Forest-steppe Region Research Articles

Dwarf shrubs may mitigate the negative effects of climate change on spiders by moderating microclimate

Climate change negatively affects arthropod biodiversity worldwide. Mitigating the resulting arthropod decline is a great challenge. Dwarf shrubs in open areas might buffer microclimatic extremities by reducing the solar radiation reaching the ground and weakening air circulation near the soil surface. Forest steppes are mosaics of forests and grasslands covering a vast area in Eurasia. This heterogeneous ecosystem offers the opportunity to study the effect of small habitat features, i.e. dwarf shrubs, in dry grasslands and compare the fauna of rosemary-leaved willow (Salix rosmarinifolia) shrubs with forest patch interiors, open grasslands and their edges. We hypothesized that the dwarf shrub microhabitat has a wetter and cooler microclimate than open grassland and a different spider community composition than other forest-steppe microhabitats. We recorded microclimatic parameters with data loggers, measured soil moisture with TDR and collected ground-dwelling spiders with pitfall traps. We detected the highest soil moisture (6.26 ± 1.21%, mean ± 95% confidence interval) and air humidity (80.19 ± 3.19%) in forests and the lowest in grasslands (4.36 ± 0.65%; 66.59 ± 2.53%, respectively). The warmest microhabitats were grasslands (23.23 ± 0.51°C), whereas the coolest microhabitats were forests (18.92 ± 0.41°C). The distinct microclimate of dwarf shrubs was cooler (21.46 ± 0.41°C) and moister (5.43 ± 0.53%) than the surrounding semi-desert like grassland. Furthermore, we found a different spider community composition and trait state composition of spiders in forests, edges, grasslands and dwarf shrub microhabitats. Forests (9.90 ± 0.95) and edges (11.44 ± 1.27) hosted a higher species richness than grasslands (7.08 ± 4.27) and dwarf shrubs (5.09 ± 1.33). We collected larger spiders on the edges than in dwarf shrub microhabitats. The dwarf shrubs hosted a different microclimate and spider community composition from the grassland. Climate change in the forest-steppe region is assumed to be driven by a combination of warming and drying. In the coming decades, drought frequency and severity are predicted to increase. Woody vegetation, even dwarf shrubs, creates a thermal and moisture heterogeneity that might aid arthropods in buffering macroclimatic warming through behavioural thermoregulation. Therefore, their presence on grasslands can benefit the conservation of specialised grassland arthropods.

Landscape and soil cover diversity in Polissia and Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Recent research has revealed the patterns of spatial and temporal variability of crop yields for the Polissia and the Forest-Steppe regions of Ukraine. In addition, the approaches to differentiating agroeconomic and agroecological components in the variability of the productive potential of the territories were developed. Approaches have been developed to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of soil erosion for individual areas of the region. The issue of assessing the impact of erosion processes on crop yields at the regional level remains unresolved. The diversity of landscapes and soil cover in Polissia and the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine was assessed in this article. The research covered 10 administrative regions of the north and northwest of Ukraine, which are located mainly within mixed forests (Polissia) and the eastern European forest steppe (Forest-Steppe). Part of the territory is tangential to the Carpathian mountain forests and the Pontic steppe. Within the study area, 30 WRB soils were identified. The largest area is occupied by Phaeozems Albic (21.7% of the total area of the region). These soils are located mainly in the southern and central parts of the region. In the north of the region, Phaeozems Albic form an almost continuous cover, and to the north, the areas of these soils become island-like. Phaeozems Luvic cover 12.1% of the region's territory. The Phaeozems group also includes Phaeozems Gleyic (0.93%), Phaeozems Haplic (0.13%), and Phaeozems Sodic (1.78%). Albeluvisols Umbric (17.1%) occupy a significant part of the region's territory. These soils occupy the north of the region and extend south along the Dnipro River floodplain. Spatially close to these soils are Albeluvisols Gleyic (12.8%). In the western part of the region, in Prykarpattia, there are Albeluvisols Stagnic (0.82%). The organic carbon content in the soils of the administrative districts of the region in the 0-5 cm layer was 5.2±3.3% and ranged 0.5% to 23.9%. In the layers of 5–15 and 15–30 cm, this figure decreased to 1.9 ± 1.1% and 1.9 ± 1.0%, respectively. In the 30–60 cm layer, the organic carbon content was 1.4 ± 0.8% and ranged 0.1% to 6.1%. The lowest organic carbon content was observed in the north central part of the region, and the highest content was observed in the north-east and north-west of the region. In the south of the region, there was found a strip of soils with moderate organic carbon content. The lowest content of organic carbon is characteristic of Albeluvisols and Podzols, which are located in the north of the region. In turn, the highest content of organic carbon is characteristic of organogenic Histosols, which, together with Albeluvisols and Podzols, form the basis of the soil cover structure of the territories in the northeast and northwest of the region. It should be noted that the agronomic role of these soils is insignificant, and their organic carbon content cannot be considered as a traditional indicator of fertility. Nevertheless, organic carbon is a reliable indicator of the anti-erosion properties of both natural and agricultural soils. The organic carbon content of Chernozems is quite high, which is a factor in the high fertility of these soils and their importance in agricultural production. The organic carbon content of Fluvisols and Gleysols is naturally high. The importance of these hydromorphic soils is due to their high productive potential, which ensures their use in agriculture. It is also worth noting their high seed protection potential. Phaeozems cover a large area of the region and contain a high level of organic carbon. These soils form the basis of agricultural production and forestry in the region. The silt content in the region's soils measured 45.6 ± 8.5%, ranging 19.1% to 57.6%. The north of the region is represented by soils with the lowest silt content (19–41%). In the center, in the west of the region, there is a zone with the highest silt content (53–58%). In other parts of the region, there are transitional levels of silt content in the soil. The clay content in the soils was 30.7 ± 13.8% and ranged 7.4% to 36.0%. The zone with the lowest clay content in soils has been formed in the north. The highest clay content in soils is typical for the southern part in the center of the region. The sand content in soils is highest in the northern part of the region, and the lowest in the southwestern and southern parts of the region.

Relationship between extreme species richness and Holocene persistence of forest-steppe grasslands in Transylvania, Romania

The most species-rich grasslands worldwide are known from the Carpathian Mts and their periphery in East-Central Europe. They occur in forest-steppe regions, transitional between temperate forest and arid steppe biomes. Their climate, largely suitable for forests, raises questions about the origin of these grasslands. Have they been forested in the past, or locally maintained through a disturbance regime? We addressed these questions to contribute to the broader understanding of Holocene dynamics of open habitats in temperate Europe. We employed soil charcoal analysis and soil morphology to reconstruct past representation of woody species with fine spatial resolution. Our study area was Romanian Transylvania, a region renowned for a well-developed forest-steppe. Six soil profiles along a climatic gradient were assessed: four in forest-steppe grasslands, two in grasslands in adjacent forest region (forest grasslands). The results revealed profound differences between forest-steppe and forest grasslands. Forest-steppe profiles showed Phaeozems with low specific anthracomass of woody species and continuous dominance by Juniperus, suggesting a long-term presence of grasslands. Forest grasslands showed Luvisols with higher anthracomass and abundant charcoal of broad-leaved trees, indicating establishment after deforestation. The high radiocarbon ages of charcoals in basal soil horizons point to a glacial origin of soils and the link of forest-steppe grasslands to glacial forests. Siberian hemiboreal forests and related grasslands may be modern analogues of the reconstructed ecosystems, sharing many species with present day forest-steppe. We suggest that disturbances such as fire, herbivore grazing, and human activities have played an important role in shaping the forest-steppe over time, contributing to the formation of today’s richest grasslands.

Elemental Composition and Structural Features of Humic Acids from Floodplain Soils of the Selenga River Delta

The study of the elemental composition and structure of humic acids of floodplain soils of the delta of the Selenga River (Western Transbaikalia) was carried out. The research area belongs to the delta meadowmarsh and foreststeppe region, which is an area where deposits of sandy and silty fractions are actively carried out from the entire basin. Here, soils and vegetation are natural biofilters. Depending on the bioclimatic conditions, groundwater regimes, and sediment composition, soils are formed that differ in the composition of humus and humic acids (HA). The objects of research were alluvial (meadow, meadowmarsh, meadow saline) soils of the Selenga delta, according to the classification WRB – Fluvisols. The analysis of 13C-NMR spectra of HA preparations of the studied floodplain soils made it possible to identify ranges of chemical shifts belonging to carbon atoms of various functional groups and molecular fragments. NMR spectroscopy data showed that humic acids of alluvial meadow soil are more enriched in aromatic fragments than humic acids of meadowmarsh and meadow saline soils. A slightly higher degree of aromaticity in alluvial meadow and meadowmarsh soil is associated with environmental conditions and the component composition of the precursors of humification. An increase in the proportion of aliphatic structures and a decrease in the proportion of aromatic fragments in the composition of preparations of meadow salt marsh soil make it possible to judge the simplification of the structure of humic acid. Soil moisture in combination with salinization significantly reduces the rate of transformation of soil organic matter and leads to an increase in the proportion of non-oxidized aliphatic fragments. The use of NMR spectroscopy in the study of soils has significantly expanded the understanding of its composition and structure, deepened the understanding of the mechanisms of humification and transformation of soils of various genesis.

FORECASTING THE DYNAMICS OF POPULATIONS OF HARMFUL INSECTS AND PATHOGENS OF WOODY PLANTS OF THE FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity. The emergence of dry tree patches in various parts of the globe indicates the global nature of processes related to planetary cycles and climate change. This is likely linked to various factors, including warming trends, changes in precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and alterations in ocean currents. To achieve the goal of this article, through empirical and analytical research methods, we analyzed contemporary scientific publications. We found that the projected spread of insect pests, parasites, and pathogens among tree species is increasingly concerning experts. Forest drying is a problem for both Europe and Ukraine, where the area affected by pine wilt has encompassed the Forest-Steppe region and spread to other natural zones. The paper highlights the pertinent issue of analyzing factors contributing to the weakening and deterioration of the sanitary condition of Forest-Steppe trees in Ukraine. Researchers predict significant climate changes in the near future. Due to such changes, insect pests and other pathogens may inflict even greater damage to forest plants. Climate change, particularly increased carbon dioxide emissions and warming, frequent droughts, and temperature fluctuations, affect pest populations. Common diseases of Forest-Steppe trees in Ukraine include those caused by insects, fungi, and bacteria. For instance, the most widespread affliction in forests is root rot (Fomes aппosus Fr., Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref.). Plants also suffer considerable damage from nematodes and viruses. The publication examines the impact of climate change (temperature, humidity, etc.) on the biology and ecology of insect pests and explores the potential use of modern monitoring technologies for pests and forecasting tools. Thus, projected climate changes can cause warming, altering the quantitative, qualitative, and temporal characteristics of precipitation. In this way, global climate changes affect water availability in soil, atmospheric water vapor flows, and hydrological processes. Many pests are sensitive to changes in precipitation and temperature, leading to shifts in their populations.

Formation of productivity of maize hybrids of different ripening groups in the Forest-Steppe region

The relevance of the study is determined by the necessity of scientifically substantiating the rational ratio of maize hybrids of different ripening groups to ensure the realisation of the genetic potential in forming pre-harvest grain moisture at the level of 18-22%. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to identify the most adapted and plastic ripening groups considering biological features and to identify stable hybrids based on economic efficiency through the calculation of the hybrid’s productivity efficiency index. The method of plot division was used to conduct field research in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology. The results revealed that maize hybrids of different ripening groups react differently to temperature conditions, especially during the interphase period – 3-5 leaves. Maize hybrids with FAO (ripening group of the hybrid) 180-250, having a flint grain subtype, are characterised by faster linear plant growth due to higher cold resistance, making them suitable for early sowing when the soil temperature is 6-80C. Hybrids with FAO 300 and above, with a dent grain subtype, exhibit slower initial plant growth and are more thermophilic. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them after the soil has been thoroughly warmed to 8-100C. Studies have established that the highest grain yield was obtained from mid-late maturity maize hybrids (FAO 401-500) – 10.04-10.17 t/ha, with a maximum level of 14.89 t/ha in 2017. However, considering the dynamics of productivity levels over the years, the most plastic hybrids, i.e., those with the smallest difference in yield between years, are phenotypes with FAO 201-300. It was determined that early and mid-early ripening group hybrids had lower pre-harvest grain moisture – 0.6-23.9% compared to 28.7-2.7% in mid-ripening and mid-late ripening groups. This resulted in a higher productivity efficiency index for these hybrids. The materials of the study contain results for further research on optimising the use of maize hybrids with different FAO numbers and are of practical significance for farms of various ownership forms

Районирование территории Алтайского края по степени проявления климатических рисков

Climate change is recognized as one of the global challenges to sustainable development of society. The efforts of the international scientific community, political structures, and society are aimed at solving the problems of adapting to these changes. The Russian Federation has developed strategic documents that define the main directions of action to prevent the negative consequences of climate change in various sectors of the economy and adaptation measures to them. Such documents at the regional level include "Climate Safety Passports", which are the information and analytical basis for determining specific measures. This article presents selected results of studies carried out in the Altai Region Territory in 2023. The object of study is the Altai Region Territory, located at the junction of the West Siberian Plain and the mountains of Southern Siberia. The purpose of the study is to develop a zoning scheme for the Altai Region Territory according to the degree of manifestation of climate risks based on an assessment of long-term climate changes in the region. Retrospective analysis methods of changes in the thermal regime and annual precipitation for the period 1961–2020 and forecasting these changes over a 30-year interval (until 2050) have been used to achieve this goal. Regionalization is based on the methodology of physical-geographical zoning. Based on the results of the study, six natural and climatic regions with different levels of regional consequences were identified on the territory of the Altai Region Territory. A very tense situation has developed in the South Aleisky steppe and Upper Ob forest-steppe regions having high concentration of population and objects of economic activity in conditions of high thermodynamic and hydrological risks. An increased degree of danger of thermodynamic risks is typical for the Kulunda steppe region. The remaining areas are characterized by a moderately dangerous level of climate risks, mainly due to the presence of a "mountain component" on their territory. For each source of risk, the sectors of the economy were determined witch are most exposed to these risks. The main directions of adaptation to these risks are found.

Этнокультурный ландшафт средневековых мавзолеев Волго-Уралья

The purpose of the study: To show that the Golden Horde mausoleums (keshene) of the Southern Cis-Urals – Husein-bek, Tura Khan, Bendebike, Kesene (Ta­merlane’s Tower) – belong not only to different architectural schools, but they also belong to different ethnocultural and geographical spaces. In this regard, the following tasks were laid out: To show that the Keshene Bendebike and the “Tower of Tamerlane” belong to a large group of so-called. steppe brick mausoleums built in the steppes of the Volga and Southern Urals according to the canons of the Central Asian architectural school. Erected in the second half to the end of the 14th century (or even at the beginning of the 15th century), they were intended to perpetuate the memory of representatives of the elite of the Golden Horde nomads. Unlike the brick ones, the stone mausoleums-keshene of Husein-bek, Tura Khan, Small Keshene were built according to the traditions of Bulgarian architecture in the forest-steppe regions of the Dema River valley, a territory inhabited in the 14th century, by carriers of the Chiyalik culture. Research materials: The study uses geographical, archaeological, and folklore data on the kashene mausoleums of the Southern Cis-Urals obtained by researchers of the 18th–20th centuries. Results and scientific novelty: The geography of the distribution of brick mausoleums in the steppes of the Volga and Cis-Ural regions shows that, based on the time of their construction, they could have appeared among the Golden Horde nomads even at a time when paganism was not completely supplanted by Islam (there are numerous nomadic burials with coins of Uzbekistan and later rulers). Thus, mausoleums erected over the graves of the nomadic elite became an organic part of the culture of the nomads of the Golden Horde. The stone mausoleums of the Cis-Urals had nothing to do with nomadic culture. They were built in the ethnocultural space and on the territory of settlement of semi-nomadic carriers of the Chiyalik culture (Ishtyak-Ugrians). They became centers of Muslim cemete­ries quite late – not earlier than the 17th century – when the “Chiyaliks” were already assimilated by the Turkic ancestors of the Dem Bashkir-Mings/Mings. Therefore, in the historical memory of their descendants, the Bashkirs of the 18th–19th centuries, the stone keshenes of Husein-bek and Tura Khan were overgrown with traditions and legends, the plots and cha­racters of which are not directly related to the ethnocultural history of the Bashkirs.

Evaluating stumps volume in managed, protective pine stands of the subtaiga forest-steppe region of Middle Siberia

The article evaluates the stump reserves in pine forests of the subtaiga-forest-steppe region of Central Siberia. It was found that in stands with high density (relative density above 1.0) and high productivity (I– II productivity classes), the stump stock ranged from 0.23 to 2.21 m3 per ha 1. The proportion of stump wood in the total timber stock ranged from 0.04% to 0.44%. The majority of stumps (39.1%) were in the 2nd decay class, indicating that the silvicultural practices used in the area were implemented over a decade ago. The mass of stumps ranged from 0.07 to 0.70 t per ha-1, while the stump carbon reserve varied from 0.04 to 0.35 t С per ha-1 .

Phytosanitary state of open-field vegetable crop agroecosystems of the genus Solanum, Raphanus, Brassica in the central part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Goal. Phytosanitary assessment and determination of pest and disease prevalence and development in open-field vegetable crop plantings of the genus Solanum (tomato, pepper, eggplant), genus Raphanus (radish, oilseed radish, common radish, black radish, daikon), and genus Brassica (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) in the Central Part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe Region of Ukraine.
 Methods. The research was conducted using established entomological, phytopathological, and horticultural methods. From 2008 to 2022, the population, distribution, and development of pests and phytopathogens were assessed in households and small farms within the Cherkasy region of Ukraine.
 Results. Among the dominant pest species in the agroecosystems of vegetable crops from the genus Solanum, insects accounted for 80% (8 species), followed by mites at 10% (1 species), and slugs at 10% (1 species). In agroecosystems of Brassicaceae crops, insects caused significant damage, constituting 94% (16 species) of the total pest structure, along with naked snails (1 species). The area of infestation in tomato, sweet pepper, and eggplant crops by phytophagous insects ranged from 13% to 98%, with plant damage ranging from 14% to 65%. Common spider mites accounted for 26%. Exceedances of the Economic Pest Threshold (EPT) were observed, such as Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say at 2.6 times, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L., Trialeurodes vaporariorum Wstw., Agrotis segetum Denis & Schiff., and Lacanobia oleracea at 2.2 times, Agriotes spp. larvae at 1.4 times, and Tetranychus urticae Koch. at 1.9 times the threshold levels. The highest area of infestation in Brassicaceae crops was found for Eurydema ventralis (46.7%), Pieris brassicae (42.4%), Agrotis segetum Denis & Schiff. (41.6%), Phyllotreta crusiferae and Phyllotreta undulate (37.6—37.8%), and Brevicoryne brassicae (26.6%). Exceedances of the EPT were recorded at 1.1—2.5 times for these pests. In the structure of the phytopathogenic complex of vegetable crop agroecosystems, fungi were dominant, accounting for an average of 49—58%. Viral pathogens had the smallest share, approximately 6—8%, causing mosaic diseases. Bacterial and oomycete agents occupied an intermediate position in the pathogenic complex structure. Nevertheless, their negative impact on plant health could be significant.
 Conclusions. In the Cherkasy region, which encompasses the central part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, approximately 75% of surveyed vegetable crop plantings, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, radishes, oilseed radishes, common radishes, black radishes, daikons, cabbages, cauliflowers, and broccolis, exhibit high pest infestations exceeding the EPT thresholds, indicating an ecologically hazardous phytosanitary state. In these agroecosystems, insects dominated, representing 80% and 94% of the pest structure in Solanum and Brassicaceae crops, respectively. Additionally, significant damage was attributed to naked snails (Kailie gliemeži) and, in the case of Solanum crops, mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch.). EPT exceedances ranged from 1.1 to 2.5 times, depending on the pest species. Fungi, causing mycoses, dominated the phytopathogenic complex structure, ranging from 14% to 40% (max 88—90%). The prevalence of diseases varied from 21% to 38%, with disease development rates ranging from 21% to 33%. Among the identified phytopathogens, five species are among the world’s most dangerous: Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas campestris (bacteria), Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum (fungi), and Phytophthora infestans (oomycete), which require strict control of their populations.

DEVELOPING A MULTI-VARIABLE FOREST FIRE RISK MODEL AND FIRE RISK ZONE MAPPING

Abstract. Forest steppe and taiga regions with a dry climate, small fires occur frequently between large fires, and therefore groups of trees of various ages and structures are formed in these forests, which has the effect of increasing fire exposure and "fuel reserves". The main goal of this research is to develop a multi-variable forest fire risk model and to mapping forest fire risk. The study area is the forest community in Bulgan province. Forest cover maps are essential for current research of community. We used in this research Landsat OLI and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. Soil moisture index and land surface temperature data from Landsat satellite data and elevation data (DEM) were used to determine slope and aspect. A multi-variable forest fire risk model was developed in this research. The final output delineated fire risk zones in the study area in four categories that include high-risk, moderate-risk, low-risk, and non-fire risk zones. Accuracy assessments on the two Landsat scenes indicates that forest/non-forest maps derived using the forest index (FI) have high accuracy.

RESULTS OF USING SPECTRORADIOMETERS FOR IN SOIL MOISTURE OF MONGOLIAN STEPPE ECOSYSTEM

Abstract. Determining soil moisture remains an important issue in environmental, agricultural, and crop fields. The use of remote sensing data in the study of soil surface moisture has many benefits, such as: saving time, resources, and money, as well as monitoring soil condition (surface soil moisture). Based on point data from field measurements, can be used to obtain results of soil moisture. The importance of this study is highlighted by the useof spectral measurements and laboratory-determined moisture content of a variety of soils with different geographical conditions spread over three different natural zones, combined with satellite data. The purpose of this research is to determine and analyse surface soil moisture using Sentinel-2 satellite data and Spectro radiometric measurements. For this research area, four areas representative of forest steppe, steppe, and Gobi eco-regions of Mongolia were selected, field research was conducted, data were collected, and Sentinel-2 satellite data was processed and analysed. According to the results of the spectral reflectance measured during the field research, the high reflectance of the wet soil spectrum in the forest field, and the low reflectance of the spectrum representing the Gobi region, respectively, this create the possibility of studying soil moisture by spectral measurement and analysis. The relationship between the spectral reflectance of the red (665 nm) and near-violet (842 nm) light regions shows that the soil of the forest-steppe region is relatively moist compared to the soil of the Gobi region and that the Gobi soil is drier, and the field soil is drier, and these parameters are confirmed by laboratory analysis. A model developed from a linear relationship between field-measured spectrometer reflectance and laboratory-determined moisture provides a formula that can be used for regular monitoring of moisture content using the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) estimated from satellite data. Surface soil moisture (%) = −44.133*NDWI − 11.553. The NDWI calculated from the spectroradiometer compared to the humidity determined in the laboratory had a linear correlation of R2=0.74 or 74%, and when comparing the humidity calculated from Sentinel-2, the agreement was high. In terms of space, the results calculated from satellite data show that the forest and steppe areas have relatively high humidity compared to the Gobi region, and the total area representing the Gobi region has a lower moisture content. Based on these results, it is considered that it is possible to continuously determine the amount of moisture from satellite data using NDWI (surface soil moisture) in a certain space-time range and use it for soil control and monitoring.

Scythian Period Ashmound Near Mohrytsia: Research Methods and Results

In the article, the results of research at the Scythian period ashmound near Mohrytsia village are presented. The topography of the site and the methods of its investigation are described in detail. The materials from the Scythian period and other epochs discovered during excavations are discussed. Based on the obtained material, the article addresses questions regarding the interpretation of the site’s functions and the specifics of its formation. The hypothesis is put forward about the possible use of mounds for marking specific societies within the Scythian Forest-Steppe region.

Anthropogenic communication of the Cherkasy oblast as an ecosystem-forming component of the region modern landscape structure

Purpose. To investigate the anthropogenic communication of the Cherkasy oblast as an ecosystem-forming component of the modern landscape structure of the area of research. Research materials and methods. Methods. On the principle of natural-anthropogenic coexistence general scientific and specific scientific research methods were applied. Results. The peculiarities of natural conditions and natural resources are determined by the geographical location within the borders of the Dniester-Dnieper and Left Bank-Dnieper forest-steppe regions of the East European plain country. The class of road landscapes of the study area is formed by the following types of roads, namely: automobile, dirt, forest and field roads, railways. In the landscape structure of Zvenyhorod district, the length of highways, unpaved roads, field and forest roads, railways. Uman district and Cherkasy district have the highest index of connectivity in terms of road length. The lowest indicators of the index of communication in terms of the length of highways in Zolotoniskyi district. Uman district has the highest index of communication in terms of the length of dirt roads, and Zvenigorodsky district has the lowest. Zolotoniskyi district and Cherkasy district have the highest index of communication in terms of the length of field and forest roads. The lowest indicator is Zvenigorodsky district, Uman district. Cherkasy district has the highest communication index in terms of railway length and Zvenigorodsky district has the lowest. Conclusions. The Zolotonisky district of Cherkasy region has the highest index of general anthropogenic communicability, i.e. it has the highest degree of anthropogenic transformation of the territory and anthropogenic load

Development, results and prospects of the spring durum wheat breeding in Russia (post-Soviet states).

The article outlines a brief historical background on the introduction to cultivation, distribution and breeding of spring durum wheat in the steppe and forest-steppe regions of Eurasia (the countries of the former USSR: Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan). The approaches and methodology for improving durum wheat during certain scientific selection periods are given. The features of the selection program implementation and the breeding scale expansion during the creation of breeding stations at the beginning of the XX century, after the end of the Great Patriotic War, in the second half of the XX century, and at present are considered. A characteristic according to the main features and properties of varieties created in different periods is given. The achievements of the classical breeding method by comparing old and new varieties are analyzed. The efficiency and rate of wheat selection by periods in different regions of Russia is estimated. The results and methods of breeding for yield, resistance to drought, leaf diseases (Stagonospora nodorum Berk., Septoria tritici (Roeb. et Desm.), Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker, Pyrenophora tritici repentis (Died.) Drechs., Fusarium sp., Puccinia titicina Eriks., Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks., Blumeria graminis (DC.) f. sp. tritici Em. Marchal), grain pathogens Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr.) and pathogens causing darkening of the corcule and endosperm (Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker, Alternaria tenuis (Nees et Fr.), Аlternaria triticina (Prasada & Prabhu)), pests (Cephus pygmeus Lens, Osinosoma frit L., Mayetiola destructor (Say)), grain quality (protein content, amount of yellow pigments, dough rheology, sprouting resistance) and end products are presented. The prospects for the molecular marker application for a number of traits in breeding in the near future are given.

Indicators of snow reserves, runoff of melt water and water absorption in the central forest-steppe region

The article examines the indicators of snow reserves, meltwater runoff and water absorption in the central forest-steppe region. In the stationary experiment at the experimental farm of the Novosilsk Zonal Experimental Station - a branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences – the observations were made of the main natural factors: snow deposition, freezing and soil moisture. On the drainage sites with a runoffregulating forest belts of a combined design with low-growing spirea shrubs up to 50 cm, the patterns of snow deposition were studied in order to prevent deep freezing of the soil during winters. The research has shown that low-growing shrubs contributed to the accumulation of snow cover. Before snowmelt, the slightly frozen soil, regardless of moisture, had high water absorption. In the protective forest belt, snow reserves were redistributed, which protected the soil from deep freezing. As a result of three years of observations, the surface runoff of melt water in 2018 on the control areas was weak - 11.8 mm, and on other agricultural areas with a combined runoff-regulating forest belt - very weak (6.2-7.5 mm), i.e., almost 2 times less [9] In 2019 and 2020, there was no spring runoff in all variants. Thus, the weakly frozen soil contributed to the seepage of all melt water into the underlying horizons. Water absorption in 2019 is 110.0-127.0 mm, and in 2020 – 34.0-67.0 mm. No soil washout or erosion was observed during the snowmelt period. A runoff-regulating forest belt of a combined design with lowgrowing bushes contributed to snow accumulation and its redistribution, protecting the soil from deep freezing. The effectiveness of protective forest belts, as well as the redistribution of snow reserves, is closely related to the placement of forest plantations relative to the prevailing directions of snowstorm winds. It is also necessary to take into account other factors (precipitation, the presence of thaws, agricultural background, design, qualitative composition of forest plantations, etc.) The prevailing weather conditions of past winters contributed to the accumulation of snow and the absorption of moisture into the soil. This was also facilitated by the correct location of protective forest belts. Knowing the patterns of the main natural factors, it is possible to control the erosion-hydrological process. The work was carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, № FNFE-2022-0012 “Theoretical foundations of the erosion-hydrological process in watersheds, and conceptual directions, ways and principles of creating highly effective environmentally friendly systems for managing this process in order to completely prevent soil erosion.”

POORLY COMMON VEGETABLES AND SPICY-AROMATIC PLANTS AND THEIR USE IN LANDSCAPING

This paper, based on original research and a review of literature, provides an overview of the structural characteristics of vegetative and generative organs of less commonly found vegetables and aromatic plants. It also explores the potential for their cultivation within the forest-steppe region of Ukraine and analyzes their application in urban eco-system landscaping.
 These plants belong to the following families: Amarantaceae (Blitum virgatum L.), Cucurbitaceae (Cucumis anguria L., C. metuliferus E. Mey.), Malvacae (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), Asteraceae (Cephalophora aromatica L.), Poaceae (Cymbopogon citratus (L.) Spreng.), Cyperaceae (Cyperus esculentus L.).
 Despite being relatively uncommon and non-traditional crops for the forest-steppe region of Ukraine, these plants merit broader attention for their cultivation and integration into the local diet. They also possess significant potential for use in greening urban areas. The study establishes the ornamental qualities of these crops and showcases the possibilities for their cultivation in different types of flowerbeds, including regular and landscaped ones, as well as their use in greening arbors, gazebos, and pergolas.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Forest Vegetation and Their Impacts on Soil Properties in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Central Russian Upland: A Remote Sensing, GIS Analysis, and Field Studies Approach

This article showcases the outcomes of a comprehensive spatiotemporal dynamic analysis conducted in forest vegetation areas within the forest-steppe zone of the Central Russian Upland (eastern Europe), spanning the period from 1970 to 2020. This study utilized high-resolution data from the Corona satellite system from the year 1970 as well as satellite imagery from the ArcGIS World Imagery database. Soil properties and their changes were assessed based on the analysis of soil bulk density (930 samples), soil organic carbon features, pH, available phosphorus, and the composition of salt extracts (1362 samples). We collected and analyzed 3920 soil samples in the field to study the impact of shelterbelts on soil moisture over a period of two years. For six selected key sites with a total area of 1722 km2, it was found that over a 50-year period, the area covered by forest vegetation increased from 14% to 24%. This expansion was primarily due to the planting and growth of young shelterbelts in the 1970s–1980s as well as widening anti-erosion shelterbelts on slopes and gullies. The average linear growth rate of forest vegetation boundaries was found to be 23.5 m (4.7 m per decade) for the entire study area. The expansion was highest on west-facing slopes, which was attributed to the higher moisture content from windward atmospheric precipitation events. However, alongside the increase in forest cover, degradation was also observed, particularly in old-age shelterbelts, which was attributed to increased fragmentation and mortality. A gradual increase in the extent of shelterbelt degradation was observed from the northwest to the southeast within the forest-steppe region, corresponding to areas with a drier climate. Additionally, the impact of shelterbelts on soil properties and soil cover was analyzed using four key sites and using fields and laboratory research methods. We detected a lateral uptake of substances from plowed soils into the soils of shelterbelts and vertical uptake from deep layers. The two-year observations (2020 and 2021) of soil moisture during the growing season (May–September) in two climatically contrasting forest-steppe areas revealed a more intensive accumulation of soil moisture in fields west of shelterbelts compared to those to the east of them, particularly within the 10 m zone near the shelterbelts. This can be attributed to arable fields on the windward side receiving more moisture compared to the leeward side. The formation of striped microstructures in the soil cover that occurred under the shelterbelts and on adjacent arable lands was influenced by various factors such as microclimatic conditions, vegetation types, ecological conditions for soil fauna, and human-induced soil processing and transformation along the shelterbelt boundaries. Shelterbelts and their adjacent areas in agro-landscapes are considered to be self-developing natural–anthropogenic geosystems with their own organizational structure. Therefore, their study is recommended as an integral part of modern geographical zoning.

The Bogs in a Forest–Steppe Region of Western Siberia: Plant Biomass and Net Primary Production (NPP)

Hereby, we report the new experimental data of plant biomass and biological productivity (net primary production, NPP) of wetland/peatland plant communities of oligotrophic bogs located on the same latitude, but at a distance of 1300 km west-east in the forest–steppe region of Western Siberia. The data were collected by implementing direct in situ measurements based on a unique methodology developed by authors. The study revealed that the values of net primary production (NPP) are basically constrained by the live fraction of plant biomass (or phytomass). It also revealed that the dead fraction of plant biomass (mortmass), along with the live fraction of biomass (phytomass) and net primary production (NPP), all major components of the carbon cycle, differ significantly at the two study sites. The values of dead biomass (mortmass), live biomass (phytomass) and net primary production (NPP) were found at significantly higher values in bog ecosystems studied in western regions than in those of the eastern regions.

The Rests of Fortification of Uch-Bash Hillfort in the South-Western Crimea

The purpose of the research paper. The article deals with one of the few hillforts of the Final Bronze - Early Iron Age on the northern coast of the Black Sea - the Uch-Bash settlement.
 Scientific novelty. Discovered remains of fortification, the system and stages of their construction, the reason and time of fortification of the settlement, the place of the site in the system of synchronous fortified settlements of the region are discussed in the article.
 Conclusions. The settlement of Uch-Bash is one of the points that arose on the shores of the Black Sea during the final Bronze Age – around the end of the 12 century B.C. The site was badly damaged by the detonation of the Black Sea Fleet’s ammunition depots during the retreat of the Primors’ka Army in 1942.
 The settlement was founded on a place with landscape protection. From the side of the Inkerman valley and the sea, Uch-Bash was impregnable, its protected steep rock was about 15 meters high. From the land, the plateau of the Uch-Bash smoothly descended towards the hill of Malakhovy Kurgan on the Heraklion Peninsula.
 The first remains of an ancient fortification were excavated in the 1950s by the expedition of S.F. Strzelecki. 2006-2012 research revealed the remains of walls, an ancient entrance and a ditch on the west side of the settlement. The direction of the walls corresponded to the direction of the fortifications excavated in the 1950s. The context of the remains of the fortification allows them to date from the end of the 12th to the mid of 8th century BC.
 Archaeological excavations have shown that the fortifications at the Uch-Bash settlement were built in several stages. The second stage dated on the middle of the 8th century BC. It is likely that the construction of the fortress was not finished. The remains of these buildings are covered by a layer of destruction and fire associated with an attack by nomads, which left a number of finds of the Novocherkassk type in the fire layers.
 The fortifications of Uch-Bash are not the only one site in the north of Pontus. Various types of fortifications have sites in the mouth and lower reaches of the Danube, the Southern Bug, and the Don. Landmarks with similar geographical characteristics are known in the headwaters of the estuaries of other large rivers in the north of the Black Sea. Fortified settlements of this time also appear further north on the border of the steppe and forest-steppe, in the forest-steppe region, further east near the steppe zone of Eurasia.
 There are grounds for asserting that the northern coast of the Black Sea had an economically and socially determined system of fortified settlements and hillforts, which was located on the border of coastal settlements and the steppe zone of the region.