Virgin Soil Research Articles

Agrogena evolucija humusno-podzolastog zemljišta - mogućnost ponovnog uključivanja u obradu ugara formiranog na trakastim glinama

Transformations of the soddy-podzolic gleyic clay soil in a long-term agricultural use (> 200 years) was studied in Leningrad region, northwest Russia. This feasibility study investigated the possibility of re-cultivation of these soils after long term fallowing. Morphological structure, particle size distribution, content and ratio of ferrous and oxide forms of iron in the profile of virgin (indigenous forest) and arable drained soil were analysed. In addition, changes in the organogenic-profile were traced in the course of long-term agrogenesis (> 200 years). In virgin forest soil, during its pedogenesis the loss of fractions <0.01 mm from the eluvial layer was 877.4 kg m-2 , and the loss of <0.0001mm was 287.5 kg m-2 , as compared with parent material not affected by the processes of pedogenesis. However, long-term agrogenesis (>200 years) led to increased eluvial losses of fine earth particles. The loss of fraction <0.01 mm from the arable horizons was 1244.8, and < 0.0001 mm was 570 kg m-2 , respectively. This was due to multiple yearly tillage that increased the porosity of the soil and thus intensified lessivage, which led to increased leaching and eluvial losses. The total loss of colloids from the entire profile of virgin soil was 262.1 kg m-2 , and from the arable layer of drained soil - 290.1 kg m-2 . The humus enrichment of the colloids of the plough (P) horizon of the arable soil was two times lower than that of the surface (AY) horizon of the virgin soil. The relative share of the participation of colloids in the fixation of humus by the soil was the same (11.6 and 10.9%, respectively). In the subsurface horizons, the absolute content of humus in the colloids decreased, and the share of participation in the fixation of humus increased. When soddy-podzolic gleyic clay soil is brought to cultivation then the water-air regime is improved, content and composition of humus, depth of arable horizon is increased and the soil acidity decreased. At the same time the leaching of fine earth materials is accelerated. When this soil was withdrawn from crop production, the positive changes achieved as a result of cultivation were gradually lost. For the first time we could qualitatively calculate the losses of the fine earth fractions for the given soil from top soil. Taking into account the high costs of re-cultivation of the former land and a high cost of re-installation and maintenance of an optimal hydrological regime (drainage network) we concluded that repeated ploughing and involvement of arable soddy-podzolic gleyic clay soil into cultivation is economically unreasonable.

Research of the reasons of excessing the air and underground soil layers of the deep blocked soils of black earth

Purpose. Investigation of the causes of compaction of arable and subsoil soil layers of deep podzolic chernozems. Methods. Experimental studies of the density of arable and subsoil soil layers of deep podzolic chernozems with subsequent processing of the results on a PC. Results. The results of experimental researches of formation of the overcompacted layers of chernozems of deep podzolic depending on ways and means of influence on them are stated. Conclusions. As a result of research it is established that on deep chernozem chernozems the maximum depth of overcompacted layers formed by self-compaction for virgin soil does not exceed 30 cm, and man-made impact on these soils leads to overcompaction of layers up to 40 cm deep. Possible areas of further research on this issue are the study of technical and technological aspects of ensuring acceptable for optimal plant development density. Keywords: overcompaction, arable and subsoil layers of soil, division of chernozems deep podzolic, running systems, soil density.

Experimental investigation on fly ash as sand replacement in flexible pavement: A case study

The current exploration work has examined the utilization of Fly Ash (FA) in Ground Improvement and to assess the impacts of blending of different rates of FA on the Bearing Capacity of soaked and unsaturated soil by directing California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test on the Sandy soil of helpless degree. The FA was added in the basic sample in the percentage of 12%, 17%, 22% and 27%. All the tests were conducted at Optimum moisture content (OMC) and Maximum dry density (MDD) of mixes. The results of CBR tests have shown considerable improvement with the use of FA. The maximum increase in CBR value with FA was observed when 20 percentage (of total mixture) FA was mixed with soil. The increment in the CBR value, under unsoaked condition was from 6.81% in virgin soil to 9.73% with use of FA and under soaked conditions it was from 2.43% in virgin soil to 4.86% with use of FA.

Effects of soil amendments using potassium in elevating resistance against wheat blast disease

Potassium (K) is unique among the essential nutrient elements for its diversified role in plant metabolic processes. Potassium improves crop output, protects the crop from diseases and insect-pest infestation, prevents lodging, and reduces the effects of terminal heat stress. Based on this information, it was hypothesized that K will enhance host plant resistance and blast control while increasing yields. A pot experiment was conducted by artificially inoculating Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT) on a susceptible wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety (BARI Gom-26) to determine the effect of soil application of K on blast disease management and the growth and yield. The experiment was carried out in separate plastic pots containing 18kg of virgin soil at the net house of the farm of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture headquarters, Mymensingh, for two growing seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 following a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications. The dose for soil application were 0, 50, 75, 100 and 125 K kg ha-1, respectively. Disease incidence (%) and severity (%) of wheat blast were evaluated at 11, 13 and 15 days after inoculation (DAI). At 15 DAI, the highest disease incidence (95.45%) was found in absolute control followed by K0 (0 kg K ha−1) (91.98%) and the lowest blast incidence (64.49%) was found in K4 (125kg K ha−1) which was statistically similar with K3 (100kg K ha−1) (70.87%). At 15 DAI, the highest blast severity matrix (90%) was found in absolute control followed by K0 (0 kg K ha−1) (76.02%) and the lowest blast incidence (46.18%) was found in K4 (125kg K ha−1) which was significantly different with others. Among the treatments, 125 kg K ha-1 produced the highest grain yield (26.97 g pot-1) and the lowest (5.79 g pot-1) was found from the absolute control. Flag leaf samples were randomly collected before head emergence from each pot and analyzed in the laboratory for plant nutrient content. The K concentration of flag leaves sample ranged from 1.71% to 5.51% with the average concentration of 3.02%, where the highest K content (%) was recorded in K4 (5.51%) and the lowest was found in absolute control (1.71%). Potassium fertilization appeared to reduce the severity and improve yield of wheat. Correlations suggested that improving dry matter production and K uptakes at the boot stage by K fertilization can reduce severity later in the growing season and increase wheat grain yield. It can be concluded that high K concentration on leaf tissue was important to decrease wheat blast symptom.

ПОДВИЖНОСТЬ И РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ФОСФОРА В ЧЕРНОЗЕМЕ ОБЫКНОВЕННОМ ПРИ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ АГРОТЕХНОЛОГИЯХ

The study of the features of the content and profile distribution of total and available phosphates, depending on the applied agrotechnologies (traditional, minimal and No-till), was carried out. The object of the study was Haplic Chernozem carbonate of the southern zone of the Rostov region. The significant influence of the applied agricultural technology on the phosphate state of winter wheat agrocenoses was noted. The use of resource-saving technologies contributes to the accumulation of potential phosphate reserves in the upper horizons of the soil in comparison with the traditional technology with dump ploughing. The involvement of soil in agricultural production leads to an increase in the content of available phosphates (by 28-64 % in the Ap horizon, compared to virgin soil). The intensity of agricultural technology affects the mobility of phosphorus in the soil differently. In areas with dump ploughing, the maximum increase in the content of available phosphates was noted, both in comparison with the Chernozem of the virgin soil, and with the introduction of resource-saving agricultural technologies.

Taxonomic structure of the southern chernozem under application of biological preparations and different farming systems

The study of the taxonomic structure of the southern chernozem under influence of microbial preparations and various farming systems in the conditions of the southern steppe zone has been carried out. Metagenomic analysis of the microbiome of southern chernozem showed the presence of 174 genera representatives of prokaryotes, among which 17 are dominant, representing more than 1%. Farming systems cause changes in the taxonomic structure of the microbiome in comparison with virgin soil in the steppe zone. The influence of microbial preparations of complex action on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microbiome of southern chernozem and increasing under no-till farming system has been established. The maximum content of water-soluble organic matter was found in virgin soil, which has higher amount of plant residues, up to 491 mg/kg of soil. Under the influence of farming systems its amount decreased in 4.2-8.5 times. The use of a complex of microbial preparations in the southern chernozem contributed to an increase in the amount of water-soluble fraction of humus depending on the farming system: 1.7 times with the conventional farming system and 3 times with no-till compared to the control without CMP.

Ecological Assessment of Sulfur Content in Agroecosystems of the Central Black Earth Region of Russia

Studies were carried out on the territory of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the Central Black Earth Region of the Russian Federation. The objects of research were the soil of nature reserves and arable chernozems that were not touched by agricultural activity, typical and common, the vegetation cover of natural biocenoses and agroecosystems, and organic fertilizers. The studies found that the background content of mobile sulfur in virgin soils is at a low level: 2.31 mg/kg - in a typical chernozem and 1.83 mg/kg - in an ordinary chernozem. According to agrochemical monitoring of arable soils carried out during 2015-2018, an increase in the weighted average content of mobile sulfur by 0.7 mg/kg to 3.3 mg/kg was established, compared to 2005-2009. However, the proportion of soils low on this element remains quite high - 90.3%. The main source of sulfur supply to the soils of agroecosystems (7.52 kg/ha) are organic fertilizers, the doses of which in 2015-2018 increased to 8.1 tons/ha. The average sulfur content in the steppe mixture of herbs of reserves is 0.3-0.4 mg/kg. The highest sulfur content among perennial legumes is clover (0.61%) and alfalfa (0.60%), and among legumes - soybeans, containing 0.34% of the element in grain and 0.21% - in straw.

ISOLATION, MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF DIAZOTROPIC BACTERIA FROM VIRGIN SOIL FROM ARAKU VALLEY AND ASSESSMENT OF OF AMMONIA ACCUMULATION AT SALINE CONDITIONS

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are widely distributed in nature where they reduce atmospheric nitrogen in soil or in association with plant. They have been found in a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats in both temperate and tropical regions of the word. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are found in symbiotic associations with plants free living in soil. The objective of the present research was to isolate free living Nitrogen fixing bacteria from virgin soil samples in araku valley and assessment of their ammonia accumulation at saline conditions. 10 soil samples were collected in different place from virgin areas. For isolation of the free living nitrogen fixing bacteria, Nitrogen free media like Jensens Medium and Azotobacter Agar were used. Serially diluted soil samples were spread on the agar media and incubated for 48 hours. Eleven morphologically different bacteria were separated on made pure colonies on nutrient agar media. All bacteria were under go biochemical characterization which reveals that all these bacteria related to Azospirillum, Azotobacter and Clostridium. High ammonia liberating isolate MGN-10 was molecular characterizes as Azotobacter chroococcum and this soil application increase the plant growth in terms of growth parameters.

Integrative Effects of Treated Wastewater and Synthetic Fertilizers on Productivity, Energy Characteristics, and Elements Uptake of Potential Energy Crops in an Arid Agro-Ecosystem

Using wastewater in agriculture is a desirable alternative source of irrigation and is gaining attraction worldwide. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the effect of treated municipal wastewater (TWW) and groundwater (GW), along with half and full doses of the recommended NPK dose on the plant growth, total biomass, gross energy, and macro- and trace element content and uptake of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), and triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) grown in old and virgin soil as potential bioenergy crops. The results showed that crops planted in old or virgin soil irrigated with TWW had higher values of plant height, leaf area per plant, total chlorophyll content, total biomass, and gross and net energy contents compared to those irrigated with GW grown in virgin soil. Similarly, crops grown in old soil irrigated with TWW showed higher concentrations in dry matter and uptake for both macronutrients (N, P, and K) and trace elements (B, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni) compared to those planted in virgin soil and irrigated with GW. Furthermore, the application of the recommended half dose of NPK in old and virgin soil irrigated with TWW showed occasionally comparable results to that of a full recommended dose of NPK for most of the measured parameters. Importantly, the recommended half dose applied to old soil irrigated with TWW resulted in a significant improvement in all measured parameters compared to virgin soil irrigated with GW, along with a full recommended dose of NPK. Briefly, TWW can be used to irrigate crops grown for bioenergy purposes, since it did not pose any harmful effect for energy crops. In addition, it provides additional nutrients to soil and thus decreases the required rate of synthetic fertilizer by up to 50% without any significant decreases in the final production of crops.

Revolutionary Violence and the Rise of the Art Novel

Revolutionary Violence and the Rise of the Art Novel

Effect on CBR Values with Addition of Coir Geotextile and Marble Dust in Silty Sands

The subgrade is the foundation of pavement. The conventional method of replacing weak soil with good soil can cause an increase in the cost of a project. Due to this reason ground improvement techniques are much popular nowadays. The major goal of this research work is to compare California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values of the virgin soil and soil reinforced with coir geotextile in one layer and a combination of two layers at different heights from the top surface of the soil. To see the change in CBR values one layer of coir geotextile was reinforced at three different heights (i.e., H/3; H/2 and 2H/3). After that, the effect on CBR values by reinforcement of combination of two layers of coir geotextile at different heights (i.e., H/3 and H/2; H/2 and 2H/3; and H/3 and 2H/3) from the top surface of the soil was studied. Thereafter, the soil is replaced by various percentages of marble dust ranging from 10% to 25% with an increment of 5% and again CBR values of soil samples reinforced with one layer of coir geotextile and a combination of two layers of geotextile at three different heights were compared with virgin soil. The test results reviewed that the maximum dry density (MDD) decreased and optimum moisture content (OMC) increased with the replacement of marble dust in the soil. The CBR test results specify an enhancement of the value of CBR with the addition of coir geotextile and marble dust. The maximum value of CBR is obtained when one layer of coir geotextile was introduced at the height of H/3 and in the case of a combination of two layers of coir geotextile maximum CBR values is obtained when the coir geotextile was introduced at a height of H/3 and 2H/3 from the top surface of the soil.

PSXI-21 Soil emission of carbon dioxide and behavior of microorganisms in soils of Western Kazakhstan

Abstract Kazakhstan Western ecosystems are intensively used in agricultural production. Assessing greenhouse gas emissions from soils, especially CO2, is important. In the upper stages, microbiology, characteristics and condition of the soil change. Biological intensity indicators are soil respiration processes, numerous microbiocenoses species composition. Soil CO2 emissions were measured 5 times monthly during three years. The CO2 flow rate from soil surface is measured by a closed dynamic chamber method with Li-8100A field respirometer. Metagenomic soil testing used bacteria DNA, archaea, real-time PCR, 16SrRNA sequencing. The soil CO2 monthly dynamics fluxes varied among the lands, within the season. In 2020, the CO2 emissions soil peak noted in the pasture. There is a slight decline in summer with a decrease towards the cold season. Comparison between the CO2 flux pasture soils is less in virgin soil. The minimum CO2 flux was recorded in November - February; in the spring, the flux increases. The above CO2 emissions were recorded in summer. In soils, there is wide variety of microorganisms with opposite and incompatible properties for one habitat. The microbial communities structure identified at the family level. The taxonomic samples structure ominated by phylae - Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria. The spread explained by increased actinomycetes resistance characteristic to low moisture content with long dry period. For comparative evaluation microbial communities results comparing by cenoses of upper horizons with dark chestnut soil indicators. This violation caused microorganisms resistance to disturbing factors. On anthropogenically disturbed saline soils, the bacteria found were specific and resistant to critical conditions. CO2 emission in soil varied cenosis type. The CO2 intensity factors were precipitation deficit, high temperature. The profile microorganisms distribution corresponded to the soil horizons humus content. During summer soil drying, the deep soil horizons abundance occurred where moisture is retained.

Elemental Composition and Structure of Humic Acids in Virgin and Arable Soddy-Podzolic Soils of the Cis-Urals

Elemental Composition and Structure of Humic Acids in Virgin and Arable Soddy-Podzolic Soils of the Cis-Urals

Фитомасса серо-бурых почв, формирующаяся в аридной экосистеме Азербайджана

Formed in the arid ecosystem of the Greater Caucasus, gray-brown soils were studied in comparison with the phytomass in natural and cultivated cenoses, along with the agrochemical properties of these soils. Comparative study of these indicators on the dominant lands of economically important regions is innovative. Soils of various herbaceous natural cenoses and cover of cultivated cenoses, as well as their agrochemical properties, are important for attracting virgin soils to agriculture. The results show that these lands are suitable for agriculture and high yields.

Мониторинг содержания марганца, цинка и кобальта в черноземе обыкновенном

The paper uses the materials of local agroecological monitoring of arable soils of the Belgorod region on the content of manganese, zinc, and cobalt in haplic chernozem of the steppe part of the Belgorod region. The content of manganese, zinc and cobalt in the arable horizon was 1.42, 1.22 and 1.23 times higher than in the parent rock, respectively. A strong correlation was established between the total contents of zinc and cobalt in the soil profile (r=0.77), and the bonds of manganese with zinc and cobalt had the strength of an average value (r=0.59 and r=0.55). The content of mobile forms of the studied trace elements in haplic chernozem is at a low level. The main reason for the shortage of mobile forms of manganese, zinc and cobalt is their low background content in virgin soil. Keywords: HAPLIC CHERNOZEM, GROSS CONTENT, CONTENT OF MOBILE FORMS, MANGANESE, ZINC, COBALT

Агрогенні зміни властивостей темно-каштанового цілинного та орного ґрунту за різного використання і зрошення

In the article, it was provided a comparative analysis of the ecosystem significance of soil characteristics transformed as a result of changes in the use conditions. At the three monitoring stationary sites in the Chaplinka district of the Kherson region, we studied the properties of dark chestnut soil (Haplic Kastanozem) on virgin lands (a biosphere reserve "Askania-Nova") and with more than a hundred years of use in agricultural production without irrigation and with a 50-year irrigation with water from the Kakhovsky trunk canal. Changes in the salt regime of the soil and the composition of exchangeable cations were established. In irrigation the total content of water-soluble salts up to 0.14-0.21% (toxic salts ‒ up to 0.06-0.15 %) was increased. The composition of salts was changed, their migration and accumulation in the lower soil layers. Under the influence of fresh water irrigation the process of dealkalinization in the dark chestnut soil took place. The involvement of virgin soil in agricultural use led to a decrease in the total content of humus and the transformation of its group composition. The content of humic acids (HA) was decreased. The content of fulvic acids (FA) was increased. The HA/FA ratio in the 0-10 cm layer changed from 2.6 (in virgin soil) to 1.6 in irrigated soil. The plowing and agricultural use of the dark chestnut soil led to a change in the state of the microbial cenosis. The number of microorganisms assimilating mineral and organic nitrogen, actinomycetes, oligotrophs, and eutrophs were increased. With irrigation the degree of transformation of the microbial cenosis increases. The indicator of biological degradation of irrigated dark chestnut soil was 4 %. This corresponds to a low level of degradation. A set of 10 indicators of the quality of the studied soil was proposed for calculating the level of its provision of ecosystem services (supplying and supporting). The algorithm and calculation results are presented. The soil of all monitoring sites of Markeev station is characterized by a high level of provision of ecosystem services. In virgin soil it was 8.3 points; in arable soil without irrigation it was 7.2, and with irrigation it was 7.5 points.

WETTING AND DRYING RESISTANCE OF LIME-STABILIZED EXPANSIVE SOILS MODIFIED WITH NANO-ALUMINA

Weak soil at construction sites necessitates ground improvement. Chemical stabilization is typically carried out using either lime or cement. The primary objective of this study was to assess the strength and durability of lime-stabilized soils modified with nano-alumina (NA). This study adopted the scientifically established initial consumption of lime (ICL) content for soil stabilization. In addition, nano-alumina was added in varying percentages as an auxiliary additive. It was observed that 0.5 % of nano-alumina was optimal with respect to the ICL for maximizing the soil stabilization. The stabilized soils were cured for 0, 7, 14, and 28 days. Post-curing testing revealed that the strength increased sixfold for the optimal combination, compared with the virgin soil. To understand the durability behavior of the optimal combination, the stabilized soil specimens were subjected to wetting and drying cycles after 28 days of curing. The optimal combination was nearly as durable as that of the lime-stabilized soil subjected to five cycles of wetting and drying.

Effects of soil depth and characteristics on phosphorus adsorption isotherms of different land utilization types: Phosphorus adsorption isotherms of soil

Phosphorus (P) is an indispensable natural mineral for biological processes and structures that support life in plants and animals. P deficiency is the most common nutritional stress of cultivated land in many regions of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the phosphorus (P) sorption characteristics of some soils and derive parameter estimates relevant in the prediction and management of P as well as their relationship to the properties of the soils. Four soil samples (each taken from depths of 0−10, 10−20 and 20−30 cm) were obtained from the Eastern Region of Ghana for this study. An uncultivated virgin land at Huhunya (HV), a cocoa farm in Akwadum (AC), a plantain farm also in Huhunya (HP) and piece of land which had been allowed to go fallow in Huhunya (HF) was used. Measurement of P sorption was conducted by equilibrating air-dried soil (<2 mm) in 0.2 M CaCl2 solution containing various concentrations of P. Phosphorus sorption data for soils was fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm equations. The result of the study show that the amount of phosphorus adsorbed increased with increasing depth with AC soil recording an average range of 114.16−211.55 μg/g. Phosphate adsorption was well described by the three isotherm equations. The data from the soils did conform best to the Langmuir equation with an average r2 value of 0.99. It was realized that virgin soil (from Huhunya) would require the most P fertilizer. The least P fertilizer would be required by the soil from the plantain farm (HP). Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between some soil characteristics and the sorption parameters derived from the three equations.

Comparative study of microbial inoculants of cultivated and virgin soils of Nilgiri Biosphere for plant growth promotion

In virgin soils, microorganisms and plants live in harmony and both are dependent on each other for their livelihood. Absence of cultivation practices, undisturbed soil condition, high organic matter condition and other favourable conditions enables to flourish beneficial microbes. The research work was started to identify beneficial microbes from undisturbed virgin soils of Nilgiri biosphere with the ability to grow under low pH and under low temeperature conditions. Bio-inoculants viz., Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, Azotobacter, Rhizobium and pseudomonas were obtained from cultivated and virgin soil samples of Nilgiris biosphere. When compared with type cultures, virgin soil isolates of respective inoculants have recorded better results in promoting plant dry weight in paper towel method. In cross streak assay, selected isolates found to be compatible with each other. In lignite carrier base formulation, the inoculants have reached a maximum population level of 107 and phosphobacteria reached 108 level. The population remained steady at this level up to 3 months. In the field trial studies conducted, the treatment of Azospirillum + Azotobacter + Phosphobacteria + Pseudomonas + 75% RDF has recorded maximum population of all the inoculants at 45th day after sowing. However, the maximum yield was observed in 100% RDF and bio-inoculant consortium applied treatment. This was closely followed by 75% RDF and bio-inoculant consortium applied plots. The results of the field trial have shown that bio-inoculant consortium along with 75% RDF application will lead to maximum yield with 25% saving in chemical fertilizer application.

BURIED FURROWS OF MEDIEVAL ARABLE IMPLEMENTS IN CHERNIHIV

Evidence of ancient plowing systems known in Scandinavia, Denmark, Italy and Poland was found in North-western Rus on the Rurik hill-fort and Novgorod. Almost always they were dated to the 9th—10th century. Evidence of several arable area, dated by the ceramics of Romny culture to the 9th—10th century, was occurred on the left bank of the Dnieper: in Prorva, near Trubchevsk (Bryansk region, Russian Federation) and Avtunichi in the Chernihiv region. A ploughed area in the northern part of the Chernihiv hill fort was recorded by V. Kovalenko in 1986. Similar traces were recorded by the author in 2005—2006 on the neighboring site at the area of more than 1,500 m2. The plough line were visible in the virgin soil as long (up to 10 m) rather narrow (from 2 to 10 cm) and deep (5—10 cm) furrows of triangular cross-section. They were filled by the light grey sandy loam with charcoal inclusions. The furrows overlapped each other perpendicularly forming the dense mesh. Individual double furrows with an internal distance of about 20 cm were also recorded. They are evidence of use of the double plough with narrow sub-triangular points. Judging by the location of the furrows the crosswise ploughing of the field was repeatedly carried out over several years. The horizon above ploughing was dated to the 10th century. This dating was based first of all on the finds of rough thick-walled Rus ceramic vessels with a slightly turned, flaring, flat rims, in combination with single fragments of handmade Romny culture ceramics and a slate spindle whorl. The presence of the plowing system directly before the appearance of settlement also challenges the frequently expressed opinion that earlier layers of the of the Chernihiv hill fort were completely destroyed by later activity. Had that been the case, the furrows would not have survived either.