Biological Properties of Soils in the Moscow State University Botanical Garden: The Branch on Prospekt Mira

摘要

Among the urban soils of Moscow, the soils of botanical gardens remain poorly studied. In this connection, the investigation of the soils in the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University (the branch on Prospekt Mira) founded 300 years ago is of great interest. The morphological, microbiological, chemical, and physical properties of these soils classified by Stroganova as culturozems or recreazems are described in detail. These soils (including the buried horizons) have a neutral reaction, 3-4% organic carbon, and an elevated heavy metal concentration. The soils are enriched with Azotobacter (indicating their high fertility) and yeasts (lipomycetes, which are characteristic inhabitants of the soils under forest plantations). These organisms also inhabit the buried horizons. All the soils studied were not toxic with respect to Azotobacter.