Soil-forming Materials Research Articles

Soil-forming accumulation of heavy metals in geological high background areas: Constraints of structure, lithology, and overlying soil geochemistry

Heavy metals (HMs) are often abnormally enriched in soils in geologically high background areas, posing a serious threat to the ecosystem and human health. However, the material origin of HMs in overlying soils is unclear. In this paper, we studied the accumulation control and formation process of HMs (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in soils overlying bedrock from different geological periods in a typical anticline structure area in southwest of Guizhou province. The results revealed that the content of HMs in the bedrock were ranked as Carboniferous carbonate rocks < Permian carbonate rocks < Triassic clastic rocks, while the opposite trend was observed for the HMs content in the overlying soil. The slopes of the EF-Q values of HMs in the soils overlying the Carboniferous, Permian, and Triassic rocks were 0.003, 0.007, and 0.83, respectively, which suggests that HMs enrichment or leaching was more complicated in the process of carbonate weathering soil-forming, whereas it was mainly in situ weathering during the process of clastic weathering soil-forming. The soils overlying the bedrock of the three geological periods experienced similar weathering processes and had the same source of soil-forming matrices, as it was observed that their Fe2O3-Al2O3, Hf-Zr, Nb-Ta, Th/Sc-Zr/Sc and Y/Ho-Y contents were significantly correlated (with R2 values of 0.80, 0.94, 0.72, 0.60, and 0.76, respectively) with very similar REE assignment patterns. The results corroborated the causes of the high background geological heterogeneity of HMs in the overlying soils in karst areas and supported the theory of the source of weathering soil-forming materials from carbonate rocks in karst areas.

PENGARUH DURASI IRIGASI TETES TERHADAP REDUKSI LENGAS TANAH PADA LAHAN POLYBAG

Soil moisture is an important factor needed by plants for growth, and therefore the amount of soil moisture that can be stored depends on the type of soil or the composition of the soil-forming materials. Compost is one of the nutrients that is often used in the manufacture of planting media on land in the form of polybags, and the amount of compost composition on the soil is thought to greatly affect the ability to store water in the media, both the size and duration of storage. This study aims to examine the effect of using compost on storage of irrigation water in the form of soil moisture and how long it can be stored. in three-storey drip irrigation. The main data analyzed is soil moisture data (w) and the results of the analysis and discussion and conclusions are drawn descriptively. The results of the analysis show that the initial soil moisture content in the range of 19% -25%, can be given additional soil moisture by irrigation of about 12%. The average daily decrease in soil moisture that occurs in soil variation 1 (70%: 30% ) is 3% -4.4% and in soil variation 2 (50%: 50%), the average moisture reduction is around 3% -6%, soil moisture reduction in variation 2 is greater than soil variation 1 for all floors.

Сравнительная характеристика литохимических особенностей черноземов северного Приазовья и Крыма

The article discusses modern approaches to the study of weathering and soil formation processes in soils. It offers comparative characteristics of migration-segregation (ordinary carbonate) chernozems and textural-calcareous (southern) chernozems formed under conditions of the steppe regions in the Crimea and Rostov region. Lithochemical indices were used to determine the relative age of soils and establish the relationship between soil formation and weathering. CIA index characterizes the degree of soil weathering and its mineralogical features, while CIW index determines the degree of maturity of fine aluminosiliciclastics. The determined gross chemical (elemental) composition of soils and rocks formed the initial data for such reconstructions. In addition, the research included calculations of the molar ratios of silica to sesquioxides (SiO2:R2O3) and the eluviation coefficient (Ke) (excluding sodium) in soils and soil-forming rocks. It has been established that the relative age of chernozems in the Crimean Peninsula is less compared to the similar subtypes of chernozems in the Rostov region. This is due to the peculiarities of the soil-forming material. In the Rostov region, chernozems are formed on more weathered clay parent rocks, while the formation of Crimean chernozems is confined mainly to the eluvium of sedimentary rocks. Down the profile, the intensity of soil formation and weathering processes in the soils of the South and South-East of the East European Plain noticeably decreases due to a lower rate of secondary weathering of minerals. This can be explained by the limited energy characteristics of the environment in which these processes occur. Among such limiting environmental factors, on the major factors are an insufficient amount of moisture in the spring-summer period.

Spatial variability of the granulometric composition within arable field on soddy-podzolic soil

T e spatial variability of the content of granulometric fraction d&gt;0,25 mm in the arable layer of soddy-podzolic cultivated soil on an area of 18 hectares was studied. T e soil formed in the loess-like loam, underlain by moraine deposits. Samples were taken from the upper (0-10 cm) and lower parts of the arable layer (10-20 cm) following a random-stratif ed sampling scheme. T e total number of samples was 350 cores. T e average fraction content was about 22%, the coef cient of variation was 39-41%, the distributions were approximated by a logarithmically normal distribution. T e Spearman correlation coef cient between values at dif erent depths equaled to 0,87. T e spatial distribution cartograms were constructed by the ordinary kriging method using a spherical variogram model. It is shown that preliminary censoring of high sample values (quantile 0,95) gives better results when constructing a cartogram than removing a linear spatial trend and logarithm of the original data. Spatial structures with reduced and increased values were found on the site, the average linear sizes of which was about 100 m. Presumably, they were associated with the heterogeneity of soil-forming material.

THE ACTUAL STATUS OF TOXOCAROSIS INCIDENCE IN THE CHUVASH REPUBLIC

Toxocarosis is helminthosis caused by representatives of Nematoda type, manifested by nonspecific symptoms (from allergic manifestations to involvement of the lungs, eyes, the brain and other organs), depending on the localization of the larva in the human body. Currently, in the Russian Federation there is a tendency to increase the incidence, which makes it necessary to analyze the actual situation for this helminthosis. The aim of the study is to assess current epidemiological situation on the incidence of toxocarosis in the Chuvash Republic in the period from 2008 to 2021. The paper analyzes statistical data on the incidence of toxocarosis in the Chuvash Republic (Russia) from 2008 to 2021. During the period under study, the incidence of toxocarosis ranged from 0.91 to 6.74 per 100 thousand of population and made 4.09±0.44 per 100 thousand of population, and a decrease in this indicator was also noted in the republic over the past 13 years. However, the incidence of toxocarosis in Chuvashia remains at a level exceeding that of the average in Russia. A high incidence of toxocarosis was found to be confined to forest-growing areas (the Volga oak-forest-steppe, the South-eastern steppe and the South-western steppe regions), in which the soil-forming materials are mainly clays and loams.

Karakterisasi dan Klasifikasi Ultisols Yang Berkembang dari Dua Bahan Induk di Kabupaten Serang, Provinsi Banten

The effort to utilize the soils optimally, especially Ultisols, requires an appropriate understanding related to their characteristics. The characteristics of Ultisols are sturdily influenced by soil-forming factors, viz. climate, parent material, pedogenic age and topography. The purposes of this study were to determine the chemical, physical, mineralogical characteristics and soil development classification level of Ultisol from two different types of parent rock. This research was conducted in Kampungbaru Village, Petir District and Sukalaksana Village, Curug District, in Serang Regency, Banten Province. These two villages represented different parent materials, namely andesite lava parent material of Holocene age (Kampungbaru Village) and tuff dacite parent material of early Pleistocene age (Sukalaksana Village). The research method was descriptive, comparative and survey. Soil classification was based on the Soil Survey Staff. The results showed that Ultisols developed from dacite tuff and andesite lava did not show contrasting differences in soil properties. The level of weathering of the two pedons was at the senile stage and the level of soil development of the two pedons was at the argillic stage. The soil classification of Kampungbaru pedon was Typic Palehumults, very fine, kaolinitic, isohyperthermic, while the Sukalaksana pedons was Arenic Paleudults, fine, kaolinitic, isohyperthermic

Diagnostic Properties and Soil Forming Materials in the Classification System of Russian Soils: Version of 2021

Diagnostic Properties and Soil Forming Materials in the Classification System of Russian Soils: Version of 2021

Content of individual micro- and macroelements in different types of soils of the Central Black Soil region

The purpose of fundamental research in agricultural ecology is to solve complex problem of the establishment of patterns of mass transfer in agricultural systems and regulation of these processes in agricultural soil use. The chemical composition of soil is the result of soil-forming processes. The characteristics of the soil-forming material play decisive role. The investigation of the content of macro- and microelements in soils of different types has been quite relevant in recent decades due to their large physiological role in the life of plants and animals and the active transformation of soils during agricultural use. Fertilization is a process of certain soil cultivation and includes a set of measures aimed at the regulation of macro- and microelements, the lack of which can be determined by zonal conditions of soil formation or soil degradation, as a result of irrational agricultural nature management. The paper presents the results of a study of the content of individual macro- and microelements in some types of soils of the Central Black Soil regions. The studies of the aspects of the impact of fertilization existing in the scientific literature are controversial. The consideration of ecologically and economically justified levels of changes in soil properties during cultivation is necessary to control negative transformations of chemical elements in soil and their accumulation in depositing media. A quantitative assessment of the total content of water-soluble salts, their qualitative composition and dynamics under the influence of agrotechnical factors, the study of their spatial differentiation in soil cover allows optimizing the use of fertilizers and increasing the stability of agropedocenoses.

Features of soils and soil formation of natural monument «Park «Sergievka»» (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

Parks maintain crucial ecological functions and provide different benefits for city dwellers. These facts made studying of park ecosystems important task. Soil cover and patterns of its formation were studied in natural monument “Park “Sergievka” (Saint Petersburg). The structure and composition of the soil cover of the park depend mainly on relief, groundwater level and features of soil-forming materials. The soil cover of the park “Sergievka” is characterized by taxonomic diversity, complexity and heterogeneity. Natural soils occupy 75% of the park area. Gleysols and Fluvisols dominated on the modern marine terrace, Umbric and Histic Gleysols are typical for the first terrace, and Retisols are the most abundant soils of the second terrace. Urbic Technosols were found near buildings, ponds and along the highway. Terric Anthrosols occur on the Lower Meadow in front of the Palace. Despite the presence of artefacts and higher humus content, anthropogenic soils have acidic reaction and redoximorphic features typical for native soils of the park territory. The results of the study indicate the dominance of natural soil formation processes in the park due to absence of measures aimed at maintaining the effect of earlier work on soil drainage and cultivation.

Occurrence, Origin and Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in High Geological Background Impacted Soil-crop Systems in Yunnan, China

ABSTRACT Excessive accumulation of trace elements (TEs) in farmland soil-crop systems is a severe threat to food safety impeding the sustainable development of the ecological environment. This study examined the concentration, pollution status, sources, and potential risk of five TEs (As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr) in the soil-crop systems of the high geological background area of Lijiang, Yunnan, China. The average TE concentrations (mg·kg−1) in the farmland soils were as follows: Cr (185.3) > Zn (148.1) >Cu (92.4) >As (20.9) >Cd (0.4), exceeding the Chinese limit standards (GB15618-2017) by 29.1, 20.0, 38.2, 16.4, and 60.0%, respectively. The factor matrix analysis (PCA) and source identification study indicated that Cd, Cu, and Cr were the most prominent TEs mainly derived from the soil-forming parent material. However, compared with China’s food contaminants limit standard (GB 2762–2017), only Cr exceeded the food safety limit in all edible crops, especially in the leafy vegetable and rhizome crops, except the cereals. In addition, we established a univariate significant correlation model (R2 = 0.53854, P < .01) between soil Cr content and leafy vegetable Cr accumulation, and a trivariate significant correlation model (R 2 = 0.528, P < .01) of leafy crop Cr accumulation with soil Cr content, SOM, and pH. These data revealed that the soil TEs cumulative contamination in the high geological background area is a lighter risk to edible crops, and the accumulation of TEs in crops (especially leafy vegetables) is mainly from the soil TEs. Meanwhile, pH and SOM are the key factors that affect the bioavailability state of the soil TEs. Therefore, artificial adjustment of soil physicochemical properties could be a potential strategy for the safe utilization of TEs contaminated farmland soil under high geological background.

Evolution of scientific views at factors of chernozem soil formation and development

Based on the comparative-historical method, we considered scientific theories about factors of chernozem formation (soil-forming material, relief, climate, vegetation and animal life, time, human) in the paper, their interrelated impact on the formation and evolution of steppe soils reflected in works of F.I. Ruprecht, V.V. Dokuchaev, P.S. Kossovich, S.S. Nestruev, P.A. Kostychev, V.R. Williams, H. Jenny, S.A. Waksman, and other researchers. Taking into account ecosystem significance in the functioning of the steppe landscapes and the high degree of agricultural development of chernozem soils, intensification of degraded processes, a necessity of understanding of the real influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on chernozem evolution is urgent as it serves a basis for the design of ways of steppe soils restoration. Therefore, in the scientific community, an interest was arisen to solve Dokuchaev and Jenny’s equations identifying the functional relation between earth and soil formation factors. At the degree of accumulation of informational data on chernozem changeability in time and space, it has emerged conditions to develop approaches contradicting soil degradation processes.

Effects of different alternative soil forming materials on soybean growth index and yield

Aiming at the problems of soil poor and the decrease of cultivated land in the alluvial fan area in the northern slope of the Qinling Mountains, the selection of suitable alternative soil-forming materials to improve the soil in the piedmont area could provide a scientific reference for the improvement of soil quality. Therefore, we chose six different alternative soil-forming materials treatments, including vermiculite (M1), perlite (M2), clay shale (M3), gravel (M4), sand (M5), and soft rock (M6), which mixed with soil at a ratio of 0.5 L·m2 for field soybean planting experiments, respectively. The results showed that the order of soybean plant height from high to low in 6 different alternative soil-forming materials was M2> M6> M3> M5> M4> M1, the chlorophyll value of M2 and M3 was larger than that of the other four treatments, and the range of increase was 20.9%-26.6%, the figures showed M2 treatment was the most suitable for soybean plant growth. For soybean root dry weight, 100-grain weight and yield, the soybean root dry weight, 100-grain weight and yield under M2 and M1 treatment were larger. Comprehensive analysis of crop growth indicators and yield showed that M2 treatment was the most suitable as an alternative soil-forming material for soybean growth and soil improvement in mountainous areas.

Features of the Mineralogical Composition of Coarse Fractions and Their Correlation with the Genesis and Properties of Soils at the Zvenigorod Biostation of Moscow State University

The study of the mineralogical composition of sand (0.25–0.10 mm) and coarse silt (0.10–0.05 mm) fractions revealed a significant lithological heterogeneity of soil-forming material in the area of the Zvenigorod Biostation. The domination of ore minerals in heavy fractions (to 42% of grains) and, to a smaller rate, of hornblende and biotite, explains iron accumulation in soil profiles and the brown color of sandy loam soils. This feature, along with the insignificant presence of the clay fraction, enables us to assign texturally undifferentiated soils to the division of iron-metamorphic soils and more differentiated soils to the division of eluvial soils.

Assessment of the soil formation process in reclaimed terrains in Bulgarian copper mine

One of the most important preconditions of ecosystem rehabilitation in post mining landscapes is the soil formation process. In this context, the soil samples from Ellatzite copper mine are analyzed according to key parameters – the content of heavy metats, alkali and alkaline earth metals, nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter. The results of the study show that there are soil formation processes in reclaimed terrains whose speed and qualities depend on the soil-forming materials and the type of vegetation.

Morphology and physicochemical properties of soils in reclamation of ex-coal mining

Misusing soil-forming materials and reconstruction methods changes soil body and soil properties of coal mine reclamation. This research was aimed to understand the factors causing degradation and chronosequence of reclaimed soil properties to formulate a proper model for coal-mine reclamation soil. The research was conducted by using systematic grid survey method. The soil sample for reclamation land was taken from layers and horizon of native soil. The results showed that soil body reconstructed with topsoil and subsoil on the surface layer has dark brown morphological form, organic carbon 1.70-2.40%, subangular blocky to blocky structures, percentage of micro-aggregate formed 6.1-10.3%, aggregate stability 50-53.3%, bulk density 1.29-1.37 g cm-3, infiltration rate 1.66-4.67 cm hour-1, pH H2O 4.57-4.58, and SO4-2-soluble 92.5-240.3 mg kg-1. The body of reclamation soil which reconstructed with parent material and bedrock and differed among layers has fluctuate properties based on the layer composition and changes with a random pattern based on the age of reclamation.

Assessment of silt from sand and gravel processing as a suitable sub-soil material in land restoration: A glasshouse study

Annually, sand and gravel processing generates approximately 20 million tonnes of non-commercial by-product as fine silt particles (<63 μm) which constitutes approximately 20% of quarry production in the UK. This study is significant as it investigated the use of quarry silt as a sub-soil medium to partially substitute soil-forming materials whilst facilitating successful post-restoration crop establishment. In a glasshouse pot experiment, top-soil and sub-soil layering was simulated, generating an artificial sub-soil medium by mixing two quarry non-commercial by-products, i.e. silt and overburden. These were blended in three ratios (100:0, 70:30, 50:50). Pots were packed to two bulk densities (1.3 and 1.5 g cm-3) and sown with three cover crops used in the early restoration process namely winter rye (Secale cereale), white mustard (Sinapis alba) and a grassland seed mixture (Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Festuca rubra). Three weeks into growth, the first signs of nitrogen (N) deficiency were observed in mustard plants, with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deficiencies observed at 35 days. Rye exhibited minor N deficiency symptoms four weeks into growth, whilst the grassland mixture showed no deficiency symptoms. The 70:30 silt:overburden sub-soil blend resulted in significantly higher Root Mass Densities of grassland seed mixture and rye in the sub-soil layer as compared with the other blends. The innovation in this work is the detailed physical, chemical and biological characterisation of silt:overburden blends and effects on root development of plants commonly used in early restoration to bio-engineer soil structural improvements.

Особенности профильного распределения минералов во фракциях разной размерности в солонце светлом корковом сухостепной зоны юга России

Mineralogical composition of different texture fractions of Solonetz (Calcic Gypsic Endosalic Solonetz (Columnic Cutanic differentic) was studied. Inves-tigated object was located on the Borsi key plot in the northern part of the Caspian lowland (absolute height of the territory about 48 m) and developed on Early Khvalynian deposits. The profile of Solonetz is formed on coarsesilty clays and is characterized by depletion of silt in the upper 5cm horizon. The modern pedogenesis causes eluvial-illuvial distribution of silt fraction along the profile and the different ratio of mineral phases: 1) trioctahedral illites prevail in the SEL horizon, which indicates the process of illitization; 2) the upper natric horizon differs from the underlying ones by the predominance of labile minerals with the segregation of smectite packages. This pattern is associated with the process of lessivage, which occurs as the forming of clayey coatings. According to the mineralogical composition, some stratification of the soil-forming material is noted: in the upper part of the profile there was an increased content of illite of tridioctahedral type and mixed-layer minerals in comparison with the lower horizons. Comparing to the accumulative-calcareous horizons BCA and BSN3s the calcareous (Cca,s) horizon has a higher content of chlorite and kaolinite with perfect structure. The distribution of clastogenic minerals along the Solonetz profile in silt fractions and ≥ 10 μm has a weak disordered variation. With the increase of fractions sizes, an increase in the content of quartz, feldspars, plagioclases was marked. Also, the decrease of micas due to their more active disintegration during the pedogenesis was revealed.

Effects of composted green waste on soil quality and tree growth on a reclaimed landfill site

The addition of composted green waste (CGW) into soil-forming materials during land reclamation can benefit tree growth by improvement of soil properties and provide an effective waste management solution. CGW addition may also assist the establishment of earthworm populations, which in turn aid soil development through their burrowing and feeding activities. An experiment was set up on a reclaimed landfill site, to measure the effects of CGW addition on soil physical and chemical quality and subsequently on the survival and growth of two tree species (Acer platanoides and Alnus cordata). A further objective was to measure the influence of earthworm (Aporrectodea longa) addition on the above. CGW addition led to significantly greater A. cordata growth (height and diameter) and increased survival rate. No benefits from CGW addition were observed on A. platanoides growth or survival, although this is likely due to soil drought conditions during establishment. CGW addition significantly increased levels of organic carbon and essential plant macro-nutrients in the reclaimed soil. Soil pH rose slightly across all treatments, with highest final pH under the control treatment. Earthworm inoculation, as used, was unsuccessful at increasing population density of A. longa. This experiment showed that CGW application can effectively improve tree establishment and soil quality on reclaimed landfill; however tree species selection is an important consideration, based on individual species tolerance and sensitivity to certain soil conditions. These findings will be informative to decisions on soil amendment and afforestation activities on similar reclaimed landfill sites.

Interactive effects of composted green waste and earthworm activity on tree growth and reclaimed soil quality: A mesocosm experiment

On reclaimed landfill sites, the addition of organic matter such as composted green waste (CGW) to soil-forming materials can support tree survival and growth. CGW addition may also assist the establishment of sustainable earthworm populations, and in turn these organisms can promote further soil development through their burrowing and feeding activity. Despite such potentially mutual benefits, little research has been carried out into CGW and earthworm interactions with trees on reclaimed land. A twelve month, open field nursery experiment revealed the responses of the interactions between two tree species; Alnus cordata (Betulaceae) and Acer platanoides (Sapindaceae), CGW and the earthworms Aporrectodea longa (Lumbricidae) and Allolobophora chlorotica (Lumbricidae) in reclaimed soil. Controlled mesocosm conditions permitted a detailed investigation into the factors affecting tree growth and nutrient uptake, soil nutrient cycling and earthworm population dynamics. Results revealed that A. cordata growth was unaffected by CGW or earthworm addition. There was, however, a significant positive synergistic effect of earthworm activity and CGW addition on A. platanoides growth. CGW addition significantly increased levels of organic carbon and essential plant macro-nutrients in reclaimed soil while earthworm activity assisted decomposition of both leaf litter and CGW. Findings showed that CGW may serve as a suitable early source of organic matter to support earthworm population establishment on reclaimed sites. This experiment demonstrates that CGW improves reclaimed soil quality, thereafter supporting tree establishment and growth on reclaimed landfill.

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE CONTENTS OF THE NORMATIVE-TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS FOR ENGINEERING-ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS

The article shows that the main problems of the current normative base for engineering-environmental surveys (SP 47.13330.2016) consist in: predominance of the anthropocentric approach over the coevolutionary approach; absence of a direct instruction on the necessity of ecologically-oriented assessments of the modern geological and hydrometeorological (natural and anthropogenic) processes; illegibility of the legends of ecologicallyoriented maps. The authors offer to single out groups of catastrophic, dangerous and unfavorable processes that negatively influence people and ecosystems, as well as differ from each other in the severity of environmental consequences (such as threats to life, changes in living comfort, disturbance of the preservation of soils and soil-forming materials). The authors outline some ways for improvement of the contents of legends of environmentally oriented maps.