Spatial diversity of microbiological and agrochemical properties of soils in landscape analogs of Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye Park is a unique example of landscaping using constructed soils (technosols) based on soils and soil substrates typical of zonal ecosystems from various climatic zones of the European part of Russia. Soil samples (0–10 cm) from landscape analogs were analyzed to determine a range of agrochemical (pH, organic matter content, and nutrient levels) and microbiological (microbial activity, functional diversity, diversity of cultivable mycobiota, including opportunistic pathogens) parameters. The obtained soil parameters were compared with those of zonal soils from corresponding natural landscapes. For most landscapes, a decrease in organic matter content, an increase in pH and available phosphorus levels, and a significant reduction in potassium content, respiratory activity, and microbial biomass were observed compared to natural analogs. Functional diversity increased in soils with a more acidic pH. The cultivated microfungal community in the landscape analogs exhibited low species diversity (Shannon indices up to 1.9) and specific mycocomplex compositions (Jaccard indices up to 0.5). In September, the number of microfungal species increased in most zones, accompanied by a rise in the proportion of conditionally pathogenic species (from 44% in May to 68% in September) and an overall decline in species richness (from 26 species in May to 19 species in September). The conducted analysis demonstrated that soil constructions mimicking the soil cover of corresponding natural landscapes, under unified climatic conditions and intensive anthropogenic pressures, form unique biotopes distinct from both natural ecosystems and standard urban parks. These biotopes possess specific chemical and microbiological compositions, requiring thorough monitoring and management to maintain ecological sustainability.