Mountain-meadow Soils Research Articles

Study on Soil Fertility Characteristics of Walnut Orchards with Different Parent Materials and Soil Types in Gyaca County, Tibet

Walnut trees on the Tibetan Plateau have sustainable and nutritious characteristics. They grow naturally without the use of any chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, the soil fertility of walnut orchards is a key factor influencing walnut yield and quality. This experiment measured and analyzed the basic soil nutrient content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), phosphorus (MBP), and leaf nutrient indicators in five types of representative walnut orchard soil parent materials in Gyaca County to clarify the fertility characteristics of different soil types and their correlations with walnut nutrients, providing a basis for the sustainable development of the plateau walnut industry. The results showed that there were significant differences in soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nutrient contents, and microbial activity among soil types with different parent materials. The comprehensive representation of available nutrient levels in the soils is as follows: gray-cinnamon soil and calcareous alluvial soil > mountain meadow soil > plateau prairie soil and brush prairie soil. The average MBC, MBN, and MBP contents in the five soils were 368.8 mg/kg, 28.4 mg/kg, and 23.6 mg/kg, respectively, and the content in the topsoil (0–20 cm) was higher than that of the subsoil (20–40 cm). The total nitrogen (PN), total phosphorus (PP), and total potassium (PK) contents in walnut leaves were found to be closely related to the soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity, among which five indicators, including soil TN, available nitrogen (AN), SOM, MBC, and slowly available potassium (SAK), had the greatest impact on leaf nutrient levels. These findings are valuable for the future management and development of walnut orchards. Therefore, for different soil parent materials and soil types, improving the soil fertility and actively applying nitrogen-rich organic fertilizers should be prioritized to improve the yield and quality of Tibetan Plateau walnuts.

Agroproduction Characteristics of Eroded Mountain Meadow Soils of Khojavend District of Azerbaijan

The purpose of the work was to determine the agricultural production characteristics of eroded mountain-meadow soils in the Khojavend district of Azerbaijan, to develop the scientific basis for the use of these soils and to eliminate the negative consequences of erosion. Descriptions were made for 5 groups of soil quality with their detailed characteristics. As recommendations for increasing productivity, it is useful to use organic and mineral fertilizers. pastures and meadows.

Subalpine Meadow Vegetation of Talish Highlands of Azerbaijan

Subalpine meadow vegetation of Talish highlands has been spread over the subalpine zone of Lankaran highlands at lawny mountain-meadow soils at the height of 1800 m to 2500 m above sea level. During the carried out ecological-geobotanical research, it has been determined 7 formation classes, 12 formation groups and 20 associations. In parallel with the study of type composition and structure of phytocenosis found in the area of investigation, it has been also determined endemic species, productivity of formations, and intensification of degradation at soil-plant coverage of some lawny subalpine meadows, decrease in abundance and productivity of forage crop. Currently, for the purpose of the improvement of natural phytocenosis productivity, crop quality, protection of their genetic reserve and landscapes, as well as the vegetation study for solution of protection problems on the base of scientific means is of a great importance.

Comparative characteristics of the meadow soils of the Crimean mountain plateaus

The results of studies of mountain-meadow soils of the Crimean Mountain plateaus (yailas) within the range of heights from 580 to 1,493 m a.s.l. are presented. The aim of the research is a comparative analysis of the full-profile soils of the mountain meadows distributed on the western and eastern parts of the Main Ridge of the Crimean Mountains and their correspondence to similar soils of nearby mountain ranges. According to the results obtained, the soils of the western yailas are classified as Phaeozems and Umbrisols, while the eastern ones are mostly classified as Chernic Phaeozems. Chernic Phaeozems differ from Phaeozems and Umbrisols by higher values of the humification rate and the optical density of humic acids. In the humus horizons of Phaeozems and Umbrisols, the average values of the of humification rate varied from 21 to 31 percent, and Chernic Phaeozems from 27 to 34 percent. The optical density varied from 12.7 to 18.7 in Phaeozems and Umbrisols, and from 22.2 to 24.2 in Chernic Phaeozems. The climatic feature of the western yailas is the predominance of winter precipitation, or their relatively uniform distribution between warm and cold seasons, while at the eastern yailas the precipitation of the warm season prevails which may be responsible for the revealed differences in soil properties.

Subalpine Grassland Vegetation of Yardimli and Astara Districts (Azerbaijan)

Subalpine grasslands of Talish highlands are common in the subalpine zone of Yardimli and Astara highlands at lawny mountain-meadow soils at the height of 1750 m to 2400 m above sea level. During the carried out ecological-geobotanical research, it has been determined 3 formation classes, 5 formation groups and 11 associations. In parallel with the study of type composition and structure of phytocenosis found in the area of investigation, it has been also determined endemic species, productivity of formations, and intensification of degradation at soil-plant coverage of some lawny subalpine grasslands, decrease in abundance and productivity of forage crop. Currently, for the purpose of the improvement of natural phytocenosis productivity, crop quality, protection of their genetic reserve and landscapes, as well as the vegetation study for solution of protection problems on the base of scientific means is of a great importance.

Ферментативная активность горно-луговых почв Крыма

The activity of enzymes (catalase, dehydrogenase, urease, and invertase) of mountain-meadow soils of the mountain plateaus of the Main Ridge of Crimea was studied. The increased enzyme activity in the surface layer of soils with a sharp decrease in the values below 40 cm. The direct dependence of the activity of enzymes on the content of organic carbon and the inverse relation-ship with hydrolytic acidity was established. The individual differences in the enrichment with enzymes of the surface layer of soils 0-10 cm and the total activity of the entire soil profile to a depth of 70 cm for the mountain-meadow soils of the Crimea have been determined. Such a high difference in the values of the Integral Indicator of Biological Condition (IIBC) indicates a sig-nificant influence not only the content and stocks of organic carbon, but also a complex of other parameters. Keywords: SOIL COVER, BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY, BIOINDICATION, ORGANIC CARBON

Refined revealing the chain path of multiple ecosystem services under diverse environmental factor gradients

A fragile karst ecosystem presents ecosystem services affected by the environment and interactions between ecosystem services. However, the ecosystem in the karst area is characterized by low environmental capacity and low resistance to force disturbance. Current research mainly focuses on the trade-off/synergy of ecosystem services in the karst area yet it lacks inductive analysis of the multiple chain path among ecosystem services. This paper quantitatively identified dominant factors influencing spatial differentiation of surface runoff, soil moisture, sediment yield, and net primary productivity (NPP) and determined the chain path. The chain paths of surface runoff–soil moisture–NPP and NPP–surface runoff–sediment yield were analyzed. The results showed that land use and soil type were the dominant factors, and chain effects of ecosystem services were diverse under the various dominant factor gradients. The mediation effects of paddy soil (97.21 %) and mountain meadow soil (55.56 %) were high, and surface runoff had a greater impact on NPP by affecting soil moisture. Among the diverse land use types, the mediation effect of surface runoff on NPP affecting sediment yield varied greatly (from 5 to 100 %). In addition, its variation trend was consistent with that of the soil moisture as the mediation variable. The mediation effect of surface runoff on construction land was the highest (99.43 %). This study provides the scientific basis for selecting more effective water and soil conservation measures by analyzing the chain relationships of multiple ecosystem services under different environmental factor gradients.

Evaluation of soil and water conservation function in the Wugong mountain meadow based on the comprehensive index method

Wugong Mountain meadow landscape is well-known both at home and abroad because of its ornamental value. Our study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the function of soil and water conservation at different altitudes of Wugong Mountain meadow soil. The hydro-physical characteristics, including the soil bulk density, porosity, water content, water holding capacity, and permeability of meadow soil at 1600 m–1900 m altitudes, were analyzed. The results showed that the mountain meadow soil's hydro-physiological characteristics and water conservation function significantly differed with altitude. However, the trend of each index did not follow the same law with altitude change. There was a decrease in bulk density of the soil from 1700 m to 1900 m, but a significant increase in porosity and water-holding capacity. Despite the higher porosity and water holding capacity found at 1600 m than at 1700 m and 1800 m, a similar bulk density was found at 1600 m as 1700 m. In addition, the bulk density in the 0–20 cm layer was lower than that in the 20–40 cm layer, while the porosity and water-holding capacity were higher. A higher sequence of soil water conservation capacity was found in soil layers 0–20 cm depth at 1900, 1600, 1800, and 1700 m; in soil layers 20–40 cm depth, it was at 1900, 1800, 1700, and 1600 m. The study found that the sequence of the comprehensive performance of soil water conservation function was at 1900, 1600, 1800, and 1700 m altitudes in the Wugong mountain meadow area. Our comprehensive study of soil water conservation capacity provides a theoretical basis for the rational use of mountain meadow resources in subtropical regions.

Comparative Assessment of the Resistance to Lead (Pb) Pollution of Forest, Forest-Steppe, Steppe, and Mountain-Meadow Soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus Regions

Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the resistance of different soils and ecosystems to Pb pollution varies greatly. In the present study, the comparative assessment of the resistance to Pb contamination in the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions was conducted. There were 10 types and subtypes of objects from the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils which were selected for this study. The laboratory modeling of the effect of chemical soil contamination with lead (II) oxide (PbO) at different concentrations, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg, were introduced into the soil to check the microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic properties of the soil after 30 days of incubation. Soil resistance to Pb stress was assessed by the degree of the decrease in the most sensitive and informative biological indicators of the soil condition. It has been found that the forest-steppe and steppe soils showed a greater resistance than that of the forest and mountain-meadow soils. The regional maximum permissible concentration (rMPC) of Pb was developed for the first time, according to the degree of violation of the ecosystem functions of the soils. The forecast maps were developed for the deterioration of the soil condition during the Pb contamination at variable concentrations in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions.

Радионуклиды в почвах высокогорных районов Северного Кавказа

The paper presents the results of studies of the activity concentration of radionuclides in the high mountainous regions of the North Caucasus (height above sea level from 1800 m to 3150 m). The control site were laid out on the Lago-Naki Plateau (Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, Republic of Adygea), Shadzhatmaz Plateau (Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia), Alania National Park (Republic of North Ossetia-Alania) and on the peaks of Cheget and Terskol (Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria). A distinctive feature of this work is the establishment of background concentrations of natural dose-forming radionuclides in the soils of high mountain areas. It is shown that for a height of 1800–2200 m and mountain meadow soils on sedimentary rocks, the background activity concentration of natural radionuclides is 20–40 Bq/kg for 226Ra and 232Th and 300–500 Bq/kg for 40K. Due to the uneven distribution of artificial 137Cs after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, it is not advisable to establish its background concentrations. It is necessary to conduct large-scale screening studies of the distribution of radiocesium in soils of high mountains to assess its distribution and identify possible spots. Keywords: NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES, 137Cs, SOIL, ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION, DISTRIBUTION

The shifts in the structure of the prokaryotic community of mountain-grassland soil under the influence of artificial larch plantations.

Creation of artificial forest plantations on a global scale is one of the ways to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on ecosystems, at the same time providing soil protection from erosion, regulation of the hydrological regime and carbon sequestration in soils of different natural and climatic zones. However, the change of the dominant plant community cause significant ecosystem changes, reflecting at the structure and functioning of the soil microbial complex as well. The shifts in prokaryotic community of the meadow soil resulting from the conversion of the native meadow (further grassland) phytocenosis to the artificial forest plantations was investigated with the use of NGS sequencing technology and metabarcoding approach–amplicon sequencing of V4 region of 16 S rRNA (performed on Illumina Miseq platform). The identified shifts in taxonomic structure and diversity may be the result of changes in the physic-chemical conditions of soils and, on the other hand, may serve as indicators of such changes. Cultivation of larch led to an increase in the diversity of the prokaryotic community and its stratification by depth. The acidifying effect of larch manifested itself in an increase in the proportion and diversity of acidobacteria, in the abundance of oligotrophic microorganisms of phyla Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and a simultaneous comparative decrease in the bacteria of Verrucomicrobia phylum, alphaproteobacteria of or. Rhizobiales and Burkholderiales. The absence of clearly expressed dominants in the prokaryotic community, as well as a significant increase in alpha-diversity indices, compared with the control plot of native mountain-meadow soil under grassland vegetation, suggests a transitional nature of the soil ecosystem of artificial forest plantations.

Современная сравнительная характеристика горно-луговых почв Азербайджана

The northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus occupies a large territory in the western part of Azerbaijan. One of the most widespread soils in Azerbaijan is mountain meadow soils. The purpose of the research is a comprehensive and comparative study of morphodiagnostic parameters, physicochemical properties and biochemical activity of natural and anthropogenically modified biogeocenosis of mountain meadow soils of the Gadabay District. Some results of many years study are described in the article. Villages like Gara Murad, Kichik, Garamurad, Saratovka and others were researched. The research was carried out on virgin soils and cultivated lands in villages. A total of 15 land plots have been allocated, some of the research results are presented in the article. Carrying out numerous agro-reclamation activities, we managed to attract uncultivated land to agriculture and obtain high-quality products. The groundwater level in these areas exceeds 2 meters, and the salinization processes are active. Comparative results from all these agro-chemical studies helped to get virgin soils into agriculture in the plains and achieve high productivity. This can be invaluable literary material for a new generation of soil scientists.

Potato breeding in mountainous and foothill areas

The work is to develop new competitive potato varieties. The studies were carried out in mountainous conditions on mountain meadow soils in a zone free from viral infection. According to the scheme of the breeding process, in the parent nursery, hybridization was carried out in 18 combinations, 16837 seeds were obtained. In the preliminary test nursery, 3 hybrids formed yields of over 50 t / ha. High yield of hybrids was also noted in the nursery of the main trial. Of the 7 hybrid offspring in the nursery of the 1st year competitive trial, 4 provided a yield higher than the standard variety. Hybrids 13.61 / 66 were isolated from 4 hybrids of the II year competitive test nursery. In the nursery of the third year competitive test, all tested hybrids formed a high yield (2.1-45.5% higher than the standard). The 10.11 / 770 hybrid has been submitted for state testing. Hybrid 10.11 / 765 (Osetinsky variety) is included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements.

Environmentally significant indicators of mountain meadow soils in Azerbaijan

The most widespread soils in the Republic of Azerbaijan are mountain-meadow soils. The aim of the research was a comprehensive and comparative study of morphodiagnostic parameters, physical and chemical properties, as well as the biochemical activity of natural and anthropogenically modified biogeocenoses of the Kedabey region. The area has unique flora and fauna. Surroundings of the villages Gara Murad, Kichik Garamurad, Saratovka and others were investigated. The research was carried out on virgin and cultivated lands in villages. The degree of mineralization of the rivers Zayamchay and Chekhrichay ranges from 140 to 430 mg. The groundwater level in these areas exceeds 2 m, salinization processes are active. A herbarium was collected and the floristic composition of natural cenoses was determined. Invertebrates were also collected and the dominant composition of the fauna of natural cenoses was determined. Of the saprophages in these biocenoses, woodlice of the genus Hemilepisthus and Armadillidium are widely used. The most intensive decomposition of the remains of cereal vegetation is observed in the soil of the coastal strip (65.9%). In the natural cenosis, the rate of destruction of saltwort and salt-tolerant grass vegetation reaches 44.3%. The main role in the destruction of plant remains is played by a group of saprphages, which actively use plant litter. The decomposing material reaches its final stage of microbiological transformation. The duration and amount of CO2 in different soil horizons were also studied. It has been established that with increasing depth, the amount of carbon dioxide decreases. The hydrolytic activity of invertase and urease enzymes in the studied soils can be assessed as very weak. Comparative results of all these agrochemical studies helped to develop virgin soils in agriculture on the plains and achieve high productivity.

ЗАКОНОМЕРНОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ МИКРОЭЛЕМЕНТНОГО СОСТАВА ПОЧВ ПОД ГОРНО-ЛУГОВОЙ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОСТЬЮ БОЛЬШОГО КАВКАЗА

Report. The purpose of the work is to identify the features of the formation of the microelement composition of soils under the mountain meadow vegetation of the Greater Caucasus based on the analysis of literary materials and the results of our own field research. Methods. The study of the microelement composition of soils under subalpine and alpine vegetation was carried out on the territory of the Teberdinsky State Biosphere Reserve. Traditional methods of soil-geochemical studies were used with the laying of soil sections, the selection of soil samples and their analysis for the content of four trace elements (Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd). Determination of trace elements was carried out by voltammetric and atomic absorption methods. The humus content was determined by the Tyurin method with wet salting, the pH of the water extract was determined potentiometrically. Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed in the Statistica 10 program. The microelement composition of soil-forming rocks was compared with the clarks of chemical elements in the upper part of the continental crust; the microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils was compared with the clarks of the soils of the world. The radial distribution of trace elements in the soil profile was analyzed. The qualitative trace element composition of soils was characterized as a sequence of decreasing the content of trace elements in the humus horizon. Results. It is established that the microelement composition of soils under the mountain-meadow vegetation of the Western Caucasus is formed under specific conditions that affect the course of soil processes. High solar insolation, low temperatures, intensive humidification throughout the year affects the features of the processes of humification, the formation of clay minerals in the soil and other products of intra-soil weathering. The predominance of acid hydrolysis processes leads to the predominant accumulation of aluminosilicates, Fe hydroxides, chelated organomineral complexes in the soil profile, which play a leading role in the binding of trace elements. The microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils under subalpine vegetation is formed with more intensive processes of humus formation and oglinivaniya. These soils are characterized by a more pronounced biogenic accumulation of Cu and Zn in the humus horizon, the illuvial nature of the Cd distribution is more pronounced. The microelement composicomposition of mountain-meadow soils under alpine and rock-scree vegetation is formed against the background of relatively weakened processes of humus formation, humus accumulation and oglinivaniya. This affects the lower intensity of biogenic accumulation of trace elements, their leaching into the lower part of the profile. Conclusions. The main regularities of the formation of the microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils are determined by the special conditions in which these soils develop. The fixation of trace elements in mountain-meadow soils occurs mainly on aluminosilicates, Fe, Mn hydroxides and chelated organomineral complexes, which largely form the silty fraction. The movement of silty particles along the soil profile leads to the redistribution of trace elements associated with them. The granulometric composition, which is an indicator of the content of the silty fraction and its distribution along the soil profile, is of great importance when characterizing the microelement composition of mountain meadow soils. The established regularities of the formation of the microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils allow us to determine the main directions of economic activity that will contribute to the preservation of their ecological state. This is, first of all, the rational use of pasture resources of mountain meadows with the introduction of a system of alternating mowing, changing the main pastures with spare ones during the year for their restoration. An important component should be monitoring changes in the trace element composition of mountain meadow soils, which will allow timely response to changes and make adjustments to the structure of the use of these soils.

Non-traditional legumes in the soil-protecting crop rotation of the mountain zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania

Mountainous and sloping lands occupy one third of the territory of our country, more than 50% in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, and are a huge reserve for increasing agricultural production. Soil and climatic conditions on the slopes of the mountains and in the intermountain valleys make it possible to grow environmentally friendly products, to heal the seeds of agricultural crops from viral diseases. Increasing the production of agricultural products is one of the most important problems of agriculture. The mountainous territory of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is an important reserve for increasing the volume of agricultural production. About forty percent of the total area of the republic is concentrated here, most of which is characterized by favorable soil and climatic conditions. The development of agrotechnical, anti-erosion measures is one of the factors of preventing erosion processes in the soil and restoring soil fertility. The research was carried out in a mountainous area on mountain-meadow soils. According to the mechanical composition, it is middle loamy. The soil contains a high level of organic matter. It is moderately provided with hydrolyzable nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, and is highly provided with potassium. Studies have shown that these soils are favorable for the cultivation of perennial non-traditional leguminous grass species-eastern galega and crown vetch and the obtaining of products with high feed rates. The greatest soil protection effect from water erosion in the crop rotation was possessed by perennial leguminous grasses cultivated on a herbage – clover with timothy, eastern galega and crown vetch, which have a coefficient of soil protection from water erosion. In the soil-protecting six-field crop rotation eastern galega and crown vetch improved the structural and aggregate composition of the soil, the water resistance of soil aggregates, density and pore volume, also they increased soil fertility.

CHANGES IN THE CONTENT OF BIOAVAILABLE HEAVY METAL COMPOUNDS IN THE SOILS OF THE CRIMEAN MOUNTAIN PLATEAUS AFTER AFFORESTATION

About 3 thousand hectares of forest stands were created on the surface of the Crimean mountain plateaus in the middle of the 20th century as a result of afforestation. Studies on the influence of these stands on the properties of mountain meadow soils (Phaeozems) showed that under the forest vegetation, the consolidation of structural aggregates, a decrease in the humus content, and an increase in acidity compared to the soils under the meadow vegetation, which could also affect other soil properties, including the mobility of some metals, were observed. The work objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the content of Pb, Mn, Cu, and Zn compounds available for biota (1 M ammonium acetate) in the soil under mountain meadows, natural beech forest, and artificial forest stands. Following the obtained results, the available Pb, Mn, and Cu compounds accumulated in the afforested mountain meadow soils relative to the adjacent mountain meadows areas. Thus, the average Pb content in the soil layer of 0–10 cm under the mountain pine stands in comparison with the soil under meadow vegetation was 1.6 times higher, Mn – 1.2 times, Cu – 1.2 times. The Pb content was 2.5 times higher, Mn – 1.5 times higher, and Cu – 1.2 times higher under the silver birch stands. The Pb content was 2.2 times higher, Mn – 2.4 times higher, and Cu – 1.5 times higher under Siberian larch stands. The Pb content was 1.9 times higher, Mn – 1.1 times higher, Cu – 1.3 times higher under the sycamore maple stands, compared to the meadow. Differences between afforested and meadow soils in the content of these elements in most cases were significant, except for the Zn content, signs of accumulation of which under artificial stands were not revealed. The Pb, Mn, and Cu content in the brown forest lessive soil (Luvisols) under the oriental beech corresponded to their concentration under the larch, and the Zn content was significantly higher compared to the soil under all species. The main reason for the increase in the mobility of some elements under tree stands is their transition from immobile forms under the influence of increased acidity of afforested soils. Wood litter due to the low content of trace elements in its composition cannot be a source of their accumulation in the topsoil.

Effects of soil moisture on priming effect of soil organic carbon in meadow in Wuyi Mountain, China.

Moisture is an important factor affecting the priming effect of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, empirical evidence for its effect in mountain meadows soil is lacking. We conducted a 126-day laboratory incubation experiment with the high altitude (2130 m) mountain meadow soil in Wuyi Mountain, by adding 13C-labelled glucose combined with controlling soil moisture (30% and 60% of field water capacity, FWC). The CO2 concentration and 13C-CO2 abundance were measured regularly to examine the differences of SOC mineralization and priming effects under different water conditions and the driving factors. Our results showed that SOC mineralization rate increased with increasing soil water content. The priming effect of meadow soil with different soil moisture showed a decreasing trend with the increases of incubation time. The priming effect in soils with low FWC soil was significantly greater than that with high FWC. At the end of incubation, the cumulative priming effect of low FWC soil was 61.4% higher than that of high FWC soil. Compared with low FWC soil, high FWC soil released more CO2 from glucose, and the ratio of cumulative primed carbon to glucose mineralization under low FWC was significantly higher than that under high FWC soil, indicating that soil microorganisms under the high FWC condition might preferentially mineralize more glucose than SOC and consequently lower priming effect. Therefore, the priming effect under high FWC was smaller than that under low FWC. There was a significant positive relationship between priming effect and microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass carbon/microbial biomass nitrogen, and NH4+-N, indicating that soil microbial biomass and composition could be changed under low FWC condition. The improved microbial "nitrogen-mining" would increase priming effect. Consequently, the decline of soil moisture of mountain meadow induced by global climate change may increase the priming effect of carbon, with consequences on carbon loss.

The current state of mountain meadow soils of subalpine pasture ecosystems of the Central Caucasus (elbrus altitudinal zonality)

Intensive recreational, agricultural and logistics land use in uplands leads to their transformation and degradation. Subalpine meadow ecosystems of Central Caucasus are traditionally used for grazing and mowing. The work determined the current state of soils on pastures (mountain meadow-steppe subalpine soil and mountain meadow subalpine soil) and the level of changes of their properties under different stages of pasture degradation were defined. The efficacy of 4-stage assessment system for evaluating the pasture degradation of grasslands dominated by Bromus variegatus M. Bieb. was shown for the assessment of soil cover condition. The reduce of estimated soil indicators and degradation of soils under pastures with maximal degradation stage (DS3) of meadow ecosystems was statistically significant.

Biological activity of mountain meadow subalpine soils of Central Caucasus

Indicators of biological activity (humic content and stock, Cmic content and stock, hydrolytic and redox enzymes activity) were measured for the first time in the upper horizons of mountain meadow subalpine soils of Central Caucasus (elbrus altitudinal zonality in Kabardino-Balkaria). The comparative assessment was performed for the biological characteristics together with soil density and acid-base properties for soils of natural and pasture ecosystems. The integral index of ecological and biological soil state (IIEBSS) was calculated to estimate the level of changes in biological activity. It was shown that pasture degradation leads to 30% decrease of IIEBSS compared to the undisturbed soil. The defined biological parameters of natural undisturbed mountain meadow soils could be used as diagnostic indicators for the ecological studies of ecosystems under anthropogenic load.