High Humus Content Research Articles

Bioecology of Cinnamomum culitlawan (L.) J.Presl (1825) Endemic Species on Halmahera Island

Cinnamomum culitlawan (L.) J. Presl (1825) is an endemic plant belonging to the Lauraceae family. The plant growth is found in Indonesia, especially in Maluku and Papua. This study aims to: (1) understand the taxonomy of C. culitlawan; (2) find out its habitat, environmental adaptation, and ecological role; and (3) find out its utilization and ethnobotany. This study was conducted by combining the literature review method with the survey method. Efforts to understand the taxonomy, utilization, and ethnobotany of C. culitlawan through a literature review. Each plant specimen found in the documentation was observed for its distribution, habitat, adaptation, and interaction. Taxonomic and ethnobotanical studies were conducted by literature review. The results of the study showed that C. culitlawan has 12 synonyms, namely Benzoin gracile (Nees) Kuntze; C. culiban Raf.; C. culitlawan var. rubrum (Blume) Meisn.; C. rubrum Blume; Daphnidium gracile Nees; Laurus culiban L.; Persea culilawan (L.) Bisch.; Laurus culilawan Nees; Laurus culawang Nees; Laurus culitlaban Roxb.; Laurus culitlawan L.; Laurus glauca Nees; Laurus gracilis Meisn.; and Persea culilawan (L.) Bisch. Some researchers wrote it with the species name Cinnamomum culilawan Blume, a synonym that has not been verified in WFO. Generally lives in low to medium plains, in areas with high rainfall. C. culitlawan has adapted to high humidity and grows in soil with high humus content. C. culitlawan has complex interactions with other species, including pollinating insects and soil organisms. C. culitlawan has important value in ethnobotany aspects, including traditional medicine, culinary, and cultural rituals.

Assessment of the ecological status of the river water system in European North under conditions of ultra-fresh humus waters using biotic indices (Suna River, Lake Onega Basin, Russia).

Protecting rivers and lakes from pollution is crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and humans. Present study intends to examine the water quality of the Suna River (Eastern Fennoscandia in the European North of Russia) to assess the ecological risk. Widespread methods for assessing water quality based on macrozoobenthos and phytoperiphoton were applied. It was found that in conditions of ultra-fresh waters with high humus content, biotic indicators may indicate pollution of water bodies that do not actually experience significant anthropogenic impact. Ratings ranging from 'poor' to 'excellent' were obtained for different stations, reflecting the influence of natural features of different sections of the river. 'Good' water quality was noted at the river stones biotopes. In river gravel, sand and silt biotopes, as well as all lake biotopes, 'mediocre' water quality was found. The low anthropogenic income on the river catchment allows us to conclude that most indices for assessing water quality significantly underestimate the results in the natural conditions of Eastern Fennoscandia. Biotic indices EPT, BBI and EBI are most accurate for assessing the water quality of rivers and lakes in Eastern Fennoscandia.

СОСТОЯНИЕ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ВОВЛЕЧЕНИЯ ЗАЛЕЖНЫХ ЗЕМЕЛЬ КАНСКОЙ ЛЕСОСТЕПИ В СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫЙ ОБОРОТ

The purpose of the study is to assess the soil fertility of unused arable land in the Kansk forest-steppe of the Krasnoyarsk Region. The results of a soil-agrochemical survey of unused arable land in 9 districts of the Kansk forest-steppe of the Krasnoyarsk Region are presented. The studies were carried out by the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Station of Agrochemical Service "Solyanskaya" (FGBU "SAS "Solyanskaya") of the Rybinsk District in 2022–2023 within the framework of the state task of the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct surveys (soil, agrochemical and environmental-toxicological) of unused arable land for agricultural purposes. It has been established that the soil cover of unused arable land in the Kansk forest-steppe is dominated by chernozems and gray forest soils. Soils not used for arable land are characterized by medium and high humus content with a weighted average of 6.1 to 8.3 %. The soils are characterized by slightly acidic and close to neutral (5.1–6.3 pH units) environmental reaction. The exception is the sod-podzolic and sod-soil-gley soils of the Taseevo and Uyar Districts, where pHxl has a mode¬rately acidic reaction (4.6–4.9 pH units). Mobile phosphorus in soils is distributed extremely unevenly for soils of the same genetic origin in different administrative regions. The soils of unused arable land located in the northern and central parts of the region are much better provided with this element. Here, the weighted average content of available phosphorus is 211–319 mg/kg. In the southern subzone, the amount of available phosphorus in soils decreases, not exceeding 140 mg/kg. In terms of the content of exchangeable potassium, the fallow soils of the Kansk forest-steppe are provided with a medium to high level. The content of mobile sulfur in the surveyed soils is, as a rule, low and average (0.4–12.0 mg/kg). In the soils of unused arable land in the Aban and Irbey Districts, a high content of this element was noted (12.2–13.3 mg/kg).

The Influence of Slope Exposure, Profile Depth and Erosion Processes on Changes in the Content of Potassium, Phosphorus and Humus in Brown Soils of Mountain Pastures of Uzbekistan

Humus, potassium, and phosphorus are key components of soil that play crucial roles in ecosystem productivity, plant growth, and development. They control a wide range of processes, including greenhouse gas fluxes, nutrient cycling, infiltration, and water retention. This article presents the results of evaluating humus, potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) content in the profile of brown soils in mountain pastures of Uzbekistan, as well as their distribution within these soils. The brown soils studied in the mountain pastures of Uzbekistan have a loamy granulometric composition, with the clay fraction not exceeding 20%. The carbonate content is low (2.5-9%), with the maximum amount found in the carbonate horizon. The soils exhibit weak leaching. The total humus content in the upper horizon varies from 1 to 6.6%. It was observed that the soils on the more moistened northern and western slopes contain more humus than those on the southern and eastern slopes, indicating a dependence of high humus content on slope exposition. For the first time, the article allocates phosphorus and potassium of near, labile, and potential reserves (as a percentage of the total content) to estimate the change in the nature of brown soils under economic use. It was found that the potential reserve of phosphorus and potassium (35.5-90%) prevails in soils. Further study of the features of humus, potassium, and phosphorus, their accumulation, and restoration in brown soils is essential for developing recommendations for the rational use, anti-erosion protection, and increased productivity of mountain pastures in Uzbekistan.

Loss of nutrients from meadow-brown soils during irrigation of apple trees in the conditions of the dry subtropics of Azerbaijan

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of water consumption, depending on the length (96, 144 and 192) meters of irrigation furrow with a slope of relief tg = 0.021 on the leaching of nitrogen, phosphorus and humus from irrigated soils of the dry subtropics of Azerbaijan under apple trees. Under conditions of leaching of nutrients, the effect of mineral and organic fertilizer systems on apple yields has also been studied. With a 96-meter furrow and a water consumption of 0.2 l/sec, the content of leached nutrients (N, P) and gross humus with soil was 0.01 % nitrogen and phosphorus, 0.02 % gross humus. Increase in water consumption from 0.2 l/sec. up to 0.4 l/sec. It has a negative effect on the leaching of humus, nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil. With a water consumption of 0.4 l/sec, these indicators increased markedly by 0.01 % for humus, nitrogen and phosphorus. Along the length of the irrigation furrow in both water consumption rates, the leaching of nutrients and humus from the soil increases. It was found that with an increase in the length of the furrow to 192 meters at a water consumption of 0.4 l/sec, the leaching was greater than the 96-meter furrow in humus by 0.22 %, nitrogen by 0.07 % and phosphorus by 0.04 %. The use of an organomineral fertilizer system (Background+ N120P120K90) had a positive effect on the yield of apple trees. Thus, in the non-maneuverable version on a 94–meter furrow, the yield of the apple tree was 274.2 c/ha - when the furrow was lengthened to 192 m, the yield gradually decreased due to the high content of leached nutrients and humus (268.5 c/ha). When using N120P120K90 + 10 t/ha of manure, 278.4 c/ha yield was established at 96 m furrow and 0.2 l/sec of water consumption. Whereas, when the furrow was lengthened to 192 m at the same rate of fertilizers and water consumption, the yield decreased to 278.2 c/ha, that is, furrow lengthening was ineffective at slopes tg = 0.021. It was found that at high slopes, the shorter the furrow, the less nutrients are washed out.

Влияние различных фитомелиорантов на плодородие и оптические показатели агрогенных почв Приморья

The influence of various phytomeliorants on the content and reserves of humus, the content of microelements, microflora and optical parameters of agrogenic soils of Primorye were studied. Sowing legumes with annual and perennial crops activates the processes of humus accumulation, increases the biogenicity and catalase activity of soils. The most positive effect on the increase in humus content, catalase activity and soil biogenicity in the experiment with annual grasses was noted for the “oats + vetch” guide. Humus reserves reached the level of average values. In the variant of the experiment, “oats + beans”, the amount of humus and its reserves in the 20 cm layer decreased due to waterlogging of the soil and the weakening of the processes of transformation of organic matter by microflora. In the experiment with perennial grasses, the highest humus content and indicators of catalase activity were recorded for the “timothy grass + alfalfa” variant, the “timothy grass + clover + alfalfa” variant differed in the largest reserves of humus and biogenicity. Due to the decrease in the density of soil composition, in the variant with the sowing of the grass mixture of timothy “grass + alfalfa”, the humus reserves in the 20 cm layer decreased slightly (to 108.6 t/ha). A close inverse correlation was established between the addition of humus and the integral reflection. When considering with regional clarke values, an imbalance in the microelement composition of the studied soil samples of the upper horizon was revealed.

Scientific justification of Mycobacterium avium survival in natural environment of Republic of Dagestan

Contamination of the environment with the infectious animal disease agents is still a pressing problem for the poultry farms. Mycobacterium avium can grow and replicate in organic wastes from the poultry farms for a long time thus contaminating vast adjacent areas and being the source of infection not only for wild and domestic animals but also for humans. The studies were aimed at the examination of the duration of Mycobacterium avium survival in the natural environment in two geographical regions of the Republic of Dagestan characterized by different soil and climate. Samples of Mycobacterium avium-contaminated feces and soil collected from pastures and farmyards (on the surface and from 5 cm depth) were tested. The experiments demonstrated that pathogenic for chickens mycobacteria survived for up to 30 days in the samples collected in the sub-mountainous areas in summertime, when the air temperature ranged from 15.1 to 30 °С, land surface temperature – from 17 to 38 °С, air humidity – from 44 to 94% and average monthly precipitation amounted to 1.5 mm. From September to May, with the air temperature ranging from –10.8 to +25 °C, land surface temperature from –14 to +30 °C, air humidity 26–100% and average precipitation 0.39 mm, the bacteria survived for up to 213 days on the soil surface on the pastures and farmyards, and for up to 243 days at the depth of 5 cm and in the feces. In the plain area, in the same time period in the slightly saline soil with high humus content and at air temperature from –11.9 to +27.3 °C, soil temperature from –13 to +45 °C, air humidity from 37 to 100% and average precipitation 20.4 mm, Mycobacterium avium survived just like in the sub-mountainous area, i.e. for 213 and 243 days, respectively. The post-mortem lesions in the internal organs of the poultry corresponded to the tuberculosis clinical signs in 86 of 171 birds (50.3%). The study results will allow for the development of the optimal algorithm for animal health and management measures aimed at tuberculosis eradication on the poultry farms.

Spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of humic acids from composts made by co-composting of green waste, spent coffee and OMWW sludge

ABSTRACT Due to its important role in the formation of humic acids (HA), improving lignin degradation during composting has usually been considered a challenge. One practice that could stimulate the biodegradation of this recalcitrant molecule is inoculation with exogenous lignolytic fungal strains. Two composts (C1) and (C2) from piles (H1) and (H2) were evaluated. H1 was the control pile and H2 was inoculated at maturity with Trametes trogii, resulting in a 35% increase in lignin degradation rate compared to H1. The aim of this study was to show the main effects of this increase on the humification process in the co-composting of green waste, coffee grounds and olive mill wastewater sludge (OMWWs). Microstructure of HA1 and HA2 extracted from C1 and C2, respectively, was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (X-EDS). The results showed that there were several similarities between the compost samples tested. These included the mineral content, the degree of polymerization (PD)> 1 and the compact and rigid surface of the extracted HA. However, C2 was characterized by a higher humic content (HC), degree of polymerization (PD), humification index (HI) and percentage of humic acids (PHA) than C1. Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and Fourier transmission-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that aliphatic groups such as hydroxyls, alcohols and carboxyls were predominant in both composts. SEM analysis in conjunction with X-EDS analysis of HA2 showed a higher proportion of carbon and potassium (18 and 7.93%) than in HA1 (14 and 0.95%).

Humus component of pedosediments at the end of the Sartan cryochron in the Nadym River basin (West Siberia)

The aim of the study. To assess the potential of humus substances from the pedosediments in the polygonal ice wedges pseudomorphs as indicators of the paleoecological conditions of their formation during the period of their functioning within the surface soil, using the case of the Razduv object of the end of the Sartan cryochron (corresponding to MIS-2) in the basin of Nadym River (West Siberia). Important comment: In this paper the terms “humus”, “humus component of soils” and the “system of humus substances” are used as synonyms. Location and time of the study. The research was conducted in the Nadym district of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (YaNAO), at the Razduv site 15 km to the north-east of the Nadym city, during the late summer 2018. Methods: The study is based on a new methodological approach to the diagnostics of the bioclimatic conditions at the end of Sartanian cryochron in one of the northern territories of West Siberia, based on the humus substances of pedosediments which serve as indicators of paleoenvironment. Main results. It was established that the applied indicator features of the formation conditions of the studied pedosediments, based on indicators of the composition and spectral properties of their humus component, correlated well with each other, in their totality reflecting the cold humid conditions of soil formation, similar to those for modern soils of different tundra subzones of the West Siberia. Conclusions. The study of the specific features of composition, structure and properties of humus substances from the pedosediments in the pseudomorphs after polygonal ice wedges, dated back to the end of the Sartanian cryochron at the key section of Razduv and revealing the indicators of their formation conditions, demonstrated that the characteristics of the humus substances system and in particular one of its components, i.e. humic acids, obtained by independent methods, have high diagnostic significance for reconstructing paleoclimatic and paleoecological conditions of their formation. Characteristics of modern soils and paleosols from various parts of North Siberia, from northern Trans-Urals to the coastal lowlands in the north of Yakutia, were used as a recent reference dataset for diagnostics and reconstruction of the bioclimatic conditions of paleosol development on the land surface during MIS 2. It was confirmed that the studied samples, attributed to redeposited soil materials, i.e. pedosediments, due to their morphology in fact had undergone the phase of pedogenesis that is evidenced by the presence of humus substances, including humic acids with their typical outline of FTIR-spectra with a characteristic set of the absorption bands, individual ratio of the main structural elements and similar variation of the quantitative parameters of the fluorescence emission. The closest similarity of the composition and proportion of the main components of the humus substances system was found between the samples of the Sartanian pedosediments and the modern soils formed in the tundra conditions of West Siberia. The similarity of the main humus substances ratio, as well as the main structure-forming elements and values of all fluorescence characteristics of humic acids, especially for the samples with higher humus content and those affected by permafrost, was revealed. These results confirm that at the end of the Sartanian cryochron the pedogenesis in the vicinities of Razduv section was similar to that is now going on in the region located to the north of the study site.

Influence of sowing season on some quality indices for soybean

Soybean quality indices, like yield, can be influenced by factors such as climatic conditions, applied technology or biological material. Soybean is a short-day species with moderate temperature requirements, especially during flowering, a critical period for achieving yield and crop quality, air temperature in the range of 17-18°C is considered the biological minimum, while the range of 22-25°C is considered optimal. High temperatures during the flowering period can cause significant yield losses through flower abortion especially when correlated with insufficient humidity. This paper presents summary data obtained in soybean cultivation under the conditions of the Transylvanian Plateau at Agricultural Research and Development Turda on the influence of sowing time on some quality indices. The experiment was realized using the block method in subdivided plots with 3 factors AxBxC on a type soil chernozem, characteristic of the Transylvanian Plateau with chemical description, the soil has a neutral to low alkaline pH, neutral to high humus content, well supplied in nitrogen and potassium, medium supplied in phosphorus. During three experimental years 2021 - 2023 climatic conditions and sowing times influenced differently the protein and fat content of 5 soybean varieties. The results obtained were statistically processed by the analysis of variance method and determination of the least significant difference - LSD - (5%, 1% and 0.1%).

Population study of Allium altaicum Pall. in Kazakhstan Altai

The purpose of this work was population studies of Allium altaicum Pall. on the territory of the Kazakhstan Altai in 3 territorially isolated geographical regions: Southern, South-Western Kalba Altai. As a result of the survey of the territory by the route-reconnaissance method on the ridges of Sarymsacty, Lineysky and Kalba, a study was made of populations that are characterized by different environmental conditions and altitudinal limits. Ecological and phytocenotic screening revealed that on the Sarymsactyridge the population is located in the alpine belt in the altitudinal limit of 1870 m a.s.l., on the Lineyskyridge ‒ in the mountain-forest, 1361 m.a.s.l.Both populations are characterized by meso-psychro-petrophytic growing conditions. On the ridge ridgeKalba, the population was examined in the mountain-steppe xero-meso-petrophytic conditions, 832 m a.s.l. Soils are mountain chernozems, slightly acidic, pH 5.6–5.9, with a high humus content from 13.5% to 14.9%, the ground cover is formed, 210–410 g/m2.In all populations, the vegetation cover is based on herbaceous perennials; layering is not pronounced. Participation of A. altaicum in the formation of phytocenosis on the ridge Sarymsacty is 3.2%, Lineysky ‒ 2.2%; Kalba ‒ 1.8%. The florocomplex of the surveyed populations is formed from 91 species of vascular plants.The similarity of the floristic compositions of the Sarymsacty population in alpine meso-psychro-petrophytic conditions and Lineysky in mountain-forest meso-psychro-petrophytic conditions at the level of 65.0% in relation to the entire cenoflora was established, and Kalba in mountain-steppe xero-meso-petrophytic conditions this figure was 42.1%. Variability of morphometric parameters of aboveground organs of A. altaicum in all examined populations has an average and high level of variability from 15.0 to 26.09%, which indicates the ecological plasticity of plants. It has been established that in nature vegetative reproduction occurs only in virginal and generative plants, and nests are formed. The biomorphological parameters of the bulbs in the nest have a clearly expressed age character and vary within the same coenopopulation.

Агроэкологическая характеристика черноземов Каменной степи: влияние растительных сообществ и распашки

Changes in soil carbon stocks have a significant impact on atmospheric CO2 concentrations and the global carbon balance. Despite the proven effectiveness of agroforestry in erosion control and prevention of soil fertility loss, there are many controversial data suggesting that the impact of afforestation on Chernozem soils should be further investigated. The Kamennaya Steppe site (arable land surrounded by shelterbelt forests) is a reference site for monitoring studies at the Voronezh Carbon Test Site, where the carbon balance of agro-ecosystems is being studied and the ecological role of shelterbelt forests in changing soil properties and carbon sequestration is being evaluated. The study was focused on the evaluation of agro-ecological characteristics and the impact of tillage on Chernozems of Kamennaya Steppe under different vegetation types. The study of the chemical properties of chernozems was carried out using classical chemical methods; the analysis of heavy metals was carried out using the voltampermetric method. Comprehensive agro-ecological evaluation showed that the studied Vorony-Calcic Chernozems had a high content of humus, which reached 7-8% in the upper horizons, enriched with mineral nutrition elements, and had favorable physical and chemical properties. Forest and grassland vegetation contribute to enrichment of the soil with organic residues, while tillage and mineralization of organic matter on arable land led to a decrease in humus content. Data analysis suggested that the study area did not suffer from contamination. Furthermore, it was found that the organic matter of the studied chernozems was able to bind the studied metals and retain them in an unavailable state. This phenomenon was supported by rather high correlations between humus and total heavy metal content (r = 0.946 for Pb and r = 0.975 for Cd at p < 0.00001). It should be emphasized that shelterbelt forests could act as a biogeochemical barrier to the lateral migration of heavy metals. Cadmium is a rather mobile element potentially capable to migrate to adjacent environments. Therefore, regular monitoring of the agro-ecological condition of the Chernozems of the Kamennaya Steppe is required.

Cartographic modeling of humus content dynamics in the soils of Zdolbuniv district of Rivne region

Soil agrochemical testing allows us to make optimal decisions to restore soil fertility, use fertilizers and pesticides efficiently, increase agricultural productivity and preserve the environment. Among the main agrochemical properties of soils, an important place belongs to the humus content, which is the organic part of the soil formed as a result of the decomposition of plant and animal residues and products of organisms' vital activity. This organic matter is a class of chemical compounds whose main components are carbon, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and other elements. The main importance of humus in the soil is as follows: it helps to increase water absorption and air permeability; increases the level of dissolved macro- and microelements; and supports biological activity. Based on the results of the IX–XI rounds (2007–2017) of the planned agrochemical certification of the lands of Zdolbuniv district of Rivne region, conducted by the State Soil Protection Service, a corresponding database was created and thematic maps of soil humus content were constructed. The author's maps were developed for different years at a scale of 1 : 250 000 using ArcMap software, using the Gauss-Kruger projection and the Pulkovo 1942 GK Zone 5 coordinate system, with cartograms as the main method of depiction. The maps, in the context of the territories of former village councils (before the administrative-territorial reform of 2020), provide qualitative and quantitative information on humus content using a standard color scale and appropriate symbols. On the territory of Zdolbuniv district, which covers an area of 66.1 thousand hectares, the most common among the surveyed agricultural lands are light gray podzolized slightly stony (16.8 %), dark gray podzolized (13.8 %), light gray and gray podzolized medium-washed (11.7 %) and gray podzolized slightly washed (10.3 %) soils. The presented thematic maps show the spatial distribution of humus content in the soil by former village councils. This makes it possible to identify areas with different values of the indicators and to identify possible problematic or potentially fertile lands. The maps also show specific quantitative weighted average values of soil humus content for village councils, which makes it possible to determine changes in the indicator over the period in question for individual territorial units. In this regard, the best indicators are observed on the lands of Mizotska and Pyatihirska councils (the average humus content increased by 0.9–1.0 %), and the worst on the lands of Buderazhska council (the average humus content decreased by 0.3 %). As a result of the research, it was found that the generalized average humus content in the soil in the surveyed area for each tour ranged from 2.2 % to 2.6 %. According to classification criteria, this corresponds to lands with an average humus content (2.1–3.0 %). In the context of village councils, the weighted average humus content during this period ranged from 1.5 % to 3.1 %, meaning that the land belonged to 3 groups of land: low, medium, and high humus content. Low humus content in the soil is an indication of insufficient retention of organic matter, which can usually be the result of improper tillage, limited use of fertilizers, erosion processes, and suboptimal crop rotation. The average humus content is a sign of moderate farming, a certain stability of the soil's ecological condition, but still requires certain measures to maintain its fertility. Soils with high humus content are quite fertile and favorable for crop production. In case of small volumes or absence of manure application, peat use, plowing green manure, straw application can stabilize the state of biologization of agriculture to some extent. The thematic maps and diagrams created in this way allow, with the help of other additional and more detailed data, to become the basis for making informed management decisions on optimizing the humus content in the soil, growing crops, modeling changes in soil cover properties, and making agrochemical forecasts. Keywords: humus, agrochemical properties, cartographic modeling, thematic maps, cartograms.

Soil distribution and soil properties in the subalpine region of Kazbegi, Greater Caucasus, Georgia: Physicochemical properties, distribution and genesis

Due to their characteristic properties, mountain soils require adequate management if used for cropping or grazing, even if climatic conditions are favorable. This study provides a summary of a three-year field campaign that evaluated mountain soils in in northern Georgia for sustainable agricultural use. Soils in the Kazbegi study area, located on the northern slope of the Great Caucasian Ridge, were mapped in 2014 and 2015. The soils developed mainly on sediment fans and on glacial and fluvial sediments. They were characterized by a low to moderate yield potential, with high-yield soils found on volcanic plateaus. Despite the high diversity of terrestrial and semi-terrestrial soils, common to all of them was a high humus content. In the river valleys, Fluvisols (or at least soils with fluvic-properties) were widespread and in the valley depressions fens, e.g., Histosols, occurred as well. On volcanic substrates, medium to very deep Cambisols or Umbrisols were found, with moderate to good agricultural yield potentials. However, P-sorption, mainly on amorphous Al- and Fe-oxides, could lead to an increased need for fertilization. Cambisols were present on moraine, and primarily Regosols and Cambisols on the clay and silt-rich sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic, including a widely distributed coarse fraction. The cambic horizon was not visually apparent but was clearly detectable analytically. Depending on the slope inclination and exposure, even Leptosols occurred on the slopes and peaks of sedimentary or volcanic rocks. Based on these results, a synthetic soil map merging geological and geodetic data as well as data from field mapping was created to provide an instrument for land use management.

The Soils of Natural (In Situ) Coenopopulations of Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin in Kazakhstan

This article studies the morphological and physicochemical properties of soils in the natural habitat of dandelion kok-saghyz (Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin) (TKS)—a source of high-quality rubber. The purpose of the work is to study the natural soil habitat of dandelion TKS in comparison with the nearby area where TKS is absent. The methods of soil research are comparative, geographical, morphological, and analytical. Soil sections were laid down and georeferenced, and relief, vegetation, and morphological structures of soil profiles by genetic horizons were described. A database of the physical and chemical properties of soils by horizon was created. Landscapes and soil conditions of in situ populations have been studied in the Kegen District of the Almaty region in the territory of the Kegen River floodplain, in the areas of the Jalauly and Kegen villages, and in the zone of groundwater inclination north of Saryzhas village. The natural soil habitat of TKS was studied. It was found that TKS grows in conditions of moisture floodplains of intermountain valleys on saline floodplain meadowy soils of a sulfate–sodium composition with a high content of total humus and nutrient elements in an alkaline environment.

Humus state and nutrient regime of typical chernozem depending on fertilisation in short crop rotations

The fertiliser system is the most effective factor in the intensification of crop cultivation technologies. The basis for scientifically sound fertiliser application systems, along with obtaining the planned level of yield of the appropriate quality, is the study of the organic matter content and soil nutrient regime during crop rotation. The purpose of this study was to determine the mineral nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and humus content in typical chernozem under different fertilisation systems in short-term crop rotations. To solve the problem of soil fertility, an important approach is to conduct field and laboratory research to determine changes in the humus state according to Tyurin, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium regimes of the soil according to Machigin, and dispersion methods to determine the reliability of experimental data. As a result of the research, it was found that the highest humus content in the soil was recorded under the organic-mineral fertilisation system at the end of the second rotation in the grain crop rotation by 0.13% compared to the fruit crop rotation. The use of a mineral fertiliser system in a row crop rotation reduced the humus content by 0.12%. An increase in the humus content of typical chernozem was recorded under fruit crop rotation and grain-row crop rotation. The organic-mineral fertilisation system tended to increase the mineral nitrogen content of the soil compared to the other systems. The mineral nitrogen content of the mineral fertilisation system decreased by 5.5 mg/kg of soil compared to the unfertilised variant. Under the organic-mineral and mineral fertilisation system, the content of mobile phosphate increased in all crop rotations. The content of mobile phosphorus in the tilled crop rotation was substantially reduced compared to the fruit crop rotation and grain-row crop rotation. The highest content of exchangeable potassium in the soil was recorded under the mineral fertilisation system. The materials of the publications are of practical importance in the analysis of the main elements of mineral nutrition of typical chernozem in short crop rotations

Identify the potential driving mechanism of reconstructed bacterial community in reduce CO2 emissions and promote humus formation during cow manure composting

The mineralization of organic components releases CO2 during composting, which not only leads to the loss of organic carbon, but has a direct negative impact on the environment. Malonic acid as a competitive inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase could affect the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and reduce CO2 emissions. However, the bacterial interaction and organic component transformation has less known how to malonic acid reduce CO2 and improve of humus synthesis in complex composting. The aim of this study was to investigated the malonic acid on organic carbon sequestration and transforming cow manure waste into products with high humus content. Humus content was elevated by 16.8% and cumulative CO2 emissions (30 d)d reduced by 13.6% after malonic acid addition compared to the CK. SparCC analysis of bacterial interaction presented that the network complexity and stability was more higher with malonic acid addition, while a greater concentration of keystones and their ecological metabolic functions was observed, suggesting they weaken the influence of TCA cycle inhibition by enhancing interactions. PICRUSt predictions indicate that malonic acid might enhance humus content by promoting the synthesis of polyphenols and polymerization with amino acids. This study investigated the potential mechanism of regulators to enhance quality and reduce emissions during humification process, providing a new strategy for the resource utilization of organic solid waste.

Areas of Agrochemical Deepening Resulting from Long-Term Experiments with Fertilizers—Synthesis Following 20 Years of Annual and Stationary Fertilization

The paper hereby focuses on the essential field of soil evolution in relation to the effect of long-term fertilization on plant yields and the essential, evolutionary, and impactful changes in their fertility. NP fertilization (by application of ammonium nitrate and concentrated superphosphate) causes a change in soil reaction over time through acidification with increasing N doses, while phosphorus is able to partially mitigate this process. Acidic soil—the typical preluvosol—as a result of adsorbed acidity activation, solubilizes Al ions and may become interested in calcic amendment. Acidification tendencies are also maintained in the amended variants, but to a lesser extent due to the neutralizing capacity of the amendment and the presence of calcium ions. Complex NP fertilization in acid soil (preluvosol) cultivated with wheat can maintain a relatively constant humus content (%), but calcium amendment can cause a reduction of this indicator. In contrast, under maize, due to the effects of conventional tillage and intensive tillage, fertilization contributes to a reduction in this indicator, which is more active against the background of limestone amendment. The phenomenon can be explained by potentiation through the mineralization of the organic component of the soil. This effect is diminished in alluvial mollisol with a higher humus content, saturated in bases, and a buffering capacity. Organic and organo-mineral fertilization can control the modeling of soil humus content and its agrochemical status. The regime of essential elements (N, P, and K) becomes active in mobile forms, and the precarious supply conditions of the initial stage tend to improve. Applied superphosphate evolves, differentiated from the applied dose and pH, into non-occluded mineral forms (P-Al, P-Fe, and P-Ca), which supply the mobile forms in the soil solution for the plants, with the importance of maintaining, more of these forms at the level required by plants. In the case of potassium, the dynamics of its forms in the soil (unchangeable and exchangeable) control the soil supply state of this element and the effect of its application to plants. The data presented show that long-term experiments can effectively support the study of soil fertility through the soil-plant relationship.

Soils of the Krestovsky and Chetyryokhstolbovoy islands in the National Nature Reserve “Bear Islands” (East Siberian Sea)

This paper presents an investigation of previously unstudied soils of the Arctic islands (Krestovsky and Chetyryokhstolbovoy), which gained the status of a new protected area “Bear Islands” (70°37′–70°60′ N, 160°23′–162°33′ E). Their soils were formed mainly under permafrost conditions (approximately 1 m), with a seasonal thawing depth of 0.3–0.6 cm. The territory of Krestovsky Island is a combination of several landscapes characterized by various types of permafrost soils. Primitive gravelly soils (A–BC(C)) are exposed in mountainous areas. Permafrost tundra low-gley soils (OT–Bg–BCg(C)) are formed on the gentle long slopes under hummocky moss-herbaceous tundra. In natural depressions on cryogenic forms of surface, the soil cover represents a combination of permafrost arctotundra gleyic (O–B–Bg(BC)┴) and humus-gley soils (O–AH–AB–BG┴). Marsh soils (Ad–C(AC)–C′) occur along the low flooded gently sloping coasts of the island. All soils are acidic. Zonal types are characterized by gleying, which brings them closer to the soils of the mainland. The soil cover of Chetyryokhstolbovoy Island, with the most fully developed shrublichen-moss or forb-moss soils, is rather monotonous. Namely it is represented by arctotundra gleyic soils with a profile of the same type in terms of morphological features and physicochemical properties (О–Аd–АВ(g)–Вg(BCg)). The main features of this soil type include the thinness of the surface organogenic horizon, good decomposition of organic matter, high and medium content of humus in the soddy-humus horizon, the absence of surface gleying or its weak severity due to drying out in summer.

Ecological factors affecting the spread of class Chilopoda of the group Myriapoda

Recently, the problem of preserving biodiversity on the planet has become increasingly relevant. Therefore, research on the ecological characteristics of organisms that play an important role in the functioning of biogeocoenoses is especially relevant. Chilipoda millipedes are one of these groups. Currently, many questions on the ecology of Chilopods, especially in the territory of Albania, remain unresolved. This motivates researchers to seek answers to these issues. The primary research aim is to analyse the specific features of the ecology of the Chilipoda millipedes inhabiting Vlora. The material used for the study was the author's collections of centipedes. Manual collection and soil sampling methods were used in the research. Determination of the taxonomic affiliation of centipedes was performed by examining the morphological features of centipedes under a stereoscopic microscope and further determining specimens with the help of determination keys. In the field under investigation, the Chilipoda fauna is represented by 6 species from 4 orders, 6 genera, and 5 families. Temperature and humidity have been shown to have a significant influence on the geographical distribution of chilopods: thus, the occurrence of centipedes in litter and the upper soil layer decreases significantly with the onset of drought. The character of flora plays a secondary role in the distribution of centipedes. It was established that soils with high content of humus and nitrogen are a favourable habitat for centipedes. The paper presents, for the first time for the Vlora region, data on the vertical distribution of S. coleoptrata along the soil profile. Scootigers preferred litter and did not migrate into the soil. Other representatives of Chilipoda were mainly found in the uppermost soil layer (0-10 cm), moreover Chilipoda were concentrated in the litter, and only a small part of them descended to a depth of 20 cm. The obtained results contribute to the knowledge of the ecological features of chilopods