Base Exchange Research Articles

Cobamide remodeling in the freshwater microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Microalgae are not able to produce cobamides (Cbas, B12 vitamers) de novo. Hence, the production of catalytically active Cba-containing methionine synthase (MetH), which is present in selected representatives, is dependent on the availability of exogenous B12 vitamers. Preferences in the utilization of exogenous Cbas equipped with either adenine or 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole as lower base have been reported for some microalgae. Here, we investigated the utilization of norcobamides (NorCbas) for growth by the Cba-dependent Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant strain (ΔmetE). The growth yields in the presence of NorCbas were lower in comparison to those achieved with Cbas. NorCbas lack a methyl group in the linker moiety of the nucleotide loop. C. reinhardtii was also tested for the remodeling of NorCbas (e.g. adeninyl-norcobamide) in the presence of different benzimidazoles. Extraction of the NorCbas from C. reinhardtii, their purification, and identification confirmed the exchange of the lower base of the vitamers. However, the linker moiety of the NorCbas nucleotide loop was not exchanged. This observation strongly indicates the presence of an alternative mode of Cba deconstruction in C. reinhardtii that differs from the amidohydrolase (CbiZ)-dependent pathway described in Cba-remodeling bacteria and archaea.

Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater for Drinking and Agricultural Use: A Case Study of Rural Areas of Alwar, Rajasthan.

Groundwater contributes substantially to the development of arid and semi-arid regions around the globe. The present study integrates groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation around Alwar city of Rajasthan state, where agriculture is the major land use. The application for drinking was assessed by comparing the observed value with prescribed standards of WHO. Groundwater was found suitable for drinking at most of the locations. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was determined by calculating ion-based ratios and comparing them against the suggested ratios and indices for agricultural quality. Suitability for irrigation was assessed against electrical conductivity (EC), percentage sodium (%Na), residual Na2CO3 (RSC), per cent soluble sodium (SSP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Mg hazard and permeability index (PI) etc., and the quality was compromised for EC, %Na and Mg Hz. Since the soil was sandy, the groundwater was found suitable for irrigation over long-term use, with the only problem of magnesium hazard. Based on the different ratios of anions and cations, silicate weathering was observed to be regulating groundwater chemistry, and the groundwater belonged to mixed CaMgCl and CaHCO3- type based on Piper's classification and relative abundance of ions. Further, meteoric genesis classification showed that the groundwater in the study region had direct base exchange and shallow meteoric water percolation. Presence of kaolinite and quartz minerals in soil confirmed that silicate weathering is the major process controlling groundwater chemistry.

Optimization Parameters of Trading System with Constant Modulus of Unit Return

The unit return is determined as the return in the quotation currency (QCR) per the unit of base exchange medium (BEM). The main purpose is to examine the applicability of a trading system with a constant modulus of unit return (CMUR). The CMUR system supports speculative operations related to the exchange rate, given as the BEM quotation per the QCR. Premises for investment decisions are based on knowledge about the quotation dynamics described by its binary representation. This knowledge is described by a prediction table containing the conditional probability distributions of exchange rate increments. Any prediction table depends on observation range. Financial effectiveness of any CMUR system is assessed in the usual way by interest rate and risk index based on Shannon entropy. The main aim of our paper is to present algorithms which may be used for selecting effective CMUR systems. Required unit return modulus and observation range are control parameters applied for management of CMUR systems. Optimal values of these parameters are obtained by implementation of the proposed algorithm. All formal considerations are illustrated by an extensive case study linked to gold trading.

Combining Different In Vitro Bioassays to Evaluate Genotoxicity of Water-Accommodated Fractions from Petroleum Products.

Genotoxicity assessment is of high relevance for crude and refined petroleum products, since oil compounds are known to cause DNA damage with severe consequences for aquatic biota as demonstrated in long-term monitoring studies. This study aimed at the optimization and evaluation of small-scale higher-throughput assays (Ames fluctuation, micronucleus, Nrf2-CALUX®) covering different mechanistic endpoints as first screening tools for genotoxicity assessment of oils. Cells were exposed to native and chemically dispersed water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of three oil types varying in their processing degree. Independent of an exogenous metabolic activation system, WAF compounds induced neither base exchange nor frame shift mutations in bacterial strains. However, significantly increased chromosomal aberrations in zebrafish liver (ZF-L) cells were observed. Oxidative stress was indicated for some treatments and was not correlated with observed DNA damage. Application of a chemical dispersant increased the genotoxic potential rather by the increased bioavailability of dissolved and particulate oil compounds. Nonetheless, the dispersant induced a clear oxidative stress response, indicating a relevance for general toxic stress. Results showed that the combination of different in vitro assays is important for a reliable genotoxicity assessment. Especially, the ZF-L capable of active metabolism and DNA repair seems to be a promising model for WAF testing.

Designing sgRNAs for CRISPR-BEST base editing applications with CRISPy-web 2.0

CRISPR/Cas9 systems are an established tool in genome engineering. As double strand breaks caused by the standard Cas9-based knock-out techniques can be problematic in some organisms, new systems were developed that can efficiently create knock-outs without causing double strand breaks to elegantly sidestep these issues. The recently published CRISPR-BEST base editor system for actinobacteria is built around a C to T or A to G base exchange. These base editing systems however require additional constraints to be considered for designing the sgRNAs. Here, we present an updated version of the interactive CRISPy-web single guide RNA design tool https://crispy.secondarymetabolites.org/that was built to support “classical” CRISPR and now also CRISPR-BEST workflows.

Volcanic and Geothermal Redox Engines

The redox (reduction–oxidation) potential is an essential variable that controls the chemical reactions of fluids in magmatic and associated geothermal systems. However, the evolution of the redox potential is difficult to trace from a magma’s source at depth to the surface. The key is knowing that electron transfer is the twin face of the acid–base exchanges that drive charge transfer in the many reactions that occur in multiphase and chemically complex systems. The deduced redox reactivity can reveal many features about the evolution of a system’s composition and the external factors that control it. As such, redox potential analysis is an important geochemical tool by which to monitor volcanoes and to explore geothermal systems.

MMR deficiency of lung cancer patients.

e21523 Background: DNA Mismatch repair (MMR) plays an essential role in the genetic. The main function of MMR is thought to correct post replication errors since the system could recognizes base exchanges and short DNA insertions or deletions. Somatic mutation of MMR are common detected in lung cancer, and several studies has shown that the presence of MMR mutation may be resistance to EGFR-TKI. Here we retrospectively analyzed the MMR mutation in chinese lung cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the genetic aberration in 910 Chinese lung patients. All the patients were detected by hybridization capture-based NGS 1021-gene panel. Results: Here is an interesting lung cancer case which was called EGFR T790M, TP53 and MSH2 somatic mutations without any germline mutations, and this patient showed no response to Osimertinib. We retrospectively analyzed the MMR in 910 patients and called 39 patients with MMR mutation.The percence of MLH1, MLH2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS1 and PMS2 mutations rate is as followed: 10.3% (4/39), 33.3% (13/39), 7.7% (3/39), 28.2% (11/39), 5.1% (2/39), and 15.4% (6/39) cases in PMS2 mutation. Also we found that TP53 is the most highly concurrent gene for MRR deficiency the rate is 79.5%(31/39). The rate of EGFR mutation concurrent with MMR deficiency is 27% (10/39). Conclusions: MMR deficiency was found in 4.3% chinese lung cancer and 27% of them concurrent with EGFR. [Table: see text] [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

Qualitative assessment, geochemical characterization and corrosion-scaling potential of groundwater resources in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India

The sustainable usage of groundwater is facing a rapid decline in quantity and quality due to demographic and industrial expansion. In India, among several residential-industrial hubs, Ghaziabad is one of the suburban districts and industrial town of Uttar Pradesh, largely dependent upon groundwater for its water needs. The present study was carried out to assess the groundwater in terms of qualitative, geochemical and to identify corrosion-scaling potential during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 2017. Majority of the samples showed the exceeding levels of EC, TDS, TH, Cl, Na, and K, inferring the seasonal variability. Geochemical characterization indicated the origin of the groundwater from the rock-water interface of the underlying aquifers and hydrochemical types of water facies: Ca–Mg–HCO3 > Na + K–HCO3 > Na + K–Cl–SO4 were found predominant. Based on the classification of groundwater, most of the samples indicated Na+-HCO3- and shallow meteoric type of nature. Schoeller's index of base exchange also showed the chloro-alkaline disequilibrium with indirect base exchange hardened water. Subsequently, to predict the corrosive-scaling behaviors of the groundwater; five water stability indices were applied namely; Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Puckorius scaling index (PSI), Larson-Skold index (LS) and Aggressive index (AI). The results illustrated that the bulk of the samples exhibited scaling trend as per LSI, LS, and AI, alike RSI and PSI that registered slight corrosive properties of the groundwater. Spatial-temporal mapping of the indices also reflected the temporary scaling potential. Statistically, the interrelationships among the parameters and indices were evaluated using Spearman's correlation which confirmed the scaling effects through strong-significant associations among cation-anion complexes that promote temporary scaling. Therefore, estimation of quality levels and influences in the chemical integrity helps to underline the causative effects and ensure the sustainable consumption of the groundwater in various purposes through prior quality monitoring and applied preventive measures.

Genetic authentication: Differentiation of fine and bulk cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) by a new CRISPR/Cas9-based in vitro method

Ecuador is one of the most important producers of fine cocoa. In addition to the fine cocoa type Nacional (Arriba), however, the cheaper but less aromatic bulk cocoa “Colección Castro Naranjal 51” (CCN-51) is also cultivated there. In a previous work, several characteristic SNPs could be identified to distinguish these two varieties. However, the detection of single base exchanges in order to differentiate raw material types or varieties is challenging, as some of the methods require the use of restriction endonucleases. As a prerequisite, the application is only successful if an appropriate recognition site is available. The use of the programmable Cas9 endonuclease known from the genome editing system CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful alternative. For the detection of bulk cocoa in fine cocoa a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was selected, which is located within a PAM region mandatory for the Cas9 endonuclease. Consequently, only the bulk cocoa is attacked by the nuclease. The result can be recorded using agarose or capillary gel electrophoresis (AGE and CGE). Both methods yielded comparable results. AGE can be used for a semi-quantitative estimation and the more sophisticated CGE for quantitation based on a calibration line. A reliable detection could be made up to an admixture of 10% CCN-51 which should represent a realistic scale for routine applications.

Mismatch repair systems might facilitate the chromosomal recombination induced by N-nitrosodimethylamine, but not by N-nitrosodiethylamine, in Drosophila

Mismatch repair (MMR) systems play important roles in maintaining the high fidelity of genomic DNA. It is well documented that a lack of MMR increases the mutation rate, including base exchanges and small insertion/deletion loops; however, it is unknown whether MMR deficiency affects the frequency of chromosomal recombination in somatic cells. To investigate the effects of MMR on chromosomal recombination, we used the Drosophila wing-spot test, which efficiently detects chromosomal recombination. We prepared MMR (MutS)-deficient flies (spel1(-/-)) using a fly line generated in this study. The spontaneous mutation rate as measured by the wing-spot test was slightly higher in MutS-deficient flies than in wild-type (spel1(+/-)) flies. Previously, we showed that N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)-induced chromosomal recombination more frequently than N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in Drosophila. When the wing-spot test was performed using MMR-deficient flies, unexpectedly, the rate of NDMA-induced mutation was significantly lower in spel1(-/-) flies than in spel1(+/-) flies. In contrast, the rate of mutation induced by NDEA was higher in spel1(-/-) flies than in spel1(+/-) flies. These results suggest that in Drosophila, the MutS homologue protein recognises methylated DNA lesions more efficiently than ethylated ones, and that MMR might facilitate mutational chromosomal recombination due to DNA double-strand breaks via the futile cycle induced by MutS recognition of methylated lesions.

Identifying major factors controlling groundwater chemistry in predominantly agricultural area of Kattumannarkoil taluk, India, using the hydrochemical processes and GIS

ABSTRACT Hydrochemical investigation was carried out in predominantly agricultural area of Cuddalore district, South East India. The objective was to determine the potential factors controlling groundwater chemistry and their seasonal variation. Fifty samples obtained from 37 agricultural boreholes and 13 surface waters were used for analyses of 13 physico-chemical parameters. Qualitative and quantitative methods such as titration methods, flame photometry and Ultra-violet visible spectrometry were used to define the major ions; Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, K+, SO4 2+, PO4, Si(OH)4 and NO3 −. The results further were subjected to geographic information system (GIS), statistical analysis and geochemical plots. The evaluation of factors controlling water chemistry was accomplished by interpreting Gibb’s diagram, Piper diagram, Index of Base Exchange (IBE) and factor analysis. The interpretation proved that salts percolation, agriculture, weathering and dissolution as predominant factors controlling water quality of the study area. A Piper diagram classified the study site’s water types into Ca-HCO3 water type, Ca-Cl water type and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl water type indicating freshwater recharge, mineral dissolution and reverse ion exchange, respectively. Factor analysis extracted four significant factors, namely leaching of secondary salts, weathering, and mineral dissolution as well as anthropogenic factors, that cumulatively responsible for 80.34% of the total variance of the taluk’s groundwater chemistry.

Hydrochemical processes and groundwater quality assessment in North eastern region of Jordan valley, Jordan

Hydrochemical studies carried out on the groundwater in north eastern part of Jordan valley, Jordan, revealed the confinement of groundwater to two partly overlapping Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary-Quaternary aquifers. Values of Base Exchange Index (r1) and Meteoric Genesis Index (r2) indicate that the groundwater is essentially Na-SO4 type and belongs mainly to the category of Deep Meteoric Percolation type. Major processes responsible for the hydrochemistry of groundwater are: weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals aided by H2CO3 and H2SO4, oxidation of sulphide minerals, domestic waste water, irrigation return flow, reverse and direct ion exchange reactions as well as connate saline water. Values of Water Quality Index indicate the occurrence of excellent and good quality potable water at majority of bore well locations. The groundwater belongs essentially to (C3S1) and (C4S2) irrigation water classes of Richards (1954) and is suitable for cultivation of semi-salt tolerant and salt tolerant crops.

Hydrochemistry of shallow groundwater and its assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes in Tarmiah district, Baghdad governorate, Iraq

The present study evaluates the hydrochemistry of shallow groundwater and its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in Tarmiah district, Baghdad governorate, Iraq. Tarmiah is located in the north of Baghdad and represents an important area for a study due to its human and agriculture activity in addition to lack of information. Twenty groundwater samples were collected from shallow tube wells and analyzed for various related physicochemical tests to produce the relevant piper diagram, Gibbs plot, and Schoeller index values. Piper diagram revealed that there is a broad variation in hydrochemical properties. Gibbs plot showed a remarkable impact on water chemistry due to evaporation. The Schoeller index values demonstrate that 60% of samples are with negative values which in turn show the disequilibrium in a chloro-alkaline relationship while the rest (40%) admit a direct base exchange reaction “cation-anion” as a result of their positive values. The hydrochemistry of the region is dominated by evaporation, silicate and carbonate weathering. To estimate whether the samples are drinkable or not, Water Quality Index (WQI) method was followed. On the other hand, Magnesium Hazard (MH), US salinity and Wilcox diagrams were used as a relevant indication for irrigation usability. The results have shown that the quarter of the samples were suitable for both studied purposes. Statistically, the multivariate methods were used by applying Q and R mode cluster analysis (CA) on the groundwater quality data. The conclusion upon this was finding three kinds of pollution levels for the whole samples. R mode CA revealed two main groups indicating that the study area is influenced by natural processes and anthropogenic sources.

Medical Geological assessment of fluoride contaminated groundwater in parts of Indo-Gangetic Alluvial plains

As drinking water is considered as a major pathway of exposure to fluoride in the human body, an endeavor has been made for the assessment of the non-carcinogenic health risk by using hazard quotient (HQ) of fluoride for males, females, and children separately in fluoride affected ground water areas of Indo-Gangetic Alluvial Plains. The study suggests that children groups are more prone to the non-carcinogenic risk of fluoride in the area as HQ for fluoride is more than unitary in 44% (Pre-monsoon) and 38% (Post-monsoon) samples respectively. Field survey conducted in fluoride-affected villagers of the study area portrays cases of mottling of teeth and bone deformities depending on the duration and dosage of fluoride consumption. Petrographic observations of host rocks coupled with molar ratios of chemical species studies exemplify that weathered material developed over the granite-gneiss, mica-schist, amphibolite, granitic intrusive and pegmatite veins due to weathering and extensive water-rock interaction resulting higher concentration of fluoride in groundwater. Likewise, the base exchange index (r1) and meteoric genesis index (r2) advocates that most of the samples belong to Na+-HCO3− type and meteoric origin respectively, and substantiate longer residence time of water along with solute acquisition processes are responsible for elevated fluoride in groundwater. It is, therefore, solar energy-driven electrolytic de-fluoridation technology ought to be provided on a priority basis to the affected inhabitants besides the implementation of rainwater harvesting schemes for mitigation/ dilution of elevated fluoride concentration.

McDermott awarded FEED contract for PetroLogistics’ new PDH plant

Due to the rapid exchange of information and large user base of social networking sites, these are focused for gathering the latest information or news from people over the world. Anyone having an internet connected device can share thoughts or update on real-time events. Social media helps reporters as well as common men in sharing useful information, but at the same time, it also leads to deliberate or accidental spread of rumors, i.e. pieces of information having uncertain truth at the time of posting. During social crisis, people access these platforms to get relevant information. In the rush of being early responders to a critical event users post the information even without checking its veracity and that further used by other users to fill-in their informational gap. So flagging out the unverified information can be useful in maintaining a distance from spreading the information that may end up being false. The openness of online social networking platforms (i.e. Twitter or Facebook), presence of machine learning and NLP (Natural Language Processing) based techniques give us a chance to inspect the conduct of people in posting rumorous information. In this work, we summarize and present the efforts and achievements so far to combat the spread of rumorous information. These efforts composed of analyzing the content of rumors, properties of users who share rumors and network structure that favor the spread of such information.

Hydrochemical characterization of shallow and deep groundwater in Basement Complex areas of southern Kebbi State, Sokoto Basin, Nigeria

Groundwater under Basement Complex areas of southern Kebbi has been characterized in order to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation use. Water samples were drawn from shallow groundwater (hand-dug shallow wells < 5 m) and deep groundwater (boreholes > 40 m). Physical parameters (i.e., temperature, TDS, pH, and EC), were determined in situ, using handheld meters. Discrete water samples were obtained for determination of chemical parameters. Results from several-sample ANOVA (Kruskal–Wallis test) suggested that heterogeneity in water table appeared to exert significant influence on groundwater chemistry which is characterized by a significant difference in pH, EC TH, Na+, Zn2+, Mg2+, PO43−, Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−, and NO3− concentrations. Also, ions including Fe3+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Na+, PO43−, and SO42− are above World Health Organization (2011) and National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (2007) reference guidelines. Most of the groundwater sources are moderately hard. Groundwater classification based on chloride, EC, and TDS revealed water of excellent quality for all types of uses. However, groundwater classification based on nitrate pollution revealed water of poor quality. Rock mineral is the major mechanism controlling water chemistry, as revealed by the Gibbs model. Most of the water sources have positive Scholler index, indicative of overall base exchange reactions in the underlying aquifers. Such condition was well explained by Piper trilinear diagram, which revealed two types of faces: Ca–Mg–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–SO4–Cl. The HCA categorized wells into three groups according to their hydrogeochemical physiognomies. Despite the significant difference in ions concentration and chemical indices, groundwater composition is more influenced by rock weathering than anthropogenic inputs. Groundwater evaluation for irrigation use indicates a significant difference in SAR level which is related to poor permeability index in shallow groundwater. Higher values of Kelly’s index and magnesium adsorption ratio threatened groundwater suitability for irrigation use in the study area.

Tracking the Multistep Formation of Ln(III) Complexes with in situ Schiff Base Exchange Reaction and its Highly Selective Sensing of Dichloromethane

Four complexes, namely, [Ln2(L2)2(NO3)4]. 2CH3OH (Ln = Tb (1), Dy (2), Ho (3), Er (4), and L2 = (E)-2-methoxy-6-(((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol), were obtained by reacting (E)-2-((3-methoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino)ethanesulfonate (L1), Ln(NO3)3·6H2O, and 2-aminomethylpyridine at room temperature under solvothermal conditions in methanol for 12 h. The new Schiff base L2 was generated in situ based on the organic ligand L1 and 2-aminomethylpyridine through Schiff base exchange reaction by using lanthanide salts as inductor. A combination of crystallography and mass spectrometry was performed to track the exchange reaction, and the underlying mechanism accompanied by the complex assembly process was clearly presented. The multistep formation mechanism of the above dinuclear complex was also proposed, i.e., [L1] → Dy[L1]/[L2] → Dy[L2] → Dy[L2]2 → Dy2[L2]2. Luminescence test of 1 showed that it had extremely high selectivity to dichloromethane (CH2Cl2). Therefore, we established a quick, simple, and efficient method of detecting CH2Cl2 that enabled strong-luminescence observation with the naked eye. Tests for small amounts of CH2Cl2 in water further indicated the potential of 1 as a test strip for CH2Cl2 fluorescence detection in water samples. Alternating-current magnetic susceptibility studies indicated the field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior of 2.

Lithium-Bromide Exchange versus Nucleophilic Addition of Schiff's base: Unprecedented Tandem Cyclisation Pathways.

By exploring lithium-bromide exchange reactivity of aromatic Schiff's bases with tert-butyllithium (tBuLi), we have revealed unprecedented competitive intermolecular and intramolecular cascade annulation pathways, leading to valuable compounds, such as iso-indolinones and N-substituted anthracene derivatives. A series of reaction parameters were probed, including solvent, stoichiometry, sterics and organolithium reagent choice, in order to understand the influences that limit such ring-closing pathways. With two viable reactivity options for the organolithium on the imine; namely, nucleophilic addition or lithium-bromide exchange, a surprising competitive nature was observed, where nucleophilic addition dominated, even under cryogenic conditions. Considering the most commonly used solvents for lithium-bromide exchange, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and diethyl ether (Et2 O), contrasting reactivity outcomes were revealed with nucleophilic addition promoted in THF, while Et2 O yielded almost double the conversion of cyclic products than in THF.

The Forex Trading System for Speculation with Constant Magnitude of Unit Return

The main purpose of this article is to investigate a speculative trading system with a constant magnitude of return rate. We consider speculative operations related to the exchange rate given as the quotient of the base exchange medium by the quoted currency. An exchange medium is understood as any currency or any precious metal. The unit return is defined as the return expressed in the quoted currency by the amount of base exchange medium. All possible states of the exchange market form a finite elemental space. All knowledge about the dynamics of this market is presented as a prediction table describing the conditional probability distributions of incoming exchange rate changes. On the other hand, in the proposed trading system each speculative operation is concluded in such a way that the gross payment is determined by the given magnitude of unit return. The paper contains an analysis of the following evaluation criteria: annual number of transaction, success probability, expected unit payment, expected unit profit, risk index, unit risk premium, return rate, interest rate, and interest risk premium. Both of these indices can be used to select the effective trading systems. Effectiveness is considered in the local sense and in the global sense.

SOME DIAGNOSTIC PARAMETERS OF TYPICAL SOILSON NORTH-EASTERN SLOPE OF THEGREAT CAUCASUS IN AZERBAIJAN

The article describes the physical-geographical position, geomorphological, geological, climate and hydrological conditions of the North-Eastern slope of the Great Caucasus. The morphogenetic picture of the typical mountain-forest brown, residual calcareous mountain-forest brown, and mountain grey-brown soil profiles is given. The morphogenetic description of the soil resource horizons in the soil profile was performed according to the WRB system. The modern state of agricultural land was comparatively analyzed by examining principal diagnostic indices. The study was confined to Gusar District of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The geographical coordinates of each soil section were determined. The soil formation conditionswere characterized depending on vegetation cover, soil forming rock, slope exposition, and hypsometric level. The soils have been comparatively assessed by humus quality (main indicator of soil fertility), total nitrogen content, pH, calcareous quantity, granulometric composition, and base exchange capacity.