Spatial Diversity of Microbiological and Agrochemical Properties of Soils in the Zonal Series of Analogue Landscapes of Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye Park is a unique example of landscaping with constructed soils (Technosols), based on soils and soil substrates typical of zonal ecosystems from various climatic zones of European Russia. To assess soil properties, soil samples (0–10 cm) from analogue landscapes were analyzed to determine a range of agrochemical (pH, organic matter content and nutrient levels) and microbiological (microbial activity, functional diversity, and diversity of culturable mycobiota, including opportunistic pathogens) parameters. The obtained soil parameters were then compared with those of zonal soils from the corresponding natural landscapes. For most landscapes, a decrease in the 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 analogues. Functional diversity increased in soils with a more acidic pH. The cultivated microfungal community in the analogous landscapes exhibited low species diversity (Shannon’s indices up to 1.9) and specific mycocomplex compositions (Jaccard’s indices up to 0.5). In September, the number of microfungal species increased in most zones, accompanied by a rise in the proportion of opportunistic 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 has demonstrated that soil constructions mimicking the soil cover of corresponding natural landscapes, under uniform climatic conditions and intense anthropogenic pressure, form unique biotopes that differ from both natural ecosystems and standard urban parks. Characterized by a specific chemical compositions and microbiological properties, the soils of analogue landscapes require thorough monitoring and management to maintain their ecological sustainability.