Soil Sections Research Articles

Study of the Composition and Distribution of Compounds in Oil-Contaminated Peat Soils of the Mamontovskoye Field (Khmao-Yugra)

Using the chromatography-mass spectrometry (CMS) method we have studied the changes in the composition of oil compounds in a vertical section of peat soil on the territory of the Mamontovskoye oilfield (KhMAO, Western Siberia) 6, 12 and 18 years after oil pollution. With an increase in the pollution period, the distribution of individual compounds in the surface layer of the soil is largely determined by time-progressing biodegradation reactions. In the underlying layers at a depth of 10–50 cm, the composition and content of oil components indicate the influence of migration processes on their differentiation.

ТҮРКІСТАН ОБЛЫСЫНЫҢ ЛАНДШАФТТАРЫНЫҢ ТОПЫРАҚ ЖАМЫЛҒЫСЫ АНТРОПОГЕНДІК ФАКТОРЛАРДЫҢ ӘСЕРІ САЛДАРЫНАН ЛАСТАНУЫ

Turkestan region is located in the south of Kazakhstan and is one of the industrially and agri-culturally developed regions of the republic. As the intensity of nature management in Turkestan region increases, pollution occurs under the influence of anthropogenic factors. Taking into account anthropogenic factors, the composition of chemical elements of the soil cover in genetic layers was studied in typical natural areas of the landscape system; and soil sections were made to determine the composition. The concentrations of chemical elements (C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Pb, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, V, Tl, Mn, and Sr) were analyzed based on the results of the analysis of samples from soil sections. The amount of chemical elements of the soil cover was determined using the Spectroscan MAX GF-2E device. The obtained data were statistically processed using the Microsoft Excel program. Chemical analysis of the soil cover (Pb, Cu, Zn, As, and Cr) showed that the chemical elements exceed the maximum allowable concentration. The results of the study are the basis for developing recommendations for solving problems related to the pollution of landscapes due to the impact of anthropogenic factors on the soil cover.

Фауна и биотопическое распределение гамазовых клещей (Acari: Mesostigmata), в гнездах береговой ласточки (Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758)) на территории Саратовской области

The basis for the article was entomological collections from the nests of the sand martins (Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758)) collected in the Saratov oblast in 2019–2022. A total of 12 colonies were examined in the Voskresensky, Krasnoarmeysky, Lysogorsky, Rivne, Engelssky and Khvalynsky districts of the Saratov oblast, as well as in the city of Saratov. Gamasid mites were collected using a Tullgren funnel for two to three hours and then identified. In each of the studied colonies, a soil section was laid and its morphological description was carried out. As a result of studies of the fauna of gamasid mites in nests, 21 species from 10 families were identified (Laelapidae, Haemogamasidae, Ascidae, Ologamasidae, Ameroseiidae, Dermanyssidae, Macrochelidae, Melicharidae, Pachylaelapidae, Rhodacaridae). The largest numbers and species diversity are characterized by colonies located in residual carbonate chernozem on limestone (12 species, 6719 specimens), the smallest in a colony located in dark chestnut soil on sand (3 species, 339 specimens). The dominant group consists of 3 species: Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese, 1887) – ectoparasite, obligate nest-dwelling mites, Stratiolaelaps miles (Berlese, 1892) and Hypoaspisella lubrica (Oudemans & Voigts, 1904) – free-living gamasid mites, facultative nest-dwelling mites.

Changes in the physical properties of fallow lands during their regeneration

The change of physical and mechanical properties of soil depending on the methods of its cultivation has been studied. The experiments were carried out in the Novosibirsk region from April to September 2023. To study the structure of the soil, a soil section was made to a depth of 0.7 meters. It was determined that the soil at the experiment plots was gray forest, the thickness of the turf layer was on average 10 cm, the depth of the humus horizon 25–27 cm, a layer of sandy loam was observed under the humus layer. Fallow land cultivation was carried out by the tillage combine AKP-2.5N with MTР-80L tractor and the working width of 1.8 meters. The working body of the AKP-2.5N was made in a form of a straight rack with a blade measuring 410 mm, in addition, a small screen was installed on the rack. The unit provides for the installation of the rollers with a size of 600 mm. To determine the operating modes of the unit, studies were carried out in the soil channel. It was found that the operating speed of the unit with installed screen should be no more than 2.22 m/s or 8 km/h. The conditions of the experiment: gray forest soil, air temperature not lower than 10 0C; air humidity no more than 70%; relative humidity of at least 18%, wind speed not higher than 2 m/s; the average length of the rut is not less than 70 m and without stones on the field. It has been concluded that the most rational way to introduce fallow gray forest soils into agricultural circulation is to treat them with AKP-2.5N units with working bodies equipped with blades. After three treatments, the content of soil particles less than 10 mm is up to 93.1%, the soil absorbs moisture faster and reduces the hardness to 15 kg/cm2, which corresponds to the hardness of the soil of the field in rotation. Equations of regularity of changes in the fractional composition of soil with a size of less than 10 mm and more than 50 mm depending on the timing and number of treatments have been obtained.

What is the most effective analytical method for quantification and identification of microplastics in contaminated soils?

The increasing concern over microplastics (MPs) contamination in agricultural soils due to excessive plastic use is a worldwide concern. The objective of this study was to determine which analytical technique is most effective for the analysis of MPs in agricultural soils. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), multispectral analysis, and X-ray diffractionwere usedto analyze sections of clay soil containing varying percentages of virgin white MPs from 0 to 100%. X-ray analysis only detected MPs at high concentrations (20%). However, NIR at 2.300nm and multispectral analysis at 395nm demonstrated greater accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing between all MPs levels. SEM revealed that MPs have an amorphous structurethat isdistinct from crystalline soil, potentially influencing their interactions with other soil constituents. These findings highlight the value of NIR and multispectral analysis in accurately identifying and measuring MPs in soil. Efficient management plans rely on increased awareness of MPs' environmental impact.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF MIRZACHOL OASIS SOILS AND THEIR CHANGES

Morphological signs of soil are one of the main indicators of soil properties. As a result of cultivation and irrigation of soils, there are great changes in its morphological characteristics. The article presents the morphological characteristics of soil sections placed in the old part of Mirzachol. In order to compare the changes in the morphological characteristics of the soil, repeated soil sections were placed in the areas where the previous soil sections were placed and studies were conducted. As a result of the increase in the duration of development and irrigation, it was noted that there were changes in the depth of the arable layer, the color of the soil, the gypsum layer, and the depth of the carbonates.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF MIRZACHOL OASIS SOILS AND THEIR CHANGES

Morphological signs of soil are one of the main indicators of soil properties. As a result of cultivation and irrigation of soils, there are great changes in its morphological characteristics. The article presents the morphological characteristics of soil sections placed in the old part of Mirzachol. In order to compare the changes in the morphological characteristics of the soil, repeated soil sections were placed in the areas where the previous soil sections were placed and studies were conducted. As a result of the increase in the duration of development and irrigation, it was noted that there were changes in the depth of the arable layer, the color of the soil, the gypsum layer, and the depth of the carbonates.

Recycled Iron Phosphates: A New Phosphorus Fertilizer for Paddy Rice.

The potential of recycled iron phosphates (FePs), e.g., vivianites (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O) and Fe(III)-rich phosphorus (P) adsorbent materials, as phosphorus fertilizer is limited by the strong interaction between Fe and P. In this study, the efficiency of FePs as P fertilizer was explored by applying them as granules or powder in flooded strongly P-fixing soils (acid and calcareous), thereby taking advantage of increased P release induced by reductive dissolution of P-bearing Fe(III) minerals. First, no P diffusion from granular FeP fertilizers into flooded soils was detectable by the diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) technique and microfocused X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) analysis of thin soil sections, in contrast to detectable P diffusion away from granules of soluble triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer. On the contrary, powdered FePs demonstrated an excellent increase in extractable P (1 mM CaCl2) in a 120-day incubation experiment in flooded soils. Second, a pot experiment was performed with rice (Oryza sativa) grown in flooded acid and calcareous soils. The fertilizer value of FePs was remarkable when dosed as powder, as it was even up to 3-fold higher than TSP in the acid soil and similar to TSP in the calcareous soil. The beneficial effect of FeP over TSP in the acid soil is attributed to the slow release of P from FePs, which allows to partly overcome P fixation. The promising results of FePs as P fertilizer applied as powders in flooded soils debunk the generally accepted idea that FePs are poor sources of P while demonstrating the importance of the timing of FeP fertilizer application.

Development of dynamic centrifuge models for measurement and visualization of deformation mechanisms in liquefiable soils

Recent advancements in geotechnical physical modeling have enabled visualization and analysis of deformation mechanisms in soil sections through the integration of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in dynamic centrifuge modeling. PIV requires a rigid wall container. In this paper, we summarize the design considerations that enable reliable measurement and visualization of soil deformation mechanisms at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder’s 400 g-ton, 5.5 m radius centrifuge facility. The primary objective of this system is to investigate the response of complex and stratigraphically variable, saturated granular soil deposits beneath shallow-founded structures, though it can also be used for other configurations that benefit from advanced visualization in the centrifuge. The setup aims to enable quantification and visualization of different deformation mechanisms, including shear, volumetric, and soil ejecta formation, near and away from structures. The paper provides detailed design considerations for the system components, including a rigid container with a transparent Perspex wall and duct seal inclusions, a linear-elastic single-degree of freedom (SDOF) structure, soil texture, a potential ground improvement technique, and a high-speed camera system. Through fully-coupled, three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element analyses, we investigate the influence of container type, domain size, and duct seal geometry on boundary effects, with consideration of nonlinearities within various soil profile configurations with and without the presence of a building model. The findings highlight the critical impact of proximity to lateral boundaries of the container on accelerations, excess pore pressures, foundation settlement, tilt, and shear strains, as well as the benefits of duct seal in reducing those boundary effects. The results also show that the extent of boundary effects on key performance measures depends on the properties of the container, soil layers, and ground motion. The simulations also show that surface ejecta potential within stratigraphic soil profiles is highly sensitive to the depth of the groundwater table and variations in soil permeability, which must be considered in designing experimental programs that investigate the development of soil ejecta.

Simulation test on shaft deformation induced by mining subsidence under similar gravity field in deep soil strata

Many shafts in China have experienced large deformations in the deep soil Strata, which has had a significant impact on mining safety. This study conducted a geotechnical model test called the seepage force model to address the deformation issues of shafts caused by mining solid mineral resources in regions with deep soil strata. This test simulated the impact of mining disturbance on shaft deformation within the soil section. The simulation utilized monitoring data from the model shaft, facilitating the determination of deflection displacements across different protection areas. The findings indicated a nearly linear relationship between the maximum horizontal displacement of the shaft and the mining coal seam thickness. The shaft protection areas within the soil section were reconfigured by modifying the movement angle from 45° to 37.6°. Consequently, the maximum horizontal displacements of the prototype shaft decreased to 73.8, 112.7, and 170.9 mm for mining coal thicknesses of 2.7, 5.3, and 8.0 m, respectively. These values represent 26%, 24.6%, and 26.7% reductions from the original design shaft displacements. When combined with the probability integral method, the simulation test results concerning the shaft protection rock pillars were exhaustively examined. This analysis paves the way for a more logical and reliable design approach for shaft protection rock pillars in areas characterized by deep soil and thin rock strata. The study findings hold immense significance in effectively mitigating and managing mining-induced subsidence disasters and ensuring the optimal design of shaft protection zones.

Soils Morphogenetic Characteristic Taking Into Account Modern Technologies in the Ganja Physiographic Region

A preliminary analysis of the work performed was made. At the desk stage, information was obtained about landscape complexes distributed on the territory of the Ganja physiographic region. 334 soil samples were collected for laboratory research. Soil sections were made along the route indicated in the figure.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ УДОБРЕНИЙ НА СИМБИОТИЧЕСКУЮ АКТИВНОСТЬ ПОСЕВОВ СОИ

The purpose of research is to establish the dependence of the applied doses of mineral fertilizers on the symbiotic activity of soybean crops in the foothill zone of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania. Objectives: to establish optimal doses of mineral fertilizers that have a positive effect on the symbiotic activity of soybean crops. Field experiments were carried out in the forest-steppe zone of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania, on lands belonging to the North Caucasus Research Institute of Mountain Foothill Agriculture of the All-Russian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The soils of this zone are represented by leached chernozems; the mechanical composition of the upper horizons of the soils under consideration is heavy loamy, silty-dusty. With depth in the profile it becomes lighter and becomes medium loamy. Chernozems leached on pebbles have a good water-resistant structure. The gross humus content is in the range of 1.56–6.30 % depending on the soil section, pH – 5.1–5.7, deeper alkaline. The objects of the study are soybean varieties Iriston and Vita. Iriston is a variety selected by IrAgro LLC, Vita is a variety selected by V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil crops. The use of various doses of fertilezers increased the number and weight of nodules; with the use of phosphorus-mineral fertilizers, better development of the symbiotic apparatus was observed. The average ASP for the studied years for the soybean variety Iriston in the control variant was 5 425 units, and with the application of phosphorus mine¬ral fertilizers (P60) it was within 11 890 units.For the Vita variety, similar indicators developed and amounted to 3 800 in the control, with the application of P60 – 7 816 units, 4 016 units more. Nitrogen consumption under control for the Iriston variety was 92.5 kg/ha, with the use of phosphorus fertile¬zer (P60) – 131.3 kg/ha. Biological productivity also increased with the use of phosphorus fertilizers for the Iriston variety by 0.57 t/ha, and for the Vita soybean variety – by 0.54 t/ha.

Revolutionizing agriculture: Unleashing the potential of AI and big data in soil health monitoring

Revolutionizing agriculture: Unleashing the potential of AI and big data in soil health monitoring In a recent interview, our editors delved into the world of soil health monitoring and the transformative role played by artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and machine learning, with Mogens H. Greve, Professor and Head of the Soil Section at the Institute of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Professor Mogens H. Greve, provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of soil science and its intersection with cutting-edge technologies in this exclusive interview with Open Access Government. The integration of soil mapping and AI Greve, an experienced soil mapping expert, has reshaped the conventional viewpoint by underscoring the pivotal role of soil mapping within the realm of AI for soil health.

Iodine in the soils of the basin of the inner runoff of the Kulunda plain

The distribution of iodine (I) was studied in two soil catenae located in the basins of the Burla and Kulunda rivers in the Altai Territory. Soil sections were laid on the main types of elementary landscapes. The first site is located on a low-lying plain in a bend of the Burla River (near the village of Burla in the Altai Territory). Three sections have been laid, revealing the following soils: Calcic Kastanozems, located in the eluvial landscape, Gleic Solonetz – was formed in the superqual landscape and Chernic Gleysols Salic. The absolute height excess between chestnut soil and meadow was 3 m, the length of the catena was 677 m. The site in the valley of the Kulunda River was located in its middle course not far from the Lower Chumanka point of the Altai Territory. It had a smaller slope, so the change of soils from the top of the hilly area to the floodplain of the Kulunda River was observed at a greater distance (the length of the catena is 1650 m). The sections are laid on Gleyic Chernozems, Gleyic Solonetz Salic and Chernic Gleysols Salic, located in landscapes similar to the first catena. The total iodine content and its water-soluble form were determined in all genetic horizons. The content of total I in soils averaged 26.4 mg/kg (ranging from 0.36 to 100 mg/kg or more), water–soluble – 0.3 mg/kg, respectively (from 0.0 to 0.9 mg/ kg). It was found that the content of total I with an average strength correlates with the content of physical clay and silt, and the absolute maxima of iodine content are confined to the illuvial horizons of salt lakes. A large amount of gross iodine was also found in meadow soils, whereas iodine is found in very small concentrations in soils of eluvial positions. The identified accumulations of I in intrazonal soils can be used to cover the iodine deficiency of zonal soils by involving them in agricultural turnover as natural hayfields and pastures.

Soil meliorative condition of the south-eastern part of the Aral sea dried bottom

The article presents materials of scientific research carried out in the south-eastern part of the former Aral Sea dried bottom. During the study, soil sections were laid using generally accepted methods in soil science. Morphological and genetic properties of soils were described, soil samples were taken for determination of granulometric composition and chemical analyses. According to the results of determination of granulometric composition the content of mechanical elements was determined. The results of chemical analyses revealed the content of cations and anions, type and degree of salinisation, as well as the reaction of the soil environment.

The Influence of Tillage Methods on the Agrophysical and Agrochemical Properties of Soils on the Example of Yernjatap Village

The research was carried out in the administrative area of Yernjatap settlement, Aragatsotn marz, Aparan region, RA. This was at an altitude of 1850 m above sea level. Soil studies were conducted on about 1 hectare of arable land. The area is located in the steppe land zone. It was planned to investigate the shallow tillage (disking) in preventing degradation processes and increasing the efficiency of cultivated land in the investigated land area. For this purpose, field and laboratory analyses were carried out to study the soil quality characteristics. Soil sections were placed at the experimental sites. The percentage of humus content, mechanical composition, amount of water-soluble salts, soil reaction (pH), and provision of macronutrients in the soil samples were given according to the depth of each soil section. As a result of using traditional and shallow soil tillage methods, the agrophysical and agrochemical properties of the studied soils were revealed.

SPECIFICITY OF FORMATION OF GENETIC NATURE OF PROFILE-DIFFERENTIATED SOILS OF THE CARPATHIAN REGION AND DIAGNOSTICS OF ELEMENTARY SOIL PROCESSES

The problems of improving the genetic diagnostics of profile-differentiated soils of the Precarpathian region on the basis of elementary soil processes as one of the most important tasks of soil science are considered. The influence of elementary soil processes on the formation of the morphological picture of the soil profile and their diagnostic criteria based on changes in the mineral part of sod-podzolic (brownish-podzolic) and brownish-podzolic soils is substantiated. It is shown that podzolisation and loessification createfavourable conditions for gley-eluviation and its fsrst phase- «bleaching», which lead to the lightening of eluvial horizons, possible destruction of the mineral part of the soil and are considered as concomitant. An assumption has been made about one of the mechanisms of formation of albeluvial leaks in the eluvial horizon of profile-differentiated soils of the Precarpathian region. The concequences of the passage and the diagnostic criteria for the separation of ashing (acid hydrolesis) leaching and gley-eluviation are presented. The indicators of loss and accumulation of silt fraction in the soil profile are analysed sn terms of the concequences of profile formation and related soil formation processes. Most of the studied sections of profile-differentiated soils of the Precarpathian region of different nomenclature and classification have similar parameters of silt loss from the upper eluvial thickness and its accumulation in the illuvium. The parameters of silt deficit in the profile and its illuvial accumulation indicate a similar intensity of the development of the profile-forming process of podzolisation in sod-podzolic (brownish-podzolic) and brownish-podzolic soils. The diagnosis ofa higher degree of podzolisation of profile-differentiated soils by the thickness of the eluvial and humus-eluvial horisons is not always consistent with the loss of silt from the eluvial layer compared to medium-podzolic soils.

Coupling electrokinetic remediation with ryegrass for the synergistic remediation of Cd and C14 alkane co-contaminated soil

Electrokinetic coupled with phytoremediation (EKPR) is an innovative technology to remediate heavy metals or petroleum hydrocarbons polluted soils. However, the feasibility and mechanism of EKPR remediation heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons co-contaminated soil are still unknown. This study evaluated the feasibility and potency of coupling EK remediation with Lolium perenne L. (ryegrass) (EKRG) in remediating the cadmium (Cd) and C14 alkane co-contaminated soil. The ryegrass biomass, Cd uptake amount, C14 alkane removal and soil bacterial community were determined for different soil sections of the EKRG treatment. Results indicated that the polarity reversal direct current electric field increased the total Cd uptake amount of ryegrass to 17.95 μg, most likely due to an increase of 41.7 % of the ryegrass shoot biomass. The ryegrass shoots, in the initial anode section of EKRG treatment, acquired an increment in biomass by 82.1 % and Cd uptake amount by 67.1 %, corresponding to 1.02 g and 7.76 μg, respectively. The EKRG treatment boosted the removal of C14 alkane in comparison with the mono-treatment of ryegrass or EK, i.e., increasing by 28.4 % and 36.5 %, respectively. Microbial community analysis suggested that the EKRG treatment promoted the relative abundances of hydrocarbons degrading bacteria, potentially responding to the enhanced removal of C14 alkane. Further, the correlation analysis showed that the removal of C14 alkane was positively correlated with the ryegrass biomass and Cd uptake amount in the EKRG treatment, which again validated that the addition of electric field benefited the remediation of Cd and the removal of C14 alkane. These results together indicated that the electric field assisted phytoremediation would be an effective approach for remediating the Cd and C14 alkane co-contaminated soils.

Phosphorus dissolution and diffusion from struvite and its impact on phosphorus availability in Acrisol and Cambisol soils

AbstractThere is a growing interest in recovering and recycling phosphorus (P) from waste streams to reduce reliance on finite and non‐renewable phosphate rock in agriculture. Struvite, derived from waste streams, has emerged as a potential alternative P fertilizer. However, its behaviour in soil remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behaviour and effectiveness of struvite as a P fertilizer in acidic Acrisol and calcareous Cambisol soils, focusing on the P dissolution from struvite, struvite P diffusion in soil and P availability. Our findings revealed that the P dissolution from struvite in solution is pH‐dependent, with the most dissolution observed at pH 4.5 and significantly less at pH 7.0 and pH 8.5. Consequently, P dissolution from struvite was more rapid in the Acrisol compared with the Cambisol. This was supported by the increased accumulation of water‐soluble P in the Acrisol and acid‐extractable P in the Cambisol within the 0–1 cm concentric soil section surrounding the struvite application site, as demonstrated in the petri dish experiment. However, the Acrisol exhibited a gradual decrease in P diffusion over time, in contrast to the Cambisol, which showed an increasing trend. This can be attributed to the stronger P fixation observed in the Acrisol. The application of struvite resulted in increased soil P availability, as determined by the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique, particularly in the Acrisol where struvite was concentrated. Furthermore, the presence of organic acids enhanced struvite P availability in both Acrisol and Cambisol soils. These findings contribute to a better understanding of struvite behaviour in different soil environments and provide valuable insights for optimizing its use as a sustainable and efficient P fertilizer.

The content of heavy metals in the gray-brown soils of the karakul pasture Karnabchul in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

This article presents the results of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA) of gray-brown soils on the content of heavy metals nickel, antimony, copper, zinc, arsenic, lead, vannadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt and aluminum of the karakul pasture Karnabchul. The dynamics of the distribution of heavy metals over the soil profile of graybrown soils is described in graphic images. The drawings depict the landscape of the karakul breeding pasture Karnabchul and the soil section of gray-brown soils.