Northwest Caucasus Research Articles

Climatic Fluctuations and Sedimentation Conditions of the Turonian–Coniacian Sediments of the Northwest Caucasus

Climatic Fluctuations and Sedimentation Conditions of the Turonian–Coniacian Sediments of the Northwest Caucasus

Biological and actual grain yield of wintering oats in the conditions of the South foothill zone of the North-West Caucasus

The assessment of biological and actual grain yields, as well as the results of studying the percentage of realization of biological yields of varieties of wintering oats of various uses cultivated in soil and climatic conditions of the south foothill zone of the Northwest Caucasus, showed the advantage of grain-type varieties. For comparison, the grain yields of 2018 and 2020 were taken. with differences in the amount of precipitation during the most important period of culture development – the grain filling phase. In the conditions of the first year of research, the grain yield of wintering oats was 100–147 g/m 2 and it ranged from 288 g/m 2 (Guzeripl) to 438 g/m 2 (Oshten) in 2019–2020. Biological yield in 2018 was formed at the level of 150–245 g/m 2 . In more favorable weather conditions in 2020, the level of biological yield varied from 436 g/m 2 (Oshten) to 902 g/m 2 (Verny). For two years of research, the average value of biological yield was 293–540 g/m 2 . The number of plants was: 2018 – 100–124 pcs./m 2 , 2020 – 132–224 pcs./m 2 . Grain weight varied from 1,3 to 1,8 g (2018), in 2020 it was 2,3–4,9 g. On average, over two years, the number of plants varied from 124 pcs./m 2 (Guzeripl) to 174 pcs./m 2 (AGU 75), the grain weight was 1,9–3,2 g. Studies have found that the most highly productive varieties are Oshten, AGU 75, Mezmai. The Verny variety is distinguished by a high biological yield of grain, Oshten is characterized by the highest percentage of biological yield realization.

Distribution of trace elements in mud volcano sediments: in search of juvenile component

Researchers’ views on the causes of mud volcanism have evolved over time. In the early stages, mud volcanoes were considered common to volcanoes. Later, they began to be associated with processes in sedimentary basins, although attempts to link mud volcanism with magmatic manifestations and replenishment of juvenile components still exist. Findings of mercury, native gold, silver, sulfur, copper, iron and accessory minerals in the products of mud volcanoes in recent years allow a number of researchers to assume the existence of deep-seated flows of hydrocarbons from the mantle, and to consider mud volcanoes as a kind of degassing pipes. The results of the analysis of trace element composition of mud volcanoes sediments in different regions of the world (Kerch Peninsula, North-West Caucasus, Sakhalin, Dzhungar Basin, Andaman Islands, Cadiz Bay, Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Java) confirm the idea that in them, as in the mud volcanoes fluids (water, methane, carbon dioxide, and helium), traces of the mantle/juvenile component are not observed.

Видовая структура гельминтоценозов каменной куницы (Martes foina) и лесной куницы (Martes martes) на Северо-Западном Кавказе

The article is devoted to the study of the species structure of the helminthocenoses of the stone and forest martens, conducted from 2006 to 2022. 55 corpses of stone martens from the foothill landscape-geographical zone and 64 corpses of forest martens from the foothill and mountain zones of the North-West Caucasus were examined. The analysis of the results of the study showed that the main factor in the formation of helminthocenoses of martens in the study region is the species structure of trophic and epizootic circuits, such links are given predators, and species which play the role of intermediate, additional and reservoir hosts of parasites. During the study period, an increase in the number of parasite species in the structure of helminthocenoses of martens was noted. We associate this fact with the anthropogenic transformation of natural ecosystems and the violation of historically established biocenotic relationships, the main of which is the «parasitehost » system. The marten species living in the study region form and support 15 natural foci of helminthiasis in the North-West Caucasus, including the focus of trichinosis.

Northwest Caucasus brown soils characteristics and their suitability assessment under vineyards

Northwest Caucasus brown soils characteristics and their suitability assessment under vineyards

The influence of growth regulators on the tea quality in the foothill zone of the North-West Caucasus

Agroecological assessment of the natural resources of the Adygea allowed to identify the main factors limiting the productivity of tea plants. Such factors determine a low yield and tea quality within the zone. Tea refers as a food product; therefore, to activate productivity and improve quality indicators on plantations, it is possible to use eco-friendly cultivation technologies only, for example, processing with growth regulators, which are used in organic farming. The content of ascorbic acid, extractives and tannin in 3-leaf tea flushes was determined. The treatments with growth regulators activate the accumulation of ascorbic acid by 1.5 - 1.8 times compared to the control option (116.8 mg/g of raw mass). Moreover, the largest amount of ascorbate is synthesized in flushes treated with rokohumin (177.8 mg/g) and bombardier (207.9 mg/g). Studies have shown that when treated with growth regulators, there is a slight increase in the amount of extractives (32.1-34.9 %, in the control – 31.3 %) and tannins (21.7 % – 22.9 %, 20.4 % in the control). The calculation of the smallest significant difference showed the presence of significant differences between the experimental options and the control for all the analysed characteristics.

Mapping Asia plants: Floristic studies of the Russian Caucasus at the regional level

The Ciscaucasus and the Russian North Caucasus covers an area of approximately 258.3 sq. km (≈ 1.5% of Russia’s total area) with a length from north-east to south-west of — 350 km, and from north-west to south-east of — 1100 km. Systematic floristic studies of this area began in the 19th century, when Lipsky (1899) for the first time compiled a complete “Flora of the Caucasus…”, which numbered 4430 species. A very important source of the first half of the 20th century is “Flora Caucasica Critica” (Kuznetsov et al., 1901—1916, not finished). The most important modern sources of floristic information in this territory are the “Flora of the Caucasus” (Grossheim, 1936—1967, not finished) and “Synopsis of the Flora of the Caucasus” (Takhtadzhyan, 2003—2012, not finished). The most important macro-regional and regional floristic reviews: “Manual-key to Higher Plants of the Northwestern Caucasus and Ciscaucasia” (Kosenko, 1970), “Flora of the North Caucasus” (Galushko, 1978—1980), 3th edition of “Stavropol Flora Checklist” (Ivanov, 2005), “Flora of the Northwest Caucasus” (Zernov, 2006); "Dagestan Flora Checklist" (Murtazaliev, 2009), “Illustrated Flora of the South of the Russian Black Sea Region” (Zernov, 2013), “Vegetation Cover of Kabardino-Balkaria” (Shkhagapsoev, 2015), “Manual-key to Vascular Plants of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic” (Zernov et al., 2015). From 9 regions of the Ciscaucasus and the Russian North Caucasus, 6 have high-quality flora or synopses of flora, 1 region studied at the average level, and 2 — are problematic. In the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, floristic research focuses on invasive plants, and we do not have rich information about the Chechen Republic.

On the History of the Anglo-Russian Confrontation in the Western Caucasus

The article examines the scale and methods of the anti-Russian military-political activity of British emissaries in the Western Caucasus in the first half of the 19th century. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time in the work the intelligence activity of British “traveling” agents in the Western Caucasus is subjected to a special study, as an independent, gaining strength way of fighting in international contradictions for the Caucasus. The relevance of the topic of the proposed article seems to us indisputable due to the incompleteness of international rivalry and the eternal Eastern question. Russian Empire in the late 20s — early 30s XIX century. took possession of all legal rights to the North-West Caucasus and outlets to the Black Sea. With its confident military successes and new territorial accessions, Russia threw a serious challenge to the European powers, and especially England, the dominant power on the European continent at that time. One of the most important tasks of England is to nullify all the achievements of Russia in Turkey and prevent its consolidation in the territory of the Western Caucasus. England, adhering to the favorite method of “raking in the heat with someone else’s hands”, and in Circassia is testing its effectiveness. Since the 30s. XIX century. Numerous British agents flooded the Caucasus, turning the Circassians against Russia. The Black Sea coast of the Caucasus has become a place of uninterrupted supply of weapons to the mountaineers. As a result of the work, the author comes to the conclusion that the sources considered in the work can represent a scientific basis for confirming the involvement of Britain in anti-Russian agitation in the Western Caucasus. The uninterrupted supply of weapons to the highlanders organized by British agents helped to maintain military tension and a fighting spirit in Circassia.

Features of the formation of winter wheat yield depending on the methods of basic tillage and the level of fertilization in the conditions of the southern foothill zone of the North-West Caucasus

The research was out on low-humus heavy-duty heavy-clay merged leached chernozems in 2017–2020 in the Republic of Adygea, in the soybeans – winter wheat link of crop rotation. We studied the effect of soil cultivation techniques of varying intensity and fertilization level on the productivity of winter wheat and the agrophysical properties of the soil in its crops. The studies were carried out according to the method of the field experiment by B.A. Dospekhov. It was found that moldboard plowing was a more effective method for cultivating winter wheat, which provided additional formation of +1,18 t/ha (25,7%) of grain in comparison with double disking; sowing of winter wheat provided the maximum yield on the variants with the application of doses of Fon mineral fertilizers (N24 P104 + N5 P20) + N30 + N30, which contributed to the receipt of an additional +0,9 t/ha (18.8%) of grain. The effectiveness of the use of fertilizers for all varieties and doses of fertilizers according to the variants of the experiment was noted. Close correlations between productivity and a set of characteristics: the mass of grain from one spike; the number of grains in an ear; weight of 1000 grains; the total number of plants and productive stems were revealed. The positive effect of plowing on the structural and aggregate composition of the soil was noted. The average indices of the volumetric mass of the cultivated layer by both methods of cultivation did not exceed the optimal values of soil density for the cultivation of winter wheat (1,24–1,27 g/cm3). Productive moisture reserves were assessed as good and satisfactory. It was found that from 51,0 to 88,0% of the yield variability depended on the influence and mutual influence of the most significant elements of the yield structure (R2 is the coefficient of determination 0,88; 0,77; 0,51).

Influence of fertilizers on the productivity of tea plants in the conditions of the north-west Caucasus

The research is aimed at finding effective ways to regulate the functional state of tea plants under stress, increase in yield and its stability, preserving and improving the quality. Foliar spraying of the tea stimulated the active formation of Proline (135.1-179.2 mg/g, in the control - 122.6 mg/g) and ascorbic acid (177.8-226.5 mg/g, in the control - 131.4 mg/g) in the leaves, which indicates the inclusion of processes associated with the mechanism of nonspecific protection against stress. The optimal state of tea plants treated with fertilizers explains the more developed specific surface density of the leaf (1.44 mg/cm2, in the control -1.24 mg/cm). The developed specific surface density of the leaf was ensuring the active operation of the leaf apparatus on the experimental variants, which is expressed in a higher productivity of the leaves (1.27-1.31 g/dm2), compared to the control plants. The highest yield (about 23.05 centner per ha) was observed in the variant with foliar treatments with rokogumin, in the variant with sodium humate (31.47 centner per ha), the yield exceeded the control (26.88 centner per ha) only in 2020, which may be due to the accumulative effect.

Formation of National Autonomies in Northwest Caucasus in 1920—1924

The formation of national autonomies in the North-West Caucasus in 1920—1924 is considered. This issueis relevant for understanding the prerequisites for interethnic peace and harmony in Russian society, for the regulation of ethnic conflicts. The work is based on the paradigm of constructivism, on historical neo-institutionalism as applied to the typology of autonomies. The tendencies of the development of national-state building in the context of the formation of the USSR are revealed, the relationship of the autochthonous peoples of the North-West Caucasus (Adygs and Karachais) with the Slavic peoples is assessed. The factors that determined the features of the initial stage of the creation of the North-West Caucasus autonomies have been established. It was revealed that the party-state leadership had to solve simultaneously the tasks of restoring territorial entirety and integrating the space of the former empire. It is noted that it was necessary to raise the status of autochthonous peoples by granting them autonomy within the framework of the ethnic model of federalism and the “indigenousization” of the administrative apparatus. The causes of conflicts between ethnic groups and the authorities have been identified. It has been proved that national-state building pursued the goal of strengthening the power of the RCP (b). It is concluded that the national policy in the North-West Caucasus was carried out through a pragmatic response to the complex challenges of interethnic relations.

Effects of Polymetallic Ore Occurrences on Mercury Accumulation by Aquatic Biota in River Ecosystems

The study represents the data on metal content in the body of stoneflies Perla pallida Guerin-Meneville, 1838 (Plecoptera, Perlidae) and in muscles of the fish family Cyprinidae from the small tributaries of the Belaya River (Republic of Adygea, Northwest Caucasus) with ore mineralization of various metals including mercury. It was found that mercury (Hg) concentrations in stoneflies are corresponds to from the water basins without local Hg sources. Mercury content in stoneflies depends on season and is more intensive in early ontogenesis in winter than in the warm season. Mercury concentration in 0.01–0.72 mg/kg dry weight can cause the pathomorphological changes in the structure of organs and decrease the adaptive potential in competitive population of stoneflies, in general. The Hg concentration reached 0.09–0.69 mg/kg in the studied fish species (bleak, gudgeons, and barbels) and was similar to concentrations in stonefly larvae. This can be related with low size-weight parameters of fishes in samples as wells as with similar feeding patterns of hydrobionts.

Need for system of protection against floods and high waters in mountain and foothill rivers of the Caucasus

The article presents findings on the estimation of fast-forming floods parameters and hydrological forecasts for short-term changes in water content in the foothill and mountain rivers of southern Russia as exemplified by the Krasnodar Krai. The research aims to provide economic facilities and population with better protection against rapidly forming mixed-origin floods. The need to develop a system of protection against floods and high waters on the mountain and foothill rivers of the Caucasus are considered. The floods in the Tuapse region in October 2010, Krymsk in July 2012, Novomikhaylovsky in August 2012 are taken as an example. The causes of floods and high waters on rivers are different. Precipitation is the main and dominant source of floods and high waters (exclusive of natural and anthropogenic discharge breakthrough floods) in river basins. The North-West Caucasus territory and especially its Black Sea coast is distinguished by rain floods at any time of the year. The main reason for floods is rainfall with an intensity of minimum 50-100 mm/day. Considering that 1 mm of precipitation causes the fallout of 1 liter of water over 1 m2 of the earth’s surface, this amount of precipitation is equivalent to the flow of 50-100 liters of water per 1 m2 of mountain slopes. The surface of the slopes cannot immediately absorb and hold such an amount of water, and it rushes down into the rivers’ and streams’ beds. An increase in water content leads to a sharp rise in the water level and flooding of the territories adjacent to the river.

Linking Vegetation, Soil Carbon Stocks, and Earthworms in Upland Coniferous–Broadleaf Forests

Linking vegetation, soil biota, and soil carbon stocks in forests has a high predictive value. The specific aim of this study was to identify the relationships between vegetation, earthworms, and soil carbon stocks in nine types of forests dominating autonomous landscape positions in a coniferous–broadleaf forest zone of the European part of Russia. Mountain forests were selected in the Northwest Caucasus, while plain forests were selected in Bryansk Polesie and on the Moskva-Oka plain. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and v-tests were used to assess the impact of different factors on soil C stocks. To assess the contribution of vegetation, litter quality, and earthworms to variation of carbon stocks in organic (FH-layer) and mineral layer (0–50 cm), the method of hierarchical partitioning was performed. The highest C stocks in the organic horizons were associated with the low-quality litter, i.e., with a low base saturation, high acidity, and wide C/N ratio. The highest soil C stocks in the mineral layers were found in mixed forests with the highest richness of plant species, producing litterfall of different quality. The C stock in the organic horizon was negatively related to the biomass of worms that process the litter, while the carbon stock in the mineral layers was positively related to the biomass of worms whose life activity is related to the mineral layers. These findings demonstrated the substantial influence of plants producing a litter of different quality, and of earthworms, belonging to different functional groups, on soil C stocks in coniferous–broadleaf forests.

Soil microbial activity along an altitudinal gradient: Vegetation as a main driver beyond topographic and edaphic factors

An altitudinal gradient in the mountains constitutes a unique ‘open-lab’ to examine environmental hypotheses and analyse the expected effects of global warming. The distribution of carbon (C)-, nitrogen (N)-, and phosphorus (P)-acquiring enzyme activity, microbial catabolic activity as represented by a community-level physiological profile (CLPP), and microbial functional diversity (HCLPP) within mountainous ecosystems consisting of mixed, fir and deciduous forests, as well as subalpine and alpine meadows (1260–2480 m a.s.l., Mt. Tkachiha, the Northwest Caucasus, Russia) has been studied. Concerning potential drivers, vegetation (plant projective cover, plant functional group composition, plant richness and diversity) and edaphic (soil nutrients: total and available C and N, total P, pH, texture, temperature, microbial biomass C) and topographic (elevation, slope, mean annual temperature calculated using biannual monitoring data) properties have been considered. The distribution patterns of the studied hydrolytic enzymes along an altitudinal gradient cannot be explained solely by elevation change and soil nutrient content. The activity of soil leucine aminopeptidase depends on vegetation type and graminoid abundance. β-D-glucosidase activity was mainly driven by the quality of soil organic matter (SOM), demonstrating a significant relation with the soil C:N ratio. The chitinase and phosphatase turned out soil temperature-sensitive enzymes. The CLPP depends on the available N content in the soil. The HCLPP distribution with altitude was driven by available N and forbs abundance represented by the widest spectrum of plant families and species. An altitudinal gradient determines the spread of the vegetation zone. In turn, vegetation properties, such as plant functional group composition, species richness and diversity, play a significant role in the distribution of soil microbial activity along an altitudinal gradient that controls the decomposition of SOM and nutrient cycling. Thus, the significant role of vegetation in the distribution of soil microbial activity across a wide range of natural ecosystems and in consideration of topographic and edaphic factors has been demonstrated.

Some aspects of winter wheat productivity

The article presents studies carried out in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 in the southern foothill zone of the North-West Caucasus in the fields of the selection and primary seed produc- tion department of the Adygh Research Institute of Agriculture. The aim was to study the actual, biological or potential yield of winter soft wheat varieties cultivated in the region, as well as the ratio of the mass of the grain part and the harvested straw - the yield index. The studied varieties were divided into groups according to plant height: semi-dwarfs (up to 90 cm), short-stemmed (up to 105 cm), medium-sized (up to 120 cm). According to the results of the studies carried out, differences in the studied characteristics were revealed. In the group of semi-dwarf varieties, the grain yield varied from 7,25 to 8,05 t/ha, short-stemmed 7,78–8,91 t/ha, medium-sized 7,34–9,60 t/ha. The highest grain yield was shown by the Vekha variety (9,60 t/ha) belonging to the group of medium-sized varieties, from the short-stemmed Maikopchanka varieties (8,91 t/ha) stood out, Kalym semi-dwarf varieties (8,05 t/ha). The biological yield in the experiment varied from 9,37 to 15,29 t/ha. From semi-dwarf varieties, Grom stood out (14,06 t/ha), short-stemmed varieties – Mafe (10,8 t/ha), medium-sized varieties – Vekha (15,29 t/ha). The difference between the actual and biological grain yield of varieties belonging to the short-stem group was the smallest in comparison with the varieties of the semi-dwarf and medium-grown group. On average, over two years of research, the harvesting index was 46,9–53,2%. Semi-dwarf winter wheat varieties had the maximum value of this indicator. In the group of short-stemmed Grom and Graf varieties, the ratio of the mass of the grain part to the harvested straw varied from 46,8% (Velena) to 50,5% (Alekseich). The harvesting index for medium-sized varieties was at the level of 46,9–51,8%. The Vekha variety, which showed the maximum value, stood out from this group.

Brave Deeds of the Highlanders of the North-Western Caucasus in the Partisan Movement on the Territory of Belarus

The aim of this study is to highlight the heroic exploits of the highlanders of the North-West Caucasus in the partisan movement in Belarus on the basis of available literature and archives. The methodological basis of the research uses the principles of historicism and objectivity, general scientific methods of scientific knowledge, and special methods of historical research such as comparative-historical and causal analyses of relations between historical events, system method, and method of typology and comparison. The study notes that the highlanders of the North Caucasus made a significant contribution to the process of organizing a partisan war on the territory of Belarus.

Sosruco Rockshelter: revision of materials of the excavation by S.N. Zamiatnin and the Upper Horizons Radiocarbon Chronology

The new radiocarbon dates were obtained from samples of the collections from the excavations by S.N. Zamyatnin in 1955–1957 of the Sosruko Rockshelter in the Elbrus region. The Sosruko Rockshelter is a multi-layered site containing cultural horizons of the Iron Age, Mesolithic and Late Upper Palaeolithic. Clear stratigraphy of the Stone Age layers and representative collections were used to create periodization schemes of the development and change of the lithic industries of the late Pleistocene — early Holocene of the Caucasus. But the lack of radiocarbon dating did not allow determining their absolute age. Three samples of faunal remains of layers M1, M2 and M3 were analyzed. Obtained four radiocarbon AMS dates are in agreement not only with the sequence of deposits in the Rockshelter, but also with the data obtained for similar typological collections of the North-West Caucasus synchronous sites.

Distribution of epi-endogeic and endogeic earthworm species (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) in the forest belt of the Northwest Caucasus.

The distribution of the often dominant in density and biomass epi-endogeic and endogeic earthworm species in forests of the Northwest Caucasus was estimated based on a large array of field data and GIS modeling of modern potential areas. Quantitative accountings of earthworms were conducted annually from 2014 to 2019 in different types of forests: sticky alder forest, small-leaved forests, broadleaf forests (hornbeam and beech forests), coniferous-deciduous forests, dark coniferous forests, and pine forests (792 geographic locations). It is shown that the native species of the Caucasian fauna dominate in the number and biomass from piedmont to high mountain forests. The most widespread species that is found in all types of forests from low to high mountains and makes the main contribution to the biomass of earthworms is the Crimean-Caucasian subendemic Dendrobaena schmidti. Peregrine species of epi-endogeic and endogeic earthworms inhabit sticky alder forest, small-leaved, broadleaf and pine forests in which they inhabit together with native species, while not dominating either in numbers or in biomass among other species. Dark coniferous forests are inhabited mainly by the native endogeic species D. schmidti and A. jassyensis. Maxent modeling shows that the species of the endogeic earthworm group have wider potential areas than epi-endogeic species. The most significant bioclimatic factors that make the greatest contribution to the distribution: amount of precipitation in the driest month, altitude above the sea level, isothermality.

IMPACT OF EARTHWORMS OF DIFFERENT MORPHO-ECOLOGICAL GROUPS ON CARBON ACCUMULATION IN FOREST SOILS

To date, forest ecology has not made any clear conclusions regarding the impact of large saprophagous invertebrates such as earthworms on soil carbon dynamics. Some authors claim that earthworm activities result in decreased carbon accumulation. Other studies show that earthworms contribute to soil carbon accumulation. At the same time, many studies do not take into account the differences between trophic and digging activity of different morpho-ecological groups of earthworms in different soil horizons. The objective of this study was to carry out differentiated assessment of the impact of different morpho-ecological groups of earthworms on carbon accumulation and correspondent soil parameters (nitrogen content and С/N ratio) throughout the change in forest succession status. Field operations were performed in the spring and summer of 2016 and 2018 in three regions: Bryansk Oblast (Bryansk Forest reserve), Moscow Oblast (Moskva–Oka plain, Valuyevsky urban forest) and Northwest Caucasus (Krasnodar Krai, Apsheron forestry; Republic of Adygeya, Caucasian Biosphere Reserve). Three main stages of coniferous-broadleaf forest restoration after clear cuttings were identified in each region. Three test plots 50х50 m were allocated for each stage; geobotanical and soil descriptions as well as earthworm registration were carried out on each plot. It was found out that during the change in forest succession status the species composition and the set of morpho-ecological groups of earthworms became more complicated, but there was no successive replacement of any groups with others. Ambiguous effects of different morpho-ecological groups of earthworms on carbon accumulation in forest soils were revealed. Negative correlation was found between the total biomass of earthworms feeding on the soil surface (epigeic, epi-endogeic and anecic species) and litter store. In the humus horizon, the biomass of epi-endogeic species was positively correlated with the content of carbon. C/N ratio and nitrogen content are unidirectionally correlated with the biomass of earthworms in the horizons of their activity: with an increase in the biomass of earthworms of different morpho-ecological groups, the C/N ratio decreases, and the nitrogen content increases.