Central Ciscaucasia Research Articles

Geochemical and palynological characteristics of the Maykop sections in the north-west of the Shamakha-Gobustan region (Azerbaijan)

The article provides a comparative analysis of the results of complex palynological and geochemical studies of rocks from natural outcrops of Lagich, Angekharan and Agsu in the north-west of the Shamakhi-Gobustan region. A comparison of the distribution features of palynomorph species with the lithofacies variability of sediments made it possible to reveal the conditions of sedimentation during the formation of the described sections. In addition, the age of the units identified in the Maikop deposits in Lagich and Angekharan was clarified by analogy with the formations and horizons of similar ages in the Western and Central Ciscaucasia. The boundary of Eocene and Oligocene deposits in the Lagich section is assumed to be in the interval of 80–115 m. Late Eocene deposits occurring at the base of the section are apparently an analogue of the boundary deposits of the Beloglinskaya and Pshekhskaya formations of the Ciscaucasia. The presence of cold-water dinocysts of the species I.recurvus and calcareous nannofossils Coccolithus pelagicus in the boundary interval corresponds to the existing ideas about climate cooling at the end of the Eocene - beginning of the Oligocene. The formation of sediments in the upper intervals of the section probably occurred in more open marine conditions, relatively warm water, but with low levels of nutrients (nitrates). This interval of sediments with a characteristic phytoplankton complex can be correlated with the middle part of the Khadum horizon, an analogue of the Nizhny Morozkinsky subformation and, possibly, with the upper clayey part of the Polbinsky formation of Western and Central Ciscaucasia. The accumulation of the lower units of the studied part in the Angekharan, dated to the Early Oligocene, most likely occurred in a marine, shallower environment with possible short-term transgressive impulses. Overall, it is possible to suggest a proximal environment of high nutrient content in well-mixed waters within the inner neritic zone. An analogue of the deposits of this interval can be the Lower Morozkinsky Formation and the lower parts of the Upper Morozkinsky Formation of the Ciscaucasia. The significant increase in deflandroids in the upper part of the Angekharan section is similar to the changes noted during the transition to the zone of Deflandrea spinulosa f. Majkopica in the upper part of the Batalpashinskaya Formation of the late Oligocene in Ciscaucasia. The accumulation of sediments probably occurred in a marine basin with signs of stagnation in brackish, eutrophic environment, with a short-term supply of material from the photic zone. The conclusions about the peculiarities of changes in the depositional conditions in the study area are also confirmed by the results of geochemical studies. The deposits of the studied sections are represented by both terrestrial and aquatic types of organic matter (OM). Terrigenous OM was more typical in rocks from the Lagich and Agsu outcrops. The OM of rocks from the Lagich section varies from marginally mature to mature. In the Angekharan section the OM is thermally immature, as evidenced by the low Tmax values. Despite the small thickness of the Agsu outcrop, rock samples from this section contain kerogen of various stages of transformation from immature to mature. The carbon isotope composition (CIC) of Corg in sediments within the studied sections is in the δ13C range, characteristic of Oligocene sediments in the Paratethys. There is a higher enrichment of the 13C isotope in OM in sediments from the Agsu section.

Пищевой рацион перепела в осенний период в Ставропольском крае

Quails (Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758)) are the only migratory Galliformes species. Quails are nestling ground-dwelling birds, feeding on seeds and crawling insects. Wild quails inhabit many parts of Russia. Quail farming is quite popular because quail meat is low in calories and possesses a number of beneficial properties, e.g., it is rich in proteins, contains little fat and virtually no carbohydrates, etc. As a rule, quails winter in Transcaucasia and Southern Europe; however, they sometimes prefer to stay in southern regions for the winter. This article introduces the autumn food habits of quails in the Central Ciscaucasia.
 The research relied on the analysis of stomach contents of 156 birds killed by hunters or hit by vehicles in several districts of the Stavropol Region. The material was collected in the autumn in 2008–2021.
 In the Central Ciscaucasia, quails are mesophiles and inhabit abandoned wheat and pea fields. The population fluctuates from year to year, depending on spring weather conditions. Their optimal nestling grounds include irrigated fields and areas near canals and ponds. In the steppe regions, they prefer agricultural areas, e.g., orchards, vineyards, holiday villages, sheep sheds, green belts along fields, roads, and railways, etc. Being phytophages, they rely on plant and, to a lesser extent, animal forage. 
 In the autumn, they feeding on green plants, wheat grain, seeds of cultivated and wild plants, and insect larvae.

Indicators of production use and yaks immunity of the Central Ciscaucasia

The purpose of the research is to study the main production indicators and immunological status of the breeding stock of yaks of the Sarlyk breed living in the Central Ciscaucasia. The object of the investigation was the animals of LLC «Mountain-Alpine», LLC «Garant A», LLC «Selskie Dary», and LLC «Business Group», located in Chereksky district of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The breeding population of yaks in the region is more than 7,500 heads, of which 4,123 are yak-cows. The share of breeding sires is accounted of 217 heads, which is 2.9% more than the total yak population. Milk production of yak-cows is fluctuated on approximately the same level on farms and amount to 179-184 kg. For every 100 yak-cows in analyzed organizations were obtained at least 88 calves, and more than 98% of young animals were preserved for weaning. Species from all farms were distinguished by the optimal duration of the calving intervals, which made it possible to produce one calf per year from them within 12-13 months. More preferable values for the period between calving were observed among representatives from LLC Garant A (358 days) for all other things being equal. It was established that cows were eliminated from the herds at the age of 3.2-3.8 calving, and they were used longer by 0.4-0.6 calving in LLC «Selskie Dary» and LLC «Garant A» regardless of organizational affiliation. The most common reasons for attrition were injuries and diseases of the limbs. Yak -cows of all breeding reproducers were characterized by high humoral and cellular immunity.

Lower miocene stratigraphy of the Eastern Paratethys: Problems and state of the art

The Lower Miocene regional stages of the Eastern Paratethys, the Caucasian, Sakaraulian, and Kozakhurian, have been recognized in different structural facies zones of the basin and have no reliable universal stratigraphic basis for defining their boundaries and volume. Mollusks, benthic and planktonic foraminifers, calcareous nannoplankton, and dinocysts have been studied in a number of Lower Miocene sections in stratotype areas of the Central Ciscaucasia and Kartli Depression in Georgia. The fossil biota groups of the Caucasian, Sakaraulian, and Kozakhurian sediments are briefly characterized. The available new data on the phytoplankton of these regional stratigraphic units as well as the records of the benthos composition in the marginal facies of the Ciscaucasian Basin allow a comparison between the stratotype regions and show possibilities for a more detailed correlation among them.

Ажурные бляхи IV—II вв. до н. э. из памятников Центрального Предкавказья

The article examines the typological features of bridle openwork plaques found in 4 th—2 nd centuries BC sites in the Central Ciscaucasia. The majority of the objects were found in hoards of items of horse harness, jewelry and amulets: in Stavropol and near Mount Zmeika. In isolated cases, they are recorded in burials of the 3 rd—1 st centuries BC (Samashkinsky III burial ground, mound 3, burial no. 19; Nizhne-Chereksky mound, burial 5). The 25 found specimens conventionally belong to five types. Type I — wheel-shaped — 10 copies; type II — star — 2 copies; type III — pearl — 7 copies; type IV — lattice — 1 copy; type V — corrugated — 5 copies. Analogies to these plaques are recorded in the sites of the Southern Urals, Middle Don, Kuban, Dagestan, as well as in earlier sites of the Koban culture (Central Ciscaucasia). The peculiarities of the types of bridle balls originating from the 4 th—2 nd centuries BC sites in the Central Ciscaucasia reflected the influence of local traditions of the Koban decorative and applied art and the general fashion for decorating items of horse harness typical for the nomadic culture of the steppe population.

Formation of highly productive agrophytocenoses of <i>Raphanus sativus</i> L. subsp. <i>acanthiformis</i> (Blanch.) Stankev. in the conditions of the North Caucasus

Relevance. One of the most important tasks of agricultural production is to provide the population of the regions with vegetables at the expense of local production. Despite the social significance of the vegetable growing industry, its development in the Central Ciscaucasia at the present stage allows only half to meet the demand of the population. For the Chechen Republic, where the area of arable land is limited, the daikon (Raphanus sativus L. subsp. acanthiformis (Blanch.) Stankev.) Has a certain perspective, especially for cultivation in the summer-autumn period, after early harvesting of vegetables and field crops.Results. Under the conditions of the Chechen Republic, the maximum yield of root crops (29.0 t/ha) and marketability of 65% of the early maturing variety Sasha was obtained with a sowing time of 31.07 and a scheme of 35x10 cm. The highest yield of root crops of varieties Dubinushka, Dragon, Favorit was formed at a sowing time of 17.07 (58.1, 62.3 and 57.3 t/ha, respectively), and variety Moskovsky Bogatyr – at a sowing time of 3.07 (72.3 t/ha) at sowing scheme 70x10 cm.

Походы армии Тамерлана в Центральное Предкавказье в 1395–1396 гг. (локализация, проблемы изучения)

Introduction. The article attempts to localize Tamerlane’s campaigns of 1395–1396 in Central Ciscaucasia aimed to weaken the Golden Horde, eliminate chief forces of Tokhtamysh and his allies native to the region invaded. Goals. The study seeks to analyze and compare data from artefacts, written and phonic sources relating to Tamerlane’s campaigns in Central Ciscaucasia, clarify the roles once played therein by archaeological sites investigated across Stavropol Krai. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on artefacts, written and phonic sources. The former include ones contained in the occupation layer of Majar hillfort and bearing traces of the city’s demolition in the late 14th century CE, as well as those from two other sites of the Golden Horde era — Novopavlovka and Kochubeevskoe-1 settlements. The examined written sources are works by Arab, Persian and Western European authors, including modern ones. As for medieval Arab and Persian sources, the most detailed accounts for further analysis are contained in Books of Victory by Nizam al-Din Shami and Sharaf al-Din ‘Ali Yazdi, as well as in chronicles by Abd-al-Razzāq Samarqandī. Most precious data has been discovered in J. Schiltberger’s writing, oral accounts summarized by E. Çelebi and A. Firkovich. The work employs the historical-systemic, historical-comparative, and cartographic methods. The analysis is supplemented with results of scientific surveys recently conducted across glaciers of the Central and West Caucasus. Results. In spring of 1395, Tamerlane invaded the East and Central Caucasus to defeat Tokhtamysh in the decisive battle that took place in the Malka-Kura interfluve. Later in autumn and winter of 1395–1396, the invaders would return to the North Caucasus for raids throughout the lands of Kuban and Beshtau. Conclusions. In 1395–1396, Tamerlane was following a certain plan of his compiled with due regard for natural/climatic conditions of the region and seasonal economic cycles of Central Ciscaucasia’s nomads. The invading troops kept the field with the use of local resources — foodstuffs of Dzhulat county, summer pastures of Bishdag, and winter pastures of the Kuma-Manych Depression. Tamerlane was devastating the right wing of the Ulus of Jochi to take into possession the resources previously deployed by rulers of the Golden Horde.

Prognostic map charts of ecosystem functioning violation in soil in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus in contamination with different copper concentrations

Prognostic map charts of ecosystem functioning violation in soil in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus in contamination with different copper concentrations

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF THE CENTRAL CAUCASIAN REGION POPULATION IN THE 1st millennium BC – 1st millennium AD BASED ON MITOCHONDRIAL DNA

This study is the first attempt to analyze the genetic diversity of the Central Ciscaucasia population during the Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age and Early Middle Ages. The authors analyzed 120 samples from 10 burial grounds of the Koban and Alan archaeological cultures, as well as representatives of the Middle Sarmatian culture and the North Caucasian population of the Sarmatian period. Data on the variability of mitochondrial DNA (m-tDNA) of 71 individuals were obtained. An analysis of the previously collected and published information allows concluding that the analyzed populations are characterized by a significant diversity of mtDNA with a predominance of West Eurasian mitochondrial haplogroups. East Eurasian lines of inheritance can be traced in small numbers among the population of the Koban culture (5%), as well as among the Sarmatian (14%) and Alanian populations (11%). The most common lines of Western Eurasian origin are different variants of haplogroups H, U and N. At the same time, a significant diversity of mtDNA haplogroups is observed at all burial sites, except for the Kich-Malka II burial ground, where during the 7th century BC – the early 6th century AD the succession of individuals on the maternal line was recorded, represented by haplogroup H2a2a1. Study in the latter requires a more detailed approach using whole genome sequencing. Comparison of the analyzed sample with previously published data on the genetic portrait of the North Caucasus population in the Early and Middle Bronze Age makes it possible to conclude that representatives of the East Eurasian cluster of mtDNA haplogroups arrived in the Central Ciscaucasia rather late, it was probably associated with contacts between the Koban culture carriers and the nomadic steppe population.

Климатология туманов в Центральном Предкавказье

Introduction. Fog is one of the dangerous weather phenomena, since it has a negative impact on the operation of all types of transport, worsens the ecological state of the air basin of cities, leads to deterioration in the well-being of people with a number of diseases, etc. Therefore, the study of the fog regime and its dynamics is an important task, especially in the era of rapid and significant climate change. The work is devoted to the study of the regime of fogs in various landscapes of the Central Ciscaucasia. The main characteristics of the fog regime in the current climate are calculated. To determine the change in the fog regime, the new century data are compared with data for two multi-year periods of the 20th century. Particular attention is paid to the modern regime of fogs in the resort of Kislovodsk and in airport areas in Mineralnye Vody and Stavropol. Materials and research methods. The information base for the analysis of the fog regime was the observation data of 16 meteorological stations of the Stavropol Krai for 2001–2020, data from the USSR Climate Reference Book [24] and the monograph “Stavropol Territory: modern climatic conditions” [5]. The studies were carried out by methods of physical-statistical and regression analysis. Research results and their discussion. For all meteorological stations of the Central Ciscaucasia, the averaged main characteristics of the fog regime for the first two full 10 years of the new century are calculated: the annual, seasonal and monthly number of days with fog and their total duration in the indicated periods. The extreme values of the specified characteristics are determined. The analysis of the annual course of the main characteristics of fogs has been carried out. Based on the results of a comparative analysis of the obtained data with data over two long-term periods of the 20th century, the characteristic of the dominant trend in long-term changes in the frequency and duration of fogs is given. Conclusion. It is shown that the distribution of fogs over the territory of the Stavropol Krai has a complex character; there is no clear connection with the landscape structure. For most of the region, there is a certain similarity in the trends in changing the fog regime: decrease in the annual number of days with fog; reduction of the total annual duration of fogs; decrease in the proportion of fogs of the cold period in the annual number of days with fog; reduction in the share of fogs of the cold period in the total annual duration of fogs; decrease in the duration of one fog both on average per year and during the cold period.

The effectiveness of cultivating soybean varieties of different maturity groups in the conditions of the central Ciscaucasia

The studies were conducted in 2017-2019 at the experimental station of the Stavropol State Agrarian University in conditions without irrigation and on the basis of the experimental plots of Agrosakhar LLC with the use of irrigation. The territories of the research sites belong to the zone of unstable humidification, characterized by unstable and uneven precipitation during the growing season of soybeans, elevated air temperatures in summer, when soybean plants enter the phases of flowering and grain filling. At the experimental plots of the SSAU experimental station, the soil is represented by leached chernozem, at the experimental sites of Agrosahar LLC by ordinary chernozem. The purpose of the research is to determine the biological characteristics and efficiency of growing new, promising soybean varieties of the southern ecotype. It was found that the most quickly-ripening variety with a growing season of 96 days is the Bara variety, the longest growing season was noted in the mid-ripening Vilana variety – 129 days. The maximum photosynthetic potential of soybean crops was formed under irrigation conditions: quickly-ripening Selecta 101 variety – 1376, early-ripening Duar variety – 1678 and mid-ripening Zara variety – 2167 thous. m2.day/ha. In terms of yield, when growing soybeans without irrigation in the quickly-ripening group, the Lira variety stood out – 1.59 t/ha, in the early-ripening Selecta 201 variety – 1.75 t/ha and the midripening Zara variety – 1.94 t/ha, when irrigation was used in the quickly-ripening group, the Selecta 101 variety stood out – 2.34 t/ha, in the early-ripening Duar variety – 2.89 t/ha and the mid-ripening Zara variety – 3.14 t/ha. In the conditions of the SSAU experimental station without irrigation and in Agrosakhar LLC the largest profit in the amount of 16028 to 40912 rub./ha was obtained by cultivating the mid-ripening Zara variety with a yield of 1.94 - 3.14 t/ha, and the level of profitability ranged from 49.4 to 108.8%.

Экологически безопасные концентрации никеля в почвах Центрального Предкавказья и Кавказа

An extensive number of enterprises are located on the territory of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus. Emissions from these industrial facilities enter the atmosphere, settle on the soil, drain into reservoirs. Among the main pollutants is the heavy metal nickel (Ni). Nickel is at the same time a vital chemical element, and, at the same time, it can act as a toxicant metal that can cause mutations. Its biological role depends on the concentration of metal in the soil. The aim of the study is to establish ecologically safe concentrations of nickel for the soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus. Materials and methods of research. Nickel oxides were added to soil samples at a dose of 100, 1000, and 10000 mg/ kg and incubated in plastic vessels at a temperature of 20-22 °C and 55-60% soil moisture. In this work, the biological parameters of soils were determined on the basis of methods generally accepted in soil science and ecology (phytotoxicity of soils, total number of bacteria, catalase activity, dehydrogenase activity, abundance of Azotobacter bacteria, changes in cellulolytic activity). According to the indicators of microbiological, biochemical and phytotoxic parameters, we calculated IIBS - an integral indicator of the biological state of the soil The results obtained and their discussion. Based on the analysis of the soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus, the following were ranked according to their resistance to nickel contamination: ordinary chernozem (91) >chernozem podzolized (mountain) (84) ≥ chernozem typical (mountain) (83) ≥ chernozems leached (mountain) (82) = mountain-meadow chernozem-likes (82) ≥ mountain-meadow sod-peaty (80) ≥ mountain meadow-steppe (78) ≥ sod-calcareouses (76) ≥ dark gray forest(75) ≥ mountain-meadow soddy (71) ≥ brown forest weakly unsaturated(68).The greater the soil IPBS, the more resistant the biological indicators of this type of soil are to nickel contamination. The study made it possible to calculate the regional maximum permissible concentrations (rMPC) of Ni in the soils of the Сentral Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus. For this purpose, regression equations were constructed reflecting the dependence of the IIBS of each studied soil on the content of Ni in it. The rMPC of Ni in ordinary chernozem is 170 mg/kg, in typical chernozem (mountain) and mountain meadow chernozem-like soil — 160 mg/kg, in podzolized chernozem (mountain) — 150 mg/kg, in leached chernozem and mountain meadow turf-peat soil — 130 mg/kg, in sod—carbonate and dark gray forest — 120 mg/ kg, in mountain meadow-steppe — 145 mg/kg, in mountain meadow turf — 140 mg/kg, in brown forest slightly unsaturated — 100 mg/kg.

Comparative Assessment of the Resistance to Lead (Pb) Pollution of Forest, Forest-Steppe, Steppe, and Mountain-Meadow Soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus Regions

Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the resistance of different soils and ecosystems to Pb pollution varies greatly. In the present study, the comparative assessment of the resistance to Pb contamination in the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions was conducted. There were 10 types and subtypes of objects from the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils which were selected for this study. The laboratory modeling of the effect of chemical soil contamination with lead (II) oxide (PbO) at different concentrations, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg, were introduced into the soil to check the microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic properties of the soil after 30 days of incubation. Soil resistance to Pb stress was assessed by the degree of the decrease in the most sensitive and informative biological indicators of the soil condition. It has been found that the forest-steppe and steppe soils showed a greater resistance than that of the forest and mountain-meadow soils. The regional maximum permissible concentration (rMPC) of Pb was developed for the first time, according to the degree of violation of the ecosystem functions of the soils. The forecast maps were developed for the deterioration of the soil condition during the Pb contamination at variable concentrations in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions.

Assessment and Forecast of Soil Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus with Chromium Contamination

Laboratory simulation of pollution with chromium (VI) oxides of 11 main types and subtypes of soils in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus was carried out: ordinary chernozems (Och), leached soil (Ls), podzolic soil (Ps), modal soil (Ms), redzina soil (Rs) , dark gray forest soil (Dgfs), slightly unsaturated brown forest soil (Subs), mountain-meadow soddy soil (Mmss), soddy-torfy soil (Sts), chernozemic soil (Chs), mountain meadow steppe soil (Mmsts). Impact analysis of 100, 1000 and 10000 mg/kg of chromium on the most sensitive and informative indicators of soil conditions (number of bacteria, enzyme activity, plant growth and development) and ecological functions of soils were performed. Regional ecologically safe concentrations of total chromium in the studied soils were established: Chs – 85 mg/kg, Ls, Och, Dgfs, Subs, Sts – 110 mg/kg, Rs – 115 mg/kg, Och – 120 mg/kg, Mmss – 125 mg/kg, Ms – 135 mg/kg, Mmsts – 140 mg/kg. Predictive deterioration maps of the biological state and violation of the ecological and agrarian soil functionality in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus in case of contamination with concentrated chromium were developed, indicating a very high environmental hazard of chromium.

Winter wheat stable yield formation depending on the cultivation technology in the arid zone of the Central Ciscaucasia

The problem of rational tillage has always been relevant. Many indicators of soil fertility and the growth and development of plants depend on its rationality. In the experiments that were carried out in the arid zone of the Central Ciscaucasia, the object of the study was winter wheat, cultivated according to the predecessors of corn for grain. The subject of research is zero and traditional technology of crop cultivation. Soil cultivation was carried out according to the traditional technology - after harvesting the predecessor, the 6x4 PM is disked to a depth of 12-14 cm, then non-moldboard tillage with a PCh-4 chisel tool to a depth of 20-22 cm. As weeds appear, PS-4 is cultivated, sowing is carried out with a Bystritsa. Zero technology includes: spraying crops with herbicides using a John Deere sprayer and sowing with a Gerardi G 24 seeder. As a result, it was found that the cultivation of crops using zero technology contributes to obtaining friendly and timely shoots. The 0-20 cm layer contained 26.1 mm of moisture with zero technology and 10.9 mm with traditional technology, this is especially true in dry years. The water resistance of the soil structure in the no-till option is characterized as excellent, to a greater extent this is due to the accumulation of plant residues. The yield obtained on the zero option is significantly higher in comparison with the traditional technology of winter wheat cultivation.

Спектр питания серой куропатки ( Perdix perdix L.) в Центральном Предкавказье

The gray partridge (Perdix perdix L.) is a commercial bird species of the Central Ciscaucasia. In the steppe regions, these birds are found in cultivated gardens, vineyards, green belts along agricultural fields, roads, and railways, etc. The research objective was to study and analyze the diet of the gray partridge in different seasons in the Stavropol Region.
 The study featured the food spectrum consumed by the gray partridge based on the contents of 42 stomachs and 26 crops of birds caught by hunters and hit by vehicles in various Stavropol biotopes in 2008–2021.
 Gray partridges are phytophages, which means they feed mostly on plants and, to a lesser extent, on animals. Their autumn and winter diet includes green mass and wheat grains, seeds of cultivated and wild plants, and insect larvae. The gray partridge prefers weedy herbaceous plants: Polygonum aviculare, Echinochloa crus-galli, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, and Setaria viridis.
 The data obtained can be used to assess food resources of commercial bird species, in gray partridge conservation projects, and winter feeding of birds.

Особенности осенне-зимнего питания фазана обыкновенного (Phasianus colchicus) в Центральном Предкавказье

Pheasants are game birds that feed on many insect pest species. The study of the pheasant food spectrum, especially in the autumn and winter period, is relevant and can be used to assess the food supply of birds in natural habitats and form the diet when they are bred in captivity.
 The authorities of the Stavropol Region try to preserve pheasant diversity and rationalize its use. In this respect, pheasants’ autumn-winter diet in natural environment is an important research subject that can help poultry farmers.
 The research featured the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) inhabiting various biotopes of the Stavropol Territory. The visual food spectrum analysis was based on the stomachs of birds killed by hunters in October–January 2011–2021.
 The morning and evening visual observation included eight observation points located on linear routes and stationary sites of the Stavropol Territory. The analysis featured 94 stomachs obtained from the Stepnoye area and 28 stomachs from other areas of the Stavropol Region. Matured seeds and grains represented more than 50% of the stomach content and included wheat, corn, narrow-leaved oleaster, etc. Some samples contained a large number of ants with a minimal content of other foods.
 In the Central Ciscaucasia, pheasants inhabit communal gardens, river valleys, agricultural fields, and forest belts. Nowadays, they can be found in urban areas, where they prefer quasi-natural habitats, e.g. green backyards overgrown with such thorny bushes as oleaster, sea buckthorn, blackberry, blackthorn, wild rose, etc. Pheasants are omnivorous; their autumn and winter diet includes cultivated and wild fruits and seeds, as well as insect larvae.

DYNAMICS OF PIGMENTS CONTENT IN SILPHIUM PERFOLIATUM L. LEAVES DEPENDING ON THE PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT AND SEASONAL FACTORS

The paper presents the results of studying the dynamics of the content of pigments in the leaves of Silphium perfoliatum L. (family Asteraceae), growing in the zone of unstable moisture of the Central Ciscaucasia, depending on the phase of development and seasonal factors. S. perfoliatum is a valuable forage, melliferous and flower-ornamental crop, which is also of interest as a source of various biologically active substances: terpenoids, triterpene saponins, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and others. Using the spectrophotometric method, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the amount of carotenoids were determined in the leaves of S. perfoliatum variety Alena during 3 growing seasons (2018–2020 years). Changes in the content of pigments in plant leaves with a change in phenological phases have been established. The maximum content of total chlorophyll and total carotenoids in leaves was observed in the budding phase and over the years of the study averaged 0.75% and 0.15%, respectively (based on the absolutely dry weight of raw materials), in the flowering phase the amount of pigments slightly decreased and reached a minimum in the fruiting phase (0.52 and 0.12%, respectively). The content of pigments in leaves also depended on seasonal factors and increased with improved moisture conditions, which, in turn, depended on the amount of precipitacion.
 A sufficiently high level of pigment content in the leaves of Silphium perfoliatum L. allows us to consider them as a promising medicinal raw material containing chlorophyll and carotenoids, the collection of which should be carried out in the budding phase.

The influence of various formations on the agrochemical properties of agrochernozems of the Central Ciscaucasia

The influence of various formations on the agrochemical properties of agrochernozems of the Central Ciscaucasia

Элементы культового комплекса домашнего очага в погребальной практике населения Предкавказья в скифский и сарматский периоды

The article discusses the cult objects found in the burials of the Scythian and Sarmatian times of the Central Ciscaucasia: metal chains, vessels with pebbles and chains, bronze cauldrons, cauldron-shaped pendants, etc. Using the legends of the Nart sagas about Batraz, the God of Thunderstorms and the Lightning, and ethnographic data on the above cult objects, the author reconstructs elements of a complex cult of hearth. Two different variants for cauldron-shaped pendants and chains finds both on the sites of steppe cultures of Scythians and Sarmatians and in the autochthonous burials of Koban culture in the territory of the Central Ciscaucasia indicate the coexistence in the region of two substantially similar hearth cults: steppe (Indo-European) origin, first brought by the Scythians, later by the Sarmatians, and autochthonous (Indo-European) origin, known from the Middle Bronze Age (finds of bronze pot-shaped pendants), cultivated by the population of Koban culture. Finds of vessels with pebbles and chains, cauldron-shaped pendants and other objects associated with the hearth cult in the burials of the last centuries BC in the foothill areas of the Central Ciscaucasia — the area with the mixed population, suggest a symbiosis of the two cults, similar by type, but different by their origin.