Soil-climatic Zones Research Articles

Динаміка розвитку та продуктивність льону олійного залежно від умов зволоження, удобрення, ширини міжрядь та норм висіву на Півдні України

Динаміка розвитку та продуктивність льону олійного залежно від умов зволоження, удобрення, ширини міжрядь та норм висіву на Півдні України

The response of a high-yielding canola hybrid to sulfur fertilization in three contrasting Saskatchewan soils

Canola (Brassica napus) is the primary oilseed crop in western Canada; however, it is often grown on sulfur (S)-deficient soils. Moreover, canola has a high S demand compared to cereals and, therefore, is particularly sensitive to S deficiency. This study examined the growth and nutrient uptake responses of a high-yielding canola hybrid cultivar to S fertilization when grown on three contrasting soils differing in S fertility, with and without the addition of fertilizer S. The soils were collected from three soil-climatic zones within Saskatchewan (Brown, Black, and Gray) and three different fertilizer S forms were used: ammonium sulfate (AS); ammonium thiosulfate (ATS); and a composite fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and S (NPS; 50-50 blend of sulfate (SO4) salt and elemental S). Sulfur fertilization increased the canola biomass, along with plant uptake of N, P, and S on all three soils. Fertilizer S use efficiency (i.e. recovery) ranged from 11-75%. For all three soils, the general trend among fertilizer S forms for biomass, nutrient uptake, and fertilizer use efficiency was AS > ATS > NPS. The greatest differences were observed with the Gray soil, which had the poorest S fertility. Residual soil SO4 after harvest was greater for ATS and NPS; reflecting continued oxidation of thiosulfate and elemental S to SO4. Principal component analysis demonstrated the importance of tissue N:S ratio as a key diagnostic measurement related to canola growth and nutrient uptake in S-deficient soils.

Benefit of ancillary data acquired at the cooperative level to study soil type and climatic zone influence on berry composition: a case study in Rioja appellation

Aim: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil type and climate on must qualitative parameters in a winegrower’s cooperative at Rioja appellation.Methods and results: The study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 with data collected routinely before harvest by the technician of a cooperative with a total surface area of 525 ha. Soils were classified using an existing soil map (1:50.000 scale) according to their water-holding capacity (WHC), and two climatic zones were differentiated based on the Huglin index. Effects of soil and climate on berry composition were evaluated using HJ-Biplot statistical analysis. High WHC soils produced musts with high total acidity, mainly due to malic acid. Must K concentrations were lower in soils with lower K and clay content. Soils with lower WHC were the only ones able to produce musts with high anthocyanin concentration and higher colour intensity. The climatic zones established only resulted in small differences in grape composition.Conclusion: It is possible to differentiate berry composition parameters according to soil type considering soil WHC, but less clear differences were observed among climatic zones considering a 50 km2 area and a difference of approximately 200 m in elevation between the two zones.Significance and impact of the study: Many wineries have access to soil, climate and grape composition data. Therefore, these data could be used to make a grape composition classification at harvest that could be assessed every year using simple statistical tools.

Adaptive capacity of different potato varieties under the conditions of the Right-Bank Polissia of Ukraine

Purpose. To study the adaptive ability and to determine the main criteria for adaptability assessment of potato varie­ties selected at the Institute for Potato Research of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences under the conditions of Ukrainian Right-Bank Polissia for use in seed potato production.Methods. Ten potato varieties of different maturity groups were examined in field conditions. The productive potential was analyzed by the yield indicator to determine the general specific adaptive response. The coefficient of adapta­bility (CA) for each variety was calculated as the ratio of productivity in the year of cultivation to the average yield of all the varieties under study.Results. In the years of research (2015–2017), almost all varieties had their CA equal 1.0 and above, which indicated their high adaptive capacity to the soil-climatic zone of growing under variable weather conditions. In particular, ‘Lietana’ variety had its annual CA varied within the range of 1.06–1.24 at the yield of 13.3–29.8 t/ha, ‘Hurman’ 1.0–1.02 and 11.6–25.5 t/ha, ‘Sluch’ 0.96–1.13 and 13.1–24.6 t/ha, ‘Strumok’ 0.98–1.09 and 12.3–26.1 t/ha, ‘Zlahoda’ 0.98–1.09 and 11.7–26.2 t/ha, ‘Partner’ 0.96–1.25 and 11.1–29.9 t/ha, respectively. The high general adaptive capacity and increased yield (compared to the long-term average variety index of 20.2 t/ha) was marked by ‘Lietana’ (absolute CA of 1.15 and yield increase of 3.0 t/ha), ‘Partner’ (1.10 and 2.0 t/ha), ‘Kniahynia’ (1.05 and 1.1 t/ha), ‘Feia’ (1.09 and 0.8 t/ha), ‘Strumok’ (1.04 and 0.8 t/ha), ‘Zlahoda’ (1.03 and 0.6 t/ha), and ‘Sluch’ (1.02 and 0.4 t/ha). The most expressed positive response to the favourable growing conditions and realization of its genetic potential (i.e. high yield) was typical of ‘Lietana’, ‘Partner’, and ‘Kniahynia’ varieties, which are attributed to the varieties with a specific adaptability. In particular, in the favourable for weather conditions years (2016 and 2017), the yield increase of these varieties to the average yield of all the varieties (26.6 and 25.1 t/ha, res­pectively) was as follows: in ‘Lietana’ 1.5–2.3 t/ha, ‘Partner’ 0.4–3.3 t/ha, ‘Kniahynia’ 0.7–1.7 t/ha. Thus, the specific adaptive ability of a variety is more evident at a high value of the average yield of all the varieties.Conclusions. The use of high adaptable potato varieties for cultivation in certain climatic zones will allow increasing production of high-quali­ty seed material for variety rotation. These varieties for the conditions of Ukrainian Right-Bank Polissia include ‘Lietana’, ‘Partner’, ‘Kniahynia’, ‘Zlahoda’, ‘Feia’, ‘Sluch’, ‘Strumok’, ‘Ariia’, and ‘Hurman’.

DEVELOPMENT OF SPRING TRITICALE VARIETY MODEL

The model of spring triticale variety adapted to the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia was developed based on empirical data obtained during breeding. The work was carried out using the results of the analysis of the relationships between the indexes of plant grains mass and morphobiological characteristics of the plant. According to the results of breeding studies of spring triticale in 2009–2016, there was created computer database containing information on productivity, product quality, resistance to diseases, pests and other characteristics. The materials for breeding were intervarietal hybrids of hexaploid spring triticale obtained by diallel crossings of four spring triticale varieties from the world collection of the N.I. Vavilov Research Institute of Plant Industry (Sokol Kharkovskiy, Ukro, Gabo, K-3881) as well as by crossing of these varieties with Sirs 57– a winter triticale variety bred at Siberian Research Institute of Plant Production and Breeding – branch of IC&G SB RAS. A conceptual scheme of the spring triticale variety model was elaborated, revealing a logical sequence of operations required to build a variety model version. We used the practical data to correct the parameters of the model variety that allowed us to determine the limits of variability of the potential yield, provided by the climate resources in a specific soil-climatic zone. The following main parameters of spring triticale variety model were determined: the number of grains of the main ear is 50–60 pieces, the length of the ear is 11–13 cm; weight of 1000 grains is 60 g, grain yield is 50 c/ha.

Изучение исходного материала ячменя по признакам скороспелости, высоты растений и устойчивости к полеганию в условиях Центральной Якутии

The peculiarity of the weather conditions of Yakutia highlights the task of reliable ripening of barley varieties in most soil-climatic zones. Seventy six samples of barley of various ecological-geographical and selective origin were studied in collection nurseries for the period 2012-2014 in the conditions of Central Yakutia. The zoned variety Tammi, ultrafast (58 ... 66 days), but not resistant to lodging (3 points) was used as a standard. Compared with the standard, a group of the earliest ripening varieties was identified with a growing season of 60-64 days: Herse (Norway), Nevan (Russia, Irkutsk Region), Piket (Russia, Krasnodar Territory), Nyurbinsky Improved (Russia, Yakutia), JO 1032 (Finland), k-7711 local (Turkey), Nutans 970 (Kyrgyzstan), Belogorsky 95 (Russia, Leningrad Region), Vitim (Russia, Buryatia), Otol (USA, Alaska), JO 1098 (Finland). The most resistant to lodging (7-9 points) were the following varieties: JO 1032 (Finland), Veresk (Russia, Sverdlovsk Region), Coliseum (Russia, Arkhangelsk Region), Tandem (Russia, Kirov Region), Bensa (Belarus), Werner and Svani (Sweden). Thus, according to the study, the initial material was selected for further use in hybridization when creating new early-ripening barley varieties resistant to lodging.

Adaptability of field crops to changing conditions of cultivation

Purpose. To establish the plasticity and stability of corn and sunflower hybrids in terms of yield at varying abiotic environmental factors and identify them in terms of yield in different zones of Ukraine.Methods. Field multifactorial experiments, mathematical methods of data analysis.Results. The results of studies on the plasticity and stability of field crops in different soil-climatic zones of Ukraine are presented on the example of yield of corn and sunflower hybrids which production in different regions of Ukraine is high. The average yield of maize hybrids is high and stable: in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe from 8.67 to 11.6 t/ha, in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe from 6.82 to 12.1 t/ha, with a coefficient of plasticity of 0.14–1.93. Of the 29 studied hybrids, 8 were high-plastic – b = 1.3–1.93; the combination of high plasticity and stability was found only in two hybrids: ‘P8529’ (b = 1.49; σd = 0.09) and ‘ES Beatles’ (b = 1.42, σd = 0.29). Highly sensitive to growing conditions were ‘Orzhytsia 237 MB 58’, ‘Aspid’, ‘Ajax’, ‘Coximo’ and ‘Alvito’ (b = 0.14–0.54). The reaction of hybrids on compaction of sowing and norms of mineral fertilizers was established. Through the formation of a root system with a certain morphology, yields during the 2015–2017 period varied from 6.82 to 12.1 t/ha. The plasticity of most hybrids was close to one. In the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, the provision of moisture is a more restrictive factor than in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe. The implementation of the potential of sunflower hybrids is much higher in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe varying from 2.10 to 3.68 t/ha, as compared to the Southern Steppe where it makes 0.81 to 3.07 t/ha.Conclusions. The establishment of the coefficients of plasticity and stability allows the identification of stable yields of corn and sunflower hybrids of a high level of plasticity, which may be recommended for production in certain regions of cultivation. Adaptive cultivation technologies increase the stability of hybrids.

MONITORING OF SOILS CONTAMINATION OF SOME REGIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA WITH HEAVY METALS

The paper is devoted to the problems of soils contamination of some regions of the Republic ofArmenia and a city of Yerevan with heavy metals. The results of analyses of the selected soil tests for the purpose ofdefinition of their contamination degree with heavy metals are listed. The statistical data on the background concentration of heavy metals in various soil-climatic zones of the Republic of Armenia, not influenced with appreciable anthropogenous impact is also given. The comparative analysis on presence of polluting chemical elements in soil is carried out for the approved norms of maximum permissible concentration and background indicators. The authors consider possible negative influences on environment as a result of soils contamination, in particular on biological activity of soil and processes of its self-cleaning. It’s noticed that maximum permissible concentrations are mainly developed only from hygienic positions which do not consider the variety ofsoils, in particular, their properties. As an example there are described the results of soils researches of some regions of the Republic of Armenia and there is noticed that a paradoxical situation arises when background contents toxic elements in soils exceed the established values of maximum permissible concentration. In the paper there is arisen the question on necessity of working out and introducing in practice ecological monitoring of the system of tentatively permissible quantity of chemical elements in soil, taking into account background concentration of heavy metals in various soil-climatic zones. Introduction of the specified system will allow reasonably and, what very important, reliably to estimate an ecological condition of soils and to define the influence of contamination on qualitative characteristics of soil as a result of anthropogenous influence.

Influence of climatic changes on mode of moistening of vegetation period in Ukraine

Climatic terms of Ukraine of material well-being by moisture is qualify cater for thereceipt of stable and high harvests of agricultural cultures. In this connection extraordinarily important is a study of modern dynamics of the mode of precipitations and its estimation on the 30-50 nearest years. The mode of fallouts, evaporation, is evaporated, deficit of evaporation, a coefficient moistening of G.Т Selyaninov is examined in comparison for periods: 1986-2005 years (base period) and expected after three scenarios of changes of climate of their values in a period from 2011 to 2030 and from 2031 to 2050 years. The expected common increase of annual amount of fallouts and increase of unevenness of their distribution are marked on the seasons of year in all soil-climatic zones of Ukraine, except South Steppe. Reduction of amount of fallouts is in South Steppe, especially in a spring-summer period, will cause the increase of droughtyness of climate.

Impact of climat changes on agro-climatic indices of the vegetative period of main agricultural crops

Article in question investigates indicators of the moisture-temperature regime for the period of 1986 - 2005 (base period) and compares them to their expected changes calculated for different scenarios of climate change GFDL-30 %, A1B, A2, RCP4,5 and RCP8,5 for the period of 2021 - 2050 on the territory of Ukraine. Calculations reviled that most abrupt changes in moisture-temperature indicators in different soil-climatic zones of Ukraine can be expected in case of scenarios GFDL-30 %, А1В and А2. In case of scenarios of climate change RСР4,5, RСР8,5 thermal indicators are expected to be at the level of multilevel averages in all natural and climatic zones of Ukraine, except for Southern Steppe, where they are expected to grow. The greatest changes in all areas are expected under scenario GFDL-30 %, and they will increase from north to south. Under scenario А1В the greatest difference between calculated values and average multi-year values will be observed in the Forest-Steppe zone and in the Southern Steppe. Under scenarios RCP4,5 и RCP8,5 significant changes in the temperature regime are predicted only for the south and east of Ukraine. At the same time, according to the scenario of RCP4.5, a significant increase in seasonal winter air temperatures is forecasted. Analysis of the results of calculations for different climatic scenarios of water availability indicators for different natural and climatic zones of Ukraine for the period from 2021 to 2050 reviled that the most drastic changes in the climatic parameters of humidification are expected in the case of the scenarios GFDL-30 %, A1B and A2. In case of climate change scenarios RCP4.5, RCP8.5, no quick changes in the distribution of precipitation over the territory of Ukraine should be ex-pected. The greatest amount of precipitation for the year and in average for the seasons of the year is projected for the western regions of the country, the least one - for the southern regions. At the same time, for most regions the trend to increase the amount of precipitation is most likely in the case of the development of the GFDL-30 %, A1B and A2 scenarios. However, according to the scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, rainfall is expected to decline for the year as a whole and especially in the summer season in comparison with the actual for 1986 - 2005.

The Influence of Geology on Landscape Typology in Jordan: Theoretical Understanding and Planning Implications

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) has been introduced into Jordan through the MEDSCAPES project. The purpose of this project was to streamline landscape studies and integrate them into the land use planning practices in Jordan. Two areas within the Mediterranean and arid climatic zones of the country were chosen as test areas for the methodology. These were the Yarmouk River drainage basin in the northwest of the country and the Mujib River area in the west of Jordan within the Dead Sea basin. Landscape Character Mapping resulted in 22 and 64 Land Description Units (LDUs) for the Yarmouk and Mujib areas, respectively, which were then classified into 14 landscape types. The factors which control the spatial distributions of these units are geology, land cover, landform, and settlements. However, the study suggests that the underlying geology, which influences topography, impacts indirectly on soil types, climate zones, and human activities, and hence has a predominant influence on the character of these units. Specifically, the transition between the Dead Sea Rift Valley and the adjacent highlands create variations in the topographical relief, climate, water availability, and human settlements. Implementation of LCA in Jordan has done much to highlight geological hazards, such as sinkholes, as constraints to development in certain areas. Here, we described how the LCA process could be implemented in Jordan and how this can help in improving land use management practices in the country.

Колективні досліди Д. І. Менделєєва як попередники форм галузевого дослідництва

Two-year collective experiments performed under the supervision of D. Mendeleiev on four fields in 1867–1869 years were considered on the basis of historical and scientific analysis. It was found that carried out in different soil-climatic zones according to developed plan and methodology. Importance of the results and its implications for the future way of introduction of fertilizers in agriculture was proven.

Оцінка впливу метеорологічних факторів на врожайність люпину вузьколистого в зоні Полісся України

Оцінка впливу метеорологічних факторів на врожайність люпину вузьколистого в зоні Полісся України

Вивчення продуктивності сучасних гібридів цукрових буряків в умовах недостатнього вологозабезпечення

Introduction. Sugar beet - an important crop, but its genetic possibilities and limits of adaptive capacity are not studied fully. Studies of modern breeding hybrids in terms of alpine climate and inadequate moisture can detect patterns of growth and development of culture conditions limit factors and features sugar accumulation of significant levels of solar insolation. Modern hybrids of sugar beet can provide high sugar content and adaptability in the processing of raw materials, early development and excellent field germination, high potential yield and complex disease resistance, but they are created by breeders and reared in the traditional area, so it is unclear how to behave in growing limit on rainfall and other factors. Considering the above, the purpose of our work was to determine the level of productivity of modern hybrids of sugar beet in the conditions of Mongolia. Materials and methods of research. A study on the performance of new hybrids of sugar beet in the conditions of Mongolia conducted in the main the farming area of the country, particularly in the area of Dzunharaa, and the cityfor Darkhan 2014-2015 yy. Precipitation in Mongolia are not conducive to the cultivation of sugar beet as a whole than a year on average 220-250 mm falls, so to obtain stable yields of this crop requires irrigation. But mostly rainfall during June, July and August months, so they can be used for plant growth and development. Area elementary and accounting areas sown under 120 and 100 m 2 , repetition - fourfold, the study carried out by the "Methodology of Research in beet" Results and discussion. In conditions of arid spring and hot weather in late May and early June in Mongolia is severe dehydration the top layer of soil, resulting in the upper layers, especially in the area of the seeds soil moisture drops to critical parameters, such as soil layer 0...5 cm to 3.64 %, and at a depth of 5 cm to 10...12 %. Field studies conducted in conditions of Mongolia confirmed the growth and development of sugar beet plants in soil-climatic zone Darhanuulaimag. So, we found that density while building hybrid sugar beets was at 70.4 th.pcs./ha At the same time it is worth noting that the average density Dzunharaa we received at 66.7 ths. pcs./ha, and Darkhan it was slightly higher - 74.2 ths. pcs./ha. Overall, the average yield of sugar beet roots in experiments in. Dzunharaa was 32.4 t/ha, and in the city. Darkhan was at 45.0 t/ha. Top yields were hybrids breeding Ukrainian Institute of bioenergy crops and sugar beet NAAS of Ukraine Goliath and Zlyka. In soil and climatic conditions Darhanuulaimag they formed a yield of 44.1 and 44.0 t/ha, respectively. No less important factor in shaping the final performance of plant sugar beet is the sugar content in the roots. The results of field studies showed that the average sugar content in experimental crops in. Dzunharaa stands at 18.8 %, while in the city Darkhan - 22.3 %. A study on the performance of new hybrids of sugar beet in the conditions of Mongolia (Darhanuulaimag) have scientific value and prove the possibility of growing sugar beets in soil and climatic conditions of the area. Thus, hybrids breeding Institute of bioenergy crops and sugar beet NAAS of Ukraine provided their growing conditions in Mongolia were the most effective. Thus, the average yield of hybrids Ymansky CS 97, Ramses, Zlyka and Alexandria was at 41.5 t/ha, sugar content by 21 %, and in accordance with the estimated sugar output - 8.8 t/ha. Using hybrid breeding SES Vanderhave (Canyon and Impact) allowed the efficiency at 37.1 t/ha for sugar content of 19.1 % sugar and collecting 7.2 t/ha. However hybrids breeding establishments Poland (Janka, Yarysya) had slightly lower yield of roots (33.2 t/ha), and a relatively high sugar content – 21 %. However, in general, they provided a collection of sugar at 7.0 t/ha. Conclusions. Modern hybrids of sugar beet Ukrainian selection showed the high performance potential and provided yield at 41.5 t/ha, sugar content of 21.0 %, and the collection of sugar 8.8 t/ha (Darhanuulaimag) in 2014-2015. The results of our study revealed that soil and climatic conditions of Mongolia estimated resource potential of sugar beet irrigation is 30-50 t / ha.

Determination of Lumbricus terestris number in different soil layers from the effects of temperature and moisture

Determination of earthworm (Lumbricus terestris) number from the effects of temperature and soil moisture in concrete soil-climatic zones of North East of Ukraine was established. Studies were conducted in soil layers 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm. These layers have determined the soil fertility and agriculture. In the example of two abiotic factors (temperature and soil moisture) complex influence of environmental factors at the species was shown

Сортові особливості формування врожайності та якості зерна пшениці м’якої озимої залежно від ґрунтово-кліматичних умов вирощування

Сортові особливості формування врожайності та якості зерна пшениці м’якої озимої залежно від ґрунтово-кліматичних умов вирощування

Screening of different sample types associated with sheep and cattle for the presence of nematophagous fungi in China.

A total of 1502 samples, including feces of sheep (793) and cattle (348), pasture soil (118), dung compost (147) and barn soil (96), were examined between October 2012 and August 2014 to discover potential strains of nematophagous fungi for the biological control of livestock-parasitic nematodes. These samples were collected from 87 sites located in 48 counties of 20 provinces (autonomous regions/municipalities) of China. Fungi were identified down to a species level. Four hundred and seventy-seven isolates, which were distributed in 8 genera and 28 taxa, were identified as nematophagous fungi. Nematode-trapping fungi included 17 species and one unidentified species of Arthrobotrys, two of Dactylella, Drechslerella dactyloides, and Duddingtonia flagrans. Five identified species and two unidentified species of endoparasitic fungi were isolated. The predominant species from all regions were Arthrobotrys oligospora, followed by Arthrobotrys musiformis, Arthrobotrys (Monacrosporium) thaumasiun, and Arthrobotrys (Monacrosporium) microscaphoides. Species with adhesive networks were the most frequently isolated. Among the endoparasitic fungi, Podocrella harposporifera (Harposporium anguillulae) was the most common species, followed by Harposporium lilliputanum and Harposporium arcuatum. Based on Shannon diversity index, the diversity levels of nematophagous fungi were relatively higher in samples associated with cattle, barn soil, and subtropical monsoon climate zone. Three species isolated from this study, namely, Duddingtonia flagrans, Arthrobotrys salina (Monacrosporium salinum), and Arthrobotrys oligospora var. sarmatica, are newly recorded in China, and 20 species (including one unidentified species) are newly recorded in sheep and cattle barn soils worldwide.

Patent-information support for assessing the environmental status of the soil

Innovative (patent information research, elaboration of new methods and their implementation) and environmental management, the using of human-contaminated soils, soil protection against pollution and its prevention are the basic directions of the strategic management of soil resources. In conditions of intensive anthropogenic pressure the assessment of the ecological status of soils is an important factor, which reduces the risks of soil degradation and to propose ways to restore their productive and ecological functions on the further development of functional - ecological approach in soil science (Dobrovolsky, Nikitin, 1986, 1996). Therefore, urgent and important in theoretical and practical aspect is the elaboration of new technical decisions (methods) of soil quality assessment to create conditions to improve and to prevent the reduction of the level of productivity of soils and plants, the deterioration of their quality. The purpose of the investigations – the analysis of information sources existing patent information base of Ukraine and Russia on the issue of the environmental assessment of soils and perform patent research. Tasks perform patent research: the technical level of the object; analysis of scientific and technical activities leading developers; studying trends existing way to do that; techno-economic analysis of technical solutions/inventions that meet the objectives of the development; the study of the newness and novelty of the developed object and its constituent parts; investigated of the feasibility of its legal protection. It was considered the features of assessment of the soils environmental status in the investigation of the current patent-information database in Ukraine and Russia, components of which are developed new technical decisions. It was reviewed the providing patent information to assess the ecological status of both contaminated and uncontaminated soils. By analysis it was found that the patent-information support of Ukraine and Russia relative to existing methods of soils ecological status assessment is presented by the following ways: the ways of assessing of the soils research background concentrations, mobile, gross or water-soluble forms of trace elements and heavy metals; estimates based on bioassay and bioindication in combination with chemical analytical measurement indicators; comprehensive and expert evaluation of the properties of soils and its contamination; assessment of soil quality, considering the physical, physic-chemical and others properties; assessment of soil pollution using GIS technology, etc. The technical result of the developed methods is to improve the objectivity of assessment of changing soil quality and accuracy of the expert-analytical assessments of functional suitability of soils certain territory to growing different crops on a permanent or constant impact factor of pollution; for zoning for maximum efficiency use of different methods, methods of remediation of contaminated soils or soil improvers of different nature and micronutrients using to optimize the trace element status of soil and plants, soil quality; to evaluate the effectiveness of the testing results of the elaborated technical decisions in different soil-climatic zones.

Biochemical properties of new varieties of rape

100 rape varieties and hybrids of domestic and foreign selection that have been grown in the different soil-climatic zones of the country were evaluated. The paper presents the results of study by their biochemical characteristics: content of protein, oil and its fatty acid composition. High-oil varieties of rape are identifi ed with high content of erucic acid in oil – for the technical purposes and those without or with its low content – for food industry.

Effect of Application of Liquid Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon and Enzyme Activities in Two Contrasting Saskatchewan Soils

<p>Repeated application of animal manure to agricultural fields as a source of plant nutrients has led to questions concerning the impact of this practice on soil organic carbon (C) and biochemical properties, specifically the activity of soil enzymes. There are also some environmental concerns of using livestock manure. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of repeated applications of liquid swine manure (LSM) on total organic C (TOC), light fraction organic C (LFOC) and on the activity of the soil enzymes (arylsulfatase, alkaline phosphatase and urease) in two contrasting soil-climatic zones and cropping systems in Saskatchewan. Liquid hog manure was applied annually at 37,000 L ha<sup>-1</sup> and 74,000 L ha<sup>-1</sup>rates for three years at Melfort (Mollic Cryoboralf) and for four years at Plenty (Typic Boroll) in Saskatchewan, Canada. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 0-15 cm in the spring of 2003 and analyzed for TOC, LFOC and enzyme activities. Annual application (37,000 L ha<sup>-1</sup>) and larger application made every two years (74,000 L ha<sup>-1</sup>) of LSM at Melfort increased LFOC, which was attributed to stimulation of plant growth and thus residue inputs, from the nutrients contained within the manure. Applications of LSM at 37,000 L ha<sup>-1</sup> and 74,000 L ha<sup>-1</sup> at the Plenty site increased both TOC and LFOC concentration when compared to the control. Soil at the Plenty site is a Typic Boroll of heavy clay texture, which aids in protecting soil organic matter (SOM) from decomposition by soil microorganisms. Melfort was the only site that responded to LSM applications in terms of increased enzyme activity, which may be a result of a shorter application history. The Melfort site also had significantly higher LFOC in the manure treatments compared to the other site and LFOC has been linked to enzyme activity. The results of this study indicate that it may take a long period of time for addition of LSM to produce measurable changes in TOC and LFOC, as the effect from LSM is mainly from the stimulation of plant growth rather than from direct additions of C, and the nutrients contained in the LSM may potentially enhance microbial decomposition. In soils that receive repeated applications of LSM, nutrient loading may contribute to reduced enzyme activity after a period of time.</p>