Leached chernozems: description and characteristics, types and how much they cost

The leached type of chernozems is formed in the forest-steppe zones. It is predominantly localized under meadow steppe vegetation and is widely distributed. This type of soil may contain up to 10% humus. The soil is considered very fertile, but it needs to be additionally fed with potassium and phosphorus. The land can be used for growing vegetable and fruit plants.

Description and characteristics

This type of soil is formed under meadow steppes with cereals and forbs, which are localized in forest-steppe zones. Today, such plots are plowed almost everywhere.On the relief of this type of chernozem, uplands, in which erosion processes are significantly developed, and plains located in lowlands alternate. The dominant soil-forming rocks include loess, loess-like soils, heavy types of loamy soil.

The soil profile is characterized by the following morphological structure:

1. Humus horizon dark gray or grayish black. It is characterized by a pronounced granular or lumpy-granular structure. The soil has a loose texture and a gradual transition. At the same time, it is possible to determine the lower boundary by the general browning or the formation of brown patches between the tongues of humus.
2. Humus horizon, which has a dark gray color with a brown tint and has an uneven color. The structure contains brown or gray spots of humus and a finely lumpy structure. With absolute drying, a white powder may form along the edges of the structures.
3. Transitional carbonate-free horizon, the thickness of which is 20-40 centimeters.It has separate humus tongues, which are dark in color and small in width. This fragment is characterized by a lumpy-nutty structure and darker films. This part smoothly transitions into the carbonate horizon.
4. Illuvial-carbonate horizon, which is distinguished by pale-brown color. It is characterized by a nutty or nutty-prismatic structure. The presence of carbonate fragments determines the lighter color of the horizon. Carbonates can be excreted in the form of powdery formations or pseudomycelium. Formation of marly shapeless spots is also possible. At the bottom of the horizon, carbonate segregations are observed. They are presented in the form of cranes.
5. Carbonate rock with a fawn color.

There is no gypsum in the soil profile. There are also no readily soluble s alts. In 10 centimeters of the top of the soil, the humus content is 6-10%. Its decline down the profile is gradual. At the same time, the amount of humic acids exceeds the amount of fulvic acids.

At the top of the humus horizon, the reaction of the environment is neutral or as close as possible to it. Only at the bottom of the humus horizon is its slight acidification observed. The soil has a good absorption capacity of 40-50 milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil. In the subhumus horizon, this parameter is 25-35 milligram equivalents. The absorbing complex is almost completely saturated with bases.

The bulk composition indicates a pronounced movement of sesquioxides in the soil profile. Some depletion of the upper part of the humus horizon is also observed. It contains sesquioxides and silt.

The soils are characterized by increased natural fertility. They are actively used in agricultural practice for the production of grain. First of all, spring and winter wheat are grown in such soil.In addition to cereals, potatoes, sunflowers, and sugar beets are actively cultivated. Horticulture and vegetable growing are also widespread on leached chernozems.

In order to achieve good results, it is important to apply additional nutrients in a timely manner. First of all, it is worth using phosphorus and potassium.

Formation conditions

Leached chernozems are widespread in the north of the forest-steppe zone. They are formed on loose, predominantly carbonate deposits of various origins. Usually this type of chernozem is concentrated under sparse deciduous forests and grass-forb steppe meadows.

Varieties

Depending on the thickness of the humus layer, the following types of chernozems are distinguished:

• heavy duty - over 120 centimeters;
• powerful - 80-120 centimeters;
• medium power - 40-80 centimeters;
• low power - up to 40 centimeters.

Taking into account the humus content, there are the following types of chernozems:

• fat - include up to 9% humus and are dark in color;
• medium humus - humus concentration is 6-9%, they are black;
• low-humus - the humus level is 4-6%, for such soils a dark gray color is characteristic;
• weakly humus - the volume of humus is up to 4%, characterized by a gray color;
• microhumus - include up to 2% humus and have a light gray tint.

Agricultural applications

Leached black soil is used to grow a wide range of crops. They cultivate cereals - wheat, barley, corn.Industrial plants are also actively grown - sugar beets and sunflowers. In addition, vegetables and fruit and berry crops are cultivated.

With intensive use, negative processes can occur in the soil structure. These include erosion, dehumification, acidification, degradation of the structure. To avoid such problems, soil protection from erosion is needed. It is also required to add phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers to the composition.

How much does such black soil cost

On average, 1 cubic meter of black soil when ordering 20 cubic meters will cost 1.3 thousand rubles. For summer cottages, less soil is required. Because black soil can be bought in bags of 40-50 liters. Their cost will be 180-300 rubles.

During preparation for delivery and unloading, it is worth considering the mass of black soil. Depending on the composition and structure, the mass of 1 cubic meter can be 1-1.3 tons.

Leached chernozems are quite common. They are actively used in agriculture for growing a number of crops. At the same time, it is required to feed the land in a timely manner.

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