Архив автора: admin

SALINE SOILS OF RUSSIA (HISTORY OF STUDY, DISTRIBUTION AND GENESIS)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Chernousenko G.I., Pankova E.I., Khitrov N.B. Saline Soils of Russia (History of Study, Distribution and Genesis) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 5-37. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

In this article we have summarized the studies on the distribution and genesis of saline soils in Russia from the early 20th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on the ones carried out by the V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. Maps of the distribution of saline soils of varying chemistry across Russia are analyzed. The factors, sources, and mechanisms of soil salinization in different regions of the country are considered. Brief information is provided on the types of saline and solonetzic soils in all administrative units of the country where they occur, their areas, predominant degrees, depths, and chemistry, as well as the genesis of salinization. The largest areas of saline and solonetzic soils are found in southern Russia, due to a combination of an arid climate, poor drainage, and the presence of saline rocks. This determines the predominantly chloride salinization of the soils of the Caspian Lowland. Further north in the Volga Federal District, the area of saline soils decreases, with chloride-sulfate salinization becoming predominantly present. Gypsum appears, and, more often in solonetzic and irrigated soils, soda also appears. Saline soils form underlain by saline loess-like loams and clays or at close proximity to mineralized unconfined groundwater. In the Central Federal District, saline soils are localized, as the area is better drained, and the soil moisture index is close to 1. They are primarily found in the south and southeast of the district. At higher elevations, sulfate-based saline soils develop on saline rocks and where mineralized unconfined groundwater approaches the surface, while soda-based salinization is more common in the lowlands. Significantly fewer saline soils are found in the Northwestern Federal District, where saline soils are confined to the coast, forming under the influence of the sea and on marine saline sediments. This determines the predominantly sulfate-chloride and chloride types of salinization of coastal soils. Saline soils are found in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the Ural Federal District. In addition to climate, salinization is facilitated by outcrops of saline, often gypsum-bearing, rocks and a loamy soil texture. The chemistry of salinization is predominantly sulfate. Saline soils of the Siberian Federal District are divided into two sharply distinct regions. The western part of the district, which belongs to the West Siberian Plain, is where solonetz and solonetzic soils most often form, with sodic chemistry dominating; the salinization type is continental, associated with climate and poor drainage of the territory. The eastern part of the district is characterized by smaller areas of saline soils; solonetz is extremely rare, and the chemistry is predominantly sulfate. Salinization is determined by gypsum-bearing saline deposits and the waters that erode them, including groundwater. Lake Baikal separates the soils of different salinization types. West of Lake Baikal, sulfate salinization clearly predominates, while to the east, a significant proportion of soils exhibit sodic salinization, which is prevalent in eastern Transbaikalia. The causes of salinization in Transbaikalia are similar to those in Western Siberia. Both regions lack saline rocks, gypsum, and salt deposits; salinization is primarily continental in origin, and soda-based chemistry or soda-based chemistry predominates. The chemistry and causes of salinization in the soils of the Far Eastern Federal District are different. In the Lena Valley, in the absence of saline rocks or deposits, sulfate-chloride and chloride-saline soils form under permafrost conditions. Permafrost prevents chloride salts from leaching from the profile. In northern Yakutia, Chukotka, and on the country’s eastern coast, predominantly chloride salinization is determined by proximity to the sea and the presence of marine sediments. In Kamchatka, in a zone of increased seismic and volcanic activity, the presence of saline soils is determined by hydrothermal systems, leading to the formation of alum-type salinization.

Keywords: soil salinization maps of Russia, salt accumulation factors, chemistry, depth, degree of salinization, salt genesis, areas of saline soils, administrative units of the Russian Federation.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-5-37

EDN: JIPSYX

ANALYSIS OF BOTTOM COMMUNITIES OF SMALL PLAIN RIVERS BY THEIR STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL INDICATORS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE KOLOKSHA RIVER, VLADIMIR REGION)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Zinchenko T.D., Morov V.P. Analysis of Bottom Communities of Small Plain Rivers by Their Structural and Functional Indicators (on the Example of the Koloksha River, Vladimir Region // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 38-92. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

In this article, we present the study results of diversity, structural, and functional characteristics of benthic communities from sections of the small lowland river – Koloksha, a tributary of the Klyazma River in the Upper Volga basin. We examined patterns of spatial and structural variability in those communities using a wide range of aquatic organisms that served as indicators of the ecological state of the river.

Based on research conducted in 1993 and 2013, we analyzed changes in the species richness and functional characteristics of macrozoobenthos communities in the Koloksha River and its tributaries. Using data on changes in the abundance and biomass of key taxonomic groups, as well as various methodological approaches, we examined the dynamics of hydrobiological indicators, taking into account their nonstationarity and the existence of consistent trends depending on influencing factors.

From the compiled set of abiotic environmental factors, we selected significant parameters that determined the complex longitudinal gradient (oxygen saturation, flow velocity, and phosphorus content), and then determined the ecological status of the river.

Keywords: macrozoobenthos communities, taxonomic diversity, abiotic factors, functional features, Koloksha River, Klyazma River basin.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-38-92

EDN: NXKQTS

DEVELOPMENT OF THEORY AND METHODS OF MONITORING FOREST ECOSYSTEMS UNDER GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE (RESULTS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Kolomyts E.G. Development of Theory and Methods of Monitoring Forest Ecosystems under Global Climate Change (Results of Scientific Research)  // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 93-116. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

The paper examines the prospects for implementing the full triad of geoecological monitoring: observation (state assessment) – control (forecasting) – management (adaptation, regulation). Conceptual principles are proposed for an empirical-simulation method of landscape-ecological forecasting of forest ecosystems, revealing the local and regional mechanisms of their global changes. Paths for developing a new predictive geo-ecological concept, known as “Global Changes at the Local Level”, are substantiated, identifying these changes through an empirically established mapping of the background bioclimatic trend by the catenary system of forest biogeocoenoses, which makes this study a novelty. The ordination analysis of landscape connections aims to identify the transitions of forest communities to critical states based on the main discrete parameters of biological turnover. The landscape-ecological forecast is presented as a system of operations with the ecological (hydrothermal) niches of the studied objects. Empirical-simulation predictive modeling is described as the reproduction of future scenarios of biogeocoenotic systems according to the laws of their basic spatial organization. A methodology developed by the author for quantitatively assessing the resilience of forest ecosystems is presented. The mechanisms of adaptation of forest ecosystems to global climate signals are examined through the prism of their functional resilience to the impact of these signals. The ecological resources of forest cover are described in the biotic regulation of the carbon cycle, aimed at mitigating global warming, as well as in ensuring the transition to adaptive forestry.

Keywords: global warming, forest geo(eco)systems, geo-ecological monitoring, empirical-simulation predictive modeling, forest ecosystem resilience, quantitative methods of ecological analysis, carbon cycle, forest ecological resources, global warming mitigation.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-93-116

EDN: VJGNPO

PLANT FORAGE RESOURCES AND THEIR DIVISION BY HERBIVOROUS MAMMALS DURING JOINT GRAZING ON A STEPPE PASTRY

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Abaturov B.D., Dzhapova V.V., Ayusheva E.Ch., Dzhapova R.R., Bembeeva O.G., Kazmin V.D., Medyannikov I.I. Plant Forage Resources and Their Division by Herbivorous Mammals during Joint Grazing on a Steppe Pastry // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 117-133. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

We investigated 4 species of herbivorous mammals with different digestive systems exhibiting dietary selectivity toward forbs and true grasses, which differ in their nutritional value, primarily, their digestibility. Saiga antelopes, just like other animals with high dietary selectivity that consume easily digestible foods, prefer forbs of high digestibility and avoid less digestible true grasses. If true grasses make up most of the pastures and saiga have no other choice but to feed on them, the saiga population turns unviable. Horses and bison, like other equines and large ruminants that are highly specialized in feeding off true grasses, successfully utilize them despite their poor digestibility, but avoid forbs. It is clear that they exclude forbs from their diet due to the increased toxicity of the latter. Camels do not discriminate between true grasses and forbs with different nutrition values. Currently, they actively graze in fallow lands (former arable land), overgrown with weeds, which other herbivores avoid. Differences in forage plant selection of different animal species grazing together ensure that they share the same pasture successfully, eliminate competition, and help to preserve the species diversity of pasture vegetation.

Keywords: herbivorous mammals, pasture plants, grasses and forbs, forage digestibility, feeding selectivity.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-117-133

EDN: VVFAFI

LAND USE TRANSFORMATION AND ECOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY OF VALLEY ECOSYSTEMS IN TURKEY

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Illarionova O.A., Makogonova A.M. Land Use Transformation and Ecological Efficiency of Valley Ecosystems in Turkey // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 134-154. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

River valleys in Turkey, while occupying less than 5% of its territory, play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of arid regions (over 60% of the country). This study assesses land use transformation and its impact on the ecological functioning of 63 river valleys in Turkey from 1990 to 2018. An Ecological Performance Index was developed using valley identification using Copernicus GLO-30 DEM and analysis of Corine Land Cover data. The results show that 65% of the valley area is developed for economic use, with up to 40% occupied by irrigated croplands. The main change is the transition from non-irrigated to irrigated lands (16% of the converted area), accompanied by a tenfold increase in sealed surfaces. It is noted that the ecological efficiency of valleys declines precisely in those regions where their ecosystem services are most needed.

Keywords: ecological efficiency of land use, river valley identification, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, ecosystem transformation, valleys in arid regions.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-134-154

EDN: WNHCRW

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VEGETATION STRUCTURE IN MOUNTAIN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF NORTHERN MONGOLIA (BASED ON THE MODEL POLYGONS)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Petukhov I.A., Andreev A.V., Bazha S.N., Bogdanov E.A., Danzhalova E.V., Drobyshev Yu.I., Rupyshev Yu.A., Khadbaatar S. Comparative Analysis of Vegetation Structure in Mountain Forest Ecosystems of Northern Mongolia (Based on the Model Polygons) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 4. 2025. P. 5-62. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

In this research we conducted large-scale mapping (1:10,000-1:50,000) and description of natural ecosystems at the junction of two belts, forest and forest-steppe mountain, in the Selenga River Basin, Northern Mongolia. Part of broader studies on the forest growth conditions of the Lake Baikal Basin, this research took place in 2019 and 2022 across 4 model polygons: Zelter in the eastern Dzhida Range, Chandmani-Under in the central Eastern Khuvsgul Region, Zunkhara in the foothills of Western Khentii Highlands, and Selbe in the southwestern Khentii Upland.

“Selbe” and “Chandmani-Under” encompass 3 forest vegetation altitudinal belts: mountain-taiga, sub-taiga, and forest-steppe. The low-mountain “Zelter” and “Zunkhara” lack the mountain-taiga belt. Distinctively, unlike most mountain forest areas in Mongolia where only 1-2 coniferous species typically form the primary forest stands, the indigenous forest types in the upper Selbe River Basin are comprised of 4 coniferous species: Pinus sibirica, Larix sibirica, Pinus sylvestris and Picea obovata. In “Chandmani-Under” and “Zelter”, Larix sibirica is the dominant coniferous species, while in “Zunkhara” it is Pinus sylvestris and Larix sibirica.

The large-scale mapping data from the model polygons clearly demonstrated a regular altitudinal succession of altitudinal belts, transitioning from mountain-taiga forests at higher elevations of middle-mountain slopes, through sub-taiga, to forest-steppe communities bordering the steppe belt. As aridity increases from north to south, the lower boundaries of these altitudinal belts, including forest vegetation zones, shift upwards. For instance, taiga forests on north-facing slopes of “Selbe” are located above 1600 m a.s.l. (and above 1650 m on the south-facing slopes), whereas in “Chandmani-Under”, situated over 200 km further north, such forests descend steep north-facing slopes to below 1250 m.

The forest-covered area of the model polygons exceeds 70%. However, there is a significant proportion of secondary pyrogenic small-leaved forests, primarily dominated by Betula pendula subsp. mandshurica and Populus tremula. These secondary birch stands and early-stage post-fire successional forests account for 20-24% of the total forest area in “Selbe” and “Chandmani-Under”, over 50% in “Zelter”, and as high as 98% in “Zunkhara”, where indigenous mountain pine-larch and larch-pine sub-taiga forests are entirely absent.

Analysis of the maps depicting forest ecosystems with destroyed indigenous stands at various stages of recovery, alongside their legends characterizing topo-ecological development conditions, enables an assessment of forest degradation scales. This provides a basis for determining natural and technical restoration possibilities, methods, and volumes, and for selecting the most suitable forest cultures for restoration based on the dominant species in the original stands.

Funding. This work was carried out within the framework of the scientific program of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Integrated Biological Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and the state task of the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, topic No. FFER-2024-0025 “Biogeocenology and Ecosystem Evolution”.

Keywords: mountain forest ecosystems, topo-ecological conditions, altitudinal belts, forest-forming species, secondary stands, large-scale mapping.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2025-4-5-62

EDN: ADAUJU

GEOECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS OF THE KHODTSA RIVER IN THE MOSCOW REGION UNDER ANTHROPOGENIC LOAD

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Zamana S.P., Zubkova V.M., Makakhanyuk Zh.S. Geoecological Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystem Components of the Khodtsa River in the Moscow Region under Anthropogenic Load // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 4. 2025. P. 63-104. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

Presently, small rivers are under a extreme anthropogenic load, especially in regions with many industrial enterprises and high population density. Therefore, their abiotic and biotic components undergo negative changes, which makes a geo-ecological assessment of the aquatic ecosystem of one of them, such as the Khodtsa River in the Moscow Region (its source is at Elektrostal, and its mouth is at Pavlovsky Posad), quite relevant. We addressed the following objectives: determining pollutants in water, snow, coastal soil, bottom sediments, higher aquatic vegetation, and fish, as well as assessing bioindicators, the bioproductivity of higher aquatic vegetation, and environmental risk zones in different sections of the river.

We based our research on the data from field studies conducted in 2017-2023 at various sections of the Khodtsa River, and from laboratory studies. The general methodology included sampling water, snow, coastal soil, bottom sediments, and plants at 3 locations: source of the river, intermediate point, and mouth of the river. Standard methods from the Register of Quantitative Chemical Analysis were used for sample analysis. Currently, quantitative assessment of the risk of ecosystem deterioration is primarily based on the level of pollutant concentration exceeding the established standard in a specific component. However, when addressing environmental issues related to chemical pollution, it is important to consider the response of living organisms to pollution using bioindication and biotesting. Since abiotic components such as water, bottom sediments, and coastal soil in an aquatic ecosystem determine the most important processes that influence the functioning of biotic components (i.e., all living organisms), we used an ecosystem approach based on a comprehensive quantitative study of the migration of priority toxic elements in all links of the biogeochemical food chain of the Khodtsa River aquatic ecosystem.

Our studies of the river’s aquatic ecosystem revealed patterns of heavy metal migration in the “water – bottom sediment – coastal soil – plants – fish” system. Iron, cadmium, lead, ammonium nitrogen, and petroleum products were the predominant pollutants at various sampling sites along the river. Compared to the coastal soil, the bottom sediments were significantly more contaminated with heavy metals at the source and intermediate points. Spatial variability of heavy metal content in sedge (Carex aquatilis) was revealed, depending on their content in water and bottom sediments. Moreover, an acropetal pattern of heavy metal distribution in plants was observed: roots accumulated 7-24 times more Cd, 2-4 times more Pb, and 112-251 times more Fe than shoots. Therefore, to determine the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem with heavy metals, we recommend using sedge (especially its roots) as a bioindicator, which can also be used for phytoremediation of small rivers. The biological productivity of higher aquatic vegetation increased from the source to the mouth of the Khodtsa River.

A complex pattern of heavy metal accumulation in the muscle tissue of the studied fish species such as Amur sleeper and common roach was revealed. During a comprehensive assessment of the pollution of abiotic and biotic components, zonation of the river was carried out. The Khodtsa River is characterized by predominant chemical pollutants (heavy metals, petroleum products, ammonia nitrogen). Zones of increased environmental risk were identified at the source and intermediate point, indicating a significant contribution to pollution from municipal and industrial discharges from Elektrostal. However, later in 2023 monitoring of the coastal soil using the lettuce as a test object revealed that the heavy metal content at the intermediate point was higher than at the river’s source, which is explained by a significantly reduced pollutant input from Elektrostal enterprises. Therefore, for the most rapid and cost-effective assessment of river pollution by heavy metals, phytotoxicity testing of coastal soil using the lettuce as a test object should be used for monitoring.

Keywords: ecosystem approach, water, bottom sediments, coastal soil, water sedge, fish, heavy metals, bioindicators, phytotoxicity, river zonation.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2025-4-63-104

EDN: CYWCLE

TRANSFORMATION OF PHYTOCENOSES WITH HERACLEUM SOSNOWSKYI (APIACEAE) IN THE «BITZEVSKY FOREST» NATURAL PARK (MOSCOW)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Shvetsov A.N., Shaikina M.N., Kuklina A.G. Transformation of Phytocenoses with Heracleum Sosnowskyi (Apiaceae) in the “Bitzevsky Les” Natural Park (Moscow) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 4. 2025. P. 105-124. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

The spread rate of the invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. (Apiaceae) was analyzed in 2006-2020 using satellite monitoring, and the boundaries of its distribution were determined in the test area of the “Bitsevsky Les” Nature and History Park (Moscow, Russia). The current state of rare and protected plant species in the surveyed area was assessed. Geobotanical surveys were conducted using traditional methods, and the locations of protected and invasive species were recorded. According to the surveys of 2024-2025, in total 17 rare species from the “Red Data Book of Moscow” (2022) were identified: Anthemis tinctoria, Campanula patula, C. persicifolia, C. trachelium, C. latifolia, Corryganthe flos-cuculi, Gentiana cruciata, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Listera ovata, Neottia nidus-avis, Platanthera bifolia, Primula veris, Lathyrus vernus, Polygonum bistorta, Polygonatum multiflorum, Steris viscaria, Iris pseudacorus. Additionally, 7 species in need of monitoring were found: Convallaria majalis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Maianthemum bifolium, Origanum vulgare, Orthilia secunda, Valeriana officinalis, Viola canina.

The termination of agricultural activities in the territory has triggered recovery successions that are followed by an increasing number of some rare plants. At the same time, Heracleum sosnowskyi continues to spread, changing the structure of the vegetation cover, slowing down the recovery processes, and worsening the species composition of the emerging phytocenoses.

Keywords: satellite monitoring, Heracleum sosnowskyi, plant communities, rare species, Moscow.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2025-4-105-124

EDN: KYXHWV

AVIFAUNA BIODIVERSITY IN SOME RESERVOIRS OF KALMYKIA UNDER THE MODERN CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASING ANTHROPOGENIC LOAD

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Shapovalova I.B. Avifauna Biodiversity in Some Reservoirs of Kalmykia under the Modern Climate Change and Increasing Anthropogenic Load // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 4. 2025. P. 125-145. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

In this paper, we examine the state of avifauna of several wastewater and drainage water reservoirs, as well as man-made reservoirs of the Republic of Kalmykia, in 2025. We studied the composition and structure of the coastal bird communities of Lake Manych-Gudilo, Lake Ded-Khulsun, and the Chogray Reservoir, as well as several smaller reservoirs of local significance, since they are considered key bird areas of Russia. The water of some of these reservoirs, such as Manych-Gudilo and Ded-Khulsun, are specially protected natural areas of federal and regional significance, which facilitates their monitoring. We provided a current assessment of the diversity of the avifauna and bird populations of these reservoirs and their shores, including species composition, abundance, and abundance indicators. We also assessed the contribution of these reservoirs to the conservation and enrichment of regional biodiversity. We then made recommendations for managing their hydrological regime to maintain and preserve coastal ecosystems, including populations of rare and vulnerable bird species.

Acknowledgments. The author thanks the editor-in-chief and reviewers of “Arid Ecosystems” for their help with preparation of this article for publication; additionally, the author thanks Zh.V. Kuzmina and E.I. Tobolova.

Funding. This work was carried out for the research project of the Water Problems Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences for 2025-2027, “Study of Surface and Groundwater Quality Formation Processes, Natural and Anthropogenic Mechanisms of Change in the Ecological Status of Water Bodies, Development of Methods and Technologies for Water Resources and Water Quality Management” (No. FMWZ-2025-0002), state registration No. 125030703344-8.

Keywords: steppe zone, desert zone, water reservoir, aridization, hydrological regime, climate, ecosystem, ornithocomplexes, bird population, rare bird species, key ornithological areas, specially protected natural areas, Red Data Book, risk of species extinction, factors affecting populations of near-water bird species, anthropogenic impact.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2025-4-125-145

EDN: MXHPLU

GALINA OGUREEVA, AN OUTSTANDING RUSSIAN SCIENTIST: GEOGRAPHER, BIOGEOGRAPHER, ECOLOGIST

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Miklyaeva I.M., Bocharnikov M.V., Kadetov N.G., Leonova N.B. Galina Ogureeva, an Outstanding Russian Scientist: Geographer, Biogeographer, Ecologist // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 3. 2025. P. 5-77. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

Galina Nikolaevna Ogureeva is a well-known Russian scientist, biological and botanical geographer, and ecologist. She is a Doctor of Geographical Sciences, professor in M.V. Lomonosov Moscow University, and one of the founders of the scientific biogeographical school of Moscow University. Her contribution to the development of biogeographical and bioecological mapping, botanical and geographical zoning has received wide recognition in Russia and abroad, and a large number of her works devoted to mountain biogeography, geography of biodiversity, and a biome concept are reflected in more than 260 publications, including articles in both Russian and foreign scientific journals, monographs, textbooks and teaching aids, popular science publications, maps in numerous atlases.

Galina Nikolaevna Ogureeva is an outstanding teacher. She has developed and then taught courses for a number of biogeographical disciplines that are in demand at Moscow University and in many other Russian and foreign universities. She has helped several generations of students, postgraduates, and candidates of sciences, who then continued to work in Russian and foreign institutes and universities. Today, she continues her active and fruitful scientific and pedagogical work.

Keywords: creative path, expeditions, scientific research and educational process, selected publications.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2025-3-5-77

EDN: EIWCEP