Slope Exposure Research Articles

Zoning of the territory on the basis of morphometric analysis of basin geosystems

The problem of creating a geographic spatial database of morphometric indicators based on the basin approach for several rivers in the Krasnoyarsk region is considered. The division of the territory into catchment basins is carried out in a hierarchical system, up to the river tributaries of the 4-th order. The initial data for the construction of watersheds was a MERIT DEM Hydro digital relief model, vector data on the hydrographic network from A.P. Karpinsky All-Russian Research Geological Institute (VSEGEI) and Roscartography (Federal Agency of Geodesy and Cartography). In the process of data processing methods and algorithms of spatial analysis of relief and hydrological modeling, implemented in GIS software Whitebox GAT, QGIS and ArcGIS, were used. The main morphometric characteristics of the relief are calculated: slope, exposure of slopes; with the help of zone statistics for basins, the average values of these characteristics, the main statistics are calculated. We consider this work as the first stage in the creation of information support for the tasks of land use analysis, assessment of the natural resource potential of the region.

Landscape Inversion of the Southwestern Coast of the Sea of Okhotsk

We examine the landscape structural features of the Mukhtel lowland and the mountains surrounding it on the southwestern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. An analysis is made of the main formation factors for modern landscapes and for the structure of vegetation as the main indicator of its spatial organization. The influence of the landscape inversion is determined, which manifests itself in the formation of extensive swamps (mari) within the lowland and forest natural complexes in the lower parts of the slopes of the surrounding mountain ranges. The landscapes of hummocky-swale swamps with subarctic components of the flora in the areas of permafrost stretching along the shore of St. Nicholas Bay (Bugristaya Mar’ stow) and landscapes of abrasion-denudation ledges similar in natural conditions to the landscapes of the mountain tundra in the northern part of the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk have been identified. The description is provided for the altitudinal zonality of landscapes of low mountains and azonal landscapes of river valleys and coastal-marine accumulative landforms. A rare (for the Okhotsk Sea region) combination of diverse landscapes is observed in a small area s well as a sharp difference between plain and low-mountain natural complexes. Characteristic features of the distribution of elementary landscapes depending on the exposure of slopes, topography and soil composition were revealed. The 1:250 000 landscape map has been compiled on the basis of a conjugate analysis of thematic maps displaying the topography, soils and vegetation cover.

Методика геоинформационного картографирования природно-рекреационных ресурсов Северного Кавказа для развития туризма

The relationship of natural components with the organization of tourism as a type of economic activity is shown. Recommendations are formulated on the selection of indicators of natural components to be assessed when planning the organization of recreational activities. The assessment of natural resources by the methods of constructing mathematical-cartographic models. Evaluation of each parameter was both functional and aesthetic parameters. The biological diversity of vegetation was calculated by identifying polygon heights and slope exposures according to SRTM data. The relief analysis was carried out according to two parameters: absolute altitudes above sea level and the nature of dissection. The calculation of the absolute heights is prepared by the method of constructing a cartogram by analyzing the quantitative value of points. The calculation of the terrain relief is prepared by the method of constructing a cartogram by calculating the sum of the distances of isolines in the polygon. Cartograms of the density of the river network, the area and the number of water bodies were constructed. The numerical data of the natural components forming the recreational potential of the territory are obtained. An integral assessment of the North Caucasus on the availability and use of natural and recreational resources by adding the numerical values of the individual components in the aisles of the minimum territorial unit is carried out. As a result of the work by geoinformation methods, the zones of the greatest and smallest concentration of natural resources for the organization of tourist activity were determined. In the Western Caucasus, the zones of the highest concentration of natural resources (4, 5 points) for the organization of tourism are located within the Black Sea and Azov coasts in the Greater Sochi region, as well as the southern tip of the Republic of Adygea located on the spurs of a rocky ridge. The lowest mark (1, 2 points) was received by the northern regions of the Krasnodar Territory, located in the steppe, forest-steppe zones, subject to agricultural development and extensive land cultivation. Within the Central Caucasus, the zones with the highest rating are located in the foothills of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, in the mid-mountain areas within the Lateral and Rocky Ranges. On the territory of the Eastern Caucasus, zones with a rating of 4, 5 points are located within the Bogos and Samur ranges. Broad-leaved forests prevail on this territory, turning into subalpine meadows with rich species diversity.

СПЕКТРАЛЬНЫЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ТУНДРОВЫХ И ЛЕСОТУНДРОВЫХ ЛАНДШАФТОВ В ГОДЫ ЛЕТНИХ ТЕМПЕРАТУРНЫХ АНОМАЛИЙ

The warming at high latitudes, remaining in recent years, has a direct impact on arctic and subarctic landscapes. Possible changes of this landscapes under the climate warming are closely related with regulatory mechanisms for the underlying surface temperature. The circumstances of forming radiation and evapotranspirational regulatory mechanisms for the surface temperature were explored for tundra (from arctic to southern) and forest tundra landscapes of Novaya Zemlya and Western Siberia. The MODIS data of surface spectral characteristics were used, and more specifically albedo (Al) and surface temperature (Ts) for July 2000-2019. The work shows that the radiation regulatory mechanism of the surface temperature is dominated in glacial and polar desert landscapes of Arctic and Subarctic with a predominance of stony and rubble types of surfaces with lichens. At the same time, radiative surface temperature control mechanism in mountain and arctic tundra of Novaya Zemlya almost does not depend on weather anomalies and so far has a little implication for the temperature trend. In the mainland and forest tundra, the evapotranspirational regulatory mechanism for the surface temperature starts to prevail. This is supported by the increasing of monthly average air temperatures to 15-16°С, which is beneficial to the vegetation diversity. In subzones of the southern and forest tundra, the connection of albedo and surface temperature depends on altitudes, slope exposure and especially on extreme temperature anomalies. In basins, or hydromorphic complexes, in cold years against the backdrop of wetlands the regulatory mechanism for the surface temperature prevails, and in warm years the humidity decreasing leads to the highest vegetation development and the connection type can turn into the evapotranspirational one. On the high grounds the return process is observed, which is also connected with the changes in humidification conditions. In forest tundra, where the air temperature rises and the canopy height increases, the evapotranspirational mechanism of spectral parameters Al–Ts connections is weakening. As a result, in southern and forest tundra two balanced steady states of the connection types of surface spectral characteristics can exist in relation to lighting conditions and temperature anomalies.

Динамика агроэкологического состояния чернозема типичного под лесополосами в зависимости от местоположения в рельефе (Курская область, Россия)

Features of fertility dynamics indicators of typical chernozem determining agroecological state soil under these ecosystems are established under differentage forest shelter belts located on various slope exposures on the territory of the experimental field of All-Russia Research Institute of Arable Farming and Soil Erosion Control (Kursk Region, Medvensky District). The study period was 16 years, the age of the forest shelter belts is 20 and 36 years. It is found out that longterm growth of woody plants on typical chernozem results in an increase in its fertility. Moreover, there is the variation of soil properties differs in intensity in forest shelter belts that differ by location in the relief. In all forest shelter belts, regardless of the location in the relief, there is an improvement in the agrophysical state of the soil, an increase in the content of humus, mobile humus substances, mobile potassium, and phosphorus. However, the intensity of changes varies depending on the exposure of the forest shelter belt on the slope. So, on the southern slope there was a maximum increase in the content of humus, mobile phosphorus, exchange bases, and water-flow aggregates. In the soil of the watershed plateau, there was a significant increase in the content of humus, the degree of humification, mobile humus substances, but their qualitative composition and content of agronomically valuable aggregates have not changed. On the northern slope, there was the maximum increase in the criterion of water resistance of soil. With increasing age of forest belts, the aboveground herbaceous phytomass increases with an increase in its share of green biomass and the amount of accumulated litter decreases. The highest phytomass productivity was in the offshore forest belt of the southern slope. Studies have shown that long-term growth of forest shelter belts improves the agroecological state of the soil, regardless of their position in the terrain, which contributes to an increase in the ecological potential of the agricultural landscape. A correct understanding of the direction of changes in the agroecological state of the soil will optimize the structure and functioning of the agricultural landscape.

ПАЛЕОГЕОГРАФИЯ САРТАНСКОГО ОЛЕДЕНЕНИЯ ПАТОМСКОГО И СЕВЕРО-БАЙКАЛЬСКОГО НАГОРИЙ

The article presents the results of the reconstruction of the spatial boundaries and parameters of glaciers for the isolated mountain structures of the Patomsky and North Baikal uplands in the era of the Last Glaciation (MIS 2) with the construction of a paleogeographic map. The object of this study is the dynamics of exogenous processes during the development of the permafrost zone in Eastern Siberia. The subject of research is the glacial relief forms of the Late Neopleistocene of the Patomsky and North Baikal uplands. The comparative, descriptive, cartographic research methods, methods of observation and actualism have been used. Based on the interpretation of aerial and satellite images, the identification of typomorphic glaciers with the maximum number of preserved destructive and accumulative glaciogenic forms, a depression of the snow boundary was established, which at that time was at the level of 2000…2100 m. The features of the lower boundary deformations of the chionosphere were revealed. Its deepest minimum is noted on the northwestern edge of the considered territory. The greatest decrease in relation to the paleoclimatic snow boundary, which extended to an altitude of 1600…1700 m, was 600…700 m. The positive extremum was confined to the central part of the Patom upland and exceeded the paleoclimatic snow line by 50…100 m. Anomalous extremes at that time period are due to global climatic, regional orographic and local (slope exposure) causes. It has been determined that in terms of morphology, glaciation of the territories under consideration is mountain-valley and reticulate with several sections of mountain-cover, confined to the flattened surfaces of the summit belt of mountain structures. According to the difference between the ice surface isolines and the valley bottom in the cross section, the thickness of the glacier was specified, and could reach 400…600 m. When searching for alluvial occurrences and gold deposits, as well as when sampling placer flows and secondary geochemical halos, it is recommended to orient prospecting in the direction of movement of ice masses. The new paleogeographic data obtained will increase the possibilities of more efficient mapping of Quaternary sediments within the North Baikal and Patom uplands and the identification of specific sections of river valleys in this area, favourable for placer formation

МИКРОКЛИМАТИЧЕСКИЙ МОНИТОРИНГ В ГОРНО-КОТЛОВИННЫХ ЛАНДШАФТАХ

Monitoring is a continuous process of observing and registering the parameters of an object, in comparison with specified criteria. In recent decades, questions related to changes in climatic characteristics have been of great interest. Since 2007, microclimatic observations have been carried out automatically in the mountain-depression landscapes of the Baikal region. The correctness of the use of atmospheric-soil measuring systems is shown by comparing the data of automatic measurements and the data of standard meteorological instruments used at the weather stations of Roshydromet. Estimates of the temperature and humidity regime of air and soils were obtained at 72 sites located in different landscapes in the altitude range of 450–2300 m above sea level. The influence of landscape characteristics, primarily altitudinal zonality, is manifested in the monthly and annual values of meteorological characteristics. Calculations of the vertical gradient of air temperature on the slopes of the mountains are carried out. As a result, an assessment was made of the characteristics of temperature inversions, a phenomenon unique in its power in Eastern Siberia. Their intensity, duration, and frequency were estimated. A comparison is made of the temperature regime of soils under natural and anthropogenically disturbed conditions. The obtained measurement data are used to validate the results of climate modeling and remote sensing (satellite images). The best convergence of rows is observed in open, moderately humid areas. Microclimatic observation data make it possible to study in detail the temperature and humidity regime of landscapes, taking into account the altitudinal zonality, exposure and steepness of slopes throughout the year. The observational data obtained make it possible to clarify the climatic description of the study area, which is currently based mainly on the data of weather stations, the network of which does not cover mountainous regions.

Spatially distributed GIS-realized mathematical model of rainstorm erosion losses of soil

In connection with the wide and ever increasing spread of erosion degradation of agricultural lands in Ukraine, the task of developing mathematical models and methods for calculating water erosion of soils corresponding to the current level of erosion study and the demands of soil protection practices is becoming increasingly important. The article is devoted to the development of a spatially distributed GIS-implemented mathematical model of rainstorm soil erosion, which accounts for most of the annual soil losses (in the Steppe zone, for example, about 90 %). The development of the model is based on the most theoretically and informationally grounded model for the Steppe and Forest-Steppe of Ukraine , “the logical-mathematical model of rainstorm soil outwash” developed by H. I. Shvebs (1974, 1981), as well as the results of theoretical and field studies and mathematical modeling of the slope runoff and water erosion of soil, carried out at the Department of Physical Geography and Environmental Management of Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University in the 1990s - 2010s, and also the possibilities of modern geoinformation technologies. For the spatial implementation of the model, a raster model of spatial data and operators of the PCRaster GIS-package (University of Utrecht, the Netherlands) were used, integrated with the Basic programming language into a single system that provides an implementation of the computational algorithm. The developed physical-statistical model of soil erosion-sedimentation takes into account the peculiarities of the formation of slope runoff and soil outwash in conditions of excessive nonstationarity of heavy rainfall, as well as spatial heterogeneity of all major natural and economic factors of water erosion on a slope, including slope steepness, exposure, longitudinal and transverse forms of slopes, soil erodibility, structure of sown areas and anti-erosion measures. Checking the adequacy of the mathematical model was performed using observational data of four experimental catchments ; two runoff plots of the Moldavan water-balance station with total area of 0.08 ha, the Ploska catchment with area of 8.5 ha (Boguslav field experimental base of Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute) and the Sukha catchment with area of 63 ha (Veliko-Anadol water-balance station) with observation periods of 17-31 years. Comparison of the calculated average over the catchment area of mean annual values of rainstorm soil losses, with the corresponding values obtained from measurements on these catchments, made on the basis of Nash-Sutcliff efficiency criterion (NS), allowed us to evaluate the quality of the model as good (NS = 0.72).

Assessment of vulnerability for rockfalls in Cozia Gorge (Southern Carpathians, Romania)

Rockfalls represents a sudden, extremely important geomorphological hazard and may become a threat for people’s life, as well as goods and transport. The present study aims to assess the rock surfaces stability in relation to a series of variables: resistance of intact rock determined in the field by geotechnical test—the SCS value obtained with Schmidt hammer; weathering degree, as visually assessed; characteristics of fissures—density, width, orientation, continuity; lithological and tectonic conditions—characteristics of rocks and the distance in relation with the faults; angle and exposure of slopes, their cover with vegetation, dimension of blocks identified close to the roadside and the volume of material accumulated in the protection mesh. In order to achieve the objective and determine the susceptibility of slopes to rockfalls, we run two campaigns of field measurement using a Schmidt hammer and microtectonic mapping based on GPS and feller gauge. The data integration was accomplished in the GIS environment, by applying the multi-criteria techniques. The results highlight the susceptible areas which allow us to map it and analyze the efficiency of the slope arrangement work made for rockfall prevention and identify new areas that require prevention measures. Finally, all the data were reported to a segment of the E81 highway and mapped the vulnerability to rockfall. The Olt Valley in the Cozia Gorge is one of the most important transversal valleys in Romania and a linking road between regions of both side of Carpathian range. The results of the study emphasize the anthropic pressure exercised in the analyzed Gorge section which created imbalances in terms of cut slopes.

Soil erosion by assessing hydrothermal conditions of its formation

Soil erosion is one of the vital factors contributing to the loss of fertility and environmental degradation. Generally accepted diagnostics of eroded soils is based on comparison of the sloping soils profile depth with the watershed soils. In this case, there is a separate problem of slope soils with a naturally shortened profile and eroded soils. Formation of the soil’s natural profile on the slopes, caused by the action of natural factors of soil formation, can be described using a mathematical model, characterizing hydrothermal conditions of the slope areas through relative parameters of insolation (Ki) and moisture. These parameters describe the difference in soil formation conditions on the slopes from the upland areas. They are calculated based on the landforms parameters – incline and slope exposure. Their ratio, xeromorphy coefficient, can be used to forecast humus content and profile thickness of non-eroded soils on the slopes. As studies have shown, for non-eroded chernozem soils of Ukraine, the parameter xeromorphy describes 49% of the profile thickness dispersion, while for eroded soils it does not depend on this parameter. Thus, this model of profile thickness P versus xeromorphy can be used to forecast the thickness of non-eroded soil for specific conditions. Deviation of the profile thickness from the forecast one can be considered as the manifestation of erosion or denudation.

Patterns and drivers of forest landscape change in the Apennines range, Italy

Human activities and natural processes over millennia have shaped the forest landscapes of European mountain ranges. In the Apennines, the second largest range in Italy, the post–World War II abandonment of traditional activities has led to forest expansion. Previous analyses of land use change related to forest landscape were performed for relatively small localities and used different sampling protocols. Consequently, a replicate landscape approach and a systematic sampling design were crucial for quantifying changes at the regional scale. We investigated land cover change and landscape configurational shifts comparing different slope exposures and altitudinal zones and discussed the main drivers affecting post-agricultural forest dynamics. We selected two paired study landscapes (North-East vs South-West) of 16 km2 for each of 10 sites located along the entire range. We applied object-based classification to aerial photography from 1954 and 2012, resulting in 40 land cover maps. We assessed (i) overall landscape changes by computing land cover transitions, (ii) landscape patterns through key metrics, and (iii) reforestation dynamics through multivariate statistics and binomial generalized linear models (GLMs). Apennine landscape mosaics experienced structural simplification at lower elevation due to tree establishment in abandoned pastures, but a diffuse fragmentation of historical grasslands at higher elevation due to development of woody vegetation patches beyond the forest-grassland ecotone. Forest expansion occurred more rapidly at lower elevations, on steeper slopes, and closer to existing forests and cultivated areas. A replicate landscape approach proved useful for quantifying changes to forest cover and landscape structure along complex gradients of topography and land use history, following a diffuse agro-pastoral abandonment.

GORGAN'S AVALANCHE GEOCOMPLEXES: FORMATION, PARAMETERS AND CLASSIFICATION

In paper are present the result of avalanche geocomplex research in the territory of Grofa landscape (physico-geographical area – Gorgany, physico-geographical region – Seredniohirno-skibova oblast). The main avalanche hazard areas on the research territory are determine, distinguish and localised 22 avalanche geocomplexes on landscape reserve Grofa (Gorgany mountains massif, Ukrainian Carpathians) and adjacent territory.The physico-geographical factors of formation and development avalanche situation on landscape reserve Grofa are investigate. The place of this protected territory in the physico-geographical division into districts and it landscape structure. Inside the landscape reserve Grofa distinguish two altitude mistsevist’: alpine-subalpine stony highland and rapid-slope erosive-denudation midge.In articles are generalized basic methodical and methodological regulations about avalanche territory study in context of parametrization and accompanying research of avalanche geocomplex. The experience about typological classification research objects had analyzed. Represent methods of avalanche denudation index.Execute the basic parametrization of avalanche geocomplex on landscape reserve Grofa territory in accordance with linear and plane morphometric index. It is length, maximum and middle breadth, perimeter and area. On the base of avalanche geocomplexes aero-photograph decryption and determine forms this avalanche territory had classified. Between that, geocomplexes were distinguished four classification groups: zero, first, second and third order.On the basis of calculated indexes and calculating methods had studied and analyses index of avalanche denudation, including they dynamics.According to the research, it should be noted that for mountains Gorgan has an avalanche activity regardless of the exposure of slopes, which is due to considerable dismemberment of the territory. Within the landscape reserve of Grofa and adjoining territories, 22 avalanche geocomplexes are distinguished, which differ in their morphometric parameters, configuration and typological ranks. Most of the avalanche geocomplexes are ranked LH-1 and localized within the catchment reservoirs. The polygonal parameters, namely the area for the investigated areas, vary between 0.1-0.73 km2. Other morphometric parameters and their dynamic changes for the 5-year period are determined.Typically, avalanche complexes LH-0 and LH-1 are represented by straight and concave hypsometric profiles. For territories of the rank LH -2 and LH -3 characteristic step slopes are characteristic.In addition, on the basis of parametrization data, avalanche geocomplexes are characterized according to the criteria of formation and development, the groups of initial, mature and old investigated objects are distinguished. According to the elaborated data, an avalanche denudation rate calculated over a five-year period has been calculated from 1.938 × 10-3 to 2.022 × 10-3 mm / year.

Effects of Persian turpentine tree litter and slope aspect on soil chemical properties in a Zagros forest, Iran

For analyzing the effects of forest litter and slope aspect on soil properties eight soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–10 cm near (i.e., beneath the crown) and away from (i.e., not influenced by crown) five Persian turpentine trees each on a north and a south slope at the same elevation in a Zagros forest, Iran. The litter beneath tree crowns and slope exposure were found to have significant interactive effects on C, N, P, K, and electrical conductivity of the soils, however, Ca, Mg and the soil pH were not significantly influenced by these factors. The soil beneath the crowns was enriched in cations compared to more distal positions. Generally, Persian turpentine trees have positive impacts on soil properties in the forest. Degrading or killing these trees by sap extraction, extreme grazing, cutting, fire and expansion of agriculture will lead to significant losses in soil fertility and increases in soil erosion.

Canopy damage by spring frost in European beech along the Apennines: effect of latitude, altitude and aspect

Late spring frost plays a major role in the structure and function of forest ecosystems with potential consequences on species distribution at both local and regional scales. Paradoxically, in a warmer world the incidence and impact of frost is increasing because of earlier leaf unfolding and flowering as a response to warmer temperatures. In this regard, European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), a native tree species widely distributed in European forests, is considered particularly sensitive to changes in spring temperature regimes associated with climate change and thus especially subject to the risk of frost damage. Although several studies concerning F. sylvatica frost damage have been conducted in northern and central Europe, no extensive studies are available for the southern part of its range, i.e. central and southern Italy as well as Greece.In this paper the effect of a late spring frost occurring at the end of April 2016 is extensively documented with high spatial detail all along the Apennine Chain through satellite image data. Three different remote-sensing greenness indexes, namely the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and the greenness index (GI) derived from Landsat-8 satellite images acquired from May to July in the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 at a spatial resolution of 30 m, were used to gauge the spatial response of common beech forests to this late frost event with relation to latitude, altitude and slope exposure. Frost damage was evaluated as a difference (Δ) of NDVI, GI and EVI between the mean of years 2014 and 2015 (i.e. MRY, mean of reference years), and 2016 (i.e. FEY, frost reference year). The three satellite remote-sensing indexes were efficient at detecting leaf damage with detailed spatial resolution and proved consistent with one another.The greatest damage occurred in the middle altitudinal range between 1500 and 1700 m a.s.l. with a decreasing trend toward both lower and higher elevations due to warmer temperatures below, and delayed phenology above. Exposure also influenced frost injury, with south-facing slopes of the mountain more damaged than the north. This difference was due to earlier spring leaf phenology of southern beech trees in response to a greater heat sum in the warm weeks preceding. Less damage in the northern Apennines is consistent with the spatial extent of minimum freezing temperatures. To sum up, frost damage is strongly related to site-specific conditions, i.e. on the one hand to minimum temperatures, and on the other to the phenological stage of the trees involving both altitude and exposure. Hence focusing on detailed sub-regional studies can be helpful for predicting future consequences of climate change on forests.

Таксономічна та біолого-екологічна оцінка видів альпійських рослин на кам'янистій гірці Вінницького національного аграрного університету

Підібрано 39 видів рослин для створення кам'янистої гірки. Серед них 5 видів є дикорослими в умовах Поділля, а інші 34 види інтродуковані з інших зон і культивовані в наших умовах. Охарактеризовано, що природним ареалом походження досліджуваних рослин є: Китай, Японія, Корея, Азія, Росія, Сибір, Далекий Схід, Україна, Балкани. Переважна частина інтродуцентів походить із Північної Америки, Європи та Кавказу. Визначено, що всі підібрані інтродуценти добре ростуть та розвиваються в умовах Поділля. Встановлено, що всі підібрані дикорослі рослини Поділля відмінно прижилися на кам'янистій гірці. Досліджено, що переважаючим у таксономічній структурі культивованої флори кам'янистої гірки є відділ Magnoliophyta – 38 видів. Таксономічний аналіз показав, що панівними за кількістю таксонів є родини Crassulaceae (9 видів) і Rosaceae (4 види). Серед підібраних рослин для влаштування кам'янистої гірки відносно вологи переважають мезофіти (22 види або 56 % від загальної кількості), щодо світла переважають світлолюбні види – 90 % (35 видів), а що до температури повітря – морозостійкі рослини. Доведено, щоб кам'яниста гірка мала привабливий декоративний вигляд у будь-який сезон. Потрібно правильно розташувати на ній рослини, які у період цвітіння будуть гармонійно поєднуватись між собою. Підібраний асортимент рослин забезпечує цвітіння кам'янистої гірки, починаючи з третьої декади лютого і завершуючи в останню декаду жовтня.

Culturable fungi associated with wood decay of Picea abies in subalpine forest soils: a field-mesocosm case study

Abstract: Fungi are the principal wood decomposers in forest ecosystems and their activity provides wood necromass to other living organisms. However, the wood decay mechanisms and the associated microbial community are largely unknown, especially in Alpine areas. In this study, the culturable fraction of fungal communities associated with the decomposition of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) deadwood in subalpine forest soils were determined using microbiological methods coupled with molecular identification. Fungal communities were evaluated using in-field mesocosms after one year of exposition of P. abies wood blocks along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 1200 up to 2000 m a.s.l. comprising eight subalpine sites, four of them located at north- and other four at south-facing slopes. Although many saprotrophic species were isolated from the wood blocks, several white-rot species as the pathogenic fungi Armillaria cepistipes and Heterobasidion annosum, along with soft-rot fungi such as Lecytophora sp. were identified. Our results further indicated that the wood-inhabiting fungal community was mainly influenced by topographic features and by the chemical properties of the wood blocks, providing first insights into the effect of different slope exposure on the deadwood mycobiome in the subalpine forest ecosystem.

The role of orographic barriers in the origin of extreme rainfalls as exemplified by the front of high Eastern Himalaya and the low northern slope of Carpathians

The paper discusses the role of orographic barriers in generating torrential precipitation in mountainous regions in different climatic zones, the Eastern Himalayas (tropical zone with well-developed monsoon activity) and the northern slope of the Carpathians (temperate zone with transitional climate). Attention has been paid to the different altitudes and courses of the orographic ridges as well as their location relative to the prevailing directions of influx of moist air masses. The cases analysed included torrential rains with monsoon circulation from the S–SW direction at the 2–3 km high edge of the Himalayas, with special consideration to the distance from the margin of the mountains and the exposure of the slopes. They generate frequent flood waves, landslides, debris flows and upbuilding of the alluvial cones in the foreland of the mountain barriers. The impact of the orographic barrier is significantly less marked in the Polish Carpathians. In the western part, the compact edge of the Western Beskids with an altitude of 0.5–1 km and the WSW–NEE course, exposed to moist air masses inflowing from the northern sector, is fragmented eastward into smaller mountain groups, which facilitates the penetration of moist masses of air with occurrence of prolonged precipitation into the mountains. At times, the storm cloud moves along the mountain edge (the margin of the Western Bieszczady Mts.). The marginal scarp of the Foothills has a northern exposure and a height of 150–200 m, and promotes frequent convective precipitation causing local flash floods in small streams. The cases of downpours and high discharges selected for the analysis were those for which there was available a dense network of measuring stations. An insufficient number of stations in constructing precipitation maps based on interpolation would lead to distorting the spatial image. If this were the case, then the role of slope exposure, which has an essential impact on the distribution of precipitation in mountainous regions, would be completely neglected

Modeling Spatial Patterns of Humus Forms in Montane and Subalpine Forests: Implications of Local Variability for Upscaling

Humus forms are a distinctive morphological indicator of soil organic matter decomposition. The spatial distribution of humus forms depends on environmental factors such as topography, climate and vegetation. In montane and subalpine forests, environmental influences show a high spatial heterogeneity, which is reflected by a high spatial variability of humus forms. This study aims at examining spatial patterns of humus forms and their dependence on the spatial scale in a high mountain forest environment (Val di Sole/Val di Rabbi, Trentino, Italian Alps). On the basis of the distributions of environmental covariates across the study area, we described humus forms at the local scale (six sampling sites), slope scale (60 sampling sites) and landscape scale (30 additional sampling sites). The local variability of humus forms was analyzed with regard to the ground cover type. At the slope and landscape scale, spatial patterns of humus forms were modeled applying random forests and ordinary kriging of the model residuals. The results indicate that the occurrence of the humus form classes Mull, Mullmoder, Moder, Amphi and Eroded Moder generally depends on the topographical position. Local-scale patterns are mostly related to micro-topography (local accumulation and erosion sites) and ground cover, whereas slope-scale patterns are mainly connected with slope exposure and elevation. Patterns at the landscape scale show a rather irregular distribution, as spatial models at this scale do not account for local to slope-scale variations of humus forms. Moreover, models at the slope scale perform distinctly better than at the landscape scale. In conclusion, the results of this study highlight that landscape-scale predictions of humus forms should be accompanied by local- and slope-scale studies in order to enhance the general understanding of humus form patterns.

Slope exposure and forest stand type as crucial factors determining the decomposition rate of herbaceous litter on a reclaimed spoil heap

Chemical composition of plant litter, properties of the soil, and climatic conditions are the major factors determining rate of organic matter decomposition. Although the process of decomposition in degraded areas plays a significant role in accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), this issue is poorly studied. SOC content is a crucial factor determining the success of land restoration. We measured rates of decomposition of the grass Calamagrostis epigejos, the dicotyledonous N-fixer Medicago sativa, the dicotyledonous non-N-fixing Cirsium arvense and cellulose paper as a standard carrier in forest stands on a reclaimed spoil heap of the opencast lignite mine in Bełchatów (central Poland). We considered the 10 cm topsoil particle size distribution and pH as factors that can affect the rate of organic matter decomposition and soil organic carbon content. Rate of litter decomposition was slowest for the grass (mean half decay time 2.6 years), while the N-fixing litter was not decomposed faster than the dicotyledonous non-N-fixing litter (mean half decay time of both species 0.9 years). Cellulose was decomposed most quickly (mean half decay time 0.8 years). Decomposition rate was faster under the canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia (deciduous N-fixing tree species, mean half decay time 0.9 years), whereas the rate of decomposition under Pinus sylvestris (coniferous canopy) was not slower than under Betula pendula (deciduous non-N-fixing tree species, mean half decay time under both species 1.5 years). Irrespective of litter type, decomposition was faster on the northern slope (mean half decay time 0.9 years) than on the southern slope (1.6 years). The plots where decomposition was faster (under R. pseudoacacia and on the northern slope) were characterized by higher SOC content (1.95% and 1.96%, respectively) than the plots under B. pendula (1.15%), P. sylvestris (1.29%), and those located on the southern slope (0.97%).

Плодородие почв склона, структура и качество урожая яровой пшеницы на юге Западной Сибири

The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to describe the fertility of Greyzemic Chernozems, Нaplic Chernozem and Greyzemic Phaeozems located on erosion-prone slopes; to evaluate the yield and grain quality of spring soft wheat. The location and time of the study. Research was conducted on soils of the three experimental plots. The study area was located in the southeastern part of West Siberia within the boundaries of the Bugotak Hills (called Cis-Salair region) on  the right bank side of the Ob River in the Novosibirsk region in the south of  West Siberia. Plot 1 was located in the Iskitim district of the Novosibirsk region on the slope of southern exposure with 0- 6º gradient  and occupied by Greyzemic Chernozems with different degree of soil erosion. In the Toguchin district of the Novosibirsk region two plots were located. Plot 2 was located on the slope of southeastern exposure with 0- 6.5º gradient and occupied by Нaplic Chernozems and Greyzemic Phaeozems. Plot 3 was located on the slope of northwestern exposure with 0-4.5º gradient and occupied by the non-eroded, slightly and moderately eroded Greyzemic Phaeozems. Cereal crops were spring soft wheat of two cultivars: Novosibirskaya 29 (plot 1; 2010 and 2014) and Memory of Vavenkov (plots 2, 3; 2011). Metodology. Two replicate soil samples were collected from the soil profiles at the sites differing in soil erosion degree. Four wheat phytomass samples were taken by a special frame 50×50 cm. The main results. Content and stock of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen decreased due to the increased soil erosion of  Greyzemic Chernozems, Нaplic Chernozems and Greyzemic Phaeozems (Luvic) with maximal values in the Greyzemic Phaeozem (Colluvic). The N-NO3 in soils was low; the content of easily available phosphorus varied from the moderate to the high level, whereas the content of exchangeable potassium varied from low to increased level. Under extensive land use and restricted water reserves the wheat yield varied from 0.5 to 5 t/ha on the non-eroded Greyzemic Chernozems located on the south-exposed slope (plot 1). On the eroded soils the yield was found to be the same as on the non-eroded soil or even had a tendency to increase on slightly and moderately eroded soils. The maximal wheat yield (3.3 t/ha) was obtained on the Greyzemic Phaeozem (Colluvic). Between the non-eroded Нaplic Chernozems, eroded and stratified soils of  the southeastern exposure (plot 2) there were no statistically significant differences in the yield, which varied from 3.2 to 4.1 t/ha. On the non-eroded Greyzemic Phaeozems (Luvic) of the northwestern exposure of the slope (plot 3) the yield was 4.3 t/ha, while on the slightly and moderately eroded soils it decreased to 1.1 t/ha. The mass of 1000 grains of wheat indicated the group with high mass (>30 g). The nitrogen content in grain and straw was low; potassium content was below the moderate level, while the content of phosphorus in grain was found to be optimal, and in straw it varied from the high to the low level. The content of raw protein was low (5-8%. The grain accounted for 35-48% of the total aboveground wheat phytomass. Conclusion. Nutrient regime of eroded soils is determined by soil profile transformation due soil erosion process and its intensity, as well as due to anthropogenic factors. Potential and actual fertility of Нaplic Chernozems and Greyzemic Phaeozems are higher than that of Greyzemic Chernozems. The productivity of soft spring wheat depends on the quantity of atmospheric precipitation, type and degree of soil erosion and slope exposure.