SOIL PROPERTIES

Levchenko E.S., Nevedrov N.P., Voskovskaya E.V., Prokopova D.O., Kavunbaeva K.M. (elizar.levchenko.99@mail.ru)

Spatio-temporal variability of properties of phaeozems and its anthropogenic modifications in various ecosystems of the Kursk urban agglomeration

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-001

Changes in soil property within natural and anthropogenic ecosystems of urban agglomerations represent a priority research focus, as these territories experience the most intensive anthropogenic impact and hold significant economic importance. The study aimed to determine the dynamics of spatio-temporal variability in the properties of Phaeozems and their anthropogenic modifications across agroecosystems, forest, garden, park, and lawn ecosystems of the Kursk urban agglomeration. Data are presented on the variability of physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological properties of Phaeozems under anthropogenic influence. A decline in soil aggregation and water stability of soil aggregates, reduced soil organic carbon content, and decreased biological activity were observed in regularly plowed cultivated Phaeozems. Soils of lawn and garden ecosystems exhibited higher CO₂ emission rates compared to forest and park ecosystems. It was established that the dominant factor regulating soil respiration in Phaeozems of the Kursk agglomeration is the land use regime (ecosystem type).

Keywords: soil aggregation, soil organic carbon, water stability of soil aggregates, particle-size distribution, CO₂ emission, lawn ecosystem, forest ecosystem, agroecosystem.

---

Makarov O.A., Demidov V.V., Abdulkhanova D.R., Kubarev E.N., Shulga P.S., Marakhova N.A. (demidov951@yandex.ru, oa_makarov@mail.ru, kubarevmsu@mail.ru)

Various grouping options for soils with the purpose of creating its basic classification

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-002

The aim of the research was to assess the possibilities of developing soil groupings for creating their basic classification. It has been shown that, at present, soil scientists are developing soil groupings – special soil databases «with voids» («classification fields» or «taxonomic spaces»), which need to be gradually filled with soil taxa. Variants of such «classification fields» («taxonomic spaces») include the matrices of soil-geographical zoning of our country, as well as the scheme for taking into account natural and economic factors in the ecological regulation of soil quality. The modeling of the «classification field» was also carried out by the authors of the new international comprehensive soil classification system, who created this «field» using centroids from various classification systems (Soil Taxonomy, WRB, soil classifications of New Zealand and Australia, etc.). It has been established that a necessary condition for creating a basic soil classification is the formation of their groupings («classification fields», «taxonomic spaces») in such a way that they «arrange» the «reference» soil taxa in accordance with the existing range of bioclimatic conditions or the energy system of zonal relationships. At the same time, it is possible to use «reference» taxa from one soil classification («standard» classification field) and from several soil classifications («complex» classification field).

Keywords: basic soil classification, «reference» taxon, centroid, classification field, bioclimatic conditions, soil formation energy.

---

Dabakhov M.V., Dabakhova E.V. (mvd1969@yandex.ru, dabakhova@yandex.ru)

Regional background zinc content in the soils of the Lower Volga region and its application in assessing the degree of contamination

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-003

Studies conducted on the territory of the Penza and Saratov regions within the limits of the 630 km long highway from the eastern part of the Volga upland to the northern part of the Caspian lowland made it possible to quantify the regional background zinc content in the humus horizon. The average values for the three subtypes of chernozems are in the range of 39-48 mg/kg, and for the three subtypes of chestnut soils – 52-54 mg/kg. At the same time, a relatively low level of differences in the background zinc content within the intersected soil differences was revealed: more than 90% of the samples were within the range of X_av. ± 2σ, which makes it possible to set the values of the background content of elements for agricultural lands at the regional level. The highest level of variation in the indicator is associated with local soil and landscape conditions, which is expressed mainly in the Right Bank of the Volga. This fact should be taken into account in the process of assessing the ecological state of the soil cover, based on the use of the background content of elements as a standard. It is noted that the background content of the element in the soil should not be used as a threshold value, exceeding which indicates man-made soil contamination. The background is an interval characteristic and can only be used in combination with the interval of acceptable deviation, as which it is advisable to use the result of statistical processing of the sample obtained during the study of the elemental composition of agricultural lands in the form of X_av. ± 2σ or another reasonable range for agricultural lands.

Keywords: Lower Volga region, zinc, background content in soils, application of the background value, tolerance range.

---

Seitova E.V., Pavlyushin V.A. (microbiocontrol@vizr.spb.ru, ekaterina.sinyaeva.1995@gmail.com)

The effect of producer strains Trichoderma asperellum and Clonostachys rosea f. Catenulata on the structure of the rhizosphere fungal community and induced soil suppressiveness

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-004

The paper presents results on the effects of seed treatments with antagonist strains Trichoderma asperellum T-36 and Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata VKPM-F1324 of spring soft wheat on the structure of the rhizosphere fungal community, the abundance of antagonists and phytopathogens, and the development of root rot. Both strains initiated a directed restructuring of the rhizosphere fungal community structure, the dynamics of which were determined both by the antagonist species and the inoculum titer applied. The high titer of C. rosea f. catenulata provided the highest biological efficacy against root rot (89%) due to the numerical superiority of antagonists over pathogens in the wheat rhizosphere. The biological efficacy at low inoculum titers of T. asperellum was 48-55% without significant reduction in phytopathogen abundance, indicating the predominance of other defense mechanisms, such as induction of systemic resistance, while the low titer of T. asperellum stimulated branching of the wheat root system, confirming the growth-promoting potential of the strain.

Keywords: rhizosphere mycobiome, biological efficacy, alpha-diversity, root rot, spring wheat.

---

Chashchin A.N., Asylbaev I.G. (chascshin@mail.ru, ilgiz_bsau@mail.ru)

Mapping heavy metal migration in soils with Python

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-005

This article presents the results of automated soil-ecological mapping of the Republic of Bashkortostan using the example of a map of heavy metal migration conditions in soil. The map's creation takes into account pH and the redox regime, which influence the movement of heavy metals. Migration conditions are assessed for various soil types according to an established scale consisting of 16 steps. This article describes the automation process using the PyQGIS library to create a map of heavy metal migration conditions in soils. The objective of this research is to develop an automated solution for mapping heavy metal migration conditions in soils based on pH and the redox situation. Data from the Unified State Register of Soils resources (EGRPR) were used as source materials. The proposed approach combines geochemical modeling and mapping in a single software solution, which, according to the authors, represents an important addition to existing methods for mapping soil properties. The created plugin for the open geographic information system QGIS allows for standardization of soil-ecological map generation through automatic style loading. Using the PyQGIS library for Python allows you to combine the evaluation function and the automatic map styling mechanism in a tool with a user-friendly graphical user interface.

Keywords: PyQGIS, soil-ecological mapping, heavy metals.

---

Prudnikova E.V., Yakovlev A.S., Evdokimova M.V., Gorlenko A.S. (eva.pr@mail.ru)

Application of a macrokinetic model of biological growth for standardizing soil quality (using the example of a coal mining enterprise)

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-006

A scientific substantiation and selection of optimal biological monitoring methods for a comprehensive environmental assessment of soils and their quality were conducted. The work was conducted in an area affected by the operations of a coal mining, processing, and transportation enterprise, as well as in adjacent areas. The most sensitive test systems were identified: analysis of soil microbiological activity in combination with remote sensing data (NDVI) and the application of a macrokinetic model of biological growth will enable a quantitative assessment of the negative impact of the area subject to anthropogenic load. The obtained data will contribute to the improvement of methods for the environmental assessment of soils and their quality, as well as the standardization and assessment of environmental quality.

Keywords: environmental assessment, microbiological activity of soils, vegetation index, standardization, anthropogenic load.

---

FERTILIZER AND HARVEST

Zinkovskaya T.S., Rabinovich G.Yu., Podolyan E.A., Smirnova Yu.D., Fomicheva N.V. (2016vniimz-noo@list.ru)

Influence of organosilicon and mineral fertilizers on spring wheat yield and microbial populations during irrigation of soddy-podzolic soil

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-007

The influence of multipurpose compost, complete mineral fertilizer and organosilicon fertilizer, as well as their combined use on the content of microorganisms in soddy-podzolic light loamy soil with two-sided regulation of the water-air regime in a three-year experiment with spring wheat of the Zlata variety was assessed. In general during the growing season there is a total increase in the number of ammonifying, amylolytic, and phosphate-mobilizing microorganisms. This increase is more pronounced when the soil moisture is maintained at an optimal level (70% of the total water content). Over the course of three years the highest yield of wheat Zlata was 4.1 t/ha when silicon-organic fertilizer was applied together with mineral fertilizer and optimal moisture levels were maintained.

Keywords: organosilicon fertilizer, mineral fertilizers, ammonifying, phosphate-mobilizing and amylolytic microorganisms, wheat, soddy-podzolic light loamy soil.

---

Titova V.I., Pestryakova N.V., Volodina E.N. (titovavi@yandex.ru, titovanata1992@mail.ru, volod-evgenia@yandex.ru)

Effect of soil composting with azofoska on nutrient availability and biomass formation of spring wheat during the first half of the growing season

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-008

This study presents the results of assessing the effect of Azofoska (NPK) fertilizers from different manufacturers on the phytomass formation of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Zlata and on the uptake of nutrients from fertilizers and soil during the first half of the growing season. The crop was grown in model laboratory vegetation experiments after a preliminary two-month incubation of fertilizers in soil (Experiment 2), in comparison with Azofoska samples incorporated into soil immediately before sowing (Experiment 1). The experiments were conducted using the Neubauer-Schneider method on light-gray forest (Alfisol) loamy soil (light loam), moderately supplied with nutrients, with four replications. Fertilizers were applied at rates of 0.3 and 0.6 g NPK/kg of soil. It was found that wheat phytomass yield when using Azofoska produced by Acron and Uralchem companies only weakly depended on the residence time of the fertilizer in soil; however, early application of PhosAgro company Azofoska reduced phytomass yield by 16-18%, with the reduction decreasing to 4% when the application rate was increased. Composting (incubation) of Azofoska with soil resulted in a 5-10% decrease in the content of plant-available NPK forms in soil. The contribution of soil reserves of mobile nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds to plant nutrition was estimated at 44.9%, 14.2 and 35.5%, respectively. At the single application rate, the apparent recovery (use efficiency) of nitrogen from Azofoska did not exceed 30%, phosphorus was 9%, and potassium reached 65-73%. Doubling the NPK rate reduced nitrogen and potassium use efficiency for PhosAgro Azofoska by nearly twofold and phosphorus use efficiency by threefold; for Uralchem Azofoska, the reduction was 36-42%.

Keywords: azofoska, nutrients, application rate, composting/incubation, spring wheat, phytomass, nutrient use efficiency, light-gray forest soil.

---

Gasparyan I.N., Dorofeev D.A. (irina150170@yandex.ru, ddorofeev@phosagro.ru)

Efficiency of a silicon-containing complex in tomato cultivation under arid conditions

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-009

The results of a two-year field study (2024-2025) aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a silicon-containing agrochemical complex (ApaSil, Biopatit, Biokuf, Lostor) in growing the Gina tomato variety in the arid conditions of the Astrakhan region are presented. The complex was found to provide high biological effectiveness against late blight (78.0-82.0%), accompanied by a reduced prevalence of the disease and a slower progression during the growing season. On average, over two years, a significant increase in marketable yield of 23.1 t/ha (≈60%) was observed, while non-marketable produce decreased by 41% and marketability increased to 83%. The use of these products improves the yield structure by increasing the quantity and weight of marketable fruits, and also contributes to a significant improvement in quality: skin firmness increases by 24-25%, and flesh firmness by approximately 60%, indicating increased mechanical strength of the fruit tissue. This increased firmness is accompanied by improved shelf life, resulting in an increased proportion of survivable produce and reduced storage losses, especially in late harvesting periods. A direct correlation has been established between the mechanical properties of the fruit and its shelf life. The results confirm the high agronomic effectiveness of the silicon-containing complex and its suitability for use in tomato cultivation technologies in arid climates.

Keywords: tomatoes, arid zone, silicon-containing complex, yield.

---

Noori M.N., Zharkikh O.A., Dmitrevskaya I.I. (naimnoori111@mail.ru, o.a.zharkikh@rgau-msha.ru, i.dmitrevskaya@rgau-msha.ru)

Influence of mineral fertilizers and organomineral complex on soybean growth and yield in Afghanistan

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-010

The results of two-year field experiments (2024-2025) at the experimental station of the Faculty of Agriculture of Faryab University (Faryab Province, Afghanistan) to assess the impact of separate and combined use of NPK mineral fertilizers and an organomineral complex (OMK) based on humic and fulvic acids on the growth and productivity of soybeans of the Stine 3400 variety are presented. The experimental scheme included eight variants, differing in doses of NPK (N₂₀P₄₀K₂₀, N₄₀P₈₀K₄₀, N₆₀P₁₂₀K₆₀ kg/ha) and OMK (0.001 g/l) applied by double spraying in the phase of three real leaves and in the phase of bean formation. It has been established that the combined use of an average dose of mineral fertilizers (N₄₀P₈₀K₄₀) with an organomineral complex is the most effective agrotechnical technique. This option provided maximum performance: plant height, leaf surface area, and accumulation of dry aboveground biomass. Grain yield in this variant reached 2.26 t/ha, exceeding the control indicators by 51.2%. It was found that increasing NPK doses without using OMK does not lead to a proportional increase in productivity, indicating that additional application of mineral fertilizers in these soil conditions would be impractical. Regression analysis confirmed a close correlation of yield with the main biometric parameters, where the most significant indicator is the accumulation of dry aboveground biomass (R² = 0.98). The results of the study substantiate the high ecological and economic importance of OMK's integration into agricultural technologies of soybean production.

Keywords: soybeans, mineral fertilizers, organomineral complex, crop yields, Afghanistan.

---

Dobrin P.V., Lapushkin V.M. (lapushkin@rgau-msha.ru)

Effect of silicon-containing fertilizers on yield and quality of cucumber Meva F1 when grown using low-volume technology

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-011

In the cultivation of cucumber Meva F1 under conditions of low-volume hydroponics over two cycles, a high effectiveness of silicon-containing preparations was demonstrated: NanoKremniy, Bona Forte, Siliplant, and ApaSil. A significant increase in yield by 10.5-14.8%, average fruit weight by 8-15 g, dry matter content by 0.27-0.48% absolute, and a reduction in nitrate content by 42-77 mg/kg was established. The application of foliar treatments with NanoKremniy, Siliplant, and the biostimulator Bona Forte had a stronger effect on the yield and quality of cucumber fruits compared to the amorphous silicon dioxide ApaSil, leading to the conclusion about the positive influence of both silicon and the meso-, microelements, and biologically active compounds included in the formulations.

Keywords: cucumber, low-volume hydroponics, silicon-containing fertilizers, biostimulants, amorphous silicon dioxide, yield, quality.

---

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCHES

Komarov A.A., Sukhanov P.A. (zelenydar@mail.ru)

To the technique of producing and assessing the physiological activity of humic preparations

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-012

Research on improving the production and evaluation of humic preparations is presented. Humic and humus-like preparations are obtained (isolated) using a stepwise oxidative-hydrolytic transformation method for any lignin-containing organic materials. A model for transforming pulp and paper mill (PPM) waste into valuable humus-like bioactive compounds for subsequent use as physiologically active substances used to increase crop productivity is presented as an example. To ensure the necessary conditions for the transformation of organic waste from the pulp and paper mill, a model reactor was created that allows for varying thermochemical conditions during the reaction. To assess the quality of the resulting reaction products and identify the most physiologically active compounds, it was proposed to sample them at different stages of the process without interrupting the reaction for subsequent biotesting. The isolated oxidative preparations were labeled as KLGK and used in subsequent experiments. Laboratory studies were conducted using a bioassay on germinating seeds of the spring wheat variety Zlata. The bioassay on the seeds revealed the optimal concentration range for the activating effect of KLGK. The activating zone accelerated seed germination by 20-30% in the concentration range from 0.0025 to 0.00025%. The preparation was found to be most active during the initial period of seed germination (22-24 hours), providing an increase of up to 33.3%, indicating a specific physiological mechanism for its activating effect. The experimental results are well described by linear and polynomial functions, with a high degree of reliability of the data obtained.

Keywords: pulp and paper mill waste, waste transformation process, thermochemical parameters of the process, biotest, physiologically active substances.

---

Khaletskaya G.Yu., Polienko E.A., Bezuglova O.S. (14142135galina@gmail.com, polienkoe468@gmail.com, lola314@mail.ru)

Dynamics of mobile potassium in ordinary chernozems of the Rostov region under humate-based sunflower fertilization

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-013

This article presents the results of field studies (2023-2025) investigating the effects of humates on exchangeable (mobile) potassium levels in ordinary chernozems (Haplic Chernozem) of the Azov area of the Rostov region. The study is motivated by the need to optimize potassium nutrition for sunflower and to identify sustainable agricultural practices for improving soil resource efficiency. Experiments were conducted at the FRARC field station (Rassvet village, Aksaysky district). The study found that humate application significantly increased potassium availability compared to the control. Furthermore, a correlation between potassium content and mineral fertilizer rates was identified. The results demonstrate that leonardite-derived humic substances, activated by a microbiological preparation, facilitate the mobilization of fixed potassium into available forms. This ensures stable potassium nutrition for sunflowers even under severe drought. The study concludes that humates are a promising tool for sunflower cultivation in the arid conditions of the Azov area.

Keywords: mobile potassium, ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozem), humic fertilizers (humates), sunflower.

---

Khatlamadzhiian A.A., Beschetnikov V.V., Bezuglova O.S. (aleksandar_karadzic@mail.ru, eric1111@mail.ru, lola314@mail.ru)

Effect of humic preparation on the cytomorphometric parameters of barley under lead stress

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-014

The article presents the results of a study on the potential use of the humic preparation BIO-Don to neutralize the toxic effects of lead pollution. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of stress factors and the humic preparation BIO-Don on the root system structure and the anatomical structure of barley leaf blades. The experiment was conducted using a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lead(II) acetate as a stress factor. It was found that the presence of lead in the NM increased the chlorenchyma cell density in the leaf blade and reduced the number of plastids, inhibiting the photosynthetic apparatus. Leaf blade thickness also decreased with pollution, which is associated with changes in its structure under stress. The addition of the humic preparation significantly improved the condition of the root system and leaf blade under pollution conditions, mitigating the toxic effect. This resulted in an increase in the chlorenchyma cell area and the number of plastids, while the cellular structure and tissue functionality were restored. Adding a humic preparation to the PS promoted root growth by increasing the area of the primary cortex and the average size of cortical cells. Stimulation of the root system was accompanied by improved photosynthetic activity, as evidenced by an increase in the average size of chlorenchyma cells in the leaves. Thus, the humic preparation BIO-Don reduces the toxic effects of heavy metals, opening up potential for its use in increasing plant resistance to soil pollution. In the absence of pollution, the humic preparation promotes better root development and intensifies photosynthesis.

Keywords: barley, lead toxicity, humic preparations, cytomorphometric parameters, detoxification, hydroponics, root cortex, Chlorenchyma, detoxification, hydroponics.

---

YOUNG SCIENTISTS RESEARCHES

Iliushkova E.M., Tikhonova M.V., Taller E.B. (e.ilyushkova@rgau-msha.ru, tmv@rgau-msha.ru, etallereb@rgau-msha.ru)

Biodiversity assessment of herbaceous plants in fallow lands of varying age in the Central forest nature reserve

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-015

This article presents the results of an assessment of herbaceous plant biodiversity in five sites of varying ages (ranging from the meadow stage to a nemoral spruce forest older than 110 years) within the Central Forest Nature Reserve. It was found that the greatest species richness (32 species) and the highest values of the Margalef (6.89) and Shannon (2.81) indices are characteristic of the meadow stage. In the young birch forest stage (20-25 years), a sharp decrease in the number of species to 9 (Margalef index 2.53) was observed, which is associated with the formation of the tree canopy and the accumulation of leaf litter. In forest communities (60-70-year-old birch stands and spruce stands older than 110 years), species richness increases to 21-24 species, and the index values approach those of meadow communities. The Simpson’s index revealed the formation of dense, monospecific clusters during the middle-aged forest stage. Pielou's evenness index showed no significant differences between plots, indicating the stability of the overall community structure. The Jaccard coefficient does not exceed 0.27, indicating low floristic similarity and the distinct isolation of each plot. The data obtained reflect a natural transition of herbaceous communities from meadow-type to shade-tolerant types across the mixed-age stands of the Central Forest Nature Reserve.

Keywords: forest succession, species composition, species richness and diversity indices.

---

Belous N.M., Chesalyn S.F., Malyavko G.P., Smolsky E.V., Belous I.N. (sev_84@mail.ru)

Impact of chemicalization agents on ¹³⁷Cs content of crop products

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-016

The effects and aftereffects of organic, mineral, and organomineral fertilizers, applied separately and in combination with pesticides and a biopreparation, on the ¹³⁷Cs content of crop products were studied on sod-podzolic sandy soil in the southwestern Bryansk region. Without the use of chemicals, the following descending order of ¹³⁷Cs content in crop yields was observed: narrow-leaved lupine → oats → potatoes → winter rye. Potato grains and tubers exceeded the permissible level. With increasing potassium fertilizer application rates, a trend toward a decrease in ¹³⁷Cs migration from the soil to crop products was observed in the mineral fertilizer system. The biopreparation Gumistim was found to be effective in limiting the migration of ¹³⁷Cs from the soil to agricultural crops. Long-term, scientifically based, complex use of organic, organomineral and mineral fertilizers, biopreparation pesticides in crop rotation on sod-podzolic sandy soil allows for the production of safe plant products based on the ¹³⁷Cs content criterion.

Keywords: chemicalization means, ¹³⁷Cs, potatoes, oats, winter rye, narrow-leaved lupine, soddy-podzolic sandy soil.

---

REVIEWS

Govorkova S.B. (s.govorkova@mail.ru)

Radionuclides (⁴⁰K, ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr) in soils and plants

DOI: 10.24412/1029-2551-2026-4-017

The article presents an analysis of modern data on the content of natural and artificial radionuclides in soils and plants. The work was based on scientific papers published in the last 10 years, which are publicly available on the Internet, in electronic scientific libraries such as e-Library.ru, Springer, Cyberleninka, ZNANIUM, ScienceDirect, as well as our own research materials. It has been established that the specific activity of natural radionuclides in the studied objects varies greatly depending on the specifics of the soil formation process and the biological characteristics of plants in different climatic zones. In some areas, the specific activity of artificial radionuclides varies more than that of natural radionuclides. In 2026, the area of soils contaminated with ¹³⁷Cs to varying degrees as a result of the Chernobyl accident is estimated to be 18,000 km². In some areas, special agrotechnical measures are necessary to reduce the translocation of radiocesium into plants. The impact of various agrotechnologies on the yield and specific activity of artificial radionuclides in plant products has been examined. An effective way to reduce the accumulation of radionuclides in plants is to use a rational system of applying organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as liming acidic soils.

Keywords: soil, fertilizers, radionuclides, soil contamination density ¹³⁷Cs, agricultural plants.