Trans-Volga Region Research Articles

ЭТНИЧЕСКИЕ ГРУППЫ И КОНФЕССИИ В МЕЖЭТНИЧЕСКИХ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯХ В САМАРСКОМ ЗАВОЛЖЬЕ ВО ВТОРОЙ ПОЛОВИНЕ XIX – НАЧАЛЕ XX В.

The article discusses the influence of ethnic and religious factors on intercultural interactions in Samara Trans-Volga region in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. The analysis of inter-ethnic contacts was made taking into account the national and confessional composition of the region’s population and the nature of settlement in mixed villages and groups of villages. The study is based on archival and published sources, including statistical data, as well as on the author's field materials (Samara region, 1997–2018). Intercultural interaction in Samara Trans-Volga region has historically been determined not only by ethnic, but largely by religious differences of contacting groups. Ethnically and confessionally mixed settlements were the main platform for communication, ranging from mutual hostility and socio-cultural isolation to the assimilation of one community by another. Historically, Orthodoxy and Islam acted as factors in consolidating ethnic groups within confessions in the region and, at the same time, as the reasons for the destruction of ethnic “boundaries” and formation of supra-ethnic sociocultural spaces (temple, cemetery, rural settlement, family-related circle, common holidays and rituals, etc.). Such an orientation of the religious factor resulted in assimilation processes (russification of the Mordovians and the Chuvash, tatarization of the Chuvash, etc.). At the same time, confessional differences separated ethnic groups and / or parts of one group, contributed to their relative mutual socio-cultural isolation, while maintaining the necessary level of intergroup communication in industrial and social spheres. Perception of confessional differences varied from tolerance to open hostility and enmity. These patterns of influence of the religious factor on the development of inter-ethnic relations are still relevant today.

Density of Larks (Alaudidae, Aves) of the Semi-desert of the Trans-Volga Region in Connection with the Landscape Wetting Dynamics

The dynamics of the density of nesting pairs of five lark species (Alaudidae) living on the territories of the Mezhuzenskii and Uzeno-Dyurinskii Plains, on the northwestern tip of the Caspian Lowland, and in the semi-desert of the Aleksandrovo-Gayskii district of Saratov oblast, and its relationship with Selyaninov’s hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) are considered. This research was carried out annually on 40 fixed routes of 1 km each in the breeding period of the annual lark cycle from 2011 to 2019. It was established that the abundance dynamics trends were negative in four lark species, namely, the Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra), the White-winged Lark (M. leucoptera), the Black Lark (M. yeltoniensis), and the Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufescens); and were positive in the Skylark (Alauda arvensis). The calculated trend of HTC indicators for these territories demonstrates a 5.4% annual increase in the moistening of the semi-desert zone of our survey area. To assess the relationship of the density of different lark species to the values of the HTC, we calculated the Spearman correlation coefficients. When analyzing the data obtained, it was found that a high positive correlation of density with the HTC was observed for the Skylark, Calandra Lark, and Black Lark; no such relationship was found in the White-winged Lark, and a high negative correlation of the density of nesting pairs with the HTC was found in the Lesser Short-toed Lark. Based on our research, it can be assumed that moistening of the semi-desert territory is one of the main factors determining the abundance dynamics of larks. The heat–moisture ratio determines the level of vegetation and, accordingly, the quality of habitats for these land-nesting birds.

Main Trends in the Vertebrate Animal Population Dynamics in a Clayey Semidesert of the Trans-Volga Region Since the Mid-18th Century

Main Trends in the Vertebrate Animal Population Dynamics in a Clayey Semidesert of the Trans-Volga Region Since the Mid-18th Century

Productivity of spring grain crops depending on the method of basic treatment of the soil in the grain-cultivated crop rotation

Three-year scientific observations showed that in the arid conditions of the Saratov Trans-Volga region on dark chestnut soils in a grain-cultivated crop rotation before sowing spring wheat and barley, the highest soil density was after the minimum cultivation - 1.25 g/cm3. Plowing to a depth of 23–25 cm contributed to a decrease in the density of addition in the arable layer compared to subsurface cultivation by 9%, and compared to the minimal one – by 13%. Minimal treatment with a disc harrow BDM 7 Ch 3 to a depth of 10–12 cm reduced the permeability of dark chestnut soil by 38% in the first hour of observation and by 51% after the fourth hour compared to plowing. Before sowing spring early-ripening crops, the maximum moisture accumulation in the soil in a layer of 50–100 and 0–100 cm was after deep non-dump cultivation (13.9 and 15.7%), which was 1.5 and 0.5% more than the control values. During the tillering phase of spring wheat and barley, the maximum moisture content of the upper soil layer was noted in the control and after combined treatment (15.7–15.8%). The combined main processing of dark chestnut soils of the Saratov Trans-Volga region provided an increase in the yield of spring early crops by 0.8–3.0%. Minimization of soil cultivation reduced the productivity of barley and spring wheat by 23.3–28.2%, subsurface cultivation by 8.3–9.4% compared with the control. The coefficient of variation in the yield of spring wheat and barley by the main processing methods in 2017 was average and amounted to 11.3–15.2%, in 2018 it was insignificant - 6.3–6.9%, and in 2019 it was significant - 23, 5–40.9%.

The effect of grazing intensity on the productivity and floral diversity of natural pastures of the Volgograd Trans-Volga region

Arid pastures, which account for 50-75% of the country’s natural fodder lands, are a unique natural territory of the Russian Federation. However, more than a half of the pasture areas, which are concentrated in the Caspian Sea region, are to some extent degraded. In Volgograd Zavolzhye, due to the plowing of virgin lands, overgrazing and irrational use of agricultural land, an outbreak of deflationary desertification occurred in the 70-80s. At present, the region continues to use its land resources unabatedly, which has led to the intensification of degradation and desertification processes on pastures and a decrease in their productivity. Feed-valuable species have disappeared or become rare. Coenotically and floristically full-membership pasture phytocenoses have become incomplete, biologically impoverished communities, so maintaining ecological balance, productive potential of pasture ecosystems and restoration of their biodiversity is a fundamental task for the region.

Microelement composition of arid pastures: impact on productive qualities of Kazakh white-headed steers

The article describes the results of a scientific experiment in the beef production in arid areas of the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. Being one of the main branches of agriculture, livestock provides the population with food of animal origin and is a raw material base for corresponding branches of the processing industry. The need to intensify beef cattle breeding is a nationwide task aimed at solving the challenges of food security through innovative methods and tools used for feeding and breeding beef cattle in arid areas of the southern Russia. The article substantiates the need to improve the fodder base for breeding beef cattle in loose and tie-up housing. Feeds enriched with microelements for the intensive growth and development of animals have been found to have quite good effect on the live weight gain and fleshiness of steers. Therefore, the norms of feeding and microelement supplements developed for the rations will enable producing more meat raw materials of high nutritional value in local climatic and natural conditions.

Formation of yield and quality of spring wheat grain after foliage application in the Saratov trans-Volga region

The features of changing the productivity of spring wheat under the influence of weather conditions and after foliar application with humic acid fertilizers, mineral and organic-mineral fertilizers are considered. It is shown that at 56% of the norm of precipitation for vegetation and air temperatures fall above the annual average by 4–7 ° C, the yield of spring wheat decreases by 0.85 t / ha or by 41%. After three-year experiments, it was noted that, under the influence of the studied agricultural practices, the yield of spring wheat increases as well as the grain quality of this crop. The highest yield was in the variants after application of Biocomplex and Biohumus; it was 1.76 and 1.71 t / ha, respectively, which is 29.4 and 25.7% higher than the control. Organic and mineral fertilizers containing a complex of microelements and organic acids had a greater effect. Thus, the protein content was up to 17.6%, dry gluten – up to 30.8%, raw gluten – 33.5%, IDK was 78.2 units.

Урожайность и кормовые достоинства нута при возделывании в условиях сухостепной зоны Заволжья

Урожайность и кормовые достоинства нута при возделывании в условиях сухостепной зоны Заволжья

Constitutional and production features of crossing of the Kalmyk breed with Galloway breed of cattle in the conditions of the Left bank of the Saratov region

The results of the crossing of the Kalmyk cows with the Galloway bulls are presented. The indicators of growth and development in crossbred bulls in comparison with purebred from birth to 8 months of age were studied. It has been proven that the crossing of Kalmyk cows with Galloway bulls in the conditions of the Saratov Trans-Volga region is an effective breeding method for increasing the efficiency of the beef cattle industry. Half-blooded bulls of Galloway breed compared to the pure-bred Kalmyk at 8 months of age had a large live weight of 36.9 kg or 17.4%. And also characterized by the best development of articles physique. In terms of the depth of the chest, the excess was 5.95 cm or 12%, the width of the chest behind the shoulder blades was 6.03 cm or 20%, and the oblique length of the body was 5.9 cm or 5%. In general, the crossbred animals possessed the best meat forms and ratios of physique articles.

Hydrophysical functions of soil grounds of the Saratov trans-Volga region

The article presents the main hydrophysical characteristics of soils peculiar to the Saratov trans-Volga region. This value is important in the appointment of irrigation rates and automation of irrigation systems. The obtained graphs showed good convergence. Several options which show the reliability of the obtained results are presented.
 

Лесоводственные модели роста и формирования Quercus robur в условиях черноземной зоны степи Юга России

В пределах территории европейской части России зона степей занимает более 60 млн. гектаров. Степи представлены на Южном Урале, на Волге, на Дону, в Предкавказье, в Заволжье. Выращивая степные насаждения, специалисты всегда сталкиваются с большими проблемами, в первую очередь связанными с природными условиями. Именно природные условия обуславливают особые подходы в проектировании, создании и выращивании лесных культур. Одной из основных древесных пород в условиях черноземной зоны Юга России является дуб черешчатый. При выращивании культуры дуба возникает много второстепенных вопросов, касающихся выбора сопутствующих пород, схем смешения и размещения, густоты в разные возрастные периоды. Другими словами, важным моментом при формировании искусственных насаждений дуба черешчатого является информация о лесоводственных моделях. Ведь, именно знание модели поведения насаждений в разные возрастные периоды позволит вырастить продуктивные и устойчивые насаждения, которые в полной мере будут выполнять отведенную функцию в нашей степной зоне защитную Целью представленной работы является анализ хода роста дуба черешчатого в смешении с разными древесными и кустарниковыми породами и разработка их лесоводственных моделей применительно к условиям черноземной зоны Юга России. Within the territory of the European part of Russia, the steppe zone covers more than 60 million hectares. The steppes are represented in the Southern Urals, on the Volga, on the Don, in Ciscaucasia, in the TransVolga region. Growing up steppe plantings, specialists always face big problems, primarily related to natural conditions. It is natural conditions that cause special approaches in the design, creation and cultivation of forest crops. One of the main tree species in the black earth zone of the South of Russia is pedunculate oak. During the cultivation of oak culture, many minor issues arise concerning the selection of accompanying breeds, schemes of mixing and placement, density in different age periods. In other words, an important point in the formation of artificial stands of pedunculate oak is information about silvicultural models. After all, it is the knowledge of the model of behavior of plantations in different age periods that will allow to grow productive and sustainable plantations that will fully perform the assigned function in our steppe zone protective The aim of the present work is to analyze the course of growth of pedunculate oak mixed with different tree and shrub species and to develop their silvicultural models for the conditions of the black earth zone of southern Russia.

New Data on the Chronology and Development of Cattle Breading During the Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age in the Southern Ural Region

Introduction. The article considers the features of cattle breeding and consumption of meat products in the Eneolithic cultures (the Samara culture) and the Early Bronze Age cultures (the Repin stage of the Pit Grave culture) on the territory of the Southern Urals (the Samara Trans-Volga region). The paper specifies the chronology of these cultures on the base of radiocarbon dating. The main site for the study was Turganik settlement located in the Southern Ural region (Orenburg region). Methods. More than 800 m2 of the settlement area was excavated. There were six paleosoil layers. Four upper layers were empty, without artifacts. The sixth layer contained Eneolithic finds. The fifth layer contained finds of the Early Bronze Age. The archaeozoological collection was analyzed in accordance with the methodological scheme developed by E.E. Antipina. For radiocarbon dating collagen was treated from bone samples on the base of the standard procedure and radiocarbon activity was measured by Quantulus 1220 low background scintillation counter. Analysis and Results. As a result 32 radiocarbon dates were obtained on animal bones and on organics from pottery of different types from different cultural layers of Turganik settlement. The Eneolithic complex includes ceramics, flint and bone tools. The paper specifies the finds of developed and later stages of the Samara culture. The artifacts of the second stage of the Samara culture were dated to 4900–4500 cal BC. The artifacts of the later stage belong to the period of 4300–3800 cal BC. We suggest that from the Early Eneolithic local people practiced cattle breeding without agriculture. Hunting played a secondary role and fishing was poorly developed. Beef was the main food in the people’s diet during the Eneolithic period. The Early Bronze Age assemblage includes ceramics of the Repin stage of the Pit Grave culture, stone macro-tools, flint arrowheads, items made of bones and copper, slags and scarps of copper ore. The technological analysis supported that ceramics belong to the Pit Grave culture. The layer age is from 3800 to 3300 cal BC. During the Repin stage the role of sheep breeding was increased and consumption of sheep meat prevailed in comparison with the Eneolithic period. This is an evidence of the transition to the nomadic form of stock breeding.

The Eneolithic Burial of Maksimovka I Soil Burial Ground from the Samara Trans-Volga Region

Introduction. In the early 1980s the materials of soil burial grounds served as a base for identifying a special Eneolithic period in the history of the Middle and Lower Volga regions. Gathering of source basis on burial Eneolithic complexes is being effected rather slowly. Due to this fact the publication of new information on burial complexes of the Copper Age is quite urgent. This article enters the materials found during the excavations on Maksimovka I soil burial ground situated within the Samara river basin into scientific life. Methods. The collective burial on Maksimovka I burial ground consisted of three or probably four skeletons. They were supine, their legs bent at the knees and their heads oriented towards the North-East. Grave goods included a bone tool, a pressure tool, a sandstone pendant, flint scrapers and a borer, arrowheads with straight or emarginated foundation. Results. While comparing the burial rite with materials of other Eneolithic burial grounds one can see the greatest similarity in the complexes of the Khvalynsk Eneolithic culture (the presence of collective burials, supine position of skeletons with bent legs, orienting the buried people’s heads towards the North-East). Leaf-like arrowheads with narrowed bases and a cavity on the foundation were used in a wide range of activities in the Eneolithic period and Early Bronze Age in the Volga-Don interfluve. However they are typical for Caspian and Altatin complexes in the steppe area of the Volga region. Discussion. In accordance with the latest radiocarbon dates concerning the Eneolithic materials of soil burial grounds and settlement monuments one should date the burial on Maksimovka soil burial ground tentatively 5200–4500 BC.

Productivity of red beet upon the application of humic substances and chelated microfertilizers on irrigated dark chestnut soils of the Saratov Transvolga region

In 2013-2015 there was studied the effectiveness of products based on humic acids and chelated microfertilizers during red beet cultivation on irrigated dark chestnut soils of the Saratov Transvolga region. The objects of the study were products produced by Life Force LLC, RPE and Bordo red beet variety. The purpose of the research was to determine the most effective application methods of humic acid salts and fertilizers, containing micro (boron, manganese), meso (calcium) and macro (nitrogen), which can increase the productivity of root crops and improve their quality. In field experiments it has been established that spraying vegetative plants of red beet with a solution of Reasil® micro Hydra Mix increased the yield of commercial root crops by 7.17 t/ha for an average of three years (by 28 % to control). The application of a K-Humate-Na increased the yield by 3.26 t/ha (by 13% to the control). The maximum yield of root crops within our experiments was obtained with the application of Reasil B along with Reasil® micro Hydramix (34.02 t/ha). Similar results were obtained with the combination of Reasil® micro Hydramix and Reasil® Carb-N-Humic. As a rule, the fertilizers, applied in the experiments, had a positive effect on the yield of commercial products and lowering the proportion of substandard products. Humic acid salts and chelated fertilizers enhanced the accumulation of dry matter, increased the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, the amount of sugar and vitamin C in fruits. The content of nitrate nitrogen in fruits was about 13-14 times lower than maximum permissible concentration (MPC). The removal of macronutrients from the soil with the yield of red beet was increased significantly under the influence of humic acid salts and fertilizers.

Effect of humic products and chelated microfertilizers on carrot productivity during irrigation

Life Force LLC, RPE products were studied on irrigated dark chestnut soils of the Saratov Transvolga region. The objects of the studies were Chantenay carrot variety and products, containing humic acids, as well as macro (nitrogen), meso (calcium, magnesium and trace elements). The purpose of the research is to determine the most effective combinations of humic acid salts and chelated micronutrient fertilizers that provide a substantial increase in the yield of carrots. It is established that spraying carrots with a solution of Reasil® micro Hydro Mix increased the harvest of standard root crops by 1.85 т/ha for an average of three years (by 7% to the control). When using K- Humate -Na with micronutrients the yield increased by 5.51 t/ha (by 20% to the control). The maximum productivity of carrot within our experiments was obtained with the double application of Reasil® Carb-N-Humic along with K-Humate -Na with micronutrients (35.88 t / ha). Similar results (35.69 t / ha) were obtained when Reasil Ca-Mg-B Animo was used along with K- Humate -Na with micronutrients. The growth of carrots and the formation of the crop were significantly influenced by the weather conditions of vegetation season. The studied products had a positive effect on the output of standard root crops, the content of sugars, vitamin A and nutrients. The content of nitrate nitrogen in all variants of the experiments was almost the same and about 4 times lower than the maximal permissible concentration (MPC). The removal of macronutrients from the soil with the carrot yield increased under the influence of microelement fertilizers.
 
 
 
 

Features of the spatial and ontogenetic structure of the <i>Stipa korshinskyi</i> Roshev. (Poaceae) cenopopulation

Mathematical methods of analysis of the spatial and ontogenetic structure of rare plant species cenopopulations allow us to reveal organization features of individual plant populations and phytocenoses as a whole. The authors study the features of the Stipa korshinskyi Roshev. (Poaceae) population structure in the Samara High Trans-Volga Region (Sernovodny Shihan, Sergievsky District, Samara Region). Spatial location and age conditions of individuals are determined according to traditional population-ontogenetic methods. The characteristics of the distribution of individuals of S. korshinskyi , taking into account their age, are determined using modern mathematical methods. With the help of the nuclear function, it was revealed that the density of the feather grass individuals in the described cenopopulation varied in the range of 1-3 individuals per 1 m. Analysis of S. korshinskyi individuals location intensity in coenopulation using the square method showed the presence of compacted and rarefied sections. The graphical interpretation of the Ripley function showed that in the studied cenopopulation the plants are randomly distributed. Using the distribution map of the dominant age states it was noted that the generative plants were closer to the periphery of the site. Graphic interpretation of Ripleys cross-function showed that young and mature plants are placed randomly in cenopopulation. Apparently, on the whole, the random nature of the individuals distribution is characteristic of S. korshinskyi cenopopulations experiencing a significant anthropogenic load in the composition of the phytocenoses.

ГОРОДНИЧИЕ КАК ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНАЯ ГРУППА: ОТ ЛИТЕРАТУРНЫХ ОБРАЗОВ К РЕАЛИЯМ ПРОВИНЦИАЛЬНОЙ ПОВСЕДНЕВНОСТИ В ДОРЕФОРМЕННОЙ РОССИИ

The article analyses the sociocultural image of provincial governors of the pre-reform epoch, the majority of whom were retired military men. The author concludes on the partial conformity of governors’ literary images to their real prototypes. By the material of the Middle Volga region and the Trans-Volga region it is shown that in the first half of the XIX century, governors affirmed themselves as a professional group but there was no professional law-enforcement community based on common interests, professional knowledge, and unified ethical standards.

Floristic areas of the Middle Volga region: materials to the analysis

The publication presents some quantitative characteristics of the 17 pre-selected floristic areas of the Middle Volga region (the total number of species, number of indigenous taxa and the number of differentiating species). Based on the available data, a linear regression is constructed, illustrating the relative dominance of allochthonous or autochthonous trends in the development of flora in the selected areas. The cluster analysis of the species lists of the floristic areas was completed, and then DCA-ordination of the selected areas was implemented. It is revealed that the forest-steppe areas of the Cis-Volga and Trans-Volga regions are situated by the level of species richness, and the number of species in the selected floristic areas is increasing from West and East towards the Volga.

Landscape Fires Monitoring in Volgograd Region According to Active Fire Data

The article presents the results of analysis of wildfires regime in the Volgograd region. MODIS active fire data identified the seasonal and spatial characteristics of the fire regime in the municipal areas of the region. The majority (32 %) of all thermal anomalies were noted in August, the minimum fire danger during the growing season – in May and June. September has 20 % of the fires, and April (16 %), July (13 %) and October (9 %). A regional geographic information system of landscape fires in Volgograd region has been developed. Where seasonal and spatial features of the fire regime in places of 10x10 km were determined for each database object (district). The smallest plain of foci of burning in the pasture lands of the Trans-Volga region. High density and a large number of thermal points per year are characteristic of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain and disctricts with crop areas: Kotelnikovsky, Oktyabrsky, Kalachevsky, Mikhailovsky, Kikvidzensky and Novonikolaevsky. The use of these data in practice will allow to effectively plan fire prevention measures.

Abundance of the Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax L. 1758 (Otididae, Aves) in Saratov Oblast

Abstract—Based on the count data obtained by various methods and their statistical processing, the abundance of the fall population of the little bustard in the Saratov Trans-Volga region was estimated from the late 1990s until the present. From 2012 to 2016 it averaged about 30 000 individuals, whereas in the Volga right bank region it was one or two orders lower and the species distribution there was sporadic. When studying the T. tetrax abundance dynamics, an increase in its population in the studied territory in the first half of the 2000s was established. The necessity of carrying out census work in the future for monitoring the population is substantiated.