DYNAMICS OF PHYTOMASS STORES IN THE FORBS-RED-NEEDLE-GRASS STEPPE OF TROITSKII SANCTUARY

Results are set forth from long-term (1973-1990) investigations of the stores of above ground phytomass in the forbs-red-needle-grass steppe of the Troitskii sanctuary (Chelyabinsk Oblast, forest steppe). A rec tilinear dependence of the mass of live organic matter on the amount o f precipitation was established. The maximum stores of dead plant rema ins were recorded in the fifth-eighth year after the beginning of obse rvations and establishment of protected status, after which a gradual reduction in them was observed. Some information on the mass of underg round organs is reported.