Semi-desert Zone Research Articles

Оценка природных и лесомелиорированных кормовых угодий в условиях полупустыни на юге России

Haphazard use of pastures has become one of the factors of disturbance of their natural vegetation. Therefore, forest reclamation works were carried out and significant areas of strip plantations of shrubs were created in the Caspian Sea region in the mid-20th century. In the arid zone of Russia, one of the most important tasks in the field of scientific provision of protective afforestation is the improvement of methods and techniques of arrangement, increasing longevity and environmental, agricultural, and utilitarian efficiency of plantations. This study aims to determine the long-term impact of afforestation on the functioning of pasture ecosystems. The influence of tree and shrub layer on biodiversity and productivity of vegetation cover of pastures was also studied. The research objects are plantations growing on the reclaimed pastures. The research is based on the materials of biomonitoring and field experiments using standard methods of forest inventory and geobotanical survey. Rectangular-shaped test plots of 0.25–0.30 ha were laid out for the study of forest plots. Test plots were used for a detailed description of the location, soil composition, time, method, and technology of plantation development, as well as a comprehensive assessment of the growth and longevity of tree and shrub crops. Data from key plots were used to study the successional processes of vegetation cover. The research results have shown that deep plowing preparation of soil to obtain high results in rooting, preservation, and growth of shrub species has an advantage over other soil preparation technologies in the semi-desert zone. It was found that the shrub layer up to 45 years old retains its productive and generative abilities. Pasture protection belts from Haloxylon aphyllum and reclamation and fodder plantations from Krascheninnikovia ceratoides and Calligonum aphyllum have a high cenosis potential and stability. In this case study, in semi-arid regions, afforestation with shrubs is the best way to improve and restore pastures. For citation: Rybashlykova L.P., Lepesko V.V. Assessment of Natural and Forest Reclaimed Forage Lands in Semi-Desert Conditions in Southern Russia. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 3, pp. 37–48. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-3-37-48

The Decrease in Lake Numbers and Areas in Central Asia Investigated Using a Landsat-Derived Water Dataset

Although Central Asia has a strong continental climate with a constant moisture deficit and low relative humidity, it is covered by thousands of lakes that are critical to the sustainability of ecosystems and human welfare in the region. Vulnerability to climate change and anthropogenic activities have contributed to dramatic inter-annual and seasonal changes of the lakes. In this study, we explored the high spatio–temporal dynamics of the lakes of Central Asia using the terraPulse™ monthly Landsat-derived surface water extent dataset from 2000 to 2015 and the HydroLAKES dataset. The results identified 9493 lakes and significant linear decreasing trends were identified for both the number (rate: −85 lakes/year, R2: 0.69) and area (rate: −1314.1 km2/year, R2: 0.84) of the lakes in Central Asia between 2000 and 2015. The decrease rate in lake area accounted for 1.41% of the total lake area. About 75% of the investigated lakes (7142 lakes), mainly located in the Kazakh steppe (especially in the north) and the Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert terrestrial ecological zones, experienced a decrease in the water area. Lakes with increasing water area were mainly distributed in the Northern Tibetan Plateau–Kunlun Mountains alpine desert and Qaidam Basin semi-desert zones in the east-south corner of Central Asia. The possible driving factors of lake decreases in Central Asia were explored for the Aral Sea and Tengiz Lake on yearly and monthly time scales. The Aral Sea showed the greatest decrease in the summer months because of increased evaporation and massive irrigation, while the largest decrease for Tengiz Lake was observed in early spring and was linked to decreasing snowmelt.

Assessing wildlife biodiversity using camera trap data on the Mongolian marmot (Marmota sibirica) colonies

The Mongolian marmot (Marmota sibirica) is a relatively large-bodied, social rodent that lives in colonies across the Mongolian steppes and parts of China and Russia. Marmots serve as ecosystem engineers that display multiple functions on the steppe environments they inhabit. Mongolian marmots experienced a >75% decline across Mongolia in the 1990s that led their listing as endangered globally. The decline of marmots likely affected other species given their importance to the ecosystems. To examine the role of marmots on vertebrate species, we set camera traps on and off marmot colony sites in the forest-steppe, steppe, and semi-desert zones of Mongolia. In total, we recorded 39 vertebrate species within 3 study areas, including 19 species in 2012 in Ikh Nart NR; 21 in 2016 in Hustai NP; and 27 in the Halzan region of Sukhbaatar in 2019. Species abundance and some diversity indices were significantly higher on colonies compared to off colony sites. Our research provides insights into how marmots create important habitats for associated fauna and demonstrates that this engineering species plays an irreplaceable role in this ecosystem. We hope that this and similar experimental approaches will allow us to better understand the biodiversity patterns in and around marmot burrows.

Influence of different agroecological conditions of southern Russia on quality indicators of raw milk

Aim. To demonstrate the high adaptive abilities of dairy cattle to various ecosystems and natural zones of the Lower Volga at different times of the year. For the study we selected farms located in the steppe and semi-desert natural zones of the Volgograd region where animals of different breeds are reared.Material and Methods. Analysis was undertaken of the main indicators of raw milk quality, amino acid composition and environmental safety. Animals of all farms studied showed fairly high indicators of milk productivity in the climatic conditions of the Volgograd region, according to the standards of the breeds investigated.Results. The content of essential amino acids in cow milk for all groups varied depending on the breed and period of the year, generally reaching maximum values in winter. The calculation of amino acid scores showed that lysine is a limiting amino acid in animals of the Holstein-Friesian breed in the summer and autumn periods of lactation. The determination of chemical elements in milk during the summer period of lactation showed that all indicators are within acceptable concentrations, including heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury).Conclusion. The research conducted confirms compliance of raw milk with standards in all farms studied for the main controlled indicators of quality and amino acid composition, content of chemical elements and allows recommendation of the milk produced for the production of all types of dairy and fermented milk products.

Анализ пространственного распределения сообществ макрозообентоса в равнинной реке полупустынной зоны

Анализ пространственного распределения сообществ макрозообентоса в равнинной реке полупустынной зоны

FEATURES OF SNOW COVER OF SEMI-DESERTS AND DRY STEPPES OF THE CASPIAN SEA ACCORDING TO SATELLITE DATA FOR THE PERIOD 2001...2020

The Snow Depth FEWS NET daily product was used to analyze snowy regime of the upper part of the River Emba basin from January 1 to April 30 for the period of 2001...2020. The Emba River basin is situated in Kazakhstan at the Eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. The area is characterized by the arid and extreme continental climate with dry-steppe and semi-desert landscapes. The population is small and the anthropogenic impact on the snow cover is minimal there. These conditions give an opportunity to identify the natural tendency in long-term changes of snow covering in semidesert zone of Kazakhstan. This paper describes the characteristics of the formation and destruction of the snow cover in the last 20 years. It was indicated that snowy regime has a trigger structure including two states; low-snowy regime and others years. It was shown that the snowy conditions are triggered. There are two modes, the first, as a low-snowy regime (up to 50 % of the entire sample) and the second mode includes other years. Significant variations of snow depth in various years masked many years’ tendencies of snow cover characteristics. But low-snowy regime was observed four times during five last years that can relate with modern decreasing snow covering in semi-desert zone of Kazakhstan.

The biological and ecological basics of Kochia prostrata introduction to culture in the Northwest Circum-Caspian semi-desert zone

The biological and ecological basics of Kochia prostrata introduction to culture in the Northwest Circum-Caspian semi-desert zone

АДАПТАЦИЯ КУРДЮЧНЫХ ОВЕЦ РАЗНЫХ ПОРОД УСЛОВИЯМ ЮГО-ВОСТОКА КАЗАХСТАНА

The indicators of live weight and measurements of body weight in fat-tailed sheep of diff erent breeds in age dynamics in the conditions of the semi-desert zone of the South-east of Kazakhstan are given. The change in these indicators in sheep of diff erent breeds in the age dynamics under the infl uence of environmental factors can be considered as one of the indicators of their adaptation to these conditions, in this case, to the conditions of the semi-desert zone of the South-East of Kazakhstan

К вопросу учета орошаемых угодий Волгоградской области с применением методов дистанционного мониторинга

Purpose: justification of the need for irrigated lands inventory and their allocation into a separate category as the main component of the agricultural landscape that forms the ecological stability and sustainability of agricultural production. Materials and methods. The research was carried out within the boundaries of Svetloyarsk district Volgograd region. The object of research is a semi-desert zone of light chestnut soils. The research was carried out using aerospace observation methods in combination with geoinformation technologies and computer modeling. As a result of computer processing and transformation of space photographs, an overview space photomap of the research region is created, on which a coordinate grid, boundaries and additional attributive information are plotted. For geoinformation analysis and implementation of data processing, the QGIS 3.12 software package was used. The images were obtained from the Sentinel-2, Landsat-8 or Landsat-7 satellites, and they make it possible to carry out the whole complex of studies related to obtaining information on the state of agricultural land. Results. The location, boundaries and actual use of 2355 plots of arable land have been determined, of which 1424 are irrigated. The features of each specific site, namely the area, minimum and maximum slope angles, elevation differences and other characteristics have been determined, which made it possible to determine the suitability of these sites for irrigation purposes more accurately. Conclusions. Clarification of the nature and intensity of the use of land plots, of which more than 60 % are irrigated, requires their detailed inventory and tracking of ongoing changes. The maximum (1071 hectares) and minimum (0.7 hectares) areas of irrigated areas, the maximum slope angle of 8.18 grade, the vertical drop up to 131 m and the configuration characterize the course of erosion processes during irrigation. The discrepancy in the areas within the boundaries of Raygorodsky rural settlement was 148.26 hectares, which reflects the real picture of the irrigated lands use and availability.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ПАСТБИЩНЫХ УГОДИЙ ПРИ СОДЕРЖАНИИ СКОТА В ЛИЧНЫХ ПОДСОБНЫХ ХОЗЯЙСТВАХ

The authors of the article consider the institutional framework for regulating the use of rangelands in rural areas for the effective maintenance of livestock on household farms. On the basis of a detailed analysis, the issues of pastures allocated for livestock grazing to personal subsidiary farms have been identified. An assessment of the pasture lands of rural settlements and standards of the maximum permissible load of grazing of agricultural animals on the area of pasture turnover for the natural-agricultural zones of the republic and types of livestock are presented. The regions with a shortage of pasture lands and high concentration of the rural population, located in the foothill-desert-steppe, foothill-desert and mountain zones, incompliance of livestock kept in households and the level of pasture provision are identified. Areas with a low load of livestock on pasture land are identified. In the desert and semi-desert zones, there is an insufficient number of livestock for effective near-village pasture rotation. The ratio of the standards of need and provision in pasture fodder in different natural and agricultural zones by species composition of livestock is shown. The degree of use of pasture lands in various forms of economy of the republic is indicated, pastures assigned to peasant (private) farms are used with full load. Non-state agricultural enterprises within the boundaries of land use have a reserve potential of unused pastures with an area of 10.4 mln ha. A formula for determining the productivity and capacity of pasture lands for organizing cattle grazing is presented. Recommendations and schemes of pasture rotation are presented to preserve the productivity of natural forage lands of near-aul territories of zonal types of pastures, to radically improve the natural-economic zoning of Kazakhstan.

Genetic Diversity of Mongolian Long-Eared Bats (Plecotus; Vespertilionidae; Chiroptera)

Most of the molecular taxonomic studies on the Eurasian long-eared bats (Plecotus) are based on mitochondrial data only, which might lead to erroneous assessment of the phylogenetic relationships. Here, the genetic divergence among the Mongolian species of Plecotus is examined using sequences of two nuclear introns (THY and ABHD11) and the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Both mitochondrial and nuclear data support the existence of three species: Plecotus ognevi, P. kozlovi, and P. turkmenicus. The status of the latter taxon was unclear, as it was previously known from a single record in Mongolia. In our study, P. turkmenicus is found to be widely distributed across the hyperarid deserts south of the Altai Mountains. In several locations, it is sympatric with P. kozlovi, the distribution of which is associated mostly with the semidesert zone, while P. ognevi occurs in the steppe and forest zones of northern Mongolia. The two desert species (P. kozlovi and P. turkmenicus) are quite similar in their morphology and ecological affinities; however, the molecular data clearly show that P. turkmenicus is highly divergent from both P. kozlovi and P. ognevi. In contrast, the mtDNA difference between the arid-dwelling P. kozlovi and the morphologically distant forest-steppe P. ognevi is low. This result demonstrates that more than one lineage of Plecotus independently developed adaptations to the arid habitats of Central Asia and suggests that the morphological similarity between P. kozlovi and P. turkmenicus is a result of convergence. The difference in mtDNA between the Mongolian and West-Central Asian populations of P. turkmenicus indicates that the former may represent a separate taxon of uncertain rank.

Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies and associated risks factors in pregnant women of northern Durango, Mexico.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). T. gondii infection in pregnancy can result in serious consequences for the developing fetus or newborn, including spontaneous abortion, hydrocephalus, and even death (1). The infection could be acquired by ingestion of food (raw or uncooked meat from infected animals), direct contact with cat feces or soil contaminated with oocysts. In 2012 Caballero-Ortega et al., (2) found an increase in the toxoplasmosis distribution in the north region (35%) finding the highest prevalence in coastal regions (67.5%) of México. There is no data historic available about this seroprevalence, specifically of the “Comarca Lagunera” of Durango State. Moreover, previous study of T. gondii seroprevalence in Durango City showed that 6.1% of pregnant woman of urban areas and 8.2% of rural areas were found positives (3). In 2018, 434 pregnant women who used the Health Services of Durango State in the “Comarca Lagunera Region” were studied with an average age of 22.2 years (± 5.95); we found four (0.92%) IgG and none (0.0%) IgM antibodies anti-T. gondii (Table I). Consumption of dried meat (OR = 16.5; 95% CI 1.7 – 161.48; p= 0.01) and sheep and goat meat (OR = 15.61; 95% CI 1.1 – 224.05; p= 0.043) were associated factors to the infection. Number and different types of pets and cats was not associated with anti-T. gondii antibodies. The “Comarca Lagunera” of Durango being a cattle zone, frequently local meat is consumed in general, representing a possible risk factor. It is particularly interesting since this study’s seroprevalence was 0.91% in a small area of Durango State, differing from the global prevalence in the State. Probably, this results could be due to Durango State having a geographical diversity, Durango capital is located in a valley, unlike the “Comarca Lagunera” region, which is a semi-desert zone with high environmental temperature (Up to 45°C), that could explain the reduced survival of oocysts which implies a subsequent investigation to this work.

The eastern boundary of the geographic range of the Pallas’ spadefoot Pelobates vespertinus (Anura, Amphibia) is limited by overwintering temperatures

We studied the relationship between the geographic distribution of the Pallas’ spadefoot (Pelobates vespertinus) and the soil temperature regime at the eastern boundary of this species’ range (south-western West Siberia and northwest Kazakhstan). This species overwinters underground, burrowing down to 1.5 m or deeper and has poor frost tolerance – it is unable to withstand temperatures below 0 °C, therefore, the temperature at its overwintering depth has to be above zero. A cartographic approach to identifying the distribution of zero isotherms was used. Winter soil temperatures at depths of 80 cm, 120 cm, 160 cm and 240 cm were plotted, based on deep soil thermometer data and the outline of the spadefoot’s range was compared with close-to-zero isotherms in deep soil. Within the range of this species, the depth of the position of zero isotherms increases eastwards: from 80 cm in European Russia, to more than 160 cm in the south-west of Western Siberia. The eastern boundary of the species’ range lies in the forest-steppe, steppe and semi-desert zones in the Tobol-Ishim interfluve and further south, on the left bank area of the Turgai River. This boundary clearly coincides with the zero isotherm, which lies here at a depth of 160 cm, forming an impermeable barrier to the spadefoot’s distribution.

Динамика влажности и влагозапасов почвы при выращивании зернового сорго в условиях Калмыкии

In the semi-desert zone of Kalmykia in 2016–2018 field experiments were conducted on growing in the unirrigated conditions of a promising grain-foraging culture – grain sorghum in three ways of basic soil treatment (drying plowing, flat-cut processing, disking). Analysis of the results of field observations of humidity and reserves of productive moisture in the soil at the depth of the root layer during vegetation allowed to justify the choice of varieties of grain sorghum and to identify the advantages of flat-cut soil treatment in saving moisture and its rational use by plants in the unirrigated conditions.

СОХРАНЕНИЕ ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА ОВЕЦ СТАВРОПОЛЬСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ ДЛЯ ЗОНЫ СУХОЙ СТЕПИ ПОВОЛЖЬЯ

In conditions of Povolzhye steppe zone development of productive qualities of Stavropol breed sheep was conducted by meat merino sheep. Experimental research was carried out in ZAO «Novaya Zhizn» in Novouzensky district of Saratov region, located in semi desert zone, bordering upon South-West Khazakhstan. The research aim was the increase and maintenance of genetic potential of Stavropol breed sheep of Povolzhye population. Working procedure is based on guidelines of the All-Union Academy of Agricultural sciences, All Union research institute of sheep and goat breeding. The study materials were Stavropol pure breed sheep and 1/8 –thoroughbred cross breed with Australian meat merino herdmates. As the result of stepped breeding of local Stavropol ewe with half bred by Australian meat merino ram- breeder of Stavropol breed animals of 1/2 ,1/4, 1/8 –blood were obtained, which then one- shear tupped by breeding «inter se». It is proved that in applying such selective method 1/8-blood by Australian meat merino sheep were characterized with higher body weight, better wool quality in contrast to Stavropol pure –breed herdmates. So, in 1/8-blood by Australian meat merino of hybrid ewe during breeding «inter se» live body at birth was higher than at pure breed herdmates for 5,56 %, during ablactation –at the age of 4 months - for 6,38 % (difference isn’t accurate). According to sharing of wool in grease, superiority of ewe of hybrid origin over pure breed was 5,6 % (Р≥0,99), but in terms of washed fiber it increases to 8,3 % (Р≥0,999). So, in dry steppe zone of Povolzhye new improved, according to its productive qualities, genotype of Stavropol breed sheep is created with retention of genetic resource that is essential economic factor for the modern maintenance of fine-wool sheep breeding field.

Possibility and Feasibility of Returning the Formerly Reclaimed Solonetz Lands to Agricultural Use: A Review

Trends of changes in the properties of solonetzic soil complexes of the dry-steppe and semidesert zones under the impact of land reclamation measures. agricultural use, and further withdrawal of reclaimed land from agricultural use were analyzed. Our own and published data were used as information sources. An expert evaluation of the modern status of reclaimed solonetzes of abandoned fields and feasibility of their return to agriculture was performed. The following reclaimed soils were considered: solonetzic agrozems (Sodic Protosalic Cambisols (Loamic, Aric, Protocalcic)), textural-carbonate agrozems (Eutric Cambisols (Loamic, Aric, Protosalic)), agrosolonetzes (Endocalcaric Luvisols (Loamic, Aric, Cutanic, Protosodic)), agrochestnut soils (Eutric Cambisols (Siltic, Aric)), and meadow-chestnut soils (Haplic Kastanozemz)). Solonetzes of abandoned fields (unmanaged fallow land) with undisturbed solonetzic (natric) horizon restore their structure and properties in a short time and become close to the virgin solonetzes. In the dry-steppe zone, reclaimed solonetzes with the destroyed natric horizon do not restore their profile in the fallow state. For a long time, they preserve the properties gained under the impact of reclamation measures.

Distribution and Trophic Associations of Herbivorous Bark Beetles of the Genus Thamnurgus Eichhoff (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in the Volga Region and in the Urals

Based on the author’s and literature data, three species of the scolytid genus Thamnurgus Eichhoff, 1864 associated with herbaceous plants are reported from the Volga Region and the Urals: Th. petzi Reitter, 1901 (= Th. rossicus Alexeev, 1957), Th. caucasicus Reitter, 1887, and Th. pegani Eggers, 1933. Two former species are widely but spottedly distributed in the native steppe and steppificated landscapes of the Volga Region and the South Urals. Thamnurgus pegani was found in 2019 in the semi-desert and desert zones of the Lower Volga area (Astrakhan Province) and is recorded from Russia for the first time. These species have different host plants: Th. petzi is associated in the region with perennial species of the genus Delphinium L. (D. aggr. cuneatum Stev. ex DC. and D. aggr. dictyocarpum DC.), Th. caucasicus appears to be mostly associated with spurges Euphorbia spp. and thistles Carduus spp., while Th. pegani is monophagous on Peganum harmala L.

Fisheries assessment spring zooplankton of some lakes in the semi-desert zone of Kazakhstan

The zooplankton survey of four lakes in the semidesert zone in the spring of 2019 showed the following. Small-sized lakes were characterized by shallowness, overgrowth, and a relatively safe water environment. With similar part of planktonts in lakes Kanaevskoe, Derevyannoe, Tumash-Nogas revealed a very low biomass. In oz. Telibai, with a minimum amount of vegetation, a sufficient layer of water column, the productivity of invertebrates was middle-class trophic, optimal for fish. Reclamation of lakes to reduce overgrowth and improve stable water availability will help to improve the composition, increase the productivity of zooplankton and use of reservoirs of the reserve Fund in the fisheries plan.

Bone items of the Neolithic site Baibek

The paper presents tools made from bones, antler and teeth from the Neolithic site Baibek, located in the semi-desert zone of the Northern Caspian Sea. The time of existence of the site dated back to the beginning of the first quarter of the VI mill. BC. Bone artifacts are of particular interest due to their discovery in a layer of sandy consistency. Bone artifacts were founded in the cultural layer of the site, in the pits, hearths and especially in the filling of the dwellings area. Special attention should be paid to the fact that different typological and functional tools can be considered as a single complex. Based on morphological, technological and functional features, the collection of artifacts was divided into 7 typological groups. The distribution of items by site area was indicated. Most of the preserved bone tools were discovered in the fill of the lower level of the dwelling, which is probably connected with better preservation of bone in the deep sediments than in the cultural layer, the upper part of which has been repeatedly previewing. Traceological analysis of the tools surface has determined the scope of their use this is treatment of skins and processing abrasives. Single examples represent fishing equipment, tools for processing stone items and antler haft. There are also decorative items made of bone and teeth pendants, piercing, and bones with ornaments.

ASTRAKHAN BREEDS SHEEP OF KAZAKHSTAN

The purpose of this work is to analyze the origin and distribution of Karakul sheep in the world and the current state of astrakhan sheep breeding in Kazakhstan. The article describes the origin of the Karakul sheep, as well as information on the creation in Kazakhstan of a new Kazakh astrakhan-fat-tail sheep of astrakhan-meat-greasy productivity. The results of a comparative study of the biological characteristics of the astrakhan breeds of sheep bred in Kazakhstan are presented. The main products for the sake of breeding astrakhan sheep breeds are unique in their color, shades and strength of the skin. A major breeding achievement of sheep farmers in Kazakhstan is the creation of Kazakh karakul-fat-tail sheep of astrakhan-meat-greasy productivity, which has no analogues in the world, well adapted to the desert and semidesert zones of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. It should be noted that the biological characteristics of astrakhan sheep breeds allow the efficient use of scarce pastures of inaccessible desert and semi-desert zones.