Influence of long-term anthropogenic loads on the functional state of corn agroecosystems

Abstract

Goal. To study the influence of the long-term application of different fertilizer systems and periodic liming on CO2 emission, the intensity of redox and biotic processes in corn agrocenoses for effective management of fertility of light-gray forest surface gleyed soils. Methods. Field research — to measure the intensity of CO2 emission, the level of redox potential, the proteolytic and general biological activity of the soil, physicochemical — determination of pNKCl, comparative-analytical — to analyze and justify the results, mathematical and statistical — to assess the reliability of research results. Results. With the use of light-gray forest surface-gleyed soils of organo-mineral (10 t/ha of manure and N65P68K68) and mineral (N105P101K101) fertilizer systems on the background of liming with a dose of CaCO3 calculated on the acid-base buffer (2.5 t/ha), in the 5th year of the aftereffect, the acidity increases, which leads to an increase in the intensity of CO2 emission, redox potential and a decrease in biotic activity during the growing season of corn. The obtained results testify to the expediency of conducting the next round of liming the light-gray forest surface gleyed soils before the beginning of each of the next 4-field rotations with the optimal dose of CaCO3 calculated on pH-buffering, which will provide a gradual shift of acid-base balance and ecological soils. Conclusions. Based on the obtained research results, a long-term stationary experiment shows the feasibility of using indicators of CO2 emission, redox potential, and biotic activity in the system of agroecological monitoring. It is established that the proposed diagnostic characteristics together with agrochemical indicators make it possible to fully assess the impact of different anthropogenic pressures on the agroecosystem.