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Antimicrobial properties of the new strains of micro-organisms isolated from natural sources of various ecological niches in the Moscow region and the Republic of Tatarstan were studied. Antifungal activity of isolates was detected in a test culture of toxin-producing microscopic fungi that can cause animal and plant diseases: Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium spp. Of the 46 studied micro-organisms of genera Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Streptomyces isolates, there are four strains (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Propionibacterium freudenreichii and Streptomyces spp.) that showed an ability to produce biologically active metabolites with a pronounced antimicrobial potential against phytopathogenic fungi metabolites. Based on the selected four strains, a Bacterial product LRV composition has been created. Scots pine, pedunculate oak and small-leaved linden seedlings with single and double foliar treatment and Bacterial product LRV at a concentration of 10 mL/L led to an increase in the growth of the aboveground part by 31.8, 51.9 and 25.4%, respectively, and the underground part by 25.0, 37.2 and 25.7%, respectively, compared to the control. The weight of seedlings at the end of the study exceeded the control variant by an average of 26.0, 44.0 and 78.0%, respectively. Plant protection Bacterial product LRV use did not have a significant effect on the group of molds that caused the powdery mildew and Schütte disease damage to trees. The Biological product LRV provided plant protection from fungal diseases caused by Lophodermium pinastri Chev. and Microsphaera alphitoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil plays a pivotal role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. This study focuses on a critical region for soil research, Kalmykia's central dry steppe zone in southern Russia, characterized by arid conditions and unique challenges. Our investigation aimed to evaluate the current state of soil properties and assess trace element accumulation within this environment. The region's distinctive characteristics, including being home to Europe's first desert, present a complex scenario for soil conservation and management. A thorough analysis of key physicochemical properties, including organic matter content, soil texture, pH levels, and the concentrations of trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Pb) using established methodologies, was conducted. Our findings revealed several crucial insights into the soil conditions of this arid region. Soil samples predominantly consisted of Haplic Kastanozems Sodic, characterized by low organic carbon content (0.3-1.9%). Soil texture analysis indicated a predominantly light and medium loamy granulometric composition with a prevalence of sandy fractions. Soil pH values ranged from neutral (pH = 7.6-7.9) to slightly alkaline (pH = 8.0-8.4). Furthermore, the study provided the first assessment of soil conditions in residential areas of the Caspian Lowland's arid region. Notably, trace element analysis showed elevated concentrations of several metals, with Sr having the highest levels. Co, Cr, and Zn concentrations did not significantly increase compared to the background values. The results of this soil fertility evaluation hold significance for soil restoration and conservation efforts in this unique and fragile ecosystem. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for soil monitoring and management practices to address soil degradation and desertification driven by overgrazing and erosion. Understanding the physicochemical properties and trace element dynamics in arid regions is essential for developing strategies to restore and conserve these valuable soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]