The role of Karachi experimental station of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the USSR SB as in the International Biological Program Research (1968-1974)

Abstract

The Karachi Experimental Station, established in 1968 by the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences (55.344848N, 76.945782E, Novosibirsk region, Russia), carried out research concerning the main topics of the International Biological Program (IBP).  Catena was the main object of research, with steppe in its eluvial and mire in its accumulative ecosystems. Seven catena ecosystems were studied in detail. The input of carbon, nitrogen and mineral elements with precipitation was measured. Chemical element migration with surface water flow in different biogeocenoses was studied. Migration rate was shown to increase down the catena. Eluvial ecosystems had positive salt balance. Trans-eluvial ecosystems were found to lose elements, while accumulative ones were found to accumulate many elements, including carbon and nitrogen. Vertical migration and chemical elements balance were also investigated. The study of biological turnover showed its great capacity and intensity, exceeding 10-100-fold yearly migration of elements with waters. Biological turnover was concluded to be the main tool of carbon redistribution between atmosphere and soil and of such macroelements as nitrogen, potassium and calcium between sol and plant.