Influence of Granulometric Composition Structure of Anthropogenic- reformed Soil on Ecology of Infrastructure

Abstract

As a result of long-term researches it has been established, that creation of a friable blanket on leached chernozem in the conditions of Western Siberia leads to its gradual pauperisation by physical clay (<0.01mm) at the expense of washing away. Migrating on a soil profile, elementary soil particles accumulate in layers of 20-40 and 60-80cm., forming the recondensed horizons with the lowered water permeability. In a layer of 20-40cm. mainly collect an average and small silt, and in 60-80cm. - clay fraction. Speed infiltration the generated layers almost on 40% below values of a virgin soil. In the conditions of Siberia it can lead to stagnation of water in the top layers or to its unproductive loss at the expense of physical evaporation and a superficial drain. The received results can become a basis for optimisation of granulometric composition artificial ground and system engineering of preparation of the soil stabilising an ecological condition of anthropogenic-reformed territories.

Full text

Procedia Engineering 165 ( 2016 ) 788 – 793
1877-7058 © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 15th International scientific conference “Underground Urbanisation as a
Prerequisite for Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2016.11.776
ScienceDirect
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
15th International scientific conference “Underground Urbanisation as a Prerequisite for
Sustainable Development”
Influence of granulometric composition structure of anthropogenic-
reformed soil on ecology of infrastructure
Dmitriy Eremin a,
*
, Diana Eremina a
a Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University, Respubliki str. 7, Tyumen, 625003 Russia
Abstract
As a result of long-term researches it has been established, that creation of a friable blanket on leached chernozem in the
conditions of Western Siberia leads to its gradual pauperisation by physical clay (<0.01 mm) at the expense of washing away.
Migrating on a soil profile, elementary soil particles accumulate in layers of 20-40 and 60-80 cm., forming the recondensed
horizons with the lowered water permeability. In a layer of 20-40 cm. mainly collect an average and small silt, and in 60-80 cm. -
clay fraction. Speed infiltration the generated layers almost on 40 % below values of a virgin soil. In the conditions of Siberia it
can lead to stagnation of water in the top layers or to its unproductive loss at the expense of physical evaporation and a superficial
drain. The received results can become a basis for optimisation of granulometric composition artificial ground and system
engineering of preparation of the soil stabilising an ecological condition of anthropogenic-reformed territories.
© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 15th International scientific conference “Underground
Urbanisation as a Prerequisite for Sustainable Development.
Keywords: Granulometric composition; physical clay; silt; clay fraction; leached chernozem; water permeability; infiltration.
1. Introduction
Granulometric composition is considered to be one of the most important soil formation factors. It has a great
effect on air, thermal, water-physical, physical-mechanical properties. Granulometric composition is used in soil
description. It forms the basis of one of the main taxonomic units of modern soil classification - varieties. Since 19th
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +7-3452-29-01-50.
E-mail address: soil-tyumen@yandex.ru
© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 15th International scientific conference “Underground Urbanisation as a
Prerequisite for Sustainable Development

789
Dmitriy Eremin and Diana Eremina / Procedia Engineering 165 ( 2016 ) 788 – 793
century scientists repeatedly emphasized the role of granulometric composition as a fertility factor. It is considered
to be one of the main characteristics of ecological soil state taken into account in monitoring of erosion process,
degradation, heavy metals storage and migration and other harmful substances. When analyzed granulometric
composition of main soil in the south of Western Siberia V.L. Tatarintsev [1]; A.S. Motorin and A.V. Bukin [2]
established close correlation between heavy metals content and clay fraction of soil. Also it was confirmed with
scientists of other regions [3-6]. Taking into account that granulometric composition of soil is stable during long
period of time; the scientists didn't usually deal with a problem of its change under the influence of anthropogenic
factor. Except for studies concerning artificial soil but in this case it was a matter of process of solid separate
fractions mixing for obtaining soil with definite properties [7, 8]. Intensification of anthropogenic load to the soil
made changes in modern soil formation on huge land territories - it is more evident in agrocenosis [9, 10]. There
were appeared many ecological and agronomy research works showing change factors of fertility under the
influence of human being, marking general fertility decrease. [11, 12]. In order to explain modern process of soil
formation it is necessary to analyze particularly granulometric composition of soil and its changes under the
influence of anthropogenic factor.
2. Study area and methods
The surveyed area included experimental plot of the State Northern Zauralye Agrarian University, the plot was
established in 1968 on virgin leached chernozem (Luvic Voronic ChernozemsWRB, 2006). The plot is situated in
the northern forest-steppe of eastern edge of the Trans-Ural Plateau. Parent material is clay pulverescent loess-like
loams (no more 10 meters thickness). After sampling in 1968, one part of the plot was ploughed and in tillage up to
date, the other part is under natural vegetation in virgin state so far.
The object is leached chernozem, rich (fertile), middle loamy on carbonate loess-like loam with typical Western
Siberian features and properties [13]. According to granulometric composition it belongs to clay pulverescent
middle loamy variety. It is noted that there is redistribution of clay fractions within the soil profile. Thickness of a
humus horizon makes up 57 cm., from which 41 cm. is a humus accumulative horizon. Boiling depth from HCI is
105 cm. Thickness of a horizon Bk is not exceeding 1 meter.
There are different grasses on virgin lands; the following plants are predominant: Libianotis sibirica, speedwell
(Veronica spicata), meadow pea (Lathyrus pratensis), timothy grass (Phleum pratense), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus
pratensis).
The recurrent surveys were carried out on virgin lands and in plowed field in 2012. It gave an opportunity to
conduct comparative analyses of granulometric composition structure and to reveal anthropogenic migration of
separate solid phase fractions. Soil sampling was conducted layer-by-layer in every 10cm.up to 2 meters depth in six
multiple repeatability. Granulometric composition was determined by pipette method using pyrophosphate method
of probe preparation (by Kachinskiy). In 2012 there was also used a laser granulometer Analisette - 22; water
permeability was studied by cylinder method separately layer-by-layer in six multiple repeatability. Statistical
analysis of results was conducted according to B.A. Dospekhov.
3. Results
It is noted that there is redistribution of clay fractions within the soil profile of analyzed leached chernozem. Its
content normally increases from 30cm. depth forming horizon B2 without humus and carbonate, but with illuvial
features of horizon. There is an excess of 8% towards humus -accumulative horizon (fig.1).
Topping of the profile up to 40 cm. depth differs from underlying layers of soil-forming stratum by small content
of sand (>0.005 mm.) and a coarse silt (0.005 – 0.01 mm.), fine fractions (0.005 – 0.01 mm.).
On virgin plot in humus-accumulative horizon, physical clay content makes up 43-44%, whereas in deeper layers
this index reached 50%. This indicates differentiation of leached chernozem profile and extraction of illuvial horizon
within the profile. It is caused by modern movement of fine silt and clay fractions without their destruction [14].
From 1968 to 2012 there were not revealed any changes of physical clay distribution through the profile. There
was a decline caused by measurement error and made up less 1% relative to initial value. This is explained by the
fact that under herbaceous vegetation is formed desuctio-non-washing regime of soil preventing deep penetration of

790 Dmitriy Eremin and Diana Eremina / Procedia Engineering 165 ( 2016 ) 788 – 793
water into the soil.
Ploughing up of virgin chernozem and long-term maintenance of top mellow layer at the expense of annual
machining led to physical clay migration through the soil profile. During investigation period top soil (0-20cm.) lost
not less 3% of physical clay.
Increasing of water permeability of mellow soil is caused by high interaggregate porosity (14-23% from the
volume) and lack of herbaceous vegetation in spring and autumn. Therefore clefts have appeared, further they were
filled with melkozem.
30-90cm. layer was characterized by heightened content of particles which size is less 0.01 mm. It is
characteristic of illuviation and formation of proper horizon at mentioned depth. Physical clay content increased
from 46-50 to 49-54%; a decline made up 3.0-3.7% from value of virgin lands. Storage is caused by migration of
fine silt with high dispersibility and ability of coagulation. While increasing its content, water permeability of
horizon decreased by 7-10% relative to virgin lands because of high ability to swelling and shrinkage. In this case
density composition increases from 1.18 to 1.33g./cm3., and other physical-mechanical properties of soil become
worse as well. It results in extra charge while machining. It is necessary to take into account that over consolidated
layer blocks in penetration of roots to the low horizons and contributes to forming surface root system, that is crucial
for the plants in Siberia [15].
Fig. 1. Granulometric composition of leached chernozem .
Middle silt fraction (0.01-0.005 mm.) was subjected to migration too, but only at slight depth. Larger fractions
Virgin, 1968
Virgin, 2012
Ploughed field , 2012

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Dmitriy Eremin and Diana Eremina / Procedia Engineering 165 ( 2016 ) 788 – 793
did not move through the profile - declines are result of recalculation of physical clay in total mass of soil.
Differentiation of profile by clay fraction is not as evident as by physical clay. Maximum storage is at 80-110 cm.
depth – in the top part of illuvial-carbonate horizon. During investigation period on the virgin plot there were not
revealed reliable declines of clay fraction distribution; declines were within study error. However, using in tillage
resulted in impoverishment of 0-30cm. layer by 2,8% relative to initial value.
Comparative analysis of clay fraction and physical clay showed that 30-40 cm. layer had 60% of clay fraction
from total amount of soil elementary particles. At depth 80-90 cm. this index increases up to 80%, the other part is
fine silt fraction. The given fact explains changes of agrophysics and physical-mechanical properties of soil with
artificial mellow surface layer. It is important to realize that fine silt fractions and clay have high absorbing capacity,
heavy metals interact with them strongly. Therefore usage of mellow artificial soil with initial low concentration
heavy metals content in Siberia results in their accumulation in underlying layers at the expense of particles
migration (<0.01mm.).
Water permeability is one of the most changeable properties and depends on structure of granulometric soil
composition. It may have an effect on migration and separation of elementary soil particles through the profile [16].
The given index consists of two consecutive processes: absorption (infiltration) and filtration – movement of water
at humidity relevant for total moisture capacity.
Low water permeability creates favorable conditions for slow penetration of water into the soil, stagnating on the
surface, soil overcrust, and stopping air access causing disastrous results for herbaceous plants.
Humus-accumulative horizon of virgin leached chernozem was characterized by maximum speed of absorption
only at first 10 minutes – 9 mm./min. In 20 minutes water permeability decreased almost twofold. It caused by weak
stability of macro aggregates against water action. After 40 minutes water permeability varies slightly. Average
speed of absorption (infiltration coefficient) of virgin plot made up 4mm./min. (table 1). Ploughing up and annual
machining of top soil of leached chernozem assist loosening which support rate of water motion in topsoil at high
level – 4 mm./hour. At 20 cm. depth infiltration coefficient decreases up to 3 mm./hour. It should be noted that after
40 minutes water is absorbed with minimal speed -1-2 mm., whereas on virgin lands – 3 mm./hour.
Table 1 – Infiltration of leached chernozem
Depth, cm.
Minutes of 1st hour
Infiltration
coefficient
10
20
30
40
50
60
Virgin
0-20
9
5
3
2
2
2
4
20-40
7
5
4
3
3
3
4
60-80
7
4
4
3
3
3
4
Ploughed field
0-20
6
5
4
3
3
3
4
20-40
6
4
3
3
2
1
3
60-80
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
The greater changes are observed deeper than 80 cm. – infiltration coefficient decreased half as much. It should
be crucial in Western Siberian conditions because of local overwetting. Speed of absorption is considerably less at
the outset, it is caused by decreasing of pore space at the expense of fine silt and clay deposit in it. It is also proved
by appropriate analyses of interaggregate and aggregate porosity.
Water filtration is considered to be more stable index both in space and in time unlike infiltration. It is extremely
rare in chernozem – it usually happens while snow melting or irrigation. The done research showed that filtration of
1 meter profile of virgin leached chernozem is relatively high - 2.3-3.0 mm./hour, it reached its highest point in 20-
40 cm. layer (fig. 2). This is because good structural properties and large hollows (cavities) at 20-60 cm. depth.
Soil formation with mellow surface layer leads to migration process of physical clay and its concentration in
separate layers. It is the reason for sharp decreasing of speed filtration – maximum negative effect took place in 20-
40cm. layer – 1.9 mm./hour, it is almost 40% lower than in virgin lands. This is because non-water-stable structural
partings decompose in water quickly. At 60-80 cm. depth water permeability, on the average, is 2.2 mm. for 3 hour

792 Dmitriy Eremin and Diana Eremina / Procedia Engineering 165 ( 2016 ) 788 – 793
period , whereas on virgin lands is 2.8 mm./hour.
Deterioration (worsening) of water permeability subsurface blocks quick penetration of water into the soil. It
increases its loss as a result of physical evaporation, especially when there is no vegetation on the soil. It is also may
be because of surface run-off and humus and nutrient washing off.
In natural conditions there is no problem with water stagnation in chernozem even while snow melting, water
moves easily due to large cavities.
Fig. 2. Change of factor of filtration coefficient of redistribution of elementary soil particles on a profile of leached chernozem, mm./h.
4. Conclusion
The done research states that while forming artificial loosened topsoil of leached chernozem takes place washing
out of elementary soil particles (the size is less 0.01 mm.) deep down. As a result of migration there is separation
with further accumulation of average (middle) and fine silt at 20-40 cm. depth, but smaller clay fraction is
accumulated in 60-80cm. layer. At mentioned depths over consolidated layers are being formed; they cause water
permeability decreasing since movement of water.
While forming artificial rich soil, it is necessary to obtain physical clay content in it not less 40% at the expense
of usage of filler increasing the weight of granulometric composition (clay, sapropel). Density of top layer
composition must be not less 1.2 gm./cm3.; in addition to sowen permanent grasses, it will prevent from migration of
particles (less 0.01 mm.) deep into the profile, forming negative over consolidated layers. Comprising artificial soil
they must not use components containing heavy metals which are capable of accumulating in definite layers of soil
as a result of clay fraction migration.
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