Objective research – to assess the current state and identify problems in the operation of irrigation system canals in the Russian Federation, as well as to analyze the factors affecting the decrease in the technical efficiency of irrigation systems. Materials and methods. The materials used were the results of the analysis of studies conducted by Russian scientists on the rational use of water resources in the agricultural sector of the country, statistical data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, industry statistics, materials from the State Report «On the State and Use of Water Resources in the Russian Federation», information on the number of facilities at the FSBSI «Russian Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems» and data from the Internet portal of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «All-Russian Research Institute of «Raduga». Classical methods were used to calculate hydraulic and filtration parameters. The determination of the coefficient of efficiency was performed in accordance with the recommendations of SP 100.13330.2016. Results and discussion. The study shows a significant decrease in water consumption for irrigation purposes (which is 3-4 times lower than in 1970-1985). It was found that approximately 42% of the canals in the irrigation systems are in good condition, 25% of the structures do not have monitoring data, and 87% of the canals are made of earth. The average efficiency value for the vast majority of canals is 0.66, and water losses due to filtration reach 40%. Conclusions. The technical condition of the vast majority of canals is actually assessed as «critical». The main problems are the unsatisfactory technical condition of hydraulic structures and the open network. To ensure sustainable development of irrigated agriculture and increase the area under irrigation, a comprehensive approach is required, including the reconstruction of hydraulic structures and improving the efficiency to the required standards.

The purpose of the research is to manage the reclamation regime of degraded peat soil to increase productivity and environmental sustainability of reclaimed agricultural landscapes in the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods: system analysis, balance method and field experience with early-ripening potatoes. Under experimental conditions, the technology of involving degraded peat soil (agrozem) into circulation, including plowing operations, milling, and the use of operational hydro-reclamation recycling to moisten the agrozem, has been tested. At the same time, decompression of the arable soil layer by 1.2 times compared with the fallow and an increase in potential fertility was achieved. In the prevailing hydrometeorological conditions of the moderately hot and moderately humid growing season, one irrigation with drainage waters of 25 mm was carried out. Irrigation water supplied about 4 kg/ha of ammonium and more than 10 kg/ha of carbon to the soil. The average drainage flow modulus was 0.176 l/s•ha. The average daily natural soil washability, formed by atmospheric precipitation, was 2.2 mm/day in the absence of technological washability. Treatment of potato tubers with potassium humate significantly increased yields by 1.96 t/ha, or 7.56%, compared with the control. Humidification increased yields by 2.1 t/ha, or 8.1% compared to the control. The combined use of moisture and potassium humate increased yields by 1.39 t/ha, or 4.98%, and by 1.25 t/ha, or 4.46%, compared with potassium humate. According to the total water consumption per unit of production, the most effective option was the addition of potassium humate – 57.7 m3/t. In terms of irrigation water consumption, the most effective option is with the combined use of humidification and potassium humate – 8.5 m3/t, and the most expensive option with humidification – 8.9 m

Long-term irrigation worsens the condition of the soil over time. The purpose of the research is to study changes in the physical and chemical properties of soils under the influence of long-term sprinkling irrigation and to develop design and technological solutions aimed at minimizing the potential negative consequences of irrigation. An analysis of studies of the effect of perennial irrigation on soil characteristics is presented. In order to minimize the negative impact of irrigation on the soil, a technology has been developed that allows you to adjust the irrigation rate by sector, based on actual water consumption. Experimental studies were carried out when watering corn. The soil is chestnut medium loamy. The comparison was made based on the results of irrigation in three areas: traditional irrigation at a constant rate, irrigation in accordance with the presented calculation method and improved sprinklers. Comparative experimental studies have demonstrated the possibility of reducing runoff during irrigation. Comparative experimental studies have demonstrated the possibility of reducing runoff during irrigation. As studies have shown, traditional sprinkling shows significant water losses due to surface runoff, which is about 10% of the irrigation rate. This is significantly inferior to more efficient methods: sector technology reduces runoff by 2.5 times, and the combination of sector technology with improved sprinkler designs by almost 3.2 times. The results of the removal of nutrients from the soil and humus are given. For the period 2020-2024, with irrigation according to the developed technology, the removal of nutrients with runoff was reduced by an average of 2.3 times; when watering according to the developed technology and equipping sprinklers with improved sprinkler designs – 3 times. During the three-year experimental period, humus loss was 790 kg/ha with traditional irrigation. The introduction of the new irrigation technology made it possible to reduce these losses to 336 kg/ha. The best results were achieved by combining the developed technology with the developed sprinklers, which led to the minimization of humus losses to 202 kg/ha.

Kazakhstan has great potential for producing livestock products. In this livestock industry, the West Kazakhstan region has great potential for the development of transhumance, as the availability of large areas of pastureland with natural feed resources allows for increased livestock productivity. At the same time, the main factor affecting livestock productivity is the water content of pasture areas. The purpose of the study is to monitor the water supply of transhumance livestock farming sites and develop an alternative method for irrigating pasture areas. To determine the availability of water resources, the article provides information on monitoring the current livestock farming sites in the dry steppe, semi-desert, and desert zones of the region by examining the actual condition of the water sources. According to the monitoring results, there are areas with low-water, waterless, and mineralized underground water sources. An alternative method of irrigating pasture areas of transhumant livestock farming with low-water, waterless, and mineralized underground water sources has been proposed. The essence of an alternative method of watering pasture areas is to construct above-ground artificial water sources (ponds) to provide additional water resources to low-water, waterless, and mineralized pasture areas for transhumance livestock farming.

The article considers the impact of modern climate change on soil compaction processes as one of the key factors reducing the productivity of agroecosystems. It is shown that climate change in Russia is manifested not only in the increase in temperature (up to 0.47°C per decade), but also in the transformation of the hydrothermal regime, including an increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events, a change in seasonality, and an increase in climatic instability. It has been established that the main mechanism for increasing compaction is a change in the water regime of soils: with an increase in the proportion of heavy precipitation, moisture infiltration deteriorates, surface runoff and erosion increase, and a soil crust forms. Particular attention is paid to changes in the physical properties of the soil. Compaction is accompanied by an increase in bulk density (from 1.1-1.2 to 1.4-1.6 g/cm³), a decrease in total porosity (from 50-55% to 35-40%), deterioration of the structure, and the destruction of aggregates. This leads to decreased water permeability, impaired aeration, and disrupted gas exchange, limiting oxygen supply to plant roots and soil biota. Changes in the ratio of solid, liquid, and gas phases in the soil worsen the conditions for root development and reduce the efficiency of moisture and nutrient use. It is noted that the combination of increased soil moisture and increased agricultural machinery mass leads to the formation of stable compacted horizons, including plow pans, causing yield losses of up to 10-40%. The role of soil biota, which is sensitive to changes in the physical condition of the soil, is also considered. The study demonstrates that compaction under climate change is cumulative, creating a vicious cycle of degradation and requiring comprehensive agricultural adaptation measures.

The article discusses the effects of electromagnetic irradiation of seeds on the further growth and development of plants grain crops. With the help of electromagnetic radiation, researchers are trying to accelerate growth processes, as well as shorten the growing season and increase yields. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-sowing preparation of grain crops: spring wheat, spring barley, winter rye and winter wheat, through exposure to electromagnetic radiation, the parameters of plant growth, development and photosynthetic activity, crop structure and biochemical composition of grain. It was found that the effect of electromagnetic radiation has an effect on accelerating the transition to generative development in spring and winter grain varieties, the duration of the growing season in the irradiated variants was reduced in spring crops by an average of 3-5 days, in winter crops – by an average of 10-16 days. When analyzing the main indicators of photosynthetic activity, a tendency of higher values of indicators was revealed in some variants with irradiation of seeds in an electromagnetic field. Irradiation also affected the parameters of the crop structure in some variants, as well as the biochemical composition of seeds. As a result of the analysis of the biochemical composition of the grain of the studied crops, significant differences in protein content were revealed in some variants with irradiation in an electromagnetic field, the excess in the irradiated variant was 0.5-4.5%.

The problem of uncontrolled disruption of the agroecosystem through the contamination of territories with invasive plants has been identified. The assessment of agrophysical processes of agroecosystem management is given in terms of the feasibility of innovative technologies and their provision with technical support facilities. To implement the objectives of the strategic programs for the development of the agro-industrial complex, the concept of controlling territories from infestation by invasive plants for a long time period with the involvement of a technical multifunctional complex of autonomous action is proposed. A collaborative robot design with an integrated autonomous system for removing invasive plants (AKIR kobot) has been developed. The technological completeness of the working equipment for removing Sosnovsky hogweed and the autonomy of control eliminate dangerous human contact with the plant’s foliage. A digital module with a real-time data bank allows for monitoring the growth of Sosnovsky hogweed and creating a removal plan at all stages of its growth. A five-year data collection and mapping period has been justified to manage the positive dynamics of clearing the area from invasive effects. Additionally, the biochemical characteristics of hogweed are considered for obtaining various products from the green mass, in particular, biofuels.

Rational use of water resources is critical for sustainable agricultural production in regions with pronounced rainfall seasonality, such as the Republic of Burundi. This study aims to determine the water requirements of maize and develop an optimal irrigation regime using the FAO methodology implemented in the CROPWAT 8.0 model for three calculation plots in the Imbo agro-climatic region with different soil types. Plots I, II and III correspond to Solonchaks (SCgl), Gleysols (GLmo) and Cambisols (CMdy) soils, respectively. Climatic data were obtained from the Bujumbura meteorological station. Planting date: 1 July; harvest: 28 October; growing season: 120 days. Reference evapotranspiration was calculated using the Penman-Monteith method. Total maize ETc was 434.8 mm; effective rainfall during the growing season – 127.2 mm (29.2%); the theoretical crop water requirement (CWR) of maize – 312.0 mm – is identical for all three plots. Irrigation schedules generated with actual soil parameters differ substantially: Plot I (Solonchaks, total available water (TAW) = 120 mm/m) – 8 irrigations at 38 mm net, gross 337.8 mm, efficiency 97.9%; Plot II (Gleysols, TAW = 120 mm/m) – 11 irrigations at 35 mm net, gross 427.8 mm, efficiency 99.7%; Plot III (Cambisols, TAW = 80 mm/m) – 14 irrigations at 32 mm net, gross 497.8 mm, efficiency 85.6%. Practical recommendations for optimising the maize irrigation regime for each soil type are proposed.

The purpose of the work is to study the chemical composition of wastewater from a dairy processing plant located in rural areas, conduct an environmental and reclamation assessment of it and develop a technological scheme for wastewater treatment that makes it possible to use it for irrigation. A special feature of the chemical composition of wastewater from the above-mentioned enterprise is the high values of BOС, ChOС, fat content, suspended solids, sodium ions and chlorides, since the use of brines is provided for in cheese production. At existing enterprises for wastewater treatment grease traps are used, biological ponds are being built, in which, as a result of the intake of mineralized wastewater, purple bacteria are developing, staining the surface of the reservoir in a characteristic red-pink color. The use of such waters for irrigation will lead to sodium ions, chloride ions of soils and soda formation. The assessment of wastewater after such biological treatment by the Stebler irrigation coefficient (Ka = 2,37) showed its unsatisfactory quality. A wastewater treatment technology has been developed at a milk processing plant, and it is recommended to place the treatment equipment in a block container on the territory of the enterprise. The general schematic diagram of the treated wastewater supply to the irrigation system, the design features of the water outlet and the averaging channel are presented.

The aim of the work is to systematize the philosophical and methodological problems of the introduction of AI in hydraulic engineering and to propose a conceptual framework for its responsible implementation, ensuring not only technological efficiency, but also social legitimacy, engineering safety and environmental sustainability. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the field of hydraulic engineering opens up new opportunities for improving the efficiency of water resources management, monitoring the condition of hydraulic structures (HS), and forecasting hazardous processes. However, this process is accompanied by a complex of methodological, regulatory, and ethical problems. The aim of the research is to systematize the key philosophical and methodological challenges related to the epistemological limitations of AI models, the ontological status of digital twins, the redistribution of responsibility, issues of cyber resilience, and socio-ecological justice. The methodology is based on an interdisciplinary literature analysis and case studies of typical tasks (flood management, cavitation diagnostics, filtration monitoring). As a result, the necessity of integrating AI not as a replacement for engineering judgment, but as a tool embedded in a system of professional procedures and public control is substantiated. As a conceptual framework, the principles of technological humility are proposed, including transparent model audit, lifecycle management, and clear role distribution. It is concluded that successful implementation requires a paradigm shift from searching for the “most accurate algorithm” to building robust socio-technical systems that ensure not only technological efficiency but also social legitimacy, engineering safety, and environmental sustainability.

The purpose of the research was to determine the roughness coefficient of a coating made of BeNotex SK concrete and compare the obtained coefficient with the roughness coefficient of the Encamate A20 geomat filled with crushed stone and bitumen polymer. Water erosion poses a serious threat to hydraulic structures, gradually destroying them. In this regard, nowadays the development and application of effective protective coatings for the slopes of these structures are becoming particularly relevant. As part of the research, the results were obtained and processed, which made it possible to determine the average value of the roughness coefficient for the two coatings studied. The results showed that both BeNotex SK and Encamate A20 coatings have good roughness characteristics. This opens up great opportunities for their application in real conditions. As a result of comparing the roughness coefficients of the presented coatings with other popular ones used in hydraulic engineering, it can be concluded that they can be used on a real object instead of coatings with similar roughness coefficients.

The article examines the role and prospects of low-head micro-hydropower (up to 100 kW) as a sustainable and reliable energy source for decentralized power supply. An overview of modern technological solutions is presented, including integration schemes for existing hydraulic structures, modular container-based designs, and a range of turbine equipment (orthogonal, screw, rotary, and helical turbines). Using the example of field tests of a domestic development – a micro-hydro power plant with an orthogonal turbine at the Khorobrovsky hydropower facility – pathways to overcoming technical barriers and further prospects for the development of this alternative energy sector are demonstrated. The main objectives of the conducted research are to perform a comparative analysis of various turbine types based on key parameters and to generalize the experience from field tests of the domestic micro-hydro power plant with an orthogonal turbine at the Khorobrovsky facility. This includes assessing its energy efficiency, installation feasibility, and suitability for autonomous operation. A comprehensive comparative analysis of all prospective turbine types for low-head conditions has been conducted, taking into account both traditional parameters (efficiency, head) and factors critical for practical implementation – installation speed, cost of integration into existing infrastructure, and suitability for autonomous operation. It is concluded that low-head micro-hydropower holds significant potential for ensuring energy security in remote areas and achieving low-carbon development goals.

The water regime of populated areas has been significantly altered due to a decrease in natural drainage. The excessive surface runoff generated by the development of the area requires a justification for its disposal. The purpose of this research is to provide a hydrological justification for the parameters and design solutions of drainage systems necessary to ensure the water regime of the park area. The article presents the calculation of the parameters and design solutions for the drainage system of the Sakharov Park, as well as the demonstration of the need for a comprehensive approach to technologically loaded areas. After analyzing the natural, climatic, and technical conditions, a methodology was developed for calculating the parameters of a closed drainage network. The results of the modeling have established the locations of the drainage and confirmed that the system copes with the task of the disposal of surface runoff.

The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for short-term forecasting of natural water turbidity in order to enable prompt regulation of the coagulation-filtration treatment process. The quality of natural water is subject to variability that necessitates operational adjustment of the water treatment regime. Such regulation can be effective only if changes in the hydrochemical composition of the raw water are anticipated through analysis and forecasting. This problem was addressed in relation to the turbidity of water supplied to the water treatment facilities of Angarsk, Ussuriysk, and Khabarovsk. The study employed autocorrelation analysis and seasonal decomposition of the data, which revealed that in all examined cases the time series exhibited trends, seasonality, and cyclical components. Consequently, the forecasting methodology must be statistical in nature. It was established that the methodology implemented in the Prophet software package meets the necessary requirements, providing a satisfactory forecast over a time horizon sufficient for preventive regulation of the water treatment process. The extrapolation of this methodology is recommended for other variable indicators of the composition and properties of natural water to support sustainable water supply.

When assessing the success of the introduction of European larch in the center of the European part of Russia, we present the distribution of trees according to the scale of sanitary conditions in percentage terms in the test areas established in each of the presented plots. It has been established that weakened (74%) and severely weakened (22%) trees predominate near the Moscow Ring Road (Bitsevsky Forest Nature Park), while in the Poretsky District Forestry, the Nikolskaya Forest Dacha, and the Izmailovsky Forest Park, the proportion of healthy trees is 83-94%. The purpose of the work is to assess the prospects of using European larch in the center of the European part of Russia, as well as to establish the variability of its morphological features. The features of the morphological features of European larch growing in Moscow and the Moscow region are presented. The variability of vegetative and generative organs, as well as the correlation and regression analysis of cones and seed scales, has been analyzed. The average length of the cones varied between 3,15 and 3,37 cm, the width between 2,45 and 2,65 cm, the number of scales between 36,7 and 47,5, and the length of the needles between 1,84 and 2,68 cm, with a coefficient of variation of no more than 36,6%. The research was conducted in the Bitsevsky Forest Nature Park, the Poretsky District Forestry, the Nikolskaya Forest Dacha, and the Izmailovsky Forest Park. The results of the study revealed that the European larch is a promising species for cultivation in the central part of European Russia.

This article presents the results of experimental studies investigating the thermal decomposition of pine and larch, as well as fresh spruce needles, using isothermal decomposition. This study will allow us to assess the fire hazard of the aforementioned forest fuels. Cases of spontaneous combustion of pine litter during the cold season, following precipitation in the form of snow, have been documented; this effect has been documented in a forested area of the Voronezh Region. The objective of the study was to experimentally determine the onset temperature of thermal decomposition, with the formation of gaseous combustion products, of certain forest fuels. To conduct experimental studies on thermal degradation, samples of forest combustible materials in the Bryansk region, such as pine and larch leaves, as well as fresh spruce needles, were selected. A thermographic setup was assembled for laboratory experiments, and the onset temperature of thermal destruction, or decomposition, of pine (Pinus sylvestris), larch (Larix sibirica), and spruce (Picea abies) litter was determined.

This article presents a retrospective analysis of climate changes in the territory of St. Petersburg and Leningrad region for the period from 1836 to 2025 based on a unique monthly data series. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on the analysis of average values, a method for discrete typology of calendar years using the k-means clustering technique was proposed, with four stable clusters identified according to a complex of hydrothermal indicators. Using nonparametric Mann-Kendall, Sen’s estimator, and Pettitt tests, an irreversible transition of the region into a new climatic era (Era III) has been proven, characterized by the predominance of extremely hot (80% frequency) and extremely wet (70% frequency) years. Points of bifurcation of the climate system have been identified (1988 for temperature, 1993 for precipitation). The inefficiency of preserving spruce monocultures under new conditions has been justified, and priority directions for adapting forestry have been proposed: changing the dominant tree species, transitioning to regulated hydro-forest improvement, and updating safety sanitary norms.

The aim of the study was to study the effectiveness of the interecotypic crossing of the black oak using the Alder ecotype as a source of valuable hereditary traits. The objects of the study were the positive trees of Chapurnikovsky (Krasnoarmeysky district of the Volgograd region) and Olkhovsky (Olkhovsky district of the Volgograd region) ecotypes. The relevance of the study is due to the need to create highly productive and sustainable oak forms for afforestation in an arid region. Studies have been conducted on a 3.5-hectare royal forest seed plantation. The research methods included biometric analysis, radiography of seeds using a mobile X-ray unit PRDU-2, assessment of physiological parameters, analysis of variance and statistical processing of the data obtained. A pronounced heterotic effect was observed in the hybrid form, which exceeded the control samples in height and diameter (t = 2,8 and 2,4, respectively). The diameter of the hybrid-shaped barrel exceeded the control values by 15% (1,35 cm for the control and 1,55 cm for the hybrid). The water retention capacity of the hybrid leaves was 43,5-55,0% of the initial mass, which is comparable to the parent forms. The transpiration rate of the hybrid (387 mg/g/hour) was 16% lower than that of the Chapurnik ecotype (463 mg/g/hour) and 19% higher than that of the Olkhovsky (326 mg/g/hour). The predominant influence of the mother plant on the development of the hybrid has been established (55% of the variability of phenotypic characteristics), studies have shown a high uniformity of planting material in Q. robur (Olkhovsky ecotype) (Cv < 15%). X-ray examination revealed the internal defects of the acorns and determined the quality of the seed material, as well as the effect of damage on the further condition of the seed material. The results obtained are important for the development of selective seed production and the creation of sustainable forest crops in arid regions. The practical significance of the work is determined by the possibility of using the developed approaches to create highly productive oak plantations in arid climates.

The Temple complex in the name of the Holy Imperial Passionists (Monastery), is the largest by size monastery of the Ekaterinburg diocese. Feature of the territory – preservation of a pine grove, which is a green background for the original architectural ensemble of the monastery. The aim of the work is to characterize the planting and soil conditions within the boundaries of the temple complex in the Ganin Yam precinct. Research has found that the tree is almost entirely formed from a weakened, persimmon pine. The parameters of trees in the vortex area are closer to similar urban park areas, while the diameter of stems is closer to those of the suburbian forests and forest parks. The soil characteristics also have features of the initial stages of changes in individual indicators (airiness, acidity, absorption capacity) related to the implementation of measures for creating decorative landings along the paths and increasing the attendance of the territory compared with adjacent sites.