Lower Volga Region Research Articles

He Modern Ethnic Identity of the Kalmyk Ethnic Group: the Influence of Material Culture and Ritual Practices

The article is devoted to the influence of material culture and ritual practices on the modern ethnic identity of the Kalmyk people. Currently, a kind of ethnic “renaissance” is taking place in Kalmykia, which manifests itself both in the transformation and reactualization of existing ethnic trends, as well as in the construction (reconstruction) of neo-ethnics, the search for new motives of ethnic identity. In addition, there is a local “local” identity, an association of oneself with the administrative region of residence, each of which has its own established ethnocultural specifics. Such ethnotransformation processes were reflected in the related religious and civic affiliation, in the view of one's own history and one's own place in this world. The specificity of the ethnic “renaissance” in modern Kalmyk society is associated with the processes of ethnocultural adaptation of Kalmyks among the peoples of the Volga region and the North Caucasus after their arrival on the Volga in the XVII century. In the XIX–XX centuries, the reduction of pasture lands led to a crisis of nomadic economy and caused the gradual transition of the Kalmyk people to a sedentary lifestyle. However, the Kalmyks did not copy the way of life of neighboring sedentary peoples, but adapted it to their needs based on their own ideas about the world order. Ethnic specificity is reflected in the rituals of the life cycle, as well as calendar rituals. Currently, there has been a change in the maternity rite only in the methods and place of delivery. However, during the prenatal period, food and behavioral prohibitions imposed on a woman persist. Thus, the isolated residence of Kalmyks in the Lower Volga region in a non-ethnic, non-confessional and foreign-speaking region, connected by common origin, common history, customs and aware of themselves as a whole since the 19th century, led to the formation of their ethnic identity. Since the second half of the twentieth century, when the Kalmyks gradually lost some of their specific features, this led to a change in ethnic identity. The processes of changing various aspects of ethnic culture represent the life of an ethnic group, a living process of its development and transformation.

Cryogenic features and stages in Late Quaternary subaerial sediments of the Lower Volga region

Abstract Situated at the southernmost limits of the late Pleistocene Eurasian permafrost zone, the loess–paleosol sequences of the Lower Volga region contain numerous traces of cryogenesis. Cryogenic features are represented by thin vertical wedges in loess and paleosols, and involutions and wedges in alluvial deposits. Here we describe and interpret four stages of cryogenesis during the late Pleistocene, based on analysis of cryogenic structure morphology, morphoscopy of quartz grains, and micromorphology of subaerial sediments, in addition to calculation of the Cryogenic Weathering Index and a new luminescence chronology derived from published ages. These stages differ in type and distribution of cryostructures and formed in different paleogeographic conditions. Stage I, dated 95–90 ka (Marine Isotope Stage [MIS] 5b), is characterized by the existence of continuous permafrost in northern part of the Lower Volga valley. Stage II (75–70 ka, MIS 5a/MIS 4) is characterized by dry and cold conditions and widespread permafrost. During stage III (52–45 ka, MIS 3b/c), the permafrost was thin and of sporadic distribution. Stage IV (37–35 ka, MIS 3a) is characterized by thin and rare sporadic permafrost. The processes of cryogenic transformation of sediments in the region during these stages took place under both permafrost and seasonal frost conditions. The results obtained significantly improve current understanding of the extent of the permafrost in the south of the East European Plain during the late Pleistocene.

Dialogism of Turkic ethnic cultures of the Lower Volga Region in the aspect of semiotic philosophical concepts of the XX century

The object of the article is the Turkic ethnic groups of the Lower Volga region, which carry their own long-established ethnomusicological traditions, at the same time interacting with each other, related by language group, religion. The subject of the article is the phenomenon of dialogic and polyphonic cultures of the Turkic ethnic groups of the Lower Volga region. The author examines in detail such aspects as dialogism, polyphonism of cultures, which give answers in understanding the centuries-old ethno-cultural processes of interaction and mutual influence. Special attention is paid to the genre and stylistic community of samples of epic khushavaz, the genre of "conversation in saza", instrumental plays of the wedding folklore of the Yurt Tatars and Nogai Karagashes. Typological phenomena include the peculiarities of the ladointonal organization of melodies and plays, groups of intonations with typical properties and acting as stable components are identified in intonation dictionaries. Also, the rhythmic organization that unites multi-genre melodies acts as stable elements. Considering that this problem is interdisciplinary in nature, the methodological foundations were the concepts of Russian philosophers: M.M. Bakhtin, Y.M. Lotman, D.D. Likhachev, as well as the concepts of leading Russian ethnomusicologists: V.A. Lapin, N.I. Zhulanova, etc. Consideration of the principles of the mechanism of dialogue and polyphonism of some Turkic cultures with others united by one region, related by language group, religion, but still bearing their own long-established ethnomusicological traditions, is poorly studied both for the region of the polyethnic Lower Volga region, and in particular, the Astrakhan Region, and in general, in ethnomusicology. This confirms the relevance of this study. but still carrying their own long-established ethnomusicological traditions, it is poorly studied both for the region of the polyethnic Lower Volga region, in particular in the Astrakhan Region, and in general, in ethnomusicology. This confirms the relevance of this study. The main conclusions of the conducted research are the expansion of their own musical genre system in the context of dialogism of cultures.

Grain quality indicators and size-dependent fractional composition in winter rye cultivars under the conditions of the Lower Volga region

Background. Grain quality indicators of winter rye cultivars were analyzed in connection with the size-dependent fractional composition of their grain in the Lower Volga environments.Materials and methods. The research material included 22 cultivars developed at various Russian scientific institutions, 3 Belarusian ones, and 3 cultivars bred at the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region. Comparative trials were conducted in 2021–2022 on 13.2 m2 plots in two field replications. The following grain quality indicators were studied: grain test weight, 1000 grain weight, size-dependent fractional composition, Hagberg falling number, amylogram peak height, starch gelatinization temperature, protein content, and rheological properties of the meal/water slurry.Results. Protein content was recorded at a level of 9.98–10.85%, while the starch gelatinization temperature was high due to the June air temperatures higher than the norm. Significant differences among the cultivars were found in the fractional composition of grain: 12 forms were identified with medium viscosity of the meal/water slurry and the fine-grain fraction content up to 30% of the total weight.Conclusions. There is a positive significant correlation between the five studied indicators characterizing the rheological properties of the meal/water slurry made from the grain of winter rye cultivars and the grain fraction composition (0.82*–0.91*).

An Early Neolithic Bone and Antler Industry of Rakushechny Yar on the Lower Don: Technological Strategies and Functional Context

The Early Neolithic site of Rakushechny Yar on the Lower Don evidences successive peopling of the coastal zone in the 6th millennium BC. Analysis of faunal remains, toolkit, and limited technological contexts suggest seasonal orientation of the site shown at least at the early stages. We present the results of the analysis of the Early Neolithic bone tools from Rakushechny Yar layers 23–11 of excavation I, and assess their place in the context of bone industries of the contemporaneous archaeological cultures. The collection is dominated by points. Despite the variable morphology, their preforms and manufacturing techniques are rather standard. Apart from points, two spatula-like tools and two specimens with beveled edges, made from red-deer antler, were found. A limited typological and functional set reveals a peculiar subsistence activity. The traceological analysis has highlighted a stable series of tools for working skins and processing coarse vegetable materials (possibly for basket weaving). Spatula-shaped tools were likely destined for processing mineral materials such as ceramics. Certain typological and technological parallels are found in the Northern Caspian and the Lower Volga regions, but especially in the Southern Caucasian Neolithic (Aratashen-Shulaveri-Shomutepe) traditions possibly originating from those of the Levant and Zagros.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА СОРТОВ РАСТОРОПШИ ПЯТНИСТОЙ СЕЛЕКЦИИ РОССИЙСКОГО НАУЧНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОГО И ПРОЕКТНО-ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ИНСТИТУТА СОРГО И КУКУРУЗЫ

This article describes the characteristics of morphological, biological and economically valuable signs and advantages of milk thistle varieties bred in the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Russian Research and Design Institute of Sorghum and Corn", included in the state register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation. Today, the issues of world medical practice are relevant and it is rational to use herbal preparations for treatment and prevention. In this aspect, it is realistic and correct to use valuable medicinal plants growing in the Russian Federation. There are a large number of agricultural plants with medicinal properties, a plant – milk thistle, which is a promising medicinal plant and grows massively in the conditions of the Middle and Lower Volga region, got into our field of view. There is not enough information in the field of breeding and seed production of milk thistle, therefore this plant is promising and requires research. The purpose of this work is to study the varieties of milk thistle and the prospects for creating new varieties of breeding of the Rossorgo Institute. The creation of new varieties for the specific conditions of the Lower Volga region is an important task in the region. The variety, as a dynamic and biological system, belongs to one of the main places in solving the problem of increasing crop yields and improving product quality. The staff of the Institute is aimed at concentrating efforts and using the accumulated materials. The main goal is to create highly productive varieties for various soil and climatic regions of the Russian Federation

МНОГОЛЕТНИЕ БОБОВЫЕ ТРАВЫ ПРИ ОРОШЕНИИ – ГАРАНТ УСТОЙЧИВОГО КОРМОПРОИЗВОДСТВА В НИЖНЕМ ПОВОЛЖЬЕ

Purpose: to develop rational combinations of species and varieties of perennial leguminous grasses, soil water and nutrient regimes, which will contribute to obtaining stable fodder yields with high levels of protein and energy content. Materials and methods. Research is being carried out on perennial leguminous grasses on the experimental field of the institute. The experiment is three-factor and includes three options for maintaining the pre-irrigation soil moisture limit (60, 70 and 80 % of the lowest moisture capacity), three options for the soil nutritional regime (NPK₁, NPK₂ and control – without fertilizers), eight types of legumes are studied according to the third factor. The generally accepted experimental methods were used when setting up experiments and conducting research. Results. In the full germination phase there were from 294 to 386 plants of grass species per 1 sq. m. Their height before harvesting varied according to the experimental variants from 0.60 to 1.01 m in the first cutting, from 0.38 to 0.94 m in the second and from 0.25 to 0.66 m in the third cutting. The grass stand total water consumption in the year of seeding was 4.2–4.7 thous. cub. m/ha, increasing in subsequent years to 4.8–5.7 thous. cub. m/ha. The soil water regime and fertilizers had a significant impact on crop yield. In control options with a pre-irrigation limit of 60 % of the lowest moisture capacity, the green mass yield in the second year was 26.6–40.9 t/ha. With improved soil nutrition and good water supply, the yield increased to 48.2–87.8 t/ha. Sainfoin and blue-hybrid and variegated alfalfa plants responded to the improved growing conditions most actively; 54–88 t/ha of green mass were gathered from these sites during the season. Conclusions. Selection of optimal combinations of soil water and nutrient regimes, as well as the new promising perennial leguminous grasses species and varieties introduction into the field feed production in the Lower Volga region will ensure high and stable yields of fodder rich in energy and nutrients.

Soil and Ecological Features of the Neo-Eneolithic Algai Settlement in the Lower Volga Region

Soil and Ecological Features of the Neo-Eneolithic Algai Settlement in the Lower Volga Region

НОВЫЕ СОРТА КАРТОФЕЛЯ ДЛЯ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ ПРИ ОРОШЕНИИ В НИЖНЕМ ПОВОЛЖЬЕ

Purpose: to conduct an environmental-geographical test of new highly productive potato varieties of domestic and foreign selection during sprinkling under conditions of hydrothermal tension in the Lower Volga region. Materials and methods. Ecological testing of new highly productive 19 potato varieties and hybrids of domestic and foreign breeding was carried out at the experimental site of the All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture in 2022–2023. The studies were conducted in accordance with the requirements of generally accepted methods. Results. The results of the study on the selection and testing of potato varieties showed that the maximum amount of above-ground mass of the studied potato varieties was formed in the first decade of August, the maximum growth of tops was noted in the Kupets variety and hybrid 16.18-2, 750 and 700 g respectively. The Vega, Luck, Healer, Elixir, Gourmet varieties and hybrid 45.82-12 formed the vegetative mass from 500 to 630 g. Other varieties were unable to form a powerful vegetative mass. The Gulliver variety is characterized by the highest productivity of the studied potato varieties – 4.3 t/ha. The minimum potato tubers yield was obtained in the Lubava variety, which amounted to 15.6 t/ha. The formed potato tubers yield of other varieties and hybrids ranged from 18.7 to 34.0 t/ha. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, results were obtained on the patterns of tubers yield formation of 17 varieties and 2 potato hybrids undergoing environmental testing. The yield of varieties and hybrids of domestic and foreign breeding ranged from 15.6 to 41.3 t/ha, however, such varieties as Gulliver, Luck and Darenka, Red Scarlett, Colombo, Queen Anna and hybrids with yields above 30 t/ha should be highlighted.

Effect of meteoro logica l conditions on the oi l content of sunf lower in the conditions of the Lower Volga region

Effect of meteoro logica l conditions on the oi l content of sunf lower in the conditions of the Lower Volga region

ORGANIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL WORK IN THE SYSTEM OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE LOWER VOLGA REGION)

The article considers the system of educational work during the Great Patriotic War in the schools of factory training, craft and railway schools, specialized craft schools of the Lower Volga region of the labor reserve system. The author highlights the directions of the educational work in educational institutions of the Lower Volga region in 1941–1945, the means of educating students of the vocational education system, the educational functions of employees and management bodies of various levels.

Productivity and milk quality of Saanen and Anglo- Nubian breeds of goats under the conditions of the Lower Volga region

Prospects for the development of dairy goat farming and goat milk production in many countries of the world, including Russia, are directly related to the dietary and healing properties of the product. An urgent problem is the comparative assessment of the adaptive and productive traits of dairy goats of imported selection under various ecological and climatic conditions of Russia, including the conditions of the sharp continental climate of the Lower Volga region. The purpose of the work was to give a comparative assessment of the eff ectiveness of breeding lactating goats of Saanen and AngloNubian breeds of imported selection under the conditions of the sharp continental climate of the Lower Volga region. The object of research was imported dairy goats. Two groups of female goats of Saanen and Anglo-Nubian breeds of the fi rst lactation of 10 heads in each were formed, taking into account their live weight, age of insemination and origin. The duration of the scientific and farm experiment was 210 days.Consistently high milk yield was found in goats of Saanen breed compared with the milk yield of their herdmates of Anglo-Nubian breed. The signifi cant diff erence in milk yield in favor of Saanen goats by months ranged from 13,24 to 16,51 % (p < 0,05). In general, during lactation the superiority of Saanen goats over their Anglo-Nubian herdmates in terms of milk yield was 61,2 kg or 15,75 %. A comparative analysis of quality indicators revealed a significant superiority of milk from goats of Anglo-Nubian breed such as in the mass fraction of fat by 1,48 abs.% (p < 0,05), in the mass fraction of protein by 0,24 abs.% (p < 0,05), in terms of milk fat yield by 3,15 kg (p < 0,05). It was found as a result that in the production of milk from goats of Anglo-Nubian breed, the level of profitability of milk with basic fat content (3,5 %) was higher by 27,78 abs.% compared with herdmates of Saanen breed.

Dynamics of the Lower Volga region agricultural landscapes under the influence of climate change

Dynamics of the Lower Volga region agricultural landscapes under the influence of climate change

Soybean productivity depending on varietal characteristics, plant nutrition and application of herbicides

In the unfavorable climatic and soil conditions of the Lower Volga region and the Saratov region, the characteristics of the growth and development of soybean (Glicine hispida Maxim) were studied. The most important factor determining the rate of growth and development of plants in an arid region is soil moisture during the sowing period and throughout the growing season. The duration of the sowing-emergence period was most influenced by soil moisture and temperature. The comparative productivity of soybean varieties of different ripeness groups (early ripening - Soer-4, Soer-5, mid-early - Natali and Zernogradskaya-2) was considered depending on weather conditions, varietal characteristics, diet and herbicide use. It has been shown that agrotechnical techniques for caring for plants must be started early. These primarily include weed control and the creation of an optimal soybean nutrition regime. The best way to control weeds turned out to be the application of a combination of herbicides Begin Turbo (for cultivation) and Pivot (during the growing season), which reduced the infestation of crops by 6.7 times and increased the yield by 18.3–32.1% compared to the control. The application of small doses of fertilizers (N30P60) had a positive effect on the development of soybean plants. In our studies, in the most moisture-rich year of 2020, the mid-early variety Natali had the maximum seed yield - 1.15 t/ha when N30P60 was applied. On average over 3 years, the Natali variety also gave the highest yield - 0.95 t/ha. In the early ripening varieties Soer-4 and Soer-5, the seed yield was 0.17–0.12 t/ha lower compared to the mid-early variety Natali.

Rural architecture of e left bank of Saratov Volga region (interchange of different cultures) (Saratov)

The article examines the historical rural architecture on the territory of the modern Saratov region using the example of a peasant estate. Two neighboring groups of settlers are identified, who made up the main population of the left bank in the e 18th and early 20th centuries. Similarities and differences are indicated for the structure of peasant house. The principles of formation and places of distribution of various decorative finishing techniques are identified.Purpose: The aim of this work is to identify ways and means of forming traditional architecture on the left bank of the Saratov Volga region.Design/methodology/approach: Field research, the analysis of works of historians and local historians, critical analysis of archive a documents and literature review.Practical implications: Identification of exclusivity of the historically developed architecture of villages. Information obtained identifies the architecture of the Saratov Volga region among the diversity of architecture of the Lower Volga regions in architectural and ethnographic aspects.Value: The study of the regional architecture formation. The study of works of historians and local historians.

Устойчивый к полеганию, крупносемянный сорт сои Рысь

Resistant to lodging, large-seeded mid-early maturing soybean cultivar Rys’ was obtained as a result of individual selection in F4 from the hybrid combination Slavia × Shama SRP on differentiating back-grounds based on the characteristics of semi-determinant stem growth, large seeds, reduced response to day length, cold and frost resistance. Based on the results of variety testing 2019–2022, the soybean cultivar Rys’ exceeded the standard cultivar Vilana by 0.54 t/ha by yield. The height of plants at the latitude of Krasnodar (45°) is 90–109 cm. In optimal moisture conditions, the weight of 1000 seeds of this cultivar is 165–207 g. The new high-yielding soybean cultivar Rys’ is highly resistant to low air and soil temperatures, and also reacts poorly to nonoptimal day lengths. This allows it to be cultivated in soybean-producing farms in the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions of the Russian Federation, as well as in the republics of Central Asia and Transcaucasia at latitudes from 40 to 50°.

Очень высокорослый среднеспелый сорт сои Мамонт

A very tall, middle maturing soybean cultivar Mamont, with traits of gigantism, was obtained as a result of individual selection in F4 from the hybrid combination Vilana × Pin GD for the characteristics of tall growth (> 160 cm) of the stem, large seeds, mid-ripening and non-lodging ability. Based on the results of variety testing 2020–2022, the soybean cultivar Mamont exceeded the standard cultivar Vilana by 0.18 t/ha by yield. The height of plants at the latitude of Krasnodar (45°) is 152–174 cm. In optimal cultivation conditions for moisture supply, the weight of 1000 seeds of this cultivar is 165–195 g. The phenomenon of the gigantism in plants of the Mamont cultivar in optimal growing conditions is confirmed to be 48 % more intense daily increase in plant height, and a 71% more intense daily increase in aboveground biomass compared to these indicators for the standard cultivar Vilana. The new very tall middle maturing soybean cultivar Mamont, with traits of gigantism, is distinguished by increased responsiveness to additional moisture by increasing the traits of plant height to ultra-high, increasing the number of nodes, beans and seeds, seed size and weight, and yield. It has increased resistance of tall plants to tilting and lodging due to excessive moisture due to the increased mechanical strength of the stem. Due to its tall growth and high positive response to additional moisture supply, it is suitable for cultivation in the southern foothill and central zones of the Krasnodar region and on irrigated plot throughout the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions of the Russian Federation.

Model of winter soft wheat variety for steppe condition zone

Due to the increased aridization of the environment in the main agricultural zones of the Don, the parameters of the model of winter soft wheat varieties of intensive and semi-intensive types have been clarified. At the present stage, the potential productivity of intensive wheat at a high agrofone is 9,0-10,5 t/ha of grain, which is due to the productive stem of 660-800 ears/m2. In semi-intensive varieties on the average agrophone, the values of these indicators are respectively 7,0-7,5 t/ha and 580-620 ears/m2. The productivity of the ear, respectively, should be 1,2-1,5 g and 1,1-1,2 g and with a grain share in the cenosis of 40-45% and 36-38%, respectively. With different stress factors, the peculiarities of the formation of agroecotypes of new varieties were revealed. The selection criterion for drought-resistant productive forms was the selection of genotypes with a high yield index. However, the main trend related to productivity and adaptability in drought conditions is the creation of new genotypes with increased grain weight from the plant and from the ear. This is the most objective integrated assessment of their drought resistance. The progress in the yield growth of semi-dwarf and medium-sized wheat varieties is also due to an increase in the capacity of cenosis. as a result of the use of new parameters of the model of intensive and high-intensity genotypes, varieties of winter soft wheat Donmira, Akapella, Bogema, Bylina Dona i Pal'mira 18, Kuryanochka 19, Pafos, developed for the Central Chernozem, North Caucasus, Lower Volga, Middle Volga and Ural regions, were created and included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2019-2022. These varieties are well adapted for arid regions according to the complex of breeding and valuable traits.

Biology and ecology of <i>Forestiera neo-mexicana</i> A. Gray and prospects for use in the Lower Volga region

The issues of expanding the assortment of tree and shrub forest plantations in afforestation of arid regions are studied. Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray is an introduced and under-recognized exotic tropical plant in the agroforestry of the Volgograd region. The study site was the collection plots of the Volgograd breeding and seed production complex in the Kirovsky district forestry of Volgograd where Forestiera neo-mexicana grows. Bioecological assessment of the use of Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray shrub in landscaping and protective afforestation of the Lower Volga region was carried out. Using the methodology of phenological observations developed by the staff of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG RAS), the total seed weight, morphometric indices of fruits and the dynamics of the physiological state of the shrub were determined. The bio-ecological properties were evaluated according to five traits: drought resistance (six-point scale of Pyatnitsky S.S.), winter hardiness (seven-point scale of the MBG RAS), evaluation of flowering and fruiting intensity by the method of V.G. Kapper (five-point scale), vitality (three-point scale). According to phenological observations, Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray passes all phenological phases in climatic conditions of the Volgograd region. In bioecological evaluation of the Forrestiera properties for five traits, the plant has a high score for flowering and fruiting intensity (5 points), vitality (5 points). The plant is winter hardy (1 point) and drought tolerant (1 point). Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray can be cultivated on the areas unsuitable for general land use, on pasture lands and can be used in protective forestry.

Strand’s mouse <i>Sicista strandi </i> (Rodentia, Dipodoidea) on the southwestern periphery of its range: Genetic and environmental aspects

The position of the Sicista strandi population from the southwestern periphery of its range (the mountainous Caucasus, the vicinity of the Ekiptsoko cordon, Zol’sky district of Kabardino-Balkaria, the adjacent territory with terra typica of the species) in the species structure was investigated on the basis of a comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of a fragment of the gene of nu-clear DNA in this population and in representatives of the species from a number of localities from the Russian Plain for the first time. It was established that according to this molecular feature, the studied Caucasian population belongs to the southern grouping of the species, covering, in addition to the Caucasus, samples from the basins of the Lower (Rostov region) and Middle Don (Lugansk region) and presumably from the Lower Volga region, and differs from samples from the northern parts of the range in the Central Chernozem Zone (Kursk and Belgorod region). In the S. strandi population from the southwestern periphery of the range, a number of environmental and biological characteristics (biotopic confinement, population composition, abundance, diurnal, seasonal activity, reproduction, and nutrition) considered in a comparative aspect in connection with the genetic differentiation of the species were studied for the first time.