THE CHANGE OF PROPERTIES OF BROWN FOREST SOILS IN 10 YEARS ON THE TRACK “SKOLE − PARASHKA” (NPP “SKOLIVSKI BESKYDY”, UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS)

Carry out monitoring of the track “Skole−Parashka” by the main five criteria of degradation of the natural environment: 1) width track (І category: to 0,5 m, “Unchanged track”; II category: to 1 m, “Little−changed track”; III category: 2−3 m “Endangered track”; IV category: to 5 m “Devastated track”; V category: over 5 m, “Strongly devastated track”); 2) presence of additional/parallel paths; 3) soil density; 4) quantitative and qualitative changes in vegetation (meadow ecosystems), presence/absence of forest litter (forest ecosystems); 5) the growth of erosion processes and the microrelief of the trail. It was found that for 10 years of exploitation by tourist track “Skole − Parashka” the width of the trail increased by 0,3–1,2 m. Reveal changes in soil over physical, water-physical, physicо-chemical and biotic properties of brown forest soils. The bulk density of soil structure on trails during 2012−2014 increased by approximately 32 % compared to the control, and after 10 years it increased − to 38 %. To reveal within the roadside an increase in soil bulk density from 1,07 to 1,17 g•cm-³ for 2019−2021 years. An increase in the density of the solid phase was recorded. The results of which are characteristic of the Hp horizon of brown forest soils. On the track porosity total to appraise “unsatisfactory”. For 10 years of recreational use of the track, the water permeability on the trails has not changed and was 0,07 and 0,06 mm•min-¹ according to the periods of the study (2012-2014 and 2019-2021). Within the roadside water permeability in 2012−2014 decreased by 60−80%, then in 2019−2021 years water permeability decreased by more than 90%. The actual water permeability of the soil during the downpour rains causes the intensification of surface runoff on the trail. On the track reveal abatement C organic. On the roadside track when lay to plane surface C organic unchanged within a years (2012−2014 and 2019−2021) and even was outstanding within a control. The increase C organic on the roadside is a result of “penetration” of the crushed fractions of forest litter into the H horizon during trampling and is not the result of biochemical processes. On the track increase of soil reaction (pH 5,0) while in the control pH 4,0. As to the biotic activity parameters, among the most significant are the catalase activity indices which are mostly determined by the density of the soil structure and water permeability. Key words: soil bulk density; water permeability; C organic; biotic activity; recreation influence; monitoring; NPP “Skolivski Beskydy”.

Biodiagnostics of stability of soils of southern Russia to silver pollution

Aim. To assess the resistance of soils in the south of Russia to silver pollution using biological indicators.Methods. The contamination of soils in southern Russia (ordinary chernozem, grey sandy and brown forest soils) was simulated with silver under laboratory conditions. Soils were contaminated with water‐soluble silver nitrate in order to reveal the maximum ecotoxicity of silver. Soil stability was assessed according to the most sensitive and informative biological parameters in dynamics of 10, 30 and 90 days after pollution. Results. Silver contamination inhibits the activity of oxidoreductases (catalase and dehydrogenases), reduces the total number of bacteria and the growth and development of radish. For all soils, a direct relationship was noted between silver concentration and the degree of deterioration of soil properties. The toxic effect of silver was most pronounced on the 30th day after contamination. According to their resistance to silver pollution, the soils investigated form the following sequence: ordinary chernozem> grey sandy soil ≥ brown forest soil. Conclusion. The light granulometric composition of grey sandy soils and the acidic reaction of the environment of brown forest soils, as well as the low organic matter content, contribute to the high mobility and high ecotoxicity of silver in these soils. Regional maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) of silver content in ordinary chernozems, grey sandy and brown forest soils have been determined as ‐ 4.4, 0.9 and 0.8 mg/kg, respectively.

SOILS AND UNDERGROWTH OF FOREST PARKS

Современное развитие городов приводит к изменению сохранившейся на их территории частички природы, изучением которой занимаются на протяжении продолжительного времени. Анализ почв лесопарков города Екатеринбурга Свердловской области проводился на основе изучения морфологических и химических свойств почв. Почвенные разрезы были заложены в лесопарке им. Лесоводов России, в Юго-Западном, Санаторном, Уктусском и Шарташском лесопарках. В составе древостоя лесопарковой зоны Екатеринбурга преобладает сосна обыкновенная (Pinus sylvestris L.), отмечено отсутствие или неравномерное распределение подроста и подлеска. Чаще всего произрастают следующие подлесочные виды: ракитник русский (Суtlsus ruthenicus Fisch. ex Bess.), черемуха обыкновенная (Prunus padus L.), рябина обыкновен- ная (Sorbus aucuparia L.) и роза иглистая (Rosa acicularis Lindl.). В задачи исследования входило изуче- ние почв, на которых произрастают данные подлесочные виды. На бурых лесных почвах состав подлеска разнообразней, чем на дерново-подзолистых. В каждом лесопарке было заложено по 2–3 почвенных раз- реза и взяты образцы почв для определения агрохимических свойств каждого выделенного почвенного горизонта. Были определены скелетность, удельный вес, объемный вес, порозность, обменная кислотность рНКСl, обеспеченность доступными калием и фосфором, гидролитическая кислотность, сумма обменных оснований, емкость поглощения и степень насыщенности основаниями. В изученных лесопарках были выявлены два типа почв: бурые лесные и подзолистые. Бурые лесные почвы представлены двумя подтипами – типичными и оподзоленными, а подзолистые – дерново-подзолистыми. В почвах лесопарков не обнаружено горизонтов урбик, свойственных антропогенно преобразованным почвам, но отмечено присутствие антропогенных включений в поверхностных горизонтах. The modern development of cities leads to a change in the preserved, on their territory, pieces of nature, the study of which is engaged for a long time. The analysis of the soils of forest parks in the city of Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk region, was carried out on the basis of studying the morphological and chemical properties of the soils. Soil sections were laid in forest parks: Forest Park of Foresters of Russia, South-Western. Sanatorium, Uktussky and Shartashsky Forest Park. The stand of the Yekaterinburg forest park zone is dominated by scots Pinus sylvestris, and there is no or uneven distribution of undergrowth and undergrowth. The most common subshrub species are Cytisus ruthenicus, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, and Rosa acicularis. The objectives of the study were to study the soils on which these undergrowth species grow. On brown forest soils, the composition of the undergrowth is more diverse than on sod-podzolic soils. In each forest park, 2–3 soil sections were laid and soil samples were taken to determine the agrochemical properties of each selected soil horizon. Have been identifi ed skeletality, specifi c gravity, volume weight, porosity, pHKCl, К2О, Р2О5, Н, S, Е, V. In the studied forest parks, two types of soils were identifi ed: brown forest and podzolic. Brown forest soils are represented by two subtypes – typical and landslide, and podzolic – sod-podzolic. In the soils of forest parks, no urbic horizons characteristic of anthropogenically transformed soils were found, but the presence of anthropogenic inclusions in the surface horizons was noted.

THE IMPACT OF RECREATION LOADING ON PHYSICAL AND WATER-PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BROWN FOREST SOILS

The article analyses the influence of recreational load on the physical and water-physical properties of brown forest soils. It is established that the complete or partial absence of litter on the pathway contributes to the rapid evaporation of moisture from the upper horizon (0−5 cm) of the soil, reducing the porosity total, increasing the density solid phase and buk density. It was found that with the increase of the buk density by 12,5 % the water permeability of the soil decreases 33 times in comparison with the control. A significant increase in the bulk density of the structure by 39−48 % was found on partway with a width of more than 2 m. On these pathway the surface runoff of water is formed. An increase in the density of the solid phase was recorded. The results of which are characteristic of the Hp horizon of brown forest soils. The overlapping of the trail with wooden flooring on the track “Stezhkamy lehendarnoyi Tustani” had a positive effect on the physical and water-physical properties of the soil. It was found that the indicators of soil bulk density and water permeability were close to the results obtained in the control and only the increase in the density of the solid phase indicates a significant recreational impact in the past. On the roadsides of the same revealed a significant increase in soil density of 1,5 times compared to the control and 1,3 times with the results obtained on the pathway, this indicates a recreational impact to date. It is proposed to use the following criteria for degradation of natural ecosystem: quantitative and qualitative changes in vegetation (meadow ecosystems), presence/absence of forest litter (forest ecosystems), soil density, presence of additional/parallel paths, path width, depth of erosion on the pathway. Establish category (stages) of recreational degression on the tracks the National Park “Skolivski Beskydy”. On the first stage/category (“Unchanged track”) of recreational degression includes trails 0,35−0,70 m wide with relatively close indicators of soil structure bulk density to control and the presence of forest litter on the pathway. The only negative aspect in this category is the insufficient water permeability of the soil. On heavy II category there is forest litter, although its redistribution is mainly traced between the trail and its roadside. In some sections of the trail, where there is no forest litter, it is fixed by increasing the bulk density of the structure to 27 %, the width of the pathway is 0,9−1,2 m and is classified as “Little-changed track”. On pathway with 2,15−3,40 m, there is a complete or partial absence of forest litter. Bulk density increased by 38−39 %, surface water runoff is formed. It is established presence distinct partway, visibled qualitative and quantitative changes in vegetation. The presented data correspond to the pathway of III category and are classified as “Endangered track”. Category IV (“Devastated track”) includes paths on which there is no forest litter, a significant increase in soil density up to 48 %, access to the surface of the root system and the width of the path is 2,60−4,90 m. Key words: recreation influence; soil bulk density; water permeable; pathway; NPP “Skolivski Beskydy”.

Comparative Evaluation of the Stability of the Brown Forest Soils of Crimea and the Caucasus to Pollution with Heavy Metals

This article assesses the resistance of brown forest soils of the Republic of Crimea, the Western and Central Caucasus to pollution by lead, chromium, nickel, and copper, and develops regional maximum permissible concentrations of these heavy metals. Soil contamination was modeled under laboratory conditions. Heavy metals were added in the form of oxides. Soil stability assessment was carried out by biological indicators. The brown forest soil of the Republic of Crimea proved to be the most resistant to pollution. The higher stability of the brown forest soils of the Western Caucasus relative to similar soils of the Central Caucasus, apparently, is determined by the higher content of organic matter in them, despite their lower acidity. Heavy metals formed the following series in terms of ecotoxicity for brown forest soils: Cr> Cu ≥ Ni ≥ Pb. The values of regional maximum permissible concentrations of lead, chromium, nickel and copper in the brown forest soils of the Crimea, Central and Western Caucasus are proposed.

Assessment of the ecotoxicity of bismuth at the phytotoxicity of soils

The results of the study of the ecotoxicity of bismuth on ordinary chernozem, brown forest soils and sierosands along the length of radish roots are presented. Small doses of 1.5-3 mg/kg of bismuth stimulated the growth of radish roots on ordinary chernozem. The maximum toxicity of bismuth carbonate and nitrate at a dose of 300 mg / kg was established on sierosands (reduction in the length of radish roots by 43% of the control). Bismuth carbonate 300 mg/kg showed the greatest toxicity when applied to ordinary chernozem and brown forest soil and reduced the length of radish roots by 31 and 44% of control, respectively. The series of toxicity ((on radish’s root length) of chemical forms of bismuth for soils forms the following sequence: bismuth carbonate (84) ≥ bismuth nitrate (86) > bismuth oxide (90). The toxic effect of bismuth depends on the form and concentration of bismuth in the soil,the particle-size composition, the reaction of the soil environment and the content of organic matter in the soil.

Microbiocenosis characteristics of agrogenically altered acid brown forest soils in humid subtropics of Russia

Under conditions of perennial cropping of industrial tea crop on acidic brown forest soils of the Black Sea coast of Russia, the following were investigated: number of bacteria, of actinomycetes (mainly the Streptomyces genus) and of micromycetes (saccharomycetes), seasonal dynamics and functional activity of the microbial complex during period of 2008-2019. Stationary experiments were launched in various backgrounds of mineral fertilizer application. The experiment was accompanied by the use of generally accepted recommended techniques for microbiological studies. As follows from the analysis of the data obtained, it was established that the long treatment period of mineral fertilizers at doses from N200P60K50 to N600P180K150 in given soil-climatic conditions under the tea crop contributed to significant decrease in the number of actinomycetes and nitrogen fixing bacteria of the Beijerinckia genus vs. the control variant (without fertilizers). The most significant decrease in the number of micromycetes was revealed immediately after the application of mineral fertilizers at a dose of N600P180K150. After 2 months, the number of this group of soil microorganisms was built back. Under the impact of both medium and high doses of mineral fertilizers, the functional activity decrease of soils (CO2 emission and potential nitrogen fixation activity) was noted.

Estimation the impact of the linear form of recreation on the properties of brown forest soils (for example NPP «Skolivski Beskydy», Ukrainian Carpathians)

The article analyses the impact of recreational loading on brown forest soils by physical, water-physical, agrochemical and biotic properties. It was found that the density of soil structure on the trails increased by 1.1-1.9 times and field soil moisture decreases by 1.8-1.9 times. In the initial stages of recreational degression, the humus content is recorded slightly higher compared to the control area, while on trails with a higher recreational load, on the contrary, decreases by more than 50%. Indicators of biotic activity is catalase activity of soil and biomass of soil biota. Depending on the stage of recreational regression, the indicators of biotic activity decreased by 25-60% compared with the control. As the criteria for estimating the impact of recreation activities on the soil: the width of the trail, the parallels trails, the density of the soil structure and the forest litter. Аccording to the results of field and laboratory studies: trail «Starovikovi lisy» are included in the I category and the trail «Dolynoyu richky Kamyanka» to the IV category, route «Skole-Parashka» – ІІІ category.

Silver Ecotoxicity Estimation by the Soil State Biological Indicators

The use of silver in various spheres of life and production leads to an increase in environmental pollution, including soil. At the same time, the environmental consequences of silver pollution of soils have been studied to a much lesser extent than those of other heavy metals. The aim of this study is to estimate silver ecotoxicity using the soil state biological indicators. We studied soils that are significantly different in resistance to heavy metal pollution: ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozems, Loamic), sierosands (Haplic Arenosols, Eutric), and brown forest acidic soil (Haplic Cambisols, Eutric). Contamination was simulated in the laboratory. Silver was introduced into the soil in the form of nitrate in doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg. Changes in biological parameters were assessed 10, 30, and 90 days after contamination. Silver pollution of soils in most cases leads to deterioration of their biological properties: the total number of bacteria, the abundance of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter, the activity of enzymes (catalase and dehydrogenases), and the phytotoxicity indicators decrease. The degree of reduction in biological properties depends on the silver concentration in the soil and the period from the contamination moment. In most cases, there is a direct relationship between the silver concentration and the degree of deterioration of the studied soil properties. The silver toxic effect was most pronounced on the 30th day after contamination. In terms of their resistance to silver pollution, the studied soils are in the following order: ordinary chernozem > sierosands ≥ brown forest soil. The light granulometric composition of sierosands and the acidic reaction of the environment of brown forest soils, as well as the low content of organic matter, contribute to high mobility and, consequently, high ecotoxicity of silver in these soils. The regional maximum permissible concentration (rMPC) of silver in ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozems, Loamic) is 4.4 mg/kg, in sierosands (Haplic Arenosols, Eutric) 0.9 mg/kg, and in brown forest soils (Haplic Cambisols, Eutric) 0.8 mg/kg.

INFLUENCE OF SILVER POLLUTION ON THE ACTIVITY OF SOIL CATALASE IN SOUTH OF RUSSIA

Due to the widespread use of products based on silver nanoparticles, the risk of contamination of the soil cover and surface water increases, since an element in this form can leach out of the material. The amount of silver emissions into the environment is increasing every year. There is growing evidence of silver toxicity for living organisms of not only aquatic, but also terrestrial ecosystems. Silver, accumulating in soil in large quantities, like other heavy metals, can have a toxic effect on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.High doses of the element can have a significant effect on the biological properties and ecological condition of soils. The study of enzyme activity can be used to identify major changes in the soil under the influence of silver. In this regard, it is relevant to study the effect of silver on catalase activity, since this enzyme is an indicator of the potential biological activity of the soil and reflects the intensity of mineralization processes in it. The aim of the work was to study the effect of silver pollution on the activity of soil catalase most characteristic of the southern regions of Russia. The object of the study identified soils characteristic of southern Russia: ordinary chernozems, seropesks and brown forest soils. For model studies, soil samples were taken from the upper arable layer (0‑10 cm), since silver accumulates in the surface soil layers. Silver pollution was modeled in a laboratory. Used silver nitrate at a concentration of 1 mg / kg, 10 mg / kg and 100 mg / kg, the experiment was 3 times biological repetition. The choice of biological indicators is due to the fact that oxidoreductases are most sensitive to chemical pollution among enzymes. This enzyme is an indicator of the biological activity of the soil and reflects the intensity of the mineralization processes in it. Laboratory and analytical studies were carried out using generally accepted methods in biology, soil science and ecology. Catalase activity was determined by the volumetric method according to A.Sh. Galstyan. As a result of the study of the effect of silver on three types of soils, the most characteristic of the southern regions of Russia, a decrease in catalase activity was noted. The degree of reduction of this indicator depended on the dose of the element introduced into the soil. The degree of resistance to silver contamination has the following sequence: common chernozem> sulfur sands ≥ brown forest soil. This is probably due to the light particle size distribution of sulfur sand and the acidic reaction of the environment of brown forest soils (pH = 5.8), as well as a low content of organic matter (1.8 % and 2.3 %, respectively), which contributes to high mobility, and therefore and high ecotoxicity of silver in these soils. A decrease in the activity of catalase of ordinary chernozem was observed for 90 days. At 1 UDC on the 30th and 90th day of the experiment, the same decrease in the studied parameter was observed. A similar pattern was observed at 10 UDC at the same experimental time. At 100 UDC (100 mg / kg) on the 90th day after contamination, a tendency toward restoration of catalase activity was observed, however, control values before silver contamination were not achieved. Chernozems have a high number of microorganisms and their high activity, and pollution tolerance mechanisms provide detoxification of soils from exposure to silver.