Dmitry Mikhailovich Khomyakov

The problem of elaboration and implementation of innovative, feasible, ecologically friendly nature-like technologies aiming at an increase in carbon (C) stock and significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GG) emission from all agricultural areas, including those under rice cultivation, is critically important. In field tests conducted in Hunan Province, China, carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration by roots of rice plants was evaluated as influenced by silicon (Si) fertilizers. The amount of additional CO₂ sequestrated was dependent on the content of plant-available Si in agrochemicals, frequency and duration of their application and granulometric composition of soil. The data obtained evidences the potential of Si fertilizers to promote the process of C sequestration and reduction in GG emission under rice cultivation. Their application provided an increase in rice yield by 12,1 to 71,2% and in the CO₂ fixation by root system by 0,95 to 14,9 t ha^-1 over one season. Returning C to soil and fertility reproduction could be provided via enhanced plant root system development and increased root debris after harvesting. Agrochemicals containing silicon available for plants should be included in the technology for the implementation of 4R-STRATEGY of mineral nutrition of agricultural crops.

In closed soil conditions on tomato, cucumber and pepper cultures, the effectiveness of the integrated use of chicken compost, silicon fertilizer based on diatomite and the microbial preparation of the Bacillus amyloliquefasciens culture was evaluated. New technology allows you to get a crop increase of all high-quality vegetable crops. The studied agrochemical properties of gray forest medium loamy soil after harvesting did not deteriorate. In contrast to experiment options using traditional mineral fertilizers, the collected products fall under the definition of “organic” or with improved quality indicators, the so-called “green”. The resources of raw materials for the creation of nature-like innovative technologies of “green agrochemistry” are calculated. Now Russia produces about 310 million tons of organic animal waste, less than 70 million tons or 23% is used. The total content of only three plant nutrient elements (NPK) in the organic matter is 2,9 million tons of active substance. Their cost at current prices for mineral fertilizers exceeds 70 billion rubles. Perhaps the full useful use of organic resources in the system of measures for the “revitalization” of rural territories in terms of maintaining soil fertility and preventing “decarbonization”. This will reduce the negative impact of uncontrolled turnover of nitrogen and carboncontaining products on the components of the environment.

Soil is the basis of food systems at all levels. Preservation of the ecological functions of the soil cover, its condition in the territories newly introduced or withdrawn from agricultural use determines the degree and time of the onset of environmental risks, as well as risks and threats to food security.

The global value and cost of soil resources is increasing. Russia has a maximum soil cover of approximately 14,5 million km2—one sixth of the planetary. Soils, which are a unique national wealth and strategic resource, are underestimated. The volumes of applied agrochemicals are insufficient for the reproduction of fertility.

The achievement of food security indicators in the country and the export of food pro ducts occur due to non-reimbursable expenses of soil fertility reserves. There are no state documents that would clearly and unequivocally determine how many arable soils and agricultural land are needed to conduct modern agricultural production and fulfill tasks for sustain able development goals.