Kuban black soil
The most fertile soils on our planet are chernozem (chernozem or black-soil). The classic black soil from the Streletskaya Steppe (Kursk province) - 1x1x1 meter (cube) - 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 an object of research even before the birth of soil science. In the Dodokuchaevsky period M.V. Lomonosov in 1763 formulated the thesis about the origin of chernozems "from the decay of animals and plant bodies over time." Later, facts about the properties and geography of chernozems gradually accumulated, various hypotheses about their origin were expressed, among which there were many interesting ones.
Study of black soil
But a truly scientific study of chernozems began with the expeditions of V.V. Dokuchaev. He summarized a huge array of data about them in the monograph "Russian Chernozem" (1883), which was the beginning of genetic soil science. Chernozem as a soil type V.V. Dokuchaev identified in the classification of soils in 1896.
Chernozems are soils formed by herbaceous phytocenoses of steppe and forest-steppe landscape-bioclimatic zones. Leading here is the humus-accumulative process, which supports the formation of a deeply humified profile, its structure and increased trophicity. The characteristic humus profile of chernozems is formed due to the powerful influence of steppe grasses, the root system of which makes up a significant part of their biomass and is capable of rapidly dying off and easily humified.
The value of chernozem
In world agriculture, chernozems are used mainly for sowing the most important food crops: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflowers, grapes, garden, vegetable, vegetable, vegetable, vegetable, medicinal, walnut, flower and many other crops. In this regard, chernozems are the most developed soils of the earth's surface, but there are practically no potential resources for expanding arable areas in the chernozem zone.
Agricultural products grown on chernozems are of very high quality. This is especially true for durum wheat, which has always been popular on the world market. And besides, livestock raising, poultry farming, beekeeping, etc. are intensively developing in the black earth zone. Chernozems, due to their high fertility, are soils of universal suitability for all agricultural crops. crops and fruit and berry plantations. It is no coincidence that the rational use of this fertility is the most important task of agricultural production on chernozems.
More than a hundred years ago, V.V.Dokuchaev established the geographic zoning, along which the distribution of the main types of soil on the Earth takes place. It shows where the fertile gray soils are located. On the territory of Russia, zoning is manifested brighter than in other countries. This is due to the large extent of the country from south to north and the predominance of flat relief.
Soil types
On the territory of the Russian Federation, a zonal change of soils is clearly traced. There are tundra soils, gley, sod-podzolic, podzolic, brown and gray, fertile soils (chernozems), semi-deserts, chestnut, gray-brown soils. Red and yellow soils are widespread in the subtropics. In the mountains, a feature of soil change is altitudinal zoning. All types are divided by composition, structure. Soil fertility also affects the classification.
Description of types
The northern part of the country is represented by tundra-gley soils. They are low-powered and contain a small amount of oxygen. A wide variety of land types are common in the forest zone. In the taiga, under coniferous forests, podzolic lands are formed. The decomposition of coniferous litter produces acids that enhance mineralization and organic degradation. Humus is washed out from the upper layers of water and transferred to the lower layers. As a result, the upper layers become whitish, which is why they got their name - podzol. If the top layer is enriched with humus, then such land is called sod-podzolic.
In the forest-steppe zone, the most fertile soils are formed - chernozems. They are characterized by the absence of a leaching regime, and because of the steppe plants, the soil is enriched with organic matter. Because of this, a large layer of humus is formed. In arid lands, a chestnut layer forms. They are characterized by a low humus content. Such soils are found in the south, where the climate is dry and warm, and vegetation is sparse. With the close occurrence of groundwater, salt marshes are formed.
Chernozems
The most fertile soil is black soil. It is characterized by black color, grain-lumpy structure. This type of land is formed under grassy vegetation in the steppe and forest-steppe zones.
Chernozem is characterized by the following:
- Large amount of humus. Chernozem contains up to fifteen percent of humus. Because of this, such lands are highly fertile.
- Many microorganisms. There are microorganisms in each type of soil, but it is in the black soil that there are most of them.
- The fertile soils of Russia have a granular-lumpy structure.
Harvest land
It is the chernozem soils that have the highest productivity. In zones with such soil, warm temperatures prevail, stimulating the intensity of metabolism in plants.
Natural conditions play a significant role in the creation of soils, which form a favorable regime for the accumulation of nutrients and their preservation. There are many worms and bacteria in the chernozem layer of the soil. They create favorable conditions for growing all types of plants.
Where is black soil found
In addition to the territory of the Russian Federation, chernozem soils are found in America, Canada, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria. Black earth in Russia accounts for about half of all the fertile lands of the planet. Also, black soil in our territory has a rich composition, while in other countries these lands are poorer.
Types of chernozem
And what are the best fertile soils of all types of chernozem? The characteristics of the chernozem soil determine the species. So, according to this criterion, podzolized, typical, leached, southern land is distinguished. In the central part of Russia, chernozem contains about eight percent of humus. The layers themselves lie at a depth of no more than seventy centimeters.
Steppe chernozem belongs to a typical species. It contains about ten percent humus. In the strata of North America, the humus content is no more than three centimeters. And this despite the fact that the land with its content of less than two percent is considered to be dead. Of all the chernozems in Russia, Voronezh is considered the standard of fertility. It is even displayed in a museum in France as a symbol of fertility.
Formation of chernozem
The formation of black soil is a long and complicated process. It is influenced not only by flora and fauna, but also by the location of the land, the climate of the region. In the process of farming, if the land is not replenished with fertilizers, the quality of the black soil is lost. The cut off fertile layer loses its properties after several years. An example of this is the transportation of chernozem layers to Germany in the post-war period. Over the years, they lost their properties.
Sale of black soil
In recent years, the sale of soil has grown rapidly. This leads to the destruction of black earth, which takes decades to create. The fertility of the land is influenced by many factors, among which the main one is the type of plants growing on the land. If the plant has a powerful root system, then the fertility of chernozem will be better. This is due to the fact that large roots, when deepening, loosen the soil, allowing oxygen to penetrate deep into the layer. The most fertile soils are those on which trees and shrubs grow.
Use of black soil
Chernozem is delivered to all over the world. It is used in landscape design in large cities where land is depleted. In central Russia, chernozem soils are used to create the necessary fertile layer. With its help, water permeability, particle size distribution, density are optimized. After the introduction of soil on sandy lands, there is a recovery, an improvement in fertility.
The territory of Russia is huge, but there are few favorable lands for agriculture. More than ten percent of the land area is occupied by tundra, about thirteen percent is wetland, the same amount of land is used in agriculture. The most valuable lands make up about seven percent of the entire country. Half of them are in the Black Earth Zone: about eighty percent of the country's total production is produced here. Podzol and chestnut lands are allotted for pastures and hayfields.
In the region where I live, there are several types of soil that are distinguished by their fertility. Among them are 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
Black earth is 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 in brown or yellow. Basically, chernozems are concentrated in the steppe and forest-steppe zones.
The high level of fertility of these soils is ensured by the following characteristics:
- a large amount of humus in the composition (5–15%);
- the presence of a variety of microorganisms;
- grain.
Even in the distant past, chernozems were the key to a good harvest. Such soil properties as theirs cannot be created artificially. No special fertilizers and minerals will make any other soil as fertile. This is because it takes thousands of years to form black soil. They are formed under the influence of many natural factors, including climatic conditions and biological characteristics. 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.
Black earth 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 the territories with chernozems taken together in Russia account for 52% of the world's area. Chernozems are also found in such countries:
- Hungary;
- Bulgaria;
- Ukraine;
- Canada.
But Russian chernozems have the best composition. They contain more humus than the soils of other countries, which is the key factor in fertility. The practice of transporting black soil 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 for many years, but this is not so. The soil is gradually depleted, and after a few years it loses its fertility.
Chernozem is rightfully considered the most fertile type of soil. It is formed naturally in certain climatic conditions. This is a land saturated with humus (a rotting product of plant residues). It has a grainy-lumpy type of structure and a black color.
Due to its qualities, chernozem is highly valued by farmers, farmers and gardeners. It is perfect for growing fruit crops, cereals, flowers. Trees and bushes grow well on it. In Russia, most of the chernozem soil species is found in Western Siberia, the North Caucasus, and the Volga region.
1 How is black soil formed?
Why of all types of soil the most fertile are chernozems? The secret of their superiority lies in the peculiarities of soil formation. There are three main factors influencing the maturation of "black gold":
- climatic;
- biological;
- geological.
Russian chernozem is formed in steppe and forest-steppe climatic zones. In addition to the climate, vegetation plays an important 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 of fertility.
Another important factor in the formation of chernozem is groundwater. The roots of plants absorb useful trace elements and minerals from underground waters. Having received the necessary substances, the root system penetrates the soil, which contributes to loosening the earth. Loose soil facilitates the passage of air masses.
Different types of microorganisms live in the soil, which also play a positive role in the formation of "black gold": they contribute to the loosening of the earth and participate 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 must be diluted.
1.1 Classification of chernozems
Depending on the conditions of formation, the type of chernozem soils can be divided into several subtypes:
- Podzolized.
- Leached.
- Typical.
- Ordinary.
- Southern.
Podzolized chernozems develop under the deciduous forests of the forest-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, aluminum and iron oxides, etc. from the upper parts of the soil, etc., which leads to a decrease in fertility) ). The podzolized soil is widely used in agriculture for the cultivation of grain, vegetables and fruit crops.
Leached chernozems are formed under forb-cereal vegetation. In terms of its properties, this species is similar to that of podzolized chernozems, with the exception of some characteristics.
Typical chernozems have the best qualities inherent in this type of soil. They are formed under the herb-grass vegetation in the southern subzone of the forest-steppe zone. The humus content in the soil of this subtype is high and sometimes reaches 15%.
Ordinary chernozems are widespread in some parts of the steppe zone. They formed under the herb-fescue-feather grass vegetation. They have a smaller humus layer 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 in the form of a white-eye is observed.
According to the thickness and humus content, 4 groups of chernozems are distinguished, the presence of which is characteristic of certain territories.
The South European group of chernozem soils is distributed in the territory of Moldova, southern Ukraine and the Ciscaucasia. They are characterized by a high thickness of the humus layer with a low humus content, abundant carbonate content in the form of cobwebs, veins, etc.
The East European group includes chernozem soils of the European territory of Russia. The colder and drier climate led to the formation of a less powerful humus horizon with a higher humus content.
The group of Western and Central Siberian chernozems is located on the territory of Western and Central Siberia, as well as Kazakhstan. This group is characterized by deep drips of humus along cracks that form in the ground due to freezing of the soil, as well as a high concentration of humus with a sharp decrease with depth.
The East Siberian group occupies the territory of the Trans-Baikal steppes. Due to low temperatures, the biological circulation here is at an insignificant level. This caused the formation of a small humus layer. The humus content in it is also low.
2 Purchase of black soil
Black soil 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 a soil, one must bear in mind that in an environment unnatural for oneself, over time, it loses those qualities for which it is so valued. But if you decide to increase the level and quality of fertility, to improve the characteristics of the soil on your site - black earth soil is perfect for this purpose.
So how to choose this item? And what should be guided in your choice? We advise you to pay attention to several factors.
2.1 Territory of soil formation
The composition and characteristics of chernozem depend on this factor. Therefore, before buying, you need to ask where it was brought from. The difference in the composition of the soil directly depends on the territory of its formation. Therefore, taking into account this detail will help you make a better choice.
2.2 Soil composition
Chernozem soil must be saturated with all the necessary trace elements. Of course, it is best to detect their presence using agrochemical analysis in the laboratory. But something can be learned without the help of special devices. There are some tips to help you choose the right soil type.
Chernozem is highly saturated with potassium. Loamy and sandy soils poor in potassium, where sand is located at a depth of 20-30 cm under the black earth. Therefore, if you notice the presence of sand in the soil, then this soil will be of low quality.
You can shake the ground a little. It should be dry from above, but at a depth of about 20 cm. It will be moist and crumbly. This is a good sign. You can also wet a lump of soil and make a circle out of it. If it crumbles, this indicates a low humus content.
2.3 How to identify black soil (video)
2.4 How much does black soil weigh?
Before buying, you should find out how many kilograms weighs 1 cube of chernozem soil. The question is quite difficult, since the weight depends on its condition and humidity. On average, the weight of 1 cubic meter of 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 value. This can 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. Bagged black soil is very convenient for transportation and storage.
For more information, you'd better contact qualified professionals. In Russia, many companies 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 were 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 - red soils and yellow soils.
Many soils got their name from 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 films of iron on the soil particles that it acquires its specific color. The presence of iron hydroxides gives soils various shades of reddish brown or yellowish brown. The soil acquires a black color 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 -common in the taiga zone. Where coniferous forests grow. The upper layer is 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 clay content, the structure is expressed in the form of large lumps.
As a result of the decomposition of needles, acids are formed, which, under conditions of excessive moisture, contribute to the decomposition of mineral and organic soil particles. Abundant precipitation, in turn, wash out such soil and carry out substances dissolved by acid from the upper humus layer to the lower horizons. As a result, the upper part of the soil acquires a whitish ash color.
These soils are very acidic and therefore always need liming and a full range of fertilizers. In podzolic soil, only 1 to 4% humus.
In Russia, podzolic soils are common in Siberia and the Far East. Trees grow on such soils much better than agricultural 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 drained.
Sod-podzolic soils Is a subtype of podzolic soils. They form under small-leaved forests, mixed with conifers. In composition, they are in many ways similar 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 soils, therefore they are more fertile, but they also need liming and fertilization and can be used for growing vegetables only after improvement.
To do this, gradually, no more than 3 ... 5 centimeters annually, they deepen the arable layer and apply a large amount of organic, mineral fertilizers and lime. Spring processing of soddy podzolic soil should be carried out to a shallower depth than autumn, so as not to turn the podzol to the surface.
Gray forest soils are formed in deciduous forests. An indispensable condition for the formation of such soils is the presence of a continental climate, herbaceous vegetation and the presence of sufficient amounts of calcium (Ca). Thanks to this element, water is not able to destroy the soil structure by taking out nutrients.
These soils are colored 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 soils. Despite a certain amount of calcium (Ca) reserves, they still have an acidic soil environment, and therefore need liming.
Brown forest soils are common in mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests. These soils are formed only in temperate warm climates. The color of the soil is brown. The top layer, about 5 centimeters thick, consists of fallen leaves. Beneath it there is a fertile layer up to 30 centimeters thick. Even lower is a layer of clay 15 ... 40 centimeters.
Brown soils are divided into several subtypes with a palette of brown shades, the formation of which occurs under the influence of ambient temperature.
Chestnut soils are common in steppes and semi-deserts. This soil is chestnut, light chestnut and dark chestnut in color. Accordingly, there are three subtypes of chestnut soil, differing in color.
On light chestnut soils, farming is possible only with abundant watering. On dark chestnut soils, cereals and sunflowers grow well without watering.
The chemical composition of chestnut soil is varied. 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 the annually falling grass. You can get good yields on it, provided there is sufficient moisture. Since the steppes are usually arid.
Chestnut soils in Russia are widespread in the Caucasus, the Volga region and Central Siberia.
Sod 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 a standard. They have an optimal granular structure, they contain a lot of humus, they have a high content of nutrients and a neutral reaction of the soil environment. When setting up a garden on black soil, fertilizer should be applied only to maintain the balance of nutrients.
Voronezh black soil stored in the Paris Chamber of Weights and Measures, being the standard of agriculture.
Peat soils are located in the wettest places, occupy about 7% of the entire territory of Russia and are located mainly in the regions of the North-West, central Russia, Western Siberia and the Far East.
They are dark, almost black in color when wet. In the thickness, you can always see incompletely decomposed plant remains. A bluish clayey horizon lies under the peat layer. Such soils are rich in organic matter, but they lack some essential macro and microelements for cultivated plants.
Due to the high moisture content, peat soils require good drainage.
Due to poor water permeability with excess atmospheric precipitation, they float with water.
Due to poor thermal conductivity, they slowly warm up in spring, which is why the processing and sowing times are delayed.
They are also highly acidic and therefore need liming.
Peat soils differ into several subtypes, depending on the peat that forms them.
Low peat contains the most nitrogen, ash, lime, and therefore slightly acidic. It occurs in hollows, river valleys and depressions.
Horse peat much poorer than lowland nitrogen and ash, as it is located in higher areas. There is very little lime in it, it is sour. High moor peat is suitable for composting.
Transitional peat in terms of nitrogen, ash and lime content, it occupies an intermediate position.
Peat soils after draining them, applying 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.
In the high part of the floodplain, sandy loam and loamy varieties of floodplain soils prevail. In terms of structure and supply of nutrients, they are inferior to the soils of the middle part of the floodplain, but they dry out faster, which allows them to start processing them earlier. The groundwater here lies deep, and when growing vegetables, it is necessary to organize watering.
The middle part of the floodplain is represented mainly by loamy soil, which is characterized by a good granular structure and high fertility. The ground waters occur at a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters, which creates favorable conditions for the water regime for plants. The highest yields of vegetables and potatoes are obtained on these soils.
In the lower part of the floodplain, the soils are also fertile, but heavy and excessively moist, which is explained by the high occurrence of groundwater (from 0.5 to 1.0 meters) and the prolonged flood. These soils should be drained by arranging drainage ditches, after which they are suitable for growing late vegetables, especially cabbage.