Changes in Chernozem Erosion Resistance Due to the Evolution of Clay Plasma in Western Ukrainian Region

Abstract

The major problem of efficient agriculture in Ukraine is increasing rates of the water erosion in Chernozems. The aim of this research study is to describe the negative trends in the clay profile for evolution of various Chernozem sub-types, which lead to the reduction of erosion resistance. Cohesion strength between soil aggregates is determined dominating smectite minerals in clay plasma. Disturbing the stable balance between the organic and mineral matter are the main causes of soil disaggregation. Evolutionary changes of Chernozems clay plasma are studied using the methods of chemical and x-ray diffractometry analysis. The processes of de-humification have been destabilized the mineral colloidal complex and smectite-illit dynamic equilibrium in soils. From Haplic Chernozems to Greyzemic Chernozems, the substantial loss of highly dispersive smectite material is observed. The dominance of inactive illite clay in the arable layer of all Chernozems reduce the role of clay plasma in formatting of water-stable micro- and macrostructure. According to the anti-erosion properties of clay plasma, the Chernozems under study is found in the following order: Haplic Chernozem > Greyzemic Chernozem. These properties reduce themselves following the increase in soil hydromorphism stimulating argillification in the middle and lower horizons due to the processes of lessivage and inter-soil weathering. Anthropogenic evolution of Chernozems, when caused by the changes in the silicate fraction of soils, is basically of irreversible degrading nature.