Black Lands Research Articles

Research on Fuzzy Evaluation of Land Environmental Security in Three Provinces of Northeast China

Among the world’s most important three chief black lands, China’s northeast region is a vital hub for the commercial extraction of grain, undertaking the task of grain reserves and special transfers. Utilizing the provincial data of the three northeastern provinces from 2010 to 2021, and using existing documents and records as essential elements, we structured a land security appraisal system with five criterion layers and 21 indicator layers of pressure, state, impact, response, and management. The three provinces in the northeast were evaluated for the security of their land resources using the entropy-dependent weight-TOPSIS pattern. The study findings indicate that: (1) In general, land resource security of the three northeastern provinces shows a pattern of decline followed by a gradual increase from 2012 to 2021, and there is a steady improvement in the level of land’s ecological stability; (2) There are differences in the ecological stability of the soil across cities and provinces, with Heilongjiang Province having the best land security status and Liaoning Province having the worst; (3) The amount of soil erosion in tiny watersheds is the indicator that has the biggest influence on land ecological stability in the three provinces in the northeast; (4) The response layer is the criterion layer that has the strongest correlation with land ecological safety.

SUMMER DIET OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN THE BLACK LANDS OF KALMYKI

Field material for assessing the diet of grazed domestic animals was collected in the summer season of 2020 on the territory of the Black Lands (the southern part of the Caspian lowland within the borders of the Republic of Kalmykia). The research area belongs to the northern subzone of the desert zone (Zones and Zones…, 1999). Data on the composition of forage plants in the diet of jointly grazed sheep, cows and horses were obtained using the method of microhistological cuticular analysis of excrement. This method is used for the first time to assess the diet of sheep, cows and horses in the study area. 25 plant species were identified in the summer diet of grazed animals, of which 21 species were noted when describing vegetation in the key area. It was revealed that the diet of grazed domestic animal species differs in the ratio of the main forage groups of plants in it: cereals, sedges and various grasses. The share of cereals is the highest in the diet of horses (92%), and the share of various grasses prevails in the diet of sheep (35%).

Simulation of degradation of pasture ecosystems of arid zone

New approaches to the study of succession dynamics are based on the original concept of system dynamics, which was used in the development of simulation models reflecting the dynamics of pasture ecosystems. The temporal dynamics of the soil and vegetation cover of the natural pastures of the Black Lands of Kalmykia reflects the degradation processes that are studied by simulation modeling. The processes of pasture degradation in the subarid belt of Southern Russia were described by ordinary differential equations. This concept is the basic one in the development of simulation models. The dynamics of changes in effective coatings for phytocenoses of pastures of Black Lands in the process of degradation was traced from the original pastures to complete desertification. Analytical solutions for various conditions of succession dynamics in the degradation of natural pasture lands are a convenient test for assessing the adequacy of simulation modeling. The initial time periods of space observations of effective coatings of phytocenoses were used to parametrize simulation models. The models are implemented in the AnyLogic simulation system. The model development process is based on visual programming using the graphical user interface. Information flows in the Anylogic environment are redistributed over time through a system of storage devices interconnected by an oriented graph of the model. A computational experiment demonstrating simulation results with different parameters was used for an indicative (qualitative) assessment of ecosystem sustainability. The results of analytical modeling using ordinary differential equations and simulation modeling showed a high identity. The study of the dynamics of pasture ecosystems using a variation experiment demonstrates the possibility of visual (cognitive) selection of the parameters of the model that determines the conditions of stationarity of pasture ecosystems. Studying the dynamics of successions of pasture phytocnoses by this method opens up new opportunities for solving problems of optimal use of biological resources and sustainability of pasture ecosystems.

Mathematical Models of the Dynamic Stability of Arid Pasture Ecosystems in the South of Russia

In this study, the issue of the ecological stability of the soil and vegetation cover of the North-Western Near-Caspian arid zones within the borders of the Black Lands (BL) of the Republic of Kalmykia was considered. Modeling was carried out of the open systems’ thermodynamics principles using continuous and discrete formalisms. Models presented in the form of systems of ordinary differential equations, Markov’s circuits, and autonomous impulse processes show the possibility of their application in the management of pasture feed stocks. Modeling with the systems of differential equations makes it possible to identify points of stable states of pasture systems. Markov circuits are able to establish an optimal animal load on these systems. A computational algorithm for determining the stability of pasture ecosystems using autonomous impulse processes allows optimization problems to be solved to determine the conditions for the spread of external influences. Computational experiments were carried out to determine the parameters of the model corresponding to the sustainable mode of operation in arid pasture ecosystems.

Источники по учреждению и использованию Госфонда «Черных земель» в Калмыкии в 1930-е гг.

Goals. The article aims to examine newly identified archival sources on the establishment and use of Chornye Zemli state land fund in 1930s Kalmykia, including the issue of land allocation for farms from neighboring regions of South Russia for pastoral livestock breeding. Results. The paper analyzes resolutions and official correspondence between central authorities of the USSR, RSFSR, Kalmyk ASSR, krais and oblasts adjacent to Kalmykia. The work shows the early 1930s witnessed that Chornye Zemli (Russ. ‘Black Lands’) started gaining a special status as a pasture territory of interregional significance. This status was completely consolidated by Resolution of the USSR Council of People’s Commissars of 17 June 1936 no. 1054 which granted farms of neighboring regions from the south of the RSFSR and Georgian SSR a right to receive grazing plots in Chornye Zemli of Kalmykia for long-term free use — for a period of 15 years.

The effect of root rot on the yield of durum wheat grain in the conditions of the Orenburg region

The identification of factors that affect the decrease in the yield of hard wheat is the basis for studying plant diseases in the agrometeorological conditions of the Orenburg region. In this regard, field and laboratory studies are being conducted on common root rot (Bipolaris sorokiniana) of durum wheat. In the research work, the method of field experience was applied, the weather factors, the infestation of crops with root rot and the yield of durum wheat grain in crop rotations and during permanent cultivation in the southern black lands of the Urals were taken into account. The research was carried out for the first time from 2015 to 2020 on a long-term stationary experimental plot on crop rotations and permanent crops, laid down in 1988 on the territory of the OPH n.a. Kuibyshev. On average, during the growing season of the crop (durum wheat), 107 mm of precipitation falls at an average monthly air temperature of 20.3 oC and the number of dry days is 68. The results of the study show that the lowest prevalence and development of root rot reaches 28.6 and 10.2 % in the third variant of the experiment on a non-windy background of nutrition, the dependence on the influence of air temperature is 94.4 and 70.0 %. The highest yield of durum wheat grain was obtained in the fallow field with siderates in the average arid year of 2017 and amounts to 2.14 and 2.11 t / ha after the application of mineral fertilizers and without them. In the fourth version of the experiment, there is a decrease in the yield of durum wheat grain, which depends on the development of root rot at the maximum proportions of the influence of 80.0 and 89.7 %. Various agro-meteorological conditions, precursors and food backgrounds are the main cause of changes in the degree of spread and development of durum wheat root rot.

ЧЕРКЕСЫ МЕЖДУ ТЮРКАМИ И РУССКИМИ

This article is devoted to the relationship of the Circassians with the Turkic peoples. The Caucasian-speaking ancestors of the Adyge, Circassians and Kabardians were known to contemporaries under several ethnonyms. Papags and Kasogians were mixed Turkic-Caucasian tribes and served in the Khazar Kaganate. Zikhians occupied the Northern-East Black Sea littotal lands and were ruled by Georgian (Abkhazian) kings and Zikhian archbishops of the Matarcha. The Pechenegs were allies of the Zikhians, and the Oguzes were their opponents. It can be argued about a certain period of dominance of the Zikhians on the Taman Peninsula in the 13th century, but in the 12th century the local Zikhians were supposed to recognize the power of the Byzantine Empire. The relations of the Zikhians with the Qipchaqs were friendly. The infiltration of Turkic elements into the ethnogenesis of the North-West Caucasus tribes contributed to the emergence of the Circassian ethnos. In the Golden Horde the Circassians actively maintained contacts with both the Genoese and the Tatars. Circassians living on the plane were integrated into the administrative system of Ulus Jochi (Golden Horde). Circassians also fought against the Tatars of the Golden Horde and the Great Horde. The first Circassian principalities sources are recorded in the XV century. These were Khetuk, Kremuk, Kopa, Tatarkosia, Kabarda. The first three principalities worked closely with the Genoese and became victims of Turkish aggression in the 70-80-ies of XV century In the XVI century the principalities of Zhaney, Temirgoy, Besleeney, Khatukai took shape. Natukhai, Abadzekhs, Shapsugs were circled Abazins and became part of the Circassian ethnosphere only in the 18th century. Zhaney, Temirgoy, Besleney, Khatukai in the XVI century suffered from the invasions of the Crimean Tatars, therefore, in the middle of the XVI century hoped for an alliance with the Russians and sent embassies to Moscow. The war against the Crimean Tatars was fought mainly by the forces of Kabardians and the Ukrainian condottier D.Vyshnevetsky. With the departure of the D.Vyshnevetsky to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Ivan IV virtually ceased to support the Western Circassians, which led to their reversal towards the Crimean Khanate. They took part in the Ottoman-Safavid war of 1578-1590 on the side of the Turks. In the XVII century the Besleney and Temirgoy rebelled against the Crimean Tatars, hoping for an alliance with the Russians, but to no avail. Success in the fight against the Crimean Tatars became possible thanks to several victories of the Kabardians over the troops of Gherays in the XVIII century. Temirgoy, Abadzekhs, Bjedugs, Shapsugs, Besleney, Makhosh, Ubykhs rebelled against Crimean Tatars in this century. With the annexation by the Russians of the Crimean Khanate, the Western Circassians underestimated the anti-Russian position. Key words: Zikhians, Kasogians, Papags, Circassians, Khazar Khaganate, Golden Horde, Crimean Khanate, Ottoman Empire, Russians, Crimean Tatars

Increasing the Efficiency of Plant-Cover Restoration in the Modern Focus of Deflation on Pastures of the Northwestern Caspian Region

The change in the use of forage lands in the Black Lands and the Kizlyar pastures of the Caspian Sea region in the second half of the 20th century from winter to year-round, their overload with livestock, and plowing for forage crops led to the degradation of natural ecosystems, an outbreak of light-soil deflation, and the formation of large foci (with an area of ​​hundreds or thousands of hectares) of fine sands. The development of new technologies and the implementation of large-scale studies on their phytomelioration in the 1970–1990s made it possible to restore the vegetation cover on an area of ​​over 400 000 hectares and to stop the avalanche-like desertification of lands. However, the productivity and nutritional benefits of secondary phytocenoses obtained large differences. The article reveals the morphoecological specificity of the development and the water-physical properties of the soil of modern deflation foci. The technologies of their shrub and complex phytomelioration are considered. The formation features, biological diversity, productivity, and stability of the secondary vegetation cover were determined based on materials from the long-term monitoring of successions. The advantages of complex phytomelioration, including the use of woody, semishrub, and herbaceous plants, have been found. It was found that the created regenerative fodder ecosystems produce 2.0–5.0 t/ha of hay in the first 5–10 years and develop according to the shrub–herb type. Their floristic composition expands to 30–50 species in the subsequent decades. Their productivity decreases to 1.0–2.0 t/ha but depends less on the amount of precipitation than in virgin areas. Forage (up to 55%) and medicinal (up to 12%) plant species prevail in the 20- to 30-year-old phytocenoses. Pamirian winterfat has a high coenosis potential and stability. Pastures with its participation are distinguished by the stability of the pasture stock in terms of the composition and years of observation. At the same time, the indigenous species of valuable pasture plants (forage kochia, wormwood, and perennial grasses) slowly penetrate the cover of “extinct” deflation foci. It is necessary to improve the methods of their primary phytomelioration and to reconstruct a low-value vegetation cover on fixed sands. Measures to improve the technologies of primary phytomelioration of modern foci of deflation should be based on the expansion of the range and the joint use of valuable forage shrubs and perennial psammophilic grasses, the effective protection of local regenerative forage phytocenoses from sand transfer, the creation of a shady tree layer, the organization of moderate grazing of the secondary cover in subsequent years, and stimulation of the spread of indigenous grazing plant species.

Variabilidade espacial de atributos físicos de terra preta de índio sob pastagem (Brachiaria brizanta sp. L.) em Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas, Brasil

As Terras Pretas de Índio (TPIs) são unidades de solo que apresentam como característica marcante a coloração escura e a presença de fragmentos de cerâmica e/ou líticos e artefatos indígenas incorporados à matriz dos horizontes superficiais do solo. O solo pode ser degradado, por ações naturais, ou humanas, sendo a agricultura e a pecuária as principais atividades humanas que causam a degradação do solo. Desta forma, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a variabilidade espacial dos atributos físicos de terra preta de índio sob cultivo de pastagem em Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas, Brasil. Foi realizado o mapeamento da área de TPI com uso de pastagem, nesta foi demarcada uma malha de 80 m x 56 m com espaçamento regular de 8 m, sendo 88 pontos em três profundidade (0,00-0,05; 0,05-0,10 e 0,10-0,20m) totalizando 264 amostras. Esses pontos foram georreferenciados com um equipamento de GPS para construção do Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE). Realizaram-se as seguintes análises físicas: macroporosidade, microporosidade, porosidade total do solo, resistência do solo a penetração, densidade do solo e umidade gravimétrica do solo. A partir dos dados obtidos foram realizadas análises descritivas e de geoestatística. Pela análise geoestatística constatou-se que os atributos apresentam grande variabilidade, baixo grau de correlação e moderado grau de dependência; a microporosidade foi o atributo que apresentou o maior alcance (55 m) e consequentemente uma maior variabilidade.

The Provision of the Modern and Special Features of Arealing of the Mountains and Black Lands in the Gedebey District

The Provision of the Modern and Special Features of Arealing of the Mountains and Black Lands in the Gedebey District

Provision of modern and features of the arrangement of mountains and black lands in the Gedebey district

In soil genetic factors, soil-absorbing factors have always been in the spotlight. The formation of genetic strata of the soil and the variation of time depending on various spatial factors remains a widespread and urgent topic in the classical soil science, which has been continuously monitored to date. It is well-known that the most favorable approach to the study of soils can be achieved by obtaining a comprehensive set of data by studying its interrelationship of the environment and natural complexes, studying its dependence on time and space.

Agrobiological method of phytomelioration of degraded pastures using the cuttings of calligonum aphyllum and roll coulisses

Natural pastures, which occupy about 80% of the territory of the Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation, are the basis of the fodder base for animal husbandry. Intensive and irrational exploitation of pastures disrupted the existing ecological balance and led to desertification of the territory. The most negative processes of land degradation were manifested in the Black Lands in the form of anthropogenic desertification. Such processes of anthropogenic desertification take place not only in the North-West Caspian Region of the Russian Federation, but also in a number of developing countries of the world. These regions located in the arid zone are in great need of realizing the potential of their land and plant resources. The experiments were carried out on sandy massifs on the territory of the Yashkul region of the Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation. Accounting and observations were carried out according to the methods of All-Union Scientific Research Institute of fodder named after V.R. Williams and of All-Union Instruction for Geobotanical Research of Natural Foraging Sites and Compilation of Large-scale Geobotanical Maps. The method proposed by us is aimed at solving the problems of combating desertification, anthropogenic degradation of pastures by creating mechanical barriers for the movement of sands at the initial stage of growth and rooting of Calligonum aphyllum seedlings. The use of this technique has significantly increased the survival rate of Calligonum aphyllum seedlings (from 30 to 70%), and thus, in general, improve the effectiveness of phytomeliorative work.

Heavy metals in the soil of Kalmykia arid territories

In the composition of soils of the Republic of Kalmykia a large diversity of the gross content of heavy metals was found, which is explained by different genesis of top sediments and the leading role of fine particles in them. Several natural soil and geochemical provinces as well as technologically polluted territories were identified where an imbalance of chemical elements in food chains is observed. It shows promising use of the relationship between the gross amount of individual metals to study the genesis of soil-forming rocks and soils.The limits of the content of 23 elements were revealed, of which 5 elements are absent in the soil of the Republic of Kalmykiaor are within the sensitivity of the instruments. In the south of the Republic of Kalmykiaa soil and geochemical province with a high total As content was found. Its core is located in the southeastern part of the Black Lands. The arsenic content here ranges from 15 to 35 mg/kg. The province is polluted with oil. Besides, there is a uranium and phosphorite region, where, along with the phosphorus the arsenic was concentrated. The arsenic-rich rock destruction products were transferred to the neighboring plain and were part of sediments. However, toxicosis associated with a high content of arsenic was not observed in the described area, since soil As is immobile and its supply to food chains is limited. This can be judged by the number of elements in plant products: it remains environmentally friendly.

Modeling of ecosystem dynamics: nonlinearity and synergetics

Mathematical modeling and computational experiment of the soil-plant systems (SPS) ecology are forming the basis of analysis and prediction scientific paradigm of more complex ecosystems. The dynamics of processes occurring in open biological systems and phenomena occurring in inorganic environments are comparing in this research. The behavior of systems of biotic and abiotic origin has bifurcation points associated with the nonlinear nature of interaction between the external environment and the elements inside, predetermining the synergy of evolution. During the studying SPS using the example of the Black Lands of the Republic of Kalmykia, a mathematical model of multichannel transitions between elements was developed using the Markov process mechanism. The dynamics of the SPS ecotope destruction and recovery was studied in the approximation of homogeneous Markov chains. Stationary final distributions of the comparison of classes derived from matrices with high degrees revealed bifurcation points, the nonlinearity of the succession process. Mathematical modeling gave the lifetime of an intermediate states stable existence. As a result, the methodology for assessing the ecological status of arid ecosystems using Markov chains has been proposed. The analogy with inorganic systems allowed detailing the process of the origin of bifurcation points. Comparison of the dynamics of open systems «living» and «inanimate» nature has led to their synergistic unity. Nonlinear processes in inorganic environment are qualitatively similar to the dynamics of macroscopic systems in ecology.

Petrogenesis and Geochemistry of Tabas Black Land volcanic field: implications for volcanic activity along the Nayband fault, East Iran

The Tabas Black Land volcanic field (14 Ma) is on the major right lateral Nayband fault, on the Lut Block, Iran. It has a central area of eroded ventd, surrounded by lavas. Lavas are tilted and folded on the east by the Nayband fault. To the west lavas are undeformed and are in inverted relief. We study the evolution of the volcanic field and assess its relationship to the regional tectonics. The Tabas Black Land products are basaltic trachyandesite – basaltic andesite, with intraplate sodic alkaline affinity and represent post-collisional magmatism. Geochemical and isotopic data show that magmas formed from 5% partial melting of garnet peridotite mantle. Modest K2O values, ~1.25 wt%, indicate hydrous phases (e.g., phlogopite) in the source. The average of P2O5/K2O ratios (0.31) indicate very low crustal contamination caused a sub-alkaline tendency in few differentiated samples. Comparing with other studies, we conclude that partial melting in Tabas is higher than at other Lut Block volcanoes, but have the least crustal contamination. Tabas magma storage and differentiation happened in the middle crust (400-500 MPa = 15-19 km), for temperatures of 1150 - 1200 oC. The Nayband has caused several destructive earthquakes during the 20th century. Volcanism has localised along the fault since 14 million years, with a similar source, but decreasing degrees partial melting and a shift towards the south from Tabas Black Lands. Thus, Nayaband magmatism appears to be dwindling, even if the fault itself remains active.

Пространственно-временная динамика опустынивания на Чёрных землях

Пространственно-временная динамика опустынивания на Чёрных землях

CHANGES IN SALT COMPOSITION OF OIL CONTAMINATED BLACK SOILS

Aim. The Republic of Kalmykia is rich in fossils minerals, the main of which are oil, gas, condensate, etc. The republic includes three main morphostructures: the Caspian lowland, the Ergeninskaya Upland and the Kuma-Manych depression. The Caspian lowland, in turn, is divided into the Sarpinskaya lowland and the Black Lands. Practically all hydrocarbon production fields are concentrated in the territory of the Black Lands. In this regard, the most acute for this area are issues of environmental management and problems associated with the seepage of petroleum products into the environment. In the present work, was investigated the problem of soil contamination within the Nadezhdinsky, North-Kamyshansky, Tengutinsky, Bairskoye and Sostinsky oil deposits. Methods. The soil composition of the deposits is due to the complexity and is characterized by a light granulometric composition and, in most cases, salinity. The soils were analyzed for the content of Са2+, Mg2+and Na+cations, НСО3-, CI-and SO42anions as well as their pH values. Results. Contamination of soils with oil and petroleum products leads to deterioration of its physical and chemical properties, salinity increase, soil alkalinization; soils saturated with oil products, lose the ability to retain moisture, they are characterized by lower values of hygroscopic moisture, water permeability and moisture capacity. Conclusions. The study revealed that the oil pollution of the Black Lands leads to a change in the quality of salinity; the content of sodium and chlorine ions increases in the oil-contaminated soils.

On the 30th Anniversary of the “General Plan to Combat Desertification of Black Lands and Kizlyar Pastures”

This paper reviews the main historical stages of the development and implementation of the largest environmental project of the late 20th century—the “General Plan to Combat Desertification of Black Lands and Kizlyar Pastures.” The goal of this project was to implement a scientifically grounded set of measures to stop desertification processes, improve the economic state of pastures, increase their fertility, and protect lands. The implementation of the general plan has led to the performance of agroforestry works in an area of more than 7000 km2, the fixing of more than 4000 km2 of mobile sands, and the restoration of more than 2500 km2 of pastures. According to the forecasts, if all of the measures stipulated by the general plan were observed, the area of the ecological disaster zone would decrease and then completely disappear. A study conducted with Landsat satellite images showed that this forecast has partially come true: the area of open sands that was recorded in the test plot in 2016 (27.3 km2) is only 1% of the open sands area recorded in 1975, which is a consequence of the implementation of the general plan, a number of environmental measures, and favorable climate fluctuations.

Characterization of tirsification soil weathering processes: The case of Los Lirios wetland, Guadalquivir basin, Seville, Spain

The Andalusian Black Lands (Chromatic Vertisols) are soils of great ecological and productive importance, emphasizes their fertility, however, their formation is still a reason for discussion. The main objective of this work was to analyze the most recent geomorphological and environmental evolution and the physical-chemical behavior of some parameters along its profile (Chromatic Vertisols). This study was conducted in Los Lirios wetland of the Guadalquivir basin (Seville, Spain). In addition, samples were obtained in an exploration of the bottom of this wetland for a study on pollen. Samples were obtained to a depth of 260 cm every 6 cm in the 120 cm upper soil layer. Physicochemical characteristics of samples were determined in the laboratory. A total number of 20 samples were evaluated, 11 of which correspond to the 65 cm of compact horizons submitted to tirsification. Radiocarbon dating (C14) was performed by Beta Analytic (Miami, Florida, USA). The results indicate the formation of a cumulative glacis and a subsequent environmental change towards more hydromorphic conditions might account for the surface and physical-chemical processes that characterize this alterological process, which generates soils of high ecological significance and agricultural productivity.

The Robert Richey Site in Northern Van Zandt County, Texas

This article discusses a collection of ancestral Caddo ceramic and lithic artifacts found at the Robert Richey site in northern Van Zandt County in East Texas. The site is in a pasture on an upland landform facing year-round flowing Caney Creek about 130-180 m to the east, a northern-flowing tributary that merges with the Sabine River about 2.2 miles to the north. The site lies within the flood pool of the long-defunct Mineola Reservoir, but the Robert Richey site was not recorded at the time of the early 1970s archaeological survey of the reservoir. Sites 41VN53-56, prehistoric sites of either uncertain age (41VN53), Woodland period age (41VN54, 41VN55, and 41VN56), as well as ancestral Caddo (41VN55), likely Early or Middle Caddo period in age. were recorded on alluvial terraces on both sides of Caney Creek not far from the Robert Richey site. For years, Mr. Richey’s father had been advised by one of the old-timers who owned the adjoining ranch about a rise in his field “that particular mound in the pasture was an Indian mound.” Richey’s father identified the structure to him years ago. So, it was a known and identifiable rise in their land that had (tongue-in-cheek) been called an Indian mound for many years. Richey’s investigation into the rise was prompted by the fact that he had found a ceramic vessel sherd along the banks of a dam of a recently constructed pond. That sherd was discovered approximately 180 m south of the Robert Richey site, on a landform with tan sandy loam sediments; this place may be 41VN55 recorded by Malone. Malone indicated the site had plain sherds, scrapers, lithic debris, Gary points, as well as an ancestral Caddo sherd with a cross-hatched incised rim and rows of fingernail impressed punctations on the vessel body. From there, Mr. Richey took that rumor a step further last year and dug four test trenches about 3 feet deep and 10 feet long in the rise and waited for rain. Frankly, he did not expect to discover anything as he has not found much in the way of artifacts on the place. After digging the trenches he waited for rain. After a rain, the artifacts discussed in this article were found over an area about 15 m in diameter; they represent about 50 percent of what had been noted there. He did not note any charcoal in the trenches. The soil on the Robert Richey site appears to be a reddish-brown loam, and not the black lands characteristic of the soils in the Sabine River floodplain. There is an old and majestic Oak tree growing along the edge of the rise. Generally speaking, this is pasture land.