Abstract
<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the phytocoenotic associations, age composition, and ontogenetic structure of Medicago sativa L. coenopopulations in Uzbekistan. Research was conducted in the Eastern Cliff of Ustyurt (Karakuduk, Kassarma, Akbulak), in the Pamir – Alay mountain system, including the southwestern and northern spurs of the Gissar Range, the Kukhitangtau Mountains, the Sangardak River basin, Zhindarya, the Baysuntau Mountains (Upper Machai), and the Nuratau Mountains (Hayatsay), as well as in the Tien-Shan mountain system, including the Kuramin Range (Kamchik mountain pass) and the Tashkent Alatau (vicinity of the village Nevich). A total of ten coenopopulations were studied under various ecological and phytocoenotic conditions. The results showed that the coenopopulations are generally normal but incomplete. The basic ontogenetic spectrum is centered, corresponding to the generative stage with a predominance of middle generative individuals and, considering the biological characteristics of the species (a taproot system with well-developed lateral roots), corresponds to the characteristic type. Coenopopulations (CP 1, 6, 7, 9) of the left-sided type represent deviations from the characteristic pattern, likely determined by anthropogenic factors, habitat conditions, soil properties, and vegetation cover. Evaluation of age structure (Δ) and population efficiency (ω) indicated that most coenopopulations belong to the maturing type.</p>