Modern assessment of soil resources of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

A comparative assessment of the natural potential of mountain-valley soils of Kyrgyzstan was carried out. The assessment score was determined by the soil-ecological index (SEI). The calculation of the SEI for the main soil types showed that the most valuable soils are formed under moderately cool and humid climate and are represented by low-humic chernozems and Turanian dark grey soils, with an estimated score of 41–37. The increase in climate aridity and an increase in the accumulated temperature above 10°C contribute to the formation of less fertile Turanian typical grey soils, northern grey soils, and chestnut soils. The SEI of these soils varies from 25 to 32 points. Grey-brown desert and light brown soils of the Central Tien Shan, developing under conditions of high moisture deficit, have the minimum scores (13, 16 points). SEIs are largely determined by soil and climate indices. The agrochemical index is estimated by a similar score throughout the study area, since all soils are poor in nitrogen and phosphorus, provided with potassium and differ only in humus content. The value of the climate index to a greater extent depended on the moisture supply of the territories. The soil index varied within 1–2 points and significantly decreased only in soils of varying degrees of erosion, salinity and rockiness.