The described study is a part of experimental investigation on nonlinear response of ecosystems to altered precipitation. The experimental site is situated in Karadag nature reserve and consists of 21 plots 2 × 2 m, where the precipitation rate is artificially changed by ±60, ±40, ±20 % of normal rate with three replicates. Vegetation community represents the association Eryngio-Stipetum ponticae, alliance Veronici multifidae – Stipion ponticae, class Festuco-Brometea. The floristic composition in 2011 consisted of 82 species of 62 genera and 20 families. Therophytes / hemicryptophytes ratio >1. The average stock biomass is 1192 g/m2. Synphytoindication analysis shows correlation of ecological factors; their indices fluctuate insignificantly, that proves the similarity of conditions and is important for further monitoring.

Keywords: steppe, Karadag Nature Reserve, vegetation, phytoindication, monitoring, experimental site, altered precipitation

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