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The goal of this work is to analyze the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) in arable soils of Yamal using computational experiments with the ROMUL model. Soil temperature and moisture dynamics were simulated using the SCLISS model. The Yamal experimental station was organized in 1932. The soil is Plaggic Podzol. The thickness of humus horizon (PY) is 30 cm. Pools, kg/m2: SOM – 9.32 and 13.75; N – 0.46 and 0.66 for 0–20 and 0–30 cm respectively. Background: soddy-green-moss tundra near Salekhard. Soil: Folic Podzol: litter (O, 2 cm) and humus-accumulative (AY, 4 cm) and illuvial ferruginous (BF, 6 cm) horizons. Pools, kg/m2: SOM – 1.38 and 2.69, N – 0.03 and 0.18 for 0–2 and 2–6 cm respectively. The quantity and quality of background fall was estimated according to literature data. Clarification of the amount of fall was carried out by the method of inverse problem solving (spin-up). Peat application was simulated: starting application in the dose of 12 kg/m2 and maintenance (every 6 years) in doses 4, 8 and 12 kg/m2, N 1%. Application of mineral fertilizers, 2 variants: a) N 4 g/m2 (40 kg/ha) in peatting years and b) application of the same dose of nitrogen every year. The duration of computational experiments is 30 and 90 years. Computational experiments showed that after the starting peatting of Folic Podzol at the rate of 12 kg/m2 after 30 years, only 15% of the applied detritus remained. Maintenance peatting of 8–12 kg/m2 leads to an increase in SOM pool to 20–30 kg/m2 and excessive accumulation of detritus. Application of 4 kg/m2 of peat once every 6 years for 90 years shows the dynamics of SOM pools from Folic Podzol to Plaggic Podzol which is confirmed by field survey data. Application of mineral nitrogen (4 g/m2) once every 6 years does not affect SOM pools. Annual application of mineral N (4 g/m2) increases SOM pools due to intensified humification. This fact requires experimental verification.

A series of events in honor of the centenary of the Polar Experiment Station of VIR founded by Nikolay Ivanovich Vavilov, was opened by the Second Scientific Conference “Genetic Resources and Genetic Technologies for the Development of Northern Territories”, which took place on March 13-15, 2023. The objective of the Conference was to provide a regular platform for the exchange of experience, consolidation of efforts and development of interdisciplinary approaches between specialists – geneticists, resource scientists and biotechnologists, as well as specialists from related areas of biology, medicine and other sciences, whose joint efforts are aimed at increasing the demand for bio-resource collections and the role of genetic technologies in the development of the northern regions of the country. The Conference was organized by the Federal Research Centre the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), the Vavilov Society of Geneticists and Breeders (VOGiS), the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), Scientific Council on Genetics and Breeding of the RAS, Scientific Council of RAS for the Studies of the Arctic and Antarctic, and the Russian Botanical Society (RBS). The Conference was held online. The program of the Conference included three sections: “Effective Development of Northern Agriculture: Genetic Resources of Agricultural Plants and Microorganisms, Genetic Technologies and Interdisciplinary Research”; “Farm Animals, Marine Mammals and Commercial Fish in the Far North: Conservation and Study of Genetic Resources, Breeding and Interdisciplinary Research”; “Health and Longevity of the Population in Northern Territories: Genetic and Interdisciplinary Studies (Including Model Organisms)”, as well as a Round Table “Expeditionary Research in the Arctic and Northern Regions of Russia: Experience of Young Scientists”. Altogether, five plenary presentations, one evening lecture and 23 section reports were made. Genetic, genomic and omics research using valuable genetic resources of plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as human biomaterials, including bio-resource ex situ collections from regions with extreme nature and climate conditions is the basis for acquiring knowledge, creating a set of tools and developments that contribute to socio-economic development and security in the Arctic, addressing health-saving issues, improving the quality of life of the population and partial food self-sufficiency of the regions of the North and the Arctic. The development of these aspects is important for the implementation of the State scientific and technical policy of the Russian Federation, considering the Presidential Decrees 164 of March 5, 2020, and 645 of October 26, 2020. The article presents the main trends announced at the Conference and publishes the Resolution adopted by the Conference.

At the global level, interest is growing in extending agricultural activities northwards to increase future food production. Agricultural activities are emerging at the local level in the subarctic and Arctic regions in order to adapt to climate change, mitigate food insecurities, and build up food autonomy. This pilot crop management study was situated in the Hudson Bay Lowlands within an isolated, Indigenous community garden site surrounded by a mature shelterbelt. The study's purpose was to compare kale growing in three types of low-cost garden bed treatments (four plots per treatment) under ambient conditions in a subarctic climate. The 2019 study measured aboveground biomass and total leaf surface area of kale, monitored soil climate conditions of each treatment, and deciphered, with regards to regional suitability, the benefits and drawbacks of each garden bed treatment. Kale cultivated in the standard boxes (0.25 m height raised bed) and hügelkultur-style boxes (0.50 m height raised bed, including a layer of buried woody debris) resulted in 44 - 58% more aboveground mass and 52% more total surface area than were yielded in kale cultivated in the ground treatment (not elevated), but these increases did not represent statistically significant differences among treatments (ANOVA, p = 0.12) because of the large variation likely from a small sample size. The two raised box treatments increased early-season soil temperatures by 0.5°C to 2.5°C and reduced soil moisture by 41% - 53% compared to the ground treatment. We determined that the standard box treatment is best suited for the study site for improving soil climate conditions, protecting against water erosion, and decreasing the need to bend over. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the circumpolar region's high levels of food insecurity, many Canadian communities have identified the development of local agriculture as a means to resolve the issue. Agricultural development is varied across the circumpolar region, an area which includes Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik (Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Newfoundland and Labrador). This review explores the interregional differences in circumpolar agriculture, their historical development, and their relationship to prevailing biophysical, socioeconomic, and political conditions. Drawing upon local food strategies and literature pertaining to current agricultural initiatives, we discuss the future direction of circumpolar agriculture in Canada. Yukon and the Northwest Territories are the most agriculturally developed subregions of circumpolar Canada, and their territorial governments support the development of commercial agriculture. In Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, relatively few agricultural initiatives are underway although local efforts have been made to establish community gardens or greenhouses and improve access to fresh commodities through subsidization of imported goods. Because of variability in biophysical, social, institutional, and political environments, strategies for food production would be most effective if tailored to each subregion. The continued development of agriculturally favorable policies and certified processing facilities in Yukon and the Northwest Territories could improve market access, both locally and out-of-territory. The eastern subregions (Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut) seem more inclined towards small, community-driven projects; these initiatives could be promoted to encourage community involvement for their long-term sustainability. Most studies on circumpolar agriculture have focused on the biophysical and social challenges; the region would benefit from additional research into the institutional and political barriers to agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a new northern latitude fruit crop that is increasing in popularity. This sudden enthusiasm for haskap increases the need for obtaining baseline knowledge related to establishing it as a crop, such as its optimal soil pH and fertilizer needs. In a greenhouse, one-year-old haskap plants (cultivar: Indigo Treat©) were grown in a local loamy sand. We assessed the impact of pH and fertilizer on haskap vegetative growth through an experiment involving four soil pH and five fertilization treatments of three N sources (ammonium, nitrate, and organic (chicken manure)). Leaf senescence as well as above-ground and root biomass were recorded after 19 weeks of vegetative growth. For cultivar Indigo Treat©, optimal vegetative growth was observed under slightly acidic soil conditions (pHCaCl2 5.5–6 or pHwater 5.9–6.5) without application of N. Phosphorus and K fertilizers did not influence vegetative growth. We here discuss the implications for establishing haskap orchards.

Accelerated global warming in the cold-climate boreal and Arctic regions facilitates intensification and expansion of agriculture. However, current boreal and Arctic governmental policies targeting agricultural development differ among regions creating the risk for serious consequences for provision of goods and ecosystem services. On June 29th, 2021 we organized a United Nations Summit dialogue on "Local and global food security shaped by northern agriculture" to complement a 2019 survey of the scientific community on boreal and Arctic agriculture. The 33 attendees concluded that while climate change might offer significant agricultural opportunities in boreal and Arctic communities such as increased food security, sovereignty, and economic development, this should not be considered lightly and without strong support for environmental sustainability as carbon and biodiversity losses are main risks. Attendees expressed that using existing agricultural lands more efficiently is likely a better option than converting forest to new agricultural lands. It was also confirmed by the attendees that consistent policies are needed across northern jurisdictions that, above all else, consider environmental consequences followed by local food needs and interests. We and the attendees propose that this can only be ensured through further research and effective dialogues which reflect the needs and concerns of all members of the northern communities, including farmers. [Display omitted] • Potential for short-term benefits to be realized at large-scale are questionable. • Agricultural practices evolved in other climatic regions must be adapted to local conditions. • Agricultural development strategies must consider fundamental changes to the forestry sector. • Agricultural Policies are fragmented which limits coherent development and capacity building. • Inefficient communication and networking limit development and impairs human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daylength ranges between 15 h and 22 h when oats are sown in Finland. This study evaluated the effect of 15-h, 18-h and 24-h daylengths on apical development, pre-anthesis growth, and spikelet and floret set in two oat cultivars (Avena sativa L.) adapted to northern growing conditions. Experiments were done in a growth chamber at 18°C. Increases in daylength shortened the period of apical development. The oat cultivars were especially responsive to increase in daylength from 15 h to 18 h. The increase in daylength resulted in a 45 % reduction in number of fertile florets and a slight increase in the proportion of incompletely development and stunted florets. Fertility of florets was most reduced on the lower primary and secondary branches of the panicle. Total number of leaves and phyllochron decreased as daylength increased. Moreover, the longer the day, the lower the number of green leaves per main stem until developmental stage 11. However, at pollination, oats exposed to 15-h days had the lowest number of green leaves. Results of study indicated that delayed sowing, when associated with longer days at pre-anthesis, hastened apical development and decreased yield potential in oats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]