Grey-brown Soil Research Articles

The effect of deflation on land cover in arid conditions and measures of fighting against it (on the example of the Caspian coastal region of the Republic of Azerbaijan)

The article is dedicated to the problem of degradation as a result of the soil deflation on the arid plain of the Caspian coast. The Caspian coast environs the Siyazan-Sumgait massif and the Boghaz plain. The Siyazan-Sumgait massif and the Boghaz plain take second place in the Caspian coastal plains for aridity after the South-Eastern Shirvan plain. The places of the semi-stationary observation pitches were selected for location of the experiments in the research region. While selecting the pitches, the degree of vegetation of the area, the distance from the sand coast, the micro and nano relief forms as a result of wind, level of anthro-pogenic loading of the zone were taken into account. The investigation of the problem was based on the results of field and laboratorial analysis in 2017-2019 along with actual geographic information. The characteristic observation stations were selected and the degree of vegetation cover, projective cover and phytomass in the zone of the Siyazan-Sumgait massif were fixed .Four degrees were determined for visual aeolian relief forms, density of vegetation , distance from the sea, geographical state of the surrounding area and other differences, soil deflation. These are weak, mild, strong and very strong. Absolute heights of the semi-stationary example and observation pitches selected within the research zone are -17 m and 0 m. Takyric Solonchak semitype soils were formed against the background of interaction of Gypsisols with ecogeographical factors. The soil samples were taken from upper accumulative horizons on four pitches for researching the effect of long processes of deflation on soil cover taking into account the deflation index. General physical, chemical analyses of the soil samples were carried out. It was found that the influence of deflation process on soil cover changed depending on degree of vegetation cover. Deflation intensifies the salinization and solonetzification process in the zone along with the effect of deflation on the physical characteristics of the soil. The influence of deflation process on grey and grey-brown soils changes depending on the season of the year along with the state of the vegetation cover . The fraction composition of the wind was determined and it was found that the amounts of Ca (from cations), Cl (anions) and sulphate were higher than the others.

Indicators of humus state of virgin and irigated gray-brown soils of khorezm vilayat of Uzbekistan

The humus content, elemental composition and optical density of humic acids in virgin and irrigated soils of the Tashsakinsky massif of the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan were estimated. The studied desert virgin and irrigated soils have characterized by light and medium loamy granulometric composition, dusty-granular structure and slightly alkaline reaction. Carbonates present in small quantities - 3.10-10.60%. The total humus content in the upper horizons varies from 0.19% to 0.76%. In virgin grey-brown soils the humus type is humate-fulvate, agriculture soils are humate. The degree of humification of organic matter in newly irrigated gray-brown-meadow and meadow-marsh soils is higher than in virgin gray-brown soils and decreases down the profile. It was revealed that the optical density of humic acids of virgin gray-brown, irrigated meadow and meadow-marsh soils is characterized by high values. The percentage of the sum of humic acid elements differs little from virgin soils to old-irrigated meadow soils. In the lower horizons, oxidation increases by 1.02 times compared to other studied soils. For the first time, the elemental composition of humic acids in virgin and irrigated soils of the desert zone of the Tashsakinsky massif of the Khorezm region was determined. The elemental composition of humic acids showed the oxidizability of humic acids, which decreases from top to bottom along the profile, which is associated with the features of the genesis of the studied soils, the age of irrigation and the degree of cultivation of these soils.

Composition and Structure of Soils of the Gobustan Massif

Gobustan district is located in the eastern part of Shamakhi, 101 km from Baku. The relief is abrasion rocky. The soil cover here is varied. In the eastern part of Gobustan, gray brown Solonetz soils are common, in the north-west — gray-brown soils. Soil samples were taken, and individual types of soil cover structures were determined. The discovered soil structures are mainly tree-like in nature. Mechanical analysis data show that the upper arable and subarable horizons of these soils, 0-40 and 0-50 cm deep, are characterized by a clayey-heavy loamy mechanical composition. However, in the upper horizons of these soils the content of physical clay is relatively less and amounts to 46.1-52.8%, and the amount of silt particles does not exceed 22.2-28.4%.

Redistribution of Hydrothermal Resources on Different Elements of the Microrelief of Soils in the Semi-desert Zone and Agrolandscapes under Wheat

In the semi-desert regions of Azerbaijan there are habitats with varying elevations of only a few tens of centimeters. The zonal soils on the territory of the massif are gray-brown soils. Gray-brown soils develop under ephemeral plant cover. The soil is carbonate throughout the entire profile. Below the carbonate horizon lies a layer enriched with sulfates in the form of veins of crystalline gypsum. The content of absorbed sodium in the gray-brown soils of the deluvial plain of the Siyazan-Sumgait massif is 30-50% of the number of absorbed bases in the Solonetz-Columnar soil horizon. The amount of humus in the upper layers of the soil fluctuates between 1-2%, towards the bottom it sharply decreases. In studies carried out on gray-brown soils of the Siyazan-Sumgait massif, hydrothermal potential indicators vary within the range of 426-552 m3/ha. The distribution of temperature and humidity in depth in the soil under wheat differs from the natural habitat. In the arable layer, the temperature is evenly distributed throughout the entire profile, while the humidity gradually increases in the lower layers. The influence of the hydrothermal regime on wheat yield was: 2022 — 24.0-30.0 cwt/ha; 2023 — 16.0-24.5 cwt/ha.

Study of Bacterization of Medicago sativa L. and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. During the Process of Phytoremediation of Oil-contaminated Soils

Recultivation of oil-contaminated soils on the Absheron Peninsula is one of the most important environmental and social problems for this region. One of the promising ways to solve the problem of soil pollution with petroleum hydrocarbons is the development of methods and approaches for their purification and detoxification in situ, and above all, biodetoxification and bioremediation. In a model vegetation experiment using complex systems of a mixture of plants and microorganisms, phytoremediation of soil contaminated with crude oil at a concentration of 15 g/kg was investigated. It has been established that the inoculation of plants with the modified Fermi-Start biological product affects the number of rhizosphere microorganisms that stimulate plant growth, as well as the degree of purification of gray-brown soil from oil. Cynodon dactylon is an effective biosystem for the remediation of oil-contaminated gray-brown soils as it is modified by a culture of an oil-oxidizing microorganism of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, isolated from oil-contaminated gray-brown soil, the Fermi-Start biological product and belongs to the group of “effective microorganisms”, associated with plants — Medicago sativa. The joint introduction of the Fermi-Start biological product and the culture of P. aeruginosa had the greatest protective effect on seedlings from exposure to crude oil. The height of the shoots increased by 71% compared with the negative control, in parallel, the degree of oil degradation increased to 24%. A significant role of alfalfa in stimulating the number of rhizosphere microorganisms capable of hydrocarbon degradation has been revealed. This is confirmed by data showing that the number of microorganisms in the plant rhizoplane was 1–2 orders of magnitude higher (about 1.1×107 on average) than in the rhizosphere (about 1.4×105 on average), which may be due to secretion of plant root exudates. The results of the research allow us to recommend the use of a plant-microbial biosystem consisting of Medicago sativa and Cynodon dactylon, together with a Fermi-Start modified biological product for phytoremediation of gray-brown soil contaminated with crude oil.

Determination of Main Properties and Fertility Capacity of Soils under Hazelnut Cultivation in Azerbaijan

The main priority of our research is the proper development of agriculture, optimal use and protection of soil resources. Hazelnut is an important crop in the study area, a benchmark indicator of the ecological condition of the soil. The purpose of the research is to determine the indicators of the main diagnostic edifiers in gray-brown soils under hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) in different seasons in 2022–2023. Mature trees grown without irrigation and fertilizers can produce 15–20 kg/tree, and with intensive care the yield can reach 40 kg/tree. As a result of our research into determining the main levels of productivity of agricultural soils in the southern region of the Greater Caucasus, it was found that 72.0% of agricultural lands are loamy soils, and their pH values range between 4.8 and 7.2, most soils have average organic matter content, 50.15{\%} less calcareous and all soils are salt-free. Soil quality scale rating is 87 points in soils under hazelnuts. It has been established that the soils are 40% slightly acidic, 25% neutral, 70% less calcareous, loamy in texture and sufficient in organic matter content. The soils of the walnut orchard were 49{\%} and 26{\%} slightly and moderately acidic, 76% were less calcareous, and 9% were deficient in organic matter.

Применение компоста цитрусовых для подкисления серо-коричневых почв

The use of organic fertilizers in modern agricultural production helps maintain soil fertility and reduces the consumption of mineral fertilizers. The use of composts obtained from waste from canning production is especially important. This article discusses the issue of using citrus processing waste to produce acidic composts, which in turn can reduce soil alkalinity. The data obtained show that composts obtained from citrus processing waste by the method of “hot” composting have a long action time and gradually reduce the pH of gray-brown soils. The largest decrease in pH was observed when adding 8-10 kg of compost per 1 m2. The reduced pH value remained throughout the entire experiment - 18 months, which indicates a prolonged effect of the compost. Control experiments using the maximum permissible amount of colloidal sulfur showed that, although a decrease in pH occurred, it was temporary - after 18 months a slight increase in pH was observed. Keywords: COMPOST, CITRUS WASTE, SOIL pH REDUCTION, SOIL ACIDIFICATION

Ecological problems of technogenically disturbed lands on the Absheron Peninsula


 
 
 The study area occupies an important place in our republic’s economic, political, and agricultural development. It is very important to properly use the land of an area with such an advantageous position. In addition to rich deposits of oil, gas, and gas condensate, the Absheron Peninsula has widespread mineral deposits (limestone, gypsum, crushed stone, bentonite, sand, etc.). Currently, the accumulation of waste in the territory of quarries and dumps after the extraction of non-metallic minerals on a large scale has led to the formation of technogenically disturbed areas. On the territory of the quarries themselves and adjacent lands, well-developed soils are widespread (irrigated ordinary gray soils with different granulometric composition and thickness, semi-desert gray-brown soils). During the extraction of deposits, as a result of the use of multiton machines and mechanisms, these lands were subjected to varying degrees of technogenic degradation, lost their fertility, and have not yet been studied either genetically or economically. Therefore, when writing this article, the main goal was a large-scale study of these lands and the development of recommendations for their restoration. Various scientists have conducted research on the geochronology of the formation of the soil and vegetation cover of the Absheron Peninsula, the degree of exposure to technogenic impacts, the development of a typological classification, mapping and modeling them to a fertile state in order to evaluate them in terms of biological productivity. However, it has not been possible to fully study the land and use it in different economic sectors. For this reason, an important topic of our time is touched upon in the presented article and is chosen again due to its relevance. As an object of study, the soil and vegetation cover of the territory where organic and non-metallic resources of the peninsula were mined, as well as lands that remained outside the scope of large-scale research, spread over the deformed areas of the Absheron Peninsula, were chosen. In order to give the research a greater scientific-theoretical and scientific-practical orientation, we laid soil-vegetation sections, described natural vegetation, and took sam- ples for laboratory analysis from reference places in the study area,. According to the analysis in the studied soils, it can be said that the amount of dry residue, which is considered the main indicator of the degree of salinity, ranges from 0.172-2.312% in the upper reaches of the accumulative-humus layers, which indicates that a small part of these soils has a predominantly weak medium, strong and very strong salinity.
 
 

Current State of Soil Fertility in Mountain Shirvan, Azerbaijan

In the presented article, a morphogenetic description of the soil profile of characteristic soil types and an analysis of diagnostic indicators of the current state of mountain-brown steppe formed on the south-eastern slope of the Greater Caucasus, irrigated mountain gray-brown, light mountain gray-brown, ordinary gray-brown soil types according to the International WRB system and analysis of nutrients according to soil profile. The physical and geographical location of the region is considered and described, the geomorphological, geological conditions of formation, climatic and hydrological conditions are described.

Complexes and bioenergy of invertebrates in oil-polluted gray-brown soils of Absheron

<span>Oil pollution negatively impacts not only the physicochemical and morpho-genetic parameters of soils but also the vital activity of soil biota-microorganisms and invertebrates. Studies have established that in the uncontaminated gray-brown soil of the Binagadi and Karadag massifs, the bulk of the invertebrate complex is gastropoda, insecta, tenebrionidae, and carabidae. In lightly oil-polluted biotopes, insecta, gastropoda, lithobiidae, tenebrionidae, carabidae, buprestidae, and woodlice of the genus hemilepstus occupy the leading place. The total number and biomass of invertebrates in uncontaminated biotopes of gray-brown soils of the Binagadi and Karadag massifs is 19.2 ind/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively; 26 gr/m<sup>2</sup> and 20 ind/m<sup>2</sup>; 3.64 gr/m<sup>2</sup>. In slightly oil-contaminated biotopes, these indicators vary between 25.6 ind/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively; 3.5 gr/m<sup>2</sup> and 12.8 ind/m<sup>2</sup>; 0.84 gr/m<sup>2</sup>. The energy accumulated in the mesofauna biomass in the slightly oil-polluted biotopes of the Karadag and Binagadi massif varies between 0.3268 gr/m<sup>2</sup>-1418.94 cal/m<sup>2</sup> and 1.0468 gr/m<sup>2</sup>-5072.20 cal/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively. Thus, the reliability of the biogeocenoses is determined by the level and effective activity of soil organisms.</span>

The content of heavy metals in the gray-brown soils of the karakul pasture Karnabchul in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

This article presents the results of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA) of gray-brown soils on the content of heavy metals nickel, antimony, copper, zinc, arsenic, lead, vannadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt and aluminum of the karakul pasture Karnabchul. The dynamics of the distribution of heavy metals over the soil profile of graybrown soils is described in graphic images. The drawings depict the landscape of the karakul breeding pasture Karnabchul and the soil section of gray-brown soils.

Effect of macro and micro elements on the formation of secondary metabolites in Ornithogalum sintenisii

The ecological environment created by the influence of anthropogenic factors has made the living conditions of living creatures difficult. The development of industry, the creation of new cities, and new workplaces created to meet the needs of the increasing world population disrupt the ecological balance. One of the plant species exposed to these effects is the Ornithogalum sintenisii Freyn species. Although this species is widely distributed in the northern region of Azerbaijan, its population has decreased much compared to the 1980s. In this study, the soil-plant relationship of O. sintenisii species and the effects of this relationship on phenolic and flavonoid formation were learned. As a result of the research, the amounts of phenolic and flavonoids in the bulb and leaf parts of the species are normal and it is thought that this is due to the effect of some micro and macro elements found in the soil and plant structure. O. sintenisii species, distributed in Mumlu village of Şabran district, grows in gray-brown soils, and the normal amounts of Cu (7.09 ppm) and Mn (24.83 ppm) in these soils positively affected the formation of flavonoids. Finally, it is possible to say that the extracts of this species are a rich source of secondary metabolites and have pharmacological value.

Effect of fertigation on nutrient dynamics of gray-brown soils and apple (Malus pumila) yields in intensive orchards of Kazakhstan

Over the past 13 years, drip irrigation in intensive orchards has gained popularity in southern Kazakhstan. However, its impact on soil has not been studied before. Our research group conducted experiments from 2019 to 2022 in intensive orchards to study the dynamics of fertigation, the application of fertilizers through irrigation water, on soil nutrient levels. Experiments were conducted in Southern Kazakhstan at "Kentau" LLP on intensive orchards with a planting scheme of 0.8*3.5m from 2019 to 2022 with the aim of determining the dynamics of the impact of fertigation on the content of available nutrient elements in the soil. The effectiveness of traditional root feeding method was compared with fertigation (drip application of mother liquor) on large areas of 136.5 hectares in laboratories at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University and the Laboratory of TOO "KosAgroKommertz". Results showed that proper calculation of fertilizer doses for fertigation resulted in cyclic changes in soil nutrient levels (up to 23%), depending on the season and phenological phase of apple trees. The correlation between fruit quality and quantity was influenced by timing and assimilability of nutrients and method of application. Implementation of recommended fertilization methods resulted in increased yield, although the young age of some orchards may have contributed to the results. Under optimal nutrient management plans, nutrient levels in the soil showed noticeable fluctuations depending on the phenological phases of apple trees, which can be used to adjust fertigation practices. The study also revealed that fertigation can affect soil properties such as bulk density, soil density, and humus content, with potential long-term implications for soil health and fertility. In conclusion, fertigation significantly impacts soil nutrient levels in intensive orchards in southern Kazakhstan, and careful management of fertilizer doses and application timing is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of fertigation on soil health and fertility, and its implications for sustainable agriculture practices. The findings contribute to knowledge on fertigation dynamics in Kazakhstan, serving as a basis for further studies and practical applications in agricultural management.

Physical-chemical properties of the soils of the Ganja-Gazakh region

Field experiments were carried out on irrigated gray-brown (chestnut) soils in the territory of the Ampelographic collection garden of the Ministry of Agriculture Viticulture and Winemaking Research Institute of Ganja Viticulture and Winemaking Experimental Station. Total absorbed bases were 28.5 mg/eq in the 0-30 cm layer and decreased to 20.5 mg/eq in the 60-90 cm layer. The amount of silt along the profile was 25.1-23.6%, and the amount of physical clay was 25.1-23.6%. These soils are considered to be light clay with granulometric composition according to R.H. Mammadov.

Evaluation of Water-Stability Indicators of Light Gray Brown (Chestnut) Soils in the Condition of Mountain Shirvan

In article, the influence of tillage methods (conventional, minimal, zero), predecessor (wheat, barley, fallow) and mineral fertilizer on the water-stability indicators of the soil of rain-fed condition Mountain Shirvan is explained. In 2014-2017 years, the results of the research conducted in the agrocenosis of cereal crops in light gray brown (chestnut) soils show that the water-stability indicators of the soil exhibit intra-vegetation dynamics depending on factors such as the predecessor, tillage methods, growth stages of cereal. Furthermore, these indicators vary in the plow and sub-plough layers. According to the research results, the water-stability of light mountain gray brown soils in the conditions of Mountain Shirvan can be evaluated as ‘weak’ and ‘moderate’ based on the values of >0.25 mm water-stable aggregates and as ‘very weak’ and ‘weak’ based on the values of the mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates, using the provided classifications.

Impact of development and irrigation on the soil of the dry steppe zone of Azerbaijan and the classification system

In the given article the research results on change of the morphological – genetic structure of the profile, granulometric composition, distribution of the physical clay on profile, supplement of density, gross composition of soil and silty fraction of the virgin [Grey Cinnamonic] and irrigated grey-brown soil [Irrigated Grey- Cinnamonic] in the arid steppe zone of Azerbaijan have been described depending on their agricultural use and antiquity of irrigation. Dependence of their density supplement of the irrigated grey-brown soil on granulometric composition and antiquity of their irrigation was established. The place of the virgin and irrigated grey-brown soil was defined depending on agricultural use and antiquity of irrigation in the system of the international classification of WRB (2014): virgin saturated gleyey calcareous heavy-loamy grey-brown soil - Duric Gleyic Calcic Kastanozems (Loamic); Long- irrigated grey-brown (irrigationaccumulative) (more than 300 years), powerful gleyey cultivated Long- irrigated calcareous heavy-loamy-Gleyic Petrocalcic Kastanozems (Anthric, Loamic).

Evaluating the effects of different nutrient management strategies on apple (malus pumila) in intensive orchards of Kazakhstan. Results from a 4-year study

This article presents the findings of a four-year study in intensive apple orchards in southern Kazakhstan, evaluating different nutrient management strategies on apple trees (Malus pumila). The research aimed to assess the impact of nutrition plans on tree growth, productivity, and fruit quality, considering the region's unique soil and climate. The experiment, established in 2014, covered 1.5 hectares and consisted of Jeromini apple trees grafted onto M9 rootstock. Three treatment groups were established: a control group with no additional nutrition, a group with nutrition based on a generally accepted program, and a group with nutrition tailored to the apple tree's needs with fertigation. Phenological and biometric observations were conducted regularly from 2019 to 2022 to monitor tree performance. Soil and leaf samples were analyzed for nutrient content, and soil properties like pH and salinity were assessed. Statistical analysis was used to identify significant differences among the treatment groups. The research was conducted in intensive apple orchards located in the Turkestan region, known for its grey-brown soil. The climate in the study area was characterized as continental, with hot and dry summers and limited precipitation. Soil samples were analyzed for agrophysical and agrochemical properties, including nutrient levels and trace elements. The results showed that the control group had a decreasing trend in yield, while both the generally accepted program and the tailored nutrition program showed increasing trends in yield, with the latter showing a decrease in 2022. Over the fouryear period, the fruits from the control group exhibited reduced commercial qualities. Our program demonstrated similar sweetness and superior shape and yield compared to the conventional method. However, the storage quality of apples in our program was lower. Nevertheless, considering its positive impact on soil fertility and cost-effectiveness, our program appears to be an optimal choice. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the effects of different nutrient management strategies on the growth, health, and productivity of apple trees in a garden setting. This information can benefit orchard growers and researchers seeking to optimize nutrient management practices for apple trees. The study also highlights the importance of considering various factors, such as orchard characteristics and environmental conditions, when designing nutrient management strategies for apple orchards.

Some Agrophysical and Physicochemical Properties of Irrigated Gray-Brown Soils of South Mugan

The article presents the results of research on the study of the current state of irrigated gray-brown soils of South Mugan. Morphogenetic diagnostics, physicochemical and agrophysical properties of irrigated gray-brown soils of South Mugan have been established. The classification is based on the international soil classification WRB.

Effect of Watering Number and Inorganic Fertilizers on Accumulation of Total Phosphorus in Above Ground Biomass of Avena in Gray-Brown Soils of Azerbaijan

An assessment of the effect of mineral fertilizers on the accumulation of total phosphorus in the above-ground mass of oat plants on irrigated gray-brown soils of Azerbaijan was carried out. The studies were carried out in 2021. As a result of the work, it was found that, depending on the number of irrigations and the norms of mineral fertilizers on irrigated gray-brown soils of the western region, the yield of the aerial part varied. Various fertilization methods and rates tested. High total phosphorus was observed with double vegetative irrigation with N90P90K60 and triple irrigation with N120P120K90.

Effect of Heavy Metals on the Abundance of Bacteria of the Genus <i>Аzotobacter</i> in Gray-Brown Soils of the Аbsheron Peninsula

The effect of different concentrations of heavy metals in gray-brown soils of the Absheron Peninsula on the abundance of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter has been studied. The indicators of the total number of microorganisms and the abundance of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter were taken as informative indicators. It is shown that in the studied soil, with an increase in the concentration of heavy metals (TM) at all accounting periods, a decrease in the total number of microorganisms was observed compared with the control. The study of the abundance of bacteria g. Azotobacter of gray-brown soil showed that bacteria of this genus had sufficient resistance to the effects of TM. At concentrations of 1 MPC, no definite effect of heavy metals on bacteria of this genus was detected. However, with the action of TM at concentrations of 5 and 10 MPC, a decrease in the abundance of bacteria was observed in relation to the control. The studied metals according to their inhibitory effect, depending on the nature of pollutants, can be arranged in a row: Cr Pb Cu.