Soil-Ecological Characteristics and Biodiversity of the Caspian Coastal Areas of Azerbaijan

Authors

  • Naila Orujova AR SEM Institute of Geography PLE
  • Ulviyya Mammadova AR SEM Institute of Geography PLE
  • Balayar Shahbazov AR SEM Lankaran State University
  • Iltifat Karimov AR SEM Lankaran State University
  • Shabnam Mammadova AR SEM Institute of Geography PLE
  • Yegana Manafova AR SEM Institute of Geography PLE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61761/seamas.4.1.17-28

Keywords:

Caspian Sea coast, coastal soils, plant biodiversity, halophytes

Abstract

The Caspian coastal zone of Azerbaijan is characterized by considerable diversity of soil and vegetation conditions, which are strongly influenced by salinity, moisture regime, sediment composition, hydrological conditions, and anthropogenic pressure. The aim of this study was to characterize the main soil types and associated plant communities and to assess their ecological relationships in the coastal and near-coastal territories of Azerbaijan. The study covered the Absheron Peninsula, Lankaran region, Kura-Araz Lowland, and Samur-Devechi Lowland. Field observations and soil analyses were used to characterize the main soil properties, including moisture, pH, humus content, salinity, and particle-size composition. Plant species associated with different soil types were recorded and classified according to their ecological characteristics. The results showed that soil conditions strongly influence the composition and distribution of coastal vegetation. Saline soils were mainly associated with halophytic and xero-halophytic species, whereas hydromorphic and alluvial soils supported predominantly hydrophytic, hygrophilous, and mesophytic vegetation. Sandy coastal soils were characterized mainly by xerophytic and psammophytic species, while takyr-like soils supported predominantly drought- and salt-tolerant plants. The study highlights the close relationship between soil properties, vegetation composition, and biodiversity in the Caspian coastal landscapes of Azerbaijan. The results provide a basis for further monitoring, conservation, and sustainable management of vulnerable coastal ecosystems

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Published

2026-10-01

How to Cite

Orujova, N., Mammadova, U., Shahbazov, B., Karimov, I., Mammadova, S., & Manafova, Y. (2026). Soil-Ecological Characteristics and Biodiversity of the Caspian Coastal Areas of Azerbaijan. South East Asian Marine Sciences Journal, 4(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.61761/seamas.4.1.17-28

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): September

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Naila Orujova, Ulviyya Mammadova, Balayar Shahbazov, Iltifat Karimov, Shabnam Mammadova, Yegana Manafova

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