Soils of Polissia Opillia (loessial islands) with humus degraded arable layer under wood plantings

Abstract

The purpose. To draw attention to dark soils with humus degraded arable layer. To study regenerative process of natural properties of degraded chernozem with ancient humus degraded arable layer on loessial rocks under the influence of phytomelioration. Methods. Field, morphological-genetic, comparative-analytical, agroanalytical. Results. Dark soils with humus degraded arable layer are described. They are not reflected in materials of past diagnostic study of soils of Ukraine though contain in tillable layer of humus horizon on 20–30% less humus than in under-arable. It is shown that degraded chernozem with powerful, fertile, mycorrhized turfy-humus horizon generated under 70-years broad-leaved wood plantings. However the deep ploughing of soils on loessial islands with non-resistant humus which is easily mineralized, has led to humus degradation of arable layer. On an instance of detailed profilling of degraded chernozem with ancient humus degraded arable layer on loessial breeds they described influence of broad-leaved woody vegetation on restoration of its primary (natural) properties. It is offered to include into the new nomenclature list of soils of Ukraine soils with humus degraded horizon. Use on such soils of specific agrotechniques and their cartographical reflection is also justified. Conclusions. Humus degraded arable layer, which has originated in some soils of Polissia loessial islands under the influence of deep plowing, rebuilds under broad-leaved wood plantings very slowly — within many decades. In farming agriculture on such soils it is necessary to take special measures enriching their humus by the use of organic fertilizers, green manure crops, etc. These soils should also be reflected in map materials.