A. S. Shchepeleva

Bio: A. S. Shchepeleva is an academic researcher from Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Soil respiration & Ecosystem. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 28 citations. Previous affiliations of A. S. Shchepeleva include Russian State Agricultural University.

Changes of soil organic carbon stocks and CO2 emissions at the early stages of urban turf grasses’ development

Abstract: Urbanization coincides with remarkable expansion of turf grasses and their increasing role in environmental processes and functions, including carbon (C) sequestration. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in turf grass soils are substantial, however, an intensive soil respiration is also likely. Therefore C sequestration in turf grasses remains uncertain, especially at the early stages after development, when C uptake and CO2 emissions are unbalanced. We analyzed changes in SOC stocks and CO2 emissions at the experimental turf grasses in Moscow megapolis during the three years period after establishment. An influence of the three contrast depths of organic layers (5, 10 and 20 cm) on soil and biomass C and on the ornamental functions of turf grasses was studied. Total CO2 emission from the turf grasses during the observation period exceeded C uptake in grass and root biomass by two to three times. Therefore the turf grasses at the early stages of development are important source of biogenic C. Although the C losses were substantial, CO2 emission decreased and C uptake in biomass increased by the end of the observation period. The highest ratio of sequestered and emitted C was obtained for the thick turf grass soil constructions with a 20 cm organic layer. The highest ornamental value, indicated by the projective cover and sprout density, was also obtained for the thick turf grasses, which is essential to consider for developing the best management practices and sustainable turf grass soil constructions.

Analysis of Carbon Stocks and Fluxes of Urban Lawn Ecosystems in Moscow Megapolis

Abstract: Urbanization results in irreversible transformations of vegetation and soils. Urban lawn is an important part of urban ecosystems, providing several principal ecological functions, including participation in global carbon cycle. Carbon stocks and fluxes in urban lawns are diverse due to the different functional uses (residential, recreational areas, etc.), and different morphogenetic and physico-chemical properties of soil and their components. The research was focused on C stocks and fluxes in urban lawns to assess their function in regulating atmospheric air composition. Soil CO2 emission and CH4 fluxes (summarized for summer period); soil organic C (SOC); below and aboveground biomass were studied. Carbon emission by soil respiration and C sequestration in biomass were considered to estimate C balance.

Urban soils as hot spots of anthropogenic carbon accumulation: Review of stocks, mechanisms and driving factors

Abstract: Department of Landscape Design and Sustainable Ecosystems, Agrarian‐ Technological Institute, RUDN University, Miklukho‐Maklaya str., 6, Moscow, Russia Department of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, Göttingen, Germany Correspondence V. Vasenev, Department of Landscape Design and Sustainable Ecosystems, Agrarian‐ Technological Institute, RUDN University, Miklukho‐Maklaya str., 6, Moscow, Russia. Email: vasenyov@mail.ru Funding information DAAD‐Mikhail Lomonosov fellowship; Ministry Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Grant/Award Number: Agreement No 02.A03.21.0008; Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Grant/Award Number: 15‐34‐ 70003; Russian Science Foundation, Grant/ Award Number: 17‐77‐20046

Using constructed soils for green infrastructure – challenges and limitations

Abstract: With the rise in urban population comes a demand for solutions to offset environmental problems caused by urbanization. Green infrastructure (GI) refers to engineered features that provide multiecological functions in urban spaces. Soils are a fundamental component of GI, playing key roles in supporting plant growth, infiltration, and biological activities that contribute to the maintenance of air and water quality. However, urban soils are often physically, chemically, or biologically unsuitable for use in GI features. Constructed Technosols (CTs), consisting of mixtures of organic and mineral waste, are man-made soils designed to meet specific requirements and have great potential for use in GI. This review covers (1) current methods to create CTs adapted for various GI designs and (2) published examples in which CTs have been used in GI. We address the main steps for building CTs, the materials and which formulae should be used to design functional CTs, and the technical constraints of using CTs for applications in parks and square lawns, tree-lined streets, green buffer for storm water management, urban farming, and reclaimed derelict land. The analysis suggests that the composition and structure of CTs should and can be adapted to available wastes and by-products and to future land use and environmental conditions. CTs have a high potential to provide multiple soil functions in diverse situations and to contribute to greening efforts in cities (and beyond) across the world.

Carbon stocks and CO2 emissions of urban and natural soils in Central Chernozemic region of Russia

Abstract: C-sequestration, as a function of soils, is known to help mitigate climate change. However, the potential of urban soils to be C-sinks or sources, is widely unknown. This study aims to understand the role and significance of urban soils in the C-balance of the region. It reveals several important findings about the C-balance capacities of urban soils and the multiple factors affecting this balance. This two-year study focused on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and CO 2 emissions of urban soils in the city of Kursk, located in the Central Chernozemic region of Russia, an area known to have some of the most fertile soils in the world. SOС stocks and emissions were studied in residential, recreational, and industrial functional zones and in comparison to corresponding natural reference soils to analyze the influence of urbanization on C turnover Urban soils were found to store 20 to 50 kg С m − 2 in 1.5 m layer; 10–30% less than in corresponding natural Luvic Chernozems and Chernic Phaeozems, but greater than what has been reported for many other cities. The urban soils with developed cultural layers stored more C in subsoil compared to the natural soils. Emissions of CO 2 in urban soils, however, were higher than from Chernic Phaeozems but comparable to those from Luvic Chernozems. The CO 2 /SOC stocks ratio in urban soils was two–three times higher than in natural soils. These outcomes point to the intensive C turnover and low sustainability of SOC stocks in urban soils. This study found evidence that the recent urbanization of the Chernozemic region has adversely affected the C balance. Natural soils in the region are important C sinks, however they can convert to C sources in result of urbanization.

The Ecological Functions and Ecosystem Services of Urban and Technogenic Soils: from Theory to Practice (A Review)

Abstract: A review of Russian and foreign approaches to analyze and assess the ecological and socioeconomic role of urban and technogenic soils is made in the context of the two popular concepts: the ecological functions of soils and ecosystem services. The modern definitions, classification, and evaluation of ecosystem services and their relationships with soil functions are considered both in general and in relation to urban and technogenic soils. Despite some methodological differences, the work shows that the concepts are closely related, and their joint use is highly promising. Three practical examples for the cities of Moscow, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong show a consistent transition from the analysis of soil properties and functions to the assessment of ecosystem services and decision making in engineering, urban improvement, and sustainable urban development.