Vegetation of Cryoarid Soils: Productivity and Species, Elemental, and Biochemical Compositions

Abstract—The extreme weather conditions of Transbaikalia cause phytostress in plants. This results in the formation of protective systems and mobilization that involves certain metabolic changes acting as survival means, including an increase in the content of lipids and lignin. Metabolism undergoes modifications determined by the pace and depth of changes that can occur in it without disturbing the balance between individual functions; as a result, the unity of the plant and the environment is not disturbed. Cryoarid conditions cause specific morphological and chemical adaptations in plants. It was found that the total content of lipids and lignin in the studied soils of Transbaikalia is higher, while the content of proteins is lower compared to similar soils in European Russia. It was also established that virgin chestnut soils contain more lipids, lignin, and proteins compared to fallow and arable soils.