Soils and olericultural practices in circumpolar region of Russia at present and in the past

Abstract

Circumpolar regions are often associated with activities such as reindeer herding, hunting, fishing, and gathering wild foods, but few know that locals have practiced olericulture since ancient times. Under a changing climate, the agricultural frontier will inevitably shift northward, so it is important to understand the current and past patterns of local soil functioning. Olericultural practices in the Arctic region seem difficult due to the harsh climate; however, it is being implemented. In this paper, we report the agricultural practices used by local residents to increase the yield of crops grown in the Yamal region. We also studied the chemical properties and fertility of soils under private gardens (both active and abandoned). At present, the yields of private olericulture in Yamal even exceed those of industrial vegetable-growing farms. It is revealed that private vegetable growers can achieve an increase in soil fertility by increasing the content of nutrients (P2O5 over 1,500 mg kg−1, K2O up to 500 mg kg−1) and organic carbon up to 17%, as well as the regulation of the acid-alkaline regime. It is also found that soil fertility indicators in private vegetable gardens are higher compared to industrial fields. Such soils are not typical for the cryolithozone and can be classified as Anthrosols. Soils of abandoned vegetable gardens can retain a high level of fertility for a long time due to the specific climatic conditions of the Arctic. As a result, the research showed that it is possible to grow vegetables beyond the Arctic Circle by adapting local soils and applying specific practices typical for cryolithozone.

Soil Organic Matter in Urban Areas of the Russian Arctic: A Review

“…If the soils belong to the suburban areas, there is no serious transformation of the structural composition of organic matter compared to the undisturbed cryogenic tundra soils [48]. Other data were published by Nizamutdinov et al [22] for the soils of the town of Nadym, whereby a significant transformation of humic substances during urbanization was observed, which was well expressed in an increase in the aromatic part of humic substances by aliphatic substances, supposedly due to mineralization of the aliphatic compounds. Limited information is known about the soils of Magadan, which belongs to the Eastern Siberian permafrost taiga region.…”

“…In general, urbanization leads to the diversification of surface soil horizons, with the underdeveloped humus horizon or Folic layer being replaced by darker plaggic, urbic, or transportic humus material of different origins (Figure 2). Urbic layers are characteristic of the archaeological settlement of Labytnangi [21] and the parks of Novy Urengoi [22]. The plaggic soil horizon is not rare for northern soils and is documented for subarctic regions [23].…”

“…Transportic soil horizons may develop as a result of reclamation practices [25]. Urbanized cryogenic ecosystems are characterized by the practice of olericulture in small areas of soil in and around cities [22], which led to the formation of plaggic soil horizons. In the gardens of the Vorkuta city [25], an accumulation of humus and darkening of the upper urbic layer of soil were noted.…”

Navigating Agricultural Expansion in Harsh Conditions in Russia: Balancing Development with Insect Protection in the Era of Pesticides

“…The use of specialized farming practices made it possible to achieve very high yields under harsh conditions. First of all, it is necessary to increase the fertility of zonal soils; in mineral soils, fertility regulation is achieved by applying large doses of organomineral and organic fertilizers (doses up to 150 t/ha) [ 71 , 76 , 77 , 78 ]. There is a “construction” of new soils—anthrosols, which have the required fertility parameters.…”

“…However, with the right approaches and technologies, agricultural crops can be successfully grown in these conditions. For instance, the use of greenhouses can protect crops from severe weather conditions and extend the growing season [ 77 ]. Furthermore, it is important to select crops wisely, choosing those that are well-suited for the local climate and growing conditions.…”