Where are the most fertile soils located? The most fertile soils in Russia

In the region where I live, there are several types of soils that are distinguished by their fertility. Among them there are also chernozems, which are the leader in terms of fertility. Now I will tell you what is so special about this soil.

Chernozem is the most fertile type of soil

Chernozem - black earth. Indeed, it is black. Therefore, many people who have lived all their lives in a region with such soils are very surprised when they come to another area and see the land of brown or yellow color. Basically, chernozems are concentrated in the steppe and forest-steppe zone.

High level The fertility of these soils is ensured by the following characteristics:

• a large number of humus in the composition (5–15%);
• the presence of a variety of microorganisms;
• grain.

Even in the distant past, chernozems were a guarantee good harvest. Soil properties such as theirs cannot be created artificially. No special fertilizers and minerals will not make other soil as fertile. This is because the formation of black soil takes thousands of years. They are formed under the influence of many natural factors, including climate conditions and biological features. A large number of microorganisms, as well as worms, live in such a land, which contributes to the formation of a favorable environment for the growth of any plants.

Chernozems in the world

For Russia, chernozems are a real asset. Our country occupies a leading position in the world in terms of the number of such fertile lands. All together the territories with chernozems in Russia make up 52% ​​of the world's areas. Chernozems are also found in the following countries:

• Hungary;
• Bulgaria;
• Ukraine;
• Canada.

But Russian chernozems have the best composition. They contain more humus than the soils of other countries, which is a key factor in fertility. Chernozem is transported to other regions, for which a certain layer of soil is cut off. Many people think that in this way it is possible to ensure fertility on long years, but it's not. The soil is gradually depleted, and after a few years it loses its fertility.

Kuban black soil

The most fertile soils on our planet are chernozems (English chernozem or black-soil - chernozem). The classic black earth from the Streletskaya steppe (Kursk province) - 1x1x1 meter (cube) in size, received a gold medal at the Paris International Exhibition, and still stands in the Chamber of Weights and Measures as a standard of fertile soil. This soil cube was brought to the exhibition by the Russian naturalist and soil scientist Vasily Vasilyevich Dokuchaev.

Chernozems became the object of research even before the birth of soil science. In the dodokuchaev period, M.V. Lomonosov in 1763 formulated the thesis about the origin of chernozems "from the decay of animal and plant bodies over time." In the future, facts about the properties and geography of chernozems gradually accumulated, various hypotheses were expressed about their origin, among which there were many interesting ones.

Chernozem research

But for real Scientific research chernozems began with the expeditions of V.V. Dokuchaev. He summarized a huge amount of data about them in the monograph "Russian Chernozem" (1883), which was the beginning of genetic soil science. Chernozem as a type of soil V.V. Dokuchaev singled out in the classification of soils in 1896.

Chernozems are soils formed by herbaceous phytocenoses of the steppe and forest-steppe landscape bio climatic zones. The leading process here is the humus-accumulative process, which supports the formation of a deep-humus profile, its structure and increase in trophicity. The characteristic humus profile of chernozems is formed due to the powerful influence of steppe grasses, root system which makes up a significant part of their biomass and is able to quickly die off and easily humify.

The value of chernozem

In world agriculture, chernozems are mainly used for sowing the most important food crops: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflowers, grapes, horticultural, vegetable, horticultural, medicinal, nut-bearing, flower and many other crops. In this regard, chernozems are the most developed soils on the earth's surface, but there are practically no potential resources for expanding arable areas in the chernozem zone.

Agricultural products grown on black soil are of very high quality. This is especially true for durum wheat, which has always been popular on the world market. And besides, in the chernozem zone, animal husbandry, poultry farming, beekeeping, etc. are intensively developing. Chernozems, due to their high fertility, are soils of universal suitability for all agricultural crops. crops and fruit plantations. It is no coincidence that the rational use of this fertility is the most important task of agricultural production on chernozems.

Soils are one of the most valuable natural resources that Russia has. These are resources for both agriculture and forestry. Fertility and productivity are the most important factors economic development and economic use of a large number of different regions of Russia. These qualities enable the development of agricultural industries and various enterprises engaged in the production of a variety of food products and various raw materials.

The disproportionate size of the territories that the country possesses, their vastness and length, various climatic conditions, differences in the water regime and temperature features, Other geological structure and the diversity of the relief, the presence of completely dissimilar plant communities determined the formation of such various types soils in Russia.

Russia with enough large territories still has a small amount of land suitable for economic activity as it might seem. About 10% of the country's territory falls on the tundra, which is basically unproductive, 13% of the area is occupied by swamps or waterlogged. Only 13% of Russia's land is agricultural land, these are gardens and arable land, pastures and hayfields. Arable lands in the camp occupy only 7.7% of the entire territory. Chernozems account for 52% of arable land, which provide 80% of all agricultural products.

Gray and brown forest soils are also significant part agricultural production. They are the most fertile soils of the Russian forest zone.

gray forest soils

Gray forest soils are a type of soil that is common in areas of the temperate climate zone. They are formed mainly under broad-leaved forests with a herbaceous cover community and forest-steppes, in the presence of a sufficiently active leaching water regime on soil-forming parent rocks, such as moraines, mantle loams, etc. They, as a rule, have a sufficient content of calcium.

Under a layer of litter or forest litter, there is a horizon of dark gray color, humus-accumulative, its structure is finely lumpy. The thickness of this layer is 15-30 centimeters, further down to a depth of half a meter lies the humus-eluvial horizon, in which there are pronounced signs podzolization. The brown illuvial horizon is located at a depth of up to 100 cm, which is then replaced by an illuvial-carbonate layer at a level of 100-150 cm. The latter passes into the soil-forming parent rock. The profile layer located at the top gives an acidic reaction, the lower part of the profile is neutral and alkaline in reaction.

Gray forest soils are divided into light gray, gray and dark gray. Light gray soils contain from 2% to 4% humus, they are the most podzolized, the structure of these soils is very weak. Gray and dark gray forest soils contain up to 7-9% humus, they are less podzolized soils, have fairly good physical properties, these soils have a significantly high and well-pronounced biological activity, their fertile qualities are better than those of light gray forest soils.

Gray forest soils got pretty wide use across the territory of Russia, this is both the European part of the country, and rather vast areas, both in Western Siberia, and in Eastern.

Gray forest soils have long been actively involved in agricultural production, they are used to grow various grains, they are productive for vegetable crops and technical. Horticulture develops on such lands. However, gray forest soils are enough to maintain high quality agriculture needs fertilizers, various mineral elements and organic substances, grass seeding has a positive effect.

Brown forest soils

Brown forest soils belong to the type of soils, the formation of which occurs under various forests: broad-leaved, mixed, less often coniferous forests of the temperate climatic zone, in a rather warm and humid climate.

This type of soil is characterized by the accumulation of iron oxides, which cause the brown color of the soil layer, weak differentiation of horizon profiles, and the presence of claying processes. According to the structure, brown forest soils are formed as lumpy and nutty. The humus horizon is well developed, the thickness of this layer reaches 20-30 centimeters. Humus content is high, it reaches 10%. The reaction of the soil is expressed from slightly acidic to acidic. Often these soils are podzolized.

Brown forest soils are highly fertile. On the territory of Russia, these soils have spread to Far East, are present in the Crimea and the foothills of the Caucasus.

In agricultural production, brown forest soils are well suited for growing tea and grapes, citrus fruits, many vegetables and various varieties. fruit crops, some cereals and fodder crops.

The areas of arable land are constantly shrinking, they are withdrawing from agricultural circulation for growing cities and the construction of reservoirs and roads, industrial production.

Another problem of modern land use is the process of soil erosion. Often it is of natural origin, but industrial and other human intervention increases this damage many times over. soil like natural resource is easily destructible, and the problem of rational use of soil resources is significant at the moment.

Chernozem is considered to be the most fertile type of soil. It is formed naturally in certain climatic conditions. This is land saturated with humus (a product of rotting plant residues). It has a granular-lumpy type of structure and black color.

Due to its qualities, chernozem is very much appreciated by farmers, farmers and gardeners. It is perfect for growing fruit crops, cereals, flowers. Trees and bushes grow well on it. In Russia, most chernozem soil types are found in Western Siberia, the North Caucasus, and the Volga region.

1 How is black soil formed?

Why are chernozems the most fertile of all types of soil? The secret of their superiority lies in the features of soil formation. There are three main factors influencing the maturation of "black gold":

• climatic;
• biological;
• geological.

Russian chernozem is formed in the steppe and forest-steppe climatic zones. In addition to climate, vegetation plays a large role in the formation of this type of soil. In the process of its decay, humus is formed - humus - which is considered the main criterion for fertility.

Another important factor in the formation of chernozem is groundwater. From groundwater plant roots absorb useful microelements and minerals. Having received the necessary substances, the root system penetrates the soil, which contributes to the loosening of the earth. Loose soil facilitates the passage of air masses.

They live in the soil different types microorganisms, which also play a positive role in the formation of "black gold": they contribute to the loosening of the earth and are involved in the processing of vegetation residues. However, for planting flowers and other plants with a poorly developed root system, chernozem is a dense soil, so it needs to be diluted.

1.1 Classification of chernozems

Depending on the conditions of formation, the type of chernozem soils can be divided into several subtypes:

1. Podzolized.
2. Leached.
3. Typical.
4. Ordinary.
5. Southern.

Podzolized chernozems develop under broad-leaved forests. steppe zone. Due to the humidity of the climate, such processes as leaching (dissolution and washing out of salts in the soil with water) and podzolization (removal of clay particles, oxides of aluminum and iron, etc. from the upper parts of the soil, etc., which leads to a decrease in fertility) are manifested to a large extent. ). Podzolized soil is widely used in agriculture for growing grain, vegetable and fruit crops.

Leached chernozems are formed under forb-grass vegetation. In terms of its properties, this species is similar to that of podzolized chernozems, with the exception of some characteristics.

Typical chernozems have best qualities characteristic of this type of soil. They form under forb-grass vegetation in the southern subzone of the forest-steppe zone. The content of humus in the soil of this subtype is high and sometimes reaches 15%.

Ordinary chernozems are common in some parts of the steppe zone. They were formed under forb-fescue-feather grass vegetation. They have a smaller layer of humus compared to typical chernozems.

The southern subtype of chernozems was formed under fescue-feather grass vegetation in the southern part of the steppe zone. The humus content reaches 4-7%. Under the humus layer, a carbonate layer is observed in the form of white-eye.

According to the thickness and content of humus, 4 groups of chernozems are distinguished, the presence of which is typical for certain territories.

The South European group of chernozem soils is distributed on the territory of Moldova, southern Ukraine and Ciscaucasia. They are characterized by a large thickness of the humus layer with a low content of humus, abundant carbonate content in the form of cobwebs, veins, etc.

The Eastern European group includes the chernozem soils of European Russia. The colder and drier climate caused the formation of a thinner humus horizon with a higher content of humus.

The group of West and Central Siberian chernozems is located on the territory of Western and Central Siberia, as well as Kazakhstan. This group is characterized by deep humus streaks along cracks that form in the ground due to soil freezing, as well as a high humus concentration with a sharp decrease with depth.

The East Siberian group occupies the territory of the Trans-Baikal steppes. Because of low temperatures the biological cycle here is at an insignificant level. This caused the formation of a small humus layer. The content of humus in it is also low.

2 Purchase of black soil

Chernozem is the most fertile soil in the world. This is influenced by the composition of the earth and the amount of organic matter in it. However, when acquiring such soil, one must bear in mind that in an unnatural environment for itself, it eventually loses the qualities for which it is so valued. But if you decide to increase the level and quality of fertility, improve the characteristics of the soil on your site, black soil is perfect for this purpose.

So how to choose this product? And what guides you in your choice? We advise you to pay attention to several factors.

2.1 Territory of soil formation

The composition and characteristics of the chernozem depend on this factor. Therefore, before buying, you need to ask where it was brought from. The difference in soil composition directly depends on the territory of its formation. Therefore, considering this detail will help you make a better choice.

2.2 Soil composition

Chernozem soil should be saturated with all the necessary trace elements. Of course, it is best to detect their presence using agrochemical analysis in the laboratory. But some things can be learned without the help of special devices. There are some tips that will teach you how to choose this type of soil correctly.

Chernozem is highly saturated with potassium. Potassium-poor sandy and sandy soils, where at a depth of 20-30 cm there is sand under the black soil. Therefore, if you notice the presence of sand in the soil, then this soil will be of poor quality.

You can rake the ground a little. From above it should be dry, but at a depth of about 20 cm it will be wet and crumbly. This is a good sign. You can also wet a clod of soil and make a circle out of it. If it crumbles, this indicates a low humus content.

2.3 How to determine black soil (video)

2.4 How much does black soil weigh?

Before buying, you should find out how many kilograms weigh 1 cubic meter chernozem soil. The question is quite complicated, since the weight depends on its condition and humidity. Average weight 1 cubic meter chernozem ranges from 1000 to 1200 kg.

2.5 Price

Of course, a very important question is how much Russian black soil costs. When buying soil, you should pay attention to what factors affect its cost. This may include the place of soil formation, as well as the location of the customer.

In addition, the price will depend on the supplier. For example, the price of such soil per cubic meter in Moscow and the Moscow region can be in the range of 1110-1500 rubles per cubic meter. The price per cubic meter depends on the set of soil qualities. If you want to buy black soil in bags, its cost will be from 350 rubles per bag. Chernozem in bags is very convenient for transportation and storage.

For more detailed information you'd better contact a qualified professional. In Russia, many firms are engaged in the delivery of this type of soil. Therefore, it will not be difficult for you to find a supplier on the most favorable terms for you.

The names of soil types come from the names of the climatic zones in which they formed. In the taiga-forest zone there are podzolic and sod-podzolic; in the forest-steppe and steppe - gray forest, chernozems, chestnut; in the subtropical reds and yellows.

Many soils got their name due to the color of their humus horizon: chernozem, gray forest, brown forest, podzol.

The soil contains a large amount of iron compounds on the surface of particles of clay, sand, and silt. It is because of the iron films on the soil particles that it acquires its specific color. The presence of iron hydroxides gives soils various shades reddish brown or yellowish brown. The black color of the soil acquires depending on the presence of humic acid in it.

• Black color - more than 7%

• Dark gray - 5...7%

• Gray - 3...5%

• Light gray - less than 3%

Podzolicsoil - distributed in the taiga zone. Where they grow coniferous forests. Upper layer- forest litter, formed from fallen needles and branches. Below is a whitish layer that does not have a pronounced structure. Below it is a brown horizon, dense, with a high content of clay, the structure is expressed in the form of large clods.

As a result of the decomposition of needles, acids are formed, which, under conditions of excessive moisture, contribute to the breakdown of mineral and organic soil particles. Abundant rainfall, in turn, washes out such soil and carries acid-dissolved substances from the upper humus layer to the lower horizons. As a result top part the soil takes on a whitish ash color.

These soils are very acidic and therefore always need liming and fertilization. full complex fertilizers. Podzolic soil contains only 1 to 4% humus.

In Russia, podzolic soils are common in Siberia and the Far East. Trees on such soils grow much better than crops.

Only at the base of the slopes, in humid places, podzolic soils are considered the most suitable for vegetable growing. The soils of these places have a bluish color and a steel sheen on the cut. However, they tend to be too wet and need to be dried.

Soddy-podzolic soils is a subtype of podzolic soils. They form under small-leaved forests mixed with conifers. They are similar in composition to podzolic soils. Under the forest floor there is a humus horizon, no more than 15–20 centimeters deep, which has a dark brown color, followed by a barren whitish layer.

A characteristic feature of these soils is that they are washed out by water more slowly than podzolic ones, therefore they are more fertile, but they also need liming and fertilizer and can be used for growing vegetables only after improvement.

To do this, gradually, no more than 3 ... 5 centimeters annually, deepen the arable layer and make a large amount of organic, mineral fertilizers and notify. spring processing soddy-podzolic soil should be carried out to a shallower depth than autumn soil, so as not to turn the podzol to the surface.

Gray forest soils are formed in the territory of deciduous forests. An indispensable condition for the formation of such soils is the presence of a continental climate, herbaceous vegetation and the presence of a sufficient amount of calcium (Ca). Thanks to this element, water is not able to destroy the soil structure by removing nutrients.

These soils are colored in shades of gray. The humus content in gray forest soils ranges from 2 to 8 percent. The fertility of these soils is considered average.

Gray forest soils contain slightly more humus than podzolic ones. Despite a certain amount of calcium (Ca) reserves, they still have an acid reaction of the soil environment, and therefore need to be limed.

Brown forest soils are common in mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests. These soils are formed only in a temperate warm climate. Soil color brown. The top layer, about 5 centimeters thick, consists of fallen leaves. Below it is fertile layer up to 30 centimeters thick. Even lower is a layer of clay of 15...40 centimeters.

Brown soils are divided into several subtypes with a palette of shades of brown, the formation of which occurs under the influence of ambient temperature.

Chestnut soils are common in steppes and semi-deserts. This soil has a chestnut, light chestnut and dark chestnut color. Accordingly, there are three subtypes of chestnut soil, differing in color.

On light chestnut soils, agriculture is possible only with abundant watering. On dark chestnut soils, cereals and sunflower grow well even without irrigation.

The chemical composition of chestnut soil is diverse. The soil contains magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), which indicates a favorable acidity (pH) level for most plants.

Chestnut soil tends to recover quickly. Its thickness is supported by annually falling grass. On it you can get good yields, subject to sufficient moisture. Since the steppes are usually arid.

Chestnut soils in Russia are common in the Caucasus, the Volga region and Central Siberia.

Soddy soils are distributed mainly in Belarus, the Baltic states, in the middle and northern
zones of Russia. They contain a lot of humus, and therefore are structural and fertile. According to the reaction of the soil environment, soddy soils are slightly acidic or neutral.

Chernozems are recognized as the standard. They have an optimal granular structure, they contain a lot of humus, have a high content of nutrients and a neutral reaction of the soil environment. When planting a garden on black soil, fertilizers should be applied only to maintain balance. nutrients.

Voronezh Chernozem stored in the Paris Chamber of Weights and Measures, being the standard of agriculture.

Peat soils are located in the most humid places, occupy about 7% of the entire territory of Russia and are located mainly in the regions of the North-West, the central strip of Russia, Western Siberia and the Far East.

They are dark, almost black in color when wet. In the thickness, you can always see the incompletely decomposed remains of plants. A bluish clayey horizon lies under the peat layer. Such soils are rich in organic matter, but they lack some absolutely essential nutrients. cultivated plants macro and micronutrients.

Due to their high moisture content, peat soils need good drainage.
Due to poor water permeability, with an excess of precipitation, they swim with water.
Due to poor thermal conductivity, they slowly warm up in the spring, which delays the processing and sowing time.

They also have high acidity and therefore require liming.

Peat soils are divided into several subtypes depending on the peat that forms them.

lowland peat contains the most nitrogen, ash, lime, and therefore slightly acidic. It occurs in hollows, river valleys and depressions.

horse peat much poorer than low-lying nitrogen and ash, as it is located in higher areas. There is very little lime in it, it is sour. Riding peat is suitable for making compost.

transitional peat in terms of nitrogen, ash and lime content, it occupies an intermediate position.

Peat soils after their drainage, the introduction of the necessary phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, as well as liming, are successfully used for growing vegetables.

Floodplain soils are formed in river floodplains. During the spring floods of rivers, a lot of silt settles on these soils, which makes them especially fertile. Floodplain soils have a neutral reaction of the soil environment, therefore they rarely need liming. They are rich in phosphorus, but poor in potassium.

On the high part of the floodplain, sandy and loamy varieties of floodplain soils predominate. They are inferior to the soils of the middle part of the floodplain in terms of structure and supply of nutrients, but they dry out faster, which makes it possible to start processing them earlier. Groundwater here lies deep, and when growing vegetable crops, it is necessary to organize irrigation.

The middle part of the floodplain is represented mainly by loamy soil, which is characterized by a good granular structure and high fertility. Groundwater occurs at a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters, which creates for plants favorable conditions water regime. On these soils get the most high yields vegetables and potatoes.

In the lower part of the floodplain, the soils are also fertile, but heavy and excessively wet, which is explained by the high occurrence of ground water(from 0.5 to 1.0 meters) and prolonged high water. These soils should be drained by arranging drainage ditches, after which they are suitable for growing late vegetable crops, especially cabbage.

Soil map of Russia and CIS countries