Zheltozem Soils

Abstract

Ecological conditions and in particular soil forming factors responsible for the development of zheltozem soil are described in this chapter. The genetic approach toward the dynamic of evolution of the type of zheltozem soils is based on the conception of genetic horizons and explanation of soil properties. In relation with different soil forming factors like topography, parent materials, climate, vegetation, time, and human influence, the contemporary profiles status of the zheltozem soil type is presented and management of the land is indicated. Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical soil characteristics are results of the soil development stages and depend on the intensity and duration of weathering and soil forming processes. Products of these processes are the free non-silicate forms of elements released through the destruction of the primary mineral lattices. Their content along depth of the soil profile illustrates the extent to which the processes have occurred during the soil development. Sound scientific information and data provide the sequence of genetic horizons, soil texture, structure, main physical and chemical properties and national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).