Agrogenic transformation (degradation) of chernozems of the Central Chernozem Region

Abstract

Modern agriculture is impossible without the use of high balanced doses of mineral fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers in the modern volumes of their application are a powerful anthropogenic factor that increases the level of supply of agricultural crops with nutrients, but did not ensure the stability of yields. The long-term use of high doses of fertilizers does not allow to reach a deficit-free balance of fertilizer elements in agriculture and crop production. Studies of many scientists have shown that the long-term use of mineral fertilizers, in addition to the direct effect, causes a number of side effects, and contributes to the development of pronounced acidification of soils. This effect is observed in all agricultural zones, regardless of soil types. It is more pronounced on initially genetically acidic sod-podzolic and gray forest soils, but also on chernozems, which were considered resistant to acidification development. The consequences of soil acidification are manifested in the mobility and, as a result, the availability of fertilizer elements. Nevertheless, the main effect of soil acidification when using fertilizers is the lack of absorbed bases, which causes their progressive degradation. The acidification effect can be compensated by regular (once per rotation) liming.