Drained Peat Soils Research Articles

Systematic-ecological estimation of seasonal activity of dehydrogenase in drained swamp soils of interstream of Ob and Tom

Drained peat soils (Histosols) were studied. In the mode of weak and moderate drainage, the trend of seasonal fluctuations (quadratic parabola) shows a weekly average increase in dehydrogenase activity with a weekly average deceleration, in the intensive mode – a weekly average deceleration with a weekly acceleration for June–October. A reliable nonlinear relationship of enzyme activity was revealed: positive – with redox potential and pH, multidirectional – with soil bulk moisture and soil temperature. According to canonical analysis, the discussed set cumulatively determines the seasonal dehydrogenase activity by 50–81%. The hydrological regime is statistically proved as a dominant factor. A negative conjugate interaction of dehydrogenase and peroxidase activity has been established, confirming their participation in the biochemical transformation of organic matter as a whole.

Shallow drainage of agricultural peatlands without land-use change: have your peat and eat it too

IntroductionDrainage for agricultural purposes is one of the main drivers of peatland degradation, leading to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biodiversity loss, and soil eutrophication. Rewetting is a potential solution to restore peatlands, but it generally requires a land-use shift to paludiculture or nature areas.MethodsThis study explored whether three different water level management techniques (subsoil irrigation, furrow irrigation, and dynamic ditch water level regulation) could be implemented on dairy grasslands to yield increases in essential ecosystem services (vegetation diversity and soil biogeochemistry) without the need to change the current land use or intensity. We investigated vegetation diversity, soil biogeochemistry, and CO2 emission reduction in fourteen agricultural livestock pastures on drained peat soils in Friesland (Netherlands).ResultsAcross all pastures, Shannon-Wiener diversity was below 1, and the species richness was below 5. The plant-available phosphorus (P) was consistently higher than 3 mmol L−1. None of the water level management (WLM) techniques enhanced vegetation diversity or changed soil biogeochemistry despite a notable increase in water table levels. The potential for CO2 emission reduction remained small or even absent. Indicators of land-use intensity (i.e., grass harvest and fertilization intensity), however, showed a strong negative correlation with vegetation diversity. Furthermore, all sites’ total and plant-available P and nitrate exceeded the upper threshold for species-rich grassland communities.DiscussionIn conclusion, our research suggests that incomplete rewetting (i.e., higher water tables while maintaining drainage) while continuing the current land use does neither effectively mitigate GHG emissions nor benefit vegetation diversity. Therefore, we conclude that combining WLM and reducing land-use intensity is essential to limit the degradation of peat soils and restore more biodiverse vegetation.

Biomethane produced from maize grown on peat emits more CO2 than natural gas

Cultivation of maize for biomethane production has expanded rapidly, including on drained peat soils. The resulting soil CO2 emissions at the point of feedstock production are largely overlooked when assessing biogas climate mitigation potential. On the basis of field-scale flux measurements, we calculate that soil CO2 emissions from biomethane feedstock production on drained peat exceed embodied emissions for an equivalent amount of natural gas by up to a factor of three.

Effect of vegetation cover and soil moisture on water repellency persistence of drained peat soils

AbstractPeatlands play an essential role in the environment and their conservation requires knowledge of water-related processes. Their hydrophobicity is an important factor influencing the flow of water in soils. Drainage of fens and adapting them for agricultural production have contributed to the degradation of peat soils. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of vegetation cover (meadows, alder swamp and birch forest) of drained peat soils on the persistence of their water repellency as a function of their moisture content. Soil samples (Rheic Fibric Histosol and Rheic Murshic Hemic Histosol) were collected from four sites in the Biebrza Wetlands (Poland). The sites include extensive meadows, intensive meadows, alder swamp forest, and secondary birch forest. The study used the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) to assess the persistence of soil water repellency during the drying of soil samples in laboratory conditions. The study proposed a three-straight lines model to describe the relationship between WDPT and soil moisture content. Results revealed that the peat soils in intensive meadows showed the highest WDPT, followed by the secondary birch and alder swamp forest. and then by semi-natural meadows, which has the lowest WDPT.

Setting-aside cropland did not reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a drained peat soil in Sweden

Setting-aside cropland did not reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a drained peat soil in Sweden

Why is nutrient cycling in food systems so limited? A case study from the North-Netherlands region

AbstractIdentifying pathways to circular agriculture requires a profound understanding of nutrient flows and losses throughout the food system, and of interactions between biophysical conditions, land use, food production and food consumption. We quantified nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) flows of the food system of the North-Netherlands (NN) region and of its 30 subregions varying in biophysical and socio-economic conditions. The food system included agriculture, food processing, consumption, and waste processing. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and the nutrient cycling counts were calculated. Results show a low NUE (25%) and PUE (59%) of the food system. External inputs were used to maintain high yields and production. Nutrient cycling was very limited with losses from agriculture ranging from 143 to 465 kg N ha−1 y−1 and 4 to 11 kg P ha−1 y−1. Food system losses ranged from 181 to 480 kg N ha−1 y−1 and from 7 to 31 kg P ha−1 y−1 and varied with biophysical conditions, population density and farming systems. Large losses were associated with livestock farming and farming on drained peat soils. Food system efficiency was strongly associated with the utilization of produce. We conclude that increasing circularity requires tailoring of agriculture to local biophysical conditions and food system redesign to facilitate nutrient recycling. Steps towards circularity in NN include: matching livestock production to feed supply from residual flows and lands unsuitable for food crops, diversifying crop production to better match local demand and increasing waste recovery.

FEATURES OF MAIZE GROWING FOR GRAIN IN THE WESTERN FOREST ZONE OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF CURRENT CLIMATE CHANGES

Modern climatic changes, namely significant warming in the northern Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones of Ukraine, provide opportunities for the cultivation of a number of grain and leguminous crops (maize for grain, soybeans, sunflower, and others), previously uncharacteristic of this region. Among the above-mentioned crops, corn has the greatest grain yield potential, therefore it is one of the most common crops in world agriculture. If 10-15 years ago corn was not grown for grain in the Polissia zone, then in recent years its sown areas have grown significantly, and the yield in some years is not inferior to the regions of the Forest Steppe and Steppe, which are traditional for this crop. The results of experimental studies of the station showed that under favorable conditions on the most fertile slopes of the drained sod-podzolic soils of the Western Polissia zone, with intensive technologies, it is possible to obtain more than 10-12 t/ha of corn grain.
 The analysis of hydrothermal indicators shows that with the current indicators of heat supply of the growing season in the zone of Western Polissia on mineral soils, it is possible to achieve not only early-ripening, but even medium-early hybrids of corn with FAO up to 280-300. Drained peat soils, due to their high nitrogen content and sufficient amount of moisture, have sufficient potential for obtaining a high yield of corn grain. However, its indicators over the years of research vary greatly and depend to a large extent on the agro-meteorological conditions of the growing season. It has been established that the main limiting factors for achieving a high yield of corn grain on peat soils are less favorable microclimatic features (less amount of active heat, shorter growing season and frost-free period, etc.) compared to adjacent sod-podzolic soils located nearby on dry land. It has been experimentally established that under conditions of minimum duration without a frost period, only the most early-ripening hybrids of corn with FAO up to 220-240 will have time to form a full-fledged crop of grain on drained peat soils in the Western Polissia zone. By choosing late-ripening hybrids, there is a risk of a significant shortfall in the harvest due to the premature termination of vegetation caused by early autumn frosts. It was established that the highest yield of corn per grain, both on sod-podzolic and peat soils, was provided by the organo-mineral fertilization system, which was based on the application of complete mineral fertilizer at the rate of N90Р90К90 on turf-podzolic soils and N35Р60K120 on peat soils in combination with phosphorus mobilizing drug Rice Pi. The use of the organo-mineral fertilization system (N90Р90К90 + phosphorus mobilizing drug Rice Pi) ensured an increase in the yield of corn on sod-podzolic soils by 30,2 ct/ha compared to the basic fertilization system (N30Р30К30). The use of the organo-mineral fertilization system (N35Р60K120 + phosphorus mobilizing drug Rice Pi) ensured an increase in the yield of corn on peatlands by 56.8 ct/ha compared to the natural background of fertility.

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF WATER REGULATION PROCESSES ON DUAL-ACTION DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

The solution of the problem of increasing water regulation areas in the Polissia zone of Ukraine requires investigation and development of new, more effective methods for determining structural parameters of drainage systems when developing projects for their reconstruction in accordance with the requirements aimed at ensuring water regulation during systems’ operation. The paper considers the problem of improving the efficiency of water regulation on dual-action drainage systems by using mathematical modelling tools to determine the structural parameters of the systems and the parameters of their operational management. The proposed means are based on the use of Richards equation stated in terms of water head. As a tool for scenario modelling, an initial-boundary value problem of modelling moisture transfer on dual-action systems is formulated and a finite-difference scheme for obtaining its numerical solution is given. We consider the problem of determining the depth of drains installation and the distance between them at which the system provides not only the drainage of soil’s surface layer, but also the maintenance of its moisture supply level in a given range with a minimum need for irrigation during the growing season. The algorithm for solving such a problem is presented. It is based on the construction of a set of admissible values of system’s parameters using, in particular, the bisection method, followed by the minimization of an objective function on this set. Under the conditions when the implementation of underground water supply technology is economically impractical, the possibility of supplementing the drainage system with an irrigation system is considered. In this case, the cost of building a drainage system and an additional irrigation system is a criterion for the optimality of system’s parameters. Additionally, we consider the problem of operational management of water regulation, i.e., the determination, given the initial distribution of moisture, of the optimal control influences necessary to ensure an acceptable level of moisture availability during a given period of time. This minimization problem is proposed to be solved by a genetic algorithm. The results of modelling the operation of a dual-action system and the optimization of its parameters under the conditions of drained peat soils of the Panfyly Research Station (Ukraine, Kyiv region) are presented.

Comparison of GHG emissions from annual crops in rotation on drained temperate agricultural peatland with production of reed canary grass in paludiculture using an LCA approach

Drained peat soils contribute significantly to global human-caused CO2 emissions and reducing peat degradation via rewetting is high on the political agenda. Ceasing agricultural activities on rewetted soils might lead to land owner resistance and high societal expenses to compensate farmers. Continued biomass production adapted for wet conditions on peat soils potentially minimizes these costs and helps supplying the growing demand for e.g. materials, fuels and feed. Here we used a life cycle assessment approach (cradle to farm gate) to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to three cases by applying IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) emission factors and specific site conditions at a bog and a fen site that represent widely distributed temperate peat soils. Besides soil emissions, upstream emissions from input, operational emissions and emission related to rewetting construction work were included. The analyzed systems were deeply drained cash cropping on agricultural bog (potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.), permanent Reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) production on non-drained bog and permanent RCG production on shallow-drained fen. The annual mean water table depths (WTD) were −70, −38 (estimated) and −13 cm, respectively. Results showed estimated GHG emissions of 40.5, 26.1 and 20.6 Mg CO2eq ha−1, respectively, corresponding to a 35% GHG reduction for the non-drained bog case as compared to the drained bog case, despite that the obtained WTD due to ceased drainage did not adhere to the IPCC rewetting threshold of −30 cm. Emissions related to crop management represented 7, 14 and 19% of total emissions. In the RCG cultivation on fen case, the WTD were controlled primarily by the water table of the nearby stream and total GHG emissions were even lower as compared to the RCG production on the non-drained bog reflecting the difference in WTD. Rewetting projects need to include careful knowledge of the specific peat area to foresee the actual reduction potential.

Harvest Intensity Impacts Nutrient Status and Young Stand Development in Latvian Hemiboreal Forest

This study aimed to compare the effects of whole-tree and stem-only harvesting in hemiboreal forests in Latvia. Chemistry of soil solution, precipitation, litter and needles, as well as tree parameters in regenerated stands were measured from 2012 to 2021 in oligotrophic and mesotrophic Scots pine sites with mineral soils and a eutrophic Norway spruce site with drained peat soil. Compared to the undisturbed control, the soil solution pH was significantly lower and N-NO3− and K+ concentrations were significantly higher after stem-only harvesting at the oligotrophic site, stem-only and whole-tree harvesting at the mesotrophic site and whole-tree harvesting at the eutrophic site. The height growth of the regenerated stands in all sites was similar for both harvesting methods six years after planting. More slender trees were observed after whole-tree harvesting than after stem-only harvesting at the eutrophic site. Whole-tree harvesting produced significant negative short-term effects on height growth in the oligotrophic site four to six years after harvest. The nutrient levels of needles differed with harvest intensity but did not indicate insufficient nutrient availability with any type of harvesting.

Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide Fluxes from Tree Stems in Silver Birch and Black Alder Stands with Drained and Naturally Wet Peat Soils

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of groundwater level, soil temperature and general soil chemistry on greenhouse gas (GHG)—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)—fluxes from tree stems in deciduous stands with nutrient-rich naturally wet and drained peat soils. In total, nine sample plots were established in the central and north-eastern part of Latvia. The studied tree species were silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertb.). Tree stands of different ages and tree dimensions were selected for the study. GHG fluxes were measured with a circular-type non-transparent chamber of fixed area and volume, which was connected to the “Gasmet DX4040” mobile spectrometer. Ambient and soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm were measured, soil parameters (pH and content of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P)) down to 30 cm depth were analyzed, and groundwater levels and weather conditions (wind, cloudiness, precipitation) were determined. The study found that CO2 fluxes from tree stems show a distinct seasonal pattern and a strong positive correlation with soil temperature. Significant differences in CO2 fluxes were found between temperature ranges below and above 5 °C, indicating that this temperature represents a threshold value. CH4 emissions from the tree stems increased with increasing groundwater levels. The impact of groundwater level becomes insignificant if the depth of the groundwater exceeds 30 cm. No significant N2O fluxes from tree stems were detected for most of the study period, except for March, April and June in black alder stands. As with CH4, N2O emissions exhibit an increase as groundwater levels rise. The C and N contents in soil have a significant impact on N2O fluxes from tree stems. There is a tendency for the N2O flux to increase along with increasing C and N contents in soil.

Improving Nitrogen Availability and Ananas comosus L. Merr var. Moris Productivity in a Tropical Peat Soil Using Clinoptilolite Zeolite

Pineapple cultivation in nitrogen deficient and acidic peat soils leads to poor growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapples. A study was conducted to determine whether clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) could improve soil nitrogen availability, growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapples grown in drained peat soils. Laboratory leaching experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of CZ in controlling nitrogen loss from peat soils, whereas an ion-exchange resin method was used to determine nitrogen availability in pineapple cultivation. Treatments evaluated were: (i) different amounts of CZ (25, 50, 70, and 100%) + NPK fertilizer, (ii) NPK fertilizer, and (iii) peat soil only. The peat soils with CZ reduced ammonium and nitrate losses because of the sorption of ammonium within the lattices of the CZ via ion exchange. Co-application of CZ (25%) and NPK fertilizers was more effective in increasing soil ammonium availability, whereas the use of CZ (25% to 100%) improved nitrogen uptake and use efficiency, growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapple because CZ could regulate the availability of nitrogen ions for pineapple uptake. The buffering capacity of CZ increased soil pH and facilitated organic nitrogen mineralization. The co-application of CZ and NPK fertilizers can be used to improve nitrogen availability and pineapple productivity in tropical peat soils.

РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЕ МИКРОКЛИМАТА ОСУШАЕМЫХ ТОРФЯНЫХ ПОЧВ СЕВЕРНОГО ЗАУРАЛЬЯ

The results of long-term (2008 - 2010) studies of the microclimate of drained peat soils in the subtaiga zone of the Northern Trans-Urals are presented. It is shown that drained peat soils, due to the specific thermal properties of peat, have an unsatisfactory temperature regime for the successful cultivation of many agricultural crops. Poor thermal conductivity of peat and strong heat transfer from surface layers are the main causes of frequent radiation frosts. The dark color of peat soils promotes a strong absorption of heat and their overheating on sunny days up to 45 - 50°C, in connection with which they are characterized by a large amplitude of daily temperature fluctuations (13.9 - 25.8°C). The introduction of clay into peat soil changes the thermal properties of peat, improves heat exchange between the surface and deeper layers of the soil; increases the temperature in the 0.2 - meter layer by 0.35 - 1.3°C on average during the growing season, reduces the amplitude of daily temperature fluctuations by 3.3 - 3.5°C, practically eliminates the possibility of radiation frosts. Improving the microclimate of peat soil by applying 300 t/ha of clay provides an increase of 7.24 t/ha (35.0%) in the yield of green mass of oats. An increase in the clay norm from 300 to 900 t/ha increases the yield of green mass of oats insignificantly (2.53 t/ha - 9%).

Barriers and drivers for sustainable business model innovation based on a radical farmland change scenario

AbstractThe agricultural sector has a critical role in creating social and environmental value of natural resources in addition to its traditional role of creating economic value by supplying food to the ever-increasing world population. In fulfilling this dual role, the agricultural sector often faces competing pressures: to operate financially profitable businesses and to create, maintain, and benefit from ecosystem services (ES) in their operations. This paper analyses these pressures in an examination of drivers and barriers to the initiation of the business model innovation process for sustainability (BMIpfS) as perceived by ten agricultural business managers who operate farms in southern Sweden. The paper explores the interplay between managerial cognition and business decisions as revealed in semi-structured interviews. The new ES in focus connect to radical land-use change, paludiculture, as used in the rewetting of farmland intended to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that drained peat soil causes. The paper contributes to the literature by identifying drivers and barriers that moderates the initiation of the BMIpfS. Although the managers acknowledge the importance of long-term, sustainable social, and environmental value creation, they have grave doubts about the profitability of activities associated with the preservation of peat soils and connected ES. These managers would benefit from taking a more proactive, long-term approach to business model changes for sustainability and from acquiring more knowledge about market demand for sustainability-oriented ES. Successful facilitation and implementation of knowledge transfer and government subsidies that support ES could improve the turning of profits based on sustainable value creation.

Spread of Heterobasidion genotypes in Norway spruce stands on drained peat soil in Latvia

According to several earlier studies, the prevalence of Heterobasidion in peat soils is generally lower compared to mineral soils. However, in some Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands on drained peat soils in Latvia, serious damage caused by Heterobasidion root rot has been observed. To determine the spread of Heterobasidion spp. on peat soil, we analyzed the structure of Heterobasidion genets in 20 study plots established in disease centres in 11 spruce-dominated peatland forest stands. A total of 381 standing spruce trees and 244 spruce stumps were examined for Heterobasidion infection. The fungus was isolated from 181 spruce trees (47.5%) and 43 stumps (17.6%). In total, 101 different Heterobasidion genotypes (genets) were identified (on average five genotypes per study plot). The average number of trees infected by a single Heterobasidion genotype was 2.2. Most of the genets (68.3%) had infected only one tree or stump while the rest of the genets (31.7%) had infected several trees and stumps. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the spread of Heterobasidion genotypes in peatland forest stands. To reduce losses caused by Heterobasidion root rot in spruce forests on drained peat soils, it is important to prevent primary spore infections as well as to avoid planting pure spruce stands with high density.

Heat Capacity of Drained Peat Soils

Soil-specific heat capacity (cp) and volumetric heat capacity (Cv) are recognized as a fundamental soil property essential for the accurate prediction of soil temperature and heat flow. This study presents the analysis of these thermal properties for drained peat soils in Poland. The objectives of this study were to (i) measure and develop a method for determining cp, (ii) analyze the (Cv) data for undisturbed soil samples from surface layers, and (iii) test the applicability of the cp value for calculating Cv of drained peat soils using the mixing model concept. The cp value was measured under laboratory conditions using a modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) for 18 soil layers sampled in six degraded peat soil profiles. The Cv was estimated for undisturbed triplicate soil samples from the 22 depths (66 samples) by using a dual-needle probe. The cp data for the organic soils were linearly temperature-dependent (MDSC) for the temperature range considered (−20–30 °C). The overall average cp value was equal to 1.202 J g−1 K−1 at a temperature of 0 °C. An increment in temperature of 1 °C corresponded to an increase in cp of 0.0043 J g−1 K−1 on average. Nevertheless, the lowest cp value was obtained for moss samples whereas the highest value represents alder peats. The Cv data measured using the heat thermal probe (HTP) method changed linearly with changes in the soil moisture content (θv) of the moorsh soils. The volumetric heat capacity calculated using the mixing model was comparable to the mean of measured values obtained on the triplicate samples.

Morphological Variation in Absorptive Roots in Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Forests Growing on Drained Peat Soils

Peatland drainage based on ditch systems is a widely used forestry management practice in the boreal and hemiboreal forests to improve tree growth. This study investigated the morphological variation in absorptive roots (first- and second-order roots) across the distance gradient from the ditch with four sampling plots (5, 15, 40, and 80 m) in six drained peatland forests dominated by Downy birch and Norway spruce. The dominating tree species had a significant effect on the variation in absorptive root morphological traits. The absorptive roots of birch were thinner with a higher specific root area and length (SRA and SRL), higher branching intensity (BI), and lower root tissue density (RTD) than spruce. The distance from the ditch affected the absorptive root morphological traits (especially SRA and RTD), but this effect was not dependent on tree species and was directionally consistent between birch and spruce. With increased distance from the ditch (from plot 5 to plot 80), the mean SRA increased by about 10% in birch and 5% in spruce; by contrast, the mean RTD decreased by about 10% in both tree species, indicating a potential shift in nutrient foraging. However, soil physical and chemical properties were not dependent on the distance from the ditch. We found a species-specific response in absorptive root morphological traits to soil properties such as peat depth, pH, and temperature. Our results should be considered when evaluating the importance of morphological changes in absorptive roots when trees acclimate to a changing climate.

Effects of extensive grazing on the vegetation of a landscape-scale restoration site

The Wicken Fen Vision (Cambridgeshire, UK) is a landscape-scale habitat restoration project that uses process-driven, open-ended approaches to develop habitats on highly degraded and drained peat soils of former intensive arable land. The project land is extensively grazed with herds of free-roaming, minimally managed herds of Highland cattle and Konik horses. In one 119 ha area, seven 25m x 25 m grazing exclosures were erected and vascular plant species were recorded from 2007 to 2017. Plant species data were analysed to (1) compare changes in plant species composition and diversity in grazed and ungrazed areas; (2) use plant species traits and plant-environment associations to explore the nature of changes in plant composition; (3) use remote sensing to explore changes in vegetation structure; (4) examine the influence of land use histories on grazing outcomes in different parts of the site.There was a clear divergence through time between grazed and ungrazed areas, attributed to significantly greater canopy height, Ellenberg L (Light) and Ellenberg N (fertility) values within the exclosures. Species richness was significantly higher in grazed compared with ungrazed areas and species assemblages separated through the study period. After ten years, extensive free-roaming grazing has had significant impacts on vegetation structure and species richness but effects varied across the study site because of differing historical land use.

САНИТАРНАЯ БЕЗОПАСНОСТЬ УДОБРИТЕЛЬНОГО МЕЛИОРАНТА НА ОСНОВЕ КОЗЬЕГО НАВОЗА

Fertilizing ameliorants based on organic fertilizers, in particular, goat manure with the introduction of sewage sludge from the municipal economy of the Ryazan region, chopped straw and a complex of effective microorganisms should have a benefi cial effect on the soil and plants and not pollute the environment. For this, it is necessary to compare the actual values with sanitary standards. One of the polluting factors are microorganisms entering the environment from the ameliorant being introduced. The safety of soil, natural and ground waters, and crop production is an important problem when carrying out restoration measures on degraded drained peat soil. Based on the above, the research topic is relevant. The research included laboratory methods based on analysis, logic, comparison. The experimental scheme concerned different doses of the ameliorant applied to the soil when regulating the water regime through irrigation. The research will ultimately help to develop practical recommendations for agricultural holding Novoselki, which uses the agricultural landscape as fodder land. In the process of research, a direct dependence of the degree of environmental pollution on the dose of the ameliorant was revealed. At the same time, an active process of self-purifi cation of all environments (soil, natural and lysimetric waters) was clearly traced, that confirmed the total content of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms that have grown at 37°C and the total number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms that grew at 22°C. The content of Escherichia coli and the total microbial number on the 21st day after the introduction of UM decreased in media by 1.5-2 times. In all environments, pathogenic microfl ora and eggs of helminths were not detected in all years of the research. The introduction of a fertilizer ameliorant into the soil at the rate of 15 t/ha is the most optimal one from the agronomic point of view. The dependence of the degree of environmental pollution on the dose of the ameliorant application, considering the intensive self-cleaning process, was not revealed in all environments of pathogenic microfl ora and helminth eggs in all the years of the research. Herbal products are safe. It is permissible to use grown products for haylage.

Перспективи вирощування біоенергетичних культур на осушуваних торфових ґрунтах Західного Полісся в умовах кліматичних змін

Goal. To identify the most promising types of bioenergy crops, and explore the potential of their productivity on drained peat soils of Western Polissia in climate change. Methods. Field — to monitor the growth and development of plants, the formation of their yields, laboratory — to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of agrochemical and physicochemical properties of peat soils, measuring and weighing — to determine yields, soil water regime, gamma-spectrometric – to determine the content of radionuclides in soil and crop products, calculation and comparison — to determine the energy efficiency of growing bioenergy crops on drained peat soils of Western Polissia. Results. The productivity potential of the most common species of woody, annual and perennial herbaceous bioenergy crops in the conditions of drained peat soils of Western Polissia was determined. The possibility of obtaining the own seed and planting material of the main types of bioenergy crops in the area of Western Polissia was studied. Conclusions. It is proved that the most promising and technological wood bioenergy crop for growing on drained lands of Polissia is a violet willow of Swedish selection, which under optimal conditions can provide up to 28–30 t/ha of wood biomass annually, which is 10–14 times higher than traditional productivity of forest plantations. Among herbaceous perennial bioenergy crops, the most promising ones are miscanthus and sedge, which provide up to 25 t/ha of dry biomass, and among herbaceous annual crops — sugar sorghum, broom sorghum, and corn, which provide up to 20 t/ha of dry tables. It is proved that on the drained peat soils of Western Polissia, with proper agricultural techniques, it is possible to successfully engage in seed production of most of the studied bioenergy crops, including heat-loving ones such as corn, sugar sorghum, broom sorghum, Sudan sorghum, paise. Due to the high rate of seed propagation, these crops can be quickly introduced into production in a certain area.