Home – Home – Jornals – Contemporary Problems of Ecology 2023 number 3

We provide an analytical assessment of electrical and seismic signals of the seismoelectrical effect over a hydrocarbon deposit in the sea with seismic wave excitation using pulsed nonexplosive sources and reception by automatic underwater vehicles. The hardware complex required for the implementation of the method is described. Methods for suppressing reverberation interference are considered.

The article considers the challenges that the economic integration between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus experiences within the Union State. The roadmap project, initiated by Russia in 2018 to resume the Action Program of Russia and Belarus on the Implementation of the Provisions of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State, produced twenty-eight union programs by the end of2021. However, it remains unclear whether these programs signal the beginning of a “two countries, one market" model, as executing them requires alterations in legislation and new bilateral agreements. Additionally, transparency in the implementation of union programs is crucial. To investigate the issue, the article analyzes the responses of regional enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast to assess their readiness for working jointly with Belarusian businesses. The purpose is to examine how Sverdlovsk enterprises perceive Belarus-Russia economic integration. The results show a desire to deepen Belarus-Russia economic integration expressed by Russian citizens, on the one hand, and minimal efforts at the business level to promote this process over the past 20+ years, on the other. The article is structured into four parts. The first section discusses the issues surrounding economic integration between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, which has been slow and uneven despite the creation of the Union State. Nevertheless, both countries view the Union State as an important integration project and are likely to continue efforts to strengthen cooperation in the future. The second section provides an overview of the union programs. Despite their success, there have been issues during implementation. One of the main problems is differences in the economic structure: because of Russia’s larger and more diversified economy, countries experience tensions over pricing and access to markets, and disagreements over the pace and scope of integration. The third section outlines the research design for the field study, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives from regional enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast to understand their perception of economic integration between Russia and Belarus. The fourth and final section presents the study’s findings, indicating that regional enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast have mixed feelings about their cooperation with Belarusian colleagues. However, they are positively inclined toward further economic integration based on established business practices in Russia.

The growth of high-tech businesses (HTBs) is influenced by the scientific and innovative activities of technology companies and their interaction with the external environment. This article explores the issue at the mesolevel by examining the impact of the level of research environment development in a region on the scale of HTB activities. We also bear in mind the industry-specific characteristics of HTB advancement, dividing the sector into three groups of industries: high-tech, medium, and knowledge-intensive. Adhering to the formal definition of HTBs, we consider 17 high-tech and knowledge-intensive activities. Our analysis covers the period from 2016 to 2020 and is based on aggregated data from individual companies in the SPARK-Interfax database and official Rosstat statistics. Russian HTBs are concentrated in six developed regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Moscow Oblast, the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as Nizhny Novgorod and Samara oblasts). In addition, these regions are characterized by a high level of innovation and S&T. Companies that engage in activities such as research and development and high-tech manufacturing tend to exhibit a greater propensity for innovative behavior. This study tests two hypotheses: (1) investment in R&D is a foundation for the successful development of HTBs, and this dependence is even stronger for industries operating at a high technological level; (2) high-tech and knowledge-intensive companies are growing noticeably faster in areas where the labor force has both high skill levels and creative competences. Using regression analysis of panel data, we confirm the first hypothesis. Although there is no formal confirmation for the second one, the analysis highlights the importance of HTB staffing, as companies face an acute shortage of qualified personnel. Overall, our findings suggest a significant relationship between the state of the region’s research environment and the scale of HTB activities in the Russian economy in a stable environment.

The article focuses on the development of export infrastructure for grain produced in the Siberian Federal District. The research aims to assess Siberia’s position in grain production and export from Russia, determine the efficiency of grain production in the main exporting regions, and evaluate the key elements of the grain export infrastructure in the district. The research aims to assess Siberia’s position in grain production and export from Russia, identify the main exporting regions within the district, and evaluate the efficiency of their grain production. It also seeks to systematize the elements of grain export infrastructure and assess its most critical elements in the Siberian Federal District. The research further explores the potential prospects for grain export in the district and uses this information to develop and justify methodological approaches for the development of export infrastructure. We identify the countries that consume wheat, oats, and barley produced in the region up to 2022 and address several issues: export-related challenges faced by the southernmost region of Siberia, Altai Krai, which is the primary grain supplier; problems associated with the use of seaports and international transport, the utilization of grain storage facilities in exporting regions, and small business participation in export operations. This article presents a case for a planned and forecast-based development of the grain market and infrastructure in the district. It discusses the role of information technologies in implementing this approach and presents an analysis of the existing IT infrastructure elements in the region. We also describe the commercial associations of grain exporters in the district and outline the tasks of the interregional association for further activities. The study highlights the strongest aspects of the grain export infrastructure in Siberian regions, which could help in the development of a common infrastructure. It identifies the most promising countries for consuming Siberian grain and proposes an organizational structure for an information ecosystem to support infrastructure for grain exports in the district. Our work is based on 2017-2022 data, obtained from the state statistics system, regional agriculture and food ministry reports, and publicly available sources.

The article attempts to explore death as a social phenomenon, where statistical indicators of mortality are provided only to describe their nationwide, regional, and ethnic scopes. Focusing on the social aspects of the causes of death, we divide them into the diseases of the flesh, diseases of the spirit, and diseases of society. Among the latter, highlighted is the impact of the unstable and inconsistent situation in Russia and the crisis of family relationships on mortality rates. We also present evidence of a steady variation in the spatial distribution of mortality, which can be attributed not only to living conditions in specific areas but also to ethnic factors, such as the outstripping decline of the Russian population. The article acknowledges the significant role of Russian geographers in the study of the relationship between mortality and specific socio-economic and other factors of different territories, i.e., the geodemographic doctrine. Furthermore, it discusses the causes and forms of the changing attitudes toward death. The covered topics are closely linked to the unique challenges associated with aging and old age in Russia, which will be brought to light in a subsequent publication.

The article aims to analyze the sociocultural foundations that shape the so-called “subjectness" of regional communities in modern Russia and identify their potential and limitations in increasing the autonomy of the Russian Federation’s constituent entities in constructing social reality. To achieve this, we draw upon the identity theory developed by several foreign and domestic researchers, as well as the sociocultural dynamics theory by P. Sorokin. The research is based on an empirical sociological study, “Renovation of Sociocultural Constants as a Factor of Reproduction and Development of Regional Communities," conducted by the authors in Belgorod Oblast in 2021. The study included three methods of data collection. Firstly, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 500 participants, picked by their place of residence, gender, and age - a zoned quota sampling technique. Secondly, an expert survey was carried out involving 30 experts, who were selected based on their research experience in sociology, as well as their published works on topics related to the sociology of culture and the sociology of region. Finally, the researchers conducted focus-group interviews with 32 participants divided into three groups: youth, employees of budget institutions in the sociocultural field, and mass media workers. The study revealed that most respondents were not willing to identify themselves with the region, and they had doubts about the existence of a community formed within its borders. Therefore, we conclude that identity plays an insignificant role as a prerequisite for establishing subjectness in regional communities. Additionally, examining the participants’ dispositions allows a fairly critical assessment of the potential for increasing the level of subjectness within the regional community. This is done through the actualization of a specific axiological-normative complex, consisting of values, norms, and behavior patterns that can facilitate the consolidation or integration of the society.

The article examines migration attitudes in the North Caucasus republics, which are some of Russia’s primary regions that lose population due to migration. The study aims to identify the economic and sociocultural factors that influence residents when it comes to relocating to another Russian constituent entity or country. We hypothesize that migration attitudes in the North Caucasus are linked to negative evaluations of the region’s socio-economic development dynamics and cultural factors such as the level of trust, traditionalist views, and conformity. To test these hypotheses, a representative telephone survey was conducted among 1,419 residents from Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria. The results of the regression analyses based on the data obtained demonstrate that the main factor influencing migration attitudes is socio-economic indicators associated with the possibility of self-fulfillment in the home region. Those who have a lower assessment of the quality of education and institutional environment in the region, when controlling for sociodemographic factors, were more likely to support leaving the North Caucasus. Willingness to relocate is directly related to the perception of working for a large company as an optimal life strategy, which is especially evident among young people. The analysis found that trust indicators (bonding social capital for elders and bridging social capital for youth) and traditionalist views of respondents are statistically significant and negatively affect migration attitudes. However, the analysis did not confirm the hypothesis regarding the influence of conformism and nonconformism. The study’s findings provide insight into the reasons behind North Caucasus residents’ migration and identify primary potential measures to curb the outflow of skilled labor from the region.

This article examines the role of culture as a key factor and resource in promoting regional competitiveness, focusing on Perm Krai. It discusses various approaches used to evaluate regional competitiveness and highlights examples of other countries where culture was instrumental in attracting human capital. The study aims to determine the impact of the cultural factor on the human capital development of Perm Krai by conducting interviews with experts and surveying local students. Moreover, we also analyze statistical data reflecting the cultural development trends in Perm Krai between 2005 and 2020, including the “Perm - Capital of Culture" project from 2008 to 2012. The research findings suggest that culture could be a critical driver of regional development in the competition for human capital. Finally, we evaluate the cultural situation in Perm Krai and identify the main factors contributing to the region’s competitive advantage and prospects for its development.

The purpose of this study is to scientifically substantiate an integrated methodology for assessing the socio-economic effectiveness of comprehensive investment projects (CIPs) that follows sustainable development principles and international evaluation approaches. This is achieved by examining investment projects aimed at creating innovative infrastructure in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) as a case study. The object of this study is the CIPs implemented in the FEFD. The subject of the study is the set of forecast socio-economic effects and outcomes resulting from the implementation of these investment projects for innovation infrastructure in the region. The article discusses the main ways the government supports CIPs in the FEFD and explores different approaches to evaluating these projects. To enhance sustainable regional development and maximize positive socio-economic impacts, we analyze existing and suggest new methods for assessing and planning the implementation of CIPs. We study the economic characteristics and types of effects generated by these projects. Additionally, our research looks at foreign approaches to evaluating the public (economic) efficiency of investment projects and offers a critical analysis of domestic methods used for assessing and selecting investment projects for state support. The article also addresses the challenges and features of methodological support for evaluating the public (economic) efficiency of CIPs. We introduce a scientific novelty by adapting existing domestic and foreign methodological approaches and modifying relevant tools to achieve the goal of the study. Moreover, we conduct experimental calculations on the Russky Island ISTC Project, resulting in a quantitative assessment of its societal effectiveness based on the types of effects generated. The study’s findings will enhance the accuracy of decision-making regarding budget investments and state support measures for individual projects. It will also provide a systematic framework for prioritizing the portfolio of existing and prospective projects (with a state support reorientation on projects maximizing public benefit). Furthermore, the study will contribute to improving the structure of initiated projects in favor of more societally effective implementation options.

This article emphasizes the importance of Eurasian ideas in the current global upheavals and the need to determine Russia’s prospects for development. These ideas are not clearly defined, so we focus on the classic Eurasianism teachings, specifically on what Eurasia is, the essence of Eurasianism, and Eurasian integration. The paper critically evaluates the Greater Eurasia project, which advocates for the whole Eurasian continent from Lisbon to Vladivostok as a strategic direction for Russia’s geopolitics. It is argued that Russia ’s internal development and intra-Eurasian and cross-border interactions are crucial for strengthening Russia’s potential and successful Eurasian integration. This should be a priority of state policy and consistent with the fundamental ideas of the founders of Eurasianism, an ideological and political movement, as well as Russia’s current and future interests, including national security. We identify institutional, economic, socio-cultural, and informational factors necessary for successful intra-Eurasian integration. The paper also suggests the spiritual-ecological model of development as a promising strategy for the civilizational future of Russia and the entire Eurasian sociocultural space, with Siberia playing a key role in the upcoming transformations. The sociocultural approach is the primary methodological tool used to address these issues, utilizing the resources of its two main interpretations: valuative and reflexive. The study utilizes the findings from a secondary analysis of earlier sociological research conducted under our supervision in different loci of the Eurasian world, along with an online survey administered to university students in five major Siberian cities. These data are employed to support specific overarching conclusions regarding respondents’ value orientations and perceptions of civilization. The conclusions presented may be of interest to legislat ive and executive authorities in reformatting Russia’s domestic and foreign policy priorities in the current geopolitical situation.

This article explores the dynamics and structure of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the East of Russia, specifically considering the impact of the economic shocks caused by COVID-19 in 2020-2021. We aim to understand the FDI dynamics since 2014-2015, including their spatial and sectoral distribution, to identify any shifts that occurred during the pandemic, and to find the amount of FDI the eastern territories acquired at the beginning of 2022. Overall, FDI in the form of capital participation increased across Russia during the period under review, with the Far East experiencing a higher growth rate than the rest of the country. Conversely, in Siberia, FDI share has declined, largely due to capital withdrawal from raw materials projects. The sectoral composition of FDI in Russia has undergone changes since 2014. Specifically, the share of FDI in commodity sectors has increased by over 150%, while in the manufacturing industry, it has decreased almost threefold. During and immediately after the pandemic, the decline in FDI in manufacturing sectors in the East of Russia was significantly lower, and by 2022, their volume had increased by 70% compared to 2015. Overall, the impact of the pandemic on FDI in Russia was not severe, and the eastern regions were even less affected. By 2022, FDI volumes in almost all sectors had recovered and, in some cases, drastically exceeded the 2015 levels. After comparing the dynamics of trade turnover with the Asia-Pacific countries, we can conclude that the high demand for goods and resources, which generates import-export flows between Russia and these countries, is not being effectively translated into productive cooperation in the form of FDI. This finding should be considered when developing policies for international economic cooperation following the 2022 sanctions.

This article examines the environmental and economic development issues in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, specifically in areas of Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic. The goal is to identify the challenges and unique characteristics of Arctic territories within these two regions. The study utilizes a comparative approach, analyzing data from a focused sociological survey of the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the area against official departmental statistics and enterprise data. The data were processed using SPSS software, as well as sociological and statistical methods. The conclusive analytical findings were derived from a synthesis of various academic disciplines encompassing spatial economics, economic sociology, the sustainable development concept, and the dialectical approach. The results provide insights from the population of the Arctic territories within Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic, specifically, the public’s assessment of the state of the environment in their direct places of residence, and at the regional, national, and global levels. We identify the specific ways in which the dynamics of the environment are perceived within each territory, as well as determine and compare with official data the sources of major perceived threats to the environmental well-being of these areas. Additionally, the study evaluates the level of satisfaction with the state of key environmental components. This research is scientifically important due to the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the results, which were achieved through the application of a wide range of tools. It contributes to the scientific study of environmental and economic issues related to the development of Russia’s Arctic Zone. Moreover, the study is relevant as a foundation for further scientific research, including those utilizing theories of reasoned action, “values-beliefs-norm, " and other similar approaches. Its practical significance lies in the need to establish an analytical framework for addressing environmental and economic considerations in the development of the Russian Arctic, which is crucial due to the growing ecological risks and new economic challenges.

Knowledge of the age structure of plant populations is important for assessing the current state and predicting the population dynamics and related components of phytocenoses, since the load on the environment is different for different age groups. According to the scheme of age periodization of plant ontogenesis proposed by T. A. Rabotnov and A. A. Uranov, about a dozen main ontogenetic states are distinguished. Accordingly, each population sample represents an ordered row of frequencies of these states - the so-called ontogenetic spectrum. However, there are ambiguous interpretations of the role of some ontogenetic states in the classification of cenopopopulations, as well as statistical problems of estimating the profiles of ontogenetic spectra. A unification of approaches to typification of the age structure and indices of plant cenopopulations, based on the reduction of the ontogenetic spectrum to a standard scale of development periods - pregenerative, generative, and postgenerative, is proposed. From these perpespectives, classical types of cenopopopulations (invasive, regressive, invasive-regressive, and normal), different variants of normal cenopopopulations, age structure indices, and possible irregularity of the period scale are considered.

The review is devoted to the current environmental problem - a reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. A significant proportion of carbon is known to be deposited in the soil cover. Measures are being discussed in a many countries to promote carbon sequestration depending on the land use, because soils and forests, along with the world’s oceans, are the main stores of CO₂. Different land use issues (virgin lands, arable land, pasture and forest lands) are covered in connection with the problem of greenhouse gas emissions. Data on the land cultivation: zero; standard with and without plant residues; using biochar; microalgae are given. A comparative analysis using biomarkers on a pasture with mixed herbage, arable land with rapeseed, soil under willow have been considered in order to determine microorganisms assimilating carbon from rhizosphere deposits of various plants. Some sources evident the hydrolysable lipids constitute a high share of the soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation in forests, in contrast to phenols of lignin. The former substances are actively accumulated with the decreasing of soil pH, increasing of reactive iron, aluminum, and lignin oxidation. SOC is higher in a silt and clay fractions as compared to the sandy ones due to it absorbance in aggregates. Hence, it was proposed to use the finely dispersed mineral fraction as a key element to determine carbon stabilization in most soils. Carbonates play an important role in carbon sequestration, accounting for approximately 40 % of carbon stored in the world soils. They are the main component of carbon storage in arid regions. Attention to the radical improvement of pastures is given - inversion treatment (FIT). The methodical issues to detect SOC by remote distance (RD) technique are given. Reflected shortwave radiation in the upper atmosphere (TOA) practice has shown a great potential for climate mitigation through the cultivation of a cover crop with high albedo and a lack of chlorophyll.

Climate change contributes to increased attention on factors determined the dynamics of biogeochemical processes in active layer of biosphere (seasonally thawing/freezing soils) on the border with permafrost. There are geological, geomorphic, weather conditions associated with atmospheric precipitations, which determine the differences in the segregation and depth of permafrost thawing in different regions. Research area is Bureya River Basin with intermittent distribution of permafrost within unique landscape units - marshes. It is formed in swampy, poorly drained areas, where the active soil layer is in contact with permafrost, and has a direct impact on the quality of surface waters. The results of the study include the information about composition of water in different order tributaries by hydrochemical parameters; spectral characteristics of soluble organic matters (OM) in water extracts of soils from different horizons of the active layer; assessment of the activity of microbial complexes in relation to humic substances depending on the permafrost depth. The heterogeneity of landscapes is an important factor influencing the transport of OM into watercourses. Microbial complexes of the active layer involved in the transformation of humic substances played a decisive role in changing the composition of soluble OM. It was experimentally shown that temperature influences the qualitative composition of humic metabolism products, including the ratio between aliphatic, aromatic fragments and chromophore groups responsible for the color of natural waters.

Changes in the timing of bird migration can be tracked if there is data on the timing of bird migration collected from the same methodology. The bird ringing is a source of such data. Combination of two methods of registration migratory birds - observation and catch - provide more accurate data about first meeting of migratory species in the study area. The article deals with three parameters of spring migration: the first registration, the median of span and the last registration of the species (average values for 2015-2018) for 48 species of migratory birds according to capture and observation data around Baikal Bird Ringing Station (the south-east coast of lake Baikal). Comparison of the timing of the beginning of spring migration of 17 bird species in some areas of Baikal (Irkutsk region, southeastern and northeastern coasts of Baikal) showed that 13 species of birds arrive on the southeastern coast of Baikal 2-20 days earlier. Determined that changes in date of the first record are insignificant for 13 species of birds (±3 days). These species are most perspective for long-term monitoring of climate and population changes.

The article presents a generalization of the results of studying the long-term history of paleofires in the world and on the territory of Russia specifically. Perspective and reliable methods for reconstructing the local and regional dynamics of paleofires - micro- and macro-charcoal analyzes, are considered. In the article, we analyze approaches to the study of paleofires, methods of processing and identifying micro- and macroscopic charcoal particles, including the state-of-the-art software tools for their identification (“The Charcoal Quantification Tool”, “WinSEEDLETM”) and analysis (“CharAnalysis”) based on a review of world and Russian scientific achievements. In addition, the possibilities of modern international paleofire databases (Global Charcoal Database, Reading Palaeofire Database), which contain up-to-date information on local and regional paleofire data in the Holocene, are considered here. The results of the study of paleofires globally and on the territory of Russia in particular are analyzed and possible research directions along with fire reconstruction issues are highlighted. The review of Russian publications has shown that the central and south part of the East European Plain, as well as the southeast of Western Siberia, are the most studied regions in terms of reconstructing the dynamics of paleofires. Few similar studies were carried out in the Urals Mts., Eastern Siberia and the Far East, but most of the regions of Russia remain unstudied in this regard. In recent years, Russian researchers are mainly focused on the study of local fire dynamics based on the use of macro-charcoal analysis. The analysis of international paleofire databases (Global Charcoal Database, Reading Palaeofire Database) shows that these data need to be radically revised in relation to key sites in Russia. The authors present a generalized map-scheme of Russia indicating the key areas where paleofire dynamics were reconstructed using micro- or macro-charcoal analyzes.

In this study firstly reports the founding of the liver fluke O. felineus into the ide Leuciscus idus in the Chany Lakes system in the south of Western Siberia. The Prevalence O. felineus among the ide at the mouth of the Chulym river inflowing to Chany Lake was 1.6 ± 1.57 % in 2019 and 4 ± 2.29 % in 2020 and 5.3 ± 5.1 % in Lake Bolshie Chany. Trematode O. felineus were registered in ide during the period of water level rise and a decreasing in the water mineralization. Four other studied by us cyprinid species (roach, bream, golden carp, silver carp) the infection with opisthorchids did not found. Earlier, in the Chany lakes system and in the estuarine of inflowing rivers the Kargat and Chulym rivers, the trematode O. felineus, the causative agent of diseases of the liver and bile ducts of humans and piscivorous mammals, was not registered in cyprinids. The relationship between the prevalence of the liver fluke O. felineus in the reservoirs of the Chany Lakes system with cyclic fluctuations in the water level and the associated changes in hydrochemical parameters and general water mineralization as well as the zoonotic risk to consumers is considered, since the ide is used as food by the population.

The ecological, morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of representatives of the genus Galium (Rubiaceae) have been studied. The objects of study are the hybrid (notovid) Galium × affrenum (Klokov) Ostapko (=notovid) and its parent species G. ruthenicum Willd. and G. octonarium (Klokov) Pobed. s. l. G. × affrenum habitually is closer to G. ruthenicum, but he differs in the color of the flower. Using the method of artificial neural networks, it was shown that, according to the physiological and biochemical characteristics, the notovid is closer to the parent species G. octonarium. The leaf biomass of G. × affrenum is characterized by an increased content and greater variability in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and lipid metabolism, which may be the key to its greater stability and viability.

The aim of the study was to develop an approach to the quantitative assessment of interspecific relationships nature in soil micromycetes. The studies were carried out in the northern forest-steppe of West Siberia by conventional and author’s methods. It has been established, that during 2020-2022 the phytopathogenic mycocenosis of underground and generative organs of cultivated and wild-growing cereals was characterized by stability: the main phytopathogens were Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc. Shom. and Fusarium Link. fungi, whose occurrence was close to 100 %. The total number of micromycete species on underground organs was 13, on generative organs - 8. The biological diversity of fungi was maximal in humid conditions, a change in the dominance of the moisture-loving F. poae (Peck.) Wollenw. by drought-resistant F. oxysporum Schltdl. was revealed. The coefficients of the species composition commonality of Fusarium root rot pathogens reflected the degree of the weather factors contrast during vegetation. The succession of Fusarium fungi in the system of plant organs according to the phases of vegetation was revealed, The quantitative parameters of their realized ecological niches overlapping were also determined. The study of pairwise interspecific relationships of micromycetes by the method of counter cultures, thanks to the development of a new original scale for the quantitative assessment of the interaction of species, made it possible to identify the most competitive species. Competition was expressed in a decrease in the rate of radial growth of colonies (up to 2.5 times), significant morphological deviations from pure cultures (up to 7 characters out of 10), in the formation of a lysis zone more than 7 mm wide (maximum 12 mm), and also in a change in the intensity of sporulation both in the direction of stimulation (up to a maximum of 20 times) and oppression (up to a maximum of 30 times). Within the studied combinations, competitive relations were identified in 46.4 % of cases, and neutral - in 53.6 %.

The resistance of Populus alba × P. bolleana No.7, P. alba × P. bolleana No.12 и P. davidiana × P. bolleana cv. Baichen 1 to osmotic stress in vitro has been investigated. Hybrid No. 7 was shown to tolerate up to 250 mM d-mannitol, whereas Baichen 1 variety only up to 50 mM d-mannitol in the nutrient medium after a 30-day culture period. Hybrid No. 12 remained viable at d-mannitol concentrations up to 150 mM. The use of d-mannitol significantly reduced the parameters of the leaf blade (length, width, leaf area) only in hybrid No. 7, for the rest of the samples the differences were insignificant (p < 0.05). The introduction of the osmotic component led to a decrease in the fresh and dry weight of all the studied samples by 1.7-2.2 times, while the water content of the tissues remained practically unchanged. The results of this study were confirmed by micromorphological parameters (stomatal apparatus and pubescence) in relation to drought tolerance. Poplar Baichen 1 was characterized by the weakest pubescence and the highest density of stomata (155.44 pieces/mm²), poplar No. 7 - the most dense pubescence and the smallest number of stomata per unit area (127.75 pieces/mm²). No direct relationship was found between the impact of osmotic stress and the number and size of stomata in the studied samples. We have shown that the studied poplar hybrids have different resistance to osmotic stress under in vitro conditions. More drought-tolerant hybrid No. 7 can be recommended for landscaping urban areas with increased anthropogenic pressure.

Monitoring studies of the impact of various types of industrial pollution on ecosystems using the histomorphological method have been carried out. The stages of formation and development of changes in the main body systems in mouse-like rodents living near the rivers of the industrial district of Norilsk are noted. Despite the external well-being, numerous structural, morphological pathologies were found in the organs and tissues of the examined mice living in contaminated areas. Disorders in the organs of hematopoiesis, an imbalance of the organs of the endocrine system, may be the result of a breakdown of stabilizing mechanisms, or accelerated depletion of the reserve capabilities of the studied systems.

The changes in the specific growth rate, fluorescent, cytometric and morphological parameters of the green microalgae Dunaliella salina were evaluated when copper ions were added to the culture medium at a concentration of 0-3750 µg/L. The growth rate is the most sensitive parameter of algae to the action of copper, its decrease was noted at the concentration of the pollutant above 150 µg/L, the death of the culture - at 1500 µg/L and above. The number of algae cells in the stationary phase of growth naturally decreases with an increase in the copper content in the medium from 150 to 3750 µg/L. It was found that copper does not affect the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus of algae at concentrations that do not lead to the death of the culture. A decrease in the values of the maximum quantum yield of fluorescence, non-photochemical quenching of fluorescence and the maximum relative electronic transport rate below the optimal values can be used as an indicator of the lethal effect of the studied pollutant on D. salina. At a copper concentration of 750 µg/L and above, it was noted: an increase in cell volume, an increase in the number of spherical cells, deformation and perforation of the plasmalemma, the predominance of deformed cells of irregular shape, a twofold decrease in the intracellular content of chlorophyll a and the specific yield of fluorescence per chlorophyll a.

A quantitative assessment of the dynamics of the degree of continentality of Russia at the beginning of the 21^st century has been made on four aspects: territorial, population distribution, production and economic, and activity. A noticeable decrease of this degree in terms of basic territorial and settlement aspects was revealed, which indicates a change in the trend of settlement processes from “continentalization” in the last century to “marinization” in the current one. A direct contribution to the decrease of the degree of continentality of the country was made mainly by interregional shifts of the population: its inflow to coastal zones and outflow from ultracontinental zones as well as an increase in the area of coastal territories due to the annexation of the Crimea and accounting as a number of ports all year round. On the other hand, a pronounced relationship between the tendencies of population displacement to the sea and the rise in maritime economic activity has not been established. Evaluation of the production and economic aspect showed that indicators of traditional material production, on the contrary, are characterized by an increase of the degree of continentality. The discrepancy between the dynamics of the settlement and production and economic aspects is explained by the multidirectionality in the deep regions of key processes, such as industrial development and settlement: the growth of the former goes with the reduction of the latter. An analysis of the activity aspect characterizing the scale of the maritime economy shows extremely sharp disproportions between the growth in the cargo turnover of the country’s seaports and the decline in the volume of its maritime transport, which is manifested in the very weak presence of the Russian merchant fleet in the World Ocean. It has been suggested that a radical aggravation of the geopolitical situation can stop the processes of “marinization” in the settlement aspect and turn the trend back to the “continentalization” of the country.

An analysis of interannual variability in surface air temperature of the summer season for separate regions of Russia as well as for most of its territory between 1930 and 2020 was performed. For the analysis, average daily air temperature data from 526 stations of the Roshydromet observation network and the ECMWF-ERA and NOAA-CIRES reanalyses have been used. Based on the meteorological station’s observations and on the calculated number of days with extreme temperature values, the spatio-temporal distribution of ground air temperature for separate summer months and for the summer season as a whole were evaluated. It was established that over the past 60 years, the number of days with extremely high temperatures increased by a factor of 1.5 in most of Russia, with the largest number of such days occurring in July. Both the secular records of average monthly air temperature in the summer months as well as the absolute maximum temperature were established to be extreme. For the selected 30-year-long periods of instrumental observations, the maximum air temperature exceeded +39 °C in some regions of Russia. It is shown that abnormally hot years have been unprecedented in the history of meteorological observations in Russia in terms of both record temperature values and the duration. The temperature regime of most areas of Russia is characterized by a spatio-temporal inhomogeneity. The analysis of temporal variation of extreme air temperature values suggests that the circumpolar and high-mountain areas were characterized by a fall in temperature in the summer months, whereas the temperate climate zones and southern regions of the country undergo a rise in temperature. It was established that at the end of the 20^th to early 21^st centuries, the number of days with extremely high surface air temperature increased in the territory of Russia, which may be a precondition for the occurrence of dangerous meteorological phenomena.

A bioclimatic justification is made for the diversity and structure of vegetation cover of the Russian mountains. On the basis of identifying the climatopes of the altitudinal-belt subdivisions underlying the spectra of mountain systems and analyzing a related development of vegetation cover of orobiomes with climatic conditions, the possibilities for its formation within the framework of altitudinal spectra have been determined. A global CHELSA model has been used to obtain reference bioclimatic parameters. The average annual temperature, the temperature of July and January, annual precipitation and precipitation of July, radiation balance, continentality index and ombrothermic index of July have been used as key bioclimatic parameters. A diversity of altitudinal-belt subdivisions (belts and sub-belts) has been determined on the basis of the altitudinal zonation of vegetation and the hierarchical structure of the botanical diversity of mountains and the types of zonation formed by them. On the basis of calculating the mean values and standard deviations of heat and moisture availability within the entire climatic area occupied by background communities in terms of orobiomes, their climatopes have been determined and a clustering has been carried out. As a result of comparing the climatopes at higher hierarchical levels, thermoclimates (extremely cold, very cold, cold, moderately cold, and moderately warm), and ombroclimates (moderately continental humid, moderately continental very humid, continental humid, and extracontinental semi-humid) have been determined. Mapping of climatope diversity made it possible to determine the relationship between the typological structure of altitudinal-belt spectra of vegetation with modern climate on a unified ecosystem basis.

This article assesses the current state of the environmental sphere of the Asian part of Russia from the standpoint of its compliance with these principles and conditions of the formation of a “green” economy. Statistical data of Rosstat, and information from annual State reports “On the state and environmental protection of the Russian Federation” were used in the analysis. It is shown that in spite of the statistical decrease in the volume of annual emissions of air pollutants and polluted wastewater, there is an increase in the concentrations of some types of pollutants. The situation is particularly alarming with waste management: over ten years (before 2019) the annual volume of their generation increased by more than a factor of 2. Specific (per capita) volumes of atmospheric emissions, discharge of polluted wastewater and waste generation exceed the average Russian level by factors of 2.31, 1.04 and 4.19, respectively. There occurs a more intense influence of greenhouse gas emissions on climate warming than in Russia as a whole. For example, Yakutia has the greatest climate warming in the world over the past 60 years. The strongest negative impact of adverse environmental factors on the health of the population is observed in Krasnoyarsk krai and in Irkutsk and Kemerovo oblasts. It is concluded that the current situation in Asian Russia contradicts the principles of sustainable development. The article notes the need to restructure institutional mechanisms for regulating environmental activities in order to increase the sustainability of the development of the Asian part of Russia.

We examine extreme natural processes and hazardous phenomena which are observed in the Far Eastern region: earthquakes, tsunamis, avalanches, mudflows, cryogenic processes, extreme low temperatures, floods, thunderstorms, fires, snow storms, fogs, water erosion, karst, glaciers, etc. Various territorial combinations of these processes and phenomena have been identified. Spatial coverage of the research is a macroregion which is considered as an aqua-territorial region of Pacific Russia, including the territory and adjacent water areas within the 200-mile maritime exclusive zone. This aqua-territorial macroregion is characterized by active regional environmental management, including the utilization of natural resources of the coastal land and resources of marine waters. However, many extreme natural processes and hazardous phenomena occurring within marine areas have a negative impact on coastal land. An assessment is made of the territorial and aqua-territorial combinations of the extreme natural processes and hazardous phenomena in Pacific Russia. We constructed maps of several versions of zoning according to the difference of combinations of extreme natural processes and hazardous phenomena, including their 25 types. We identified 10 types of territories of Pacific Russia with various combinations of these phenomena and processes, and their generalized characteristics are provided.

The results of vehicle noise measurements at 10 key areas in Moscow in 2019 with crossed meso- and micro-relief of the terrain in the article are presented. The measurements were carried out synchronously near the road and at different distances from it - at the breakpoints of the hypsometric profile. Paired measurements made it possible to estimate the amount of traffic noise damping (reduction). At the same time, noise suppression was determined instrumentally and verified by computer simulation for a sub-horizontal surface. All this made it possible to assess the influence of the earth’s surface on the traffic noise spread. This effect is estimated at values up to 17 dBA (sound damping due to the noise protection function of the relief). On the series of profiles increasing in noise level was recorded due to the accumulation effect, when the facing noise source relief facets return not absorbed by the surface sound energy and increase the noise level relative to the nominal (for subhorizontal surfaces) by 2-4 dBA. However, the influence of the relief is mostly reducing with average damping rates of 5 dBA over the entire length of the profile (40-120 m in various cases), regardless of the particular profile shape. It is shown that on convex kinks of the surface (terrain brows, ridges) even sub-meter elevation differences are expressed in statistically significant changes in the noise level of the order of 1.5 dBA over the error of sound level meters. At the same time, the influence of the relief is more significant than more dissected Earth’s surface near the road (the first tens of meters). A distance of about 150 m from a separate sound source in an urban environment.

The aim of this article is to study changes in the volume and composition of discharged wastewater, the pollutants they contain, as well as water quality in the Don River basin over a long period. It is found that discharges of sewage, mine and collector and drainage waters into the surface water bodies of the Don River basin have decreased almost twice, i. e. from 4.4 to 2.4 km³ over 25 years. The proportion of polluted wastewater decreased from 30.4 to 21.8 %. It is established that in 2020 only every sixth cubic meter of water requiring treatment was treated up to the standards. It is shown that the amount of major pollutants discharged with wastewater during 1995-2020 decreased dramatically. Within the Don River basin as a whole, the discharge of petroleum products decreased by a factor of 6.6; copper, iron, and sulfates decreased by a factor of 4-4.5; biochemical oxygen demand decreased by a factor of 2.8, and the mass of dry residue by a factor of 3.1. At the same time there was a significant increase in the discharge of two substances: nitrates (by a factor of 2.8), and ammonium nitrogen (by a factor of 1.5). The water quality along the stem stream of the Don River both improved and deteriorated. During 2010-2020 the water quality in almost the entire upper and middle Don improved: the quality classes and ranks did not always change, but the value of the specific combinatorial index of water pollution decreased. In the lower reaches of the Don River, the water quality deteriorated. In the Voronezh River basin, the discharge of iron and copper with wastewater decreased by a factor of 8.8 and 4.7; the discharge of organic substances, oil products, sulfates and chlorides decreased by a factor of 3-3.2, and the discharge of dry residue and ammonia nitrogen by a factor of 2-2.3. However, the water quality in the outlet section of the Voronezh reservoir was deteriorating for most of the ingredients. A similar situation was observed in the Severskii Donets River basin. Despite the reduction of the controlled mass of discharged pollutants, there were no improvement of surface water quality in both the stem stream of the Don River and the basins of its large tributaries. This indicates an increase of pollution coming from diffuse sources and bottom sediments.

A comprehensive assessment is made of the impact of coal mines on ecosystems in the water protection zone surrounding the urban-type settlement of Beringovskii (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug). Ground and soils have been investigated, and the chemical composition of surface water bodies and vegetation cover have been assessed. It was established that the area of operation of the Beringovskaya and Nagornaya mines and the coal storage area are characterized by an almost complete absence of soil and vegetation cover, and by a disturbance of the regime of surface and underground waters. The territory has retained only small areas typical for the lower parts of the slopes of the middle mountains in the southern hypoarctic tundras but significantly depleted in composition. We discovered a habitat of lichen previously unknown on Chukotka, which is included in the regional and federal Red Data Books: Cetraria kamczatica Savicz. Concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb) in the soil, plants, and lichens exceed background levels and are due to long-term technogenic impacts. The high values of the water pollution index in the Yasha River are determined by the concentrations of phosphates, nitrogen, aluminum, iron, and manganese. According to fish protection standards, the Yasha River water corresponds to the following classes: dirty, very dirty, and extremely dirty; Ugolnaya River water, to the class dirty, and the unnamed Lake, to the class moderately dirty. The content of biogenic elements and heavy metals in surface fresh waters depends mainly on anthropogenic pollution of the catchment area of the rivers: household wastewater from the urban-type settlement of Beringovskii, old abandoned settlements, a considerable number of inactive industrial and military facilities, construction and other waste, etc. The level of seawater pollution was caused by the increased content of iron and chromium. It is concluded that there is a need for regular environmental monitoring, reclamation of disturbed areas and restoration of the watercourses system and drainage on the territory.

A morphometric analysis is made of the relief for the mountainous territory located in Western Cisbaikalia: the Primorskii Range, the landscapes of which have been transformed for a long time under the influence of the pyrogenic factor. Under such conditions, it becomes relevant to determine the relationships between the geomorphological conditions of the territory and the distribution of post-pyrogenic landscapes, as well as the possibility of using the results obtained in landscape mapping. The basis for maps of surface curvature was provided by a digital elevation model based on ALOS radiometer data with a resolution of 30 m. Using geoinformation analysis, maps of the steepness and exposure of slopes, and horizontal, vertical curvature were obtained, and the statistical coefficients of these indicators for the study area were determined. To determine the degree of influence of geomorphological conditions on the distribution of post-pyrogenic landscapes, the geomorphological map was compiled, a typizaion of the relief was carried out according to the altitudinal layers, and a correlation with corresponding types of locations was determined. At this stage of the research, the following connections were revealed between the geomorphological heterogeneity of the local relief and the nature of the spread of fire: in some cases, river valleys became barriers to the spread of fire (their summit parts are usually not affected by fire). Another option for barriers are the ridges located across slopes; thus the orientation of orographic relief elements can be designated as a limiting factor in the spread of fires. The prevailing south-eastward exposure of the macroslope of the Primorskii Range which coincided with the north-westward direction of the main air transport, became an intensifying factor in the spread.

Results of comprehensive geochronological, geological and geomorphological studies of the Pleistocene glaciations of the Baikal and Barguzin Ridges are presented. In spite of the fragmentation and disunity of geological cross-sections of glacier formations of Pleisatocene glaciations on these ridges, the factual evidence accumulated to date concerning the morphology of the glacier relief, the geological cross-sections of glacier formations and scant absolute datings make it possible to generalize these data. Field measurements were made in the foothill area of the aforementioned ridges as well as in the Baikal and Barguzin rift valleys. Remote geomorphological studies were used extensively and included the analysis of topographic maps of various scales, interpretation of aerial and satellite photographs, and aerial visual flights on airplanes and helicopters with landings to refine interpretation data, study geological cross-sections and collect samples. Thermoluminescence dating confirmed that the remains of large theriofauna found on a high 50-80-meter terrace in the delta of the Tyya are of Middle Pleistocene age. Single dates were obtained from the deposits of the Tyya glacier of the maximum Middle Pleistocene glaciation, Eopleistocene sediments lying at the base of the Rel-Tyya intermediate stage, as well as from the terminal moraines of the Ulyugninskii and Upper Kurumkanskii glaciers located on the eastern slope of the Barguzin Ridge. Material presented confirms the synchronism of glaciations on the Barguzin Ridge and on other high-mountain ranges of Northern Cisbaikalia and the Stanovoi Highlands. They are compared with the glaciations of Western Siberia. The first Mid-Pleistocene glaciation was semi-cover (reticulated), the second and third were of the mountain-valley type, and the fourth glaciation was of the cirque type. The reliability of the identification of glacial epochs is confirmed by data of morphological studies of the exaration relief and glacial formations, material of the study of the geological structure of the terminal moraine lines and fluvioglacial deposits, the age of which is confirmed by megafauna finds and thermoluminescence dating.

An assessment is made of the geoecological consequences of dust storms as natural phenomena, the intensity and development of which depend, among other things, on the anthropogenic transformation of territories. According to the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet), cases of dangerous dust storms occur every year on the territory of the Russian Federation according to long-term data. At the same time, the most intense and longest dust storms in the mid-20^th-early 21^st centuries were observed in the south of the European part of Russia, in Rostov oblast. In view of the importance of studying the carcinogenic hazard of suspended solids, including particles of 2.5 to 10 mm, in the surface air layer, among the geoecological consequences of dust storms, we authors assessed an additional number of cases of carcinogenesis due to the intensification of the regime of dust storms in the plains of the South of the European part of Russia. Results from calculating the values of individual and population carcinogenic risks to public health for the period 2015-2020 suggest that the dust storms in the year 2020 caused a high level of air pollution by suspended solids, causing a serious geoecological hazard and increasing an additional number of cases of possible development of oncogenic diseases formations among urban residents of Rostov-on-Don by 21-36 % compared with the average values of the study period. The assessment obtained for the geoecological situation, caused by a significant increase in carcinogenic risk due to a sharp increase in the maximum concentrations of suspended solids and atmospheric dust thickness values during the period of intense dust storms in 2020, proves the need for further observations and studies.

An analysis is made of the variability of the acidity index of precipitation and fluxes of wet sulfur and nitrogen deposition on the territory of the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation (FEFD). The analysis used data Roshydromet (Hydrometeorological Service of Russia). It was found that alkaline precipitation was characteristic for most of FEFD (Yakutia and Transbaikalia). However, an increase in the acidity of precipitation was observed in the south-east of the region during the period under consideration. The average annual pH values of precipitation in Primorsky krai dropped below 5.6 in the first decade of the 21^st century to reach in separate years 4.6-4.7 at some of the monitoring stations. It is pointed out that the ever-increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers in East Asian countries leads to an increase in the flow of atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which negatively affects forest vegetation. The annual flux of wet deposition at the international monitoring station EANET Primorskaya between 2006 and 2015 was 6.37 kg/ha per year for S deposition and 6.3 kg/ha per year for N (nitrate+ammonium). Similar values were obtained by averaging data from all stations in Primorsky krai. In 2018, this flux exceeded a critical value of 10 kg/ha per year. The Ternei monitoring station located in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve observed the amount of nitrogen fluxes twice as lower as that at the Primorskaya station, but order of magnitude higher than the values recorded in the western part of FEFD. The determining factor for an increase in the acidity of precipitation and for the high levels of nitrogen depositions in the south-east of FEFD is the transboundary atmospheric transport of pollutants from the centers of anthropogenic emissions in East Asia. The analysis of data made in this paper is in agreement with reports of Roshydromet on the state and pollution of the environment of the Russian Federation and supplements and details them.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate - on the example of comparison of multitemporal landscape maps - a change in anthropogenic meso-landscapes of key areas under the influence of anthropogenic factors over long periods of time. Two settlements were selected as key sites in Primorsky krai: Khrustalnyi and Dalnegorsk. These areas are located within the boundaries of the Sikhote-Alin biosphere region that encompasses undisturbed natural landscapes (including in the Sikhote-Alin Nature Biosphere Reserve), the areas of intense mining and forestry. The basis of the maps of anthropogenic meso-landscapes is formed by material obtained in the course of field research, and by archival aerial photographs. By analyzing these maps, it was possible to determine the degree and nature of change in landscape cover, quantitative indicators of such changes, and the main anthropogenic factors influencing the transformation of landscapes in the study areas. It was established that the areas of anthropogenic meso-landscapes increased mainly due to two anthropogenic factors: mining and development of settlements. For the Khrustalnyi key site, the expansion of the area of anthropogenic meso-landscapes made up more than 100 %, and 10 % for Dalnegorsk. The area of meso-landscapes that changed their class during the periods under consideration was 9 and 7 % of the total area of transformed land for Khrustalny and Dalnegorsk, respectively. The main changes among the classes of meso-landscapes are associated with the urbanization and replacement of traditional wooden buildings with household plots on capital mid-rise buildings as well as the secondary use of existing mining landscapes.

An analysis is made of the ecological and economic relationships between the development of the forest sector of the economy and ways to achieve the desired quality of the forest environment based on assessing the assimilation service of forests to self-restoration after logging, fires and other negative influences. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that the issues of assessing the assimilation service of forest capital have not been adequately studied. At the same time, such research is complicated by the need to analyze the relationship between the environmental and economic consequences of logging and forest conservation measures that reduce their negative impact on the forest environment. The methodological approach to assessing these relationships as proposed in this paper implies considering the category of “external costs” in forest management and its value assessment as a set of environmental costs and prevented damage resulting from the implementation of forest conservation measures. The results of calculations carried out for the model territories of the Far Eastern border regions have shown that the use of environment-saving selective logging methods increases the cost of logging, which is compensated by lower costs of reforestation and preservation of the forest environment, thus allowing forests to fully perform socio-regulatory services. The study also made it possible to assess the impact of regional forest management systems on the provision and quality of assimilation potential of the model territories. The analysis conducted is necessary for the elaboration of mechanisms to coordinate the development of the forest complex and forest conservation activities in the forest regions of the Russian Federation.

This article examines the impact of the ban on the import of Russian coal by the European Union (EU) countries. The probable financial and volume losses of Russian coal are estimated according to data of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, International Energy Agency and JSC Russian Railways. Russia may short-deliver 49.35 million tons of coal to the EU (22 % of Russia’s coal exports in 2021), which is equivalent to $3.84 billion (20 % of coal exports). To the greatest extent, the ban on coal imports will affect Kemerovo oblast and the Republic of Khakassia (the EU accounts for about 30 % in the structure of supplies and 25-30 % in the structure of cash receipts). The import ban will practically not affect the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Sakhalin oblast, Khabarovsk krai and Zabaikalsky krai. The biggest blow in reducing the volume of supplies to Europe will correspond to large holdings of Kemerovo oblast, Novosibirsk oblast and the Republic of Khakassia. It is established that in share terms, smaller companies will suffer more because EU countries occupied more than 50 % in the structure of their export supplies. There are three possible main scenarios for the development of interaction between the Russian and global coal markets: inertial (maintaining the share of European countries in the real supply structure by concluding agreements with Turkish traders), transformational (complete switching of supplies to new markets: the Asian giants China and India, the Middle East represented by Turkey, Southeast Asia or new African and American markets), as well as inertial-transformational (gradual replacement of the European market with Asian and new African and American ones).

Presented are the new concepts of the structural-hydrogeological conditions and evolution of the underground hydrosphere of Khentei-Daurian vault which is considered as a unified hydrogeothermal system located on the neighbouring territories of Russia and Mongolia. The conclusions of these authors are based on factual evidence obtained during expedition work that was for the first time carried out in the winter period, on laboratory investigations as well as on the studies of archival material. Special attention is given to the Onon seat of discharge of hot waters. A detailed description of springs is provided, and information on macro- and microcomponent chemical composition of water is presented. The relationship between the concentration of microelements and the depth of formation of mineral waters is considered. An assessment is made of the predicted temperatures at the depth of formation by the method of silica geothermometer. It is pointed out that during the winter runoff low period, almost the entire volume of runoff of the Onon River is formed by the discharge of hydrotherms. The mantle part of gas composition of water from the spring under study was calculated by use of the isotopic relationship ³He/⁴He. It is noted that in spite of a high absolute concentration of water-dissolved helium, the relative value of the mantle component is only 0.3-0.4 %. This indicates the crust origin of the increased concentrations of helium. It was noted а high balneological value of the Ikh-Onon thermal spring is highlighted, and the need to organize the protection of this unique natural monument is emphasized.

Data on the diversity, morphological structure, physical, chemical and agrochemical properties of soils within the Uldz river floodplain (Mongolia, Uldz-Torei plain) have been obtained for the first time. The predominance of alluvial medium-thick dark-humus soil type of saline and quasi-gleic subtypes was established. A very important feature in soil genesis was identified, namely a high level of groundwater and light texture of alluvial deposits, determining the same type of plant residues transformation (dark humus accumulation). It is concluded that the differences between soils are due to the degree of salinity and to the type of chemistry. The alluvial soils under study are alkaline, slightly saline, predominantly of chloride and soda-chloride type of salinity for anions and of magnesium-sodium or sodium-magnesium type for cations. Solonchaks formed in the lower parts of the floodplain have different types of salinity within genetic horizons for anions and sodium type of salinity for cations. Phytocenoses grown on these soils are of low productivity, projective cover and depleted species composition, and are represented only by halophytes. Unfavorable factors for plant growth are responsible for occurrence of light humus processes, similar to the zonal soil. The level of natural fertility of the soils under study was found to be very low because of their thin layered profile, unfavorable physical, chemical and agrochemical properties, and especially low content of nitrate nitrogen and labile phosphorus. Destructive agrogenic processes are described, which are possible when alluval dark-humus soils are involved in durable use possible with alluvial dark-humus soils arable use. These soils should be mainly used as grasslands and hay-pastures, and it is recommended that “focal” plots should be allocated for arable land in compliance with soil conservation measures. For increasing biopoductivity of the floodplain lands, it is necessary to use various types of manure, composts, green manure and mineral fertilizers, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus. Typical solonchaks have unfavorable physical, chemical and meliorative properties and an extremely low level of natural fertility. In this regard, they should be classified as marginal or virtually unsuitable for use in agricultural production with occasional grazing of farm animals.