Evaluation of Positive Socio-Economic Phenomena in Territorial Systems of Ecological Stability (Case Study)

One of the active tools that increase the ecological stability of a country are projects related to territorial systems of ecological stability (TSES). An important part of the elaboration of TSES projects is also the evaluation of positive socio-economic phenomena (PSEP). Their evaluation is important for the design of measures that will ensure its proper functioning. The PSEP enter, the spatial system as elements that fulfill important ecological functions and help preserve the natural resources, gene pool, ecological stability and diversity of the landscape. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain their functions in the future. The theoretical and methodological basis for the evaluation of PSEP within TSES is the LANDEP methodology. They are not unique in the area, and they can occur in various combinations. Based on varied combinations of positive phenomena ensuing from nature conservation, protection of water sources, forest and soil sources, mineral resources and cultural or historical resources there are various types of territories with different landscape ecological significance and different ecological stability. The resulting combinations are a limiting input for the proposed activities and must be respected when processing ecostabilization measures within TSES projects. The presented study presents a landscape ecological evaluation of socio-economic phenomena of nature protection and natural resources in a project of the local system of ecological stability which was developed for the agriculturally intensively used area of Dolný Lopašov. It assesses the legal status of the territory and specifies and spatially expresses areas with different representations of important landscape elements which come under legislative protection. Based on the occurrence, abundance, character and combinations of PSEP occurring in the cadastral area of the commune Dolný Lopašov, this specifies 8 degrees of landscape ecological significance. Significance categories form the basis for the overall classification of the territory required for the processing of TSES projects at the local level. The obtained results must be applied to the proposals of measures to increase ecological stability, especially in the central and southern part of the cadastral area of the commune Dolný Lopašov.

Practical approaches to determining the dynamics of the stability of stands of breeding objects

The article analyzes the indicators that can be used to assess the biotic and ecological stability of forest stands. For breeding facilities, this issue is of relevance when prescribing reforestation measures in forest genetic reserves, assessing the stability when selecting plus stands, assessing selected permanent forest-seed plots to determine the volumes of their formation and tending activities in them and, in the future, their transfer to plus stands, as well as, in general, for isolation of a reserve fund from the forest environment. The methods for assessing the stability of forest stands are based on determining the indicators of forest stand stability, calculated on the basis of tree mensuration in the study area (based on a trial plot) and the sanitary state of the trees. The basis for the determination is the complete tree enumeration and the scale of sanitary state used in production operations (SanitaryForestsReg.Ukraine). The assessment of stand stability is based on the method of calculating the loss of stability (BC)), which was proposed to determine the stability of secondary spruce forests in fertile beech forest types (BlystivV. I. 2006) and later adapted to assess the formation of the stability of hornbeam-beech stands (Blystiv V. I., 2012). The issue of assessing the tension of a stand, using the growing space of the forest is addressed in the methods section of the dissertation work by V.M.Malyuga, 2020. Using the values of the above indicators (KC, ВбС, ВеС), stands can be divided into 3 categories of stability: stable, conditionally stable and unstable. Appropriate forestry activities are proposed according to the categories. They require a special numeric-expressed substantiation, both in relation to the economic group of forest types, forest category, and for targeted activities or research areas - in this case, loss of stability of breeding facilities. Tension studies have shown that by using factors of environmental impact, the conditions are assessed as normal, non-tensioned and tensioned. To assess the indicator values of normal and weakened states, the basic scale of the assessment of biotic stability by stand indexes will be used. For the weakened state, three indexes are identified for the purpose of detailed planning of possible activities. In forest breeding, the selection and formation of forest stands for stability will require parameter-defined indicators, in this case, the forest stand stability coefficient is used. The protective properties of the forest environment, identified with the preservation of genetic diversity, determined by the amount and quality of natural regeneration and associated with ecological stability, can be effectively assessed by its loss according to the above method. The studies on the stand tension, using the factors of environmental impact, have shown that stands growing under tension are those that are somewhat overstocked ones. Pine stands grow optimally when they have a density range of 0.7-1.0. The rest of the stands grow without tension, but they do not make full use of growing space due to varying degrees of stand density. Such medium-stocked stands can be effectively used as selected and appropriately formed permanent forest-seed plots. Assessment of the stand state by impact factors makes it possible to record quantitative changes. The dynamics of areas in accordance with the changes of these indicators by periods characterizes the ecosystem changes (stages of development by successive process) and is important for the facilities of preservation of genetic diversity - especially forest genetic reserves.

Causes of the dieback of littoral stands in an overpopulated water-bird reserve: Role of eutrophication, fish and geese

European fishponds can serve as refuges for water birds if the fish stocks are limited, but the effects of other ecological factors on their ecological stability are rarely considered. The aim of this study is to determine the causes of marked dieback of littoral stands dominated by Typha angustifolia L. in a hypertrophic fishpond that is also a valuable water bird reserve. A field study and two experiments were conducted in order to separate the effects of mineral nutrient availability, redox conditions, fish and water birds. The physico-chemical characteristics of the water and sediments confirmed hypertrophic conditions in the fishpond, but a mesocosm experiment did not indicate it had a negative effect on plant growth. On the other hand, a field enclosure experiment showed that in sparse stands, unfenced parts had a significantly smaller shoot density than fenced parts. This was attributed to grazing by greylag geese (Anser anser L.). In addition, damage to belowground parts of plants were ascribed to large individuals of albeit a few large common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). This study highlights a conservation dilemma as large numbers of geese destroy littoral stands in fishpond nature reserves, which then become unsuitable nesting sites for other species of water birds.

Evaluation of Ecological Stability in Semi-Arid Open-Pit Coal Mining Area Based on Structure and Function Coupling during 2002–2017

Open-pit coal mining plays an important role in supporting national economic development; however, it has caused ecological problems and even seriously impacted regional ecological stability. Given the importance of maintaining ecological stability in semi-arid coal mining areas, this study used a coupling coordination degree approach based on the structural and functional state transition model (SFSTM) to evaluate the spatio–temporal variation of ecological stability from 2002 to 2017 by using MODIS and Landsat datasets in the semi-arid open-pit coal mining area. Besides, random points were created for different ecological stability levels (containing natural areas, coal mining areas, and reclamation areas) and segment linear regression was conducted to determine the structural change threshold for negative state transitions based on mining and positive state transitions based on reclamation. Furthermore, the impact factors of ecological stability were analyzed. Results showed that ecological stability fluctuated significantly over 16 years, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. It was found that precipitation and temperature were the key natural factors affecting ecological stability, and mining activities constituted the dominant factor. The average perturbation distances to ecological stability from mining activities in the west, southwest, and east mining groups were 7500, 5500, and 8000 m, respectively. SFSTM is appliable to the coal mining ecosystem. Quantitative models of ecological stability response can help resolve ambiguity about management efficacy and the ecological stability results facilitate iterative updating of knowledge by using monitoring data from coal mining areas. Moreover, the proposed ecological structural threshold provides a useful early warning tool, which can aid in the reduction of ecosystem uncertainty and avoid reverse transformations of the positive state in the coal mining areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AWARENESS AMONG TRICYCLE DRIVERS IN DIGOS CITY, PHILIPPINES

<p>As humankind progresses into an age of heavy economic change, motor vehicle ownership rapidly increases, significantly altering Earth's biogeochemical composition, resulting in environmental pollution and loss of ecological stability. Given the need for global action, this study, however, investigated the level of environmental awareness in terms of environmental laws and environmental city ordinances in Digos City, Philippines. A quantitative-descriptive method was utilized in employing the study. A modified self-made questionnaire was administered to 200 tricycle drivers of Digos City, Philippines. Results revealed that older tricycle drivers and those who have long experiences have better awareness on environmental laws and city ordinances compared to young tricycle drivers and those who have shorter experiences as tricycle drivers. Thus, there is still a great need for heavy reinforcement regarding environmental legal frameworks, especially among young tricycle drivers in Digos City, Philippines.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0996/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

SPACIAL AND ECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF LAND RESOURCES IN NORTH-EAST PART OF ZOLOCHIV DISTRICT UTC OF LVIV REGION

The article presents an ecological and geographical analysis of the current state of land resources. The structure of land resources in UTC (United Territorial Community) is dominated by lands of agricultural and forestry use. They occupy the largest areas - 67072.3 hectares, 40004.8 hectares and their share in the structure of the land fund is 57.8%, 34.4%, respectively. The structure of agricultural lands of the district is dominated by agricultural lands, namely arable land. Its area is 67072.3 hectares (97.3%) The largest area of agricultural land is concentrated within the central part of the district. The largest area in the structure of agricultural land is occupied by arable land - 2500 - 3570.8 hectares. In the eastern and south-eastern parts of the district the share of arable land in the structure of agricultural lands is the highest (more than 70%). The share of pastures and hayfields in the structure of agricultural lands is 18.2% and 16.8%, respectively. The smallest share in the structure of lands of perennial plantations (1.6%). The largest areas of hayfields and pastures in the northern and northeastern part of the district, which is due to the natural features of the territory. Peculiarities of forestry use of land resources on UTC area are analyzed. Lands covered with forest vegetation there are unevenly distributed and are mainly subordinated to Brody Forestry. The largest areas of forestry land in the northern and southern parts of the district. Forests in the northern part are located within Male Polissya. Here in the area there is the highest forest cover (45 - 67%). Forest cover in the southern part of the district is 45 - 67%. The structure of lands occupied by forest vegetation is dominated by forest areas (96.0%), including covered with forest crops (71.0%) On the basis of the defined indicators the analysis of ecological stability of lands in UTC is carried out, also the anthropogenic loading on agricultural lands of the area is defined. This figure depends on the area of land of different species. Using the method of Shyshchenko P. H. (1982) we have determined the anthropogenic load on the agricultural lands of the district. This figure depends on the area of the land of different species. Within the district there are spatial differences in this indicator. The greatest anthropogenic load on agricultural land is in the central part of the district. Here the anthropogenic load is more than 6.6 (strongly converted). In the north-western part of the district this indicator is the lowest: 5.2-5.3. On the territory of other village councils agricultural lands are moderately transformed (6.1 - 6.5) The results of the study of the ecological condition of the land resources of the district are presented. The level of plowing, agricultural development of the district is analyzed. The central and southern part of the district is characterized by an unbalanced structure of land use, as there is a fairly high rate of plowing of agricultural land. The share of arable land here is more than 70% of the total area of agricultural land. The average value of this indicator is around 57.7%. The highest agricultural development is in the central part of the district (except for Brody town territorial community), and in the southern part (more than 60%). The maximum indicators of agricultural development are - 86.8-91%. The ecological condition of the land resources of the district was assessed and five groups with different levels of this indicator were identified. The ecological condition of land resources varies from optimal to catastrophic, depending on the ratio of arable land (R) and the share of ecological and stabilizing lands (ESL). Optimal and satisfactory ecological condition of land resources in the region on the area of 40.6%, critical - 25.7%, crisis - 20.4%, catastrophic - 13.3% Land resources are one of the most important resources of the district. In modern conditions, productive agricultural lands should be involved in intensive agricultural cultivation, and the rest should remain in a natural state, which will ensure ecological sustainability and balanced nature management. Key words: land resources, agricultural lands, agricultural development, ecological condition, ecological stability.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE LAND USE STRUCTURE OF THE POLTVA RIVER BASIN

Ensuring the ecological sustainability of the territory is possible in the case of the optimal ratio of different types of lands. In particular, it is important to have sufficient areas of eco-stabilizing lands (forests, meadows, protected areas, etc.). Of great importance are the features of land use in coastal areas, areas with high steep slopes and areas with soils susceptible to degradation. Ecologically sustainable land use can reduce the risk of soil degradation processes, provide an optimal microclimate, good hydrological conditions and promote the protection of small rivers. To provide recommendations for improving the structure of land use in the Poltva river basin, a map of optimization of the structure of land use using the ArсGIS 10.0 program was drawn up. For this purpose, a map of slope steepness was constructed, an interpretation of space images was made to compile a map of land use structure and a map of the soil cover was digitized. As a result of the analysis of the map of land use structure the peculiarities of the ratio of types of lands in different parts of the studied territory by integral indicators are determined. The coefficients of anthropogenic load, ecological stability of land use, ecological stability of landscapes, ecological balance and others are calculated. Areas with different degrees of anthropogenic transformation of lands are identified. The relationship between the peculiarities of natural conditions (geological structure, relief, soil cover) and land use of the territory is analyzed. As a result of overlapping maps of slope steepness, soil cover and land use, areas with different risk of soil degradation processes and plowed coastal areas were identified. The map of land use structure optimization is compiled according to the method of allocation of ecological and technological groups of lands. According to this technique, lands are differentiated by the steepness of the slopes. The proposed optimization of land use involves the use of phytomeliorative and agrotechnical measures: plowing across the slope, soil-protective crop rotations, the creation of forest belts, land conservation, etc. Recommended optimization measures include the withdrawal from agricultural cultivation of peatlands, steep slopes, floodplains, hollows, coastal protection zones of rivers and streams. The implementation of the proposed optimization measures will reduce plowing, increase the share of eco-stabilizing lands and improve the integral indicators characterizing the ratio of different types of lands. A compiled map of land use structure optimization can be used for land management and environmental activities. Key words: anthropogenic load, land use, ecological and technological groups of lands, river basin, optimization, Bug river.

Modern microbial mats from the Chihuahuan Desert provide insights into ecological stability throughout Earth's history

Microbial mats are complex ecological assemblages that are found in the Precambrian fossil record and in extant extreme environments. Hence, these structures are regarded as highly stable ecosystems. In this work, we assess the ecological stability in a modern, fluctuating, hypersaline pond from the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin. From the 2016 to 2019 metagenomic sampling of this site, we found that this microbial site is sensitive to disturbances, which leads to high taxonomic replacement. Additionally, the mats have shown to be functionally stable throughout time, and could be differentiated between dry and rainy seasonal states. We speculate that this microbial system could represent a modern analog of ancient, hypersaline coastal microbial mats, where functions were preserved over time, whereas taxonomic composition was subject to diversification in the face of local and planetary perturbations.

Remote Sensing Data Analysis for the Ecological Stability Purposes

The remote sensing offers the opportunity of miscellaneous data acquisition with various ways of their consequent analysis and application. The processed remote sensing data in the form of georeferenced orthophotoimages or orthophotomaps enable the study of the examined locality from the chosen observed feature point of view. According to periodical data acquisition, it is possible to monitor the ongoing and emerging actions in time and then prevent and predict the upcoming actions. With the increasing interest in environmental issues and nature protection, the natural environment monitoring, preservation, protection and remediation present the number one priority. From the ecological point of view, the analysis of orthophotos/orthophotomaps present the up-to-date way of ecological stability calculation and monitoring.

Growth and development of the wild-growing subshrub Salsola orientalis SG Gmel. in culture under conditions of the Central Asian desert

In terms of life form Salsola orientalis S.G. Gmel. is a semi-shrub; its height reaches 40–60 cm; in terms of ecology, it is a haloxerophyte, extremely resistant to salt stress, air, and soil droughts. Salsola orientalis is a highly nutritious forage plant containing up to 20% protein in the budding phase. High resistance to environmental stress and good forage value allow us to consider it as a promising plant – its introduction into culture allowed restoring the forage productivity of degraded pastures in the Central Asian desert. The features of growth and development of Salsola orientalis were studied for ecological and biological characteristics and the possibility of introducing it into culture. It was found that the laboratory germination of seeds of the wild-growing half-shrub Salsola orientalis was quite high – 20–60%; field germination was very low – 0.1–1.7%. The survival rate of seedlings in young plants depends on environmental conditions and plant density. Under conditions of the Central Asian desert the plants basically die in the first year, especially in the germination phase; in the second year we registered insignificant losses; in subsequent years the number of plants stabilized. Salsola orientalis was found to be a fast growing plant, forming a normal half-shrub in the first year of life. The high ecological stability of Salsola orientalis in combination with its deeply penetrating and powerfully developed root system ensures vigorous and rapid growth. Under conditions of the Central Asian desert Salsola orientalis yields 1.3–1.7 t/ha of dry fodder mass, which is 4–5 times higher than the fodder productivity of natural desert pastures.