch. et C.A. Mey., Juniperus oblonga Bieb., J. polycarpos K. Koch, and Paliurus spina-christi Mill. are recorded as the dominant species.

Source: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies

DOI: 10.15244/pjoes/222425