Ukrveg2026: A standardized TURBOVEG database dictionary for the Ukrainian National Phytosociological Database

Given the critical need for the unification and coordinated use of standardized database dictionaries within the TURBOVEG software environment (Hennekens & Schaminée 2001), we propose a standardized popup (Ukrveg2026) for creating and harmonizing databases within the framework of the Ukrainian National Phytosociological Database (UkrVeg).

The proposed popup includes standardized tables for:

• cover-abundance scales,
• bibliographic sources,
• authors of vegetation plots,
• syntaxonomic framework,
• a set of standardized header data fields to ensure data harmonization and consistency.

The bibliographic list contains more than 400 references (including dissertations) that include vegetation plot data already incorporated into existing databases or available for future integration.

The syntaxonomic framework is based on the national vegetation classification of Ukraine, presented in the “Prodromus of the Vegetation of Ukraine” (Dubyna et al. 2019), with subsequent amendments and updates reflecting later national reviews of individual vegetation classes and types.

To install the popup (Ukrveg2026):

1. Download TurbovegDdBackup_Ukrveg2026.zip.
2. Unzip it into the Turbowin/Popup/ directory of your TURBOVEG installation using Database → Backup/Restore → Restore.
3. After extraction, a folder named UKRVEG2026 should appear.
4. The popup will then be available for use within TURBOVEG.

When working with this popup, it is critically important not to manually add new entries to the standardized tables, as this would disrupt synchronization with future updates and may cause errors during database merging.

If additional information is required that is not currently included, users are encouraged to contact the author (yemelianova.sv@gmail.com). Updated versions of the popup will be published on Zenodo.

A database template designed for use with the standardized popup and the unified species list (Ukraine_SL) is also available for download. It is strongly recommended to use this template when creating new databases.

To create a new database:

1. Download the template file TurbovegDdBackup_Ukrveg_temp.zip.
2. In TURBOVEG, select: Database → Backup/Restore → Restore
3. Choose the template file from your computer.
4. Assign a database name (optionally select a destination folder).
5. Click Restore.
6. Open the database via Database → Open and begin entering vegetation plots.