The influence of environmental factors on the vital condition of large-flowered magnolia on the Southern Сoast of Crimea

Abstract

The results of a detailed soil and dendrological survey of park areas with large-flowered magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.) on the Southern Coast of Crimea are presented. The objective of the work was to identify the main environmental factors affecting the vital condition of Magnolia grandiflora L. The main edaphic properties and characteristics of M. grandiflora, which are in various vital states, are presented. Under the plants, the soil is sufficiently provided with humus and nutrients. The results of the statistical analysis do not allow us to assert an unambiguous influence of carbonates on the growth and development of M. grandiflora (r = -0.56; n = 6). According to the content of fragments of dense soil rocks in the meter layer, they are weakly, medium, and strongly gravelly-cartilaginous.

In the surveyed areas, the soil is compacted (>1.4 g/cm³) and the compaction increases to a depth of 80-100 cm, becoming very dense with low porosity (less than 45%). The granulometric composition of fine-grained soils on brown soils is heterogeneous over the area of the site and is mainly characterized as heavy loamy with a predominance of coarse and fine dust. Such soils are considered favorable in terms of granulometric composition for most woody and shrubby plants, including large-flowered magnolia.

Optimal edaphic conditions for growing large magnolias on agro-brown soils have been identified. These conditions include soils with a density of less than 1.52 g/cm³, skeletonization below 30% and a humus reserve of at least 292 t/ha in a meter layer.