Southern Exposure Research Articles

Impact of glazing type, window-to-wall ratio, and orientation on building energy savings quality: A parametric analysis in Algerian climatic conditions

Opaque surfaces, such as walls, are well-known for their significant contributions to heat loss and energy demands in buildings. However, transparent surfaces, such as windows, are equally critical to a building's energy performance. The design of these transparent elements requires a careful balance of various factors, including window size, glazing type, and orientation, each of which plays a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency. This study explores the optimization of these factors during the design process, emphasizing their impact on the overall building performance.This research evaluates the potential energy savings in a building archetype representative of the Algerian building stock. Utilizing the EnergyPlus simulation tool, the study conducted 1152 simulations on a baseline model to generate a comprehensive dataset detailing the building's energy demands for heating and cooling across various climatic conditions. The findings reveal that annual energy savings for this type of housing essentially depend on its climatic zone and can range from 6.92 % for a hot semi-arid climate (Bsh) to reach a maximum of 9.75 % in a cold semi-arid climate (Bsk), a window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of 60 % typically maximizes energy efficiency, low-E glazing proved most effective in most cases, although regions needing significant solar protection favored alternative glazing types. Optimal window orientation generally trends Eastward, except in regions where southern exposure better supports solar management, highlighting the complex relationship between architectural design choices and energy efficiency.

The possibilities of GIS technologies for assessing and monitoring the climatic conditions of the Makazhoy Fepression (Chechen Republic, Russia)

Modeling based on a digital relief model of the spatiotemporal change in the amount of total solar radiation and the assessment of the contribution of locations to the distribution of meteorological elements.DEM analysis was conducted in a GIS environment to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of total solar radiation, and statistical analysis of retrospective climatic and actual (2023) meteorological data was conducted.Based on a digital model of the relief of average spatial resolution in a GIS environment, changes in the spatial and temporal magnitude of solar radiation were estimated. A prospective analysis of climatic conditions made it possible to assess the general features of the climate of the Makazhoy basin Field observations made it possible to characterize modern climatic conditions, as well as to calculate gradients.Depending on the locations, it was determined that the amount of total solar radiation in the Makazhoy basin varies by almost 3 times. Within the same altitude intervals, the difference between the slopes of the southern and northern exposures reaches up to 50 %. The smallest differences in the amount of radiation were observed on the days of the summer solstice, and the largest on the days of the winter solstice. The average annual air temperature in the altitude range of 1960–2264 m in 2023 varied from 8.6 to 5.8°, and the amount of precipitation – from 481 to 525 mm, respectively. The intra‐annual course of meteorological parameters (air temperature and leaf surface, precipitation and relative humidity) within the meteorological transect has been revealed. The data obtained make it possible to proceed to the formation of a GIS system for monitoring the climatic conditions of the carbon landfill of the Kadyrov Chechen State University.

Peculiarities of water exchange of Quercus robur and Acer campestre in an oak-field maple forest

We studied the physiological and biochemical parameters of water exchange of two broadleaf forest species, Quercus robur L. and Acer campestre L., which grow under different levels of water supply. The study was conducted in the lower third of the northern slope and the middle third of the southern exposure slope in the “Viyskovyi” ravine. It was established that the content of total water in the leaves of Q. robur is higher than that of A. campestre under both mesophilic and xerophilic conditions. In A. campestre, the gradual dehydration of leaves during the growing season is more pronounced. The water-holding capacity of the leaves increases in both species, especially in July and August on the southern exposure slope, which is consistent with changes in the content of hydrophilic colloids. This can be considered as an adaptation of plants against rigorous hydrothermal conditions. The leaves of A. campestre retain water better and are characterized by a greater number of hydrophilic colloids compared to the leaves of Q. robur at different levels of water supply. Under xerophilic growth conditions, the suction power of the cellular junctions of leaves is more significant than under mesophilic conditions. At both experimental sites, this indicator is always higher in case of A. campestre, while the difference is greater only under xerophilic conditions. The increase in suction force in leaf cells occurs in parallel with the increase in soil dryness. The leaves of A. campestre have a greater water deficit and suction power, better water-holding capacity due to a greater content of hydrophilic colloids, and a lower intensity of transpiration. The leaves of Q. robur have a lower water deficit and a lower water-holding capacity, which is based on the ability to resist the lack of moisture by the development of a deep root system that allows water to be absorbed from its deep horizons. The obtained data make it possible to clarify the peculiarities of the water regime of tree species during their simultaneous growth in forest phytocoenoses and adaptation to different levels of soil moisture.

Assessment of the content of biologically active substances in Hypericum perforatum along an altitude gradient

An assessment of the content of flavonoids in the herb St. John’s wort, selected in natural phytocoenosis along an altitudinal gradient, is presented. We used generally accepted methods described in the relevant manuals when conducting research. The material for the study was air-dried samples of the aerial parts of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) collected at different altitudes. The features of the accumulation of flavonoids (leucoanthocyanins, catechins, flavonols) and the amount of anthracene derivatives in the herb St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) in the phase of mass flowering along an altitudinal gradient were studied. It has been shown that an increased level of anthracene derivatives (in terms of hypericin) is observed at altitudes of 615 - 716 m above sea level. The amount of anthracene derivatives (in terms of hypericin) significantly decreases along the altitudinal gradient. The content of catechins in samples taken along the altitudinal gradient varies within 0.17 - 0.36 mg%. It has been established that plants selected at different altitudes from 615 to 2025 m above sea level are characterized by other content of flavonoids. The samples in the altitude range 615 - 716 m above sea level have the maximum content. The plants selected in the vicinity of the village had the best characteristics for the accumulation of the mass fraction of flavonols. Makhchesk, Irafsky district of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania, in coenopopulations of a cereal-forb meadow at 1340 m above sea level. Thickets of Hypericum perforatum are found on slopes of southern and southeastern exposure.

Bioinspired Living Coating System for Regenerative and Circular Architecture

Surfaces of exposed materials are affected by biotic and abiotic degradation processes. They often are protected by architectural coatings that not only provide a decorative layer but also enhance integrity of the material structure. Common surface treatments often include mineral oil binders and other ingredients that are known to have a negative impact on the environment. To address these issues, an alternative bioinspired concept for materials protection based on engineered fungal biofilm is under development. This paper presents the first results related to the bioreceptivity of building materials and the initial steps of natural biofilm formation. This research concluded that fungal colonisation and the variability of microorganisms is influenced by the type of material and climate condition at the exposure site. Fungal infestation was lower on protected materials (e.g., with commercial coatings). Samples from the eastern and western exposure exhibited the highest fungal colonisation, whereas samples from the northern and southern exposure exhibited the least growth. Furthermore, the samples in close spatial proximity were colonized by different fungal microbiota. It was determined that Aureobasidium sp. is the dominant species in the early phase of colonisation. In the following steps, a bioactive protective coating system that works in synergy with nature will be developed. Based on the initial results Aureobasidium appears to be a viable candidate as an active, living component of a new nature-inspired coating system. The novel protection concept is based on three interrelated components – bioinspiration as a driving force for materials design, bio-based ingredients, and living fungal cells that will provide self-healing and bioremediation capacity. The living coating will be designed to protect various architectonic materials, including porous materials such as biomaterials, concrete, stone, and non-porous, as well as plastics, and metals. The ultimate goal is to advance the development of engineered living materials that interact, adapt, and respond to environmental changes.

Представители семейства Teloschistaceae, как компонент растительного покрова скальных обнажений в долине р. Чусовой (Средний Урал)

The paper presents data on the patterns of lichens of the family Teloschistaceae on coastal rocks in the middle reaches of the Chusovaya River from the village of Kyn to the town of Chusovoy (Perm Krai, Sverdlovsk Oblast). To describe the lichen cover on rocky outcrops, 30×30 cm survey plots were laid out. Each site was photographed with a scale ruler, and habitat characteristics such as surface slope, exposure, overhangs, and rock were recorded. The family Teloschistaceae in the study area on rocky outcrops is represented by three genera: Caloplaca, Rusavskia, and Xanthoria. Of these genera, Rusavskia has the highest occurrence and projective coverage. Maximum indicators of occurrence of representatives of the family are noted on limestone rocks. On rocks from other rocks (sandstones) they occur less frequently. Teloschistaceae show higher values of projective coverage and occurrence on southern and eastern exposures. Representatives of Teloschistaceae are among the dominant species that play an important role in the lichen cover of coastal rock outcrops. The main factors determining their distribution on the studied substrates are exposure, rock type, and relief character.

The influence of environmental factors on the composition of the petrophytic-steppe communities in the south of the Sverdlovsk and in the north of the Chelyabinsk regions

The investigated petrophytic-steppe communities of the Middle Urals do not belong to the zonal vegetation type. Their growth in the region is associated with an unusual combination of environmental conditions - well-drained, well-heated rocky riverbank slopes of the southern and close exposures of slopes. The aim of the work was to identify the key environmental parameters that determine the composition and structure of petrophytic-steppe communities in the south of the Sverdlovsk and north of the Chelyabinsk regions. The communities of the coastal slopes of the Iset, Bagaryak, Patrushikha, Sysert and Neiva rivers were studied. An array of 74 geobotanical releves of communities from 8 plots was collected, considering environmental factors, and the composition and structure of plant communities on plots of 1 m2 were also detailed. Using the CCA method of ordination, the contribution of environmental parameters to the variation in vegetation cover characteristics was estimated. It was shown that the parameters characterizing the type of rocks, as well as indicators of the amount of precipitation, have the greatest contribution. Four variants of combination of species in the studied communities, gravitating to certain sets of environmental parameters, were identified, for each of the groups a stable composition of dominant species was noted, and species characterized by a high level of constancy were identified.

Taxonomic indicators and vital status of Quercus robur L. in different forest conditions of the mouth and middle part of the ravine Yatsevo (Dnipropetrovsk region)

The influence of forest and vegetation conditions on the taxonomic characteristics and vital state of the common oak (Quercus robur L.) was analyzed. The research was conducted on four experimental plots in the Yatsevo tract: in the thalweg (CL3) and on the lower third of the slope (CL2) of the southern exposure of the mouth part and in the thalweg (CL3) and the upper third of the slope (CL1-2) of the same exposure in the middle part of the gully. In the thalweg of the middle part of the gully, a linden-pack oak forest with elm grows, the density of this stand (1700 pcs./ha) is the largest among the studied phytocoenoses. On the rest of the experimental plots, elm-pack oak forests grow with a density of 917 to 1150 pcs./ha. The average values of the main taxonomic parameters (height, diameter, cross-sectional area, and reserve) practically do not differ in Q. robur plants growing in the thalweg (CL3) and the lower third of the slope (CL2) of the mouth part of the tract. These indicators in thalweg plants (CL3) of the middle part of the gully are the highest among all experimental variants, and in individuals of the upper third of the slope (CL1-2) - are the lowest. In all studied hygrotopes, healthy trees prevail, with weakened individuals taking the second place by the number of individuals. The vital status index (Ln) shows that the thalweg stands in both the mouth and middle parts of the gully are healthy (Ln 86.3 and 84.3, respectively). The stands of the lower third of the slope (CL2) of the mouth part of the tract and the upper third of the slope (CL1-2) of the middle part are somewhat weakened (Ln 76.9 and 76.7). The pathologies of the crown and trunk of Q. robur trees in the experimental plots were analyzed. It was found that hygromesophilic conditions (CL3) are preferable for the formation of healthy stands.

Variation and dynamics of soil properties of ordinary chernozem in the Saratov region

Based on data from an agrochemical survey using GIS technologies at test site No. 2 in 2009-2016 within the framework of the general scheme of soil-ecological monitoring of the Saratov region, an assessment was made of the dynamics and spatial variation of soil properties of ordinary chernozem, depending on the steepness and exposure of the slope. Soil and agrochemical characteristics in conditions of a pronounced relief demonstrate a certain dependence on the location and are very variable over time. Soil sampling on an area of more than 2000 hectares using navigation equipment made it possible to obtain agrochemical cartograms in GIS and analyze them using zonal statistics, taking into account a digital elevation model. The spatial variability of soil properties is often lower in leveled areas or short transition sections of the slope, while the maximum variability is noted on steeper slopes. The highest values of indicators are typical for flat watershed surfaces, which are the most fertile, however, the closest relationship between humus and other agrochemical indicators was noted just on steeper slopes. The variability of fertility indicators on differently directed slopes was within 28–36 % for P2O5, 20 % for K2O, and 4–6 % for pH. The greatest differences in the variability of the polar slopes along the survey tours are noted for the content of humus in the soil. In 2009, the coefficient of variation was 19 and 30 %, and in 2016, 11 and 24 % on the slope of the northern and southern exposure, respectively. A retrospective analysis showed that the highest rates of decline were noted for the content of humus in the soil and the reaction of the environment on gently sloping slopes (by 2 and 1.5 times, respectively) relative to the average change in the massif. For mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium, the maximum decrease was noted on gentle slopes.

Natural radioactivity of the soils of the Voyskovoy ravine

The concentration of natural radionuclides in the soils, which determine the amount of its natural radioactivity, varies widely and depends on the intensity of soil-forming processes, and is also determined by the type of soils. As a result of the study of the natural radioactivity of the soils of the Voyskovoy ravine (southern variant of the ravine forest), it was established that the upper horizons H1 and H2 of the ordinary chernozem of the northern exposure differ in increased values of natural radioactivity compared to the lower horizons HPk and Pk, which is caused by a higher content of organic substances in the upper horizons, which actively adsorb radionuclides. The eluvial horizons (H1el, H2el and H3el) of the forest chernozem of the northern exposure are characterized by reduced values of natural radioactivity compared to the eluvial horizons and the parent rock (Hil, Phil and P), which is due to the peculiarities of the redistribution of the silty fraction, which are able to bind significant amounts of radionuclides. Horizons H1el and H2el of meadow-forest soil of the thalweg are characterized by increased values of natural radioactivity compared to horizons H3el and Hil. Illuvial horizons Hil and Phkil of the forest chernozem of the southern exposure are characterized by increased values of natural radioactivity compared to eluvial horizons H1el, H2el and H3el. The minimum values of natural radioactivity in ordinary chernozem of the southern exposure were found in the upper horizons H1 and H2, the maximum value is associated with the Pk horizon. The maximum values of natural radioactivity among the upper horizons of the studied soils are characteristic of the meadow-forest soil of the thalweg and the forest chernozem of the southern exposure, the minimum values are for the ordinary chernozem of the southern exposure and the forest chernozem of the northern exposure. The content of organic substances plays a decisive role in the profile distribution of natural radioactivity values for the ordinary chernozem of the northern exposure and the meadow-forest soil of the thalweg, the distribution of the silty fraction – for the forest chernozems of the northern and southern exposures, as well as for the ordinary chernozem of the southern exposure of the ravine.

Microelements in the slope agricultural landscape of the Central Blackearth Region and their correlation with grain crop productivity

The purpose of the current study was to determine the content of mobile forms of microelements in soils with different relief and to establish the correlation between elements and productivity of the main agricultural crops under the conditions of the Central Blackearth Region. The study was carried out on the territory of the Kursk region on the fields of the FSBSI Kursk FARC in the laboratory for agrochemistry and agroecological monitoring in the period from 2006–2016. The subjects of the study were microelements and their quantity. The object of the study was the arable soil and grain crop productivity. There has been established that the slopes of polar exposures have different levels of microelement content. The content of mobile copper has decreased on the slope of the northern exposure and amounted to 0.07 mg/kg and 0.09 mg/kg on the watershed plateau. On the slope of the southern exposure, it has tended to increase (0.10 mg/kg). The highest content of mobile zinc has been determined on the watershed plateau (0.13 mg/kg), the lowest on the southern slope (0.06 mg/kg). The manganese content on the territory of the watershed plateau was relatively higher in comparison with the slopes of polar exposures (17 mg/kg), northern slope (10.8 mg/kg), and southern one (8.0 mg/kg). There has been found that microelements have a different effect on productivity of the studied grain crops according to land relief. On the territory of the northern slope and the watershed plateau, barley productivity has been more influenced by the content of zinc and manganese. Winter wheat productivity was dependent on manganese. On the southern slope, productivity of the studied grain crops was significantly affected by both the content of mobile zinc and manganese.

The spatial placement of the steppe marmot (<i>Marmota bobak</i> Muller, 1776) in the Pervomaisky District of the Orenburg Region

This paper deals with the spatial placement of the marmot in the Pervomaisky District of the Orenburg Region within the steppe zone of the Southern Urals. The spatial structure of steppe marmot settlements is characterized by a typical ravine-girder (ribbon) type of territorial distribution of family groups and is determined mainly by the presence of habitable areas. The settlements of marmots on this territory are located mainly along ravines and gullies of small rivers and streams, and to a lesser extent on agricultural land. It has been revealed that marmots prefer to settle on the gentle slopes of the southern exposure mainly in the middle part of the gullies occupied by fescue-feather grass steppe, sagebrush-grass steppe and mixed grass communities used as pastures. The results of the research show that the burrow mound of the marmot, located in different parts of the studied territory and having different degrees of anthropogenic load, differ both in height and diameter of the burrows, and the distance between the burrows. At the same time, there is a clear, direct dependence of the degree of anthropogenic impact on the aggregation of marmot settlements. A significant factor in the distribution of marmot settlements and its spatial structure of populations is the degree of impact on the territory of the anthropogenic press.

Soils of Agricultural Terraces on Clay Shales in the Mid-Mountain Zone of the Eastern Caucasus

The article considers the chemical properties and biological activity of soils of agricultural terraces on clay shales in the mid-mountain zone of the Eastern Caucasus. It is established that the area of terraced plots in the southern zone of Shale Dagestan is about 264 km2 of the territory. These soils are currently in a fallow state but represent a significant reserve of highly fertile erosion-resistant soils, the cultivation of which, unlike soils on consolidated rocks, is possible with the help of modern technology. The influence of slope exposure, steepness, terrace size, duration of the plowing period on the chemical properties and biological activity of soils has been studied. It is shown that for background soils outside the terracing zone, the slope exposure has a decisive influence. For terraced areas, the impact of exposure is less pronounced. The formation of a vertical terraced surface led to a change in the thermal regime, as a result of which the differences in chemical and microbiological properties of soils on the slopes of the northern and southern exposures became less pronounced. The leveling effect of terracing is most noticeable on relatively gentle slopes (12°–18°), where the width of the terraced canvas is greatest. On steep slopes (20°) with narrow terraces, the influence of slope exposure on soil properties remains. At the same time, factors such as the duration of soil functioning and the features of agricultural technology have no less significant impact on soil properties. The regularities of changes in soil properties within the body of any single terrace have been established. The most fertile area within one terrace is the instrument part, where the profile depth is greatest. As we approach the rear seam of the terrace, a natural decrease in a number of biological and chemical indicators is observed.

Геоинформационный анализ рельефа Астраханского Заволжья

The Astrakhan Trans-Volga region belongs to the dry-steppe and semi-desert zones, in connection with which deflation and desertification pose the greatest danger to this territory. For mapping, the Krasnoyarsk and Kharabalinsky municipal districts of the Astrakhan region were selected, which are located on the territory of the Northern Caspian Sea and are most susceptible to intense desertification processes. In addition, the study area is characterized by thin soils, so the development of desertification processes is a rapidly growing and hardly reversible process. The relevance of the analysis of the relief of the territory is due to the influence of geomorphological characteristics on the magnitude and dynamics of erosive land degradation. The research methodology is based on the use of geoinformation systems for the development of analytical maps based on digital elevation models and geostatistical analysis of the spatial distribution of its structure. Geostatistical analysis is a part of the geoinformation analysis of the relief, thanks to which the description of the physical and geographical scheme of the interaction of landscape components is carried out. Geoinformation analysis of the Astrakhan Trans-Volga region revealed that 63% of the territory has an inclination angle from 0 to 1°, and 90% does not exceed 3.0°. The distribution of the territory by orientation relative to the cardinal points is uneven; the main part of the territory (74.38%) has a southern exposure. The territories with the western, eastern and southeastern exposure (1.21%, 0.05%, and 5.19%, respectively) received the least distribution in quantitative terms. The research results are presented with analytical relief maps, elevation ranges in the study area, and slope steepness. These results make it possible to assess the erosion hazard of such areas and develop measures to prevent their degradation in advance.

Diurnal Variations in Vegetation Activity affecting Shallow Groundwater Flow identified by Microthermal Measurements

Observations of summer microthermal temperature variations suggest, next to hydrological factors, a significant influence of plant activity on groundwater flow in fractured claystone materials. Variations in groundwater microtemperature were compared to variations in meteorological parameters and electrical potential of plants. With an increase in surface temperature, relative air humidity decreases and an increase in tree electrical potential, measured as the difference between the northern and the southern stem exposure (N–S), can be observed. This increase in electrical potential is concomitant with a change in groundwater temperature of approximately 2 mK. This relationship does not always occur. At high temperatures (+30°C) the decrease amounts to just 1 mK. This fact is related to the change in transpiration of plants, decreased or even suspended at high surface temperatures. A frequency analysis of all data showed a daily frequency of high magnitude in all parameters. Possibly changes in the macro weather situation events were observed in the results of atmospheric pressure, southern electric potential and groundwater temperature. The lag time between changes in electric potential and subsurface microtemperature changes amounts to 17 hours, possibly a result of the electrical potential difference between the northern and the southern exposure of the stem (N–S), and 5 hours, the result of the change in electrical potential difference between the southern and the northern stem exposure side (S–N). A comparison between potential changes and the computed change in gravity resulting from earth tidal effects showed that the correlation between the subsurface temperature variation with up to 2 mK and the change in surface temperature variation does not match directly. Other study shows that the impact of earth tides on subsurface microtemperature variation amounts to ca. 1mK. The effect of groundwater abstraction by mature vegetation is determined at the same range. Atmospheric tides can be correlated with the changes in north and south electric potentials.

Producción de restos vegetales y descomposición de hojarasca foliar bajo distintas intensidades de corta en fajas en matorrales

Biomass extraction in native forests can induce changes in the functioning of these ecosystems; these changes are poorly studied, and this represents a knowledge gap. In this work, we evaluated the response of plant litter production and decomposition to increasing intensities of strip cutting in native scrublands. We set an experiment replicated in three sites: hillside with southern exposure (FS), hillside with northern exposure (FN) and valley bottom (R), with four intensities of strip cutting (0, 30, 50, and 70% of the area). To evaluate decomposition, we used bags filled with ñire leaves (Nothofagus antarctica), and for the production of litter, plastic mesh collectors. In addition, vegetation height and cover were measured. In the three sites, we observed the same temporal pattern of decomposition, with a marked decrease in organic matter during the coldest period of the year. The effects of cutting intensity were strongly influenced by the site: at FS, litter production increased, but there was no effect on decomposition; in contrast, at FN and R, production decreased and a curvilinear pattern was observed, with highest decomposition at intermediate harvest intensity. Aerial cover was positively correlated with production, and this, in turn, negatively correlated with decomposition. Our results suggest that in scrublands with high vegetation cover, strip cutting could promote litter production without affecting decomposition. In contrast, less productive sites with lower vegetation cover would be more sensitive to forestry interventions.

Phytocenoses withTilia cordataMill. at some areas of the south of the Tyumen region

Within the south of the Tyumen region, linden forests are represented by various phytocenoses (Tiletum urtico – diplaziosum, Tiletum diplaziosum, Tiletum pariso – caricosum, Tiletum struthiopteriosum, Tiletum athyriosum, Tiletum paeoniosum, Tiletum oxalidosum, Tiletum microcaricosum, Tiletum microherbosum, Tiletum graminosum, Tiletum gymnocarpiosum, Tiletum cirsiosum, Tiletum brachipodiosum, Tiletum lycopodiosum, Tiletum linnaeо – microcaricosum). Lime forests are distributed along the banks of the Irtysh and Tobol rivers and on the slopes of the shores of lakes of southern exposure. The bonitet ofTilia cordataMill., the studied phytocenoses, varies from class I to V, which is determined by the degree of soil moisture, and is an edificator of phytocenoses. Unique phytocenoses with participation ofTilia cordataMill. identified near the village of Setovo (Tobolsk district, Tyumen region). This community is relict.

Количественная оценка эрозионных потерь почвы на различных участках распахиваемого склона (бассейн Верхней Oки)

The paper presents the results of detailed erosional study of soil loss observed during the post-Chernobyl period. Radiocaesium method was applied in the experimental area located in Oryol district of the Oryol region (Upper Oka basin). The humidification conditions analysis was conducted for recent decades (2021–2022), an increase in the groundwater supply of rivers and lakes was observed. It was found that intense April precipitation has a strong erosional impact onto the soil cover, despite the decrease in the volume of meltwater in recent years. The analysis of temperature conditions confirmed the warming of the winter season in the last decade and in 2022, erosional potential of meltwater has almost halved. Intense precipitation in September and October of 2021, a warm winter and intense rains in April 2022 caused intensive soil washing in spring. The inter-aggregate adhesion is disrupted in the soil after freezing and consequent thawing, so the intense spring precipitation forms a soil washout. Soil runoff in the studied area is carried out by a complex system of furrows and erosional ravines. The article describes the main approaches applied to develop a semi-empirical methodology for erosional soil loss estimation, and the equations obtained on its basis for six zones of studied area differing in the structure of the surface. The methodology is based upon the in-situ data collected by authors in 2014–2017. The dependences of caesium-137 specific activity on morphometric variables (namely catchment area and profile curvature) are estimated. The reference value of caesium-137 specific activity was establish reducing the results of layer-by-layer in-depth measurements within three block elevations on the watershed. The equations used for the calculation of soil runoff amount were applied to produce a grid map of the soil runoff intensity for the sloping surface of the southern exposure. Estimation of the soil runoff (provided under the conditions of 25 cm arable layer depth and 1110 g/m³ soil material density) shows that in the studied area of gray forest heavy loam soils, the soil runoff value varies from 5 t/ha/year to more than 20 t/ha/year. The proposed methodology can be refined by enlarging the (spatial) scale of research.

Анализ лимитирующих почвенно-агроэкологических факторов выращивания сои в условиях повышенной внутрипольной пестроты лесостепных черноземов Курской области

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive agroecological assessment of the lands of a representative field agroecosystem in conditions of increased within-field diversity of forest-steppe chernozems of the Kursk region with a comparative assessment of soil-agroecological factors potentially limiting the yield and quality of soybean grain. A complex combination of leached and typical chernozems was studied on a slightly sloped plakor of the southern exposure in the peasant farm of the Pristensky district. Ten elementary key plots were laid on the field with soybeans of the Belgorod 7 variety, with sampling for analysis the aboveground biomass and soybean grain in fourfold repetition on sites of 0.25 m2, and the arable soil horizons too. The conducted studies have shown an almost twofold within-field variation in the biological yield of soybeans. Among the identified unregulated limiting agroecological factors, microrelief forms dominate (R = 0,69). The main regulated limiting factor is the content of available forms of phosphorus (R = 0,62). The quality of soybean grain is largely influenced by the content of ammonium nitrogen in the topsoil, as well as the phytosanitary condition of the studied area (R = -0,68). Operational adjustment of the limiting agroecological factors identified in the conditions of a representative field agroecosystem for obtaining the planned yield of high-quality soybeans will optimize the agricultural technology used in the field, bringing it closer to the characteristics of the best available technologies. Keywords: AGROECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, BIOLOGICAL YIELD, GRAIN QUALITY, CHERNOZEMS, LIMITING FACTORS, SOYBEANS, THE BEST AVAILABLE AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES, WITHIN-FIELD DIVERSITY

Evaluation of the electricity savings resulting from a control system for artificial lights based on the available daylight

Natural lighting in building environments is an important aspect for the occupants' mental and physical health. Furthermore, the proper exploitation of this resource can bring energy benefits related to the reduced use of artificial lighting. This work provides some estimates of the energy that can be saved by using a lighting system that recognises indoor illuminance. In particular, it is able to manage the switching on of lights according to the daylight detected in the room. The savings from this solution depend on the size and orientation of the window. The analysis is conducted on an office by means of simulations using the INLUX-DBR code. The locations have an influence on the luminance characteristics of the sky. The analysis is conducted with reference to one city in the south and one in the north of Italy (Cosenza and Milan). The energy saving is almost independent of latitude and therefore representative of the Italian territory. it is highly variable according to exposure, being the highest for southern exposure (97% with the window size equal to 36% of the floor area) and between 26% and 48% (as a function of window size) for northern exposure.