bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil-genetic differences of multi-aged fallow lands in an ancient agricultural region of steppe Crimea
Authors: Lisetskii F N , Poletaev A O , Terekhin E A , Marinina O A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the cultivated land located in the European part of Russia decreased, which resulted in the formation of a stable area of young fallows, presented both in forest and steppe zones. In the steppe, any cultivated areas with long agricultural history can open up opportunities for studying fallows in a wider chronological range and for assessing the rates of restoration of soil and plant cover. The aim of the study was to comparatively analyse the soils of fallow lands of different times near the ancient settlement of the NW Crimea and to identify relict and recent evidence of pedogenesis. Having analysed intra-horizon differences in geochemical parameters, it has been revealed that the lower layers of the humus horizon kept in soil memory the evidence of two centuries with a more arid climate (before the 1st c. AD). The indicators of such bioclimatic environment include higher content of Cl, Ca, S, As, P in post-agrogenic horizons. The study of recently ploughed fallows has resulted in the discovery of the phenomenon of heterogeneous horizons which retained agropedogenesis relics from agricultural pre-history (increased share of fulvic acids and content of the above-mentioned elements), but also acquired recent properties in the current bioclimatic environment.
Structural changes of the three-segment desert and steppe complex in Saratov Priuzenie area (based on Earth remote sensing data and ground-based observations)
Authors: Makarov V Z , Pichugina N V , Chumachenko A N , Gusev V A , Danilov V A , Fedorov A V , Nevryuev A M 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Northern semi-desert with zapadinny microrelief area is located in the south of Saratov Oblast. Microrelief contributes to moisture redistribution and its accumulation in micro-depressions (swales, or Russian name “zapadines”) under conditions of extremely low precipitation (312 mm per year). This allows to form a specific surface, where micro-slopes with light chestnut soils (44.1%), micro-hills with solonetzs (37.5%) and micro-depressions with meadow chestnut soils (18.4%) coexist. Studies of the microcomplex semi-desert were carried out in Aleksandrovo-Gaysky district at the key site (100 × 100 m) in 2010 and 2020. The morphological structure of the landscape is preserved, but the quality of soil and vegetation cover has changed significantly. The projective cover of the herbaceous layer has decreased by 20-30%, the species diversity has significantly decreased as well. Herbaceous vegetation has almost disappeared in the micro-depressions, and the height of the spirea shrub has decreased from 1-1.4 m (2010) to 0.5-0.7 m (2020). Semi-desert landscapes are used for grazing cattle, sheep, goats and horses. The density of pasture trails on the key site was 0.11 m/square m in 2010, and 0.17 m/square m in 2020. The landscape area disturbed by livestock trails increased from 3% (2010) to 4.7% (2020) of the site area. The upper soil layer on trails is in a loose state to a depth of 4-6 cm. It is necessary to reduce pasture load, limit grazing time and take measures to organize the Priuzen semi-desert reserve to preserve microcomplex semi-desert landscapes.
Changes in the complex of rare and endangered mammals (Mammalia) in present-day Rostov Nature Reserve since the middle of the twentieth century
Authors: Minoranskiy V A , Tikhonov A V , Malinovskaya Yu V , Kilyakova V S 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Under the influence of various factors, the ecosystems of dry steppes of Russia have undergone profound changes since the middle of the twentieth century. In the work dedicated to the territory occupied by the present-day Rostov Nature Reserve, the changes in mammals included in regional, federal and international Red Books (lists) and causes of these changes are reviewed. Until the 1950s, human use of steppes was limited due to scarcity of fresh water, which assured the preservation of natural xerophytic vegetation and associated fauna. Irrigation of steppes contributed to the intensive development of animal husbandry, restructuring of ecosystems with their biodiversity and the formation of anthropogenic deserts. To restore natural ecosystems, the Rostov Nature Reserve was created in 1996, and its activities made preservation of natural biodiversity possible. As a result of the deep restructuring of ecosystems, the modified biogeocenosis was very different from that in the mid-1950s of the XX century. Mammals typical for dry steppes in the past under the influence of various anthropogenic and natural causes considered in the article have become rare and endangered in present-day ecosystems. Intensification of economic activity in the twenty first century and climate warming increase the negative impact on steppe ecosystems and rare mammals. Possibilities for the conservation of rare and endangered mammals in the reserve are discussed.
Mineral and geochemical characteristics of soils and bottom sediments in the area affected by mining dumps (a case study of the Sibay ore deposit)
Authors: Opekunov A Yu , Opekunova M G , Janson S Yu , Bychinskii V A , Somov V V , Kukushkin S Yu , Papyan E E 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The article focuses on the chemical composition of hydrosulfates formed in bottom sediments and soils as a consequence of sulfide minerals oxidation in mining waste rock dumps. An alkaline geochemical barrier formed under the dumps reduces pollution of natural-territorial complexes. High concentrations of Zn up to 1.29%, Cu-0.74%, and Cd-27.3 mg/kg are found in the hydrosulfates formed in the river bottom and in the soils. The percentages of exchangeable copper, zinc and cadmium in their total content are 33%, 28% and 22%, respectively. Metals are actively involved in lateral and radial migration, which is regulated by alkaline and evaporation geochemical barriers. The hydrosulfates’ mineralogical composition was studied using microscopy and thermodynamic modeling. Among the secondary minerals, gypsum and iron oxyhydroxides are of primary importance, and to a lesser extent barite, epsomite, and jarosite. Secondary minerals of Cu and Zn in scattering halos are not found, which indicates the leading role of adsorption processes in their phase transitions.
Floristic transformation of the steppe area in the lower reaches of the Osyotr River due to anthropogenic impact
Authors: Ozerova N A , Kuklina A G 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to survey the steppe site located on the right bank of the Osyotr River, near the village of Argunovo, in the urban district of Zaraysk, Moscow Region. It was required to analyze the key floristic changes that have occurred in its composition to date. For comparison, the floristic description of this site, detailed by R.I. Dyakova in the 1950s. The work takes into account the fact of man-made interference in the 1960s, as a result of limestone mining there in violation of the vegetation cover. In the autumn, 2020 the authors of this article studied a steppe site in the neighborhoods of the village of Argunovo in Zaraisk urban district of Moscow region and collected a herbarium donated to funds [MHA]. This steppe community was first discovered and described in detail by R.I. Dyakova in the 1950s. In the 20th century, due to the extraction of limestone in the lower reaches of the Osyotr River, this biotope was disturbed. It was established that over the past 70 years, the area occupied by the association with Stipa pennata L. and Geranium sanguineum L. significantly decreased and some steppe species disappeared. A factor in the transformation of the steppe cenosis was also cessation of grazing, which led to the appearance of a number of meadow-steppe species. The studied area near the village of Argunovo can be considered as a unique meadow-steppe reserve. It is located at the northern border of the forest-steppe zone and includes the elements of the Oka steppe flora that has preserved to this day. The populations of rare and protected species have been preserved: Stipa pennata, Aster amellus L., Campanula bononiensis L., Gentiana cruciata L., Rosa villosa L. and Pyrus communis L., included in the Red Data Book of Moscow Region. The studied area is potentially susceptible to the invasion of alien species (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden, Acer negundo L.) and needs monitoring and protection at the level of the community, population and each species.
An assessment and prognosis of water resources use in regions of the transboundary basin of the Ural River in the medium term
Authors: Padalko Yu A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
An assessment and medium-term prognosis of water resources use in the transboundary basin of the Ural River, and adjacent regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan were represented in the paper. Prediction of water consumption is one of the most significant water resources management tasks in the transboundary river basins. Under a water deficit of water resources in the Ural River basin in hydrological droughts, data on prospective water consumption allows estimating possible problems of regular water use and ways of their solution for neighboring states. Data on the dynamics of water consumption from 1995 to 2019 and materials of prognoses for socio-economic development of the region in the medium term were used to research and calculate expected water use values. Based on statistical methods, taking into account parameters scheduled of the dynamics of the population and economic development in the regions, we calculated prospective volumes of water resources use in the Ural River basin areas. Projection of water resources’ use is represented in several scenarios following prognoses of socio-economic development in the regions. As a result, the structural forecasts were worked out according to a type of water consumption: domestic and utility, industrial, irrigation, and agricultural water use for each region of neighboring countries by 2024.
Biological Resources to reproduce Arable Soils Fertility in the Old-cultivated Regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Pashkov S V , Martsinevskaya L V 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The article examines the preconditions for the use of local biological resources in farming agriculture of the North Kazakhstan Region. Wild land reclamation in the central and southern regions has resulted in enhanced extensive nature of farming agriculture in the region which is due to the low agronomic standards and difficult soil and climatic conditions. An increased share of soil-depleting crops in the post-Soviet period aggravated both arable soils dehumification and excessive nutrients removal. Using the statistics provided by the Department of Agriculture and Land Relations, statistical analysis method and generally accepted procedures we have determined the annual volumes of bedding manure, poultry droppings and straw. In addition, we have analyzed the reserves of local agronomic ore, i.e. sapropel, which is the most valuable multicomponent organic raw material with long-term effect. It has been established that the volume of generated biological resources to be used as fertilizers exceeds 17 million tons which can potentially replenish the annual removal of 15% of humus, 39% of nitrogen, 53% of phosphorus, and 57% of potassium taken from fields with harvested crops and erosion products.
Spatial and temporal trends of atmospheric humidification in the steppe part of the Trans-Volga-Ural region
Authors: Pavleichik V M , Yazykbaev E R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The results of the regional climate change research on the example of the Volga-Ural steppe region are presented. Spatial and temporal patterns in the long-term (1960-2020) dynamics of atmospheric humidification are analyzed. It was revealed that the long phase with increased precipitation, which lasted in the region from about 1980 to 2010, was replaced everywhere by a clearly represented dry phase, especially in the Southern Urals and the Trans-Urals. There is also an intra-annual redistribution of precipitation for all weather stations (an increase in the share of the cold period precipitation and a decrease in the warm period rainfall), which leads to the levelling of humidification conditions. Speaking about the calendar months, the transformation of atmospheric humidification for separate periods of 1960-2020 at weather stations is quite multidirectional. The transformation of atmospheric humidification conditions occurs at the background of significant changes in the temperature regime: there is an increase in average annual indicators everywhere (on average by 1°C over 40 years) and average monthly temperatures in the first half of the year (from January to May). It is stated that against the air temperature background, changes in the humidification parameters can lead to the necessity of adapting various types of steppe environmental management to changing weather and climatic conditions.
The salt-dome landscape genesis: paradoxes of rational nature management
Authors: Petrishchev V P 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The paper considers regional peculiarities of the use of natural resource potential of landscape geosystems formed in the course of halokinesis. Parameters of stability of salt-dome geosystems to anthropogenic influence resulting from the interaction of geodynamic processes and physical-geographical conditions are estimated. A method to evaluate the stability of landscape geosystems formed by salt-dome processes to anthropogenic transformation is offered. Accounting of volume of underground natural resources management connected, mainly, with salt rock extraction is significant. Excess of the total square of all forms of nature management under an area of the landscape geosystem formed by salt diapir, represented as the coefficient of nature management (CNM), acts as trigger risk. There are regularities of transforming the natural management structure in the regional models on the examples of basins: the Caspian-Cis-Urals, Trans-Carpathian, the Catalan, and Mexican. Within landscape geosystems having a salt-dome origin, the indicator of the coefficient of nature management can show as balanced geosystems, despite the development of subsurface resource management (Avery Island) or being in crisis geoecological situation (Iletskiy dome), so experienced anthropogenic catastrophes of different types (Jefferson Island, the Solotvinskiy dome). Principals of safe subsurface resource management and rational recreational-touristic use within salt structures of open kinds were developed.
The cryogenic structure and texture of seasonally freezing soil in the steppe zone of the Trans-Volga-Urals region
Authors: Polyakov D G , Ryabukha A G , Kovda I V 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The formation of ice lenses and associated frost heave were found in soils the steppe environment with positive mean annual air temperature. The ice lenses due to soil freezing occur in soils with expressed microrelief when they have additional ground moistening. In soils formed on quaternary loam with shallow groundwater the formation of ice was not differentiated across the microrelief; the morphology of the microrelief is similar to thufur. Soils formed on fine-dispersed limestone (chalky polygons) and on the material of ancient weathering crust (frost mounds) do not have clear evidence of subsoil extramoisterning exhibit the differentiated formation of cryotexture according to microrelief. The ice lenses were found in soils of microhights. The formation of cryogenic lenticular and platy structures occur after to the melting of ice lenses in soils. Local frost heave in steppe soils determines the small-scale differentiation of soil processes and the formation of the complex soil cover.
Grasshoppers in steppe areas of the south-eastern West Siberian Plain: Centennial transformations of biodiversity
Authors: Popova K V , Molodtsov V V , Efremova O V , Sergeev MG 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The goal of this paper is to evaluate some general trends of species range shifts in the steppe areas of the south-eastern West Siberian Plain. Two sets of distribution data of grasshoppers are compared: (1) for the first half of 20th century and (2) for 1972 – 2019. A series of digital maps was generated by Map Info. Shifts of species distribution patterns are discussed. All grasshopper species may be split into three groups: (1) acridids without evident changes in their distribution; (2) species with local range boundaries shifted northwards and northeastwards; new colonies of such forms are usually found in the northern steppe and even in the forest-steppe and/or on the right side of the Ob River; (3) grasshoppers which became rare. Among them is the Siberian grasshopper, the very common pest in the first half of the 20th

century. Some changes into grasshopper distribution may be associated with global warming, but others can be explained by regional and local variations in human activities. Extension, intensification, and changes of human activities may result in continuous elimination of some local populations. This means that the general strategy of management of acridid assemblages and populations should incorporate both data and technologies concerning rare species populations and new approaches to pest control and monitoring.
The demographic potential of the regions in the steppe zone as a basis for spatial development under the current challenges
Authors: Rudneva O S 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The population structure, the potential of its reproduction and replacement in the territory are significant components of spatial socio-economic development. Under conditions of the current challenges, it is necessary to detect economic and geospatial factors and hazards of demographic growth in the country, especially in adjacent border territories to which the RF steppe belongs. Based on the statistical analysis methods, we identified the interconnection of the population dynamics, welfare indicators, workforce resources quality, and depth of differentiation of the steppe regions taking into account the total spatial organization in conditions of stable development challenges. The most critical situation formed in Kurganskaya region, where the reduction of personal income exacerbated health status, promoted heavy mortality and reinforced the outflow of labor supply. The southern (Krasnodarskiy and Stavropolskiy Krays and Rostovskaya region) and central regions (Belgorodskaya and Voronezhskaya regions) have a high demographic potential provided by favorable natural conditions, official places, a relatively high rate of income. It promotes to identify points of prospect development in these areas under the transfer to stable nature management.
Experience in analysing the landscape morphological structure based on innovative methodological approaches
Authors: Ryakhov R V , Petrishchev V P , Dubrovskaya S A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The current tendencies in studying landscape geosystems direct to increase information support of processes using innovative spatial information processing methods. The paper represents the developed complex analysis of theoretical, cartographical, and geo-informative studies, including automated decoding techniques of remote sensing data. Problems of approval of methodology and interpretation of results are considered. They were received with multi-channel segmenting of pixel images from satellite vehicles for a long-term period (1989-2018). Spectral channels of visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared diapasons were used. Parameters were identified to select territorial units on the geosystem level – the landscape province. Steppe and forest-steppe areas of the Orenburg region were chosen to conduct the study. The results were compared with existing landscape zoning. Anthropogenic factors defining the dynamics of the morphological structure of landscape geosystem were identified: subsurface and land use, abandonment of agricultural landscapes, self-restoration of inter-component and inside-landscape interconnections on steppe strips, urbanization processes. The developed algorithm promotes a maximal possible objectiveness of the conducted study at the expense of using automated mathematic methods and realization of repeated verifications of the results. The universality of the methodology promotes extrapolating its principles in areas of various natural zones.
Landscape-geochemical specifics of steppe geosystems in Baikal basin
Authors: Snytko V A , Semenov Yu M , Semenov M Yu , Silaev A V 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Landscape-geochemical studies of the steppe geosystems of the Lake Baikal catchment area revealed the spatial regularities of matter differentiation of the geosystem components and the landscape-geochemical features of geosystems at different levels of organization. The steppe geosystems occupy mainly the piedmont plain and the bottoms of the submontane and intermontane depressions. Dry steppe geosystems are confined to the lowest belt in the altitudinal zonality system. Regional and local features of landscape-geochemical differentiation of matter are diagnosed by the ratio of radial and lateral heterogeneity of the distribution of chemical elements. The steppe calcium and subtaiga sour-calcium geosystems are characterized by a weak radial contrast ratio in the content of different chemical elements in soils against the background of a well-pronounced lateral contrast, and at the contact of steppe and subtaiga geosystems. Lateral differentiation of the content of chemical elements is practically absent. Thus, at the contact of many low-mountain and piedmont landscape-geochemical systems (LGS) in the Preolkhon region, ecotones have been formed, which determine very weak differences between the soil parameters of forest and steppe geosystems. This has necessitated the display of types of conjugations (TC) on landscape-geochemical maps for a more correct reflection of the nature of the matter differentiation. In connection with the predominance of heterolithic conjugations in mountainous conditions, for a correct assessment of the lateral migration of matter, it is advisable to single out individual links of conjugated rows of facies formed on homogeneous bedrocks.
Detection of the current structural-sectoral shifts in the steppe zone regions of Russia
Authors: Sokolov A A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The current challenge of stable development in the Russian steppe zone is an imbalance of structural-sector shifts in the economy of regions entering it. The paper presents an analysis of the sectoral structure transformation in the steppe regionsб according to principal types of economic activity, including different industrial and non-production sectors (manufacturing activity, mineral production, energetics, trade, transport, agriculture, etc.). The study’s specifics consist of various methodological approaches used to determine a structural-sectoral shift: depending on specialization according to kinds of sectors and coverage. As a result, it was identified that in regions of the steppe zone, structural-sectoral reconstruction of the economy happened. It touched on a vast diapason of various sectors. The economy of the areas has passed the stage of overtaking development. The portion of the non-production sector has stably increased, simultaneously, an industrial and agricultural part, despite the reduction, has still stayed high. The regional specifics are the growth of non-production portion everywhere, a considerable increase of agro-industrial complexes in the traditionally agricultural regions, and slight changes in areas with a relatively balanced economic structure.