Архив рубрики: article-4-2022

FEATURES OF AGRICULTURAL OBJECTS OF ARID TERRITORIES OF NORTH-WESTERN MONGOLIA AND BORDER REGIONS OF TUVA

Arid Ecosystems

UDC 631.417.1 (487)

Prudnikova T.N. Features Of Agricultural Objects Of Arid Territories Of North-Western Mongolia And Border Regions Of Tuva // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 140-152. | PDF

The author’s long-term research has made it possible to attribute the traditionally pastoral arid territories of Central Asia to the areas of agriculture that was widely developed in the past.

On the territory of Central Mongolia, Tuva, numerous traces of the settled agricultural population are known – for example, the ancient settlements of the early Middle Ages.

The Ubsunur basin with scattered sands and its main watercourse, the valley of the Tes-Khem River, located in the north-west of Mongolia, were not specifically considered earlier from the point of view of the presence of ancient agriculture there.

Nevertheless, the author found traces of a real agricultural civilization on the designated territory. A variety of the irrigation systems, traces of ancient settlements and settlements, features of ancient agricultural landscapes suggest conducting full-fledged studies of the ancient history of that region, studying the consequences of anthropogenic impact on the environment.

The proposed article presents individual agricultural objects, the features of which are of great interest for understanding the history of the development of human civilization both on the territory of the Ubsunur basin, the basin of the Teshem River, and Central Asia as a whole. The work is based on the interpretation of satellite images (Google resources, free access), landscape observations, the use of geological, geographical, archaeological, historical methods, toponymy, complex soil studies. Paleogeographic characteristics are presented on the basis of carpological analyses.

Powerful anthropogenic impact on the environment (deforestation, use of agro-irrigation landscapes for pastures with subsequent overgrazing) it contributed to the degradation of soils, the lowering of groundwater, the formation of desolate landscapes, the extinction of agriculture.

The comprehensive studies of ancient agriculture developed by the author lay the foundations for landscape archaeology of arid territories of Central Asia.

The objects for research are agricultural settlements and irrigation systems in the upper reaches of the Tes-Khem River valley (Mongolia), confined to the zones of young tectonic faults, the field of development of Cenozoic basaltoids, on the absolute altitude about 1700 m, as well as a settlement in its lower reaches, consisting, according to decoding, of small clay structures, not affected by later anthropogenic impact (Mongolia). The study of land plots in the lake area is very informative. Shara-Nur (Ubsunur basin, Tuva), confined to low-lying peat bogs and torn-off soils. Wheat grains were previously found in similar torn-off soils on the territory of neighboring Mongolia.

Powerful anthropogenic impact on the environment (deforestation, use of agro-irrigation landscapes for pastures with subsequent overgrazing) it contributed to the degradation of soils, the lowering of groundwater, the formation of desolate landscapes, the extinction of agriculture.

The comprehensive studies of ancient agriculture developed by the author lay the foundations for landscape archaeology of arid territories of Central Asia.

Keywords: North-Western Mongolia, Ubsunur basin, ancient agricultural objects, traces of settlements, land plots, irrigation canals, Tsetserleg, Shara-Nur, Tes-Khem, Cenozoic volcanism.

DOI:10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-140-152

EDN:HKTOUP

MAPPING RANGELANDS OF WILD UNGULATES IN THE BARSA KELMES NATURE RESERVE (KAZAKHSTAN)

Arid Ecosystems

UDC 581.55(633.2/.3) +528.912 (574.55)

Dimeyeva L.A., Salmukhanbetova Zh.K., Malakhov D.V. MAPPING RANGELANDS OF WILD UNGULATES IN THE BARSA KELMES NATURE RESERVE (KAZAKHSTAN) // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 153-162. | PDF

The article presents a medium–scale Rangeland map of the Kaskakulan cluster area in the Barsa Kelmes Nature Reserve, where wild ungulates – kulans, saigas and goitered gazelles live. Ground and remote sensing data were used  to develop the map. The author’s methodology and a set of spectral indices were used processing satellite data. Based on the interpretation of satellite images, maps of seasonal rangeland yields have been developed which were considered in calculating the aboveground phytomass. The legend to the map is a system of headings that take into account zoning, ecological and physiognomic vegetation types and soil conditions. The types of rangelands are reflected in the legend by 15 mapping units, for each the aboveground phytomass for the seasons of the year is given.The map can be used for assessment of forage resourses of the territory and determination of the permissible number of wild ungulates to maintain ecosystems in a balanced state.

Keywords: Aral Sea, forage resourses, remote sensing, yield, medium-scale map.

Financing. The research was carried out with the financial support of the Mikael Zukkov Foundation (ScpFoundation / Greifswald, Germany) through the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

DOI: 10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-153-162

EDN: HLTHXW

HYDROECOLOGICAL CONDITION OF THE AGRAKHAN BAY AND POSSIBILITIES FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT

Arid Ecosystems

UDC 556.545, 574.5, 639.2/3

Magritsky D.V., Goncharov A.V., Moreido V.M., Samokhin M.A., Abdusamadov A.S., Kuptsov S.V., Dzhamirzoev G.S., Erina O.N., Sokolov D.I., Arkhipkin V.S., Tereshina M.A., Surkov V.V., Semenova A.A. Hydroecological Condition Of The Agrakhan Bay And Possibilities For Its Improvement // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 163-178. | PDF

In the XX century, as a result of a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, there was a significant transformation of the Agrakhan Bay on the eastern coast of the Terek Delta. The comprehensive studies carried out in 2018-2020 made it possible to identify the main causes of this degradation, characterize the current state of the reservoir and scientifically substantiate recommendations for its improvement. It is shown that as a result of shallowing and reduction of the area of the water mirror, the bay has lost its former significance as a spawning and growing reservoir that provides the Western Caspian region with young valuable commercial fish species. Catches by 2018 fell by 10 times compared to the beginning of the XX century; sturgeon, which used to be famous for the Agrakhan Bay, practically disappeared. Especially unfavorable is the state of the northern part of the bay, which has turned into a group of shallow reservoirs, little connected with each other and with the sea. And the situation continues to deteriorate every year.

The study of hydrological-morphological, hydrobiological, fishery, hydrochemical parameters showed that there is hope for improving the condition of wetlands on the site of the former bay. A detailed analysis of the water balance using multivariate limnological calculations showed that there is sufficient water for flooding and partial restoration of water bodies of the hydrographic system of the Agrakhan Bay. Clearing silted and overgrown channels, deepening and collapsing of preserved reservoirs, directing the necessary volumes of river water to the Northern and Southern Agrakhan (in accordance with the calculated supply schedule), will reduce overgrowth and siltation of water bodies, restore water exchange between them, improve water quality, revive the fisheries of the region, improve the habitat conditions of many rare and protected animal species, increase the recreational attractiveness of the region.

Keywords: Agrakhan Bay, Caspian Sea, fisheries, degradation of the bay, water quality, ecological condition, ecological rehabilitation, spawning-growing reservoirs, rare species, hydrological modeling.

Financing. The collection and analysis of materials was carried out under a state contract with the West Caspian STB No. NIR-18-01. The preparation of the article was carried out within the framework of the research of the Department of Land Hydrology of the Geographical Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University, carried out within the framework of the state task (CITIS number: 121051400038-1).

DOI: 10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-163-178

EDN: IBMCGO

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF FEMALE COPEPODS (POLYODON SPATHULA WALBAUM, 1792) WHEN PRODUCING MATURE OOCYTES FOR FOOD AND FISH BREEDING PURPOSES

Arid Ecosystems

UDC 639.311; 591.111.1

Sudakova N.V., Elnakib M.A., Rabazanov N.I. COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF FEMALE COPEPODS (POLYODON SPATHULA WALBAUM, 1792) WHEN PRODUCING MATURE OOCYTES FOR FOOD AND FISH BREEDING PURPOSES // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 179-188. | PDF

The study is aimed at assessing the state of reproductive function by fish-hematological and morphophysiological indicators of female copepods Polyodons pathula (Walbaum, 1792), which have repeatedly matured and given caviar for food and fish-breeding purposes. The work was carried out in 2019-2020 in the scientific and experimental aquaculture complex «BIOS» in the Astrakhan region. It has been established that the age of fish, the number of ripening and internerest periods are the most important factors that made it possible to compare the fish-biological indicators of female copepods that matured and gave caviar in 2020. The stability of the fatness coefficient explains the degree of reproductive activity of female copepods. There are no significant differences in morphophysiological parameters between age groups, as well as between females from which caviar of various purposes was obtained. Analysis of the leukocyte blood formula of the studied female copepods showed more lymphoid character and viscoelastic properties of leukocytes, as well as cell agglutination properties were noted when separate blood components were separated. The distribution of white blood cell types differed slightly depending on age composition (CV = 35.55 and 35.23%, P < 0.05, CV = 23.96 and 30.92%, P < 0.05, 23 and 18 years, respectively). The results of hematological studies showed that the younger generation (18 years) of female copepods from which caviar was obtained for nutritional purposes is more adapted than older ones (23 years), and the development of reproductive function is less susceptible to stress factors during maturation. A different picture is observed for fish that gave caviar for fish breeding purposes.

Keywords: female copepods, age of maturation, internerest periods, caviar yield, hemoglobin, total serum protein, leukocyte formula, reproductive function.

DOI: 10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-179-188

EDN: JBHNPI

HYDROCHEMISTRY AND HYDROBIOLOGY OF THE TECHNOGENIC RESERVOIRS OF MINING TERRITORY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN TRANSBAIKALIA

Arid Ecosystems

UDC 574.583+574.635+550.42(571.55)

Afonina E.Yu., Tashlykova N.A., Zamana L.V., Kuklin A.P., Chechel L.P., Abramova V.A. HYDROCHEMISTRY AND HYDROBIOLOGY OF THE TECHNOGENIC RESERVOIRS OF MINING TERRITORY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN TRANSBAIKALIA // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 189-200. | PDF

Water bodies of anthropogenic genesis, as a special component of the technogenic landscape, are characterized by ecological conditions that differ from natural ones. There are limited catchment area, low thickness of bottom sediments, and high content of metals, metalloids and solids. The objects of our study are various lacustrine formations formed during the development of mineral deposits in Eastern Transbaikalia. In present paper, the hydrochemical composition and hydrobiont species diversity and structure have been characterized by technogenic reservoirs of mining territories, different in formation and their purposes. Algae and zooplankton of technogenic water bodies in the arid region are being studied for the first time. The investigated waters of technogenic reservoirs have various morphometric, physical and chemical characteristics with a wide range of pH values (2.99–8.80), total dissolved solids (85.9–9065 mg/l), ore and accompanying elements. By chemical composition, water relates to sulfate and bicarbonate-sulfate one with different ratios of magnesium and calcium. The algal flora and zooplankton species diversity in the studied water bodies is low (75 taxa of plankton algae, 8 taxa of macroalgae, 63 species and subspecies of plankton invertebrates), which is obviously associated with the extreme ecological conditions, where the species richness is a consequence of the influence of physical and chemical conditions of the habitat. The micro- and macro-component composition, total mineralization are the determining factors for the Cryptophyta abundance and biomass and the content of bicarbonates determines the density of Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta, Chrysophyta, Charophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta, Dynophyta. Quantitative indicators of zooplankton are positively related to the concentration of ammonium nitrogen (for Crustacea) and negatively to pH (Rotifera).

Keywords: deposit, technogenic water bodies, hydrochemical composition, phytoplankton, macroalgae, zooplankton.

Financing. The work was carried out within the framework of the state task of fundamental scientific research, state registration no. 121032200070-2.

DOI: 10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-189-200

EDN: JMGUYF

COMMUNITIES OF PLANKTON AND BENTOS ALGAE OF HIGHLY MINERALIZED RIVERS TRIBUTARIES OF LAKE ELTON

Arid Ecosystems

UDC 582.26.574.2

Gorohova O.G., Zinchenko T.D. COMMUNITIES OF PLANKTON AND BENTOS ALGAE OF HIGHLY MINERALIZED RIVERS TRIBUTARIES OF LAKE ELTON // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 201-210. | PDF

The results of long-term (2008, 2012-2019) studies of phytoplankton and phytobenthos of seven highly mineralized rivers of the Elton region are presented. The flora of algae includes 214 taxa from 7 systematic divisions, Bacillariophyta are leading in terms of species richness and quantitative development. A comparative description of the taxonomic structure and species diversity of communities in the mineralization gradient is given. Structure-forming species were identified as widespread euryhaline taxa: Chaetoceros muelleri Lemm., Conticribra weissflogii (Grun.) S.-Suchoples et Williams, Nitzschia closterium Ehr., Halamphora coffeaeformis (Ag.) Meresch., Achnanthesbrevipes Ag. (Bacillariophyta), and also Cyanoprokaryota – Phormidium breve (Kütz. ex Gom.) Anagn. & Kom., Oscillatoria limosa Ag. ex Gom., O. tenuis Ag. ex Gom., Geitlerinema amphibium (Ag. ex Gom.) Anagn. Under conditions of critical salinity for rivers, species of the genus Dunaliella (Chlorophyta) dominate. It is shown that the abundance and biomass of algae in algocenoses vary widely and do not depend on the level of mineralization. Specific species richness is characterized by a weak negative correlation with mineralization in mesohaline rivers and significant (R = -0.50, R = -0.52, p < 0.05) in polyhaline rivers. The seasonal dynamics of plankton algocenoses is expressed in changes in the species structure, abundance, and biomass.

Keywords: salt rivers, Lake Elton, algocenoses.

Financing. The work was carried out as part of the state task «Assessment of Modern Biodiversity and Forecast of Its Changes for the Ecosystems of the Volga Basin in the Conditions of Their Natural and Anthropogenic Transformation» (AAAAA-A17-117112040040-3), with the financial support of the Russian Fundation for Basic Research (17-04-00135).

DOI: 10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-201-210

EDN: JMKBDF