EFFECT OF GRAZING ON JUNIPER FOREST SOILS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN TYAN-SHAN REGION

Alteration of juniper forest ecosystems by grazing is discussed. In th e early stages of grazing-caused degradation, a secondary lateral nonu niformity of the soil cover and vegetation occurs. Changes in the prop erties of soils, in the supply of phytomass and in the species makeup of plant communities as a result of grazing are described. Soils and p lant communities of northern and southern slopes differ in their toler ance of grazing. Even when areas are protected, the recovery of the so il cover and vegetation is very slow.