EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF UPPER ORGANIC AND MINERAL LAYERS OF SANDY OUTCROPS IN THE NORTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA (BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE MIDDLE FLOW OF THE NADYM RIVER)

Abstract

Purpose. A comparative analysis is performed of the physicochemical properties of the upper soil layer of sand sites of natural and anthropogenic genesis, as well as background podzolic soils from the standpoint of assessing the restoration potential for vegetation under northern taiga conditions of Western Siberia. Methodology and Approach. Based on the example of seven sand pits located along the Nadym and Levaya Hetta rivers, a model blowing basin near the mouth of the Heigiyakha River (Longyugan) and two background forest plots, we have performed geobotanical descriptions and laboratory analysis of soil samples to determine the granulometric composition, physico-chemical properties and total content of oxides of chemical elements. Results. We have found that the disturbed soils in the surveyed quarries with common sand composition differ both from the soils of the blowing basin and from the background podzolic soils with a neutral environment and a high content of exchange phosphorus and potassium. From the point of view of vegetation renewal in quarries, unfavorable factors are aeolian impact on inclined windward surfaces and waterlogging in closed depressions, which leads to the soaking of the roots of pine undergrowth. Within the blowing basin, the weakening of the wind effect contributes to the increase in roughness due to the dune microrelief. Theoretical and Practical implications. The established significant differences in the physicochemical properties of the upper soil layer of sandy outcrops of various genesis will allow one to correct and increase the effectiveness of the applied technologies for biological reclamation of disturbed areas in the north of Western Siberia. The results obtained make it possible to justify the need for targeted measures to reduce active aeolian activity on dry river terraces, which have a low potential for natural recovery under conditions of intense anthropogenic impact.

Keywords

• sand outcrops
• anthropogenic disturbance
• aeolian processes
• podzolic soils
• physicochemical properties
• Western Siberia