Lowland Peat Research Articles

Insect frass as a promising remedy of increasing the fertility of agricultural land in Siberia

One of the main tasks of modern organic crop production is the search for effective environmentally friendly fertilizers. A promising approach to this problem could be the study insect frass, a product of organic processing by insects. Insect frass is obtained as secondary products from the cultivation of such economic insects as, for example, housefly (Musca domestica) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Insect frass has a high concentration of nitrogen, which was processed within the digestive tract of insects, which makes it more accessible to plants and contributes to their active distribution and development. It also has insecticidal and fungicidal properties due to its own microbiome. Insect frass can also enhance the moisture-holding capacity of the environment and be used as sorbents for petroleum products. The actual study examines the use of insect frass as a stand-alone growing medium or as one component of a finished substrate. A study was carried out and the nitrogen content in ammonium and nitrate forms, total acidity and the phytotoxicity index of insect frass in mixtures with lowland peat were measured. The study showed that insect frass has acceptable acidity for use as a substrate, as well as a high nitrogen content in two forms. At high concentrations, insect frass is a source of phytotoxic properties, therefore, when using it, it is necessary to maintain the ratio with other components of the substrate. Thus, insect frass, with normal application, can become an effective fertilizer for all household producers engaged in organic farming, where the tools for increasing productivity are seriously limited, and all useful elements taken from the soil must be replenished without the use of chemical fertilizers.

Последействие органических удобрений на урожайность картофеля в условиях Чувашской Республики

In conditions of intensive load of agricultural production on the soil, in order to reproduce soil fertility, various non-traditional organic fertilizers are studied as an alternative to chemicals. The studies were conducted in the Chuvash Republic. The experimental plot is located in the agricultural production cooperative "Slava" of the Cheboksary district. The soil of the experimental plot is light gray forest, heavy loamy on loess-like loam. Climatic conditions are favorable for growing potatoes of the Gala variety, which in 2008 was included in the State Register of Breeding Plants in the Russian Federation and recommended for cultivation in the central and northern regions of the country. It is noted that it is rational to use both sapropel and lowland peat in doses of 15 t/ha, with the joint application of azophoska 200 kg / ha, which allows you to get a high potato yield. Keywords: ORGANIC FERTILIZERS, MINERAL FERTILIZERS, NITROGEN FERTILIZERS, SOIL, POTATOES, PRODUCTIVITY

Phosphorus release from rewetted agricultural peat soils varies strongly in dependence of the phosphorus resorption capacity

Rewetting of drained agricultural lowland peat soils is followed by the risk of increased phosphorus (P) release to downstream systems, thereby challenging their restoration as nutrient sinks for years to decades. While extensive knowledge is available on P mobilization under anaerobic conditions caused by reductive (Fe(III))-oxide dissolution, the net P release to the aqueous phase (PSol) is only poorly understood due to unknown significance of P re-sorption to aluminum (Al) oxides and non-reduced Fe(III)-oxides. We therefore hypothesize that PSol is a function of the sorption capacity and P saturation of Al-oxides and non-reduced Fe(III)-oxides. A comprehensive set of 47 Danish topsoil and subsoil samples from agricultural lowlands were incubated for up to 148 days in the laboratory under anoxic and water-saturated conditions at room temperature. Oxalate-extractable Fe, Al and P (Feox, Alox and Pox) varied by three orders of magnitude, with Feox ranging between 1.8 and 1590 mmol kg−1; Alox and Pox also showed high variation with maximum contents of 883 and 153 mmol kg−1, respectively. Bicarbonate-dithionite generally extracted 2 times less Fe, Al and P (FeBD, AlBD, PBD) than oxalate. Oxalate extraction data were used to calculate the degree of P saturation (DPS) and P sorption capacity (PSC). The extent of Fe(III)-oxide reduction measured as 0.1 M HCl extractable Fe(II)HCl was well described by first-order kinetics with rate constants ranging between 0.01 and 0.3 d-1.The estimated maximum Fe(II)HCl produced (Fe(II)max) ranged between 3 and 1490 mmol Fe(II) kg−1, with Feox corresponding to Fe(II)max values very closely. For most soils almost full dissolution of the entire Feox pool was achieved within 21 days of incubation. PSol concentrations, measured in the soil solution extract, ranged between 0.05 and 5.05 mg L-1, increasing with incubation time for most of the soils. While PSol was not correlated with FeBD:PBD and Feox:Pox, DPS, total P (PT) or total Fe (FeT):PT ratio, the investigations revealed a strong reciprocal relationship between the residual sorption capacity (RSC) of the soils, i.e., PSC subtracted the Fe(III)-oxides reduced, and the PSol/Pox ratio. Moreover, the results showed low or lack of P release to the aqueous phase, even for the soil samples where all Feox pools were reduced, if the RSC of the soil was above 100 mmol kg−1. This highlights the importance of redox-stable Al-oxides to capture mobilized P from rewetted lowland peat soils.

Evaluation of the Detoxifying Ability of Humic Acids in Relation to Antibiotics

The detoxifying ability of lowland peat humic acids at 10 to 110 mg/l concentration with respect to tetracycline, doxycycline, and cefotaxime was studied by bioanalysis on Escherichia coli K-802 strain. It was confirmed that, according to sensitivity to the presence of humic substances, the studied antibiotics were ranked as follows: cefotaxime > doxycycline > tetracycline. Humic acids were found to exhibit maximum detoxifying effect against cefotaxime in the entire concentration range. It was found that detoxification with respect to cefotaxime occurs mainly due to the binding of the antibiotic into non-toxic complexes, and for doxycycline and tetracycline – due to the inherent action of humic acids on the test object with a minimal contribution to binding. Enhancement of antimicrobial effect in the presence of humic acids above 60 mg/litre for tetracycline was recorded.

Assessing the effectiveness, practicality and cost effectiveness of mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from intensively cultivated peatlands

Peatlands drained for agriculture are among the most intensive sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the land-use sector. Policy decisions on the most effective strategies to reduce GHG emissions in line with Paris Agreement goals, alongside strategies that can halt any ongoing soil and biodiversity losses, are hindered by a lack of understanding on how proposed mitigation measures are likely to be received by the farming sector. Research has identified effective GHG reduction measures, but successful on-farm adoption of these measures is contingent upon farmer perceptions of the relative practicality of implementing the measures, and the economic impact that adoption will have on the farm business. In this study, Best–Worst Scaling, a discrete choice survey method, was utilised to elicit expert (climate change, policy and biodiversity) and farmer opinion on the relative effectiveness, practicality and level of economic cost of mitigation measures that can reduce GHG emissions at the farm level. The method enabled individual mitigation measures to be ranked by effectiveness (expert opinion), practicality and economic cost (farmer opinions). There were no measures ranked as both effective and practical, or effective with low cost, but there were measures ranked by farmers as practical and low cost to implement. These included: more effective nutrient management, reduced or no tillage, the installation of buffer zones, increased fossil fuel efficiency and the optimisation of irrigation systems. The strong divergence of ‘effective’ measures on the one hand, and ‘practical’ and ‘economic’ measures on the other, highlights the major challenges involved in reducing high GHG emissions from agricultural organic soils. Resolving these challenges will require a combination of financial mechanisms to compensate farmers for higher costs and/or reduced yields, engagement and advice to support farmers in adopting changes in management practice, and agricultural innovation and adaptation to maintain overall food production and economic viability. If these challenges are overcome, more sustainable landscape management on agricultural lowland peat could make significant contributions to achieve national and international climate change targets.

GRAIN YIELD STABILITY OF SWAMP RICE LINES ACROSS SWAMPLAND AGROECOSYSTEMS IN BENGKULU PROVINCE OF INDONESIA

Multi-environment experiment undertakings in 2020 recognized the stability and adaptability of promising swamp rice genotypes on five types of swampland agroecosystems. Grain yield data recording occurred on 10 swamp rice favorable lines and two check cultivars, transplanted on swamps consisting of alluvial mud, lowland peaty, lowland peat, middle estuarine tidal, and lower estuarine tidal swamp, then subjected to a combined analysis of variance. The AMMI model employed illuminated the effects of environments on a genotype’s grain yield stability across the surroundings. Among the tested conditions, alluvial mud and lowland peat swamps showed as the most predictable environments for rice grain yield evaluation, with the former also representing a rich surrounding, whereas the latter a poor one, despite their provided weak genotype discrimination. Lowland peaty swamp was also a productive environment and conferred strong genotypic discrimination. Both middle and lower estuarine tidal swamps were less fruitful and had rationally durable genotype discrimination. Rice lines UBPR 1, UBPR 8, UPBR 2, and UBPR 4 indicated more desirable than the check cultivars (Inpara 6 and Inpara 4) for grain yield and stability across the test environments. The lines UBPR 3 and UBPR 10 enunciated desirable adaptive performance at the lowland peaty swamp.

Влияние состава торфосмесей на биохимические показатели растений мелиссы лекарственной

In the course of a model experiment, the influence of the composition of peat mixtures from sand, lowland peat and soddy-podzolic sandy loamy soil on the content of polyphenols, photosynthetic pigments, the amount of antioxidants and malondialdehyde in the leaves of lemon balm medicinal variety “Limonnyy aromat’’ was studied. It has been established that the most optimal compositions of peat mixtures for growing plants of lemon balm are compositions with the following ratios of components: 1st mixture – soil 1 part + sand 2 parts + peat 2 parts; 2nd mixture – soil 1 part + sand 3 parts + peat 1 part. When growing plants on these mixtures, there is a greater accumulation of biologically active substances (phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidants), a decrease in the content of the oxidative stress marker – malondialdehyde compared to soil and peat, as well as to a variant with a high content of peat (soil 1 part + sand 1 part + peat 3 parts). The addition of fertilizer “SOLAR UNIVERSAL – 18:18:18 + 3MgO + ME” to 1st peat mixture has proven itself well, especially at a dose of 1 mL per 50 g of substrate (fertilizer concentration 2 g/L). With the introduction of such a dose of fertilizer into peat mixture, the maximum values of the content of photosynthetic pigments and antioxidants in lemon balm leaves were noted. The above variants of peat mixtures can be recommended for use as soils for growing lemon balm both at home and on an industrial scale.

Structural Amelioration of Soils for Sustainable Land Management

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of structural soil restoration on the buffering capacities of these soils, their productivity, and the efficiency of their use as a basis for sustainable management. Based on a review of literature sources and our own experimental research, the proposed article shows the possibility of improving the buffering capacities of sod-podzolic cohesive sandy soils through the use of structural amelioration as an effective measure to protect them from degradation and ensure their resilience to climate change. The use of structural ameliorants (clay and peat) in the studied soils improves the granulometric composition, has a positive effect on the pH-buffering capacities, and contributes to optimizing the moisture capacity of soil. It was found that the efficiency of the application of structural amelioration on sod-podzolic cohesive sandy soils increases significantly with the local application method (e.g., clay in a dose of 10 t/ha or a combined application of clay in a dose of 2 t/ha with lowland peat in a dose of 3 t/ha). The largest yield increase in winter wheat (27.2%) was achieved by the local application of 2 t/ha of clay combined with peat in a dose of 3 t/ha.

Ecological impacts of the industrial revolution in a lowland raised peat bog near Manchester, NW England.

(1) Ombrotrophic peat bogs provide valuable records of environmental change on long timescales but are rarely preserved near the major centers of industrial activity. Holcroft Moss is a rare example of a stratigraphically intact lowland peat bog in NW England, which provides a valuable opportunity to trace industrial impacts on vegetation in a sensitive environmental archive close to the early industrializing cities of Manchester and Liverpool. (2) We reconstructed environmental changes at Holcroft Moss before and after the Industrial Revolution using a decadal-scale record of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, microcharcoal, peat composition (organic content and ash-free bulk density) and heavy metal content, constrained by a radiocarbon and SCP (spheroidal carbonaceous particle) chronology. We examine the relationship between abiotic and biotic environmental tracers using principal component analysis and evaluate the role of local and regional climatic and anthropogenic drivers using canonical redundancy analysis and partitioning of variation. (3) Results show significant changes in bog vegetation composition during the last 700 years. Prior to 1750 CE, climate and agro-pastoral activity (grazing and fires) were the main drivers of vegetation change. Subsequently, regional coal-fired industry contributed to major increases in atmospheric pollutants (dust, heavy metals, and acid deposition) that severely impacted vegetation, driving the decline of Sphagnum. Grasses rose to dominance in the 20th century associated especially with bog conversion and cumulative nitrogen deposition. Although atmospheric pollution significantly decreased in the post-industrial era, vegetation has not returned to pre-industrial conditions, reflecting the ongoing impact of global change drivers which pose challenges for conservation and restoration. (4) Synthesis. Paleoecological studies are needed to reveal the long-term history of vegetation degradation and to offer guidelines for restoration and conservation practices. This study reconstructs the last 700 years of a peat bog located between Manchester and Liverpool, revealing the timing and nature of vegetation changes across the trajectory of early industrialization and eventual post-industrial decline. Our study reveals the progressive dominance of regional anthropogenic forcing and highlights that the present-day vegetation does not have past analogs within the last 700 years. Conservation measures favoring the reintroduction of Sphagnum are justified in redressing the major biological legacy of the Industrial Revolution, while steps to increase Calluna should also be considered in light of its resilience to dry and fire-prone conditions.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ СТЕПЕНИ РАЗЛОЖЕНИЯ ТОРФА НА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ КОМПОЗИЦИОННЫХ ТЕПЛОИЗОЛЯЦИОННЫХ МАТЕРИАЛОВ

The paper presents the results of studies of the influence of the degree of humification of peat on the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of composite thermal insulation materials. Peat samples were taken from a deposit in Totemsky district of the Vologda region from depths of 0.5 and 2 m. Highland peat (from a depth of 0.5 m) has a low degree of decomposition - 14...16 %, lowland peat (from a depth of 2 m) has a degree of decomposition of 39 %. The physicochemical analysis of the studied peat samples was carried out. The chemical composition of the water extract and the characteristics of peat are determined by gravimetric, titrimetric, ionometric, photoelectrocolorimetric methods of analysis. The results of the analysis showed that, depending on the depth, peat has the following characteristics: the moisture content of highland peat is 41.8...42.1 %, lowland peat - 54.21...54.23 %; the content of organic substances in the highland peat is 81.72...81.75%, in the lowland peat - 88.18...88.21%; the ash content of highland peat is 18.25...18.28%, lowland peat - 11.79...11.82%. Based on peat samples, heat-insulating mixture samples were created containing: 30...50% highland peat, 25...45% lowland peat, acting as a natural heat insulator and binder; 5% undecomposed plant residues acting as a binder; 10% peat extract containing resinous and sugary fractions and 10% organosilicon polymer (OSP) brand KS-12 to increase the strength characteristics. After cooling the finished composite heat-insulating mixtures, their characteristics were studied, namely: average density (Fig. a), thermal conductivity coefficient (Fig. b), compressive strength (Fig. c) and ignition temperature (Fig. d). The research results showed that an increase in the proportion of highland peat (with a low degree of decomposition) in the mixture leads to a decrease in the average density from 238 to 229 kg/m3, a decrease in the thermal conductivity coefficient from 0.048 to 0.042 W/mK, a decrease in the compressive strength from 1.47 mPa to 1.17 mPa and a decrease in the ignition temperature from 748 to 690 °C.

STATIC REGULATIONS OF UREA (CARBAMIDE) ADSORPTION BY WET AND DRIED PEAT

The possibility and effectiveness of using a natural sorbent – peat from the Vereshchytsia-Yanivske deposit for treating agricultural wastewater with a high urea content – has been studied. The humidity and moisture content of the upland and lowland types of peat from this peatland were determined. Comparing these indicators made it possible to establish that the lowland peat has a significantly higher humidity and moisture content. The adsorption capacities of wet and dried types of peat for urea were studied and compared. The changes in urea concentration in aqueous solutions of the studied peat samples are presented by the corresponding curves. It was established that the lowland peat (dried samples) has higher sorption properties to urea when absorbed from the water environment than the upland type. In the adsorption of non-dried peat, curves were obtained, which show a gradual decrease in the concentration of urea in the solution, indicating the gradual filling of the active centres of peat with urea molecules. For pre-dried peat, rapid absorption of this pollutant is observed at the initial moments (approximately up to 10 minutes). The calculated maximum absorption capacities of dried peat species for urea show that the maximum absorption capacity of dry lowland peat is significantly higher than that of dry upland peat.

Evaluation of the efficiency of biocomposting of bottom silt deposits using different conditions of aerobic fermentation

The efficiency of biocomposting of bottom silt deposits was evaluated in laboratory conditions. The biocomposting process is reproduced taking into account the main technological parameters and using lowland peat, microbial concentrate and vermiculture as basic components. The composition of the microbial concentrate includes strains of the genera Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas spp., causing biosolubilization of a complex organomineral substrate - bottom sediments. The productive line Eisenia foetida Savigny (Lumbricidae) was used as a vermiculture. The evaluation of the efficiency of biocomposting was carried out according to agrochemical characteristics. The greatest effect on the preservation of biogens was obtained during the fermentation of bottom sediments with the participation of microbial concentrate. An increase in the content of N to 1.10%, P – to 0.54%, K – to 0.42% was achieved. The use of vermiculture caused an increase in organic matter – up to 42.1% and humus – up to 14.6%. The results of the experiment allow us to consider biocompost and vermicompost obtained using bottom sediments as a source of elements necessary for plant growth and development.

Термомодифицированная торфяная добавка для цементных систем из сырья Калининградской области

Introduction. The purpose of this work is to study the thermally modified peat additive, the use of which is scientifically justified in the works of professor N.O. Kopanitsa and her colleagues. This additive is extracted from the raw materials from the Kaliningrad region, and the authors focus on its effect on the consistency, moisture-retaining capacity of the mix, and the strength characteristics of fine-grained concrete. Materials and methods. The additive was made from lowland peat extracted from the Glushkovo quarry in the Kaliningrad region. Raw materials were subjected to thermal treatment with limited access of oxygen. Results. The authors have proven an increase in the consistency and water-retaining capacity of mixes that have 4 and 8 % additive. On the 21 day, an 9 % increase in the flexural strength of concrete specimens with the 4 and 8 % additive was registered in comparison with the benchmark specimen (5.5 MPa for the benchmark mix and 6 MPa for the 4 and 8 % additive); an increase in compression strength reached 23 % when the 8 % additive was used (40.7 and 50.2 MPa for the benchmark mix and the one that contains the 8 % additive, respectively). Conclusions. The presented results of the research show a strong potential for the improvement of physical-mechanical properties of concretes by using thermally modified peat additives made from the local raw materials extracted in the Kali­ningrad region.

The use of chicken manure, lowland peat and highland peat briquettes on the growth of Macadamia integrifolia in an arid area of Pematang Tambun Village, Simalungun Regency

The catchment area of Lake Toba continues to experience a decline in quality due to frequent fires in this area. Various recovery measures in the form of reforestation are continuously being carried out but often fail due to the difficult terrain due to the steep slope and the rapid loss of water due to gravity. The water immediately dissipates to a lower elevation leading to the lake. As a result, this condition leaves an expanse of barren area that is only overgrown with weeds. This study aimed to see whether lowland and highland peat soil can be used as a water retaining material that has the same quality as manure and to obtain the right dose of this water retaining material to support the growth of Macadamia integrifolia plants. The study was designed using 3 types of water retaining material briquettes, namely: chicken manure, lowland peat and highland peat, each of which was divided into several treatments, namely: 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 kg/plant. The difficulty of the steep terrain makes it difficult for planting actions. Therefore, the technology of making briquettes is considered to be a solution. In addition, the conversion into briquettes gives a positive value to peat where acidic peat water can be removed so that the toxic effects of peat can be reduced. The results showed that the three types of briquettes significantly increased plant growth in terms of plant height, leaf area and crown area of M. integrifolia. Although the best plant growth performance was shown by the briquette dose of 1.5 kg/plant, the dose of 0.75 kg/plant seemed to have given no significant growth when compared to a dose of 1.0-1.5 kg/plant.

Growing of the Containerized Seedlings of English Oak (Quercus robur L.) to Establish Sustainable Plantations in Forest-Steppe Ukraine

The topical issues for elaboration of new approaches to grow English oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings with the purpose to establish sustainable plantations in forest-steppe Ukraine. The goal of the research is to elaborate a technology for growing the containerized seedlings of English oak. Oaks are among the most common tree species found throughout the world. Throughout history, oaks have provided humans and wildlife with shelter, and food. However Ukrainian forests face multiple natural and anthropogenic pressures. Climate change generates a particular threat for Ukrainian forests and stability of agroforestry landscapes. This paper considers the impacts of expected climate change on vulnerability of Ukrainian forests, especially for oaks. In response to forest depletion, stricter forest management practices emerged to replant, protect and maintain forest cover and the multi-functionality of forests in terms of wood production. Even though oaks have wide ecological amplitudes of suitable growing conditions, Ukrainian forests dominated by oaks often fail to regenerate naturally. In this regard, it is necessary to increase the cultivation of crops in containers. Field germination of oak seedlings in containers with different substrate composition was identified in the case study in the conditions of Ukrainian Left-bank Forest-Steppe. The height and diameter values of the seedlings were investigated and summarized including the influence of the root ball substrate composition. We tested different compositions of the substrate containing low-land peat, which is rich in nutrients and mixtures with different ratios of soil, humus and sawdust. The advantage over the control in germination ability, survival and condition has been experimentally proved for variants with the use of peat in the substrate and, to a large extent, for the variant with the use of soil, humus and sawdust. Among tested substrates, the peat-containing variant with equal portions of dark gray wooded middle loamy soil and peat (peat:soil = 1:1) and the variant of the three-component mixture soil:humus:sawdust = 4:2:1 are the most balanced in the basic soil parameters (acidity and nutrient content). In the same time they are the best among the studied ones for the productive growing of English oak seedlings. The use of containerized planting stock allowed foresters not only to significantly extend the terms of forest planting, which is particularly topical for Ukraine, but also to increase the root-taking of planting stock up to nearly 100% in forest-cultivated areas.

Physical and mechanical properties of lightweight concrete based on gypsum binders and peat vermiculite granules

Introduction. An analysis of the literature and experimental data on the resource provision of the construction market has shown that the development of new and effective materials with improved quality parameters is an urgent task, and in the long term will serve as an impetus for the development of the building materials market. Currently, the peat industry in Russia is experiencing a serious decline in the extraction of peat raw materials, the reserves of which are practically inexhaustible. One of the possible ways to develop this industry in the Tomsk region can be the organisation of the production of competitive structural, heat-insulating and heat-insulating materials using local raw materials, namely lowland peat and vermiculite, which will improve the economic prestige of the region, create new enterprises and jobs.Materials and methods. The studies using the methods and tests set out in national standards were carried out. The measurement of the obtained material density was carried out in accordance with GOST 17177-94. The determination of the samples strength in compression and in bending was carried out in accordance with GOST 23789-2018. The determination of the moisture content percentage of the samples was carried out in accordance with GOST 23789-2018.Results. The results of the research made it possible to determine the basic requirements for the designed composition of lightweight concrete based on gypsum binders and peat vermiculite granules. The relationship between the strength characteristics and density of lightweight concrete has been studied, it has been established that at average density values in the range of 530-850 kg/m3, the resulting material meets the basic technical requirements of heat-insulating lightweight concrete (GOST 25820-2014).Discussion and conclusions. In the work, experimental studies determined the rational ratio of the components of lightweight concrete based on gypsum binder and peat vermiculite granules, at which the maximum value of their strength is achieved at a minimum average density. Based on the data obtained, it was found that in order to achieve the necessary physical and mechanical properties of lightweight concretes based on gypsum binders, the optimal size of peat-vermiculite granules should be no more than 5 mm.

Alder-induced stimulation of soil gross nitrogen turnover in a permafrost-affected peatland of Northeast China

For the prediction of permafrost nitrogen (N) climate feedbacks, a better process-based understanding of the N cycle in permafrost ecosystems is urgently needed. Therefore, we characterized and quantified soil organic matter, gross soil microbial ammonification and nitrification and soil-atmosphere exchange of nitrous oxide (N2O) of boreal permafrost ecosystems on the southern edge of the Eurasian permafrost area in situ.Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks (top 0.5 m) of tree-free lowland peatland (LP) soils exceeded those of gravel-rich upland forest (UF) soils by an order of magnitude. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed more recalcitrant organic matter at greater depth and more bioavailable organic matter substrates in upper peat horizons. In line with this result, gross ammonification and nitrification generally decreased with increasing sampling depth. Gross rates of mineral N turnover in active layers were comparable to those of temperate ecosystems. Despite substantial gross ammonification, the low nitrification:ammonification ratios and negligible soil N2O emissions depicted however a closed N cycle at UF and LP characterized by N limitation.In strong contrast, the lowland peat soils underneath alder trees (LA), being associated with diazotrophic bacteria in root nodules, showed an accelerated N turnover with very high gross rates of ammonification (3.1 g N m−2 d−1) and nitrification (0.5 g N m−2 d−1), exceeding those of UF and LP soils by an order of magnitude. This was accompanied by substantial N2O emissions comparable to temperate agricultural systems or tropical forests. The increase in gross soil microbial ammonification and nitrification was most pronounced in the rooted soil layer, where N inputs from biological N fixation almost doubled TN concentrations and halved SOC:TN ratios. The frozen ground of LA contained strongly increased ammonium concentrations that might be prone to release upon thaw via subsequent nitrification. This study shows that alder forests that further expand on permafrost-affected peatlands with global change create hot spots of soil mineral N turnover, thereby potentially enhancing permafrost N climate feedbacks via N2O emissions.

Waste-free processing of lowland peat for production of liquid organomineral fertilizers

The Tyumen Region holds extensive resources of peat, which should be considered as a raw material for the production of organic and organomineral fertilizers. The purpose of this research is the development of a waste-free technology for the production of organomineral fertilizers based on humic substances of lowland peat. The tests of three grades of organomineral fertilizer were carried out in accordance with the State Test Methodology, and soil properties were determined in accordance with the relevant state standards (GOSTs). The humic acid extraction method developed at the General Chemistry Department of the Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University produces two types of waste in a large volume: a liquid sediment mixture after separation of humic substances from peat and a supernatant solution after precipitation of humic acids. At present, a non-waste method for obtaining organic-mineral fertilizers from lowland peat has been patented. From a liquid sedimentary mixture of peat and humic substances, a peat–humic fertilizer is prepared for application to the soil. This fertilizer increases crop productivity and humus content, and reduces soil acidity. From the supernatant solution with fulvic acids, a huminomineral fertilizer is prepared for foliar feeding of plants. After centrifugation, a humic product is prepared from the gel of precipitated humic acids for pre-sowing, foliar and root feeding of plants. The products were tested on spring wheat, spring rapeseed, onion and apple trees. All products increased the yield and quality of products. The profitability of the production of three grades of organomineral (one product of each stage of production) fertilizer in comparison with the production technology of only one biostimulant is increased by 2.3 times. Currently, the procedure for their state registration is underway.

Геохімічні особливості нагромадження і міграції Стронцію в торфах Львівської області

The article is devoted to the study of geochemical characteristics of the distribution, accumulation and migration of Strontium in the lowland peats of the Lviv region, both laterally and vertically, and to identify the main factors influencing the formation of its concentrations. A significant uneven distribution of concentration, high dispersion and variability (coefficient of variation – 116.61, standard deviation – 564.11) of Sr in peats within deposits, districts and regions both with depth and area of distribution and high content indicators were established Sr relative to clarks of the lithosphere, soils, plant ash (CC relative to the lithosphere = 1.42; CC relative to soil clarks = 1.94; Сs relative to background values in the soils of Ukraine = 4.56; CK relative to clarks of terrestrial plants = 1.61). The content of Sr in the peat of the Lviv region ranges from 40–3190 mg/kg (average content 483.75 mg/kg, median content (background content) – 250 mg/kg), which is due to natural-climatic, geological, lithological, hydrogeochemical and anthropogenic factors. The features of the distribution and the degree of concentration of Sr in the peatlands of the Lvіv region are mainly influenced by the chemical-mineralogical-petrographic composition of the bedrocks of the wear area during their weathering; terrain, climatic, geomorphological, tectonic and hydrogeological conditions of the area, which determine the of the weathering processes of the rocks in the wear areas, the degree of transformation of terrigenous material in the weathering processes, the rate of accumulation of biomass and the rate of its decomposition; features of water and mineral nutrition of the peatland. High concentrations of Strontium in the peat of the Lviv region reflect the local regional processes of the concentration of the element in the mass of peat and may indicate the accumulation of Sr of both natural and anthropogenic origin in the upper layers of peat profiles.There is an enrichment of Sr in the upper intervals of deposits (0–1 m) of deposits in the northeastern part of the Lviv region (Malopoliska peat region) is observed.

Humic acids increase the resistance of wheat to progressive salinity

Salinity is one of the chief factors of soil fertility decreasing and soil degradation. The influence of lowland peat humus acids preparation on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) resistance to progressing chlorine salinity was investigated. The plants were grown in aquatic culture on Hogland nutrient mixture. The progressing salinity was created with the help of NaCl concentration from 25 to 100 mM by 25 Mm step every 14 days. Variants of permanent salinity included 75 and 100 mM. In all the variants of the experiment the plants were grown with addition of peat humus acids preparation (0,005%) or without it. In the result of the experiment it was stated that humic acids protective action is more manifested under strong stress influence, NaCl permanent concentration being 100 Mm, herewith the degree of plants salinity resistance in presence of humic acids increases 1,5-2 times. Under progressing salinity humic acids preparation protective action is observed only on the 14-th (25Mm) and 28-th (50 Mm) days after salinity beginning. Peat humic acids preparation was found to decrease Sodium accumulation in wheat shoots almost twice under progressing salinity up to 100Mm and 2,3-2,7 times in the variants of permanent salinity.