Growth characteristics of Ulmus pumila L. seedlings under phosphogypsum application

DOI: 10.34736/FNC.2026.132.1.010.84-91 ___ ___

Igolnikova Irina Sergeevna, Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher, Federal Scientific Centre of Agroecology, Complex Meliora-tion and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (400062, Volgograd, 97 Universi-tetsky Ave., Russian Federation). ORCID: 0000-0002-2602-724Х.

e-mail: igolnikova-is@vfanc.ru

Khuzhakhmetova Aliya Shamilievna, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Leading Researcher, Federal Scientific Centre of Agroecology, Com-plex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (400062, Volgograd, 97 Universitetsky Ave. ORCID: 0000-0001-5127-8844.

e-mail: avfanc@yandex.ru

Ivantchenko Tatyana Viktorovna, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Leading Researcher, Federal Scientific Centre of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (400062, Volgograd, 97 Universitetsky Ave., Russian Federation), ORCID: 0000-0001-6649-200X.

e-mail: ivanchenko-t@vfanc.ru

Abstract Increasing the survival rate and longevity of artificial plantations through scientifically substantiated methods aimed at improving plant nutrition on degraded lands remains a relevant objective. The eco-logical and economic efficiency of phosphogypsum application requires a comprehensive assessment of its effects at different application rates on planting material quality, survival rate, and soil agrochem-ical properties. In artificial plantations of dry steppe and semi-desert regions of Russia on solonetzic soils, representatives of the genus Ulmus are among the most widespread species. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth characteristics of Ulmus pumila L. seedlings under phosphogypsum ap-plication in order to determine optimal application rates. Seedlings with a closed root system were grown in 2.1 L containers under combined application of mineral fertilizer and different rates of phos-phogypsum: a control without fertilizer application, basal fertilizer combined with phosphogypsum at rates of 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 t/ha, and basal fertilizer only (Azofoska at 100.0 kg/ha). The experiment was conducted at the Nizhnevolzhskaya Station for Woody Plant Breeding, a branch of the Federal Scien-tific Center of Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kamyshin, Volgograd Region). The re-sults showed that seedling height in treatments with phosphogypsum ranged from 40.6 cm to 59.3-62.0 cm and was lower than in the treatment with mineral fertilizer alone (65.2 cm). The lowest growth parameters were recorded at the 4.0 t/ha phosphogypsum rate. Statistically significant differences in seedling height and stem diameter were found between the 4.0 t/ha and 2.0 t/ha treatments (21.4 cm and 2.3 mm, respectively), as well as between the 4.0 t/ha and mineral fertilizer-only treatment (24.6 cm and 2.1 mm). A significant positive effect on stem diameter was observed with the combined appli-cation of Azofoska and phosphogypsum at 6.0 t/ha. The most intensive root system development was recorded at the 6.0 t/ha rate compared with the control and lower phosphogypsum rates. Overall, the findings confirm the stimulating effect of phosphorus on root growth and development.

Keywords : Seedlings; Ulmus pumila L.; growth, closed root system, phosphogypsum.

For citation. Igolnikova I. S., Khuzhakmetova A. Sh., Ivanchenko T. V. Growth characteristics of Ulmus pumila L. seedlings under phosphogypsum application // Scientific Agronomy Journal. 2026;1(132):84-91. DOI: 10.34736/FNC.2026.132.1.010.84-91.

Funding: The work was carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Federal Scientific Centre for Agroecology, Complex Reclamation and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Scienc-es: 'Creation of new genotypes, varieties, forms of woody, shrub and cultivated plants with highly valu-able traits of productivity, quality, and resistance to bio- and abiotic stresses using both classical and modern breeding methods, new innovative technologies in nursery management and seed production, to address issues of preventing degradation and desertification of agro-landscapes under changing cli-mate conditions' (No. FNFE-2025-0009), Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Fed-eration.

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