RUDN scientists suggested how to help the soils of Zaryadye Park

The soils of Zaryadye need a kind of medical examination — soil monitoring and environmental assessment. With this, the park was helped by scientists from the Smart Urban Nature scientific center and the soil-ecological laboratory of the RUDN University Agrarian and Technological Institute. They conducted soil substrate studies for all 11 landscape zones. The study included the selection of more than 80 soil samples, analysis of the agrochemical and agrophysical properties of soils, their microbiological activity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Studies by RUDN University scientists have shown that the main reason complicating the development of plants in the park is not soil pollution, but the deterioration of their physical and chemical properties: moisture deficiency, overcompaction, increased phosphorus content against the background of a decrease in organic matter content.

To maintain such diversity, it is necessary to provide for many specific factors: the creation of a special microclimate for each zone, measures to care for vegetation and, of course, maintaining the condition and functionality of soils.

"For almost all landscape zones, the agrochemical properties of the soil change from initial values close to zonal soils to values typical of the city. As a result, soils "homogenize"—become similar to each other and noticeably differ from zonal soils—characteristic of different climatic zones—which fundamentally changes the living conditions of zonal vegetation. As a result, the areas of northern landscapes suffer the most, for which deviations from the usual acidity and moisture conditions of the soil become critical," — Maria Korneikova, Ph.D., project leader, deputy director for research at the RUDN Institute of Agrarian Technology.

This diversified approach of researchers has made it possible to formulate recommendations and measures that will improve the condition of soils. These recommendations were drawn up in the form of a plan and included measures for soil moisture, mulching using an acidic organic substrate, the use of organic fertilizers (composts) and their proper application. The need for soil-ecological monitoring was also noted: monitoring changes in agrochemical, physical and microbiological properties, water-temperature conditions and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to caring for plants and soil, it is important to redirect visitors from damaged areas, giving plants in these areas a little rest and making additional plantings. An effective measure can be the placement of transparent protective screens or information signs, which, without reducing the aesthetic value of the park areas, will contribute to the restoration of plants and soils.

Why does Zaryadye need a “soil medical examination”?

The concept of the Zaryadye park is based on the reproduction of the diversity of the flora of the main climatic landscape zones of Russia. Here, the northern landscape is replaced by a mixed forest, and a coniferous forest is adjacent to the steppe. In addition to thematic zones, here you can admire classic urban landscaping, as well as modern landscape design technologies. And all this in a relatively small area of 13 hectares.

Another feature of the park can be called the fact that trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants grow in it on bulk soil, at the base of which lies the foundation. In fact, Zaryadye Park is a huge exploited roof. Therefore, the properties and ecological functions of soils are one of the main factors determining the stability of plant communities.

In addition, the park is located in the center of Moscow, where heavy traffic causes soil pollution, and a large number of park visitors creates a high recreational load, leading to trampling and overconsolidation. The influence of the urban heat island is also significant, which leads to the gradual degradation of soils.

Most of the landscapes also suffer from increased recreational pressure, that is, soils in disturbed areas are trampled by visitors. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be solved by replacing the soil, it requires both agrotechnical measures and regular maintenance, specialized for each of the landscape zones, as well as reducing human impact.

* The surveys were carried out as part of the research work on the topic: “Studies of soil substrates in the territory of the Zaryadye Park” (No. 202200-3-000).