Search

Amelioration and remediation technology was developed for phosphogypsum utilization in Haplic Chernozem of South-European facies (Rostov Region). The technology comprises phosphogypsum dispersed application into the soil layer of 20–45 cm during intra-soil milling. In the model experiment, the phosphogypsum doses 0 (control), 10, 20, and 40 t ha−1 were studied. The Cd thermodynamic forms in soil solution were calculated via the developed mathematical chemical-thermodynamic model and program ION–3. The form of ion in soil solution (or water extract) was considered accounting the calcium-carbonate equilibrium (CCE) and association of ion pairs CaCO30; CaSO40, MgCO30, MgSO40, CaHCO3+, MgHCO3+, NaCO3−, NaSO4−, CaOH+, MgOH+. For calculation of the equilibrium of microelements concentration in soil solution ion including heavy metals (HMs), the coefficient of microelement association kas was proposed. According to calculations, Cd2+ ion in soil solution was mostly bounded to associates CdOH+, partly to associates CdCO30 and CdHCO3+. The calculated kas of Cd was 1.24 units in the control option of experiment and decreased to 0.95 units at phosphogypsum dose 40 t ha−1. The ratio of “active [Cd2+] to total Cd” reduced from 33.5% in control option to 28.0% in the option of phosphogypsum dose 40 t ha−1. The biogeochemical barrier for penetration of HMs from soil to plant roots was high after application of phosphogypsum. According to calculation by ION–3, the standard soil environmental limitations overestimate the toxicity of Cd in soil solution. New decision for intra-soil milling and simultaneous application of phosphogypsum was developed to provide the environmentally safe waste recycling.

The origin of organic matter, its spread, scattering, and functioning are influenced by the physical structure of liquid or dispersed media of organic matter. Refractive indices of fodder yeast grown on paraffin oil (paprin) and natural gas (gaprin) as well as Lycoperdon spore and organelles were measured by laser phase microscopy. The scattering matrices of aqueous suspensions of paprin, gaprin, and Lycoperdon spores were measured using a laser polarimeter with the scattering angle ranging from 20 to 150°. The experimentally measured scattering matrices have been approximated by the weighted sum of theoretically calculated scattering matrices using the T-matrix code developed by Mishchenko. Most of the particle radii in the filtered fraction of paprin and gaprin were within the range of about 0.05-0.12 μm. Particle radii of the Lycoperdon spore suspension were within the range of 0.4-2.4 μm, which corresponded to both whole spores and their separate organelles. A possibility of identifying a suspension by its scattering matrices was shown for a small difference in the real parts of the refractive index in the example of paprin and gaprin. The measurements of the light scattering matrix showed that for a small size parameter of about 1, the identification of paprin and gaprin can be based only on a difference in the particle shape. Refractive index difference is manifested for the size parameter values higher than 3. An example of a suspension consisting of micron-sized spores and their submicron organelles shows high sensitivity of the scattering matrix to the composition of the dispersed material. The presented data and models help to extrapolate the results of the light scattering matrix study to a vast spectrum of media of organic matter origin and functioning. This study focused on the Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) transcendental methodology to manage soil as an arena of biodegradation and organic synthesis. A BGT*-based robotic system for intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete water and matter supply directly into the dispersed-aggregated physical structure of the soil media was developed. The system enables transformation of soil into a stable highly productive organic chemical bioreactor for better controlled nanoparticle biomolecular interactions and adsorption by biological and mineral media. The scattering matrix measurement unit is supposed to be used in the robotic system as a diagnostic tool for the dispersion composition of soil organic components.

The synergy problem was discussed linking Se nanoparticles and different soil fertility agents. Se zero-valent-state nanoparticles were investigated as fertilizers and antioxidants. A technology was proposed for producing Se zero-valent-state nanoparticles. Se nanoparticles were obtained by laser ablation of Se in water using a fiber ytterbium laser, with a wavelength between 1060 and 1070 nm, a pulse repetition rate of 20 kHz, a pulse duration of 80 ns, and an average power of 20 W, and a copper vapor laser with wavelengths of 510.6 and 578.2 nm and an average power of 8 W. The main particle mass part shifted from 800 nm to a size less than 100 nm, corresponding to the increase in the laser fragmentation time. The resulting nanoparticles were monodisperse in size and mass. The Se nanoparticle water suspension was introduced into the soil. The soil Se nanoparticle concentrations were about 1, 5, 10, and 25 μg kg–1. An experiment was carried out in a climate chamber in two series: (1) growing plants in soil imitating the standard organogenesis environment conditions such as illumination of 16 h per day, temperature of 22 °C, soil humidity of 25% SDW, and an experiment duration of 30 days and (2) growing plants in soil under changing environmental conditions of organogenesis. The standard environmental conditions for the first 10 days are illumination of 16 h day–1, temperature of 22 °C, and soil humidity of 25% SDW. The plant stress for 5 days is hyperthermia of 40 °C. The standard environmental conditions for the next 15 days are illumination of 16 h day–1, temperature of 22 °C, and soil humidity of 25% SDW. At standard organogenesis, the plant leaf plate surface area was 30 ± 2 cm2 in the control option, and the Se nanoparticle doses were correspondingly 1 μg kg–1 for 32 ± 3 cm2, 5 μg kg–1 for 37 ± 2 cm2, 10 μg kg–1 for 38 ± 3 cm2, and 25 μg kg–1 for 28 ± 4 cm2. Hyperthermia stressed plant growth was studied. The highest plant growth rate was in Se nanoparticle concentrations of 5 and 10 μg kg–1. The eggplant growth on the soil with the Se nanoparticle addition at a concentration of 10 μg kg–1 of leaf plate surface area was twice compared to the eggplant growth in untreated soil. The same was for tomato plants. The leaf plate surface area of the cucumber plant grown using Se nanoparticles was 50% higher compared to the control option. The Biogeosystem technique methodology of 20–45 cm soil-layer intrasoil milling for soil multilevel aggregate system formation and intrasoil pulse continuous-discrete watering for soil water regime control was proposed for the Se nanoparticles for better function in the real soil, providing a synergy effect of soil mechanical processing, nanoparticles, humic substances, and polymicrobial biofilms on soil fertility.

The amelioration and remediation technology was developed on the basis of research of phosphogypsum and utilization in the Haplic Chernozem of South-European facies (Rostov Region). Phosphogypsum was utilized via dispersed application into a soil layer of 20–45 cm with intrasoil milling of this layer. The phosphogypsum utilization doses were 0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha–1. The Pb analytical content in soil solution was studied in the model experiment. The soil solution Pb thermodynamic forms were calculated. The mathematical chemical–thermodynamic model ION-2 was developed to calculate the real soil solution (water extract) calcium-carbonate equilibrium (CCE) ion forms, considering the ion pair association. The associated ion pairs CaCO30, CaSO40, MgCO30, MgSO40, CaHCO3+, MgHCO3+, NaCO3–, NaSO4–, CaOH+, and MgOH+ were accounted for in soil solution equilibrium macroion form calculation. The procedure for the microelement ion [including heavy metals (HMs)] equilibrium concentration in the soil solution coefficient kas calculation was proposed to account for the real soil solution CCE, macroions, and HM (including Pb) association. The Pb2+ ion in soil solution was mostly bound to associates PbOH+, Pb(OH)20, PbCO30, Pb(CO3)22–, and PbHCO3+. The calculation of CCE and ion association in soil solution revealed 14.5–21.5 times HM passivation compared to HM water-soluble values. The calculated HM activity in the soil solution in the example of the Pb2+ ion was less than 4% after phosphogypsum application in the target amelioration layer of 20–45 cm. The studied phosphogypsum doses were substantiated as environmentally safe. This was because the real soil solution CCE provided HM ion form association and consequent passivation. The dry steppe soil remediation after phosphogypsum application was justified as highly probable. The intrasoil milling chemical soil-biological engineering technology was developed for simultaneous soil amelioration and remediation on the basis of the biogeosystem technique (BGT*) transcendental methodology. The BGT*-based technology was tested in the long-term field experiments and is capable of ensuring the priority geophysical micro- and macroaggregate structure via intrasoil milling and mixing of soil illuvial and transitional horizons. This helps synthesize soil multilevel architecture, providing intrasoil-dispersed environmentally safe recycling of wastes of different origin. Addressing the environment safety concerns, a new decision of the intrasoil milling device was proposed for phosphogypsum and other substance application to soil.

The air pollution with fine particulate matter (PM) of dimension 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) causes lung and other diseases. The problem of prevention of water and terrestrial systems pollution with PM dry deposits is multifaceted. The ionized O2 is capable to intensify the atmosphere turbulence, PM2.5 сoalescence, and increasing the PM dry deposition velocity. Unfortunately, outdated environmental technologies are incapable to secure this. The quality of air is linked to the pedosphere and plant kingdom. Addressing the problem of environmental quality, including the PM2.5 content reduction in the atmosphere, the Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) transcendental (nonstandard and not a direct imitation of Nature) methodology has been developed. The BGT* focus is an enrichment of the Earth's biogeochemical cycle. The heuristic approach to land use and air cleaning is a new niche for development to improve the soil system and ensure a high rate of air cleaning. BGT* ingredients are the intra-soil processing, which provides the soil multilevel architecture; intra-soil pulse continuously discrete watering for optimal soil water regime and freshwater saving up to 10-20 times; intra-soil dispersed environmentally safe recycling of the PM sediments and other pollutants; controlled microbial community and biofilm-mediated interactions in the soil. BGT* enriches the biogeochemical cycle, provides a better function of the humic substances, biological preparation and microbial biofilms as a soil-biological starter, priority plant and trees nutrition. BGT* methodology is capable to increase plant resistance to phytopathogens. BGT* provides the formation of higher underground and aboveground biological products, thus increasing reversible C biological sequestration from the atmosphere in the form of additional aboveground biomass and soil organic matter. BGT* provides a higher rate photosynthetic production of light O2 ions, a coalescence of PM2.5, PM0.1 to the PM10 and larger particles, sedimentation of the PM, and a soil transformation of PM sediments into the nutrients. BGT* allows sustainability of the biosphere, enables a high quality of the atmosphere, stabilizes the climate system of the Earth, and is capable to promote a green circular economy.The research was supported by the Strategic Academic Leadership Program of the Southern Federal University ("Priority 2030").

Water regime determines the soil organic matter (SOM) content and dynamics and heavy metals (HM) availability for plants. Uncertainty natural hydrological regime is a consequence of combination of a phase of water supplying to the soil and a phase of water spreading into the soil, which causes biosphere diversity. Current gravitational frontal continually-isotropic irrigation paradigm stipulates huge consumption of the world freshwater reserves. Around 95% of this water uncontrollably spreads in landscape in result of natural hydrological regime simulation. This paradigm causes unsustainable soil organic matter regime and heavy metals uncontrolled penetration of HM into plant roots and then into trophic chains.Improved biogeochemical cycle, including SOM and HM regime, is possible in the framework of Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) transcendental methodology. An origin of the developed BGT* soil watering paradigm is an intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete water supply into the soil continuum, fulfilled sequentially. Discrete volume of water is supplied via syringe to the vertical cylinder of soil preliminary watering at a depth of 10 to 30 cm, diameter is of 1–2 cm. Within 5–10 min after injection, the water spreads from this cylinder of preliminary watering into surrounding soil via capillary, film and vapor transfer. Some amount of water is partially transferred gravitationally to a depth of 35–40 cm. The resulting soil watering cylinder is at a depth of 5–50 cm, its diameter is of 3–4 cm. Lateral distance between next injections along the plant raw is about 10–15 cm. The non-watered soil carcass surrounding the wetted cylinder remains relatively dry and mechanically stable. After injection, the structure of soil in the wetted cylinder restores quickly without compression from the stable adjoining volume of soil, and the soil structure memory remain functional. The mean matric potential of the soil solution is 0.2 MPa. At this potential, a leaf stomatal apparatus operates in regulation mode. Relatively high concentration of soil solution provides an increased rate of plant supply with nutrients. Transpiration rate reduced compared to the natural water regime or standard irrigation. Evaporation from soil surface is small as well. Soil solution seepage to vadose zone is excluded. Fresh water saving is up to 20 times.BGT* soil watering paradigm reduces rate of intra-soil mass transfer, and uncontrolled lateral water redistribution to landscape. In its turn, this reduces SOM leaching from soil and improves conditions for the SOM priority synthesis, providing humic substances function, soil structuring, intra-soil reversible C sequestration, improved plant supply with fresh nutrients, better plant organogenesis, and soil biological productivity. Intra-soil application of plant protection preparation is possible.Rather low matric potential insures higher ionic strength of soil solution. Corresponding manifestations of ion association and carbonate calcium equilibrium in soil solution provide association of HM with macro-ions PbCO30, (PbCO3)20, PbHCO3+, PbSO40 PbCl+, PbOH+, Pb(OH)20, CdCO30, CdHCO3‒, CdSO4 CdSO40, CdCl+, CdOH+ and other, and consequent irreversible passivation of HM via complexation in soil mineral-organic system.The research was supported by the Strategic Academic Leadership Program of the Southern Federal University ("Priority 2030").

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.) is a valuable berry crop with a unique biochemical composition. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and biologically active substances. Different species and cultivars of honeysuckle require different cultivation conditions in the field of accelerated reproduction in vitro. Taking into account the high clonal replication potential of the plant, we conducted research on the chelated-iron form’s influence on the micropropagation productivity of the blue honeysuckle “Lulia” cultivar at the multiplication, rooting, and subsequent acclimatization stages of microplants. In a preliminary study, five types of iron chelates were tested with carboxyl- and phosphorus-containing ligands: Fe(III)-EDTA, Fe(III)-DTPA, Fe(III)-EDDHA, Fe(III)-HEDP, and Fe(II)-HEDP. Each type of iron chelate was applied at four concentrations: standard, decreased by 2 times, and increased by 1.5 times and 2 times in the basic Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium. It was found that the blue honeysuckle “Lulia” had a selectivity to the type of iron chelate that was used. The nutrient-medium modifications with iron chelates, which caused the plant response, contributed to a significant improvement in the plant’s physiological status and increased its survival rate during the microplant’s acclimation to the nonsterile conditions stage. At the rooting stage, an increase in the rooting rate of up to 100% (Fe (III)-EDDHA), an increase in the number of shoots by 1.5–2 times, and an increase in the number of roots by 1.4–1.9 times were observed. The positive effect of the iron’s chelated forms was also observed at the acclimation stage. According to the results of the research, the most suitable iron forms for clonal micropropagation of blue honeysuckle were carboxyl-containing Fe(III)-EDDHA and phosphonate-containing Fe(II)-HEDP. Moreover, the effectiveness of both complexonates was confirmed in a wide concentration range: Fe(III)-EDDHA from (×1.0) to (×2.0), and Fe(II)-HEDP from (×0.5) up to (×1.5).

Strong and healthy saplings are a prerequisite to establish a successful forest. Therefore, an attempt has been made to develop the best package for nutrient supplementation to raise healthy Acacia mangium saplings, especially in acidic soil. The seeds were sown in pots, receiving different combinations of Arbuscularmycorrhizal (AM), Rhizobium inoculation with application of lime, and mustard oil cake (MOC). The highest spore count and infection percentage (3220 kg−1 soil and 69) were recorded in the AM + MOC + R treated pot, whereas the lowest (2553 kg−1 soil and 37) were recorded in the AM + L treated pot. Nitrogen concentration and uptake in the sapling were higher in the Rhizobium-inoculated treatments than the uninoculated ones. The sulfur concentration and uptake were higher in the MOC-supplemented treatment. Similarly, the P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations and uptakes were higher in the limed treatments than the unlimed ones. The micronutrient concentration and uptake were higher in the unlimed treatments compared to the lime practice. The concentration of N in Rhizobium-treated pots, P and K in lime-treated pots, and S in MOC-treated pots were increased, whereas the soil pH decreased in all treatments except in the integrated package (AM + MOC + R + L) after 120 days. The Ca and Mg were reduced in all treatments, whereas micronutrients were reduced in all packages except the control. Under different nutrient management practices, plant height and stem girth continuously increased by 9.5 to 12 cm and 3 to 4 times, respectively. The production of robust saplings required integrated application of lime, MOC, AM, and Rhizobium in an acid soil that facilitated better root growth with availability of adequate nutrients for saplings.

Biochar is considered as a potential substitute for soil organic matter (SOM). Considering the importance of biochar, the present review is based on the different benefits and potential risks of the application of biochar to the soil. Biochar addition to low organic carbon soils can act as a feasible solution to keep soil biologically active for the cycling of different nutrients. The application of biochar could improve soil fertility, increase crop yield, enhance plant growth and microbial abundance, and immobilize different contaminants in the soil. It could also be helpful in carbon sequestration and the return of carbon stock back to the soil in partially combusted form. Due to the large surface area of biochar, which generally depends upon the types of feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, it helps to reduce the leaching of fertilizers from the soil and supplies additional nutrients to growing crops. However, biochar may have some adverse effects due to emissions during the pyrolysis process, but it exerts a positive priming effect (a phenomenon in which subjection to one stimulus positively influences subsequent stimulus) on SOM decomposition, depletion of nutrients (macro- and micro-) via strong adsorption, and impact on soil physicochemical properties. In view of the above importance and limitations, all possible issues related to biochar application should be considered. The review presents extensive detailed information on the sustainable approach for the environmental use of biochar and its limitations.

This review outlines the use of phosphogypsum, a by-product from the phosphate fertilizer industry, in Russia including its ameliorative roles for Na-affected and compacted soils; its value as a multi-nutrient fertilizer; in composting with various organic wastes to produce organo-mineral fertilizers; and in remediation of oil-contaminated soil.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most hazardous heavy-metal pollutants in the environment. However, the resistance of different soils and ecosystems to Pb pollution varies greatly. In the present study, the comparative assessment of the resistance to Pb contamination in the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils of the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions was conducted. There were 10 types and subtypes of objects from the forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and mountain-meadow soils which were selected for this study. The laboratory modeling of the effect of chemical soil contamination with lead (II) oxide (PbO) at different concentrations, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg/kg, were introduced into the soil to check the microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic properties of the soil after 30 days of incubation. Soil resistance to Pb stress was assessed by the degree of the decrease in the most sensitive and informative biological indicators of the soil condition. It has been found that the forest-steppe and steppe soils showed a greater resistance than that of the forest and mountain-meadow soils. The regional maximum permissible concentration (rMPC) of Pb was developed for the first time, according to the degree of violation of the ecosystem functions of the soils. The forecast maps were developed for the deterioration of the soil condition during the Pb contamination at variable concentrations in the Central Ciscaucasia and the Caucasus regions.

The combustion of solid fuel at power plants pollutes adjacent areas with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which increases risks to public health in the vicinity of these facilities. With an installed electric capacity of 2258 MW, the Novocherkassk Power Plant (NPP) is the top electric energy producer in Southern Russia. This facility is located in the vicinity of one of the largest cities in the Rostov Region, Novocherkassk, with a population of 168,035 people. Among the major cities in the region, Novocherkassk is characterized by the maximum level of atmospheric pollution. The study was conducted at 12 monitoring sites laid along the radii emanating from the NPP chimneys. The sites were located in the near-source influence zone (up to 3 km) in various directions and at greater distances (from 3 to 20 km) downwind. In this study, various indicators of environmental quality (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), and Nemerow pollution index (NPI)) as well as human health risk model (US EPA 1989) were applied to identify spatial distribution and to evaluate risks of seven PTEs (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in soils. The results demonstrate the relationship between the features of atmospheric circulation and PTE content in soils within the NPP impact zone. The main pattern in spatial distribution of soil pollution is a decrease in the concentrations of PTEs with distance from the source. The influence of NPP can be traced out to approximately 7 km downwind. The total content of PTEs in the soils slightly exceed the Clarke values for the upper continental crust, as well as the world average concentrations of these elements in soils (up to two times). Moderate to high pollution by Cd and Pb, according to the Igeo, is characteristic of the soils at a distance of up to 3 km to the NPP. The PI also demonstrates higher pollution estimates relative to distance from the source; soils in impact zone of NPP are characterized by low or no pollution by Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn, and moderate pollution by Cd and Pb. Soils located in the leeward zone are moderately polluted with Ni and Zn and very strongly to strongly polluted with Cd and Pb. According to the NPI values, pollution decreases from heavy in the area immediately downwind of the source to slight for most of the territory under consideration. The risks of noncarcinogenic effects on children are assessed as low, their occurrence is attributed to the intake of Mn, Ni, and Pb, while for adults there was no significant general toxic risk associated with the intake. The total carcinogenic risk to human health slightly exceeds the permissible standard for soils in close vicinity of the enterprise due to the potential intake of Ni, Cd, and Pb.The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 19-05-50097 and Grant of President of Russian Federation, no. МК-6137.2021.1.5.

Amelioration and remediation technology was developed comprises dispersed application and mixing of the phosphogypsum into the soil layer 20–45 cm with the intra-soil milling. The phosphogypsum doses 0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha−1 were studied in the model experiment focusing on the intra-soil passivation of Cd contained in phosphogypsum, environmental remediation, and amelioration of the Haplic Chernozem of South-European facies (Russia). The soil total and water-soluble Cd form content depend on geographical location, the ionic composition of soil solution, and soil genesis. The mean total Cd content in soils of South Russia is about 1 mg kg−1 SDW. The mobility of Cd in the soil solution, as well as its penetration into the plants, depends on the content of carbonates, pH, ionic composition of the soil solution. The mathematical chemical-thermodynamic model and program ION–3 developed for the quantitative characterization of Cd thermodynamic forms in soil solution. The forms of ion in soil solution were calculated accounting the soil solution calcium-carbonate equilibrium, ionic strength, and association of ion pairs СаСО30; CaSO40, MgCO30, MgSO40, CaHCO3+, MgHCO3+, NaCO3−, NaSO4−, CaOH+, MgOH+. The coefficient of microelement association kas was proposed for the calculation of the equilibrium concentration of microelement ion or heavy metal (HM) in soil solution. According to calculations, a Cd2+ ion mostly bounded to associates CdOH+, partly to associates CdCO30 and CdHCO3+. The Cd kas was 1.24 units in the control option and decreased to 0.95 units at a phosphogypsum dose 40 t ha−1. The calculated ratio of “active [Cd2+] to total Cd” reduced from 33.5% in control option to 28.0% in the option of a phosphogypsum dose 40 t ha−1. According to calculation, the biogeochemical barrier for penetration of HMs from soil to plant roots was high after application of phosphogypsum. The standard soil environmental limitations for the content of Cd in soil overestimate the real toxicity of Cd. Re-evaluation of the current TENORM and other environmental limitations become possible. The new decision for intra-soil milling and simultaneous application of phosphogypsum was developed the chemical soil engineering technology to decide simultaneously the tasks of soil contamination decrease, soil amelioration and soil remediation. The technology based on the transcendental Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) methodology provides environmentally safe phosphogypsum application to soil. The BGT* management of ecosphere provides health and productivity. Indirect transcendental nature-similarity of technology provides the new niche of developing capabilities addressing environmental safety concerns of ecosphere management. The technology ensures geophysical, chemical, physicochemical structural and architectural prerequisites for the stable soil evolution, environmentally safe waste recycling, the healthy soil microbiome and phytopathogen suppression, high-quality soil biological production, and human health.The research was financially supported by the RFBR, project no. 18-29-25071, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, project no. 0852-2020-0029.

Current land-use policy needs for innovative soil processing technologies. We carried out a long-term field experiment on the Kastanozem in following options: moldboard plowing to a depth of 22 cm; chiselling to a depth of 35 cm; three-tier PTN–40 plowing to a depth of 40–45 cm; PMS–70 intra-soil milling of the 20–45 cm layer. Moldboard, chisel and three-tier plowing does not improve soil aggregate system. 20–45 cm soil layer milling by PMS–70 provides the formation of the 1–3 mm aggregates. 30–40 years after PMS–70 processing, the soil profile structure remained fine aggregate. Soil organic matter and dissolved organic matter content, as well as the soil productivity, were higher after PMS–70. New intra-soil milling machine PMS–260 was developed. The moldboard plowing did not change the natural soil profile vertical morphological differentiation. The soil loosening effect was short-term after soil chiselling. After the three-tier PTN-40 plowing, a large part of humus horizon material strews down the soil profile between the chaotically spread large structural blocks of illuvial and transitional horizons. After PMS–70 processing, the content of 1–3 mm size aggregate particle fraction in the illuvial horizon was triple compared to the three-tier PTN–40 plowing. The soil desalination was intensive after PMS–70. The absorbed Na+ content in solonetz was about 18–20% of soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the moldboard option. The same was after the chiselling. The CEC Na+ content was of 14–16% after the PTN–40. The CEC Na+ content was of 10–12% after the PMS–70. The SOM content in the 0­–20 cm soil layer was 2.0%, in the 20-40 cm layer of 1.3%; the DOM content was 0.03% and 0.02% respectively in moldboard plowing option. The SOM and DOM content increased slightly in a period 3–4 years after chiselling. The SOM content was 2.2% in the 0­–20 cm, and 1.4% in the 20–40 cm; the DOM content was 0.04% and 0.03% respectively after the PTN–40. The SOM content increased to 3.3% in the 0–20 cm soil layer, and to 2.1% in the 20–40 cm layer; the DOM content increase was 0.05% and 0.04% respectively after the PMS–70. In the moldboard option, the rhizosphere developed only in the upper soil layer of 0–20 cm. The rhizosphere spreads through the soil crevices after chilling. The conditions of rhizosphere development were better in the local comfort zones of the soil profile after three-tier PTN–40 plowing. The rhizosphere developed well and uniformly both in the upper 0–20 cm and in the 20-45 cm layer after intra-soil milling by PMS–70. Improved plant growing conditions provide higher plant resistivity to pathogens. The technology life cycle profitability: moldboard 21.5%, chiseling 6.9%, three-tier 15.6%, intra-soil milling 45.6%. The new design of intra-soil milling machine provides five times less traction resistance; 80% increased reliability, halving energy costs. Intra-soil milling provides long-term land-use prospects.The research was supported by the RFBR, project no. 18-29-25071, and by the President of the Russian Federation, no. MK-2244.2020.5.

Consumption up to 95 % of the global freshwater resources for irresponsible outdated irrigation practice is no longer permissible worldwide. This huge water consumption is usually declared as an insurmountable consequence of irrigation technology and justified by the need for food production. This abnormal amount contradicts the task of human survival. Thus a call for a technological and regulatory breakthrough in the sphere of water resources is urgent. The current irrigation paradigm is based on imitation of natural rain, drip, surface or subsurface water flux to the soil. Old outdated irrigation paradigm links together two stages of the soil moisturizing process: water supply to the soil and water spreading throughout the soil continuum. This is a systemic disadvantage of standard irrigation. This lack stems from the simulation of natural water distribution. The current imitative paradigm of irrigation simultaneously reproduces other phenomena of the natural hydrological process. These are excess of freshwater consumption for 4–15 times compared with plant water demand; spatial differentiation of the soil moisture and vegetation growth conditions; soil compaction and over-moistening and landscape waterlogging; increased share of the unstable mineral in soil, preferential water fluxes through the soil to vadose zone and saturation zone; leaching of the soil organic matter and nutrients, and generally uncontrolled biogeochemical process caused by the standard irrigation. We developed the transcendental Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) methodology as a basis of development of the new soil watering paradigm. New intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete plant watering paradigm is executed by injection of successive small portions of water intra-soil via syringe into the soil vertical cylinder of 1.5–2.5 cm diameter at a depth of 10 to 35 cm. In the period of 5–10 min after individual injection, the water redistributes in the soil in the vicinity of the watered cylinder via capillary, film and vapour transfer. An ambient soil carcass remains mechanically stable. This carcass supports the soil which was disturbed hydrodynamically while intra-soil water injection mechanically, providing a multilevel aggregation of the soil fine fractions preferable for development of the rhizosphere. Resulting matrix soil water potential is of −0.2 MPa. At this potential, the soil solution has a rather high concentration. This concentration is optimal for the nutrition of plants. At the same time, such concentration of the soil solution is healthy for the soil, soil biota, and plant as a rather high air content provided. In absence of the over-moistening, the plant resistivity for pathogens becomes higher. The stomatal apparatus of plants operate in regulation mode, providing water saving. Freshwater consumption 4–20 times less compared to standard irrigation. Fertilizers, pesticide efficiency, and soil productivity are higher. Higher rate biogeochemical process control is provided. The environmental damage of standard irrigation excluded. BGT* robotic intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete watering system developed. The opportunity provided for the global water scarcity overcoming. It is possible to expand the biosphere and provide non-conflicting sustainable technological and environmental safety.The research was supported by the RFBR, project no. 18-29-25071, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, no. 0852-2020-0029.

Nature of soil as a main Earth’s biogeochemical reactor is dramatically underestimated. This is the inappropriate result of outdated technologies of the current industrial stage of development.There are attempts to hide the technological drawbacks under the veil of different modern terms. This, unfortunately, does not change the essence of the current aggravating conflict between biosphere and technology. This is a reluctance to abandon the nature-imitation approach to technology, including environmental, chemical, agrarian technology. The development potential of the biosphere is used now not on the full scale. There is a need now for heuristically qualified intuition to understand the nature of the niche for environmental soil engineering technology strategic development. This approach will ease the current contradiction between biosphere and technology. The global environmental challenge is a transcendental (not a direct imitation of nature) Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) technological platform of the Noosphere. BGT* is capable to promote a promising niche for the environmental business development and nature-similar technological management.One time BGT* based intra-soil milling of the 20–50 cm layer provides soil stable fine multilevel aggregate system, soil biome function for up to 40 years. The BGT* based intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete watering solves the world water scarcity problem. Water consumption is 5–20 times less compared to standard irrigation. The soil solution matrix potential range is from −0.2 MPa to −0.4 MPa, plant stomatal apparatus operates in the regulation mode. Water and nutrient efficacy is high. Intra-soil recycling of the municipal, industrial, waste and gasification byproduct in the soil layer of 20–50 cm in the course of this layer milling provides safety of the environment and plant nutrition. The yield is higher for 50–80 % compared to standard technology.BGT* gives the new transcendental prospect to stabilize the Earth’s biosphere and climate system. The possibilities to achieve a goal are as follows: soil compaction overcoming; freshwater saving and high-level soil solution equilibria control; environmentally safe waste recycling; high biogeochemical barrier for heavy metal; of atmosphere N fixation in photosynthesis; soil organic matter synthesis, better function of humic substances, polymicrobial biofilms, and plant stimulants; plant resistance to phytopathogen, phytopathological, medical and veterinary environmental safety.BGT*chemical soil-biological engineering intensifies the nutrient turnover and fertilizers return, decreases pesticides and nutrients off-target transport. This ensures higher yield and biofuel, higher efficacy of the technology, soil-biological reversible C sequestration, productive biosphere spreading, abundance, and safety; adaptation to climate change. BGT* provides the higher recreational potential of the biosphere. BGT* implementation requires technological and regulatory breakthrough for soil-chemical technology development niche expansion non-contradicting to Nature. BGT* is a promising sphere for worldwide Noosphere ventures.The research was financially supported by the RFBR, project no. 18-29-25071, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, project no. 0852-2020-0029.

The distilled water was exposed to a cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) generated by the piezotransformer. The treatment was carried out on a six-well plate. Exposure time was from 30 s to 10 min. The emission spectra were obtained. Physical and chemical changes of activated water were observed for 8 days. The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) were investigated. RONS production dependence on the exposure time and RONS lifetime in the treated liquid was determined using absorbance spectra. Quantitative assessment was made of the nitrite and nitrate concentration change over time after treatment. The medium conductivity and redox potential varied linearly depending on exposure time. The pH value change correlates with nitrate anion concentration. The concentration of peroxide hydrogen increased depending on CAP water treatment duration. The RONS concentration after liquid media processing with piezoelectric direct discharge CAP is a novel result. Biogeosystem Technique provides CAP activated water agriculture synergetic effect.

The Kastanozem complex in the dry steppe of southern Russia underlies an artificially-constructed forest strips. Deep ploughing to a depth of 45 cm was used to process the soil prior to planting. Between 20 and 40 cm depth, soil density was high, 1.57 t m−3. Soil hardness was also high, 440 psi. Soil aggregates greater than 5 cm in size were impermeable to tree roots. The content of such aggregates was high, comprising 35%. The number of tree roots with diameters greater than 0.5 cm that cross the soil profile was as low as 0.15 to 0.3 pcs cm−2. The soil matric potential signifying water availability was low in the vegetation period −0.9 MPa to a depth of 1.0 m. According to modelling experiments, the main salt components in the soil solution drive the transfer of soil organic matter (SOM) and heavy metals (HM). The composition of the soil solution determined by the calcium carbonate equilibrium (CCE) and the association and complexation of ions. ION-3 software was used to calculate the ion equilibrium in the soil solution. Macro-ions Cа2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and CO32− partly bonded as ion pairs. Oversaturation of the soil solution with CaCO3 was calculated according to the analytical content of macro-ion, which was high up to 1000 units, and its value decreased in response to ionic strength, activity, association, complexation, and thermodynamic equilibrium of macro-ions in the soil solution. Oversaturation calculated for Salic Solonetz and Gleyic Solonetz soil solutions was small considering the SOM content. Calculations indicate the profile and lateral loss of C from the soil to the vadose zone. The content of Pb in the soil solution was calculated sirca 75%–80%. The calculated coefficient of Pb2+ association was as high as 52.0. The probability of Pb passivation by SOM in the Kastanozem complex was significant. The probability of uncontrolled transfer and accumulation of HM in the soil and vadose zone was high. Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) transcendental methodology, an innovative methodology created for stable geomorphological system formation to achieve sustainable agriculture and silviculture, was applied. The BGT* elements were: intra-soil milling of the 30–60 cm soil layer for geophysical conditioning; intra-soil continuously-discrete pulse watering for plants and trees to improve the hydrologic regime. The BGT* methodology reduced HM mobility, controlled biodegradation, enriched nutrient biogeochemical cycling, increased C content, increased soil productivity, and reversible carbon sequester in biological form.

Stabilization mechanisms of easily and poorly soluble Zn compounds in Haplic Chernozem are considered in a long-term incubation experiment, including the dissolution and hydrolysis of the Zn added compounds (acetate, nitrate, sulphate, chloride, phosphate, and oxide) at a rate of 300 and 2000 mg kg –1 and the following post-sorption metal transformation. The indicators of stabilization were changes in the content of Zn weakly bound compounds (WBCs) and soil pH. Stabilization of Zn acetate, nitrate, sulphate, chloride progressed during incubation for 5 years which resulted in a decrease of Zn WBCs and an increase in soil pH. In the soil contaminated with Zn phosphate and oxide, the content of Zn WBCs increased and the soil pH decreased with time.

The thermodynamics has been studied of Pb forms in soil solution for the case of calcareous ordinary chernozem of the Southern Russia, northern zone of the Krasnodar krai for conditions of phosphogypsum utilization into the soil layer of 20–40 cm at doses of 0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha− 1. The application of phosphogypsum increased the contents of total Pb by 4.2; the content of water-soluble forms – by 17.7. As a result of ion association in soil solution are presented electrically neutral ion pairs СаСО30; CaSO40, MgCO30, MgSO40, and charged ion pairs CaHCO3+, MgHCO3+, NaCO3−, NaSO4−, CaOH+, MgOH+. The contents of soluble Pb2 + forms in water extracts were calculated by mathematical chemical-thermodynamic model of ion pairs association in soil solution using algorithm and computer program ION-2. The coefficient of heavy metal ion association kas in soil solution is proposed for calculation of the heavy metal equilibrium concentration in soil solution. The model shows that calculated association coefficient of Pb2 + is up to 25.0, Pb2 + is presented mostly in the form of PbOH+ and Pb(OH)20. The quantity of PbCO30 + Pb(CO3)22 − and PbHCO3+ is lower than content of hydroxide-complexes by 10–15 times. At the phosphogypsum dose of 40 t ha− 1, the association coefficient of Pb2 + ion decreases by 2.0 times comparing to initial soil, and its activity increases by 60.0%. The molar fraction of hydroxo complexes decrease for 4.0, carbonate for 5.0, and sulfate associates – increase for 4.5%. The dangerous increase of activity of Pb2 + ion in soil solution after phosphogypsum apply up to 90.0% of its concentration is revealed.

The long-term field experiment on the Kastanozem showed that the standard moldboard plowing to a depth of 22 cm (control), chiseling to a depth of 35 cm, and three-tier plowing (machine type PTN–40) to a depth of 45 cm was incapable of providing a stable soil structure and aggregate system. The transcendental Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) methodology for intra-soil milling of the 20–45 cm layer and the intra-soil milling PMS–70 machine were developed. The PMS–70 soil processing provided the content of 1–3 mm sized aggregate particle fraction in the illuvial horizon of about 50 to 60%, which was 3-fold higher compared to standard plowing systems. Soil bulk density reduced in the layer 20–40 cm to 1.35 t m−3 compared to 1.51 t m−3 in the control option. In the control, the rhizosphere developed only in the soil upper layer. There were 1.3 roots per cm−2 in 0–20 cm, and 0.2 roots per cm−2 in 20–40 cm. The rhizosphere spreads only through the soil crevices after chilling. After three-tier plowing (PTN–40), the rhizosphere developed better in the local comfort zones of the soil profile between soil blocks impermeable for roots. After intra-soil milling PMS–70, the rhizosphere developed uniformly in the whole soil profile: 2.2 roots per cm−2 in 0–20 cm, 1.7 roots per cm−2 in 20–40 cm. Matric water potential was higher, soil salinization was lower, and the pH was close to neutral. Soil organic matter (SOM) content increased to 3.3% in 0–20 cm and 2.1% in 20–40 cm compared to the control (2.0% in the 0–20 cm soil layer and 1.3% in the 20–40 cm layer). The spring barley yield was 53% higher compared to the control. The technology life cycle profitability was moldboard 21.5%, chiseling 6.9%, three-tier 15.6%, and intra-soil milling 45.6%. The new design of the intra-soil milling machine provides five times less traction resistance and 80% increased reliability, halving energy costs.

In the conditions of the adjacent location of agricultural land with industrial land, there is a continuous soil contamination of the territories adjacent to the emission sources. There is a threat of hazardous ecotoxicants migration, including heavy metals and benzo[a]pyrene, one of the main persistent compound, the marker of soil PAHs pollution, along trophic chains, which can be dangerous for a public health. In this study, the technology of biochar manufacturing from sunflower husks tested for improving the territories adjacent to technogenic emissions sources of heavy metals and PAHs. Using scanning electron microscopy showed that the resulting sorbent has a high specific surface area. With the help of phyto-testing, the optimal dose of the sorbent introduction into the combined contaminated soil was determined in the level of the 1% and 2%. The use of a sorbent in an amount of 1% significantly increased the root length of the test culture by 3.5 times as compared to the variant without adding the sorbent. The biochar applying into the contaminated soil contributed to an increase in the length of the barley root that confirms the effectively of the developed sorbent remediation of the co-contaminated soils.