Current state of the chernozems in the Rostov region and the problems of monitoring

The purpose of this article is to highlight the current state of chernozems and identify deficiencies in condition monitoring. Methods. We used statistical and logical analysis of literature and historical data in retrospect. The state of the soil structure was tested by “dry” and “wet” sifting using the Savvinov method. The resistance of the aggregates to destruction in water was analyzed by the Andrianov method. Using the test results the coefficients of the structure and water resistance of the soil as well as the individual fractions of soil aggregates were also calculated. Results. An analysis of published and archival materials showed that since 1960 the humus content decreased from 4.7% to 4% in chernozems, and from 3.86% to 3.1% - on average in the region. The scientifically based ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is not maintained in the soils. As a result the share of territories with low provision of mobile phosphorus is 20% of the arable land area (according to an agrochemical survey of 2018). An important indicator of soil fertility is their physical condition. However, at present the Soil Service does not exist in Russia, and the agrochemical service program does not determine an important indicator of the soil density equilibrium. Without the Soil Service, it is impossible to track the scale and dynamics of erosion processes. And although it is possible to diagnose erosion by various indirect indicators, for example, such as the structural state, continuous soil reconnaissance surveys are necessary to assess the extent of the phenomenon. Conclusion. The monitoring of humus and mobile phosphorus content in the arable and subsoil layers of soils is carried out by the Agro-Chemical Service. But the organization of the Soil Service is necessary for the objective monitoring work at the regional level.

Chernozems, humus state, mobile phosphorus, structural state, erosion, deflation