JournalTOCs

Arid Ecosystems
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.2

Number of Followers: 2

Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
ISSN (Print) 2079-0961 - ISSN (Online) 2079-0988
Published by Springer-Verlag

[2468 journals]

Biodiversity and Biomass Production of Plant Communities on Coal Mine
Dumps in the Central Russian Forest–Steppe (Tula Oblast)
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The dumps of the Moscow coal basin represent a long-term spontaneous experiment that reflects self-revegetation of a potentially acid soils by herbaceous and woody vegetation. This study investigated the biodiversity of vascular plants and the productivity of plant communities formed on coal dumps in the Tula oblast and described on 32 plots of 10 × 10 m. It was established that plant communities on the surface of the leveled areas of dumps are lower than background and sub-background meadows in both the number of species and reserves of aboveground phytomass. Meanwhile, according to the same parameters, the artificially restored vegetation formed during the reclamation of dumps have higher species richness and yielding capacity the background and sub-background meadows located outside the zones of influence of acid mine drainage from coal dumps.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Protection of Rodents in the Forest–Steppe of the European Part of
Russia
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The forest–steppe is an ecotone biome that has been greatly transformed by humans. Rodents are an important component of most forest–steppe biotopes. This group of mammals is distinguished by high species diversity and its representatives occupy many ecological niches. Rodents are also important to humans due to their impacts on agriculture, health, and other areas of life. The human impact on rodents is also multifaceted and complex, especially in the most heavily modified areas. In Russia, this includes the European part of the forest–steppe zone. The protection of rodents in the forest–steppe of European Russia, its effectiveness, and especially its current state require analysis. The protection of rodent species in this article is considered through the Red Books of the federal and regional levels, as well as through an analysis of the location of specially protected natural areas and the composition of their rodent fauna. Data on protected species and their status were extracted from the regional Red Books. The specially protected natural areas under consideration are briefly characterized. The participation of each rodent species in the fauna of these territories was analyzed. A map of the location of the areas under discussion and a table of the presence of rodent species in them have been compiled. The forest–steppe of European Russia is represented by three biomes: Dnieper–Volga, Zavolzhsky, and Crimean–Caucasian, in which 45 species of rodents were recorded, of which 35 are in the Dnieper–Volga biome, 27 in the Zavolzhsky, 27 in the Caucasian part of the Crimean–Caucasian biome, and 19 in the Crimean part of the Crimean–Caucasian biome. These biomes are located within 21 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. At the regional level, in the forest–steppe of European Russia, from 2 (Bashkortostan, Tula oblast) to 12 species of rodents (Chuvashia) are protected. There are 24 species that are protected in at least one region. One species is protected at the federal level, the speckled ground squirrel. In the forest–steppe of the European part of Russia there are 14 specially protected natural areas federal level: 7 nature reserves, 4 federal reserves, and 3 national parks, of which 9 have data on the species composition of rodents. A total of 33 species of rodents have been recorded in federal reserves. On each specially protected area from 11 (Voroninsky Reserve) to 26 (Belogorye) species were noted.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Geographical Conditions and Factors that Affect the Distribution of
Poisonous Plants in Kazakhstan
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the ecogeographical distribution of poisonous plants in floristic regions of Kazakhstan and identify the effect of arid conditions on their distribution. In total, the 51 most toxic vascular plant species belonging to 34 families were identified in the republic. Cartographic analysis showed that the lesser part of these species are confined to plain floristic regions in northern deserts; while mountain steppe regions have the greater part of toxic species. The largest numbers of poisonous plant species were recorded in the following floristic regions: Western Tien Shan, Tarbagatai, and Altai; the smallest numbers, in Mangyshlak, Northern and Southern Ustyurt, and Buzachi.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Organizational Problems of Soil Salinization Monitoring on Irrigated Lands
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: Saline soils are a huge potential resource of the soil fund of the country, which may be used in agricultural production at present and in the future, if regular collection of system data on saline and solonetzic soils is arranged. The proposals of scientists for improving the monitoring of irrigated lands are aimed at the solution of this problem. Information of this kind is relevant for the development of measures to stabilize and restore soil fertility. The problems of the organization of salinization monitoring for irrigated soils in Russia are considered. The proposed approaches to its optimization are based on the integrated use of remote and terrain data and on our own research experience in Volgograd oblast. A comparative analysis of existing approaches to monitoring of saline soils in our country and abroad is given. The term of saline soils is defined. We show which soil layer should be analyzed for the presence of easily soluble salts to assign the soils, as well as solonetzes and solonetzic soils, to saline. The terrain monitoring performed by hydrogeological and reclamation parties, counting saline and saline-solonetzic soils on irrigated lands by terrain and analytical methods, should be supplemented with annual monitoring (during the spring–summer period) based on remote information for comprehensive survey. This approach will enable us to identify irrigated, rain-fed, and fallow lands in irrigation systems by satellite images; to supplement permanent terrain survey plots with sampling sites chosen by remote information; to identify areas with secondary soil salinization by the vegetation status on irrigated lands with a critical groundwater level and to take samples in them for analysis; and to reveal areas of saline-solonetzic soils on rain-fed lands and in the fields with noncritical groundwater levels by the vegetation status. All this will expand the database and characteristics of saline and saline-solonetzic soils and supplement the information obtained by hydrogeological and reclamation parties at permanent survey sites for better accounting of these soils.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
The Theoretical Background of the Technology for Agroforestry Improvement
of Agricultural Land for Protection against Degradation and
Desertification
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The problem of protecting agricultural landscapes from degradation and desertification must be solved using a systematic and adaptive landscape approach to agricultural activities. Therefore, it is necessary to radically change the approach to modern agriculture. The main task must be to prevent degradation and desertification of agricultural landscapes. The methodological basis for our research and generalizations was a system of methods used in agroforestry and related sciences. When planning and conducting experiments and analyzing the results we used statistical and genetic approaches and elements of system approaches. The studies used physical and mathematical modeling. An important stage of the adaptive landscape agricultural system is the agroforestry improvement of the land use area. Its technological process includes calculation of runoff and soil loss and distances between forest belts; classification of lands according to the degree of soil erosion and nature of their use; organization of the territory; determination of parameters and structure of runoff-regulating forest belts; and creation of a system of runoff-regulating forest belts consisting of 2–3 rows of trees and a row of low-growing shrubs in the catchment area. The developed technology for anti-erosion management of watersheds for land use helps to optimize the placement of agricultural crops and forest strips on slopes to ensure runoff regulation, erosion-safe agricultural activities, and increased yield. An important role in the system of agroforestry measures is played by runoff-regulating forest belts and other protective plantings. In combination with other anti-erosion measures, forest belts play a large role in the formation of the ecological agroforestry framework of the territory and sustainable agroecosystems.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Methodological Problems of Assessing the Salinatization of Arid Soils by
the Electrical Conductivity of the Liquid Phase
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: Rapid assessment of salinity based on the electrical conductivity of the liquid phase of the soil is widely used throughout the world. However, the results of such an assessment strongly depend on the soil–water relationship, while the known salinity standards based on electrical conductivity are proposed for a soil solution in the state of soil water saturation (full moisture capacity). Thus, a serious underestimation of the degree of salinity may occur when studying water extracts (suspensions) with an obviously higher soil–water ratio compared to the state of full moisture capacity. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to compare the GOST methodology in Russia with a soil–water ratio of 1 : 5 and the classical Richards method with the assessment of the electrical conductivity of the soil solution in a water-saturated state using the example of arid soils of different genesis and dispersion of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In contrast to well-known works on the empirical assessment of the influence of the soil–water relationship on the conductometric assessment of salinity, we applied the fundamental theory of dilution to justify the reduction of the results to a standard state of water saturation and the possibility of using the international classification of soils according to the degree of salinity. The results showed satisfactory agreement between the experimental data and the theory of solution dilution in the range of electrical conductivity values up to 30–35 dS/m, that is, up to a gradation of a very strong degree of salinity according to the international classification. Deviations from the theory can be explained by the nonlinearity of the dependence of electrical conductivity on the concentration of electrolytes and the immobilization of ions by the solid phase and thin pores, as well as a higher yield of electrolytes into solution at high dilution compared to the standard state of water saturation.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
The Current State of Kulan Populations (Equus hemionus Pallas, 1775) in
Central Asia Countries
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: Even in the recent past, kulans (Equus hemionus Pallas, 1775) lived in the Eurasian steppes and deserts, from the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea to China. On the territory of Russia, the kulan was last encountered in 1926 in the Torey Lakes region, and in recent years the question has been raised about the possibility of reintroducing these animals into the Daursky Reserve. This review provides information on the current state of the Mongolian and Turkmenian kulan populations living in the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia and China) bordering Russia. Currently, in countries adjacent to Russia, autochthonous populations of the kulan have been preserved in the southern regions of Mongolia and adjacent parts of northern China, where the Mongolian kulan lives (E.h. hemionus Pallas, 1775). The largest population lives in Mongolia, where currently, according to experts, approximately 70 000 individuals are found (or 83% of the world population of the species). Almost half of the kulan’s range in Mongolia (42%) is located in nationally protected areas, but the size of existing protected areas, where kulans spend only about 23% of their time, is not large enough for the animals to be fully protected. The expansion of the network of protected areas to 30% of the country’s territory by 2030 suggests that the kulan, like other migratory ungulate species of the arid zone, have good prospects. About 80% (or just over 3000 individuals) of the kulan population in China currently lives in the Kalamaili National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, making this protected area extremely important for the conservation of the species. In the 1930s, the kulans disappeared from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In Turkmenistan the aboriginal population of the Turkmenian kulan was preserved until the end of the 1990s (E.h. kulan Groves and Mazák, 1967) in the Badkhyz Nature Reserve, but was most likely lost in recent years. A successful program for the reintroduction of kulans, which begun in the 1950s, and since the 1980s took on a larger scale, made it possible to preserve these animals (mainly in protected natural areas) within their historical range. In 2023, just over 30 kulan individuals lived in Turkmenistan in two areas with a total area of 800 km2: in the Tersakan river valley west of the borders of the Syunt Hasardag State Nature Reserve and on the territory of the Kaplankyr State Nature Reserve in the border zone. According to experts, it is very likely that in the near future the species will completely disappear from the country, since none of the indicated groups can be considered viable. The number of kulans living in the territory of the Saigachiy and Sudochye sanctuaries, as well as the Southern Ustyurt National Park in Uzbekistan, is currently estimated at 170 animals. Kulans are also actively breeding in the Jeyran eco-center. The reintroduction of kulans in Kazakhstan is progressing successfully in six protected areas; in 2022–2023 there were about 4400 kulans, and this work continues. From the presented review of the current state of the kulan living on the territory of the Central Asian states, it follows that great attention has been and is being given to the restoration and protection of the species throughout its range. This includes providing animals with suitable living conditions, including organizing a network of watering places, removing obstacles in the form of linear structures that interfere with animal migration, regulating the number of livestock, forming a network of protected areas at various levels, including the species in the Red Data Books and adopting legislation on liability for its illegal extraction, as well as creation of centers for breeding and keeping kulans for their subsequent reintroduction and conducting joint long-term and systematic research, including monitoring of populations.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Scenario Projecting of Changes in Water Availability for Ecosystems in the
Steppe Crimea in the 21st Century
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: Based on the use of the SWAP land sutface model in combination with scenario projections of the dynamics of the daily values of meteorological characteristics in the territory of the Steppe Crimea until the end of the 21st century obtained using climate models with a spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5°, simulations of the components of the water balance and the characteristics of water availability for the region’s ecosystems were carried out for 1961–2100. The climatic values of the average annual near-surface air temperature, annual precipitation, evapotranspiration, surface runoff, underground runoff, real transpiration, potential transpiration, water availability for ecosystems and the efficiency of ecosystem use of soil water resources were obtained for the historical (1981–2010) and two projection (2031–2060 and 2071–2100) periods under different global climate change scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5. An analysis of changes in these characteristics for the territory of the Steppe Crimea in the 21st century was carried out.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
The Lipid Fraction of Organic Matter in Chestnut Soils and Quasi-Gley
Chernozems in the Western Transbaikal Region
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The lipid fraction of organic matter was first characterized for chestnut soils and quasi-gley chernozems of the Western Transbaikal region. 13С NMR spectra were acquired of lipid formulations of chestnut soils on the Selenga Highlands and quasi-gley chernozems in the south of the Vitim Plateau. Analysis of the spectra was performed, specifically, labeling of signals of ethoxy groups, phenol derivatives, and alkene fragments; indication of the chemical shift ranges characteristic of particular types of carbon nuclei; and comparison of the contents of various types of structural elements between the studied samples. The relationship was determined between the lipid components and hydromorphism of soils in quasi-gley chernozems. An increase in the degree of hydromorphism is presumed to lead to an increase in a share of unsaturated components.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Halomorphic Soils of Coastal Designs of Endorous Pulsating Chloride Lakes
During the Regressive (Arid) Climatic Phase
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: Over the past half century, global warming has become one of humanity’s serious problems, which is accompanied by ecosystem reactions, that is, climate aridization and subsequent desertification of landscapes. In southeastern Transbaikalia (Dauria) and the bordering regions of Mongolia and China, the problem is intensified by regionally occurring cyclical (approximately 30-year) humid (transgressive) and arid (regressive) climate phases. In these territories there are more than 500 drainless salt and brackish lakes of various chemical compositions and varying degrees of mineralization. Naturally, all the ongoing climate changes are clearly reflected in the hydrology and chemical composition of these reservoirs and in the landscapes of lake depressions, including the soil cover. During the regressive climate phase, we conducted studies of the main types of soils in the lakeside depression of the pulsating chloride Lake Bab’e. Their morphology, particle size distribution, physicochemical and other properties, composition, and salinity chemistry were studied for the first time. It has been established that these soils form a genetically related series of saline soils: quasi-gley solonchaks of the chloride type of salinity–humus-quasi-gley saline soils–light humus saline soils. It was revealed that the formation of salt marshes is directly influenced by highly mineralized lake waters. Humus-quasi-gley saline soils formed in superaquatic positions are periodically affected by lake waters and are active only in the humid climate phase. Also, the research results indicated that in humus-quasi-gley and light humus soils, chloride–soda and soda-chloride salinization of the lower horizons was noted. The obtained materials will be necessary for monitoring saline soils and ecosystems of lakeside depressions of cyclically pulsating highly mineralized drainless reservoirs in the transboundary territories of Transbaikalia (Russia), Mongolia, and China during global and regional climate changes.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
The Biodiversity of Exposure of Forest–Steppe Mountain Biomes of
Siberia
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The forest–steppe is considered as an integral geographical and ecological-phytocenotic zonal phenomenon of Northern Eurasia, which has its own characteristic features. The unique altitudinal zone of the forest–steppe is formed in the mountains of Siberia and occupies a certain place in the altitudinal-zonal spectra of the mountains. The structure of the oroboreal forest–steppe is considered on the basis of the ecosystem concept and an ecological–geographical approach to data interpretation. An exposed forest–steppe is a complex combination of plant communities of forests and steppes that occupy contrasting ecotopes within the same altitudinal level, forming a single indigenous altitudinal-climatic ecosystem, where its components closely interact with each other and with the surrounding natural conditions. The cenotic and biotic diversity of the forest–steppe is due to bioclimatic conditions that determine the hydrothermal areas of distribution of mountain formations and the composition of their climatypes. Characteristics of forest–steppe combinations of seven regional orobiomes of Siberia provide comparative information about the geography of mountain forest–steppe, the combination of forest and steppe communities, their composition and bioclimatic conditions of development.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
The Nature-Determined Character of the Early Arable Farming in Northwest
and Inner Mongolia
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The materials presented in this paper are a continuation of studies on the early arable farming in Mongolia. Traces of multiple ancient agro-irrigation landscapes in Northwest Mongolia (Ubs Nuur Basin and western spurs of the Khangai) were discovered, as well as the associated settlements. The geological position of this territory, orogenic processes, and neotectonic shifts factored into the formation along the young rising mountain ranges of subaerial deltas favorable for the development of sai arable farming dated to an early stage of ancient irrigation. Initially, embanked channels of short-term streams of the subaerial deltas were transformed into rather extensive irrigated territories. In addition to the traditionally irrigated landscapes (subaerial deltas, deluvial–proluvial slopes, and floodplains), the field boundaries tended to peatlands and peat-containing soils formed in the basin of Lake Ubs Nuur, as well as peatlands formed as a result of the damming of Nariin Gol during the uplift of the Agardag Mountains. Since the territory of Mongolia belongs to a region of manifestation of young basaltoid magmatic activity, concentration of the ancient fields in immediate proximity to recent volcanoes (Khorgo (also Horgo), the Tes-Gol field) implies the use of fertile volcanic ash and natural heat in farming practices of the population. The presence of stela with a runic writing system dated to the second half of the 8th to early 9th century suggests the existence of arable farming in Northwest Mongolia during the Uyghur time period.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Experience in Assessing Damage from Soil and Land Degradation Agriculture
of the Volgograd Region
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare two methods for assessing damage from the degradation of soils and agricultural lands located in the Kalachevsky district of the Volgograd Region. The amount of damage from soil and land degradation was calculated by the “Methodology for determining the amount of damage from soil and land degradation” (1994) and the cost of restoration (reclamation) of degraded soils was determined using the SmetaWizard estimate program (version 4.1.3). It was established that the most significant contribution to the total amount of damage from soil and land degradation (175 573 000 rubles or 64 955 rubles/ha) was made by the increase in the share of exchangeable sodium in soils (147 424 528 rubles or 54 541 rubles/ha), which is due to the development of the process of alkalinization in the soils of the studied agricultural sector in the region. This degradation process, which is harmful to the agricultural use of soils and lands, was found in areas that comprise 52% of the total farm area. This indicator’s significant damage is also associated with extended periods of restoration (reclamation) work, 4 years. The cost of reclamation work amounted to 11 647 353 rubles or 4309 rub./ha. The maximum contribution (78%) to this was made by damage from soil organic matter losses (the amount of damage was 9 131 525 rubles or 3378 rubles/ha). The significant difference in the total values of the environmental and economic assessment of soil degradation and the land of the Donskoye agricultural enterprise in the Kalachevsky district, calculated in various ways, is associated with the methodological features of this assessment: the assessment of damage from degradation by the “Methodology …” (1994) is a stricter approach than estimating the cost of reclamation (restoration) measures. Thus, soils may be degraded compared with a standard (considered when assessing damage), but this degradation is “insufficient” to justify reclamation.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Assessment of the Dynamics of Plant Communities in the East of the Volga
River Delta (1980–2023)
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The results of a survey of vegetation dynamics on fixed transects in the east of the Volga River delta are presented. Sample plots of 2 × 2 m were laid in ecotopes mainly affected by floods. They underwent inundation or a groundwater level rise during high water periods. Geobotanical relevés of 498 sample plots were compared based on the survey results of 1980, 2011, and 2013. Five groups of plant communities were identified by cluster analysis. DCA ordination was used in combination with the L.G. Ramensky’s indicator values to identify the direction of vegetation succession. It was revealed that most of the vegetation changes on the transects occurred between 1980 and 2011. Reed (Phragmites altissimus (Benth.) Nabille) and cattail (Typha angustifolia L.) thickets replaced forb marsh–meadow phytocenoses. The areas of halophytic phytocenoses sharply decreased: they were replaced by these thickets and meadow communities dominated by Elymus repens (L.) Gould. The authors consider that there are two main reasons for these phenomena. First, this is the increase in the water flow of the Volga River after 1980. Second is the end of hay harvesting on a significant part of meadow wetlands. Changes in the vegetation between 2011 and 2023 were noticeable only on the lower parts of the slopes of the Baer hills. The number of sample plots with communities of the middle-steppe humidification increased here during the last year. These moved down the slopes of the Baer hills, which could be related to changes in climatic parameters towards aridization in 2014–2022 and to a decrease in the flood height by 23 cm.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
On the Functional Role of Land Cadastre Elements under Conditions of Arid
Soil Formation
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The functions that determine physicochemical and biological processes that contribute to the development of soil formation and elements of the Land Registry are considered. Modern trends in soil development are characterized by intensification of use and reduction of their functioning areas. The mechanism of formation of objects of anthropogenic soil formation and elements of the Land Cadastre has been studied in the Terek–Kuma Lowland, which is one of the main regions of the Caspian Lowland, which is prone to desertification and aridization. The hierarchical system of objects of the Land Cadastre according to the scale of the functions performed is differentiated at the level of gradations of global, federal, and constituent entities of the Russian Federation and municipalities. The analysis of the elements of the Land Cadastre and their role in a multi-sectoral plan was carried out using the ecological–biosphere concept of soil formation, the fundamental basis of which boils down to the differentiation of objects into two groups: the sphere of objects of human economic activities, as a result of which land biomass is created and oxygen is produced using carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and the sphere of industries, housing construction, and transport communications, which consume biogenic energy and organic matter. In addition to the selected groups, the sphere of geological deposits is included. The technogenic cover, consisting of elements simultaneously performing the functions of cadastral registration and processes of anthropogenic soil formation, has been determined starting from detailed survey scales (1 : 100 and 1 : 1000). The cadastral burden at the most highly detailed scales of research creates a minimal burden. At the first stage of cadastral registration, the assessment is carried out covering individual areas and fields of crop rotation and the elements of the minimum size used when performing field work. At the second stage, larger objects are allocated as production units (crop rotation lands, team plots, and pasture rotation fields). The variety of objects of the Land Cadastre and their combination with the technosphere create a special structure of categories of biotic and abiotic natures that are ubiquitous on the earth’s surface. The emergence of a land cadastre and its assessment are determined by the production functions necessary to create favorable conditions for obtaining economic products. Cadastral objects act here as a factor of anthropogenic soil formation. Their influence is manifested in changes in soil properties: the temperature of the surface layers of the earth, the content of humus, the dry residue of easily soluble salts, volumetric weight, and water permeability. The cadastral content of the technogenic soil cover resulting from the influence of the anthropogenic factor is in a state of dynamic development due to two factors: the market economy and the direction of the arid type of soil formation.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Chlorophyll a Fluorescence as an Index Characterizing the Physiological
State of Taraxacum officinale Wigg. under Conditions of Mountainous
Dagestan
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The results of a study of the photosynthetic efficiency, as well as the qualitative and quantitative composition of free amino acids in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Wigg.) plants growing in Republic of Dagestan at various altitudes are presented. These complex studies show the high adaptability of dandelions to abiotic stress factors. As the altitude zoning increases, the efficiency of the solar energy transformation (Y(II)) in plants decreases due to photoinhibition (β and Ib). An increase in the relative rate of a noncyclic electron flow in the electron transport chain allows highland plants to maintain photosynthesis at the required level, thus providing the required energy balance and bioproductivity. Sixteen free amino acids have been identified in roots of T. officinale, including six essential amino acids that possess antioxidant properties. The amount of free amino acids varies depending on the zonality: the contents of α-alanine, arginine, methionine, serine, cysteine, threonine, and proline are higher in highland specimens. Altitude-associated changes in biophysical reactions and primary metabolites of the studied plants result from the impacts of abiotic factors and have an adaptive character.
  PubDate: 2024-03-01
Analysis of the Variability of Agroclimatic Conditions of Semi-Desert and
Desert Landscapes in the Northern Caucasus for Agricultural Purposes
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The aim of this study is a modern assessment of the agro-climatic resources of the semi-desert and desert landscapes of the North Caucasus. The methods of mathematical statistics used in agroclimatology have been used to analyze the changes in average monthly and annual air temperatures, the growing season, the amount of precipitation, and the hydrothermal coefficient according to the data of five weather stations with a long series of observations. Within the semi-desert and desert landscapes of the North Caucasus, there is an increase in annual air temperature over the period under review by an average of 0.86°С compared to the previous period. The sum of active temperatures increased by 9–11%. The duration of the period increased when passing through 0°C for 17 days, 5°C for 15 days, 10°C for 10 days, and 15°C for 8 days. An increase in precipitation is noted at all meteorological stations except Makhachkala. On average, precipitation increased by 36 mm. The hydrothermal coefficient of Selyaninov varies from 0.5 to 0.7 and is within the limits of natural fluctuation. Modern agro-climatic changes within the semi-desert and desert landscapes of the North Caucasus are characterized by an improvement in the conditions for heat and moisture supply to the territory. These conditions are favorable for the cultivation of melons and all types of grape varieties, with the exception of very late ones.
  PubDate: 2023-12-01
  DOI: 10.1134/S2079096123040030
Peculiarities of the Mineralogical and Material Composition of Sands and
Sandy Soils in the Cainozoic Deeps of Transbaikalia
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The characteristics of climatic, lithological and geomorphological conditions of formation of sandy soils of Transbaikalia (Barguzin basin) is given. It has been established that the main soil-forming processes are cryo- and light-humus, accumulative-carbonate and pale-metamorphic. In the soils of deposits, the processes of stratification and abrasion are expressed. Moving sands are not affected by soil formation, but with partial fixation of herbaceous and/or shrub vegetation on them, embryonic underdeveloped soils (layered-eolian, humus psammozems) begin to develop. For the first time, the results of the material composition of the rocks of the Angara-Vitim batholith, soil-forming sand, as well as the composition of minerals of fractions <1.1–5 and >5 µm of cryohumus and light humus soils are presented. It has been determined that the regional features of soil-forming sands are carbonation, alkalinity, and polymineral content, which is inherited from calc-alkaline rocks. The sandy and silty soil fractions have a similar mineralogical composition, which are characterized by a high content of plagioclases and K-feldspars and a low content of quartz. The composition of the silty fraction consists of a mixed-layer phase of illite-smectites interbedded with single chlorite packets, di-trioctadridic illite, ferruginous chlorite, and kaolinite. Modern soil formation is characterized by a low degree of chemical weathering (CWC, CWI, and GM) and weak profile differentiation. A feature of the material composition of sandy soils is an increased content of potassium and sodium. According to the values of total alkalinity, the studied soils are highly alkaline soils. There is a clearly pronounced division of the soil profile according to biological activity. It was revealed that during arable use, sandy soils are potential centers of desertification: in the studied area, all arable lands and fallows located on them are deflated to varying degrees. At the same time, it was found that more than 70% belong to very strongly deflated and strongly deflated types. In such areas, humus soil layers are blown out and carbonate horizons and even soil-forming sands are exposed. The exposed middle horizons and sands do not possess elements of effective fertility. The yield of agricultural crops on such arable lands is very low, the process of natural restoration of vegetation cover on fallow lands is extremely difficult, and deflation ulcers practically do not overgrow. The inhibition of the processes of restoration of natural cenoses is largely due to the alkalinity and carbonation of soil-forming sands.
  PubDate: 2023-12-01
  DOI: 10.1134/S2079096123040169
Mapping the Biodiversity of the Arid Regions of Kazakhstan with an
Evaluation of the Efficiency of its Territorial Protection
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: Using biogeographic approaches, the mapping of protected species of terrestrial vertebrates in the Republic of Kazakhstan was analyzed and carried out to identify places of high faunal diversity and assess the effectiveness of their protection by a network of specially protected natural areas. An analysis was made of the spatial distribution of protected species of terrestrial vertebrates by taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, 109 species in total) and their totality, as well as by protection status; places of concentration of protected species of vertebrate animals were established as priority for the protection of territories in the Republic of Kazakhstan and an assessment was made of the effectiveness of locating the existing network of specially protected natural areas. The maps were made using the grid mapping method, which makes it possible to compare the results obtained with other arid macroregions. The role of a number of reserves, national parks, and large reserves in the protection of biological diversity is shown. Recommendations for the development of a network of specially protected natural areas in order to preserve areas of high biodiversity, as well as the tasks of further research in this direction have been formulated and substantiated.
  PubDate: 2023-12-01
  DOI: 10.1134/S2079096123040042
The Flora of Communities with Paliurus spina-christi Mill. and the Problem
of their Primary Nature in Piedmont Dagestan
- Free pre-print version: Loading...
  Rate this result: What is this?
  
  Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
  A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
  
  Abstract: The results of the analysis of the flora of Paliurus communities of Piedmont Dagestan from the extreme southern site (the spurs of the Main Caucasian ridge near the village of Novoe Karakyure) to the extreme northern site of their growth at the boundary with the Chechen Republic (Kizilyurt district, the vicinity of the villages of Mutsal-aul and Gadari) are given. The floristic composition of plant communities is studied on the basis of 17 geobotanical descriptions. The taxonomic analysis of the flora has been performed and the spectrum of the leading families, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae (Po-As-La + Fa spectrum), typical for the Central Asian type with a significant effect of the Mediterranean flora has been revealed. The biomorphological analysis shows the predominance of hemicryptophytes (45.4%) and therophytes (33%). The latter are an indicator of arid conditions and anthropogenic impacts on cenoses. Geographical analysis reveals the predominance of species of the boreal (30.4%) and the ancient Mediterranean (27%) types and shows the position of the region at the contact of the boreal and xerophilous vegetation types. It reflects the development of the flora at the boundary between the Euro-Siberian and Iranian–Turanian regions, followed by the penetration of the Western Asian flora, which is typical for the Caucasus. We suppose that the Paliurus communities of Piedmont Dagestan are primary based on the results of floristic studies, on the xerophytic composition of species in the shrub layer, and on the absence or single participation of species of the genus Quercus in the group of Paliureta graminosa associations and the Paliuretum ass. (Tarki-Tau Mountain near Makhachkala) and in the group of the Paliureta bryosa ass. and the Paliuretum bryosum ass. (Beyukdere Ridge, Tabasaran district). We also take into account the long-term stability (5000–6000 years according to published data) of the geoclimate conditions of the area. Individual trees of the genus Quercus and of Ulmus campestris in piedmont communities of Paliurus, in our opinion, are not preserved representatives of the previously expanded tree flora of oak forests. Communities with Paliurus spina-christi grow here in the lower belt of mountain slopes, border on oak forests, and are the result of an ecotone effect, when accidentally brought oak seeds may grow under optimal ecological conditions of the microniche together with P. spina-christi. Forest boundaries and the altitude of ecotone plots depend on slope steepness and aspect. In a broader spatial-temporal aspect, the change in the altitude gradient of the boundaries of Paliurus communities and of forests dominated by Quercus and Ulmus campestris in Piedmont Dagestan depends on changes in aridization or humidization climate trends.
  PubDate: 2023-12-01
  DOI: 10.1134/S2079096123040121

HOME > Browse the 73 Subjects covered by JournalTOCs
Subject	Total Journals