Sorption of heavy metals by iron-manganic nodules in soils of Primorskii region

The accumulation and deactivation (detoxification) of heavy metals in soils and in soil iron-manganic nodules have been studied. Data on the relative distribution of the total and mobile compounds of heavy metals in soils and nodules upon different rates of technogenic loads are obtained. It is shown that iron-manganic nodules play the role of specific depositors in the soil system, affect the redistribution of heavy metals in the soil cover, and control their migration in the soil profiles.     

Quantitative indices of the distribution of substances in the soil-plant system

New methodological approaches and an algorithm for the quantitative assessment of accumulating a substance by a plant (C _p ) with due regard for its concentration in the soil (C _n ) are proposed. The first approach is the approximation of concentration curves by the functions C _p = f(C _n ) and their parameters. The second one is the standardization of the coefficients of biological sorption (K _b ) of a substance upon its stable concentration in the soil using the function K _b = f(C _n ). As compared to the variation-statistical values of the mean and extreme concentrations, or the coefficients K _b , the proposed parameters are characterized by a higher accuracy and sensitivity. They may be successfully used for quantitative studies of the mechanism and the intensity of the absorption of substances by plants, for the prediction of the accumulation of substances in the trophic chain, and the assessment of soil self-purification (detoxification) and comparative ratings.     

Soils of the Istra River valley within the New Jerusalem monastery and its surroundings

The paper studies the soils of the New Jerusalem monastery complex, which covers a vast area in the Istra River valley and has been significantly changed since the foundation of the monastery (in 1656). The main types of anthropogenically transformed and natural soils are identified; their morphological peculiarities and physical and chemical properties are characterized. The regularities of the spatial soil distribution, which are determined by both natural and anthropogenic factors, are ascertained. The results of the study can be used in implementing the restoration of the monastery and reconstruction of the historical landscape.     

Variation of trace element accumulation by iron-manganese nodules from Dystric Cambisols with and without contamination

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of soil contamination on the trace element accumulation in nodules, inter-element relationships inside the...     

Molecular markers in identification of sunflower pollen fertility restorer genes

The presence of the Rf1 gene (pollen fertility restorer of CMS PET1) in genotypes of most restorer lines is confirmed by molecular and hybridological analysis methods. Molecular markers of the Rf1 locus are identified for the first time in genotypes of autofertile lines of the collection of the Vavilov All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Industry (VIR) as well as in genomes of perennial and annual wild species of the genus Helianthus. The possibility of introgression of the fertility restorer gene into the genome of the cultivated sunflower during distant hybridization is shown.     

Spatial Distribution of the Components of Carbon Cycle in Soils of Forest Ecosystems of the Northern,Middle, and Southern Taiga of Western Siberia

Eurasian Soil Science - In the course of studies in typical forest ecosystems of the northern, middle, and southern taiga of Western Siberia performed at the peak of the growing season, the spatial...     

Accumulation of microelements in iron nodules in concretions in soils: A review

The probable mechanisms responsible for the accumulation of microelements in iron nodules and the particular features of this process are analyzed on the basis of experimental materials on the content of microelements in and the physicochemical properties of the nodules. Knowledge of the microelements’ accumulation by concretionary neoformations will allow determining trends in soil formation and make it possible to control the process of microelements’ accumulation proper.     

Water retention curves and chemical compositions of soil solutions from some soils of the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve

The water retention curves, pore size distributions, and chemical compositions of soil solutions were described for some soils of the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve. The threshold values of soil water content and applied negative pressure for obtaining a homogeneous soil solution from a specific category of soil pores were found. The effect of soil water on the chemical composition of soil solution was studied.     

Agrogenic and Postagrogenic Changes in Physical Properties and Carbon Stocks in Dark-Humus Podbels

Eurasian Soil Science - The changes in the physical properties and carbon stocks of dark-humus podbels (Luvic Albic Mollic Planosols (Epiloamic, Endoclayic, Aric)) during long-term agricultural use...