Biological activity of chernozems in the center of the Russian Plain

Abstract

Specific features of the microbiological and enzymatic activity of chernozems are considered in genetically associated and technogenic series. The biological processes in chernozems follow the main soil-geographical regularities inherent to the Central Chernozemic region. The biological characteristics of the chernozems reflect the dynamic properties of the microorganisms habitat and are indicators of their technogenic degradation. Plowing of chernozems and their intense agricultural use is accompanied by changes in their biological activity. The disturbances revealed in the biosystem of the chernozems caused by plowing and fertilization were of a functional, i.e., reversible character. The changes in the intensity of the biochemical processes in the chernozems were observed only under the long-term application of fertilizers (for not less than 10 years). A single application of fertilizers caused temporary changes.