Halophytic vegetation in the Maloserdobinsky District of the Penza Region

The halophytic vegetation of three salt marshes of the Maloserdobinsky district of the Penza Region was studied. 424 species of vascular plants were noted in the flora of these saline areas. One species of these is protected at the level of Russian Federation and 22 – at the regional level. Halophytic vegetation occupies 78,4% of the territory of the studied areas. Moreover, there are close shares of halophytic steppes (42,4%) and halophytic meadows (36%) everywhere. However, halophytic steppes predominate in Chunak solontsovaya Polyana (69,4%), and halophytic meadows predominate in Danilovskaya solontsovaya Polyana (39,4%) and Korzovaya Hollow (60,0%). Semi-shrubby halophytic steppes dominate the Chunak solontsovaya Polyana (43%), and perennial grass halophytic meadows dominate the Danilovskaya solontsovaya Polyana (39,4%) and Korzovaya Hollow (55,0%). The main stages of halophyte vegetation demutation are highlighted. They differ depending on the degree of moisture and salinity of the soil. The studied saline areas in the Maloserdobinsky district of the Penza Region have great scientific value, but only one of them (natural monument «Danilovskaya solontsovaya Polyana») is currently protected. Solonets which is located 2 km from the village Chunaki is also recommended to become a natural monument called «Chunak solontsovaya Polyana».