Brown Forest Soil Research Articles

Role of soil liming in increasing crop yields in crop rotation

These studies were conducted on the effects of new converter slag fertilizer (complex mineral fertilizer, limestone, soil ameliorant) for land reclamation, provided by the Japanese agricultural chemical manufacturer, containing 37.3% of CaO and 18.0% of MgO, on two types of soil in the Amur Region (Russia). About 85% of arable land has a high acidity (pHKCl ≤ 5.5) in the region. Therefore, the need for the use of land reclamation in the region is high. Studies aimed to establish the effect of various doses of the slag fertilizer on the change in the acidity of brown forest and meadow chernozem-like (Amur prairie) soils, as well as increase the yield of soybean and wheat in crop rotation. The experimental scheme was tested in doses of the limestone from 1 to 4 t/ha on the background of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer. The application of studied mineral fertilizer ensured a decrease in soil acidity by 0.05-0.30 (pHKCl) units by increasing of exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in soil exchange complex. The result was an increase in soybean yield by 0.18-0.45 t/ha and an increase in seed quality. Based on the results, fertilizer was recommended in doses of 2 to 4 t/ha, depending on the type of soil.

Classification of volcanic soils in the Soil Classification System of Japan and verification based on forest soils

ABSTRACT In 2017, the Japanese Society of Pedology (the Fifth Committee for Soil Classification and Nomenclature) established the Japanese soil classification system. In the classification system, all the soils derived from volcanic ejecta (volcanic ash, pumice, scoria, etc.) are classified into the Great Group of Andosols, excluding Man-made and Organic soils, although some volcanic soils were classified into other soil groups, such as the Podozols and Brown forest soils in the previous classification systems. The aim of the present study was to verify and propose revision for the new system based on physicochemical data collected from forest soils across the Japan archipelago. Approximately 20% of the forest soils have andic properties and were classified into the Andosols in the Soil Classification System of Japan, which is consistent with the Andisols in Soil taxonomy and Andosols in World Reference Base for Soil Resources, excluding a few soils with low andic horizon thickness. Many other forest soils that were not classified into Andosols possessed some of the regosolic andic properties, and it was challenging to classify them into Regosolic Andosols or Brown forest soils. Therefore, additional diagnostic activities on the volcanic ejecta and glass are required to classify such soils appropriately. In the new classification system, the Fulvic Andosols soil group was abolished and substituted with the Humic and Brown-humic subgroups under the Non-allophanic and Allophanic Andosols, respectively. The revision was consistent with the traditional forest soil classification system. In conclusion, the classification of volcanic soils in the Soil Classification System of Japan was verified using forest soil data in Japan. Abbreviations CFSJ: Classification of Forest Soils in Japan (1975); CSCSJ: Comprehensive Soil Classification System of Japan, 1st approximation (2011); SCSJ: Soil Classification System of Japan (2017); ST: Keys to Soil taxonomy, Twelfth Edition (2014); USCSJ: Unified Soil Classification System of Japan, 2nd Approximation (2002); WRB: World Reference Base for Soil Resources (2014, 2015 updated)

Silver Ecotoxicity Estimation by the Soil State Biological Indicators

The use of silver in various spheres of life and production leads to an increase in environmental pollution, including soil. At the same time, the environmental consequences of silver pollution of soils have been studied to a much lesser extent than those of other heavy metals. The aim of this study is to estimate silver ecotoxicity using the soil state biological indicators. We studied soils that are significantly different in resistance to heavy metal pollution: ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozems, Loamic), sierosands (Haplic Arenosols, Eutric), and brown forest acidic soil (Haplic Cambisols, Eutric). Contamination was simulated in the laboratory. Silver was introduced into the soil in the form of nitrate in doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg. Changes in biological parameters were assessed 10, 30, and 90 days after contamination. Silver pollution of soils in most cases leads to deterioration of their biological properties: the total number of bacteria, the abundance of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter, the activity of enzymes (catalase and dehydrogenases), and the phytotoxicity indicators decrease. The degree of reduction in biological properties depends on the silver concentration in the soil and the period from the contamination moment. In most cases, there is a direct relationship between the silver concentration and the degree of deterioration of the studied soil properties. The silver toxic effect was most pronounced on the 30th day after contamination. In terms of their resistance to silver pollution, the studied soils are in the following order: ordinary chernozem > sierosands ≥ brown forest soil. The light granulometric composition of sierosands and the acidic reaction of the environment of brown forest soils, as well as the low content of organic matter, contribute to high mobility and, consequently, high ecotoxicity of silver in these soils. The regional maximum permissible concentration (rMPC) of silver in ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozems, Loamic) is 4.4 mg/kg, in sierosands (Haplic Arenosols, Eutric) 0.9 mg/kg, and in brown forest soils (Haplic Cambisols, Eutric) 0.8 mg/kg.

The application of biogas fermentation digestate as soil fertilizer

As organic manure is becoming less available, using different materials as soil fertilizers and the application of the inorganic fertilizers raises many questions. Therefore, it is increasingly important to use compost and biogas digestate to improve soil quality. The activity of the microbial communities ensures the fertility of the soil. One of the most important enzymes is dehydrogenase. This enzyme group catalyses the hydrogen transfer in the process of biological oxidation. Our aim was to examine the effect of biogas digestate on dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DHA) in 3 different types of soil. Hungarian standard method was used to evaluate DHA. The applied biogas digestate was obtained from the Kaposvár Sugar Factory of Hungarian Sugar Ltd. The dose is equal to 16,7 m3ha-1 and 533 kg organic matterha-1. The treatment was performed in three different groups of soil: brown forest soil, calcareous chernozem and carbonate meadow soil. The results showed an increase in DHA in all types of soil. DHA values were the highest in case of the carbonate meadow soil, specifically 0.337 mg formazan/1 g soil/24 h immediately after the treatment and 0.410 after 28 days. A critical aspect to consider during the construction of biogas plants is the soil protection agency’s ban on using soil fertilizers during the winter months. Analysis carried out according to the protocol of sewage sludge examination revealed that biofermentate produced during biogas generation does not contain any environmentally harmful components. After the elaboration of a soil protection plan, the recommended way to apply biogas digestate to arable land is via injectors.

Investigating the change of soil resistence and moisture content in the case of pre-crops and soil tillage systems

The experiments were set up in large parcels at the Fleischmann Rudolf Research Institute of Eszterházy Károly University located in Kompolt. We carried out measurements by using a Penetronik penetrometer (electrical soil cone penetrometer) at the experimental site, where brown grassland soil as well as clay washed brown forest soil are the typical soil types. The device used primarily serves to investigate the physical and water management properties of soils suitable for agricultural cultivation. The instrument is a hand-operated tool for registering soil mechanical resistance in Newtons (0-1000 N) and also the moisture content of the topsoil (%) at the same time. The recording of the location of the measurement is made by the built-in GPS, and the results of the measurements are saved to the SD card of the device. The device’s data acquisition unit allows direct reading of measurement results, serial measurements and computer processing of results (0-70 cm). Taking our objectives into consideration, we defined the location of measuring points with various numbers according to the properties of the examined fields. Besides designating measuring points at a distance of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 m from the edge of the fields, we designated two more in the middle of each field in all cases. The examined crop species included sand oats (Avena strigosa), baltacim (Onobrychis viciifolia) as well as common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) with oats as a companion crop. Summing up the measurement results, we have made the following statements: Low soil resistance (127-131 N) was experienced after soil loosening and oat-vetch with higher, well-preserved soil moisture content observed at each level, where the 50% moisture content of the soil started at the layer of 27 cm depth. Moderate soil resistance values (150-168 N) were manifested in the case of soil tillage with loosening and ploughing after sand oats. In this case, the 50 % soil moisture content was observed at the layer of 38 cm depth. Higher soil resistance values were found (171-196 N) in the case of 2 and 3-year-old crops of baltacim, respectively, where the 50 % soil moisture content was recorded from the layer of 58 cm depth. Based on the results, we consider it important to develop and improve soil tillage systems

Минералогические особенности горно-лесных коричневых и горно-коричневых остепненных почв Нахичеванской Автономной Республики

The mineralogical compositions of the investigated soils are examined in the article. The characteristic peculiarities of the qualitative and quantities composition of minerals in the mountain–forest brown and mountain–brown steppificated soils are investigated. It is revealed that the main minerals in these soils are montmorillonite which change at 7.5–16.0% on the profile, kaolinite minerals are only found in the low horizons of the mountain–brown steppificated soils and form 12.5–19.6%, illite (hydroslude) in the mountain–brown steppificated soils is met tattle quantity, but in the mountain–forest brown soils their number rises and forms at limits 2.0–1.05%. Minerals are found in the following limits in the studied soils and rocks: d-quartz (SiO2) changes at limits 10.2–20.1% in the mountain–brown steppificated soils. A content of potassic feldspar in the mountain–forest brown soils is very high and changes at limits 11.4–40.8%, hematite (Fe2O3) in comparison with the mountain–forest brown soils in the mountain–brown steppificated soils is higher and changes at limits 2.5–10.0%, volcanic dust in the mountain–forest brown soils is high and changes at limits 10.5–21.0%. In the soil experiments quantity of calcite in the mountain–brown steppificated soils is higher and changes at limits 4.8–16.4%, dolomite in the mountain–brown steppificated soils changes at limits 5.0–5.1%, salt (NaCl) in the mountain–brown steppificated is at limits 2.0–2.1%.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ СЕРЕБРОМ НА АКТИВНОСТЬ КАТАЛАЗЫ ЧЕРНОЗЕМОВ, БУРЫХ ЛЕСНЫХ ПОЧВ И СЕРОПЕСКОВ

Due to the widespread use of products based on silver nanoparticles, the risk of contamination of the soil cover and surface water increases, since an element in this form can leach out of the material. The amount of silver emissions into the environment is increasing every year. There is growing evidence of silver toxicity for living organisms of not only aquatic, but also terrestrial ecosystems. Silver, accumulating in soil in large quantities, like other heavy metals, can have a toxic effect on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.High doses of the element can have a significant effect on the biological properties and ecological condition of soils. The study of enzyme activity can be used to identify major changes in the soil under the influence of silver. In this regard, it is relevant to study the effect of silver on catalase activity, since this enzyme is an indicator of the potential biological activity of the soil and reflects the intensity of mineralization processes in it. The aim of the work was to study the effect of silver pollution on the activity of soil catalase most characteristic of the southern regions of Russia. The object of the study identified soils characteristic of southern Russia: ordinary chernozems, seropesks and brown forest soils. For model studies, soil samples were taken from the upper arable layer (0‑10 cm), since silver accumulates in the surface soil layers. Silver pollution was modeled in a laboratory. Used silver nitrate at a concentration of 1 mg / kg, 10 mg / kg and 100 mg / kg, the experiment was 3 times biological repetition. The choice of biological indicators is due to the fact that oxidoreductases are most sensitive to chemical pollution among enzymes. This enzyme is an indicator of the biological activity of the soil and reflects the intensity of the mineralization processes in it. Laboratory and analytical studies were carried out using generally accepted methods in biology, soil science and ecology. Catalase activity was determined by the volumetric method according to A.Sh. Galstyan. As a result of the study of the effect of silver on three types of soils, the most characteristic of the southern regions of Russia, a decrease in catalase activity was noted. The degree of reduction of this indicator depended on the dose of the element introduced into the soil. The degree of resistance to silver contamination has the following sequence: common chernozem> sulfur sands ≥ brown forest soil. This is probably due to the light particle size distribution of sulfur sand and the acidic reaction of the environment of brown forest soils (pH = 5.8), as well as a low content of organic matter (1.8 % and 2.3 %, respectively), which contributes to high mobility, and therefore and high ecotoxicity of silver in these soils. A decrease in the activity of catalase of ordinary chernozem was observed for 90 days. At 1 UDC on the 30th and 90th day of the experiment, the same decrease in the studied parameter was observed. A similar pattern was observed at 10 UDC at the same experimental time. At 100 UDC (100 mg / kg) on the 90th day after contamination, a tendency toward restoration of catalase activity was observed, however, control values before silver contamination were not achieved. Chernozems have a high number of microorganisms and their high activity, and pollution tolerance mechanisms provide detoxification of soils from exposure to silver.

Гумусовий стан буроземно-підзолистих ґрунтів Пригорганського Передкарпаття

The indicators of humus condition reflect not only the productivity of soils, but also the features of the genesis, intensity and direction of soil-forming processes. It was found that the brownish-podzolic soils of the Pregorganian Precarpathian region are characterized by a low content of humus (1 36-3.7%) within the NE gl horizon, and in the lower horizons its content decreases sharply. Profile distribution of humus is determined as regressive-accumulative type, which is typical for most soils with elluvial-illuvial type of profile. The content of humus in the silty fraction of the studied soils is 1.5-2.0 times higher in comparison with the fine soil, and within I (e) m gl of the horizon the accumulation of humus is established, which is due to the lessivage process. Brown-podzolic soils are characterized by fulvate type of humus (C ha: C fa = 0.2-0.5). The movement of fulvic acids within the profile, especially organo-mineral colloids, is caused by the lessivage process. Among fulvic acids, the fraction connected with the mineral part (FC-3) has the highest content, which increases with the depth from 17.6 to 35.1%. The enhance in the content of this fraction with depth is primarily due to the ability to migrate within the profile. It can cause both the movement of fulvic acids deep into the profile with their sorption on peptizing colloids, and the joint movement of organo-mineral peptized colloids in the profile. The highest level of humification (28.10–28.75%) have upper humus-elluvial horizons, because they create the best conditions for the intensive activity of microorganisms. The humus content in clay cutans is 1.5 times higher than in the contained illuvial horizon, which is caused by lessivage and clay granulometric distribution. The humus content in the nodules is lower (0.26%) in comparison with the contained horizon. The results of the optical density analysis indicate a decrease in the extinction index from NE g1 to I (e) m gl of the horizon, which correlates with the indicators of the profile distribution of humic acids, the total content of which decreases with the depth. Such characteristics of humus composition indicate the genetic affinity with brown forest soils.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ ПАВОДКООБРАЗУЮЩИХ СВОЙСТВ ВОДОСБОРОВ НА РЕКАХ СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНОГО КАВКАЗА В 2000–2014 гг.

The rivers of the North West Caucasus are characterized by a flood runoff regime. Floods leading to material damage occur on the rivers of the region every year. However, in the XXI century. the development of both automatic monitoring systems and the capabilities of mathematical modeling of hydrological processes make it possible to fill this gap. After the flood of 2012, a network of automatic level gauges is developing in the region, recording water levels every 10 minutes. Analysis of the accumulated archive of observations allows us to determine the features of the formation and passage of floods on the rivers of the region. Among the features of catchments that determine the transformation of precipitation into runoff in the catchment, vegetation and soil cover are distinguished. When it rains in a multi-layer forest, each layer is sequentially moistened from top to bottom. After the vegetation has been moistened, the precipitated water reaches the soil surface and some of it infiltrates into deeper soil horizons up to the waterproof layers, where it replenishes the groundwater lenses. The vegetation cover of the North West Caucasus in the foothill part is represented mainly by plowed steppes with ravine forests, and in the mountainous part – almost entirely by forests. From west to east of the region, mainly oak forests give way to beech and hornbeam forests with a higher water retention. High forest cover and widespread in the region gray, brown forest and soddy-calcareous soils have a water-holding capacity sufficient to absorb intense precipitation. A large proportion of anthropogenic landscapes in the western part of the region causes a lower capacity for absorbing precipitation and, accordingly, a greater flood hazard. Further decrease in forest cover and development of the region will increase the flood hazard.

Nehézfém- és egyéb toxikus mikroelem-terhelés tartamhatása a talajból mért visszanyerési százalékuk alakulására szabadföldi kísérletekben

Összefoglalás Dolgozatunkban Kádár Imre 1991 tavaszán meszes csernozjom talajon 13 potenciálisan toxikus mikro- / károselem (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr és Zn) 0-90-270-810 kg ha−1 szintjeivel beállított szabadföldi tartamkísérlete 1-20. évi talajvizsgálati-, illetve talaj visszanyerési százalék eredményeit értékeltük. A LE-oldható (NH4-acetát+EDTA) és „összes” (cc.HNO3+cc.H2O2) elemtartalmak aboszlút értékeinek változásai mellett figyelemmel kísértük az elemek visszanyerési százalékainak időbeni változásait is. A kísérlet 4. évében a legnagyobb talaj LE-oldható visszanyerési százalékokat a kationos formában kiadott elemek esetében kaptunk, míg az anionos formában kijuttatottak (Se, As, Mo, Cr) az elemsorrend második felében, illetve a végén helyezkedtek el. A kísérlet 18. évére a legtöbb elem LE módszer szerint kimutatott oldhatósága, és így visszanyerési százaléka kisebb-nagyobb mértékben csökkent. Legnagyobb csökkenéseket a Sr, Pb, Zn, míg legkisebbeket a Mo, Cr és Cd elemek mutattak. A tápláléklánc szennyeződése szempontjából kedvezőtlen, hogy a kijuttatott karcinogén Cd jelentős hányada maradt a könnyen oldható frakcióban, és ez a frakció a 14 év alatt is csak minimálisan csökkent a meszes csernozjom talajon. Az elemek átlagában, a LE-oldható elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalék 1994-ben 41%, míg 2008-ban 22% volt. A 14 év alatt tehát az átlagos, LE-oldható elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalék 19 abszolút %-kal csökkent, azaz gyakorlatilag megfeleződött. Az egyes elemek „összes” elemtartalomban a kísérlet 4. évében mért visszanyerési százalékának sorrendje a LE-oldható tartalmaknál leírtakhoz hasonlóan alakult; a legkisebb visszanyerési százalékokat itt is az anionos formában kijuttatott elemeknél kaptunk. Míg a LE-oldható tartalmaknál a Hg, addig az „összes” elemtartalmaknál a Cd, mint nehézfém ékelődött be az anion formában kijuttatott elemek közé. A kísérlet 18. évében az „összes” elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalékok esetében a legnagyobb csökkenéseket a Se, Sr, Pb, míg legkisebbeket a Cd, Mo és Cr elemek mutattak. Az utóbbi három elem közül humán egészségügyi szempontból a Cd tekinthető a legveszélyesebbnek. Az elemek átlagában, az „összes” elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalék 1994-ben 81%, míg 2008-ban 49% volt. A 14 év alatt tehát az átlagos összes elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalék 32 abszolút %-kal Csökkent. A meszes csernozjom, meszes homok, és savanyú, agyagos vályog textúrájú barna erdőtalajon beállított károselem-terheléses tartamkísérlet adatainak tanúsága szerint a LE-oldható elemtartalomban kifejezett, és az „összes” elemtartalomban kifejezett visszanyerési százalékok egymáshoz viszonyított aránya inkább elem-, mint talajtulajdonság-függő. Úgy találtuk, hogy a három, egymástól jelentősen eltérő tulajdonságú talajon viszonylag azonos időben, azonos mennyiségben és azonos formában kijuttatott potenciálisan káros elemeknek a LE-oldható elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalékok és ”összes” (cc.HNO3+cc.H2O2-oldható) elemtartalomban mért visszanyerési százalékok arányainak sorrendje állandó, tehát a talajtulajdonságoktól független volt. Ezen felismerés alapján fogalmaztuk meg a Szabó-Csathó-Kádár-féle potenciálisan toxikus talaj-mikroelem kiterjeszthetőségi szekvens megnevezést. Természetesen ezen hipotézisünket még számos más talajtípuson, hasonló feltételekkel beállított tartamkísérletben is szükséges lenne bizonyítani.

Мікробіота ризосфери Salix sp. за умов використання різних агротехнічних прийомів

The study has established the regularities of distribution of certain physiological groups of microbial cenosis in conditions of growing of fruit and energy plants. In case of willow, the numbers of ammonifiers, micromycetes, actinomycetes, cellulolytic and oligonitrophilic microorganisms were observed to reduce compared to the control. In case of apple-trees, the number of microorganisms was higher but still within the control values. Growing of willows leads to stabilization of soil solution reaction, higher concentration of ammonium nitrogen, and lower concentration of nitrate nitrogen and potassium, compared with the control. We have established decreased concentrations of humus vs. control in both cases – growing of willows and apple-trees, which figure correlates with the number of pedotrophs. Notwithstanding the lowered number of some physiological groups of microorganisms, the soil with willows was characterized by highly intensive mineralization processes, in particular those of transformation of organic matters. An open-field long-term fertilization experiment was set up during 2011 with willow (Salix triandra x Salix viminalis ’Inger’), grown as an energy crop. The brown forest soil was treated during June 2011, May 2013, and May 2016 with municipal biocompost (MBC), municipal sewage sludge compost (MSSC), willow ash (WA) and sulfuric urea (SU) and two times (2011, 2013) with rhyolite tuff (RT). Thus, the most indicative changes in the soil microbiota against the control plot were found in case of the use of municipal sewage sludge compost; rise in the number of intestinal bacteria, ammonifiers, micromycetes and actinomycetes. In case of the use of municipal biocompost rise in the levels of intestinal bacteria, microscopic fungi, actinomycetes, pedotrophs and cellulolytic bacteria were found. While calculating the mineralization/immobilization index, it was shown that the most significant deviation from the control plot was found in rhyolite tuff treated soil – a decrease by 6 times, and in case of willow ash by 2.3 times, which proves the inhibition of mineralization of the organic substances in the soil.

Ecological and coenotic characteristic of Cyclachaena xanthiifolia (Nutt.) Fresen. in the flora of Ukraine

The flora of Ukraine includes Cyclachaena xanthiifolia adventitious species, which is dangerous for humans and animals. It got out of human control and spread widely throughout the whole territory, but its environmental features have not been studied enough. We found that Cyclachaena xanthiifolia is the eurytopic species in Ukraine, that is, it has wide ecological amplitude. It grows well and develops in wide weather and climatic divides: from semi-ombrophytic climate (1000 mm, Pre-Carpathian, Transcarpathia) to arid one (less than 350 mm, Prysyvashshia) in terms of climate humidity; from hemioceanic climate (Western Ukraine and the Black Sea coast) to subcontinental one (Dry-steppe and South-steppe zones) in terms of climate continentality. Its habitats are confined to flat, lowered, but well-drained and low areas. We did not find it at the altitudes of more than 500 m. This is heliophyte, a short-day plant. According to temperature requirements, it occupies an intermediate position between submesothermal and macrothermal plants that grow well when the amount of heat in April-October is from 1780 to 2620 kcal/cm2 and the sum of effective temperatures is from 2850 to 3750ºC. When it comes to demand on soil moisture, it is predominantly mesophytic plant; with regard to soil solution reaction, it is neutrophilic or subacidophilic plant; with respect to soil fertility, it is eutrophic humifilous eunitrophilic plant on ruderal habitats, and oligotrophic agumyl or sub-agumyl heminitrophilic plant on technogenic ones. The highest frequency of occurrence, abundance and the best morphological plants’ parameters were found on black earth, chestnut, and meadow soils, and the worst plants’ parameters were found on sod-podzol, brown forest, sand, saline and bog soils. In relation to landscapes cultivation, this plant is euhemerobe or polyhemerobe. It grows in the Ambrosio artemisiifolia-Chenopodietum albi, Ambrosio artemisiifolia-Cirsietum setosi, Amaranto retroflexi-Setarietum glaucae, Amaranthetum blitoidi-Echinochloetum grusgalli, Poligono-Chenopodietea communities and others in segetal biotopes. It grows in the Ivaetum xanthiifoliae, Atriplicetum tataricae, Chenopodietum glauco-rubri, Chenopodio-Аtriplicetum hastatae, Ambrosio artemisiifoliae-Xanthietum strumariae communities and others in ruderal biotopes.

The Limits of Resistance of Soils and Ecosystems of Crimea to Heavy Metals Pollution

A study is carried out to determine the limits of resistance of soils and ecosystems of Crimea to pollution of Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni by biological indicators. It is established that the Crimean soil in terms of resistance to Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni pollution is located as follows: residual carbonate chernozems> southern chernozems> dark chestnut alkaline ≥ mountain meadow ≥ brown carbonate> brown forest soils, and terrestrial ecosystems have the following series of stability: true steppes> dry steppes ≥ mountain meadows ≥ light forests> broad-leaved forests. In terms of ecotoxicity to heavy soils and ecosystems of Crimea, heavy metals form a series: Cr> Cu ≥ Pb ≥ Ni. The regional standards of the maximum permissible content of Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni in the main soils of the Crimea and the most effective ways of their rehabilitation in case of pollution are proposed.

Antagonism and Resistance to Antibiotics of Actinomycetes from Soils of Three Specially Protected Natural Territories

The relevance of the study of antibiotic resistance of microorganisms in specially protected natural areas is due to the need to control the spread of resistance among human, animal, and plant pathogens. According to the concept of resistome, microorganisms of natural microbial communities, including soil microbial cenoses, contain many antibiotic-resistant genes and actively exchange them. Information on the spread of antibiotic resistance among microorganisms in the habitats undisturbed by economic activity is currently insufficient. Forty-eight strains of streptomycetes were isolated from soils of different geneses: soddy alluvial soil (Fluvisol) in the Nurgush State Nature Reserve (Kirov oblast), mountainous cinnamonic soil (Cambisol) in the Novyi Svet Nature Reserve (Crimea), and brown forest soils (Cambisols) in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (Belarus). Their antagonistic activity against micromycetes and bacteria was examined. It was shown that the potential of antagonistic action of the isolates from acid soddy alluvial soil exceeds that of the cultures isolated from other two soils. The assessment of resistance of natural isolates to eight antibiotics of different classes and with different mechanisms of action (the inhibitors of synthesis of cell walls, nucleic acid, protein, and metabolic pathways) has revealed specific features that distinguish the resistance spectra of streptomycetes isolated from undisturbed natural soils of different geneses from one another. The findings expand existing concepts of the spread of antibiotic resistance to undisturbed biotopes and are of great interest for assessing the risk of resistance gene transfer from the environment to pathogens.

Priming effect of Miscanthus sinensis derived biochar on brown forest soil

ABSTRACT The role of biochar in the mitigation of CO2 emissions has been extensively studied in agricultural soils but is not well understood in Japanese forest soils, especially in relation to CO2 emissions from applied biochar and native soil C (i.e., the priming effect; PE). We hypothesized that the type of biochar and/or the application method (mixed or sprinkled) affect the direction and magnitude of PE in forest soil, and in particular, negative PE can be achieved relatively easily if biochar produced under higher temperature conditions were sprinkled on the soil surface. To test our hypothesis, we measured CO2 emissions from biochar-amended brown forest soil in Japan and examined its PE by conducting a medium-term (~4 months) incubation study. As substrates, we used plain straw from the C4 grass Miscanthus sinensis (SU) and two qualities of biochar produced from it at either 300°C (BC300) or 800°C (BC800) and compared two application methods: mixed into or sprinkled onto the soil. BC800 had a greater C content and C:N ratio as well a lower volatile matter content and higher nonvolatile matter content than BC300. SU had the lowest C content and C:N ratio of all the substrates. We found that biochar quality (volatile and nonvolatile matter content) was clearly related to the decomposition rate when mixed into the soil, but we could not find this relationship when biochar was sprinkled onto the soil. The addition of biochar to the soil induced a positive PE in the early stages (except for BC800 sprinkled) but suppressed CO2 emissions from native soil organic matter (negative PE) in the later stages, whereas the PE with SU application was always positive regardless of application method. Our results suggest that when biochar is sprinkled onto soil it is more likely to suppress soil-derived CO2 emission than when mixed in soil; however, the trend based on biochar quality was unclear.

Performance of Toria (Brassica campestrisvar. toria) on sulphur nutrition and soil test based nutrient management practice in farmers’ field of West-Bengal Himalayan range

An on-farm trial was conducted in the farmers’ field during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to assess the technology of application of sulphur on Toria (Brassica campestrisvar. toria)along with soil test based nutrient management practice under rain-fed condition at brown forest soil of the Himalayan range of West Bengal. The experiment was conducted at the seven villages namely Bong Busty, Charkhol, Sangsey, Bungkulung, Sakyong, Pudung, Didabling of Kalimpong district at an altitude ranged between 1210 m to 1300m . Significantly higher values of no. of primary branches (9.78); no. of siliquaplant-1 (82.12); no. of seeds siliqua-1 (35.51) as well as seed yield (1023 kg ha-1) were recorded with soil test based nutrient management practice along with soil application of sulphur (80%) @ 20kg ha-1as basal compared to the farmers’ practice. The soil application of sulphur and soil test based nutrient management practice also fetched higher return per rupee invested (1.61) compared to the other treatments. No remarkable change was observed in soil fertility status after two years of experimentation. As it was an adoptive trial with the participation of farmers, the necessity of soil test based nutrient management practice and application of sulphur have been well realized by the participating farmers.

Late Neolithic and Middle Bronze Age barrows in Bukivna, Western Ukraine as a source to understand soil evolution and its environmental significance

Barrows play an important role in paleoenvironmental studies. This research, conducted on macromorphology (descriptive), micromorphology (thin-section), physical and chemical properties of a burial mound necropolis located in the western part of Ukraine (near Bukivna village), aimed to reconstruct the climatic conditions and landscape of the area during the Late Neolithic and Middle Bronze Ages, when they were erected. The analysis of pedogenic and post-depositional processes has made it possible to determine the evolution of soils beginning around 4000 BP. Three phases of change in vegetation, climate, and soil conditions have been distinguished. Between 6000 and 4200 BP, the brown forest soil formed at the beginning of Subboreal period. Later, the formation of chernozems (Chernozems) took place between 4200 and 3300 BP, chernozems (Chernozems) formed, at an increasing rate as meadow and meadow-forest which led to the continental climate spread through the area, while in the Forecarpahians forest areas their transformation into gray forest soils (Luvic Phaeozems) is visible, and podzolized brown soils (Dystric or Haplic Cambisols) developed about 150 BP in a cooler and much more humid climate conditions than were present in the beginning of the Subboreal period. From the present study it was concluded that post-depositional processes, such as podzolization, lessivage, and illimerization, change the original properties of soils, while others, like the activity of fauna, result in krotovinas filled with original humus, and makes it easier to recognize fossil soils.

The examination of coppice black locust assortment composition

Nowadays, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is the most current and the most widely used tree species in Hungary. Due to its penetration and the wide variety of application it’s worth to examine, what kind of assortment their with different origins, and in different environmental conditions growing stands offer. In our current article we compare the coppice black locust stands’ assortment composition in different production areas (on humus sand and “kovárvány” brown forest soil). In addition, we present the assortment composition of the curiosity, the also coppice „szacsvay” black locust stand, which we compare to the everyday-produced seedling black locust and the coppice black locust. We provided our research in the area of Nyírerdő Forestry Co. Ltd. During the research we used the final harvest data for the 2010-2016 period. According to the tests it can be said, that the coppice black locust stands, that can be found on the humic sand and on the “kovárvány” brown forest soil, show a significant difference in the choice of distribution.

Leaf water relations and structural traits of four temperate woody species occurring in serpentine and non‐serpentine soil

AbstractLow water‐holding properties impose dry conditions on plants on serpentine soil. To test the hypothesis that leaf water relations are key plant characteristics to grow in serpentine soil, we compared these traits for four tree species (Quercus serrata, Clethra barbinervis, Magnolia obovata and Pieris japonica) growing in serpentine soil and brown forest (BF) soil. Despite a much lower soil moisture content, trees in the serpentine soil (S) plot showed similar predawn leaf water potential to trees in the BF plot in all species. Trees in the S plot showed higher drought tolerance or drought avoidance than trees in the BF plot. In the S plot, enhanced drought tolerance through osmoregulation was observed in Q. serrata and P. japonica, whereas decreased leaf capacitance was observed in C. barbinervis and Q. serrata. Decreased stomatal conductance, a typical way to avoid drought stress, was observed for serpentine C. barbinervis and M. obovata and midday leaf water potential was comparable between S and BF plots for C. barbinervis. Lamina dry mass per area was higher for C. barbinervis but lower for Q. serrata in the S plot. Wood density was higher in serpentine Q. serrata and M. obovata. On the other hand, all studied species showed lower leaf nitrogen concentration in the S plot. Our results suggest that (a) despite low water availability, the tress in the serpentine plot did not suffer drought stress, and (b) leaf water relations may be one of the traits that enabled trees to inhabit serpentine soil.

Research on the Presence of Phaeozems in the Suceava Plateau

Phaeozems are in class cernisols and has a wide spread in the Suceava Plateau. These soils have been the objective of many pedo-geographical studies, being firstly interpreted as exhausted chernozems (Obrejeanu et al., 1958), as exhausted brown forest soils (Bucur, 1967), and then as pratozems or chernozems like soils (Florea and Muica, 1962), presently being known under the name mentioned above. To achieve its purpose were established following objectives have been achieved in the field and laboratory: the study of the natural formation of phaeozems Suceava Plateau; the morphological, chemical and physical phaeozems (for which the characteristic of the space searched areas have been opened in the soil profiles were taken samples); determining the favorability of different crops. Among the pedogenetic factors, the relief played a very important role in the formation and development of the phaeozem type soils from this part of the country. The process of soil formation is manifested as the chernozems by intense accumulation of humus at the top of the soil profile, but at a lower level and having a higher content of fulvic acids than the chernozems. It follows horizon Amolic (Am), dark and quite deep.