Steppe soil in terms of economicuse is the most favorable platform. It is these zones that form the main part of the productive land fund, although, of course, not every steppe can make the farmer happy with nutritious black soil. This is confirmed by the soils of the steppes of Russia, which are also represented by both arid regions and mid-northern northern territories. Nevertheless, in the southern part of the country there are many fertile treeless zones, which are distinguished by a wealth of useful substances.
The main characteristics of the steppe soil
For all types of steppe soils is characterized by the absencewoodlands and low groundwater levels. These factors largely determined the balance of conditions under which this cover is formed. One of the main indicators that help to qualify the type of steppe soil is the content of humus. For example, the chernozems of forest-steppe zones have a higher thickness of humus horizons than ordinary chestnut and chernozem integuments. To determine which soil in the steppe will be most favorable for agricultural activities, it is important to take into account the content of other nutrients. For example, old arable areas require additional feed with manure and mineral fertilizers. Experienced farmers also recommend the use of phosphate and, in some places, nitrogen and potassium supplements.
Soil formation conditions in the steppes
The development of zones of steppe soils usually occurs underexposure to warm, dry or moderate climates. For example, in Russia, the formation of the southern steppe cover occurs at an average annual temperature of 0 ... + 10 ° C. With regard to precipitation, their average annual number varies from 300 to 500 mm. The most abundant loss occurs in the region of Ciscaucasia, and to the northern part, this level varies considerably. The maximum fallout occurs in the first half of summer — precipitation is often storm-like during this period, although the soils of the steppe cannot be called over-wetted. The greatest moisture reserves are observed in the springtime, aided by the process of snow melting. But this is typical for the northern regions, and the southern steppes are characterized by a shortage of water. For this reason, in some areas a non-flushing type of water regime is formed.
Soil-forming rocks
In Russia, soil formation in terms of rocks andsediments occur differently depending on the region. For example, loess are quite common in the Black Sea lowland, and heavy loess-like loams are observed in the steppes of the Stavropol Plateau. The predominance of sandy sandy loam is typical of the Volga platform - in this region, steppes soils are formed under the action of eluvium of rocks and yellow quaternary loam. Saline loams and various deposits of marine origin are found on the territory of the Caspian zone.
Since the absence of forests opensaccess to winds, weathering products are also encountered - in particular, the Kulunda Plain is rich in bedrock particles. The general features of the listed rocks that form steppe soils include an increased content of easily soluble salts, carbonate and gypsum elements.
Vegetation cover
The steppe relief itself has a smallinfluence on the development of flora. In this regard, it is necessary to rely on soil type and external conditions. For example, in arid regions, vegetation cover has a complex character. These are sparse, low-growing plants, which can make up about 70% of the entire flora. Dark chestnut soils are best suited for the development of herbs and grasses. This once again confirms that in determining which soil in the steppe is better suited for growing a particular crop, several factors should be taken into account. In this case, the main criterion for assessing fertility is the type of soil cover. In the central regions, chestnut soils and light chestnut soils predominate - respectively, ephemeroids and ephemera can be grown in these zones. In particular, flower growers can plant irises and tulips here. On alkaline soils, black wormwood, camphor and biyurgun are often found, and wet land cover becomes a favorable platform for wheatgrass plant groupings.
Terrain properties
Обычно доминирует равнинный рельеф как основной for all steppe zones. These are spaces that have practically no outstanding elevations, hollows and ravines. At the same time, the steppes are not flooded with hollow waters, they do not swamp, which also allows maintaining a single surface structure over large areas. However, the Central Russian steppe zone is still characterized by the dismemberment of the relief. The soil in this region can be covered by thick ravine-gully networks, which causes serious difficulties in the development of virgin lands. There may also be small saucer-shaped slides, but this is rather an exception to the rule.
Soil characteristics in dry steppes
Soils of this type are distinguished by the most pronounceddisadvantages of the steppe soil. Low rainfall, windiness and drought - these and other factors have predetermined the problems associated with the operation of this cover. The basis of the vegetation is the meadow-steppe group, under which the process of sod soil formation takes place. In summer, ephemera and meadow plants die off, as a result of which the soil of dry steppes is covered with grass felt with signs of decomposition. On the one hand, this process is useful for the formation of humic acids, but on the other hand, under the action of sunlight, dehydration and coagulation of useful elements occur. Under drought conditions with a small depth of wetting, the processes of washing out sodium, magnesium and calcium salts are observed, as a result of which the soil horizon is formed.
Properties of chernozem soil of steppes
The development of black soil occurs on the backgroundabundant manifestation of forb-grass vegetation. Therefore, the main feature of this cover is the wealth of organic matter. In the profile section of chernozem, one can distinguish a dark-colored saturated layer of humus, which is also emphasized by the characteristic lumpy or granular structure. The chernozem soils of the steppe may contain in large volumes ash elements and nitrogen, which is the main difference of this cover. Supply of these components occurs annually in the process of decomposition of plant litter. Hydrothermal conditions that provoke reactions in complex humus compounds of the same humic acid favor this phenomenon.
A few words in conclusion
The conditions of formation of the steppe zones are largelycontradictory and at least diverse in their influence on soil cover. It is thanks to the convergence of the opposite factors of the steppe soil and are saturated with nutrients. Thus, drought contributes to the rapid decomposition of vegetation, resulting in the formation of humus. Further, under abundant precipitation, the production of humic acids is also stimulated, which then serve as the basis for the development of the fertile black earth layer.
