Properties of eroded chernozems and vegetation as a factor of protecting soils from erosion

Abstract

Erosion of soils leads to a decrease in the thickness of the humus horizon, to a decrease in the water permeability and moisture capacity of soils, the content of waterproof aggregates, humus, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium. An example of the negative effect of erosion on soil properties is presented in Table. 1.1. At the same time, soil density, surface water run-off and soil washing are increasing. All this leads to a shortage of crops harvested and a decrease in the efficiency of agricultural production. Figures give a clear idea of the effect of soil erosion on yield reduction in the main crops in conditions of chernozems. These data, based on the synthesis and analysis of numerous experimental data strongly suggest that soil erosion causes the national economy of a huge economic and environmental damage and undermines the very foundation of effective agricultural production. Protection of soils and their protection from erosion - a problem of national importance, which must be under the effective control of the appropriate government agencies. The nature of the influence of vegetation on the properties of the soil gives a visual representation of the depth of penetration of the roots. The loosening effect of the root system of plants on the soil is well known. Consideration of the influence of vegetation on the sink of melt water and the washing away of soil from the slopes is of scientific and practical interest. In the most general form, the nature of this influence is well known. At the same time, the quantitative assessment of flow control and soil conservation efficiency of vegetation is given schematically as separate scientific reports.