Shikhovaa N.S., Zarubinab N.V., Burundukovaa O.L.
Contemporary Problems of Ecology 2026; 19(6): 869-881
This paper examines certain aspects of the ecological and geochemical specificity of forest ecosystems in the Southern Sikhote-Alin within the natural habitats of ginseng (Panax ginseng). Using the territory of the Verkhneussuriysky Biogeocenological Station of the FEB RAS (Primorye Territory) as a case study, the patterns governing the formation of the macroelement composition (Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, P) in dominant plant species, soils, and forest litter are analyzed. The plants exhibit maximum accumulation of K, Ca, P, and Mg, and minimal accumulation of Na. The average content of P and K in the analyzed plant samples surpasses world clarkes by a factor of 2–3 but is 7 times lower in Na content and up to 2.5 times lower in Fe content. Ginseng is distinguished by an elevated content of Fe, Na, and Al, and weak accumulation of Mn and Mg. The element accumulation by plants is closely related to their life form. More actively, woody species accumulate Al and Mn, shrubs accumulate Ca and Mg, while herbaceous species accumulate Na. Compared to world soil clarkes, the soils of the study area are enriched in Na, P, and Mn (by a factor of 1.7–2) but are slightly deficient in Al content (by a factor of 1.3). The accumulation order of chemical elements in soils is headed by Al and Fe, and finished by P and Mn. The litter is characterized by the highest Ca content, which is almost 1.5 times higher than its level in plants and up to 2 times higher than in soil. As for other macroelements, litter is from 3 (Mg, Mn) to 9–10 times (Na, Al) inferior to their content in soils. Compared to plants, the litter is significantly enriched in Al and Fe (up to 40 times or more), as well as Na (up to 20 times), but is close to them in Mg content.
