Chernova E.A., Zorkina O.V., Kolmukidi S.V. FROM WASTELANDS TO GREEN ZONES: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF CONTINUOUS LANDSCAPING IN URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/nsr.jvolsu.2025.4.1
UDC: 631.92:712.423
Ekaterina A. Chernova, Student, Volgograd State University, Prosp.Universitetsky, 100, 400062 Volgograd, Russian Federation, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Olga V. Zorkina, Candidate Sciences (Engineering), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Biology and Bioengineering, Volgograd State University, Prosp.Universitetsky, 100, 400062 Volgograd, Russian Federation, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Svetlana V. Kolmukidi, Candidate of Sciences (Agriculture), Associate Professor, Department of Biology and Bioengineering, Volgograd State University, Prosp.Universitetsky, 100, 400062 Volgograd, Russian Federation, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract. Article is devoted to the analysis of the environmental and social benefits of continuous coverage of urban soils with various types of vegetation and protective coatings. The problems of soil degradation in the conditions of the steppe zone on the example of the city of Volgograd are considered. High summer temperatures, their sharp drop during the day, a shortage of natural precipitation create critical conditions for preserving moisture and preventing erosion of urban land. Various methods of land closure are described - from ground cover plants to mulching, the role of rain gardens in the formation of a favorable microclimate and protection of the soil layer from compaction, cracking and loss of moisture and fertility is indicated. Creating solid green areas helps reduce the urban heat island effect and make summer heat more bearable. Particular attention is paid to the technology of creating rain gardens as an innovative method of storm water management and improving soil structure. The projects of flower beds developed by the authors have been proposed, which can be successfully created and, with proper care, please Volgograd residents with their appearance. The article shows that the integrated landscaping of urban areas goes beyond aesthetic improvement and becomes the most important tool for the ecological rehabilitation of urbanized spaces.
Key words: rain gardens, soil closure, groundcover plants, moisture retention, urban ecology, soil erosion, phytomelioration, steppe zone, water balance, urban microclimate.
Citation. Chernova E.A., Zorkina O.V., Kolmukidi S.V. From Wastelands to Green Zones: Environmental and Social Benefits of Continuous Landscaping in Urban Infrastructure. Prirodnye sistemy i resursy [Natural Systems and Resources], 2025, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 5-22. (in Russian). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/nsr.jvolsu.2025.4.1
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