bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction of ornamental herbaceous plants native to the Eurasian steppes in Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, at Main Botanical Garden of Russian Academy of Science
Authors: Bondorina I A , Kabanov A V , Mamaeva N A , Khokhlacheva J A
Published: July 2021

The steppes of Eurasia are promising donors for the introduction of ornamental plants. But when introduced to wetter regions, a number of species face the problem of their low ex situ stability. The purpose of the present work is to evaluate the results of the introduction of steppe species of ornamental herbaceous perennials in the Laboratory of ornamental plants (LOP) GBS RAS. The objects of the study are 84 species belonging to 53 genus from 23 families. In the introduction studies, two classical methods were used: the ecological-phytocenotic method and the method of generic complexes. To maintain the culture of some collections or their components, the method of ecotrons is also used. The analysis of the composition of the introduced species included in the modern collection fund of the LDR of the GBS RAS suggests that the most promising are groups of species with a wide response rate, which, in addition to steppe habitats, are confined to more remote ones. According to the results of long-term field experiments, the most stable species under long-term cultivation were identified. It is established that for a number of steppe species, long-term maintenance in culture is possible only with the use of a specially created substrate. Ex situ conservation of dry steppe species proper is extremely difficult and little practical. In MBG RAS Salvia stepposa Des.-Shost., Linum perenne L., Verbascum phoeniceum L., Dracocephalum ruyschiana L., Eremurus fuscus (O. Fedtsch.) Vved., Iris pumila L., I. scariosa Willd. ex Link, I. furcata Bieb., I. timofejewii Woronow, I. lutescens Lam. they were short-lived in the culture.
Features of water regime changes of steppe chernozem in the South-East of Central Chernozem zone in modern conditions
Authors: Cheverdin Yu I , Bespalov V A , Titova T V
Published: July 2021

The article presents an analysis of the elements of the water regime of the steppe chernozems of the Stone Steppe of the Central Chernozem Region in the conditions of the dry period from the end of 2019 to the autumn of 2020. The objects of the study were: the mowed fallow land plowing in 1882, the old-growth forest strip of 1903 planting and arable land adjacent to fallow plots. The soil-hydrological constants were calculated (total water capacity, lowest field capacity, permanent wilting point) both in the time interval and down the soil profile to a depth of 2 m. The reserves of productive moisture during the growing season were also studied. The maximum values of productive moisture content was reached on the mowed fallow sites by the beginning of February, the minimum in the forest belt areas, the arable land plots had an intermediate value. By the middle of the growing season (June), 2020, the moisture reserves in the soils of the forest strip, fallow and arable land were 127, 123 and 109 mm, respectively, in the meter thickness. The highest amount of productive moisture in the upper soil horizon (0-20 cm) is observed under the forest belt – 39 mm. However, moisture content under the fallow land in the upper horizon had decreased to rate of the dead moisture reserve by early August. Similar values were found in soil under the forest belt and arable land. Otherwise, moisture profile was formed in underlying carbonate horizons. The forest belt soils in insufficient atmospheric moisture conditions in 2020 were more dried out than soil of fallow and arable land. The estimation was given for nature of soil profile changes of soil moisture profile due to influence of forest belt. The data of productive moisture reserves in soil at different distances from the forest belt were presented. In the meter layer at the edge of the forest belt, moisture reserves were at the level of 94.0 mm, sharply decreasing to 60.3 mm at a distance of 25 m from the forest strip, with a gradual decrease to 34 mm at a distance of 125 m. The results of observations showed a clear downward trend of productive moisture content due to distance from the old-growth forest belt.
Theoretical and methodological approaches revealing the current challenges to the spatial development of regions in the steppe zone of Russia
Authors: Chibilev A A , Grigorevsky D V , Meleshkin D S
Published: July 2021

To detect the current challenges to spatial development, we attempted to identify and theoretically explain the basic notions of stages of challenges’ formation. Such concepts as “challenge,” “danger,” “treat,” and “risk” were defined. The revealed determinants were classified according to five blocks of challenges, and multi-scale levels of their formation were detected. Eighteen region-subjects of the RF steppe mesoresion were chosen as the territory of the study. The methodological approach to see challenges using assessments of the rate of increase (2019 to 2010) was offered. There are 28 principal indicators grouped in blocks: inter-regional contrasts (economic development and a state of the social sphere), the imbalance of the natural-ecological and socio-economic frameworks, a compression of developed space, the formation of seats of potential ecological catastrophes, and threat of food security. The table of the rate of increase was designed. Based on this table, we could reveal prevailing negative processes and increased risk of challenge’s emergence in every region. According to the study results, the examined challenges in the least degree emerged in the Republics of Adygei and Kalmykia. In the most degree (or more evident), they displayed themselves in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Volgogradskaya, and Chelyabinskaya oblasts.

Some suggestions were stated to work out long-term steppe region development plans in the frame of economic-geographical and socio-economic research.
Innovative potential of the touristic-recreational sphere in the steppe regions of Russia in conditions of the current challenges
Authors: Chibilyova V , Sviatokha N , Filimonova I
Published: July 2021

An assessment of innovative potential in the touristic-recreational sphere within the steppe regions in Russia is considered. Based on the author methodology (with selected indicators that the most complete reflect innovative potential), we marked out region – leaders, according to a level of innovative potential of the touristic-recreational sphere (the Republic of Crimea, Adygei, Sevastopol city) and outsiders (Volgogradskaya, Saratovskaya, Orenburgskaya oblasts). A final assessment of innovative potential is represented as a schematic map. A perspective plan “Innovative potential of the touristic-recreational sphere’ development in the steppe regions” was developed to effective progress of the touristic sphere and based on the following principal aspects: use of new recreational resources; regular updating and identification of new market outlets of touristic products; use of new techniques and technologies in the course of the realization of touristic products; construction of the system of scientific and human resources in the tourism; organization of event activities connected with the tourism (touristic exhibition, fairs, etc.). The conducted study will introduce in practice an optimized management strategy of the touristic-recreational sphere development in Russia’s steppe regions, taking into account the current challenges.
Predicting the potential distribution of an endemic steppe species Artemisia salsoloides Willd. under the climate change
Authors: Fedorova Y A , Muldashev A A , Fedorov N I , Martynenko V B , Kutueva A G
Published: July 2021

Climate change poses a risk for rare plant species distribution in the future. The aim of this study was to predict the impact of moderate climate change on the growth and distribution of the rare endemic steppe species Artemisia salsoloides Willd. with the use of the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt). A. salsoloides distribution under moderate climate change (RCP 4.5 scenario) for 2040-2060 and 2061-2080 was modelled using a set of bioclimatic rasters (BIOCLIM) from the CHELSA database and topographic variables from GMTED2010. Model results showed an increase in the area of low and medium suitable habitats to the northeast of the current range, with no significant change in the area of highly suitable habitat predicted. The resulting models also showed no significant decline in habitat suitability in the current present sites in the future. Thus, moderate climate change will not have a significant negative impact on the distribution of the species, and no additional protection measures for the species in response to climate change are needed.
Landscape basis for the formation of phenological network in steppe provinces of the Urals
Authors: Guryevskikh O Yu , Yantser O V , Yurovskikh A M
Published: July 2021

The article describes the formation of a regional phenological network that can be used as a basis for landscape-dynamic studies of the steppe natural complexes of the Urals. The functional-dynamic approach was used as a methodological basis of the study. The phenological network was reviewed within a period since 1925 till recent times. We performed a landscape structure analysis and determined the hierarchical levels of natural complexes specific for the territory that serve as geographical markers of the regional phenological network. Analyzing long-term archive data collected by the Russian Geographical Society and the Ural Reserves Chronicles of the nature data in the 20-21th centuries, we uncovered some negative trends in the onset of spring-summer phenomena in the steppe provinces of the Urals. In addition, we present several key criteria, that should be used to determine how geographically representative a phenological network is, such as: typicalness, landscape diversity, anthropogenic differentiation. The structural and spatial analysis of the phenological network of the steppe landscape provinces of the Southern Urals allowed revealing its peculiarities, such as its branched structure, irregularity, and its inconsistency with the landscape diversity of the region. Quantitative analysis and modeling of the phenological network allow developing recommendations for its expansion. A scientifically profound phenological network will optimize dynamic monitoring of the steppe natural complexes of the Urals and collecting data that is crucial for the long-term sustainable development of the region.
Comparative study on the fauna composition of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) in the Armenian, Iranian and Asia Minor Highlands as part of the Asiatic Mediterranean (Mediterranean faunal subregion, Paleosubtropical region, Boreal kingdom
Authors: Ketenchiev Kh A , Kozminov S G , Paritov A Yu , Sabanova R K , Krapivina E A
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of the taxonomic composition of the dragonfly faunas in the Armenian, Iranian and Asia Minor Highlands. Among all the regional faunas of the Mediterranean, the odonatofauna of the Iranian and Asia Minor highlands is the richest, with 97 species each. The odonatofauna of the Armenian Highlands includes 77 species. A specific feature of the Asia Minor odonatofauna is the richness of rheophilic species. Among the representatives of the rheophilic fauna, the Gomphidae family in the Iranian Highlands includes 12 species, the genus Anormogomphus includes 1 species – A. kiritschenkoi Bartenef. There are 7 species in the Gomphidae family in the Armenian Highlands, and 10 species in the Asia Minor Highlands. In the suborder Zygoptera in the Iranian Highlands, the largest family is Coenagrionidae, in which the genus Ischnura is the richest in species. Specific species characteristic of the compared highlands are given. The odonatofaunas of the uplands contain European and Eurasian boreal as well as endemic taxa, which gives the dragonfly fauna a distinctive appearance. Analysis of the odonatofauna of the Asia Minor Highlands shows its eclecticity and species richness. Unlike the dragonfly fauna of the Armenian Highlands, the presence of European species is noticeable in the fauna of the Asia Minor.
Diversity of steppe soils of Transbaikalia (exemplified by the Daurskii Reserve)
Authors: Khadeeva E R , Lopatovskaya O G , Saraeva L I , Tkachuk T E
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the study of soil cover of the steppe areas on the territory of the Daursky Biosphere Reserve in the Transbaikal Territory. Natural factors of soil formation are as follows: poorly dissected relief; arid and cryarid climate; shallow ground waters; steppe vegetation with a predominance of halophytes. The carbonate and salinity of the parent rocks contribute to the formation of various types of soils. We determined the types of soils in the study area according to the modern classification: Chestnut typical and saline, Saline gleyed typical and sulfide (sor) typical. Typical chestnut soils are formed on the tops of lake terraces and form complexes with saline soils. Salted chestnut soils occupy transit landforms. Saline soils are confined to low relief forms, the shoreline to the bottom of the lake, where the accumulation of readily soluble salts occurs. Typical Chestnut and saline soils are characterized by a light granulometric composition and a low humus content. Salted chestnut soils contain high concentrations of readily soluble salts in the profile. Saline (sulphide) and typical gleyed have a heavier granulometric composition, a highly alkaline reaction of the medium, a very low humus content and a high content of readily soluble salts. Physicochemical properties of soils reflect their genesis and the current state of these soils.
Helminthological monitoring of introduced animals in the Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania”
Authors: Khristianovsky P I , Grudinin D A , Belimenko V V , Platonov S A , Maltsev S S
Published: July 2021

At the Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania” of the Institute of Steppe of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Orenburg region, Russia), we carried out work to study acclimatization of large ungulates of inhabiting arid ecosystems to the natural conditions of the South Ural steppe sub-region. The “Orenburg Tarpania” contains introduced animal species: Przewalski’s horse, kiangs, two-humped camels, domestic yaks and an indigenous breed of downy goats. The goal of the project is to return large phytophages to their natural steppe habitat. To prevent an increase in the infection of new populations with helminths to a clinically significant level and to study the adaptation to the existing territorial helminth-faunal complex, we monitor helminth infections of animals kept in the station and in the adjacent areas. Our survey revealed parasitism of nematodes of the suborder Strongylata (families Strongylidae and Trichonematidae) and the suborder Asagidata (Ragassagis equorum) was revealed in ungulates. Parasitism of nematodes of the suborder Strongylata (genera Chabertia and Nematodirus), and protozoa of the genus Eimegia, was detected in ruminants in the Steppe Research Station. The invasion intensity in all cases ranged from low to medium, with no clinical signs. Further studies are planned to determine the degree of biological equilibrium formation in the helminth-host system of the model plot.
Paeonia hybrida Pall. as a Rare and Endangered Species of Steppe Communities in Kulunda: Biology, Ecology, Cenotic Characteristics
Authors: Kornyevskaya T V , Ovcharova N V , Silantyeva M M
Published: July 2021

Paeonia hybrida Pall. is a highly localized species, spread on the Priobskoye plateau, foothills and low-mountains of Altai, in the northeastern and eastern parts of Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was to study cenopopulations and features of phytocenoses with the participation of P. hybrida in Kulunda and on the Priobskoye plateau. The characterization of the communities is based on 13 complete geobotanical descriptions carried out on 100 m2 test plots in Volchikhinsky, Mikhailovsky and Topchikhinsky districts. When identifying vegetation syntaxa, we used the interpretation of E.M. Lavrenko. Taxonomic, ecological, chorological and analysis of life forms was performed according to I.G. Serebryakov and K. Raunkier. The ontogenetic periods of P. hybrida were studied by the method of T.A. Rabotnov taking into account the indices of age states by A.A. Uranova. In the period of 2013 – 2020 the authors identified 13 P. hybrida cenopopulations in two classes of formations – meadow and true steppes. The share of P. hybrida in the herbage was 5 – 15%. More often the species is found in shrub communities of meadow and true steppes. In the dry-steppe zone of Kulunda, P. hybrida has preserved in the flat areas between dividing ridges, on gentle ridges, slopes of gullies, coarse slopes and along the deltas of ancient runoff hollows. The characteristic features of the habitats make it possible to classify the steppe peony as a mesoxerophyte. The ontogenesis of P. hybrida is characterized by latent, virginile, and generative periods.
The effect of temperature fields on soil and plant cover formation in arid ecosystems of the Uvs Nuur basin
Authors: Kudryashova S Y , Chumbaev A S , Mironycheva-Tokareva N P , Kurbatskaya S S
Published: July 2021

Introduction of remote and automated methods into the practice of soil and ecological studies urges for development of the methodological basis for combined analyses of surface and satellite data. The aim of the study was to explore the possibility to identify and typologise the structural and functional borders of soil cover using temperature fields, obtained by combined analysis of the temperature time series obtained by field and remote temperature monitoring. The functional relationships that are expressed within geosystems as the flux of energy and matter are reflected in soil temperature regimes, hydrophysical soil properties and plant cover biological productivity, which were studied in the arid ecosystems of the Uvs Nuur depression in Tuva, Russia. The quantitative characteristic of the temperature fields of the psammophytic soils were obtained, and the effect of hydrothermal conditions and soil hydrophysical properties on above- and belowground phytomass stocks of the sand massif Zuger-Els revealed and discussed.
Forecast of climate change impact on habitat suitability of Linaria uralensis Kotov (Scrophulariaceae) in the Southern Urals
Authors: Kutueva A G , Fedorov N I , Muldashev A A , Fedorova Y A , Naumova L G
Published: July 2021

Rare plant species are the most vulnerable components of vegetation cover under climate change. The aim of this paper was to model the influence of climatic changes on the habitat suitability for Linaria uralensis Kotov in the Southern Urals. The MaxEnt program was used for modeling. Climate variables from CHELSA BIOCLIM and topographic variables of the digital elevation model were used as predictors. An ensemble of four future climate models under the RCP4.5 (moderate) and RCP8.5 (high) climate change scenarios was used to estimate potential changes in habitat suitability in the middle and second half of the 21st century. The modeling results showed that the species L. uralensis has a fairly high drought tolerance. The habitat conditions of this species will potentially be preserved in the area of its current distribution. Under moderate and high climate change some increase in the areas of high and medium habitat suitability is expected. Thus, it can be predicted that existing protection measures for this species will be sufficient, and there will be no need for additional conservation measures.
Analysis of the spread of arachnoentomosis pathogens as an environmental risk in the implementation of acclimatization programs for large phytophages in the steppe biome (a case study of steppe research station “Orenburg Tarpania”)
Authors: Kuzmina E N , Grudinin D A
Published: July 2021

In this report. we compiled a species composition database relating to arachnoentomosis pathogens in animals living in the Orenburg region and potentially dangerous for the implementation of projects for the conservation movement of large phytophages. Horseflies (family Tabanidae) are represented by two subfamilies, seven genera and twenty-eight species of blood-sucking insects. Gadflies are represented by three families (Hypodermatidae, Gastrophilidae, and Oestridae), six genera, and twelve species. Parasitic mites of the order Acariformes are represented by three families (families Sarcoptidae, Psoroptidae and Demodecidae), four genera, and eight species. Based on our own studies, it was found that gadflies, in particular Gastrophilus intestinalis, represent the greatest danger among the pathogens of arachnoentomosis to animals kept in the Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania” managed by the Steppe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences-Urals Branch (Przhevalsky horses, kiangs, two-humped camels, yaks, downy goats). Wool samples, skin scrapings and scarificat taken for microscopy from the premises for keeping animals kept both in the station and in private farmsteads revealed no sarcoproid mites.
Phytoecological mapping of the North-West Pre-Caspian area
Authors: Lazareva V G , Bananova V A , Dung Nguyen Van
Published: July 2021

The aim of the research is to identify the patterns of spatial distribution of the vegetation in the North-West Pre-Caspian area and to develop its cartographic model. The work is based on long-term material (1983-2016). Geobotanical and cartographic studies have been carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. Observations were conducted on three quaternary terraces using key sections (test sites) and environmental-dynamic profiling. The field material has been processed by the GIS program Mapinfo 6.0, the space images were decrypted with the help of ArcGIS 9.3. In total, about 1,600 geobotanical descriptions were provided. The cartographic vegetation model of the North-West Pre-Caspian area is based on the area-type principle. It reflects zonal and subzonal subdivision, the edaphic variations. This cartographic model of indigenous vegetation allowed: 1. to reflect its horizontal structure; 2. to confirm the southern zonal boundary between steppes and deserts (still disputed) identified by I.N. Safronova. Basing on the field studies results, the patterns of vegetation formation in the region have been identified and its spatial distribution, and the succession direction within the north-western part of the Caspian Sea region.
Climatic changes and water management in the Ural River basin and their impact on the river water regime
Authors: Magritsky Dmitry , Kenzhebaeva Ayimgul , Yumina Natalya , Efimova Lyudmila , Moreido Vsevolod
Published: July 2021

The Ural River basin is a transboundary object, which is characterized by a very uneven distribution of water resources, an extensive arid areas and water-intensive socio-economic complex. There are about 3,130 reservoirs and ponds, which are evaporating 0.9 km3/yr. and carry out intra-annual regulation. Water intake peaked in the 1980s. Now the anthropogenic decrease in runoff is < 1.6 km3/yr. Climate warming has begun in 1977-1980 and has intensified since the mid-1990s, as well has the occurrence of thaws in winter. In the first half of the current period, annual, summer-autumn, and winter precipitation was higher than the average long-term values. In the second half, spring and winter precipitation increased, while total precipitation decreased due to decrease in summer-autumn precipitation. As a result, the modern water regime of rivers has clearly changed and not in all cases positively. This initiated an inter-State discussion on the efficient use of water resources. Therefore, the goal and objectives of the research were not only to assess the characteristics of the runoff, trends of their changes, but also to determine the role of climatic and anthropogenic factors and the patterns of their long-term behavior. An analysis of data at 56 gauges, 10 meteorological stations, and on water use shows that after 1977 the runoff exceeded by an average of 10-20%. 1985-1995 and 2000-2007 were high-water sub-periods. Since 2006/2008, the prolonged water shortage has been registered. The decrease in the precipitation and the increase in evaporation are the main reasons for its formation. The regulation of the Ural runoff and warming have led to an earlier commencement and ending of floods in the lower reaches, a decrease in its volume and maximum water discharges, and the inundation risk reduction. Low-water runoff has increased significantly. This is illustrated by the new data.
Ecological status estimation for the Kalaus river in the Stavropolskii region
Authors: Markin V N , Glazunova I V , Markova E N
Published: July 2021

The Kalausis the river in the Stavropolskii region of Russia being an important source of water. Water use has caused water decrease, water depletion and water deterioration. Therefore water shortages exceed natural river flow by 100%. The water quality category is estimated as “very dirty”. The main source of river water pollution is diffuse runoff from agricultural lands. Estimationson both the environmental river flow and the efficiency of water protection measures are given in this paper. It considers the impact of the lands on the flow volume and quality of the river water, and also estimates the impact of global climate change on water scarcity. To improve the ecological status of the river up to “satisfactory” it is necessary to save the volume of environmentally friendly flow without its with drawing. To improve the water quality up to “moderately polluted” it is necessary integrated water protection measures.
Conservation and Restoration Prospects of Semi-Natural Plant Communities when Creating Parks in the Southern Russia’s Steppe (a Case Study of the 70th Anniversary of Victory Park)
Authors: Matetskaya A Yu , Karasyova T A , Popova N N , Levada A M , Kozyrev D A , Gorbov S N
Published: July 2021

Preserving the least transformed vegetation cover plots and using them as park zones when expanding urban development areas is one of the most promising areas of urban planning. There is very little experience in creating such parks in steppe regions. This study is the basis for the development project of the first park of this type in the Rostov Region. The goal of the study is to analyze the vegetation cover in the 70thAnniversary of Victory Park to identify valuable plant communities with a high preservation and to include them subsequently in to the Park’s landscape project. For this purpose, we carried out a detailed zoning of the vegetation in the territory, revealed its relationship with the soil cover, the terrain, and the anthropogenic pressure. To collect and process data, we used generally accepted methods of botanical research. We carried out a comparative analysis of the systematic, ecological, and phytocoenotic spectra of the associations identified. In the territory of one land unit, we found coenopopulations of two protected species: Bellevalia sarmatica and Iris pumila. A low wild-grass overgrowing and a relative high abundance of steppe grasses and herbs in some areas of species suggest a likely prospect for the territory to become virgin over the next 10 to 15 years. Based on the results of our study, we have identified areas which, if preserved and maintained, will allow to create close-to-steppe vegetation zones in the Park.
Large-scale modern climate change and reactions of steppe birds of Inner Asia
Authors: Mel’nikov Yu
Published: July 2021

On the basis of many years of work by ornithologists covering the entire second half of the past and the beginning of the current century, the features of the dynamics of the bird fauna of Inner Asia as a result of climate warming are considered. The central position of Eastern Siberia caused its stronger warming, which makes it possible to consider in detail various aspects of this process. Severe droughts, followed by long dry periods, observed in the arid regions of Central Asia in the second half of the 20th century, caused massive migrations of birds to the north. Strong changes in habitats were found in birds using intrazonal wetlands ecosystems for nesting. Native steppe and desert birds inhabited areas within their natural zone. They are characterized by occasional flights to the northern boundaries of their ranges towards the end of the second half of the study period. As a result of mass evictions, the diversity of birds in Eastern Siberia increased by 22.6% (110 species), but their abundance remained almost at the initial level. At present, the number of coastal birds in the south of Eastern Siberia, as well as in Central Asia, has greatly decreased, as a result of a shift in the optimum range to the north.
Steppe felt accumulation in Leymus chinensis communities of eastern Transbaikalia and transformation of its chemical composition
Authors: Merkusheva M G , Boloneva L.N. , Lavrentieva I N , Badmaeva N K
Published: July 2021

The study objective is to determine stocks and chemical composition of died phytomass and felt in Leymus coenoses in southeastern Transbaikalia. Using standard field geobotanical tools, the authors have determined macroelement composition by generally accepted techniques, calculated indicators of litter-fall index (LFI), C/N, C/P, C:N:S:P, Ca/K ratios. Statistical data processing has been carried out in Microsoft Excel. At present, the felt stock is 54 – 107 g/m2. Died phytomass content depends on the species composition in the coenoses, soil and environmental conditions of their growth, and the grazing load degree. The coefficient of correlation between died phytomass and felt content shows moderate value. The steppe litter-fall index indicates a low rate of felt decomposition. The felt chemical composition is defined by soil and environmental conditions (supply of nutrients and moisture). For the first time study has revealed that died phytomass and felt are highly resistant to decomposition and mineralization according to C/N, C/P, C:N:S:P and Ca/K ratio values in the aboveground phytomass of coenoses. However, the resistance can be adjusted once the species composition, climatic (drought, heavy rainfall) and anthropogenic conditions (spring burnings and steppe fires) change.
Underground waters of salt-dome basins: a case study of the Caspian depression and its nothern surroundings (Volga-Ural Anteclise and Pre-ural foredeep)
Authors: Myazina N G
Published: July 2021

The area under study is located in the place where the Caspian Depression joins the Pre-Ural Foredeep and the Volga-Ural Anteclise and where the salt-dome and salt-gypsum tectonics is manifested. The development of salt-gypsum tectonics is a specific feature of the Pre-Ural Foredeep from the viewpoint of tectonics. The modern relief of the Caspian Depression was developed in the Quaternary Period. Its development was accompanied by repeated transgressions of the sea. There are many springs with potable water that are suitable for drinking in the northern part of the Caspian Depression and in the southern part of the Volga-Ural Anteclise and the Pre-Ural Foredeep. There are springs with mineral water and springs that can be used for balneotherapy. Springs with potable water of good quality with mineralization 0.3-0.7 g/dm are revealed in the zone of active water exchange3. Sulphate, sulphate-chloride groups of mineral waters without “specific” components and properties with mineralization 1.7-2.7 g/dm are revealed in the zone of slow water exchange 1.7-2.7 g/dm3. The class of sulphate-chloride waters is widely represented in the territory under study, there are mineral waters drained by springs with mineralization 1.9-4.9 g/dm3. The springs are close analogues of Krainka, Kazanian, Kashin, Khilovo and Chartak types of mineral potable waters. Springs with chloride sodium waters of leaching zones that can be used for balneotherapy with mineralization from 14.5 to 192.3 g/dm3 are linked to salt dome structures. Elton salt-dome structure of the western Caspian Depression is rich in hydromineral resources-mineral springs, rivers, brine of the lake Elton with bromine and sulphurous waters.
Important characteristics and features of steppes within the Trans-Asian mountain belt (Pamir-Anadyr)
Authors: Namzalov B-Ts B , Dubrovsky N G , Namzalov M B-Ts
Published: July 2021

The steppes occupy an important place in the vegetation of Eurasia. The steppe biome of the continent, along with zonal types on the plains of Europe and Asia, is diverse and richly represented in the vegetation of the mountains of Asia. Among the latter, the most significant are the mountain systems of the Trans-Asian mountain belt (TAMB), stretched from the southwest to the northeast over a vast area from the greatest Pamir – Tien Shan mountain range to the Chukotka-Anadyr plateau in the zone of the Arctic tundra of Asia. The article provides a brief analysis of typological diversity, an overview and reflections on the steppes of boreal Eurasia, elongated in the mountainous zone of Asia in a wide geographical range both in latitudinal (37-670 N) and in longitudinal dimensions (72-1630 E). They differ significantly in the mountains of various climatic sectors; they are especially pronounced in the floristic composition and phytocenotic structure of extrazonal steppe phenomena and in longitudinal vicariates – from the mountains of Central Asia to the subarctic of North Asia.
Urban sprawl in the regional settlement system: a case study of Belgorod and Stary Oskol-Gubkin metropolitan areas
Authors: Narozhnyaya A G , Chugunova N V , Polyakova T A , Kukharuk N S , Morkovskaya D N
Published: July 2021

The paper defines factors and methods of studying spatial sprawl of Belgorod and Stary Oskol-Gubkin metropolitan areas. A differentiation of population dynamics in Belgorod regional settlement system is made. Built-up areas are found to occupy larger territories and display a higher development density, while the population size in metropolitan areas does not change significantly. Growth promoting factors and growth specifics are revealed, territorial disparities of built-up metropolitan areas are analyzed; a retrospective assessment of the population density in the settlement system is provided. A study of the population distribution pattern shows that the population tends to be strongly oriented toward core areas. The territories under study were mapped with ArcGIS 10.5. tools.
Innovative territorial cluster as a promising factor of sustainable economic development of Russian steppe regions
Authors: Nosova S S , Gerasimenko T I , Makar S V , Medvedeva O E
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the study is to prove the need for development of innovative territorial clusters (ITC) in steppe regions. With a well-known determination of the factors of sustainable economic development of steppe regions of Russia, territorial planning and formation of environmental management structures were considered the most important. Today, the greatest relevance for steppe regions of Russia should be seen in development of the ITC as the most important condition for transition to a new technological order in the coming decades of the 21th century and a new management system based on improving scenario forecasting tools that allow identifying trends and incentives for sustainable economic development of steppe regions of Russia as a result of minimizing problems and strengthening their economic potential in the process of climate restructuring of the Earth. The results of the study include the following: definition of the ITC role as a tool for normalizing economic relations between research and educational organizations, business, development institutions and the state, as well as possibility of adapting the resulting cluster model of joint activity management to solving problems of sustainable economic development of steppe regions in the context of digital transformation of Russian economy. Innovative territorial approach should become the basis for Complex programs of ecological, economic and noospheric development of Russian regions. And there are all the prerequisites for this-rapid development of digital technologies, and along with it the growth and rapid promotion of digital innovations, without which there is no future, make this goal feasible and achievable. Therefore, it can be said that ITCs in steppe regions should serve as a source of digital innovations in Russian economy, creating new jobs for population, increasing viability of their territories and ensuring food security of the country as a whole.
The current climatic trends and meteorological conditions of the fire dangerous situation formation in the Ural-Caspian region
Authors: Pavleichik V M
Published: July 2021

Weather-climatic conditions are one of the leading factors forming fire dangerous satiations in the arid and semi-arid regions. Intra-continental position of the Ural-Caspian area promotes to reveal the diversity of climatic conditions and estimate the current trends in terms of the latitudinal-zonal change of landscapes and an increase of gradient of continentality. Results of analysis of the principal weather-climatic conditions – temperature, air precipitation, hydrothermal terms, wind regime, insolation) are summarized in the paper. Also, we identified spatio-temporal peculiarities of their long-time and current dynamics. The received results were analyzed in the aspect of the formation of fire dangerous situations in different landscapes of the examined region. Long-term archives on heat anomalies FIRMS served as principal data on grass fires. We have detected and confirmed that the most significant trends of the regional climate change are: a) growing air temperature occurring everywhere in frost-free seasons of a year; b) the cyclic dynamics of precipitation with the modern trend to aridization; c) annual distribution of rainfall; d) intensification of anomality of principal climatic parameters with the display of contrasting waves of heat and cold. All these tendencies directly (fire dangerous weather situations) or indirectly (productivity and a state of the vegetation cover) form the dynamics of grass fires. Nevertheless, the role of separate meteorological indicators and weather-climatic conditions, on the whole, are not often statistically significant in wildfires’ development. It is conditioned by the more substantial role of an anthropogenic factor that, in its turn, combines stochastic and purposeful agricultural sources of fires’ emergence.
About some features of steppe communities of the Amalat river basin (Northern Transbaikalia)
Authors: Pyzhikova E , Tsyrenova M , Selyutina I , Novolodskij I
Published: July 2021

The Vitim upland, in the central part of which the Amalat River basin is located, is still one of the least studied floristically areas of Northern Transbaikalia. The flora of the steppe areas (uburs) in this territory still remains unexplored. The study of the flora by the method of specific floras and the identification of diagnostic groups of species in the analysis of geobotanical descriptions using the IBIS program made it possible to identify the features of the steppe communities of the Amalat River basin. It has been established that in the studied territory the uburs are small fragments of steppes (up to 5 hectares) on steep (15-35 °) slopes of southern exposures; the largest area is occupied by steppe communities on the left bank of the river. Quite peculiar steppe communities have been found on carbonates in the upper reaches of the Klyuch Berezovyi, Bagdarinka, Khoigot and other rivers. The flora of the studied steppes is represented by 47 families, 104 genera, and 177 species. An analysis of its arealogical structure showed that boreal species form the basis of the flora of the studied steppe communities, and the combination of species with the South Siberian, North Asian, and Manchurian-Daurian ranges determines its originality. The study of the belt-zonal structure showed a natural predominance of species of the steppe floristic complex (57%), the overwhelming majority of which are mountain-steppe and forest-steppe species; the proportion of steppe species proper is insignificant (9%). The ecological-biomorphological structure is characterized by the prevalence of perennials.
Relict cryogenic structures in the landscapes of Orenburg region, Russia
Authors: Ryabukha A G , Streletskaya I D , Polyakov D G , Kovda I V , Yakovlev I G
Published: July 2021

The evidence of Neo-Pleistocene and possibly Holocene paleopermafrost was found in Orenburg region, Russia. Large polygons are clearly visible in relief, which indicate the existence of continuous low-temperature frozen rocks in the past. We found and studied the structure of the ground wedges formed in sediments of different composition and genesis. Ground wedges in loess-soil formations indicate several stages of permafrost expansion at the end of the Neo-Pleistocene. Freezing of ground was accompanied by the formation of polygonal-wedge ice and initially-ground wedges. During the warming periods the permafrost melted and pedogenesis restarted together with active thermokarst processes and formation of pseudomorphs along the wedge ice.
An assessment of clonal rootstocks of an apple tree in conditions of the steppe zone in the Trans-Volga-Ural region
Authors: Savin E Z , Berezina T V
Published: July 2021

Small stature forms of clonal rootstock in combination with recognized and appreciable varieties promote to increase productivity in one and half-two times from a unit of the area. New clonal rootstocks are characterized by increased winter- and drought-resistance, enabling the growth of rootstocks’ adaptiveness to the Trans-Volga-Ural region’s extreme conditions. Conditions of the region are characterized by low temperatures in the winter to −40 – −42°C. A deficit of precipitation and high temperatures to + 40-+ 42°C is noticed in the summer. Our research aims to study the adaptive ability of groups of clonal rootstocks of an apple tree above 30 forms of selection in Central Russia, Povolozhie, and foreign countries. Laboratory-field methods “Program and methodology of selection of fruit…” (1999) were used to estimate the adaptiveness of rootstock forms, including drought-resistant kinds. Forms: 71-3-195, MM 106, Baba-arabskaya Adzhi, Ural 5, Ural 3, elite forms 6 – 9 H, 5-4-13 are characterized by high preservation (80-90%) among clonal rootstocks for the years of the study. Forms: Ural 5, 62-223, 54-118, Ural 2, elite forms 4-5, 4-19-3, 76-23-2, К-2, 71-7-22, Don 70-456 are characterized by drought-resistance. Rootstocks of semi dwarves: 64-134, Ural 6, Ural 2, elite forms 5-4-13, 4-19-3, 5-19-1, dwarfish forms are: 71-7-22, 58-238, 64-134, 62-14, К-2, Don 70-52, have received 4-5 points according to the plantation state. All kinds listed above showed high adaptive ability in extreme conditions of the Trans-Volga-Ural region and were initial material to establish intensive plantings.
Shrub steppe communities in the Samara Volga Region
Authors: Senator S A , Bondareva V V , Vasjukov V M , Mitroshenkova A E , Ilyina V N , Solovyova V V
Published: July 2021

Shrubs are an important component of steppe vegetation. Vegetation groups dominated by or including typical steppe shrubs form so-called “shrub steppes”. The ecological-phytocenotic and floristic characteristics of the communities of shrub steppes of the Samara Volga Region are given. The analysis includes data from 41 geobotanical relevés made in 2013 – 2018. Typical communities for the region under study are formations Amygdalus nana, Caragana frutex, Cerasus fruticosa, Chamaecytisus ruthenicus, Spiraea crenata, S. hypericifolia and S. litwinowii. The highest species diversity of vascular plants was registered in phytocenoses dominated by Caragana frutex and Cerasus fruticosa, growing on fairly rich soils with medium-steppe moisture and weak influence of grazing. In these phytocenoses, on average, up to 20 species are recorded on the registration site. The results of DCA-ordination of steppe shrub communities of the Samara Volga Region are presented. It was revealed that communities with the participation of typical steppe shrubs Amygdalus nana, Spiraea crenata, Cerasus fruticosa develop more moistened ecotopes with rather rich soils compared to the other studied phytocenoses. In the studied phytocenoses, 35 rare species included in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and Samara Oblast were found. Their greatest number was recorded in phytocenoses dominated by Caragana frutex, Cerasus fruticosa and Amygdalus nana. Further study of shrub steppes in the region will reveal their syntaxonomic status and will form a comprehensive view of these communities for their effective conservation.
The state of Scots pine plantations in the steppe Voronezh region in drought conditions and under anthropogenic influence
Authors: Serdyukova A P
Published: July 2021

Monitoring the state of forest tree plantations is an urgent task in today’s changing climate conditions. Climate change presents acute challenges for steppe biome: there is a prolonged increase in average daily temperatures, accompanied by a deficit of precipitation, mainly in the spring-summer period, and droughts become more frequent. Also, in addition to climatic factors, the consequences of human economic activity have a negative impact on forest communities. The aim of the study is to assess the indicators of the vital state of Scots pine in the steppe Voronezh region under drought conditions and under anthropogenic influence. To study the state of forest woody plants, we selected two Scots pine plantations growing in contrasting ecological conditions of the steppe zone of the Central Black Earth region. The main indicators of the vital state were assessed: dechromation of needles, defoliation of the crown, the number of new cones, and the total score of the vital state of each plant and the studied plantation as a whole was calculated using the totality of these characteristics. It is found that a plantation under anthropogenic load is subjected to greater stress and has worse performance compared to a plantation from the same climatic zone, but growing on a relatively ecologically clean territory.
Genesis of the floras in the arid Intermountain basins of the North Caucasus
Authors: Shilnikov D S , Shchukina K V
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to explore history of flora formation in arid basins of the North Caucasus, and to identify the correlation between this flora and those of arid regions of neighboring areas. We applied generally accepted methods of flora study and analysis. The arid intermountain basins of the North Caucasus are an original and poorly studied formation. Surrounded by forest and alpine vegetation, they have preserved in their composition a xerothermic flora that differs from the flora of the steppe of the Ciscaucasus and takes in the features of the flora of the Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. The first large array of arid vegetation is located in the upper reaches of the Kuban River in the Jurassic depression, which runs between the Main Caucasian and Side ridges. Further to the East, arid basins are founding in the basins of all major tributaries of the Terek River. After the Argun and Sharoargun rivers in the Republic of Dagestan, the xerothermic vegetation of the arid basins are replaced by a belt of upland xerophytes of mountain dry and desert steppes, which stretches to the south and connects with the arid regions of the Eastern Transcaucasia. Our studies show a genetic relationship between the flora of the arid basins of the North Caucasus and the areas of xerothermic vegetation on the one hand in Azerbaijan and Iran, on the other-in the Mediterranean, from where its formation began in the territory under consideration. The xerothermic period of the late Miocene is the driest in the history of the Caucasian flora and contributed to the deep penetration of the Southwestasian arid flora into the territory of the North Caucasus after the connection of the Caucasian Isthmus with the southern mainland.