The structure, composition, and specificity of accumulation of trace elements by rounded nodules in gleyic soddy brown-podzolic soils (Gleyic Luvisol (Manganiferric)) of nature reserves and a national park in the south of the Far East have been studied by advanced analytical methods and noninvasive techniques. The nodules are characterized by pronounced differentiation into external (brown and ocher-brown, Fe-enriched, and dense) and internal (dark brown, Mn-enriched, and loose) zones. According to the distribution of Mn compounds in the internal zone, two types of nodules are identified: with an undifferentiated internal zone and with a core (cores). The cores contain C-enriched microzones, which are centers of Fe and Mn precipitation. The stages of coprecipitation of Fe and Mn and the stages with predominant precipitation of one of the elements are identified in the nodules. The nodules consist of a complex of minerals inherited from soils, as well as of nodule-specific minerals (goethite, feroxyhyte, and birnessite). The Fe content in the nodules is, on average, four times higher than that in the soil, the Mn content is 21.9 times higher, and the C content is 3.6 times higher. The most intensive accumulation in nodules is typical for Pb (EF = 5.53–12.14), which is determined by the joint participation of C- and Mn-containing compounds in its binding. Nickel (EF 0.89–5.81) and Cr (EF 1.22–2.60) are less actively accumulated; and the accumulation of V (EF 0.85–1.88) and Sr (EF 0.58–1.43) is weak. The phases accumulating Ni, Cr, V, and Sr are represented by nodules containing Fe and C. Zinc does not accumulate in the nodules. A comparison of the concentrations of water-soluble forms of trace elements reflects a decrease in the mobility of Cr, Pb, Ni, V, and Sr in nodules as compared to soils.

The involving of organic compounds in accumulation of Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, and Pb by Fe–Mn nodules in agro-dark-humus podbels (Planosols (Aric)) under different types of long-term agrotechnical impact has been studied in the south of Primorskii region. The profile patterns of the level of SOC content in soils and in nodules indicate the active deposition of organic compounds in nodules in the lower parts of soil profiles in the of fallow and phytomeliorative variants of the experiment. Fulvic acids were noted to predominate in the composition of humus in the nodules in these variants. The long-term application of organic fertilizers contributed to the decrease of SOC incorporation into nodules and to the increase of the part of humic acids in nodules. Nodules were characterized by a high accumulation levels of Co and Pb in all variants of the experiment. Accumulation of Ni, Cr, and Cu was recorded in nodules from particular horizons of studied soils. The intensity of elements accumulation in nodules of different variants of the experiment varied. Accumulation of Ni was controlled by the content of Mn-containing compounds. The most active sorption phases of nodules from soils with a longer period of organic matter transformation (fallow variant and long-term addition of manure variant) were Fe-containing and organic compounds.

Taxonomic diversity and quantitative distribution of cultured forms of Fe- and Mn-oxidizing microorganisms in Fe–Mn nodules of different sizes and fine earth of Gleyic Luvisols formed in the territory not affected by direct anthropogenic impact, were analyzed. The results were obtained using a combination of microbiological, molecular and analytical methods and noninvasive techniques. Most of the microorganisms which were cultured from the nodules were Mn oxidizers. Bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Rhodococcus, Lysinibacillus, Pseudomonas, and Priestia were identified in the nodules. Quantitative distribution of Fe- and Mn-oxidizing microorganisms in the outer and inner zones of the nodules of different sizes demonstrated that Mn-oxidizing microorganisms were involved in all stages of nodules formation and development, while Fe-oxidizing microorganisms participated in the initial phase of their formation. Spherules and porous structures of bacterial nature were observed in the studied nodules. The host soil fine earth was characterized by differences in the relative abundance of the dominant microbial groups in the profile. Manganese-oxidizing bacteria were represented in the soil fine earth by the genera Prestia and Methylobacterium.

The impact of different farming practices on changes in the properties and catalase activity of Albic Stagnosols with active iron–manganese nodule formation has been studied. The soils of unmanaged fallow with a slightly acid reaction, and the highest values of catalase activity and humus content in the upper part of the profile are close in their properties and morphology to the native soils of natural landscapes. In the soils of the phytoreclamation experiment, the influx of easily decomposable plant residues in combination with a less acidic reaction leads to an increase in the catalase activity. A high level of catalase activity is typical of horizons with the maximum content of nodules. The soils of the experimental variant with long-term application of organic fertilizer are specified by an increased stock of humus in the one-meter layer and by the lowest content of catalase. The application of mineral fertilizers is accompanied by a decrease in the humus content without significant changes in the catalase activity. The calculation of the catalase reserves coefficient, which more objectively reflects the level of enzymatic activity of the studied soils, is suggested.

Differences in the content of humus, microflora and catalase activity in agro-dark-humus podbels soils with different levels of agrotechnical impact and the use of environmentally friendly (phytomeliorative) methods of increasing soil fertility were established. The higher content of humus, indicators of biogenicity and enrichment in catalase were established in the soils of abandoned field. Bacteria using mineral nitrogen and oligonitrophils was dominated in composition of microflora. The reserves of humus in the meter layer of soils have been characterized as low. Тhe composition of the microflora showed the same regularity under the conditions of the phytomeliorative experiment. The content and reserves of humus decreased in comparison with the soil of abandoned field. Due to the process of nodule formation in the ELnn horizon, a high level of catalase activity was recorded (up to 9.9 cm3 O2/1 min 1 g of soil). This led to an increase in the average intraprofile distribution of catalase activity (Ka) and Кa reserves. Low levels of humus content were recorded in the variant with long-term use of organic fertilizers. At the same time, the humus reserves in the meter layer increased relative to the other variants of the experiment. Oligonitrophils and ammonifiers was dominated in the composition of the microflora, by while the proportion of actinomycetes sharply decreased. The value of Ka and its reserves decreased. Bacteria using mineral nitrogen and oligonitrophils are predominance in variants with with long-term use of mineral fertilizers. The intensification of microbiological activity caused an increase enrichment catalase and an increase in its reserves in soil. The lack of fresh organic matter input led to increased mineralization processes of specific soil organic compounds. This variant is characterized by the lowest humus content.

Changes in the structural–aggregate state, acidity, and carbon stocks of dark-humus podbels (Luvic Albic Mollic Planosols (Epiloamic, Endoclayic, Aric)) during their postagrogenic development under unmanaged fallow were studied at the experimental station of the A.K. Chaika Federal Scientific Center of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East. Restoration of the aggregate state of the soil after its removal from agricultural use took place: the content of agronomically valuable aggregates increased and their weighted average diameter decreased in the former arable layer. In the course of vegetation restoration, soils were acidified. The most pronounced drop in pH took place in the 20-yr-old fallow soil with the appearance of woody plants. The content and stocks of carbon in the fallow soils tended to increase during the entire studied postagrogenic period. Carbon stocks in a layer of 0–25 cm reached their maximum by the 85th yr of the postagrogenic succession. However, the difference between carbon stocks in a layer of 0–50 cm in the 20- and 85-yr-old fallow soils was statistically insignificant. Bulk density of the plow layer in the cultivated soil reached 0.88 g/cm3. In the fallow soils, bulk density of the upper horizon varied within 0.67–0.79 g/cm3.

A detailed study of Albic Stagnosols and Eutric Gleysols that are widely used in agriculture of the Far East and are characterized by the active formation of iron–manganese nodules has shown differences in their physicochemical and optical properties and biological activity parameters. The level of catalase activity in the studied soils is relatively low. Soils with a higher content of C tot are characterized by low integral reflectivity. Differences in the optical parameters of the studied soils and nodules have been identified in the CIE-L*a*b* system. In comparison with the soil mass, the nodules display a closer relationship between optical parameters, a lower L * value, and a higher b * value. In both soils, the nodules are characterized by the high catalytic activity. A close negative correlation is observed between the values of catalytic activity and integral reflectivity. The results of our study attest to the significant role of nodules in the carbon accumulation in soils. An enhanced catalase and catalytic activity and formation the numerous zones of carbon accumulation within the nodules are specific features of nodules from Eutric Gleysols (Aric). The carbon-rich zones are active centers of oxidation of elements with variable valence, which contributes to the formation of larger nodules in these soils.

This paper presents the study results on the effect that presowing seed treatment and spraying nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-, and potassium-solubilizing bacteria on the seedlings of the Primorskaya 39 spring soft wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar have on the structural elements of productivity, yield, and the number of soil microorganisms. It was found that the total number of bacteria increases in the waxy ripeness stage when using both presowing treatment of seeds and spraying the microorganism strains on the seedlings. The maximum number of bacteria in the soil was detected in the variants when using strains of nitrogen-fixing and potassium-solubilizing microorganisms in presowing treatment (1.9 × 10 7 CFU/g of soil) and phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing microorganisms when spraying the seedlings (2.0 × 10 7 CFU/g of soil). The variant N1 + K2 + P6 after presowing treatment with nitrogen-fixing, potassium-, and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms in the waxy ripeness stage showed the highest content of mobile phosphorus (92 mg/kg). High yield (4.3 t/ha) was shown by the variant N1 + P19 after presowing seed treatment with nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing strains.

The changes in the physical properties and carbon stocks of dark-humus podbels (Luvic Albic Mollic Planosols (Epiloamic, Endoclayic, Aric)) during long-term agricultural use and postagrogenic evolution were studied. Soil samples were taken in three trials: control (without fertilizers), high rates of mineral fertilizers, and mineral fertilizers + manure + lime (Chaika Experimental Field Station of the Federal Research Center for Agrobiotechnology of the Far East, Primorsky region) and in the abandoned fields (15, 20, and 35 years ago). It was shown that the long-term application of mineral fertilizers increases the soil bulk density. Application of organic and mineral fertilizers and lime had a positive effect on the bulk density and structural characteristics of soils. The abandonment of agricultural fields and the cessation of mechanical tillage resulted in the restoration of the natural soil structure. The content of agronomically valuable aggregates increased, while their mean weighted diameter decreased in the upper horizon of studied fallow soils. The carbon content and stock in the upper soil layer decreased in the first years of the conversion of arable fields to unmanaged fallow. The carbon stock in the upper 50-cm layer increased with time.

The contamination densities of soil-plant cover at certain locations within the Primorsky Krai, Sakhalin Island and Kamchatka Peninsula attributable to 90Sr, 137Cs and 239,240Pu were 500-1390 Bq m-2, 980-2300 Bq m-2 and 37-74 Bq m-2, respectively. These values do not exceed average global background levels, typical for mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. The spatial distribution of radionuclides depends on the climatic conditions of the region. A positive dependence of the 90Sr and 137Cs contamination densities, as well as additional 137Cs from NPP "Fukushima" in the soil, was determined based on the sum of annual atmospheric precipitation within the study areas. No trends in the spatial distribution of Pu isotopes were observed. The 137Cs contribution from the "Fukushima" NPP constitutes 11-300 Bq m-2 in the Primorsky Krai, Sakhalin Island and at the Kamchatka peninsula, i.e., 1-22% of the total amount of radionuclides in the soil. The contribution of this radionuclide to the contamination of moss-lichen vegetation ranged from 7 to 42%.

Evaluation of technogenic load on ecosystems of southern Primorye has shown that the soil contents of 90 Sr and 137 Cs vary within the ranges of 0.3–1.3 and 0.4–3.0 kBq/m 2 , respectively; i.e., they do not exceed the level of background radioactivity that is considered normal at latitudes between 50° and 60° N. The presence of 134 Cs in the samples indicates a contribution from radionuclides discharged by the Fukushima nuclear accident. According to calculations, the additional 137 Cs input into the soils of the study area varies between 0.03 and 0.30 kBq/m 2 . Soil analysis for heavy metals and trace elements has revealed an approximately twofold excess over safety norms (MACs) in the concentrations of technogenic Cu and Pb. For other elements, the excess is within the range of 8–32%.

All economical development of the countries carries out monitoring as with the aim to estimate impact of the industrial enterprises and nuclear-energetic complexes as consequences of the nuclear accidents. The investigation the region of the Far East due to proximity to epicentre of accident on Fukushima-1 NPP is of a great interest. The aim of this work are radioecological investigations and estimate technogenic load on the ecosystems of tightly populated plots of the shore zone of the Vladivostok region. Eight plots were located on the investigated territory. The tree fall, forest litters and soils were sampling from the profile cuts of layer by layer, up to 20 cm. The artificial radionuclides (Sr-90 and Cs-134,137), as heavy metals and microelements (Co, Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn) content in the prepared samples was determined.

The probable mechanisms responsible for the accumulation of microelements in iron nodules and the particular features of this process are analyzed on the basis of experimental materials on the content of microelements in and the physicochemical properties of the nodules. Knowledge of the microelements’ accumulation by concretionary neoformations will allow determining trends in soil formation and make it possible to control the process of microelements’ accumulation proper.

The article deals with the basic ecological functions of the soil cover and some mechanisms to realize one of its key functions concerning maintenance of biospherical homeostasis.

The concentrations and distribution of bulk and mobile species of trace elements were investigated in various size fractions of ferromanganese nodules from bleached meadow-brown soils. It was shown that the enrichment factor of trace elements increases during the growth of nodules; however, the character of element accumulation appeared to depend on the nature of the element. The nodules intensely accumulate Mn, Co, Ni, and Pb and, to a lesser extent, Cu and Mo. The process of trace element uptake by the nodules is most contrasting in the middle part of the soil profile. The nature of trace element concentration by soil nodules is rather complex and requires further special investigations.

The accumulation and deactivation (detoxification) of heavy metals in soils and in soil iron-manganic nodules have been studied. Data on the relative distribution of the total and mobile compounds of heavy metals in soils and nodules upon different rates of technogenic loads are obtained. It is shown that iron-manganic nodules play the role of specific depositors in the soil system, affect the redistribution of heavy metals in the soil cover, and control their migration in the soil profiles.

Рассматривается одна из ключевых функций почвенного покрова в поддержании гомеостаза биосферы способность его к инактивации избытка химических элементов, в частности тяжелых металлов, оказывающих токсичное действие на биоту. Показано, что эту функцию в почве выполняют железо-марганцевые конкреции, которые при меняющейся увлажненности переводят тяжелые металлы в инертное, недоступное для растений состояние.

Обсуждаются экологические и организационные проблемы утилизации бытовых и промышленных отходов урбанизированных территорий. Рассматриваются пути и возможности использования отходов и продуктов их переработки в качестве удобрений.