Soil Type Research Articles

Leafcutter ants enhance microbial drought resilience in tropical forest soil.

We conducted a research campaign in a neotropical rainforest in Costa Rica throughout the drought phase of an El-Nino Southern Oscillation event to determine microbial community dynamics and soil C fluxes. Our study included nests of the leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes, as soil disturbances made by these ecosystem engineers may influence microbial drought response. Drought decreased the diversity of microbes and the abundance of core microbiome taxa, including Verrucomicrobial bacteria and Sordariomycete fungi. Despite initial responses of decreasing diversity and altered composition, 6 months post-drought the microbiomes were similar to pre-drought conditions, demonstrating the resilience of soil microbial communities to drought events. A. cephalotes nests altered fungal composition in the surrounding soil, and reduced both fungal mortality and growth of Acidobacteria post-drought. Drought increased CH4 consumption in soils due to lower soil moisture, and A. cephalotes nests decrease the variability of CH4 emissions in some soil types. CH4 emissions were tracked by the abundance of methanotrophic bacteria and fungal composition. These results characterize the microbiome of tropical soils across both time and space during drought and provide evidence for the importance of leafcutter ant nests in shaping soil microbiomes and enhancing microbial resilience during climatic perturbations.

Modern and comprehensive soil studies in grape agrocenoses in Azerbaijan

The article presents some results of a comparative analysis of the agrochemical, microbiological, and environmental properties of grape plants and soil types common in regions located on the slopes of the Lesser Caucasus. The objectives of this study were to assess the current state and quality of soils used for vineyards in some villages of the Ganja-Kazakh economic region, taking into account the long-term use of fertilizers and chemicals to protect plantations from various diseases for the resulting wine materials. Growing and exporting grapes is of great importance for the development of the economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Since it is a break-even plant, expanding the area under grapes to attract wetlands to agriculture has been an important issue for soil scientists in recent years. During the period of rapid development of viticulture in the republic, ensuring rapid harvesting and longevity of vineyards is one of the important scientific and practical tasks.

Estimating sediment transport capacity on sloping farmland on the Loess Plateau considering soil particle size characteristics

The sediment transport capacity (Tc) is essential for understanding soil erosion and creating soil erosion prediction models. Although many Tc equations exist, they are not universally applicable to sloping farmland on the Loess Plateau. To tailor Tc equations for this region, Tc for four soils (Shenmu Inceptisol (SMI), Shenmu Entisol (SME), Ansai Inceptisol (AS), and Yongshou Alfisol (YS)) from sloping farmland on the Loess Plateau was determined through flume tests with slopes ranging from 15.84 % to 38.39 % and flow discharges of 0.05 to 0.11 m2 min−1. Additionally, appropriate particle size characteristics were selected to distinguish the soil types. The results revealed that the Tc of SME exceeded that of YS, followed by SMI and AS in descending order. The Tc of the four individual soils increased exponentially with flow discharge (Q) and slope (S). Tc for individual soils could be satisfactorily predicted using power functions of mean velocity, shear stress (τ), stream power (ω), or effective stream power (R2: 0.661–0.950, MAE: 0.020–0.110, RMSE: 0.023–0.151), with ω being identified as an optimal hydraulic parameter for simulating Tc. In contrast, the unit stream power was a poor predictor of Tc for individual soils (R2: 0.403–0.700, MAE: 0.035–0.123, RMSE: 0.040–0.161). The median particle size (D50), sorting coefficient, and kurtosis (Kg) exhibited highly significant positive correlations with Tc (P < 0.01). Finally, a quadratic power equation for Q, S, D50, and Kg, along with two ternary power equations for ω (or τ), D50, and Kg were newly constructed, all with satisfactory accuracies (R2: 0.808–0.826, MAE: 0.061–0.063, RMSE: 0.086–0.090). The inclusion of σ and Kg rectified the inaccuracies in predicting Tc for all four soils using Q and S equations or ω (or τ). The results of this study offer valuable insights into the construction of the Tc equations.

Feasibility of RCC Structure Resting on Backfilled Soil

Abstract: Backfilled land for Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) structures emerges as a sustainable solution. However, the inherent differences between naturally deposited soil and backfilled soil necessitate a comprehensive assessment of its index and engineering properties. This project employs core cutter and water content tests, supplemented by direct shear tests, to evaluate the suitability of backfilled soil for construction purposes. Furthermore, bearing capacity analysis is conducted utilizing Terzaghi's equation at minimum cost to ascertain the load-bearing capabilities of various foundation types. The incorporation of the bearing capacity table from the Indian building code facilitates the determination of requisite bearing capacities tailored to different soil types. Through this project, a systematic approach to utilizing backfilled soil for RCC structures is proposed, addressing both environmental concerns and the imperative for sustainable urban development of India.

Crop Recommendation System

Abstract: In the wake of climate change and evolving agricultural practices, there is an increasing demand for innovative technologies to enhance crop productivity while ensuring sustainability. This abstract presents a comprehensive overview of a state-of-the-art Crop Recommendation System (CRS) designed to assist farmers in making informed decisions regarding crop selection. The CRS utilizes machine learning algorithms and data analytics techniques to analyze various factors such as soil type, climate conditions, historical crop performance, market trends, and farmer preferences. Through the integration of satellite imagery, weather data, soil composition analysis, and historical crop yields, the CRS generates personalized recommendations tailored to specific agricultural contexts

Soil Structure Interaction of R.C. Building with Basement Resting on Pile Raft Foundation

Abstract: Historically, Basements or underground stories were built in a castle to use as a dunged on oar store room. However, in modern construction, the restrain to go deeper below the grade level in term so basements which can be utilized for parking, shopping mall or combination of both. In such cases, dynamic soil properties have a significant effect of activating dynamic soil structure interaction phenomena on during earthquake. Here in present study an effort is made to study the behavior of a building by varying number so basements considering dynamic soil structure interaction. Issues like considering higher frequency modes, influence zone to be considered for dynamic soil structure interaction, behavior of building with basements under different water level conditions for two different types of layered soil and their comparison with fixed based structure is deal with. It is observed that dynamic soil structure interaction can significant change the behavior of the building and hence it is recommended to perform dynamic soil structure interaction for building with multiple basements. In addition, some important recommendations are provided at the end to serve as a guide for researchers and practicing engineers.

Computational modelling of tyre behavior on concrete and sandy soil surfaces using solid works software

Tyres are integral components of vehicles, crucial for controlling movement, supporting vehicle weight, and providing traction. Consequently, there's a growing need for accurate tyre modelling to optimize performance under varying conditions. While extensive literature exists on tyre-soil interaction, information is scarce regarding tyre behaviour across different soil types. This study aims to address this gap by employing computational modelling techniques to analyse tyre behaviour on two distinct surfaces: concrete and sandy soil. Utilizing SolidWorks software, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to evaluate tyre performance under varying road conditions. The study focused on analysing shear forces, soil resistances, and partial soil resistant forces exerted on the tyres. The findings indicate that tyres exhibit superior performance on concrete surfaces compared to sandy soil. The computational simulations predicted shear forces of 0.6 kN, soil resistances of 0.2 kN, and partial soil resistant forces of 0.25 kN for the concrete surfaces. These results were notably higher than those observed on sandy soil surfaces. This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of tyre behaviour under different road conditions and underscores the importance of computational modelling in understanding and optimizing tyre performance. The insights gained from this research have significant implications for vehicle design, road engineering, and the development of more efficient and durable tyres tailored to specific environmental conditions.

GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DICHANTHIUM ANNULATUM: A REVIEW

Dichanthium annulatum herb belongs to Poaceae family; also referred to as marvel grass. It grows to a height of about 25cm. Due to its straightforward and affordable development from seed, it is used as forage. The present review was based on the geographical description and pharmacological properties of dichanthium annulatum. It is indigenous to regions of Africa, the Middle East, and tropical Asia. It has been brought to many different regions of the world for cultivation, and in some, like Australia, it has established itself as a native species. This pasture grass is well-liked in various regions. It can be harvested for hay and silage and used in fields to graze livestock. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including those with a lot of clay and sand, poor drainage, and a little saline and alkaline soil. It creates turf that can withstand pressure from grazing animals. It can bounce back from fire and drought, but it can't stand frost and shade as well. Although it doesn't need fertiliser, it does benefit from a little more nitrogen. It concluded that D. annulatum is versatile herb having diverse pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antioxidant activity index, DNA damage protection assay, antimicrobial assay, and cytotoxic activity. It also reported for protective effect against DNA damage. These biological properties are reported due to numerous phytochemicals present in the D. annulatum herb.

Diversification of Intensively Used Grassland: Resilience and Good Fodder Quality across Different Soil Types

In Central Europe, grasslands for dairy production are typically characterised by monocultures with high input rates of artificial fertilisers. However, it was suggested that biodiversity could reduce the need for anthropogenic inputs in functionally diversified grassland mixes while maintaining or enhancing yields and fodder quality. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed five consecutively diversified grassland mixes consisting of ryegrass, legumes, a non-leguminous forb, and additional grass species for intensive fodder production, and tested them under regular agricultural conditions in a three-year experiment on sandy soil, marshland, and bog soil at one-hectare per mix and site. All mixtures produced similar high-quality forage in terms of utilisable crude protein content and net energy lactation rate, even under challenging climatic conditions. However, a high abundance of Dactylis glomerata can decrease these values, although factors such as seasonality and rainfall affect them to a greater degree. The seasonal composition changes between the functional groups, such as strong spring growth of grasses and strong summer growth of legumes, show complementarity rather than competition between the groups, resulting in consistent biomass production during the growth period. The results were consistent over the three soil types and provide the basis for further adaptation of mixes and breeding.

Effect of Biochar Application on the Improvement of Soil Properties and Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Yield on Two Contrasting Soil Types in a Semi-Arid Region of Inner Mongolia

Biochar application to soil is widely recognized as a promising agricultural management practice to increase crop production by enhancing the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of the soil. Despite the fact that numerous studies have investigated biochar production and alterations in soil properties, the effects of biochar on contrasting soils within the same region remain poorly understood, especially for semi-arid regions. Therefore, a three-year field experiment was initiated in 2020 wherein biochar was applied once to a buckwheat field at rates of 0, 20, 40, and 60 Mg ha−1 (BC0: no biochar; BC1: 20 Mg ha−1; BC2: 40 Mg ha−1; BC3: 60 Mg ha−1) for two soil types (aeolian sandy and grey meadow soil) in the northeast of Inner Mongolia, China. The soil water storage (SWS), nutrient contents (organic matter, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), microbial biomass (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus), and enzyme activities (urease, invertase, and alkaline phosphatase) were assessed at a soil depth of 0–15 cm as part of the soil quality assessment, and the buckwheat grain yield was estimated for crop productivity evaluation. The results showed that biochar amendment improved selected soil physicochemical and microbiological properties and buckwheat yields for both soil types. Compared to BC0, the biochar addition increased buckwheat yields, on average, by 11.23% to 22.82% in aeolian sandy soil and by 7.36% to 14.87% in grey meadow soil across three years. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and random forest analysis (RFA) indicate that soil available nutrients and microbiological properties were the most important factors influencing buckwheat yields in aeolian sandy soil and grey meadow soil, respectively. Based on RFA, the available potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen were found to contribute at rates of 13.10%, 10.06%, and 8.12%, respectively, to buckwheat yields in aeolian sandy soil. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase, urease, and microbial biomass carbon contribute 20.26%, 8.48%, and 7.82%, respectively, to the buckwheat yields in grey meadow soil. Following biochar addition, there was greater improvement in soil health and buckwheat production for aeolian sandy soil than grey meadow soil. In conclusion, biochar addition is an effective practice for improving soil health and crop productivity in both aeolian sandy soil and grey meadow soil in semi-arid regions.

Evaluasi Sebaran Rayap Di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Pada Jenis Tanah Yang Berbeda

Termites are one of the pests in oil palm plantations that can cause physical damage to oil palm plants. This study aims to determine the type and colony of termites in mineral, peat and sandy soils and the effectiveness of their control. This research was conducted at PT. Binasawit Abadipratama located in Danau Seluluk District, Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, Tangar Estate from March to April 2023. The research was conducted using a comparative method by comparing termite colonies in mineral soil, peat and with parameters in the form of termite species and the level of attack expressed by scoring, as well as secondary data in the form of termite nest census data in the garden archive to determine the effectiveness of control. The results showed that the largest termite colony was found in mineral soil. Termite species found in all soil types was Macrotermes gilvus, and no indication of termite infestation in oil palm trees. Based on the census data for the past three years, it can be concluded that the control that has been carried out is effective in reducing the termite colony from year to year.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis with Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM197198 modifies the root transcriptome of walnut trees.

Walnut trees are cultivated and exploited worldwide for commercial timber and nut production. They are heterografted plants, with the rootstock selected to grow in different soil types and conditions and to provide the best anchorage, vigor, and resistance or tolerance to soil borne pests and diseases. However, no individual rootstock is tolerant of all factors that impact walnut production. In Europe, Juglans regia is mainly used as a rootstock. Like most terrestrial plants, walnut trees form arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses, improving water and nutrient uptake and providing additional ecosystem services. Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on root gene regulation, however, has never been assessed. We analyzed the response of one rootstock of J. regia to colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM197198. Plant growth as well as the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in roots and shoots were significantly increased in mycorrhizal plants versus non-colonized plants. In addition, we have shown that 1,549 genes were differentially expressed, with 832 and 717 genes up- and down-regulated, respectively. The analysis also revealed that some rootstock genes involved in plant nutrition through the mycorrhizal pathway, are regulated similarly as in other mycorrhizal woody species: Vitis vinifera and Populus trichocarpa. In addition, an enrichment analysis performed on GO and KEGG pathways revealed some regulation specific to J. regia (i.e., the juglone pathway). This analysis reinforces the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on root gene regulation and on the need to finely study the effects of diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on root gene regulation, but also of the scion on the functioning of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus in heterografted plants such as walnut tree.

International Biological Flora: Festuca dolichophylla†

Abstract This account provides information on all aspects of the biology of Festuca dolichophylla J. Presl (Chilliwa, Chilligua) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the International Biological Flora including distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic and environmental factors, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, conservation and global heterogeneity. Festuca dolichophylla is a tall perennial tussock grass that thrives at high elevations. It is native and widely distributed along the Andes of South America. It also occurs in North and Central America, especially in Mexico and Costa Rica. Festuca dolichophylla plays a significant role in Andean ecosystems and communities of Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and northern Argentina. It serves various purposes, primarily as food source for South American camelids such as llama and alpaca. Festuca dolichophylla is dominant in Altiplano (Andean high plains) grasslands and is also present in Bofedales (Andean peatlands), shrublands and possibly in Ecuador and Colombia paramos. Festuca dolichophylla reproduces through seeds and vegetative tillers. Flowering tillers bear panicles with multiple spikelets and florets. An ungrazed plant can produce as much as 15.6 g of seeds during May and June, and seeds can germinate in 7 days or more. Festuca dolichophylla exhibits physiological and ecological traits that enable it to thrive in harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, drought and nutrient‐poor soils. It thrives in a range of soil types from strongly acid to slightly alkaline, encompassing textures that include loamy, sandy clay loam, clay loam and clay, and which are influenced by the cold and semiarid Andean climate. Fertilizers with different NPK formulations enhance fresh aerial biomass, plant height and volume. Additionally, F. dolichophylla forms mycorrhizal associations, stores large amounts of fixed carbon in its stems, and bioaccumulates mercury, lead and arsenic. Despite its importance, Festuca dolichophylla remains poorly studied. Further research is needed to explore its ecology, breeding systems, diseases or ecotypes. Moreover, population and demographic studies are crucial to assess the impact of climate change on this species. Adaptive, strategic and organized management and conservation efforts are essential, particularly in Indigenous Andean settlements, where F. dolichophylla offers multiple applications and benefits. Furthermore, utilizing this species in grassland revegetation and restoration initiatives highlights the need for ongoing research and management endeavours to ensure its conservation and sustainable use.

Temporal and Spatial Variation of Toxic Metal Concentrations in Cultivated Soil in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China: Characteristics and Mechanisms

The toxic metal (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) pollution in 250 agricultural soil samples representing the urban area of Jiaxing was studied to investigate the temporal and spatial variations. Compared to the early 1990s, the pollution level has increased. Industry and urbanization were the main factors causing toxic metal pollution on temporal variation, especially the use of feed containing toxic metals. The soil types and crop cultivation methods are the main factors causing toxic metal pollution on spatial variation. Although the single-factor pollution indices of all the toxic metals were within the safe limits, as per the National Soil Environmental Quality Standard (risk screening value), if the background values of soil elements in Jiaxing City are used as the standard, the pollution index of all the elements surveyed exceeds 1.0, reaching a level of mild pollution. The soil samples investigated were heavily contaminated with toxic metal compounds, and their levels increased over time. This situation poses potential ecological and health risks.

Paraná basin basalt powder: A multinutrient soil amendment for enhancing soil chemistry and microbiology

This study evaluated the effects of Paraná Basin basalt powder, a mining byproduct from southern Brazil, on the macro- and micronutrient content of two soil types, Oxisol (OX) and Typic Quartzipsamment (TQ), as well as the metabolic activity of soil microorganisms. Basalt powder doses were determined based on CaO levels required to correct Ca2+ levels in each soil, ranging from 0 to 4 times the recommended amount. Soil samples were collected for analysis after 60 and 170 days of incubation to assess soil attributes. Additionally, a laboratory study examined soil basal respiration (SBR) after 168 days of greenhouse incubation. The results revealed that higher doses of basalt powder application led to increased pH, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu, B, and Si levels in OX, while decreasing Al3+ levels in the same soil. In TQ soils, the effects were more limited, showing specific increases in pH, P, S–SO42-, and Si levels. Moreover, there was a 21% increase in SBR in OX with higher basalt rates. These findings suggest that basalt powder has the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly solution for soil fertilization, positively impacting its chemical and biological properties.

IMPLEMENTATION OF MAPPING-BASED MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHM AS NON-STRUCTURAL DISASTER MITIGATION TO DETECT LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY IN TAKARI DISTRICT

This research is primarily dedicated to providing a comprehensive exposition of the methodology applied in the deployment of a cartographic-based machine learning algorithm designed for the precise identification of areas susceptible to landslides within the geographical confines of the Takari District.This research delves into the application of mapping-based machine learning algorithms in the domain of non-structural disaster mitigation, with a specific emphasis on the detection of landslide susceptibility within the Takari District. A range of machine learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes Classifier, Ordinal Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Decision Tree, were harnessed to evaluate rainfall data within the context of landslide susceptibility. An evaluation of model performance, anchored in accuracy and Kappa metrics, unveiled that both the Ordinal Logistic Regression and Random Forest models exhibited noteworthy precision, reaching a commendable 74.36%. Nevertheless, a meticulous examination of Kappa values disclosed the ascendancy of the Random Forest model, which achieved a superior Kappa value of 0.5397. As portrayed in the visual representation provided, it becomes manifest that the Random Forest algorithm's prognostications yield 66 instances of cloudy atmospheric conditions, 48 occurrences of light precipitation, and 3 episodes of moderate rainfall. These predictions are influenced by several factors, including average temperature, humidity levels, wind speed, duration of sunlight, and wind direction at maximum speed. Consequently, this comprehensive analysis underscores the Random Forest algorithm as the most efficacious model for landslide susceptibility prediction. Furthermore, the study seamlessly integrated overlay maps, encompassing the Slope Inclination Map of the Takari District, Geological Map of the Takari District, and Soil Type Map of the Takari District, to contribute to the formulation of a definitive map delineating the susceptibility to landslides in the Takari District. Furthermore, further research could conduct spatial validation of the model predictions using additional datasets or remote sensing data to validate the accuracy of the landslide susceptibility map and ensure its applicability across different geographical regions.

Experience in implementation of the No-till farming system in the Belgorod region

The research was conducted in a forest-steppe zone of the municipality of “Korochan district” (Belgorod region). Typical and leached chernozem constituted the two types of soils, that were studied. The goal was to evaluate the main results of introduction of the No-till farming system, following the example of LLC “Meat Farms – Iskra”. It was found out that on average, throughout the years of 2018-2022, winter wheat was the most regular (24.5%), alongside sunflower (23.2%). Legumes prevalence was at 32.5% with soy (20.0%). Organic fertilizer wasn’t used in the process; however, the average dose of mineral fertilizers was 66 kg of the substance/ha, which is 42.4% lower than the average for Belgorod region. The usage of the system No-till yield the sunflower, soy and corn-beans, as well as winter wheat plantings corresponded to 2.21, 1.65, 6.35 and 4.43 t/ha, which is lower by 23.5, 20.7, 11.2,10.9% when compared with the average throughout Belgorod region. The quantity of organic substances in the arable layer of the soil underwent an increase of 0, 14%, the quantity of mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium went down by 12 and 28 mg/kg accordingly, the dose of acidic soils decreased by 8,7%. The amount of mobile forms of sulfur and microelements didn’t particularly change. The profitability of crop production using the No-till system was 82.3%, which is 1.29 times higher than the average of the Belgorod region.

Effects of polyurethane microplastics combined with cadmium on maize growth and cadmium accumulation under different long-term fertilisation histories

Agricultural production uses different types of fertilisation treatments, typically employing the combined application of organic fertiliser (OF) or organic–inorganic fertiliser (OIF) to improve soil quality. When coupled with cadmium (Cd), microplastics (MPs) affect plant growth and Cd accumulation in soils treated with different fertilisers. This study systematically examined the effects of polyurethane (PU) MPs coupled with Cd on the growth characteristics, root metabolite characteristics, rhizosphere bacterial community structure, and Cd bioavailability of maize under different long-term fertilisation treatments and soil types (red/cinnamon soil). The combined effects of PU MPs and Cd on maize growth differed across fertilisation treatments. Under OF, maize plants accumulated more Cd than under OIF. The accumulation of Cd in maize plants in red soil was twice that in cinnamon soil. Under OF, PU MPs promoted Cd activation by decreasing the soil pH, while root metabolites promoted Cd adsorption sites by synthesising specific amino acids, degrading aromatic compounds, and synthesising pantothenic acid and coenzyme A. Under OF, PU MPs can lower the soil pH to promote the activation of cadmium, while root metabolites promote root growth and increase cadmium adsorption sites by synthesizing specific amino acids, degrading aromatic compounds, and synthesizing pantothenic acid and coenzyme A, hereby promoting root Cd absorption. Under OIF, PU MPs act by influencing the biosynthesis of amino acids in root metabolites, enriching energy metabolism pathways, promoting the transport and translocation of mineral nutrients, thereby amplifying the "toxic effects" of Cd. This study provides new insights into the risk assessment of PU MPs and Cd coupling under different fertilisation treatments, and suggests that the prevention and control of combined PU MPs and Cd pollution in red soil under OF treatment should receive more attention in the future.

Predictive modeling of green water availability: The role of annual plants as an ecological indicator in dryland ecosystems

Green water is primarily associated with the appearance of annual plants and plays a significant role in biomass production in both arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Herein, we aim to estimate the optimal threshold for determining the presence or absence of annual plants and use them as an ecological indicator to assess potential green water areas in Kuwait as a case study. We integrate remote sensing techniques and MaxEnt modeling. The AUC for the annual plant distribution with all examined factors is 0.847, and the standard deviation is 0.050. The results demonstrated that potential locations with high levels of green water cover <20% of the country. The annual plant distribution was significantly correlated with several types of perennial plants, maximum temperature, precipitation, and sandy soils. It was also found that annual plants are controlled by the spring and winter temperature decline and the timing of precipitation occurrence, especially the pattern and amount of rainfall received in November. Sandy loam and loam soils were found to be ideal for annual plants, although land depressions and soil types are crucial factors in determining annual plant distribution. Additionally, annual plants enhanced the growth of several perennial communities. To reiterate, our study's model helped to comprehend the significance of annual plants as an ecological indicator in sustaining soil moisture over a prolonged period, as well as factors controlling the distribution of annual plants. The developed model and indicators could support decision-makers in determining appropriate locations with adequate levels of green water for revegetation planning in arid landscapes.

Scale and biometric basis of soil bioindication for apple seedlings

The studies were carried out in 2010–2022 in the Lipetsk and Tambov regions. Soil (humus horizon) was sampled from apple orchards of different ages, soil types and subtypes. For the growing season, apple seedlings of the Renet Kichunov variety from open pollination were used. With an increase in the content of physical clay in the soil from 10 to 45%, the length of seedling shoots increased from 3.5 to 15.5 cm, the total dry biomass – from 0.7 to 2.2, including leaves – from 0.3 to 1 ,0, shoots – from 0.2 to 0.6, roots – from 0.2 to 0.6 g/vessel. If the content of physical clay reaches 85%, this leads to a stop in shoot growth and a decrease in the total dry biomass. With an increase in the leached chernozem bonitet from 75 to 90 points, the height of seedlings increases from 4 to 15 cm, the total dry biomass – from 0.3 to 1.9, including leaves – from 0.1 to 0.5, shoots – from 0 .1 to 0.4, roots – from 0.1 to 1.0 g/vessel. When the age of an apple orchard changes from 1 year to 20 years, the height of apple seedlings planted on this soil decreases from 40 to 4 cm, the total dry biomass – from 6.2 to 0.6, including the mass of leaves – from 3 to 0, 3, shoots – from 1.8 to 0.2, roots – from 1.4 to 0.1 g/vessel. This allowed us to develop a biometric scale by which we can estimate the age of the soil (degree of soil fatigue) using seedlings. The obtained data make it possible to propose biometric scales for assessing changes in the granulometric composition, quality of the soil and the time it remains in the apple orchard based on the biomass of apple tree seedlings of the Renet Kichunov variety.