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Forest fires are among the most significant disturbances on a global scale. Affecting biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles, forest fires play an important role in atmospheric chemical processes and the global carbon cycle. Using the example of the pyrogenic landscapes of the Samara region, this article reviews changes in the accumulation regularity of heavy metal content and its migration within a soil profile during pyrogenic soil formation. In the case of surface forest fires, the studied postpyrogenic soils are characterized by increased cadmium, nickel and zinc content in the Opyr pyrogenic horizon. In contrast, the content of all analyzed heavy metals decreases compared to the control for crown forest fires, indicating active element emissions into the atmosphere.

Infiltration is the process by which surface water enters soil, is part of the regulatory ecosystem services, and is of the greatest importance for environmental and agricultural management. Its spatial and temporal variability is particular for each soil type and intended usage. The objective was to determine which of the land types and land uses provide the most ecosystem services based on their water infiltration and its spatial prediction. This study evaluated the Sahuayo River basin in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, on agricultural and agricultural land uses (Luvisols, Vertisols, and Leptosols). Sixty soil samples were collected at stratified random points, and their organic matter content, texture, and bulk density were assessed via laboratory methods. An analysis of variance with multiple means comparisons was performed on the infiltration variable results. The SCORPAN model was used to predict the infiltration spatial distribution using three machine learning algorithms (with default and hyperparameter tuning) and 11 variables. These variables correspond to topographic attributes, climate, soil properties, and remote sensing data. The model's predictive power was evaluated using its mean square root error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) values. The nonagricultural Leptosols had the highest infiltration capacity (fp = 2210.6 mm · h−1), whereas the agricultural Vertisols had the lowest infiltration capacity (fp = 275.8 mm · h−1). Both combinations significantly differed from each other. The highest precision model was recorded with the artificial neural network algorithm, which reported the lowest MAE and RMSE values for both variable selection methods in their default configurations and with hyperparameter adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the influence of climatic characteristics on the rating of land suitability for agricultural use. Soil fertility is one of the most important factors in land productivity and crop capacity; it is a complex value that depends not only on agrophysical and agrochemical soil properties but also on other natural factors, such as climate. There are different methodical approaches for a quantitative assessment of fertility level. The objectives of the research were to understand whether the distributions of active temperature sums and annual precipitation sums have a significant effect on the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the rating assessment of land suitability for agricultural use in the example of the Leningrad region. The estimation and comparison between Semenov–Blagovidov's method of quality land estimation and Karmanov's method of appraisal of soils are given in this article. Karmanov's method is highlighted in this paper for its ability to assess soil's ecological indices more effectively than traditional methods. The research suggested that climate change may lead to increased variability in soil quality, with potential benefits for agriculture under certain climate scenarios, but at the same time, excessive temperatures in summer and precipitations might become a limiting factor, pushing down yields. The results of such assessment show that the performed calculation models can be used to forecast crop yields for future periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permafrost-affected regions in the Russian Arctic are a critical study area for studying the sources of metal elements (MEs) in soils originating from geological/pedogenic processes or from anthropogenic sources via atmospheric transport. In the Nadym region of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, we investigated the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and MEs across different soil types and horizons, explored the source apportionment of MEs, and assessed local ecological risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The results showed that (1) the contents of SOC and TN in Histic Cryosols (8.59% and 0.27%) were significantly higher than in Plaggic Podzols (Arenic, Gelic, and Turbic) (2.28% and 0.15%) and in Ekranic Technosols (Umbric) (1.32% and 0.09%); (2) the concentrations of MEs in the Nadym region were lower than in other Arctic regions; (3) the primary sources of MEs were identified as geological processes (36%), atmospheric transport (23%), agricultural activities (21%), and transportation (20%); and (4) the permafrost-affected soils in the Nadym region exhibited low ecological risks from PTEs. These results underscore the critical role of geological and anthropogenic factors in shaping soil conditions and highlight the relatively low ecological risk from PTEs, providing a valuable benchmark for future environmental assessments and policy development in Yamal permafrost regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous published studies have shown that soil formation, including primary pedogenesis, is closely connected functionally, energetically and operationally with ecogenesis as a key biogenic exploration mechanism of the Earth’s surface by living organisms. The ontogenetic stage of soil evolution, especially in the initial phases, is determined by geogenic conditions and the intensity and trends of biogenic-accumulative processes in the developing ecosystem. Primary soils are considered critical in the rapid development of the initial ancient biosphere, supporting multiple environmental possibilities for ecosystems in that stage of their formation. Currently, similar models of correlated soil formation and ecogenesis are actualised when new substrates appear suitable for biogenic-abiogenic interactions, which occur in both natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Biotic factors during primary pedogenesis have accumulative and transformative effects on the edaphic component complex. At this stage, the initial pedon is a key functional stage in the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems (biogeocenosis). When restoration of natural ecosystems occurs during the independent growth of exposed substrates, the natural regeneration mechanisms normally occur. These processes are based on the biogenic development of the substrate through the accumulation and transformation of organic matter.