Continental Climatic Conditions Research Articles

The reaction norm of Augustine and Moldova grape varieties in the agroecological conditions of the moderate continental climate of the south of Russia

The grape plant reacts by modification variability of phenotypic traits to the variation of weather conditions. The reaction of the Augustine and Moldova grape varieties to the variability of natural conditions was ambiguous. In the Augustine, the lower limit of the modification variability of the cluster mass is 354 and the upper limit is 410 g, the grape yield is 8.1 and 11.5 kg/bush, the sugar content of the berry juice is 15.8 and 17.5 g/100 cm3, in the Moldova, respectively, 387 and 457 g, 9.6 and 13.2 kg/bush, 16.4 and 17.8 g/100 cm3. The reaction norm of the Augustine according to the phenotypic traits is following: the cluster mass is 56 g, the yield is 3.4 kg/bush and the sugar content is 1.7 g/100 cm3, of the Moldova, respectively, 70, 3.6 and 1.4. Against the background of the application of fertilizers, the lower and upper limits of variability have increased as well as the reaction norm by cluster mass and yield, however reaction norm by sugar content decreased.

«Сухой и сырой, где уродится — тем и питались»: система огородничества сельских жителей Угловского района Алтайского края во второй половине XX–XXI вв.

The article discusses the gardening system of residents of the villages of the Uglovsky district, which was formed in the conditions of a harsh sharp continental climate and different types of soils. The formation of two forms of gardening in terms of growing potatoes — “dry” and “damp” gardens allowed villagers to adapt to natural conditions and receive high-quality crops. However, in recent decades, gardens have become unclaimed.

АНАЛИЗ ЗАКОНОМЕРНОСТЕЙ РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЯ ЭНДЕМИЧНОГО ВИДА HEDYSARUM ARGYROPHYLLUM LEDEB. НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ И СОПРЕДЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЯХ

The paper describes the distribution of the endemic steppe species Hedysarum argyrophyllum Ledeb. The potential range of the species includes the southern tip of the Southern Urals and reaches the south of the Bugulmino-Belebeyevskaya Upland. Isothermality and temperature seasonality proved to be the most significant factors for the species distribution model. These factors reflect the confinement of the species to continental climate conditions. In the west, the potential range coincides with the eastern part of the range of the closely related species Hedysarum grandiflorum Pall., however the two species differentiate geographically and ecologically.

Study of stand-alone building heating system operating with renewable energy sources under moderate continental climate conditions

The climatic conditions in Moscow limit to a certain extent the utilization of renewable energy sources for heat supply. Long heating period, relatively low average daily sunshine hours during heating period, and low outside temperatures act as barriers to realising the full potential of renewable energy sources. The paper presents an evaluation of feasibility and effectiveness of using various renewable energy sources in the heat supply system of Block 23 of the National research university «MPEI». The system arrangement for heat supply of the building with renewable energy sources is described. Experimental data have been obtained on the basis of this system. The calculated time dependences of building heat consumption and heat pump system (HPS) outputs are given. In addition, for the air-source heat pump system, the dependence on the outdoor temperature is given. Values of HPS efficiency indices are also presented. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of air-source HPS and liquid-to-liquid HPS with a geothermal circuit in winter conditions is carried out.

Genetic diversity analysis of Rose varieties from Grandiflora group based on ISSR molecular markers

Kinship and genetic diversity determination among six rose varieties from the Grandiflora group were carried out using ISSR thechnics. The studied varities were divided into 3 clades: I) ‘Lezginka’, ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and ‘Koralovy surpriz’ varieties; II) ‘Gurzuf’ and ‘Love’ varieties; III) ‘Komsomolsky ogonek’ variety formed a separate branch. This division into clades was confirmed by a statistical comparison of morphometric characters. On the basis of the obtained data, it can be concluded that the analysis using the selected primer group is well-suited for differentiation rose varieties into groups, which makes it possible, for one thing, to determine the genetic distance between varieties, and for another, to use these data in the future by certification of the varieties promising by resistance characters to the continental climate conditions.

Weeds in Organic Bean Crops (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Fabaceae Lindl., Fabales)

Summary In the organic bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in open cultivation during the vegetation period of 2012, 14 weed species were found in the villages Ljutovo and Orom. The percentage of invasive species was 28.57%. Ambrosia artemisiifolia was characterized as highly invasive, Sorghum halepense as sporadically invasive, and Amaranthus retroflexus and Datura stramonium as potentially invasive species. Low diversity and low density of weed flora in organic bean crops are the factors causing a high percentage of invasive species in the floristic composition, so monitoring of these species is necessary. The weed flora dominated by therophytes (71.43%), the dominance of weed-ruderal plants (64.29%), and the presence of widespread taxa in the bean crops indicate strong anthropogenic influence and instability of the weed flora. The largest number of the weed species bloom from June to August (71.43%). According to the ecological analysis of the weed flora, the studied agroecosystems were characterized as moderately arid (F-2.36), neutral to weakly alkaline (R-3.07), eutrophic-mesotrophic (N-3.71), well-aerated (D-3.64), non-saline (S-, 78.57%) with medium humus content (H-2.86), favorable light (L-3.86) and temperature (T-4.14) regime, and with temperate continental climatic conditions (K-2.93). Correlation analysis showed that invasive weed species began to bloom later and favored well-aerated and warmer habitats compared to other weeds. PCA analysis singled out habitat aeration and salinity as the main factors separating weeds in organic bean crops.

Grain size and other agronomical traits variation in a winter wheat population of doubled haploid lines

In wheat, the size of the grain, respectively its dimensions as well as degree of filled, are important characteristics on which depends both the weight of the grain and yield of flour, the quality of milling and baking as well as the production capacity of the respective genotype. This paper presents the results obtained by studying for three years, under field condition, 85 doubled haploid (DH) lines obtained from the F1’s of ‘G.603-86’ (large grains genotype) × ‘F.132’ (normal grains genotype) crosses using biotechnological Zea system. The environmental conditions of the three years had an important contribution on the genotype × year interaction, which showed also a higher influence on 1000 kernel weight (TKW). The variability of plant height and ear emergence data was also affected to a similar extent by this interaction. Based on the performed results and analyses, were highlighted lines which show high and stable values of TKW (54-64 g), associated with a plants height of approximately 85-100 cm and an ear emergence from May 11 to 17, under some climatic conditions similar to the period of study. These doubled haploids lines can be considered as promising genotypes for using in wheat breeding programs in order to improve yield performances under temperate continental climate conditions.

Biomass Yield of 37 Different SRC Poplar Varieties Grown on a Typical Site in North Eastern Germany

A total of 37 different poplar varieties were grown in a randomized mini-rotation short rotation coppice (SRC) (harvest every three years) on a light sandy soil under continental climatic conditions in the south of the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Along with well-known poplar varieties, newly bred ones that have not yet been approved for commercial use were selected for this study. Survival rates were determined after the first growing season in 2013 as well as at the first and second harvests in 2015 and 2018. Furthermore, the number of shoots, plant height, diameter at breast height, dry matter content and biomass yield of the varieties were recorded. After the second rotation period, only seven poplar varieties yielded more than 11 tadm ha−1 y−1 and can be recommended for commercial use. However, many varieties only reached about 8 tadm ha−1 y−1, and six varieties even had less than 4 tadm ha−1 y−1, among them newly bred varieties. Given the changing climate conditions, the cultivation of these varieties in SRC is not recommended. Our data also show that the biomass yield of several varieties decreased from the first to the second harvests. Since the survival rates were high and no damage by pest species was observed, the site-specific yield capacities of the individual clones are assumed to be the cause for this.

Development of a soil regenerator with a granular nozzle for greenhouses

The results of the development of a regenerative-type heat exchange unit for greenhouses are presented. The creation of a soil regenerator is conditioned by energy and economic expediency. In spring in the daytime, the air in greenhouses is intensely heated by solar radiation, and at night it can be cooled below the allowable temperature. Heat accumulation during the day and using this heat at night will reduce the need for heaters even to their complete exclusion. The soil regenerator contains a dense layer of granular material that is blown through by the air from the inner space of a greenhouse. This solution makes it possible to intensify significantly the heat exchange. To determine the mean intercomponent heat exchange factor, the empirical dependence, taking into consideration the effect of duration of the heat exchange process, was obtained. We developed the procedure of thermal design calculation of a regenerator, using which the main geometric characteristics of the heat exchange area are determined. The results of the calculation of the soil regenerator for a greenhouse with the surface area of 18 m 2 for the conditions of the warm continental climate were presented. The developed soil regenerator contains 5 channels that are 5.75 m long, filled with rubble. It was obtained that for the average solar radiation flow Q c =2,160 W and the duration of operation of the soil regenerator τ Σ =6 hours, the accumulated heat at night can be consumed for 2.6 hours at the average ambient temperature t 1 =7 °C. As the ambient temperature rises, the time of regenerator operation will increase. The proposed soil regenerator is characterized by the design simplicity and its application will lead to an increase in energy costs to maintain the temperature mode in a greenhouse

Optimization of the wastewater treatment capacity of a short rotation willow coppice vegetation filter

The objective of this study was to determine the conditions to optimize the wastewater treatment efficiency of a short rotation willow coppice (SRWC) plantation (Salix miyabeana ‘SX67’) used as a vegetation filter to treat small municipal primary effluents (with less than 800 population equivalent). With the aim of maximizing the annual amount of wastewater treated, the effect of adjusting the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) according to the estimated evapotranspiration was tested at demonstration scale under humid continental climate conditions. We proposed a new method to calculate the evapotranspiration rate from plant physiological data, introducing an α factor based on direct transpiration measurements. This method increased the accuracy of the water balance, with a prediction of the crop coefficient (kc) based on either an seasonal approach (R2 of 0.88) or a monthly approach (R2 of 0.94). This led to a more precise estimation of the pollutant loading reaching the groundwater and could be used after plantation establishment as a fine-tuning tool. Adjusting the HLR to that of evapotranspiration between May and October led to an annual increase of 2 mm/d (around 0.35 m3/m2 per growing season) in HLR, while maintaining a pollutant loading removal efficiency of at least 96% for organic matter, 99% for total phosphorus and 93% for total nitrogen. A high HLR at the end of the season caused nitrogen leaching into groundwater, indicating that the HLR should be decreased in October, when willow growth is greatly reduced.

The Needs for Determining Degradation Risks from Temperature and Relative Humidity of Post-Byzantine Church Indoor Environment

Monitoring and dealing with particular conditions related to relative humidity (RH) and temperature within different cultural objects including post-byzantine churches are of primary importance for the current conservation and advancement. The objective of this paper is to explore and discuss how standards can be implemented and guide the decision processes in order to facilitate a sustainable management of cultural buildings. Following the particularities of the interface of Mediterranean and continental climate conditions, here is introduced a general climate risk assessment method, which determines how indoor climates fit into the selected post-byzantine cultural objects in Albania. A relative humidity over 75% and temperature frequently over 30°C within several churches is been assessed as a high risk of sudden or cumulative mechanical damage to most artefacts and paintings because of high humidity. Predicting preservation is an important aspect in preventing damage to objects. This paper also describes the historical and scientific background to the current discussions.

Modelling building infiltration using the airflow network model approach calibrated by air-tightness test results and leak detection

This paper presents a computational approach to air infiltration modelling and simulation validated by the blower door test results. In order to evaluate the potential of the airflow network method, three simulation models of the infiltration test were developed and calibrated by field measurements of leaked air change rate per hour at 50 Pa. Models were developed for existing building designs and constructed in low-energy standards differing in construction type and tightness. All leaks were precisely measured during field tests, defined as openings or cracks, numerically described and included in the model. The simulation results of calibrated models for other pressure differences revealed that the models’ accuracy is satisfactory. The differences between field tests and simulation results do not exceed 2.5%. Additionally, the calibrated models were used to estimate the infiltration heat losses of buildings in three different locations under continental climatic conditions. The results were compared with the steady-state method calculations made for the same building models and climatic conditions. It was proved that the steady-state method gives higher results of heat demand to cover infiltration losses than the simulation method. The final results depend on building location and vary between four and nine times. Practical application: The computational modelling and building performance simulations are increasingly commonly used in engineering design. The proposed method of air-tightness modelling and calibration can be used at any phase of a building’s lifecycle, from design and construction to exploitation and maintenance. Using the proposed techniques, it is possible to estimate more realistic processes of air infiltration and its effect on a building’s energy consumption in comparison with the steady-state method. Moreover, the analysis includes the dynamic effect of boundary conditions (external air temperature, wind speed and direction), as well as the effects of the building site and the surroundings.

The results of introduction study of old garden roses in different natural and climatic zones

The introduction study of old garden roses has been done in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone continental climate ( 69 cultivars) and in xeromorphous edaphoclimatic conditions of the subtropical zone (85 cultivars and varieties). The valuable characters of old garden roses in each zone have been determined. The increasing tendency for flower doubleness and their quantity has been educed in a subtropical zone. The long-term introduction study of 21 cultivars in both zones has been done and as the result of it 14 cultivars have been recommended for a wide use in greening.

Association of CAPN1 and GH genes with productivity traits in Kazakh Whiteheaded cattle

The Kazakh Whiteheaded cattle was developed by crossing local breeds with the Hereford breed in Kazakhstan in the 30s of the last century. This breed is adapted to arid conditions of extreme continental climate. The goal of the investi-gations was the assessment of the genetic structure of the Kazakh Whiteheaded breed based on the genes of calpain (CAPN1) and somatotropic hormone (GH) and analysis of the association of genotypes for these genes with productivity traits. The main argument for this aim is research works illustrated that both genes could affect on meat productivity traits in other breeds of cattle. 352 blood samples from representatives of Kazakh Whiteheaded animals of different sex and age groups were genotyped for the CAPN1 and GH loci. As a result, it was firstly proved that Kazakh Whiteheaded animals, who are CC homozygosis at the CAPN1 locus and VV homozygosis at the GH locus, reliably exceed animals without C and V alleles on the productivity traits such as milk production, average daily body weight gain, and pre-slaughter body weight, slaughter weight, carcass weight, flesh weight, chemical composition and histological characteristics of meat. It was also shown that the frequencies of the desired alleles and genotypes of these loci are rather low the frequency of the C allele was 0.11–0.17, and the frequency of the CC genotype was 0.03–0.06 in different age and sex groups; the frequency of the V allele was 0.19-0.40, and the frequency of the VV genotype was 0.03-0.31. Thus, planning selection for Kazakh Whiteheaded cattle, it would be useful to take into account the assessment of ani-mal genotypes at the CAPN1 and GH loci to increase the proportion of animals with the desired genotypes.

Correlations of the Dates of Natural Seasonal Events

Long-term (up to 125 years) series of dates of the beginning of seasonal activity for different representatives of animals have been analyzed. Correlations between seasonal phenomena in the conditions of the temperate continental climate of the eastern part of the Russian Plain have been established. A high correlation level has been determined for several events that are remote in time although synchronous. The establishment of correlation links and time intervals between signal and predicted phenological phenomena can be used in various fields of economic activity for the forecasts of periods of seasonal work.

Identifying the rose varieties and natural forms using ISSR-markers

Identifying among varieties and natural forms of roses were carried out using ISSR thechnics to determine kinship. It was studied 6 foreign varieties, 16 varieties bred in Nikitsky Botanical Garden, as well as 2 natural forms (Rosa canina and Rosa chinensis). Despite some samples breaking into three clades, many of them don’t belong to any of these groups due to the lack of relative ties, that confirms the high genetic diversity in the studied material. The revealed molecular genetic differences in rose forms and varieties can be used to identify and certify cultivars promising for their complex resistance to the continental climate conditions.

Исследование состояния воздушной среды в здании для хранения скоропортящейся продукции

The present work is aimed at studying the formation of microclimate parameters in buildings for the storage of perishable products under the highly continental climatic conditions of the Eastern Siberia. As a result of vital microorganism processes taking place during storage periods, an intensive release of heat, moisture and carbon dioxide is observed to significantly affect the gas composition of the air mass in the volume of storage bays. The quality of short-life products in the storage is ensured by the standardisation of microclimate parameters, such as temperature, relative humidity and the composition of the internal air envi-ronment. In the storage container, a constant circulation of air flows must be ensured along with a balance of temperature determined by a certain storage mode for short-life products, which includes a separate air pas-sage to each container unit. An assessment of the management of air exchange by a general ventilation sys-tem in buildings for storing perishable products is given. The results of the air environment study during the storage of perishable products in containers are presented. The dependence of the microclimate parameters on the amount of fresh thermodynamically-treated air is determined. With an increase in the stack loading height, the air velocity is established to decrease by a factor of two (from 0.48 to 0.23 m/s), due to a signifi-cant aerodynamic drag created by the product containers. Under the normalised microclimate parameters, direct air distribution with a higher velocity (in the range from 0.2 to 0.3 m/s) both into the space between containers and directly to the perishable products ensures an increase in the storage life of products of 20–25%.

Numerical Investigation of the impact of longitudinal thermal bridging on energy efficient buildings under humid continental climate conditions: The Case of Lithuania

Thermal bridges play a major role in the thermal losses of the building shell and should be avoided, especially under winter dominant conditions and for high cooling degree days regions in Europe and worldwide. Since 2016 the requirement for all new buildings to achieve energy-efficiency class “A” came into force in Lithuania. One of the requirements to meet this class are detailed calculations of the thermal transmittance values of the longitudinal thermal bridges. The same requirement is also requested for higher energy-efficiency buildings that are qualified as “A+” (obligatory since 2018) and “A++” (obligatory from 2021 onwards) class buildings.The purpose of this study is the numerical investigation of the impact of thermal bridges on energy efficient buildings under humid continental climate conditions. For the purpose of the study, the energy performance of the thermal bridges of a class A building, situated in Lithuania, were analyzed, using the tool Therm of LBNL a two-dimensional conduction heat-transfer analysis, based on the finite-element method. The calculations of the thermal transmittance values of the longitudinal thermal bridges were implemented in accordance with the requirements of EN ISO 10211:2008 standard. Alternative construction designs, with the aim to minimize the thermal losses of the building shell are also presented and discussed in this study. This study showed that detailed calculation of the losses through thermal bridges may have a significant importance to avoid dew points and mold in sensitive parts of the building shell, but they have a minor influence for the energy certification criteria. The findings of this study are anticipated to provide useful feedback for the future development of the construction regulations in the Baltic countries, as well as in countries with humid continental climate conditions.

Ammonia emission from a manure-belt laying hen facility equipped with an external manure drying tunnel

Ammonia is the main pollutant associated to laying hen facilities. Best Available Techniques such as manure drying tunnels have been implemented to minimise ammonia losses. However, scarce information is available about their performance as a cleaner technology. Ammonia emission from a manure-belt laying hen building and the annexed external manure drying tunnel were measured from July 2015 to October 2016 under Continental Mediterranean climate conditions. Ammonia emission from the building and manure drying tunnel were continuously measured by a photoacoustic multi gas analyser. Temperature and relative humidity were monitored. The uncertainty of ammonia emission calculation was examined. Nitrogen mass balance was also used to estimate ammonia losses from the building. Results showed that the annual mean ammonia emission from the building was 93.8 mg ammonia d−1 hen−1. Mean ammonia emission uncertainty in the building was 9.7% throughout the sampling period. Ventilation rate was identified as the main factor affecting uncertainty due to the variability of fans operation. Concerning the manure drying tunnel, mean ammonia emission was 209.3 mg NH3 d−1 hen−1. Ammonia losses were affected by the atmospheric temperature and relative humidity, and manure dry matter content in both systems. Manure ammonia emission should be researched in following steps of the manure continuum to state the manure drying tunnel as a cleaner production technology. Ammonia emission estimation by nitrogen mass balance method was 98.4 mg NH3 d−1 hen−1. It was demonstrated to be a good indicator of the ammonia emission over the year although it did not reflect the variations between shorter time periods.

Evaluation of the initial breeding material of blackcurrant

The results of the study (2016–2018) of the blackcurrant initial breeding material in yield, winter hardiness, resistance to powdery mildew and blackcurrant gall mite in Central Yakutia are presented. The observations were carried out in a breeding garden with a planting scheme of 2 × 1 m. Objects of the research were 90 hybrids of blackcurrant. The studied hybrid forms were divided into 5 genetic groups of different origin, obtained from intercultivar, intraspecifi c, and interspecifi c crosses of descendants of the European (Ribes nigrum ssp. Europaeum (Jancz.)) and Siberian subspecies of blackcurrant (R. nigrum ssp. Sibiricum (E.W.)), Scandinavian currants (R. nigrum ssp. scandicum Hedl.), wild currants (R. dikuscha Fisch. ex Turcz.), few-fl owered currants (R. pausifl orum Turcz. ex Pojark) and recumbent currants (R. procumbens Pall.). The most winter-hardy in the sharply continental climatic conditions of Yakutia are hybrids in the families of the Altaiskaya Late × Yakutskaya (1-2-13), Altaiskaya Late × Lucia (15-13), Podarok Kuzioru × Hara Kytalyk (1-1813, 2-2-13, 2-4-13, 2-16-13), Podarok Kuzioru × Lucia (4-9-13). Resistance to blackcurrant gall mite was shown by hybrid families Altaiskaya Late × Yakutskaya, Altaiskaya Late × Hara Kytalyk, Altaiskaya Late × Lucia, Lama × Hara Kytalyk, Nika × Hara Kytalyk, Sharovidnaya × Hara Kytalyk. American powdery mildew did not affect 78 out of 90 plants of blackcurrant. The hybrids 3-4-13 (Podarok Kuzioru × Hara Kytalyk), 5-13-13 (Sharovidnaya × Hara Kytalyk), 3-11-13, 3-13-13 (Podarok Kuzioru × Pamyati Kyndyla), 516-13, 5-17-13 (Sharovidnaya × Pamyati Kyndyla were characterized by high yields (from 12.5 to 19.4 t/ha). The forms distinguished by individual characteristics can be used in further blackcurrant breeding as sources of economically valuable traits. Hybrid forms 3-4-13 (Podarok Kuzioru × Hara Kytalyk) and 3-6-13, 3-13-13 (Podarok Kuzioru × Pamyati Kyndyla) are of interest as complex sources of high yield, resistance to powdery mildew and blackcurrant gall mite.