Comparative characterization of the optimum and actual parameters of Ukrainian chernozems

摘要

Positive and negative characteristic of chernozems have been revealed from the database on the properties of Ukrainian soils, which includes information about more than 2000 soil profiles (considered as the most probable and characterizing the current state of the soils) and the optimal parameters of soils. The main problems that hamper the production of high crop yields on these soils are as follows: the deficit of productive moisture, the moderate reserves and negative balances of nutrients, and degradation processes as a result of unbalanced and unsatisfactory land use. The chernozems are characterized by the risk of overcomepaction (especially in the under-seed layer of the soils in the spring because of the water content being close to that of the soil physical maturity and the decreased bulk density and clodding during the basic cultivation. The water stability of the soil structure of chernozems is significantly lower than that of their natural analogues. The maintenance and sustainable use of chernozems in Ukraine require a corresponding strategy: programs, laws, monitoring, the newest conservation technologies, and tight control of their implementation.