Influence of long-term plowing on water permeability of light-gray forest soils of taiga-forest zone of Western Siberia

Abstract

Light-gray forest soils are of particular value to agricultural enterprises in Western Siberia. These soils have a number of advantages relative to semi-hydromorphic soils, which have high potential fertility, but unfavorable water-physical properties. The involvement of light-gray forest soils in agriculture leads to a change in the balance of organic matter and moisture regime. This affects water permeability, which characterizes the main indicators of water-physical properties. The deterioration of the conditions for the movement of water deeper into the soil leads to surface water saturation and the manifestation of water erosion. The purpose of scientific research was to study the influence of long-term plowing on water permeability of light-gray forest soils. It is established that in the virgin state, light-gray forest soils are characterized by the best water permeability. The illuvial horizon has a minimum infiltration and filtration rates, which reach 3.1 and 1.8 mm/min, respectively. Plowing and prolonged use of light-gray forest soils in arable land leads to a deterioration in the speed of movement of water in the arable horizon. The infiltration and filtration coefficients reach 2.8 and 1.1 mm/min, which is almost three times less than the values of virgin soil. Under the influence of an anthropogenic factor, a layer is formed in the upper part of the illuvial horizon with a minimum filtration rate (1.0 mm/min). The ratio of the water speed between the initial and final measurement points indicates the presence of a non-water-stable structure in the humus-eluvial and arable horizons. Therefore, to prevent deterioration in arable land, it is necessary to create all conditions for the formation of a water-stable structure by applying organic fertilizers and lime.