Diagnostics of soils located in the gradient of urban-technogenic impact

The rapidly progressing urbanization results in decline of environmentally valuable forest territory. Intact ecosystems bordering urban communities suffer from heavy technogenic pressure and degrade irreversibly over time. This situation necessitates studies that analyze the ecological condition of major components of forest ecosystems exposed to various levels of such pressure. The survey was carried out in the city of Petrozavodsk in sites with degraded, slightly disturbed, and undisturbed forest ecosystems. For each site, the soil condition was assessed, the tree stand and the living ground cover were described. As a result, it was found that soils in the slightly disturbed forest ecosystem generally corresponded to the natural background (Ferric Illuvial Podzol). Changes in their morphological and chemical properties compared to soils in the undisturbed reference plot were identified. The thickness and ash content of the upper organic horizon in the slightly disturbed site changed. The forest ecosystem was in the transitional stage (from I–II to III) of recreational digression and required infrastructural improvements. The forest ecosystem in the built-up site was totally destroyed. Irreversible transformation of its natural environment resulted in the loss of woody and ground vegetation. The native zonal soils were ruined, and their diagnostic horizons cannot be identified. There was observed a large amount of rocks and anthropogenic inclusions throughout the profile. According to the Russian soil classification, these formations belong to the subgroup of organo-mineral strata of technogenic surface formations. The collected data can be used as the basis for ecological monitoring of urban soils. Based on the findings, recommendations were given on how to conserve and improve the sanitary and esthetic functions of forest areas adjoining urban built-up land.

The Impact of Air Pollution on the Growth of Scots Pine Stands in Poland on the Basis of Dendrochronological Analyses

The aim of this study was to evaluate Scots pine stand degradation caused by the pollutants emitted from Zakłądy Azotowe Puławy, one of the biggest polluters of the environment in Poland for over 25 years (1966–1990). To assess the pollution stress in trees, we chose the dendrochronological analysis We outlined three directions for our research: (i) the spatio-temporal distribution of the growth response of trees to the stress associated with air pollution; (ii) the direct and indirect effects of air pollution which may have influenced the growth response of trees; and (iii) the role of local factors, both environmental and technological, in shaping the growth response of trees. Eight Scots pine stands were selected for study, seven plots located in different damage zones and a reference plot in an undamaged stand. We found that pollutant emission caused disturbances of incremental dynamics and long-term strong reduction of growth. A significant decrease in growth was observed for the majority of investigated trees (75%) from 1966 (start of factory) to the end of the 1990s. The zone of destruction extended primarily in easterly and southern directions, from the pollution source, associated with the prevailing winds of the region. At the end of the 1990s, the decreasing trend stopped and the wider tree-rings could be observed. This situation was related to a radical reduction in ammonia emissions and an improvement in environmental conditions. However, the growth of damaged trees due to the weakened health condition is lower than the growth of Scots pine on the reference plot and trees are more sensitive to stressful climatic conditions, especially to drought.

Hydrobiochemical balance of total mercury in a forest catchment area at former cinnabar mining locality

We studied the hydrobiochemical balance of total mercury (THg) in a forest ecosystem covering an area affected by mining activity in the past (14th – 18th cent.) in the Kremnické vrchy Mts. (central Slovakia). A reference plot was located in an undisturbed area very close to primeval forest of Badínsky prales natural reserve. We analysed THg in bulk precipitation, throughfall, litterfall, forest floor percolate, forest soil and assimilatory organs of tree species. Results pointed out to high wet mercury deposition at both plots (51 μg·m−2·yr−1 an area near a cinnabar mining (MP1) and 37 μg·m−2·yr−1, in a reference catchment area near the protected primary forest (MP2)) as well as high THg deposition by throughfall (74 μg·m−2·yr−1 and 51 μg·m−2·yr−1, respectively in MP1 and MP2). Litterfall does not represent the main THg flux into forest soil but together with throughfall doubles the THg input compared to open space deposition. Forest ecosystem has ability to capture atmospheric Hg and thus makes new sources of mercury inputs (throughfall and litterfall) into soil.

INFLUENCE OF ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS ON THE SOIL CONDITION OF THE N.V. TSITSIN MAIN BOTANICAL GARDEN OF RAS

The territory of the N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences is subjected to significant anthropogenic stress, which has a negative effect on the state of valuable collections of tree and shrub species. Soil compaction is one of the most dangerous consequences of anthropogenic impact, expressed in increased recreational impact. In this context, the botanical garden was very concerned about the deterioration of the collection of elaeagnus species. Therefore, the soils on which these plants grow were chosen as the object of research. On this territory, three sampling plots with different degrees of anthropogenic impact were laid. Sampling plot No. 1 had the maximum anthropogenic impact. The area of medium anthropogenic impact was represented by the sampling plot No. 2. The sampling plot No. 3 where the anthropogenic impact was minimal was a reference plot. All the studied soils were classified as soddy-slightly podzolic medium loamy soils (Umbric Albeluvisols Abruptic). Fundamental differences in the morphological properties of the studied soils were that the soils located in the area of maximum anthropogenic impact, starting from a depth of 40 cm, showed gley spots, which were not found in other soils. Increased bulk density of soil in undisturbed state corresponded to increased anthropogenic impact. This led to a decrease in total pore space of soil. Soil compaction contributed to a noticeable decrease in gravimetric soil water content in upper horizons. At the same time, worsening of subsurface runoff contributed to gley-forming processes in the illuvial part of the profile. Cluster analysis revealed good grouping of the dependence of the studied indicators on the severity of anthropogenic impact. The studied indicators were separated depending on their type and position in the profile. The conducted study made it possible to assess the essential physical and hydrophysical properties of soils on the part of the territory of the Main Botanical garden of RAS that is occupied by the valuable collection of elaeagnus. Based on the results of the study, a set of measures is proposed that can significantly reduce the identified negative effects and improve the state of both the studied soils and stands growing on them in general.

Experimental assessment of soil protection by vegetation for current crops and for up-coming EU glyphosate ban

<p>There is still uncertainty in determining vegetation cover and management factor (C factor) for Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Data we use today are often outdated, not specific and not representing local conditions. Current technologies in agriculture and recent crop varieties substantially vary from processes known during USLE (RUSLE) development.</p><p>Use of a rainfall simulator on a defined field crop is one way to obtain data for vegetation protection effect. Simulated rainfall is applied on experimental field with crop and bare soil as a reference. Plot size is 8x2 m and runoff and sediment transport is measured. Soil loss ratios are measured for three crop-development stages. Pre-sowing and post-harvest phases are measured as well. All measured data give information about soil protection for the whole season. In the span of 5 years, we have conducted over 340 field experiments on 15 typical, but also newly used crops and various management practices. The results are used in soil erosion and sediment transport analyses or models’ calibration. Metadata of experiments and results are added into a complex and public available database.</p><p>The contribution was prepared in the frame of projects No. QK1920224 (Possibilities of anti-erosion protection on farms to avoid the use of glyphosate), and H2020 SHUi (Soil Hydrology research platform underpinning innovation to manage water scarcity in European and Chinese cropping systems).</p>

Impact of Air Pollution on Scots Pine Stands Growing in Poland on the Basis of Dendrochronological Analysis

Air pollution and climate change are two key factors comprising the global change threat to forest health and sustainability. The intensive development of industry in the second half of the 20th century brought significant changes in the level of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere in Poland. Dry and wet deposition of toxic pollutants (mainly SO2, NOx, and NH3), continuing over more than 40 years, has caused serious damage to forest stands. One of the ways for describing the effect of industrial emissions on forests is tree-rings (dendrochronological) analysis, which has been used in our research. We present a brief description of the studies on the impact of air pollution on the growth of forests growing in the most polluted areas of Poland. The main aim is to evaluate Scots pine stand degradation caused by the pollutants emitted from one of biggest polluters of the environment in Poland for over 25 years (1966–1990). We found that pollutant emission caused disturbances of incremental dynamics and long-term strong reduction of growth. Scots pine growing in the vicinity of the nitrogen fertilizer factory showed a dramatic growth reduction after the beginning of the pollution period. Significant decrease in growth was observed for the majority of investigated trees (75%) to the end of the 1990s. The zone of destruction extends primarily in easterly and southern directions, from the pollution source, associated with the prevailing winds of the region. At the end of the 1990s, the decreasing trend stopped and the wider tree-rings could be observed. This situation was related to a radical reduction in ammonia emissions and an improvement in environmental conditions. However, the growth of damaged trees due to the weakened health condition is lower than the growth of Scots pine on the reference plot and trees are more sensitive to stressful climatic conditions, especially to drought.

Utility of scatterplot patterns of automated hematology analysers in white blood cell disorders – A comparative study with peripheral blood smears

Background: Advances in automated blood cell counting offer new possibilities to analyse leukocyte differentials by fluorescence RNA/DNA staining combined with scattered light intensity technologies. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the scatterplot patterns in normal cell counts and various White Blood Cell (WBC) disorders and to assess their efficacy compared to a peripheral blood smear (PBS) in the diagnosis of WBC disorders. Materials and Methods: A three-phased descriptive study analysing a total of 933 EDTA blood samples. The total leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count, scatterplot patterns as obtained by automated cell counter and PBS were studied in 405 normal samples (Phase 1) and 415 samples with WBC abnormalities (Phase 2). In phase 3, the scatterplots of 113 abnormal flagged samples were analysed and provisional diagnosis made in each case which was then compared with the diagnosis on the PBS. Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive and Negative predictive values (PPV & NPV) were calculated. Results: A grid-based standard scatterplot of normal samples was generated as a reference plot in phase one. Based on the scatterplots obtained in known WBC abnormalities studied in phase two, the basic abnormal patterns specific to each of the individual abnormalities were discerned. The phase three study showed excellent correlation between scatterplots and PBS findings in neutrophilia, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and leukopenia (sensitivity 92-100%, specificity 98-100%). Abnormalities suspected to be leukemia on the scatterplots had a relatively low sensitivity and PPV. Conclusion: WBC scatterplots can be used as a screening tool as it correlates well with various WBC disorders in the PBS.

Spectral sensors prove beneficial in determining nitrogen fertilizer needs of Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés grass in Brazil

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the use of spectral sensors to determine nitrogen fertilizer requirements for pastures of Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés in Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with 4 replications of 4 treatments: a control treatment (TT) without application of N; a reference treatment (TR) with N applied at a standard predetermined fixed rate (150 kg urea/ha/cycle); a treatment using GreenSeekerTM (TG) to determine N requirement by the canopy normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI); and a treatment using SPAD 502 (TS) to determine N requirement by foliar chlorophyll assessment. For treatments involving spectral sensors, N fertilizer was applied at half the rate of that in the reference treatment at the beginning of each cycle and further N was applied only when the nitrogen sufficiency index dropped below 0.85. The sensors used in the work indicated that no additional N fertilizer was required by these pastures above the half rates applied. Applying N at the reduced rates to the pastures was more efficient than the pre-determined fixed rate, as both sensor treatments and the fixed rate treatment produced similar total forage yields, with similar crude protein concentrations. All fertilized pastures supported similar stocking rates, while the sensor treatments used less N fertilizer, i.e. 75 kg urea/ha/cycle less than the reference plot. Longer-term studies to verify these findings are warranted followed by promotion of the technology to farmers to possibly reduce fertilizer application rates, improve profitability and provide environmental benefits.

Determig the reference value of Cesium-137 specific activity on arable slopes in the periglacial area of the Upper Oka basin: application of satellite images, GIS and soil agrochemical indicators

The paper deals with the issues of determining the reference value of specific activity of cesium-137 of Chernobyl origin when applying the radiocesium method to assess the loss of gray forest soil in the areas of spread of the microrelief of paleocryogenic origin in the periglacial region of the upper Oka basin. Paleocryogenic microrelief is recognized in spring satellite imagery available on Google EarthTM. The necessity of choosing a reference plot for a specific field that differs in microrelief, exposure, and the nature of soil cultivation is substantiated. The authors analyze the data, which they obtained during the field research in 2016-2019, on three agricultural fields located on the arable slopes of the northern and southern exposure in the upper Oka basin within the Orel district of the Orel Region. Three experimental plots, selected in close proximity to one another, differed both in exposure and in the content of humus, labile phosphorus and radiocaesium in the arable layer. Layer-by-layer soil sampling at block elevations within the reference plots located on watershed surfaces, gamma-spectrometric and agrochemical analyzes of soil samples allowed us to draw a number of systematically important conclusions. The first is that the reference value of radiocaesium in the arable layer should be determined within block elevations on the watershed surface of the slope or on inter-valley micro-water divisions on the water-divide surface (if it is not possible to select a reference plot on the watershed surface). The second is that the dimensions of the reference plots are determined by the size of the block elevations (the sizes of blocks in the area under study are 10-20 m). The third is that the reference value of radiocaesium should be determined individually for each field that differs in exposure and in the nature of the soil treatment. In the experimental plot, the reference value of the specific activity of cesium-137 increases in the following order: a field located on the water-divide surface of the northern exposure slope, with a grain rotation, with regular fertilizing (130.5 Bq/kg) — a field located on the watershed surface of the eroded slope southern exposure (174.7 Bq/kg) — a field located on the water-divide surface of a less fertilized and less eroded slope of the northern exposure (180 Bq/kg). The results of the study show that the use of the radiocaesium method in periglacial areas requires testing a fundamentally new approach to its implementation: at the stage of determining the reference value of radiocaesium, it is necessary to take into account the polygonal-block structure of the watershed surfaces.

Effects of fire on scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in a pine forest in Poland

Ecological consequences of fire on the scuttle fly communities were investigated in a pine forest in Poland (Garwolin Forest). Data from 1,243 identifiable individuals, representing 48 species, were used. The scuttle fly communities in fire-affected plots were similar in terms of the number of species but less diverse than those in an undisturbed reference plot. The response of the flies to the fire was species-specific. Four Megaselia species (M. brevicostalis, M. nigriceps, M. elongata and M. obscuripennis) were most numerous in the plot most affected by fire. Approximately three years after the fire the scuttle fly communities were relatively similar to those found in a clear-cut pine plantation (Bialowieza Primeval Forest) as well as to those in post-windthrow habitats (Pisz Forest) in which logs were removed or left. The Megaselia species are the winners in the fire affected habitats and seem to be more stress-tolerant than other genera ofthe scuttle flies.