Ecosystem succession and development of biological turnover are analyzed in a succession series from solonchakous meadow to meadow steppe in the forest steppe zone of Western Siberia. Characteristics of flow processes, biological turnover, and functional and structural diversity of ecosystems are considered. From the initial stages of succession to the final ones the intensity of abiotic flows drops, the degree of openness of the ecosystem decreases sharply and the role of biological turnover grows. The reserves of chemical elements in biomass, net primary production and biogeocenotic activity are maximal at the intermediate stages of succession. Humus reserves in soil increase from the initial stages of succession to the final ones. The diversity of soil processes is maximal at the initial stage of succession, the diversity of life form types, cenotic groups and ecological types of plants at the intermediate stages, and species diversity -in the final stage.
Chernozemic meadow soils solonchakous clay, loamy texture. Lower part of slope of ancient laucustrine outerbar, ground water 2,5-3 m.
Forb-grassy solonetzic steppe
Festuca pseudovina, Agropyron repens var. glaucum, Koeleria gracilis, Medium columnar meadow-steppe solo-