Environmentally significant indicators of mountain meadow soils in Azerbaijan

Abstract

The most widespread soils in the Republic of Azerbaijan are mountain-meadow soils. The aim of the research was a comprehensive and comparative study of morphodiagnostic parameters, physical and chemical properties, as well as the biochemical activity of natural and anthropogenically modified biogeocenoses of the Kedabey region. The area has unique flora and fauna. Surroundings of the villages Gara Murad, Kichik Garamurad, Saratovka and others were investigated. The research was carried out on virgin and cultivated lands in villages. The degree of mineralization of the rivers Zayamchay and Chekhrichay ranges from 140 to 430 mg. The groundwater level in these areas exceeds 2 m, salinization processes are active. A herbarium was collected and the floristic composition of natural cenoses was determined. Invertebrates were also collected and the dominant composition of the fauna of natural cenoses was determined. Of the saprophages in these biocenoses, woodlice of the genus Hemilepisthus and Armadillidium are widely used. The most intensive decomposition of the remains of cereal vegetation is observed in the soil of the coastal strip (65.9%). In the natural cenosis, the rate of destruction of saltwort and salt-tolerant grass vegetation reaches 44.3%. The main role in the destruction of plant remains is played by a group of saprphages, which actively use plant litter. The decomposing material reaches its final stage of microbiological transformation. The duration and amount of CO2 in different soil horizons were also studied. It has been established that with increasing depth, the amount of carbon dioxide decreases. The hydrolytic activity of invertase and urease enzymes in the studied soils can be assessed as very weak. Comparative results of all these agrochemical studies helped to develop virgin soils in agriculture on the plains and achieve high productivity.