Forest-steppe Landscapes Research Articles

Bacterial diversity and functional characteristics of natural rainwater lakes in Saihanba artificial forest farm as revealed by 16S rRNA sequencing

The Saihanba Mechanical Forest is an artificial national forest park with a forest-steppe landscape. The flora and fauna have been extensively studied, but a comprehensive understanding of the bacterial community composition and structure of the natural rainwater lakes present in the area has rarely been reported. In this study, the structure and functional characteristics of bacterial communities in lake sediments and water samples in the Saihanba artificial forest were investigated using 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Microbial diversity analyses revealed that Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota microbiota dominated. The abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota was significantly higher (p < .05) in water samples compared to sediment samples. PICRUSt2 functional analysis predicted genes associated with the degradation of xenobiotics and the execution of essential metabolic processes. Here, we report differences in the composition of native bacterial communities in sediments and water under the Saihanba artificial forest and make functional gene predictions. This study provides a reference for further exploring the structure and functional characteristics of microbial communities in water samples and sediment environments of lakes under planted forests.

Reemergence of arctic-like rabies virus in a rabies-free area in the Amur river basin

Background: A descriptive epidemiological study of the rabies outbreak in the Amur Region of Russia (ARR), which remained rabies-free from 1972 to 2017, was carried out. During 2018-2022, 49 animal rabies cases and one human rabies death were documented in the ARR. This study aimed to detect possible ways of incursion and features of the spatial spread of rabies virus (RABV) in ARR, which was considered rabies-free for 45 years. Methods: After the beginning of the outbreak, 1,450 animal brain samples were tested using a direct fluorescent antibody test. Genetic analysis of RABV isolates was carried out (n = 9). GIS was used to analyze the spatial spread of rabies in ARR and adjacent territories. Results: Rabies has been confirmed in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes ) - 38.8%, raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides ) - 10.2%, wolves (Canis lupus ) - 14.3%, dogs - 18.4% and farm animals - 18.3% (n = 49). The first cases were detected south of the ARR, 30 km from the state border between Russia and China. In 2018-2022, the RABV spread within the forest-steppe landscapes of the Zeya-Bureya Plain northwesterly; the maximum distance from the first recorded event was 192.4 km (Me = 77.6). According to a phylogenetic analysis, the isolates from ARR belonged to the Acrtic-like-2 RABV lineage and showed the maximum similarity to the isolates recovered in the province of Heilongjiang (China, 2011, 2018) and the Jewish Autonomous Region (Russia, 1980). Conclusion: Rabies was most likely introduced by wild carnivores from the adjacent territories of Russia or China, located downstream of the Amur River.

Zoning of Desert, Steppe, Steppe-Forest and Forest Ecosystems By Carbon And Nitrogen Isotope in Mongolia and Western Transbaikalia

The Mongolian–Transbaikalian region of the Central Asia is known for its wide range of intracontinental ecosystems from desert through steppe to taiga forest and mountain tundra. Data on the isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen in the bone and dental tissues of herbivorous animals inhabiting the desert, steppe, and forest–steppe landscapes of Outer Mongolia and Western Transbaikalia are presented. The maximum values of the carbon isotope ratio are observed in animals from the desert (Gobi Desert) and the semi-desert landscapes, median (mean) δ13C is -17.9‰. The minimum values of δ13C were obtained by herbivorous animals of the forest-steppe and the forest landscapes (Transbaikalia), which median δ13C is -23‰. The fauna of the steppes (median δ13C is -21.7‰) has intermediate values of the carbon isotopic composition. According to the isotope composition of nitrogen, the isotope-geochemical isolation of ecosystems is less pronounced.

Late Pleistocene Environments of East Kazakhstan (Based on Ushbulak Site Materials)

We reconstruct environmental conditions at various stages of the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene of East Kazakhstan. The reconstructions are based on materials from the stratified Ushbulak site in the Shilikta Valley, spanning a period from the Early Upper Paleolithic to the Bronze Age. Climatic changes were evaluated using natural science methods-mineralogical, ZooArchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS), OSL- and AMS-dating, etc. Sevaral stages, relating to environmental changes, are evaluated. The fi rst period (~52–37 ka BP) was period of moderately warm and relatively humid climate, with predominantly forest-steppe, meadow-steppe, and semidesert landscapes. The second period (~25–21 ka BP) coincided with a transition from a moderately warm to a very cold and more arid climate dominated by steppes. The third period (~18–16 ka BP) was transitional from the glacial maximum to the postglacial interstadial, with a relatively cool and arid climate and mostly steppe and forest-steppe landscapes. The fourth period (~15–14 ka BP) was characterized by the warmest climate in the Late Pleistocene; steppe and forest-steppe vegetation dominated. During the latest, Early Holocene period, the climate was warm and humid, with savanna-like landscapes. The analysis of natural-climatic conditions allows us to conclude that the early stage of the site’s functioning, characterized by the highest intensity of settlement, was optimal for ancient man.

Изменение окружающей среды северо-западного сектора Японского моря в период последней дегляциации

Environment changes in the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan and adjacent land during last 21.0 kyr was reconstructed based on the analysis of pollen and diatom data with a high temporal resolution. Relatively dry climate caused a wide distribution of forest-steppe landscapes in the region between 21.0 to 16.6 ka. Boreal forests covered mountain slopes. Broad-leaved trees survived in refugia located in lower mountain belts. The low sea level during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) changed the general patterns in the sea circulation and longshore current directions, which transported the waters formed in the shallow areas of the northwestern and northern parts of the Sea of Japan. A slight increase in sublittoral benthic diatoms indicates the lowered sea level during the LGM. Occurrence of Betula indicates the start of warming after 18.5 ka; it was interrupted by the cold event Heinrich 1 and marked by the spread of coniferous Larix, Picea, and sphagnum bogs. The beginning of late glacial climatic amelioration Bølling-Allerød (BA) is contributed to dispersal of Quercus and Polypodiaceae ferns. The distribution of conifers Larix and Picea as well as of sphagnum bogs is correlated with the Younger Dryas (YD) cooling. Significant changes in vegetation occurred in the Holocene. The high percentage of sublittoral planktonic diatoms reflects a gradual rise in sea level during the BA and YD. A greater component of oceanic diatom species in the Holocene indicates the inflow of the Pacific waters through both the Tsushima and Tsugaru straits. Some increase in the participance and species diversity of relatively warm-water diatoms was noticed in the warming periods. The study of pollen and diatom records demonstrates a clear response to climatic fluctuations and changes in the Sea of Japan level in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene.

Влияние гелиометеорологических факторов на эпидемический процесс геморрагической лихорадки с почечным синдромом и прогнозирование заболеваемости на территории лесостепного и степного ландшафтов

On the territory of the Orenburg region over a 25-year period, we studied the influence of 43 helio-meteorological factors on the cumulative incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the population of the forest-steppe and steppe landscapes. It is shown that in of the forest-steppe landscape the priority helio-meteorological risk factors for the incidence of HFRS were: an increase in precipitation in March of the current year and in October of the previous year, as well as an increase in the Wolf number with a shift relative to the incidence to the left by 6 years. On the territory of the steppe landscape, the leading helio-meteorological risk factors for the epidemic process of HFRS were: a decrease in precipitation in June of the previous year, an increase in precipitation in February of the current year, and an increase in the Wolf number with a shift to the left relative to the incidence by 3 years. We have obtained regression equations for a short-term (for the current year) forecast of the intensity of the epidemic process of HFRS, taking into account helio-meteorological factors in the territory of the forest-steppe and steppe landscapes. These mathematical equations have been tested against actual morbidity rates. They can be recommended for practical use, as well as further improvement of the model. Keywords: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, forest-steppe and steppe landscapes, prognosis, incidence.

Mongolian gazelle (Procapra cf. gutturosa Pallas, 1777) in the Pleistocene of Transbaikalia and Altai

More than 1500 bones of the skull and postcranial skeleton of the Mongolian gazelle (Procapra cf. gutturosa Pallas, 1777) from 4 Paleolithic sites of Western Transbaikalia (Varvarina Gora, Kamenka, Khotyk, Tolbaga) and 3 cave localities of the northwestern Altai (Denisova, Strashnaya, Kaminnaya) were studied. For comparison, a large collection of skeletal bones from 56 individuals of modern P. gutturosa, collected on the territory of the “Dzeren Valley” nature reserve, was used. A number of morphometric differences in the structure of the lower jaw and bones of the postcranial skeleton between modern and fossil Mongolian gazelle have been revealed. Pleistocene P. cf. gutturosa had shorter and relatively massive limb bones and was significantly smaller in body size than the modern one. At the sites of Transbaikalia, Mongolian gazelle bones can account for up to half of all megafauna remains, in the Middle-Late Pleistocene layers of Altai caves, up to 3–4%. During the periods of glaciation, the Mongolian gazelles of Transbaikalia and Altai lived in conditions of cold, dry and little snow steppe or mountain-steppe landscapes. In the interglacial and interstadials, they continued to live here in the conditions of steppe or forest-steppe landscapes.

Early Pleistocene Bovidae from Palan-Tyukan (Azerbaijan)

The Early Pleistocene site of Palan-Tyukan (MNQ18, ca 1.85 Mya) is located in Transcaucasia, northwestern Azerbaijan. In total, more than 300 mammalian bones were collected there by one of the authors (M.V. Sablin) in 1986 and 1990. The remains were laid close to each other in a 25 m2 lens-like accumulation, in a stratum of normally magnetized (the upper part of the Olduvai subchron) yellowish-grey Lower Apsheron loams. No any excavations have been carried here out since. The present study is based on the analysis of the Bovidae remains. The material is represented by fragments of skulls and horn cores, isolated teeth and bones of the postcranial skeleton. As a result of the revision of the collection, Leptobos (Smertiobos) cf. etruscus (Falconer, 1859), Gazellospira torticornis (Aymard, 1854) and Gazella cf. bouvrainae (Kostopoulos, 1996) were identified. The degree of the unworn M3 tooth hypsodonty of Leptobos, as well as the size and morphology of limb bones indicate a greater similarity with those of L. etruscus from Olivola and Tasso. The characteristics of the horn cores, as well as the upper teeth and limb bones of the medium-sized spiral-horned antelope from Palan-Tyukan indicate a greater similarity with those of the nominative subspecies G. torticornis torticornis. The dimensions and degree of flattening of the horn cores, as well as the parameters of the p4 tooth, are similar to those of the medium-sized gazelle G. bouvrainae, described from several Early Pleistocene localities of Greece. The taxonomic composition of the Bovidae association from Palan-Tyukan is consistent with the previously determined stratigraphic position of the locality, the fauna from which belongs to the Psekups faunal complex of Eastern Europe, correlated with the Late Villafranchian of Western Europe. The composition of these herbivores community testifies to the spread of savanna-like forest-steppe landscapes in the west of Transcaucasia during this period of the Early Pleistocene.

Distribution of orchids in the upper basin of the Ural River and questions of nature conservation

Aim. Conduct a botanical and geographical analysis of the species of the fam. Orchidaceae in the upper part of the Ural River basin and provide recommendations on the organization of specially protected natural areas.Material and Methods. The study of the distribution of orchids was carried out both on the basis of the results of our own field expeditions and on literature and herbarium collections stored in local and central herbaria (UFA, SWER, LE, MW). The coenopopulation studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods.Results. The species composition of orchids was revealed and their arealogical, ecological-coenotic, coenopopulation analysis was undertaken in the upper part of the Ural River basin. Despite the wide range, most species of the fam. Orchidaceae are characterised by a narrow ecological-coenotic confinement. The low occurrence of orchids in the conditions of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the territories under consideration is associated with both weather-climatic and anthropogenic impacts. The coenopopulations of most species are small and the ontogenetic spectra are incomplete.Conclusions. Species of the family Orchidaceae do not grow in economically developed territories. The remaining locations of orchids are mainly associated with landscapes that are difficult to access for anthropogenic impact. In order to preserve the steppe and forest-steppe landscapes of the Urals it is necessary to further develop the system of specially protected natural areas. The most promising for this purpose are the Krykty and Irendyk ranges, which are distinguished by their unique landscape and biological diversity.

Spider Diversity in the Fragmented Forest-Steppe Landscape of Northeastern Ukraine: Temporal Changes under the Impact of Human Activity

Semi-natural forests and dry grasslands are highly fragmented and influenced by human activity. Despite the small area, they serve as the refuge for habitat-specific species and enhance agrolandscape biodiversity. We studied spiders in Velykoburlutskyi Steppe Regional Landscape Park (northeastern Ukraine) for 10 years and found 224 species of 26 families; of these, 27 are rare and require protection. The araneofauna of small forests in gullies is poorer than that of the large oakeries and hosts fewer sylvatic species; the dry grassland fauna is rich, has typical steppe traits, and varies depending on topography and grazing history. The ungrazed gully hosted 125 spider species. The richest assemblages (97 species) were at the bottom, and they were similar to those of meadows and forest edges. The most typical steppe assemblages were formed on the ungrazed slope (77 species). The human-induced disturbance had a negative effect on spiders: we found only 63 species at the grazed bottom and 62 on the slope. After abrupt grazing cessation, four spider species appeared and occurred constantly at the bottom, while no species left this habitat. Grazing on the slopes declined gradually, and spider assemblages did not change significantly after the final cessation; moreover, they enriched on the abandoned slope (75 species). The presence of rare species and a variety of spider assemblages confirm the conservation value of the study site and the need to maintain its mosaic pattern.

Northern Urals (Russia) quaternary deposits and biostratigraphical record caves and grottoes

Investigations of the unconsolidated Upper Pleistocene – Holocene cave deposits of the Northern Urals resulted in detailed biostratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental data. The article summarizes data from important stratigraphical levels exposed in 19 cave localities, most part of which represent several layers dated to different periods. These data cover the period from the beginning of the Upper Pleistocene (MIS 5-4) to the end of the Upper Holocene. At the beginning of Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3), open woodlands were distributed, which at the end of MIS 3 were replaced by Forest–steppe landscapes. At the beginning of MIS 2 (LGM), Periglacial steppe landscape was distributed. At the end of MIS 2 and at the beginning of the Holocene (MIS 1), semi-open landscapes were common. At the beginning of the Middle Holocene, they were replaced by taiga landscapes. Fish were present in the fauna of the Northern Urals in the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. Amphibians in the Upper Pleistocene as part of the fauna of the region appear only at its beginning (MIS 5-4) and end (Bølling – Allerød period). Since the beginning of the Holocene (MIS 1), they have been constantly present in the fauna of the Northern Urals. Reptiles appear in the fauna of the region only in the Middle Holocene. During the Upper Pleistocene, the avifauna and fauna of small mammals were dominated by species of open landscapes, and the fauna of large mammals was dominated by species of open and semi-open landscapes. At the beginning of the Holocene, the avifauna and theriofauna increased the number of species associated with tree and shrub vegetation and near-aquatic species. Since the beginning of the Middle Holocene, the avifauna and theriofauna have been dominated by species of taiga landscapes. Palynological data and data on the fauna of small and large mammals allow us to separate the deposits of the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. These data also allow us to separate the deposits of the beginning (MIS 5-4), middle (MIS 3), end (MIS 2)) of the Upper Pleistocene, Lower, Middle and Upper Holocene (MIS 1).

Habitat structure qualitative assessment of hunting resources

The article provides analytical data on the integrated use of landscapes for the organization of hunting farms, methods of organizing hunting resources in the conditions of a sharply continental climate of the steppe and forest-steppe landscape of the Orenburg region. The data on the qualitative assessment of hunting resources and the factors affecting its components, the ratio of types of grounds according to the suitability of habitat for hunting animals are analyzed.

The Likhvin (=Holsteinian, =Hoxnian) small mammal faunas of Europe (MIS 11) with reference to the easternmost Likhvin small mammal locality Rybnaya Sloboda (Volga basin, Russia)

Numerous small mammal localities assigned to the beginning of the Late Middle Pleistocene (Holstein, Likhvin, Hoxne Interglacial) were discovered in Europe during the last years. The stratigraphical position of a number of these faunas and the regional differences are discussed in the paper. The new Likhvin small mammal locality Rybnaya Sloboda (Lower Kama basin, Volga basin, Russia) is the easternmost site of this age in Europe. The rich fauna was discovered in fluvial deposits of the 3rd terrace (III) of the Kama River; sediments that are covered by loess deposits with a series of paleosols. The Rybnaya Sloboda fauna includes 16 species of insectivores, lagomorphs and rodents. Remains of the archaic water vole Arvicola cantianus and the Middle Pleistocene steppe lemming Lagurus transiens dominate the fossils assemblage. The evolutional level of the Arvicolinae remains permits the assignment to the Gun'kovian small mammal assemblage and a correlation with the Likhvin Interglacial (MIS 11) (∼424–374 ka BP). The ecological features of the small mammal assemblage indicate a forest-steppe landscape in the lower Kama basin during MIS 11. The comparison with, and the analysis of numerous European Likhvin (= Holsteinian, = Hoxnian) small mammal faunas indicate a geographical biozonation that shows similarities with the biozonation reconstructed for the Eemian (= Mikulino, MIS 5e) Interglacial.

Условия заражения геморрагической лихорадкой с почечным синдромом населения лесостепного и степного ландшафтов

The studied conditions for infection with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which occupies a leading place in Russia among all natural focal infections, mainly relate to forest and forest-steppe landscapes, while the conditions for infection of the population in the steppe remain poorly understood. The purpose of the work is to determine the conditions for infection with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in the population of the forest-steppe and steppe landscapes using the example of the Orenburg region. Puumala hantavirus circulates in the region. 731 maps of the epidemiological examination of the epidemic focus of zoonoses were studied. The study showed that in the forest-steppe landscape, in comparison with the steppe, infection of the population occurs more often during work on a personal plot, as well as in everyday life at the place of residence from small mammals or environmental objects. In the steppe landscape, in contrast to the forest-steppe, infection with hantaviruses is more often observed during fishing and when resting in the forest. Keywords: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, forest-steppe and steppe landscapes, infection conditions.

The current state and prospects of the nature reserve fund of the Volodymyr district of the Volyn region

With the growth of anthropogenic load on the landscape, there is a need to preserve them in their natural state, because the improvement of people's well-being should not be accompanied by the destruction of the surrounding environment. This issue is especially important for cross-border territories, because the problem of environmental protection is one of the priority issues of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. The increase in the area of the nature reserve fund contributes to the preservation of biological diversity in Ukraine and in Europe. This region needs the protection and protection of unique landscapes by bequeathing them, or transferring them to a higher protected category, which will make it possible to preserve unique natural complexes, landscape and biotic diversity, rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Volodymyrskyi district is located on the territory of one polysky (Turiyskyi) and two broad-leaved (Lutskyi and Ivanychivskyi) natural landscape areas. Within the district, the vast majority of nature conservation objects are of local importance, only 1 nature reserve has national status, and there are no national nature parks or nature reserves here either. Nature conservation facilities are very unevenly distributed throughout the district, and there are also communities within which there is none. The largest number of protected areas is in the Zaturtsivska Territorial Community (10), which has both polis and broad-leaved landscapes, and there the conservation rate is 10%. The lowest rate of conservation is 2.9%, despite the fact that there are 9 protected objects, in the Ustilug community. Valuable natural territories reserved for the creation of new or expansion of existing objects of the nature reserve fund have been determined within the district, in particular, such is the promising national nature park «Western Pobuzhzhia», where the steppe and forest-steppe landscapes will be protected and it will stretch along the river valley. The Western Bug and its tributaries Luga.

Factors of steppification of the Middle lands of Buh landscape

The problem of modern steppification of separate territories of the forest field of Ukraine is considered. The model region is Middle lands of Buh. The aim is to analyze the main factors contributing to the development of modern steppification of the Middle Lands of Buh landscape, to partially reveal the mechanism of their intra-regional action. To achieve the goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis, modeling, natural-anthropogenic compatibility, GIS technologies, materials of own field research during 2017-2021 were used. It is stated that the Middle Lands of Buh is a region of ancient (Paleolithic), versatile (since the Trypillia era) and active development of natural resources. This led to the gradual replacement of the natural forest-steppe landscape with an anthropogenic forest landscape. It is shown that the modern steppification of the Middle Lands of Buh is mainly due to two factors: global climate warming, which also affects regional changes in climatic conditions; continuous anthropogenization of the natural landscape of the Middle Lands of Buh . The first factor is analyzed in detail using materials for the 60-year period of observations of meteorological stations (the main Gaivoronska) of the southern part of the Middle Lands of Buh; the second factor is considered as a result of the replacement of the superior forest (72-75%) by modern (65-70%) field landscapes. It is stated that the steppification of the Middle Lands of Buh passes from southeast to northwest, gradually covers the entire territory, and can lead to the replacement of the modern forest landscape with a field landscape. This process is already clearly traced both in the development of individual geocomponents (climatic conditions, soils, flora and fauna) and in the landscape of the Middle Lands of Buh in general and requires further research.

Ecotones in Central European forest–steppe: Edge effect occurs on hard rocks but not on loess

AbstractAimsWe asked how geological substrate affects the distribution of plant species between forest interiors, forest edges, and steppe patches in the forest–steppe landscapes. Specifically, we sought for the presence of the edge effect at the forest–grassland transitions on different substrates.LocationAustria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and western Ukraine.MethodsWe recorded the occurrence of vascular plant species in forest interiors, at forest edges and in steppe patches on 40 forest–steppe sites located on four substrates (andesite, dolomite, limestone and loess). We compared the distribution of species diversity, beta diversity (using multivariate analysis), the number of shared species between habitats and the estimation of vegetation biomass among forest‐steppe habitats on different substrates.ResultsThe edge effect was observed on hard rocks, while it was absent on loess, where the ecotone species richness was intermediate between that of forest and steppe. Loess sites also had the lowest species turnover between forest and steppe and the lowest number of edge specialists.ConclusionsSubstrate has a strong effect on the formation of forest–steppe mosaics. It shapes the assembly rules and plant community diversity within individual habitat mosaics. Plant communities on each substrate can respond differently to changing climate. The strong assembly rules on hard rocks may be more likely to result in species loss than on loess or similar soft sediments, where a larger number of species find their optimum in more than one forest–steppe habitat.

THE EDAPHIC CRITERIES OF SOIL-GEOGRAPHIC ZONATION OF FOREST-STEPPE LANDSCAPES OF VOLYNO-PODILLIA REGION

Problem Statement and Purpose The existing scheme of soil-geographic zonation of Ukraine does not reflect the natural-historical structure of the landscapes of the Western Ukraine. The main criterias of soil-geographical zonation of forest-steppe landscapes of Volyno-Podillia are edaphic conditions, the role of chernozems in the zonal-provincial structure of soil cover, the peculiarities of adjacencies in soil combinations. The main taxonomic units of zonation are soil-geographical zone, kray (region), soil okrug (province) and rayon (district). The aim of the study was to create a scheme of soil-geographical zoning of forest-steppe landscapes of Volyno-Podilliaregion, which is based on the principles of structural approach to the spatial organization of soil cover. Data &amp; Methods The literary sources, medium- and large-scale soil maps, maps of relief plastics, Quaternary sediments were analysed. The main research methods were soilgeographical and qualitative-genetic. Also, the GIS‑technologies based on the software product ArcGIS10.3 were used, which allowed to draw the boundaries of taxonomic units of soil-geographical zoning and to form an attributive database. Results The forest-steppe zone stretches east from Opillia to the Podilsky forest massif on the Dnister-Pivdennyi Bug interfluve. We distinguished two soil-geographical krai: West-Podilskyi and North-Podilskyi and 9 soil okrugs as part of the forest-steppe zone of Volyno-Podillia. In the western part of the zone there is a synchronous spatial alternation of height-ordered erosion simple soil variations (lessivation-gleying) of gray and dark-gray forest soils with clay-illuvial chernozems, meadow and meadow-swamp soils of undulating beam interfluves of the Dnister left tributaries and complex soils variations-spotting (leaching-gleiing) of clayey-illuvial chernozems with typical chernozems deep and medium-deep deeply gleyed, meadow-chernozem of wide flat interfluves and ancient Pliocene valleys. In the east of the Podilskyi Forest-Steppe, complex variations-spotting of leaching-humus of dark-gray forest soils with clay-illuvial chernozems, typical deep chernozems and meadow-chernozem soils are dominated.

Екологічна рівновага ландшафтів Чернігівської області

The article describes the landscape structure of Chernihiv region. A distinctive feature of the landscape structure of the region is the penetration of forest-and-steppe landscapes into the zone of mixed forests, and coniferous-broadleaf forests into the forest-and-steppe zone. Landscapes are widely used in the economy. The analysis of the dynamics of the structure of the land fund of the region for the period since 1999 to 2020 showed significant agricultural development of the territory, at the same time, no significant changes in the structure of land use during these years were recorded. Agricultural development varies within administrative districts. The landscapes of Pryluky and Nizhyn districts are used the most, due to their location in the forest-and-steppe zone. A comparison of the components of the structure of the land fund and the recommended optimal ecological parameters shows their inconsistency in all administrative districts of the region. An assessment of the ecological balance of landscapes based on the ratio of arable land and the total area of ecologically stabilizing lands in the cross-section of administrative districts of the Chernihiv region revealed a satisfactory, critical and crisis degree of disturbance of the ecological balance. The crisis ecological state is distinctive for two regions, in which forest-steppe landscapes either occupy significant areas (Nizhyn district) or form a landscape structure (Pryluky district). The results of the study confirm the need to revise the existing structure of the land fund by reducing the area of arable land and increasing the area of ecologically stabilizing lands in all administrative districts of the region without exception. In modern conditions, low-cost measures can be of primary importance - removal from arable land and conservation of degraded and unproductive lands.

Геохімія ландшафтів історичної місцевості Гірка Крістера (м.Київ)

The study presents the results of ecological and geochemical research of landscapes of the historical area of Krister Hill in Podilsk district of Kyiv. The research aims to identify the current state of pollution of this territory by heavy metals - their content in the components of the landscapes (soils, plants, water environment). The paper characterizes the landscape structure and modern use of the territory. The degree of soil contamination in the sampling points located within the forest-steppe landscapes of the loess-like plain and mixed coniferous forest landscapes is characterized of the moraine-woodland plain was analyzed. For the analysis, the total pollution index (Zc) was used, according to which the study area as a whole has a moderately dangerous level of contamination of soils with heavy metals. The largest part belongs to lead and copper, the content of which in some samples is 2-4 times higher than the maximum allowable concentrations. The content of zinc and nickel is also significant. The total pollution of soils with heavy metals within the landscapes of forest plains is somewhat higher than in moraine-water-glacial landscapes. The results of a study of the microelement composition of the Krister hill vegetation indicate that the plants are characterized by an increased content of manganese, titanium, copper, and lead. Plants with a high ability to accumulate heavy metals include maple, common shingle, and lilac. To analyze the content of pollutants in surface and ground waters, water samples were taken from natural and artificial reservoirs, as well as from the bureaus. An excess of heavy metals content of tens and hundreds of times was detected in the Krister Hill water bodies. Hydrogeochemical peculiarities of drinking groundwater were established. The pump room water meets the requirements of DSTU. Excess of maximum permissible concentrations was detected for the total concentration of sodium and potassium ions and permanganate acidity. The obtained results are essential for substantiating the location of the network of complex environmental and geochemical monitoring and will contribute to the effectiveness of measures to improve the state of the natural environment and improve the living conditions of the population.