Desert Areas Research Articles

MFIEN: multi-scale feature interactive enhancement network for seismic data denoising in desert areas

Due to complex acquisition environments and geological conditions, in desert seismic data, the background noise is always intense and overlaps with the frequency range of the seismic signals. This severely blurs the seismic signals, bringing challenges to accurately extract desired reflection information. Effectively suppressing random noise and significantly optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is emerging as a key issue in seismic data processing. A Multi-scale Feature Interaction Enhancement Network (MFIEN) for intense background seismic noise attenuation in desert areas is proposed in this paper to address this problem. In general, MFIEN has a multi-scale feature interaction structure that combines feature information from different layers and captures distinct features through effective information integration. Furthermore, a fusion feature enhancement module (FFEM), incorporating dilated convolutions and convolutions with different kernel sizes, is proposed. This expands the receptive field without changing the size of the feature maps, thereby preserving the structural features of seismic records more effectively. Both synthetic and field desert data denoising results indicate that MFIEN can accurately suppress intense background noise and effectively recover weak signals, significantly enhancing the quality of seismic data.

Synergistic effects of clays and cyanobacteria on the accumulation dynamics of soil organic carbon in artificial biocrusts.

Biocrusts are the primary organic carbon reservoirs in desert areas, in which inorganic clays potentially playing significant roles; however, the specific details of these roles remain largely unclear. In this study, typical 1:1 type (kaolin) and 2:1 type (montmorillonite, MMT) clay minerals were added to artificial biocrusts to investigate their effect on the acquisition performance of soil organic carbon (SOC). After 84 days of cultivation, the enhancement effects of kaolin and MMT were significant, resulting in SOC increments that were 5.03 times and 4.08 times higher than those of the Algae group (without clay). Notably, the two types of clay exhibited different advantages in SOC accumulation. Due to its larger external specific surface area and higher cation exchange capacity, MMT contributes more effectively to SOC stability. Specifically, the mineralization quotient (qM), hot-water extractable organic carbon (HWEOC), and molecular structural stability of SOC in the MMT group were 0.3, 0.34, and 1.31 times those of the Algae group, respectively. In contrast, kaolin was more favorable for microbial growth and SOC formation due to its higher dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), photosynthetic performance index (PIABS), and Shannon index in the kaolin group were 5.67, 2.44, 11.95, and 1.82 times those of the Algae group, respectively. These findings highlighted the synergistic effect for SOC accumulation of clay and cyanobacteria in artificial biocrust systems, clarified the specific roles of two typical clay minerals, and offered new insights for accelerating the restoration of nutrient-limited areas such as deserts.

Emerging therapeutic applications of scorpion venom peptides in the Middle East and North Africa: A comprehensive review.

The predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, with high temperatures and vast desert areas in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creates a favorable environment for scorpions, resulting in diversity of species of different genera. Animal venom, particularly scorpion venom, poses a health risk to victims who are envenomed. However, its abundance of bioactive protein molecules also makes it a promising source for new drug development. Numerous studies worldwide have revealed that venom-based molecules exhibit diverse therapeutic activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, and analgesic properties. Researchers from MENA region are also actively contributing to this global challenge. In this review, we will explore the abundance and diversity of scorpions in the MENA region and examine recent studies on the therapeutic activities of molecules extracted from their venom. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to address the challenges of developing effective natural drugs from scorpion venom.

Comparative analysis of land cover changes on outdoor thermal comfort in Doha, Dubai, Kuwait City, Manama, Muscat, and Riyadh

ABSTRACT Rapid urbanization in Gulf cities has driven significant land cover changes, influencing outdoor thermal comfort and land surface temperatures (LST). This study investigates land cover dynamics from 1998 to 2023 across six cities – Doha, Dubai, Kuwait City, Manama, Muscat, and Riyadh – using Landsat imagery to assess LST, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and approximated wet-bulb globe temperature (AWGBT). Results reveal an increase in urban areas, with Manama and Kuwait City experiencing the largest expansions (47.50% and 47.02%). Vegetation patterns varied, with cities like Dubai and Riyadh showing consistent increases, while Doha stagnated from 2013 to 2023. LST ranged from 42°C to 55°C, with desert areas showing the highest temperatures. Built-up areas had LST comparable to desert land, highlighting a reverse urban heat island effect. Dubai’s LST decreased between 2013 and 2023 due to successful green initiatives, contrasting with rising temperatures in other cities. The mean LST difference between the desert and urban areas was 2.5°C, and vegetation displayed a cooling effect, with a 3.5°C difference between vegetated and desert areas. Thermal comfort maps aligned with LST data, showing increasing heat stress, particularly in Doha and Kuwait City, while Dubai maintained stable comfort levels. This study underscores the critical role of vegetation and sustainable urban planning in mitigating heat stress and enhancing outdoor thermal comfort across Gulf cities.

MURАKKАB IQLIM SHАRОITLАRIDА MUHАNDISLIK INSHООTLАRINI QURISHNING О‘ZIGА XОS XUSUSIYАTLАRINI TАDQIQ ЕTISH VА GIDRОGЕОLОGIK SHАRОITLАRINI О‘RGАNISH

This article provides information on the study of hydrogeological conditions and the specific characteristics of construction of engineering structures in complex climatic conditions. Today, saline soils with an unstable structure are widespread in the territory of our country and are used as natural and artificial foundations of buildings and structures. As a result of the development of desert areas, the construction of industrial and civil facilities began on the saline soils. At that time, due to insufficient regulatory documents and guidelines, changes in the physical and mechanical properties of saline soil as a result of long-term wetting of the foundation and leaching of salts were not taken into account in research and design.

Research on Groundwater Drought and Sustainability in Badain Jaran Desert and Surrounding Areas Based on GRACE Satellite

Groundwater plays a crucial role in the formation of the Badain Jaran Desert-Sand Dune Lake System, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024. However, the region’s wetland ecosystem is significantly impacted by climate change and human activities. This study utilizes GRACE satellite data and in situ observation data to establish a groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) time series for the Badain Jaran Desert and its surrounding areas (BJDCA) from 2003 to 2022. The analysis reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of groundwater drought and sustainability, as well as the underlying factors affecting regional groundwater sustainability. The results indicate that 99.2% of the study area exhibited a significant decline in GWSA (α ≤ 0.01), with the annual mean GRACE Groundwater Drought Index (GGDI) dropping from 1.44 to −1.54, reflecting a worsening groundwater drought. In 2022, the GGDI in the southeastern part of the BJDCA reached as low as −3.04, highlighting severe groundwater stress. Furthermore, the Sustainability Index (SI) of the study area declined markedly from 1.00 to 0.01, underscoring the critical impact of human activities on groundwater resources in the BJDCA. These findings provide valuable insights for formulating more effective groundwater resource management policies and promoting sustainable development in arid regions.

The Main Controlling Factors of Coalbed Methane Productivity Based on Reservoir Structure—A Case Study of the Jiaozuo Block

In the process of CBM development, the fracturing effect has always been a major controlling factor for CBM productivity. The coal fragmentation degree is a special geological feature in the process of CBM development and research, and other types of reservoirs are not involved in this study. This paper addresses the problem of the inaccurate prediction of the reservoir fragmentation degree by studying the influence of the reservoir type and depth plane curvature on the reservoir fragmentation degree based on the coalbed characteristics of a block. It also studies the influence of faults on the reservoir fragmentation degree based on the reservoir geological characteristics and seismic inversion results. Combined with dynamic data on coalbed methane production, the influence of different geological characteristics on the productivity of coalbed methane wells is studied. The research results show that the reservoir fragmentation degree is mainly affected by the reservoir type. In the coal-forming period or after coal forming, the stronger the tectonic movement is, the higher the reservoir fragmentation degree is. Another manifestation of tectonic movement is faults. The effect of the reservoir fragmentation degree on production is negative. The better the reservoir fragmentation degree is, the worse the reconstruction effect of the coalbed methane well is, and the worse the later production effect is. At the same time, the faults generated by tectonic movement affect not only the reservoir fragmentation degree but also the water production of coalbed methane wells. The closer a well is to a fault, the greater the risk is of high water production and low gas production. Therefore, in the process of selecting a desert area, a complex reservoir fragmentation degree and areas with strong tectonic movement should be avoided. This study takes a structural control block as the research object to study the main controlling factors of coalbed methane reservoir productivity in complex structures. At present, there is no relevant research on this structure in terms of controlling productivity at home or abroad. The research in this paper can provide technical support for the development of similar CBM reservoirs. This method can guide the development of coalbed methane fields and lay a foundation for the selection of favorable coalbed methane reservoir areas.

Co-application of polyethylene oxide (PEO), biochar, and seaweed fertilizer improves desert soil properties

Improving water retention, erosion resistance and nutrients in desert areas is essential for ecological sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of biochar, polyethylene oxide (PEO), and seaweed fertilizer on the properties of desert sandy soil, focusing on water retention, erosion resistance, and soil nutrients. The sandy soil used in the study was taken from the Tengger Desert in Gansu, China, and an orthogonal experimental design was used to select three different proportions of biochar, PEO, and seaweed fertilizer. Compared with the control, applying of these three substances decreased bulk density by 5.8–9.6%, increased porosity by 8.3–14%, and increased water-holding capacity by 2.2–6.7%. The erosion rate decreased by more than 99%, and water-stable aggregates increased by 9.7–37.4%. Soil nutrients showed varying degrees of increase, and seed germination increased by 26.7%. The results of the principal component analysis showed that B6P0.6S2 had the best overall improvement effect. Therefore, a ratio of 6% biochar, 0.6% PEO, and 2% seaweed fertilizer is recommended to improve the properties of sandy desert soils. Overall, biochar, PEO, and seaweed fertilizer can improve the physical properties of desert sandy soil, enhance soil nutrients, and create a stable and suitable environment for plant growth.

Soil microbial carbon and nitrogen limitation constraints soil organic carbon stability in arid and semi-arid grasslands.

Microorganisms play dual roles in soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition and accumulation. Despite advancing insights into their involvement in the carbon cycle, understanding the impact of microbial community structure and physiological traits on SOC stabilization in arid and semi-arid grasslands remains elusive. Here, we analyzed arid and semi-arid grasslands SOC stability by comparing the ratio of mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) to particulate organic carbon (POC) across a grassland transect in north-south Ningxia, encompassing various grassland types and a broad climatic gradient (ΔMAP=450mm). By combining phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, enzyme activity vector models and stoichiometric theory, the influence of soil microbial community compositions, metabolic constraints, and carbon use efficiency (CUE) on SOC stability were explored. Results showed that SOC stability was the lowest in desert areas and decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation (MAP) in other grasslands. Microbial physiological traits, including microbial carbon (C) limitation, nitrogen (N) limitation, CUE, and lignocellulose index (LCI) varied among grasslands, with significantly higher LCI and CUE and lower C and N limitation in steppe desert. The variation of microbial physiological characteristics accounted for 53.28% of the variation in SOC stability. Distinct microbial metabolic limitations were evident in these grasslands, with N and C limitation prevailing and exerting strong negative impacts on CUE. Decreased fungal/bacterial (F/B) ratios also reduced microbial CUE and indirectly diminished SOC stability. In addition, clay content emerges as a major factor influencing the stabilization of SOC across environmental gradients. Collectively, our work suggests that mitigating microbial C and N limitation and enhancing microbial CUE under the influence of MAP and clay content are the key mechanisms governing SOC stabilization in regional grasslands. These findings bear significant implications for understanding microbial-mediated carbon cycling processes in arid and semi-arid grasslands.

The Social, Economic and Cultural Life of The Population of The Syrdarya Region in The Middle Ages

The text offers an insightful look into the medieval Ustrushona region, shedding light on its complex administrative, economic, and cultural life. The region, located in the fertile lands of Central Asia, had a thriving agricultural economy, with a focus on irrigation farming that produced cotton, cereals, and fruits. In addition to agriculture, livestock farming flourished in thesteppe and desert areas, supporting the livelihoods of the population.

Predictive Model for Water Consumption in a Copper Mineral Concentrator Plant Located in a Desert Area Using Machine Learning

In this study, water consumption predictions are made based on data obtained from two copper mineral concentration plants located in the northern region of Chile, Antofagasta Region, measured during a year of mining operation. The area to which this operation belongs is characterized by a desert climate with average annual rainfall of less than 50 mm and maximum and minimum temperatures of 29 °C and 4 °C for summer, and 26 °C and −5 °C for winter, measured during 2022. To perform the predictions, a database corresponding to two concentration plants with daily measurements for a year was used, which were analyzed using four regression models using Machine Learning (ML) in Python: Support Vector Regressor (SVR), Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Random Forest Regressor (RF). The predictions obtained by each of the ML models were studied using cross-validation hyperparameter tuning and identifying the variable with the greatest impact. The model with the best prediction results was ANN, as it yielded the lowest relative error in the predictions.

Study of the internal environment quality monitoring system for a laboratory model of a mining separator at key sensitive points of operation and process control using artificial intelligence

Modeling the quality of the indoor environment in buildings using neural networks, as an element supporting automatic process control, has become extremely popular nowadays. By analogy, attempts are being made to use the experience gained in construction and implement it in industry. The publication proposes a method of modeling feedforward neural networks, thanks to which it is possible to obtain the most efficient network with one hidden layer in terms of the given quality criterion. This network was implemented in the control system of the mining separator operation as part of pilot studies. The research included testing a laboratory model of the separator placed in a sea container modified for the separator function, in which modern automation technologies and monitoring of environmental parameters were integrated. Among others, time, outside temperature, set temperature, temperature error and controller output were measured. The measurements were taken at the points of installation of devices sensitive to the working environment - controllers, I/O modules, X-ray (XRT-DE) and optical analysis (VIS-NIR), enabling precise examination of the composition and quality of mineral resources. The internal environmental conditions in the housings of the above-mentioned sensitive elements and in the server room were the basis for the analysis. The aim was to develop a performance model enabling effective improvement of the working environment of all electrical and mechanical devices affecting energy efficiency and the internal environment. Separators operate in a very diverse environment, such as: tropical forests, Canadian Tundra, or desert areas in Africa, as well as EU countries, the USA and Australia. These devices are used in both open pit and underground mines. The use of modern technologies and mobile solutions in the mining industry contributes to increased efficiency, operational safety and, consequently, minimizing the negative impact on the environment. The research results confirmed that precise monitoring and control to ensure environmental conditions at selected separator points is crucial to ensuring the continuity and quality of the separation process.

Изменение метеорологических условий в Республике Калмыкии за период 1970–2020 годов

The Republic of Kalmykia is located in the arid and water-deficient regions of the European part of Russia. Arid landscapes are most vulnerable to changes in climatic conditions. Changes in meteorological conditions between 1970 and 2020 have been considered. There has been an increase in average annual temperature across the region. In Elista, the average temperature increased by 0.9 °C compared to the previous period; in Yashkul, it increased by 1 to 1.2 °C; and in Lagan, it was 1 °C. Winters have been warmer than average by 0.6 to 0.9 °C, springs by 0,5 to 1 °C, and summers by 1,2 to 1,5°C. Autumn has seen the lowest temperatures, with a decrease of 0.1 to 0.2 °C. The distribution of average annual and monthly precipitation is revealed: as continentality increases, precipitation decreases from 366 mm to 221 mm. An analysis of long-term precipitation changes from 1970 to 2020 showed that on average there is an increase in precipitation in Elista and a slight decrease in the last decade in Yashkul and Lagan. Annual precipitation increased from 315 mm (1970–1979) to 393 mm (2010–2019) in Elista. There is also an increase in winter (62–80 mm) and spring precipitation (63–118 mm). Thus, the spring season has seen a significant increase. The summertime is characterized by increases in the first decade and decreases since the 2000s, with a similar pattern for autumn precipitation. Peak precipitation occurred in the 1990–1999 period, after which it decreased significantly. Desert areas saw an increase in annual rainfall rates (282 mm) compared to historical data (252 mm), which continued until 2009 at 292 mm before decreasing again at 266 mm. The amount of precipitation increases slightly in winter. The situation is similar for the rest of the seasons, with an increase until the 1990s, after which there is a decline. However, summer and autumn precipitation are slightly higher than average.

Adaptability evaluation of the FIRST model in Hobq Desert, northern China

Obtaining high temporal and spatial resolution spectral data is the key to revealing the influencing factors, effects, and mechanisms of land-atmosphere interactions in deserts. This study, we used MODIS and Sentinel-2 data as data sources to calculate daily reflectance and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data with a spatial resolution of 10 m, based on the Spatiotemporal Fusion Incorporating Spectral Autocorrelation (FIRST) model, across different climatic zones in the Hobq Desert, northern China, in March. Then, we evaluated the adaptability of the FIRST model in the Hobq Desert based on spatial and textural characteristics, as well as spatial-temporal distribution characteristics, using qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and geographic detectors. The results show that the correlation coefficients of First fused data and Sentinel-2 data in red, green, blue, near-infrared bands, and NDVI were 0.574 (p < 0.01), 0.448 (p < 0.01), 0.485 (p < 0.01), 0.573 (p < 0.01), and 0.625 (p < 0.01), and the scatter points were evenly distributed on both sides of y = x. Meanwhile, FIRST NDVI and Sentinel-2 NDVI maintained consistency in spatial texture and hue changes, with similar value ranges. The daily scale coefficient of variation (CV) of FIRST NDVI in different desert types were less than that of MODIS NDVI. Among them, the variability of FIRST NDVI in fixed dunes was significantly smaller than that of MODIS NDVI, with the former’s CV being 0.034 smaller than the latter’s. Besides, it was found that there were significant differences in First NDVI among different desert types based on risk detection, while MODIS NDVI showed insignificant differences between fixed dunes and semi-fixed dunes. This suggests that First model integrated effectively various types of remote sensing data and had strong applicability in the eastern part of Hobq Desert, which could distinguish between fixed dunes and semi-fixed dunes, providing a more accurate monitoring tool for environmental zoning management in desert areas.

Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Dynamic Vegetation Evolution and Its Driving Mechanism on the Kubuqi Desert Using Multi-Source Satellite Remote Sensing

Desert vegetation is undergoing complex and diverse changes due to global climate change and human activities. To effectively utilize water resources and promote ecological recovery in desert areas, it is necessary to clarify the main driving mechanisms of vegetation growth in these regions. In this study, based on MODIS and Landsat 8 remote sensing image data, the vegetation changes and driving mechanisms before and after water diversion in the Kubuqi Desert from 2001 to 2020 were quantitatively analyzed using multiple linear regression, random forest, support vector machine, and deep neural network. The results show that the average NDVI in the study area has increased from 0.08 to 0.13 over the past 20 years, and the year of NDVI mutation corresponded with the lowest precipitation, which occurred in 2010. After the water diversion, under the combined influence of human and natural factors, NDVI increased steadily without any abrupt changes, indicating that water is the main limiting factor for vegetation growth. The change of NDVI also showed obvious spatial heterogeneity, among which the improvement of the southwest irrigation area was the most significant, and the area with NDVI above 0.1 showed an expanding trend, and the maximum value exceeded 0.4. This demonstrates that moderate water diversion can reduce desert areas, expand lake areas, and promote vegetation growth, yielding positive ecological effects. The integration of multiple linear regression, support vector machines, random forests, and deep neural network methods effectively reveals the driving mechanisms of NDVI and indirectly informs future water diversion intervals. Overall, these research results can provide a reliable reference for the efficient development of water diversion projects and have high application value.

Сообщества пресмыкающихся пустынных ландшафтов и анализ герпетофауны Юго-восточного Казахстана

We used the route method to carry out quantitative counts of reptiles in nine regions of Southeastern Kazakhstan. The results yielded data on the population density of reptiles in fourteen habitats. We observed the greatest diversity of species and the largest number of reptiles in sandy deserts. Both measures were much smaller in loamy plains and low mountains. In desert habitats, the Central Asian tortoise Agrionemys horsfieldii and the rapid racerunner Eremias velox were more common than other species. In the desert habitat, agama Trapelus sanguinolentus was less common. Despite its wide distribution, the Central Asian tortoise was rare or common in most habitats: its population density values did not exceed four individuals/ha. High numbers (23.2±8.4 ind./ha) were recorded for the species only in the north of the Moyinkum desert. The population density of the tortoise in commercial harvesting areas from 1950 up to the 1980s remained low (3.5±0.9 ind./ha) and failed to recover. Using the population density data, we calculated similarity indices of reptile communities and then grouped communities into several complexes based on similarity indices and the ecological specialization of numerically dominant species. In loamy, sandy loam, and stony deserts, eurytopic species formed the basis of the population. These were A. horsfieldii, E. velox, and T. sanguinolentus. In the sands of Taukum and Saryesik Atyrau, racerunners (Eremias) dominated in the reptile communities. These were E. intermedia, E. lineolata, and E. velox, among these stenotopic species dominated. The community of the foothills of the Kyrgyz ridge turned out to be the most isolated from the others. The similarity was revealed between nine desert areas in terms of reptile fauna. The deserts that are similar in landscape features (especially the substrate and vegetation) had high indices of commonality regardless of their remoteness and isolation. This shows that the process of historical dispersal of species and their movement between territories faced no obstacles.

Artificial Degradation of Two Wooden Species of Different Density and Their Use for Optimization of Thermal Comfort in Climatic Areas of Marine and Mesoandean Desert

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of two species of wood of different density and the most commercialized in the southern regions of Peru: Schizolobium excelsum (pashaco) and Aniba gigantiflora (mohena), in order to choose the appropriate timber species for housing coating and contribute to thermal comfort. Wood is known to be a widely used material in construction due to its mechanical, aesthetic and sustainable properties. However, its durability is compromised by environmental factors. The degradation of wood can manifest itself in the form of cracking, erosion and discoloration, affecting its structural integrity and appearance. On the other hand, several studios have designed multilayered facades as an architectural strategy that seeks to optimize the thermal comfort of the interior spaces. Previous studies have shown that the configuration of multilayer facades with wood can result in a significant improvement of the thermal performance of buildings, for this purpose the best timber species must be chosen. Context: In this context, samples of two timber species were selected and evaluated in their natural state and coated with commercial surface protector, and wood thermally treated at 180 °C; these samples were subjected to accelerated degradation in a QUV equipment under conditions of UV radiation (0.89 W/m2 nm at 340 nm), humidity (by condensation and spray) and high temperatures (up to 60 °C), according to EN 927-6:2018 (European Committee for Standardization, 2018) for a total of 2016 hours. Results: The results showed statistically that the wood in its natural state, and with commercial coating presented cracking, fissures, erosion and discoloration. However, the heat treated wood presented better results of resistance against cracks. Finally, the species Schizolobium excelsum (density 0.33 g/cm3) is more resistant to exposed climatic conditions. Chosen the best timber species, it was configured as part of the multi-layer facade system composed of: heat treated wood, elastomer, air, OSB board and polyurethane insulators and its behavior was simulated to optimize thermal comfort in homes of marine desert climates and Andean meso with THERM software. The result showed an internal temperature concentration of 20 °C versus 0 °C of external temperature, this result considering only structures of walls of the house. Implications of the research: The implications of the research is at the level of material development, since the results reflect the need to develop coatings and treatments for wood that offer greater protection against degradation that respond to demands for durability and sustainability. Another implication is at the level of design strategy, the configuration of multi-layer facade with heat treated wood, can be adopted in architectural design to improve thermal comfort in marine or Mesoandean desert climatic areas. Originality: The originality of this inside research in which an accelerated degradation equipment was used, which allowed to have a realistic frame of reference to evaluate the behavior of materials in adverse climatic conditions. Likewise, it was possible to identify the timber species, more resistant to extreme climatic factors and by simulating the thermal behavior of this material, it is concluded that it is viable against other timber species.

Vegetation Dynamics and Recovery Potential in Arid and Semi-Arid Northwest China.

The arid and semi-arid regions of northwest China are characterized by sparse vegetation and fragile ecosystems, making them highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and human activities. Based on observed meteorological data, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Lund-Potsdam-Jena dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ), a vegetation recovery potential model, and the MK trend test method, this study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of vegetation recovery potential in northwest China and its relationship with global warming and increasing precipitation. The results indicated that vegetation in northwest China significantly increased, with greening closely related to trends in warming and wetting during 1982-2019. However, the vegetation recovery potential declined due to climate change. Central and southern Xinjiang and central Qinghai exhibited higher grassland recovery potential, while the central Gobi Desert areas of northwest China had lower recovery potential. The eastern part of northwest China was highly sensitive to drought, with moderate vegetation growth and recovery potential. Remote sensing data indicated a 2.3% increase in vegetation coverage in the region, with an average vegetation recovery potential index (IVCP) of 0.31. According to the results of LPJ model, the average vegetation recovery potential index for northwest China was 0.14, indicating a 1.1% improvement potential in vegetation coverage. Overall, climate warming and wetting facilitated vegetation recovery in northwest China, particularly in mountainous areas. The findings provide valuable insights for ecological restoration efforts and offer practical guidance for combating desertification and enhancing sustainable development. Moreover, these results underline the importance of incorporating vegetation recovery potential into regional policy-making to improve environmental resilience in the face of ongoing climate change.

Experiences with the conservation of the Central Asian Tortoise Agrionemys horsfieldii Gray, 1844 during the construction of PV plants in Uzbekistan

The paper describes step-by-step actions to conserve a globally threatened species – the Central Asian Tortoise in the area of construction of PV plant in the Karnabchul steppe of Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. The total area of the solar PV plant is 350 ha. The research was conducted during spring and summer seasons from 2019 to 2022 during the planning and construction phase of this object. Fauna surveys of the project site in 2019 showed that the most abundant reptiles of the project site are the Central Asian Tortoise. A quantitative assessment of the individuals inhabiting the project site and an analysis the risk of planned technogenic impact were carried out in 2020. The likely damage to the turtle population from the installation and construction works was reasonably estimated at 430 individuals. This was a strong argument for postponing full-scale construction works until mid-2021. Preparations for the relocation of living on the project site turtles began in 2020: the design of the fence and the drainage channel profile were agreed to be as safe as possible for the animals; construction of the project site fence began and a 1250 ha relocation site with similar foraging and protection conditions was selected. In spring 2021, 4572 individuals were removed from the project site and relocated to the resettlement area. The necessary precautions were observed. In 2022, the effectiveness of translocating Central Asian tortoises into the contiguous territory was monitored. Population counts were carried out and the sex and age structure of the turtle population in the relocation area was studied. These studies show that the resettlement process has not disturbed the age and sex structure of the Central Asian tortoise in the area and has not resulted in the mortality of even a small number of individuals. The desert areas of Uzbekistan have the highest potential for solar energy development. At the same time, this sector of the economy also poses a potential threat to terrestrial vertebrate species, in particular the Central Asian Tortoise. The described actions on tortoise conservation in the conditions of Uzbekistan were applied for the first time and showed a good result. In our opinion, it can be used in the implementation of subsequent similar projects.

Preparation of nutrient hydrogels with core-shell structure for seed germination and seedling growth in high temperature saline environment.

Drought and soil degradation are the key factors in desertification control. How to improve the utilization efficiency of water and fertilizer has always been the focus of research in desert areas. The conventional hydrogel-loaded fertilizer is not suitable because of the high salinity and large temperature difference in sandy land. Therefore we prepared a novel temperature/pH-responsive core-shell structured hydrogel and loaded urea in three ways: in situ polymerization, encapsulation, and immersion, and germination and seedling growth experiments on Artemisia absinthium and Cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino) seeds. The results showed that the immersion hydrogel SAP4 (PCP-g-PAA/P(DMAEMA-co-AMPS))/urea had the best repetitive swelling performance, achieving 163.89% of the original water absorption performance after 16 repetitions and the highest nitrogen release of 151.37mg at 40days. For A. desertorum, the treatment group applying the in situ composite hydrogel SAP2 (PCP-g-PAA/P(DMAEMA-co-AMPS)/urea) had the highest germination rate of 70%; for B. campestris, the treatment groups applying SAP2, the encapsulated hydrogel SAP3 (PCP-g-PAA/urea/P(DMAEMA-co-AMPS)) and SAP4 hydrogels had higher germination rates, with SAP3 having a 100% germination rate. This phenomenon suggests that the three urea-loaded temperature/pH-responsive core-shell structured hydrogels we have prepared are very promising as an aid to seed germination and seedling growth in high temperature saline environment.