Kursk Oblast Research Articles

Geoinformational technologies in the problem of assessing the pesticides’ impact on the arid zones soils’ condition

The work is devoted to establishing the influence of aridity on the risk of negative soil changes caused by residual pesticides presence in spring and autumn. Using the Earth’s remote sensing method, it is shown that the NDMI index is decreasing and aridity is increasing in the following direction: Lipetsk Oblast- Kursk Oblast - Voronezh Oblast-Belgorod Oblast-Ulyanovsk Oblast -Samara Oblast -Saratov Oblast - Penza Oblast -Orenburg Oblast --Stavropol Krai-Karachay-Cherkessia. Correspondence was established between the increase in region’s aridity and the increase in the risk increment value for the period from spring to autumn due to the presence of residual pesticide content in the soil. This circumstance can be associated with pesticides accumulation in the soil cover, an increase in their consumption and a decrease in destruction in conditions of arid climate. DDT and hexachlorocyclohexane cause the highest risk increment due to soil accumulation, trifluraline is more subjected to conversion in the soil, has less effect on risk change of soil agroecological condition.

Effect of Wind on Soil-Atmosphere Gas Exchange

Global climate change in recent decades is accompanied by rising temperatures and increasing cyclonic activity with strong air flows. How do they affect soil respiration? Is it possible to expect an increase in CO2 emissions and, consequently, a positive feedback of climate change through the greenhouse effect? These questions cannot be answered without the insight into the effect of wind speed on the gas exchange between soil and atmosphere in different landscapes. The paper summarizes the long-term measurements of CO2 efflux from forest-steppe chernozems (Kursk oblast, Russia) in natural and anthropogenic landscapes with forest or herbaceous vegetation depending on wind speed; it presents a physically grounded approach to its quantitative first-approximation (linear) description. The approach assumes an impact of wind through increased forced convection and turbulent diffusivity along with a potential reduction in diffusion mass transfer due to a decrease in the gradient of CO2 concentration between the atmosphere and soil. The constructed inverse parabolic dependence adequately describes the empirical data and assumes a twofold increase in the emission with the wind speed increase to the critical value of 3 m/s and its decreases to the initial level with the further wind speed increase to 6–7 m/s. The intensity of forced convection of soil air turns out to be by five–six orders of magnitude lower than the wind speed in the atmosphere but not inferior to the intensity of conventional isothermal CO2 diffusion, which suggests that this mechanism is to be taken into account in the models of soil–atmosphere gas exchange.

Transformation of the Bryansk Paleosol in Microdepressions in the Center of the East European Forest-Steppe during the Maximum of Valdai Glaciation and in the Holocene

Recent and Late Pleistocene soils of the central forest-steppe in the East European Plain have been studied. The main objective of the work is to reveal changes in the properties of the Bryansk paleosol (final phase of MIS 3), one of the most important geosols of the Late Pleistocene. These changes could be induced by cryogenesis during the Valdai glaciation maximum (MIS 2) and by the Holocene pedogenesis (MIS 1) under different conditions of the modern microtopography. We have studied the catena of Holocene soils underlain by the Bryansk paleosol within a small closed depression in the Kazatskaya Steppe of the V.V. Alekhin Central Chernozemic Biospheric Reserve in Kursk oblast. The depression is supposedly the result of loess subsidence. Haplic Chernozems develop on the microelevation; Luvic Chernozems, on the microslope; and Luvic Chernozems (Stagnic), in the bottom of the depression. The upper humus horizons of the Holocene soils are similar in all parts of the microcatena. On the slopes and in the lower part of the microdepression, the Ah2 subhorizon is replaced by the AE horizon, and the Bk horizon becomes carbonate-free and turns into the Bt horizon. The change in the “normal” profile of the paleosol of the Bryansk Interstadial began already at the latest stages of its formation. The Bryansk soil was strongly deformed by cryogenic processes during the maximum of the Valdai glaciation (Vladimir cryogenic horizon). The secondary diagenesis of the Bryansk paleosol is associated with soil formation in the Holocene. Holocene soils are superimposed on the profile of the Bryansk paleosol, transforming it differently in various parts of the catena. On the microelevation, the diagenesis in the Holocene is regarded as minimal. The Bryansk paleosol is most transformed in the bottom of the microdepression.

Late Pleistocene (Eemian) mollusk and small mammal fauna from Mikhailovka-5 (Kursk oblast, Central Russia)

The locality Mikhailovka-5 is situated in the northern part of the Mikhailovka quarry in the northwest of the Kursk Oblast in central Russia. A rich mollusk fauna was collected along with small mammal remains from this lacustrine deposit located between Likhvinian (= Holsteinian) fossil soils and Valdayian (= Weichselian) periglacial deposits. The small mammal fauna is diverse, and includes numerous rodents, e.g., such indicative taxa as Arvicola ex gr. sapidus and Microtus ex gr. agrestis, a significant number of Clethrionomys glareolus and various insectivores. This assemblage closely corresponds to other Mikulino (= Eemian) faunas from the Russian Plain. The mollusk fauna includes a large number of terrestrial species, some of which have currently a more southern and western distribution. Both the molluskan and mammal faunas from Mikhailovka-5 indicate temperate climatic conditions, as evidenced by the diversity of insectivores, particularly the moles. Abundant remains of rodents of the genera Clethrionomys, Apodemus, and Microtus (Terricola) and of mollusks such as Acme, Macrogastra, Ruthenica, Punctum, and Acanthinula indicate the presence of extensive woodlands of mixed or broadleaf type, which were typical for this latitude during the Eemian interglacial. The palaeontological data provided in this paper, confirm that Mikhailovka-5 belongs to the Mikulino interglacial, as previously suggested by pedological arguments.

Changes in the Fractional Composition of Organic Matter in the Soils of the Forest–Steppe Zone during Their Postagrogenic Evolution

The postagrogenic dynamics of organic carbon (Corg), total nitrogen (Ntot), and density fractions of organic matter (OM) in the dark gray soil (Haplic Phaeozem, Belgorod oblast, Les na Vorskle (Forest on Vorskla) Reserve) and migrational–mycellary Chernozem (Haplic Chernozem, Kursk oblast, Streletskaya Steppe Reserve) were examined. The most significant postagrogenic changes in all the studied soil properties were observed in the top 0–5 cm layer. The contents of Corg and Ntot in this layer of the Phaeozem chronosequence increased by 1.2–1.3 times over 45 years after cessation of farming. The contents of Corg and Ntot in the top 0–5 cm layer of Chernozem chronosequence increased by 1.9–2.0 times over 60 years of the postagrogenic development. The accumulation of Corg took place in all density fractions. In both chronosequences, the free fraction of organic matter (density <1.6 g cm–3) increased, while the occluded fraction (density <2.0 g cm–3) virtually did not change. In 60 years after the cessation of farming on Chernozem, all the studied parameters became close to those in the Chernozem under natural steppe. In the Phaeozem, these parameters recovered by no more than 60% of the level typical for the natural soil over 45 years after the cessation of farming. Thus, the postagrogenic restoration of organic matter and all its fractions in the forest-steppe zone was much faster in the Chernozem in comparison with the Phaeozem.

The trends of population general morbidity in the subjects of the Central Federal Okrug of the Russian Federation

The article presents the results of analysis of indices of total morbidity of population of the Central Federal Okrug (CFD) of the Russian Federation in 2010-2017. The significant differences in indices of total morbidity between the CFD subjects in certain ICD-10 classes were established. The indices of total morbidity of population during study period (8 years) in the Central Federal District factually didn't altered, while dynamics of indices in other subjects was characterized by multidirectionality. The gap in levels of total morbidity of population in the subjects was significant: from 115,123.6 per 100,000 of population in the Kursk Oblast to 194,404.1 per 100,000 of population in the Orel Oblast. The significant difference in rates of increase/ decrease of indices is noted. Thus, in Moscow decrease rate made up to 10%, while in the Orel Oblast morbidity increased up to 13.1%. Besides, in 2017, the Orel Region took a leadership in rate of increasing of total morbidity in such classes of diseases as infectious and parasitic diseases (39.3%), diseases of blood and blood-forming organs (49.1%), diseases of endocrine system (59,1%), diseases of nervous system (26.8%), diseases of respiratory system (28.2%), diseases of musculoskeletal system (16%), malformations (56%). It is very likely that this trend developed under influence of demographic situation in the subject due to significant increasing of percentage of people older than able-bodied age. The city of Moscow occupies leading position in decreasing of rate of prevalence of diseases and last but one place in level of total morbidity being inferior only to the Kursk Oblast. Thus, in Moscow was noted the most significant decreasing of morbidity in classes of infectious and parasitic diseases (26%) and diseases of digestive system (20.6%). The diseases of blood and blood-forming organs (235.2 per 100,000 population) and mental disorders (2353.5 per 100,000 population) were registered the less. The main contribution into trends of increasing or decreasing of indices is made by persons aged 18 years and older (74.1%).

ОПЫТ ФИТОСАНИТАРНОГО РАЙОНИРОВАНИЯ ТЕРРИТОРИИ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ ЧАСТИ РФ В ОТНОШЕНИИ СОРНЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ НА МАКРОУРОВНЕ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КУРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

ОПЫТ ФИТОСАНИТАРНОГО РАЙОНИРОВАНИЯ ТЕРРИТОРИИ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ ЧАСТИ РФ В ОТНОШЕНИИ СОРНЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ НА МАКРОУРОВНЕ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КУРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

Анализ генетического потенциала молочной продуктивности симментальского скота Российской Федерации

Представлены результаты мониторинга за период 2015 – 2017 гг.: численности крупного рогатого скота симментальской породы в Российской Федерации, федеральных округах, распределение популяций по уровню удоя и жирности молока в связи с региональной принадлежностью, а также степень корреляции между удоем и жирностью молока в 4 округах, где максимально распространен симментальский скот. Разведением симментальского скота занимаются в 29 субъектах нашей страны. Уровень молочной продуктивности коров анализируемой породы по регионам РФ колеблется в широких пределах: от 3240 кг в Республике Саха до 7100 кг в Белгородской области. В России в 8 регионах достигнуты высокие надои молока от коров данной породы — более 5700 кг, что выше среднего более чем на 10 %: в Татарстане, Орловской, Липецкой, Тамбовской, Воронежской, Тульской, Курской и Белгородской областях. В 9 регионах надои составили 5200 – 5700 кг (выше среднего до 10 %). В то же время в 6 из 7 округов имеет место снижение численности поголовья. Максимально (на 66,1 %) оно понизилось в Дальневосточном округе, но при этом уровень молочной продуктивности там же вырос на 36,1 %. Незначительный рост численности поголовья отмечен только в Уральском регионе (на 3,1 %). Наряду с удоем жирномолочность симментальского скота также колеблется в широких пределах (3,8 – 3,9 %) в связи с региональной принадлежностью. Максимальная жирность молока отмечена в Калининградской области — 4,45 %.

Biostratigraphic Characteristic of the Frasnian Age (Upper Devonian) Reference Section in the Central Voronezh Anteclise (Shchigry-16 Borehole, Nizhnekrasnoe Village, Kursk Oblast)

Conodonts, scolecodonts, and foraminifers from the Frasnian Age (Upper Devonian) (Shchigry-16 borehole, Nizhnekrasnoe village, Voronezh anteclise) were studied. Six conodont assemblages were identified: I for the Timan regional stage, II and III for the Sargaevo regional stage, and IV–VI for the Semiluky regional stage. These assemblages were correlated with local zonal subdivisions and the Standard Conodont Zonation. It was established that a shallow-water environment was characteristic of the Timan regional stage; the deepest environment was characteristic of the Semiluky regional stage. Five scolecodont assemblages were identified: 1 and 2 in the Sargaevo regional stage, 3 and 4 in the Semiluky regional stage, and 5 in the upper part of Semiluky and Voronezh regional stages. Two foraminiferal assemblages are distinguished for the Sargaevo and Semiluky regional stages. The characteristic microfossils species are given in plates.

Relationships between the Organic Carbon Content and Structural State of Typical Chernozem

The influence of erosion degree and slope aspect on the structural composition of typical chernozems (Haplic Chernozems) and the qualitative characteristics of organic matter in these soils were studied. We determined the organic carbon content in separate structural units of the soils under different agroecological conditions of Kursk oblast. Aggregates of 3–1 mm in size played the decisive role in the structural state of typical chernozems; their total content and the content of carbon of organic compounds in them were higher than those for the aggregates of 10–3 and <1 mm in size. The contribution of organic matter and labile humic substances to the formation of water-stable soil aggregates was also considered. A tendency for an increase in the diameter of aggregates with an increase in their organic carbon content was displayed in the soils independently from the degree of their erosion. The content of carbon of labile humic substances in water-stable aggregates of the soils on north-facing slopes was higher than that in the soils on south-facing slopes. With an increase in the portion of labile humus participating in the formation of water-stable aggregates of typical chernozems, the diameter of these aggregates increased from 0.5–0.25 to 3–1 mm. This regularity was clearly displayed in the Ap and A horizons of typical chernozems on the interfluve and on the north-facing slope and in the Ap horizon of these soils on the south-facing slopes independently from the degree of soil erosion. The results of this study may be used in methodological recommendations on regulation of the aggregate and humus states of typical chernozems in agrolandscapes with sloping topography.

The Variability and Spatial Distribution of Chaffinch Songs (Fringilla coelebs) in Moscow

Habitat fragmentation has a diverse impact on songbird populations, affecting their spatial structure and demographic parameters. The influence of fragmentation on the song differentiation processes has not been studied sufficiently. In 2014 and 2015, we studied the variability and spatial distribution of chaffinch songs in city parks of Moscow, which is one of the largest megacities in the world, covering an area of 870 km². Recordings were made at 22 points located almost throughout the city; 763 male songs were recorded (≥26 males at each point). The complete catalogue of vocalizations recorded in the studied territory contains 42 song variants, including a total of 70 different types of low-level vocal components. No distinct patterns in the spatial distribution of Moscow song types were revealed. The Moscow city population of chaffinches proved to be bioacoustically homogeneous despite its occupying a considerable territory and having significant size variations in its habitats. The degree of differences between the chaffinch group repertoires in various places in Moscow does not depend on the distance between these points. A comparison of the Moscow population repertoire with that from Kursk oblast and Ukraine revealed a wide distribution of certain song types and showed that the extent of their ranges can reach 1000 km.

Rheological Properties and Tomographically Determined Pore Space of Undisturbed Samples of Typical Chernozems and Soddy-Podzolic Soils

Coupled studies of pore space and rheological behavior of undisturbed samples from soddypodzolic soils (Albic Glossic Retisols (Loamic, Aric, Cutanic)) of Moscow oblast under forest and under cropland and from typical chernozems (Haplic Chernozems (Loamic, Aric, Pachic)) of Kursk oblast under oak forest, shelterbelt, and cropland were conducted. Soil pore space was investigated using a Bruker SkyScan 1172 G (Belgium) microtomograph, and 3D models of pore space were constructed. The total pore space (in percent of the volume of analyzed samples) and the volumes of open and closed pores were determined from these models. The nondestructive tomographic method made it possible to analyze the rheological properties of soils for the same samples using the amplitude sweep method on an MCR-302 (Anton Paar, Austria) rheometer. The following parameters of the rheological behavior were determined: storage modulus in the range of linear viscoelastic behavior, the range of linear viscoelastic behavior, and the range of plastic behavior. A joint analysis of the rheological properties and morphometric characteristics of the undisturbed samples of soddy-podzolic soils and chernozems demonstrated the dependence of the rheological behavior of these soils on their physicochemical properties and pore space structure reflecting the differences in the genesis and physical and chemical properties of soil horizons. The correlation analysis attested to direct (positive) relationships between the values of the total and open tomographic porosities, the range of linear viscoelastic behavior, and the deformation upon the destruction of soil structure. Negative relationships were found between the values of open and total porosity and the structural strength of the soil monoliths. A hypothesis about an increase in the range of plastic behavior of soils and a decrease in the strength of soil structure with an increase in porosity was suggested.

The Effect of Historical and Regional Features of Land Use on the Size and Structure of Carbon Pools in the Southern Taiga and Forest-Steppe Zones of European Russia

An algorithm of regional assessment of the size and structure of the actual (corresponding to the modern state of ecosystems and land use patterns) and potential (for hypothetic natural ecosystems analogous to modern native ecosystems) pools of carbon has been developed and tested. A comparison between actual and potential values of carbon pools makes it possible to assess the integral result of land use in the studied region with multiple changes in the types of land use during the historical period. The calculations are made using a unified cartographic base and take into account the taxonomic position and texture of soil units, the types of modern land use, and the type and age structure of the reconstructed and actual vegetation. The results obtained for the southern taiga and forest-steppe zones of European Russian indicate that the modern actual carbon pool is 24% less than the potential carbon pool in Kostroma oblast (southern taiga zone) and 32% less than the potential carbon pool in Kursk oblast (forest-steppe zone). The actual phytomass reserves in these two regions have decreased by 40 and 75%, respectively, relative the potential phytomass reserves, so the portion of the soil carbon pool in the total carbon pool has increased. It is argues that the use of the territory for forestry and agriculture increases the role of the soil cover in sustaining the carbon budget of the region.

ГЕОХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ ЛАНДШАФТОВ ЖЕЛЕЗНОГОРСКОГО ПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО АРЕАЛА (КУРСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ), "Известия Российской академии наук. Серия географическая"

The integrated geochemical researches of the natural-technogenic landscapes have conducted in the area of development of iron ore (Kursk oblast). The levels of soil, surface waters and bottom deposits of rivers pollution by heavy metals in the zones of influence of industrial facilities of Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant (MPP), including the territory of the city of Zheleznogorsk, have revealed. Soils of trans-accumulative landscapes, bottom deposits and waters of aquatic landscapes of the Pesochnaya, Chern, Rechitsa rivers have undergone the greatest technogenic changes. The content of Co, Ni, Pb, Zn in the soils is minimal, the content of Cu, Mn and Cr in some cases is equal to weak and medium levels of pollution. Tailings pond, quarry, dumps and municipal waste water lead to higher concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb) in waters and bottom deposits of rivers. In aquatic landscape of rivers, there is a high content of soluble forms of Fe, which exceeds of maximum permissible concentrations for fishery objects in dozens of times, that is partly a geochemical feature of landscape complexes and surface watercourses of Zheleznogorsk industrial area.

Новые горизонты исследований на многослойной стоянке Быки-7 в Курской области

Новые горизонты исследований на многослойной стоянке Быки-7 в Курской области

Ramularia echii .

Abstract A description is provided for Ramularia echii , which seems to be parasitic, with records on living leaves of Echium species. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, habitats, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Asia (Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan (South Kazakhstan oblast (former Chimkent oblast)), Turkey, Uzbekistan), Europe (Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia (Belgorod oblast, Kirov oblast, Krasnodar krai, Kursk oblast, Lipetsk oblast, Orel oblast, Penza oblast, Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Ryazan' oblast, Stavropol' krai, Tambov oblast, Voronezh oblast), Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK)). No evaluation has been made of any possible positive economic impact of this fungus and no reports of negative economic impacts have been found.

Effect of water on the rheological properties of typical chernozem in Kursk oblast

The rheological properties of typical chernozem were investigated by the amplitude sweep test on an MCR-302 rheometer (Anton Paar, Austria) for three water contents: maximum swelling, the liquid limit, and capillary rupture. A method is proposed for determining the water content of capillary rupture on an analyzer by using the curves for soil drying at constant temperature, determined simultaneously with the water content. Comparison of rheological soil characteristics at different soil humidity has shown that variations in the forms of soil water cause changes in the rheological soil behavior from viscous to elastic–brittle.

Genesis, evolution, and catastrophic burying of the Ryshkovo paleosol of the Mikulino Interglacial (MIS 5e)

The results of a hierarchical morphogenetic, physicochemical, and mineralogical study of the Ryshkovo full-profile texture-differentiated paleosol of the Mikulino Interglacial from the section at Aleksandrov quarry in Kursk oblast are discussed. The correlation analysis of the stratigraphy of this section with global geological records made it possible to determine the position of the Ryshkovo paleosol in the chronostratigraphic system of the Late Pleistocene and to attribute it to stage MIS 5e; the duration of pedogenesis for this paleosol was no more than 12–15 ka. The results of the study indicate that the Ryshkovo paleosol is close in its properties to the Holocene soddy-podzolic soils of the East European Plain. No direct evidences in favor of the former interpretation of this paleosol as a lessivated soil genetically close to Luvisols of nemoral broadleaved forest of Central Europe have been found. The difference between the paleosol of the Mikulino Interglacial and the modern soddy-podzolic soils is mainly related to the distribution of clay coatings. In the upper part of the illuvial horizon of Mikulino paleosol, clay coatings are few in number, and typical tongues of podzolized (albic) material are absent in the profile. At the same time, silty coatings (skeletans) are abundant even in the lower part of the illuvial horizon. In general, the Mikulino paleosol is characterized by a smaller diversity of clay pedofeatures. These differences might be related to less contrasting fluctuations of the environmental conditions in the second half of the Mikulino Interglacial, to the periodical renewal of the eluvial part of Mikulino paleosol by erosional and accumulative processes, and to the absence of anthropogenic impacts on the soil during the Mikulino Interglacial. The burying of the Ryshkovo paleosol took place due to the intense development of erosional processes induced by the contrasting climatic events at the end of the interglacial period accompanied by catastrophic forest fires and sharp cooling of the climate upon the transition to the Valdai glaciation.

Микроагрегатный анализ почв методом лазерной дифракции: особенности пробоподготовки и интерпретации результатов

The opportunities of the laser diffraction method in the assessment of the microstructure condition of the soil are shown on the samples of humus layers of the following soils (agro soddy-podzolic (Eutric Albic Retisol (Loamic, Aric, Cutanic, Ochric)), Moscow oblast; gray (Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozem), Tulskie zaseky; migration micellar chernozem (Haplic Chernozem (Loamic, Pachic)), Kursk oblast; ferralitic (Rhodic Ferralsol), Norfolk island). The ways of samples preparation to the analysis are considered: boiling, stirring (80 min-1) of the attenuated water suspensions, intense stirring (2500 min-1) of the water suspensions, mixing of the suspension by the glass stick. The assessment of the preliminary saturation of samples by the distillated water before the samples preparation is given. The assessment of possibility of the implementation of soil micro structure indices, developed on the basis of sedimentation methods was made. The impossibility of the implementation of Kachinskiy dispersion coefficient to the results obtained by the method of laser diffraction was shown. The intense stirring (2500 min-1) of the water suspensions during the 10 minutes is recommended as the standard method of the soil samples preparation for the further microagregate analysis by the method of laser difraction. Such a way of soil samples preparation doesn’t lead to the modification of the properties of the solid body and provides the stability of the results. The results of the microagregate analysis by the method of laser diffraction, presented by the even distribution of particles by the size are characterized by the high informativity. The correlation of different ways of soil samples preparation along with the high accuracy of the method allow us to reveal the specificities of microstructure soil organization.

Selective phytoamelioration of soils in Kursk oblast

Data on zinc accumulation by saperda mustard and common barley grown on typical chernozem (Voronic Chernozems) and gray forest soil (Greyic Phaeozems Albic) in Kursk oblast are given. The revealed high phytoextraction capability of saperda mustard on gray forest soil depends on the content of total and available zinc. It has been found that the accumulation capability of common barley is similar on both soil types. The phytoextraction rate of the root systems of the studied plants is greater than that of their sprouts. Biological removal of zinc from soil by plants is up to 4.46 kg/ha. Saperda mustard and common barley are potential phytoremediation plants for zinc-contaminated gray forest soil and typical chernozem.