Soil Density Changes Research Articles

Comparison of Radial Ply and Cross Ply Tire in Terms of Achieved Rolling Resistance and Soil Compaction in a Soil Test Channel

Many literature sources state that radial ply tires achieve lower rolling resistance values than cross ply tires. From a certain point of view, radial ply tires are gentler on the ground than cross ply tires. The effort was therefore to experimentally verify this statement for two radial ply and cross ply tires similar in shape and size. The work deals with the diagnostics of rolling resistance levels achieved by radial ply and cross ply tires on selected forest soil under the laboratory conditions of a soil test channel. BKT 210/95 R16 Agrimax RT 855 and Özka 7.50-16 8PR KNK 50 were chosen as radial ply and cross ply tires, respectively, and had approximately the same dimensions. The soil in the soil test channel can be characterized as a loamy sand with an average moisture content of 30% and an initial bulk density of 1445.07 kg·m−3. Another monitored parameter was the diagnostics of changes in soil density caused by tire movement in order to assess the degree of soil compaction. From the results of the work, it follows that there is no statistically significant difference between radial ply and cross ply tires in terms of the achieved levels of rolling resistance on the soil. The observed tires also caused intense compaction of the soil in the soil test channel, especially at higher tire pressures and higher vertical loads. The analysis of the results also shows that changes in tire pressure in both tires cause more energy loss and soil compaction than changes in the vertical load.

Ограничения применения колесных тракторов в технологиях растениеводства по уплотняющему воздействию (в условиях Приамурья)

The natural conditions of the Amur region are characterized by seasonal soil freezing and thawing. In winter, it freezes to a depth of 2.5 m. In July, it completely thaws. Field work on soil preparation and sowing of early grain crops begins at a time when the soil thaws by only 0.08–0.10 m. In early spring field work, a tractor with high values of normal soil pressures can be used (without limiting the operating weight). The frozen under layer saves the soil from degradation. As the soil thaws, it is necessary to adhere to the established norms of mechanical action on soil, taking into account its physical and mechanical characteristics. The purpose of research is to reduce soil compaction from mechanical effects of tractor wheel thrusters. The objective of research is to substantiate the limits of wheeled tractor use in field work according to the permissible level of sealing effect. Theoretical and empirical methods are applied using statistical processing of experimental data. The change in soil density and compaction effect index are studied depending on the normal load transmitted by wheeled tractor movers. The values of distribution of operating weight along axes, maximum loads and value of compaction effect index of running systems of domestic and imported wheeled tractors used in crop production technologies of the Amur region are given. The limits of change in soil density depending on normal load under the wheel drive are given. The dependence of compaction effect index on the operating weight of tractor, axle load, wheel formula and number of unit passes along the track is established. Recommendations on the use of wheeled tractors in field work, depending on the time of their execution are given.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ МОДЕЛИ КОВША МЕЛИОРАТИВНОГО КАНАЛООЧИСТИТЕЛЯ РР-303 ДЛЯ ЗОНЫ ОСУШЕНИЯ

The purpose of the research is to determine the traction resistance when the bucket is operating on the rigid guides of the RR-303 channel cleaner, depending on the change in the main factors. The RR-303 channel repairer differs from many currently used designs of canal cleaning machines by the movement of the cleaning bucket strictly straight along the axis of the channel on rigid guides. In addition, according to the mode of operation, the channel cleaner refers to machines of periodic action, which positionally cleans the bottom of the channel and the slopes adjacent to the bottom. The working equipment of the channel repairer includes a twin telescopic boom, rigid guides (based on two channels) is installed as a side linkage on the DT-75 tracked tractor. There are also design projects of working equipment designed for installation on a more modern basic tractor VT-100. The main attention in the design of the working equipment of the channel cleaner was paid to the possibility of ensuring high quality cleaning work with the lowest traction resistance. The high quality of work is mainly ensured by the rectilinear movement of the bucket along the rigid guides. The value of traction resistance, as a target function or optimization parameter, is most influenced by the thickness of the soil chips, the density of the soil in terms of the difficulty of its development and soil moisture. The presence of these three characteristics, which can be called factors, give reason to believe that their change affects the traction resistance of the bucket of the channel cleaner in the process of its operation is much greater than, for example, the cutting angle or laying slopes. Accordingly, in this study, the following three are taken as the main factors affecting the target function: change in chip thickness; changes in soil density in terms of development difficulty; change in the value of soil moisture. Determination of traction resistances during the operation of the channel cleaner bucket model was carried out using the method of three-factor study, which allows to estimate the value of the most significant factor affecting the target function, in this case the traction resistance. Processing of the results of laboratory studies was carried out using the methods of statistical analysis and computer programs Mathcad and Excel.

Perbaikan Jalan Angkut Menggunakan Geotextile untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas HD 785 pada Site Gurimbang Mine Operation, PT. Berau Coal

PT. Berau Coal is one of the mining companies in Indonesia that focuses on coal mining and sales. This research was carried out on the haul road at Site Gurimbang Mine Operation, where the condition of the haul road is currently undulating and located above a swamp area. This condition reduces the speed of HD 785, resulting in the unit's productivity not achieving the company's target. The effort to improve the condition of the haul road is by using geotextile as a method of strengthening the haul road. The aim of this research is to determine the changes in soil density and soil bearing capacity after the geotextile reinforcement and to identify its impact on HD 785 productivity. The research was conducted by analyzing and processing data from the results of the DCP in-situ test to determine the soil density and soil bearing capacity in the initial and post-geotextile installation conditions. Actual field data collection in the form of HD 785 cycle time and speed data was used to evaluate the unit's productivity before and after geotextile installation. The results indicated that the utilizing geotextile can increase the soil density and soil bearing capacity to meet the CBR standards and soil bearing capacity for HD 785 units. The use of geotextile also increased the speed of HD 785 by 3 km/hour, both during load and empty travel, resulting in an increase in HD 785 productivity by 26% from the initial 43,821.63 bcm/month to 55,375.62 bcm/month.
 
 

Changes of Soil Density and Water Content at the Treatment of Compost Media and Husk Charcoal on Lettuce Plants in the Land Degradation

Soil density and soil water content are physical properties that greatly affect the process of nutrient absorption in plants. This study aims to determine changes in soil density and soil water content in the treatment of compost and husk charcoal on lettuce production on degraded land. Degraded soil is soil that is low in nutrients. Thus, to increase the fertility of the soil, it is very necessary, one way is to provide compost and husk charcoal in the planting media. This study used four treatments with six replications, (M0) control (M1) compost 2.50 kg (M2) husk charcoal 2.5 kg and (M3) compost and husk charcoal 2.50 kg. Changes in soil water content and the highest was compost and husk charcoal (M3) volume 13.03 to 39.50 %, the best soil density was husk charcoal (M3) 0.66 gcm-3. The highest lettuce production was (M3) 1.32 kg. The use of compost and husk charcoal (M3) gave the best changes in soil properties and resulted in the highest production of lettuce

Water-physical properties of chestnut soils depending on different tillage practices and irrigation regimes

The aim of the research was to study water-physical properties of chestnut soils under different tillage practices when cultivating corn (Povolzhsky 89 MV hybrid) under irrigated conditions in the Lower Volga region. Therefore, the following characteristics of the soil were studied - soil density, soil moisture, field capacity, maximal hygroscopic moisture, wilting point and porosity. The results revealed that after chisel loosening, a qualitative improvement of soil water-physical properties was observed in comparison with the control variant - moldboard plowing. To describe the dynamics of changes in soil density by layers and tillage variants, a regression of the 2nd order was proposed, and coefficients of the equation were calculated. In order to maintain the specified irrigation regime during the observation periods, 7 to 9 vegetative irrigations with application rate from 2250 to 2750 m3ha-1 were carried out in the variants with moldboard plowing, 7 to 8 irrigations with application rate from 2200 to 2600 m3ha-1 in the variants with chisel loosening, and 6 to 7 irrigations with application rates from 2100 to 2500 m3ha-1 in the variants with chisel moldboard plowing. The yield of corn in the variant with chisel moldboard plowing averaged 8.75 tha-1 during the research period, which is 18 % higher than in the control variant. Moreover, the cost of irrigation water for producing one ton of grain decreased by almost 20 %, and the coefficient of water consumption decreased by 17 %.

ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ АГРОФИЗИЧЕСКИХ СВОЙСТВ ЧЕРНОЗЁМА ПОД ВЛИЯНИЕМ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ АГРОТЕХНОЛОГИИ

In a multifactorial stationary experiment on the development of scientific foundations for extended repro-duction of soil fertility, studies were conducted on changes in soil density, structural coefficient and water consumption by sugar beet plants depending on the method of tillage and various doses of organic and mineral fertilizers. Research materials have proved the positive role of semi-ripened cattle manure both when used independently and in conjunction with mineral fertilizers in the decompression of the arable soil horizon. In this case, the soil density did not exceed 1.15 g/cm3. When organic fertilizers are intro-duced into the technology of sugar beet cultivation, the soil structure also improves. The value of the structure coefficient. The best option from the point of view of moisture conservation is the joint applica-tion of organic and mineral fertilizers. In this case, even with a significantly increased productivity of sug-ar beet, the total water consumption remained at the level of the control non-maneuverable variant. The organo-mineral system of sugar beet fertilization showed the most rational use of moisture for the for-mation of the crop, showing the values of the water consumption coefficient of 67-79 m3/t. In this case, the recorded values are at the level of a purely mineral fertilizer system with a decrease in the analyzed value by 7-14 m3/t, depending on the factors studied.

Зміни агрофізичних властивостей чорнозему типового під впливом застосування добрив і обробітку грунту

The solution to the problem of increasing the production of agricultural products largely depends on the correct assessment of the level of fertility and cultivation of the soil, a clear understanding of its main indicators optimal for cultivated plants and the use of an effective soil fertility management system on this basis. The goal is to determine the effect of the use of systems of basic tillage and fertilization in grain-tilled crop rotation on changes in soil density in the agrophytocenosis of winter wheat. Methods: The soil density was determined with M. Kachinsky cylinders in the arable layer of 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 sm. The results of stationary studies of the effect of prolonged (2012–2019) application of three options deep coarse-silty-medium loamy in ten-field grain-row crop rotation of the right-bank forest-steppe for its agrophysical indicators. It has been established that the variant of dump-dump-free tillage in the crop rotation creates the best agrophysical conditions for the fertility of typical chernozem. The use of shallow moldboard-free tillage led to a significant increase in soil density (on average by 0,02–0,04 g/sm3) compared to the control. The use of shallow moldboard-free tillage led to a significant decrease in the total porosity by 2,2% in comparison with differentiated and moldboard-free tillage.

Computer modeling of process in earth structures of dam type

The article deals with computer modeling of processes in earth structures of dam type, taking into account the nonlinear properties of soil. Large vertical and planned displacements of soil in the body of the dam are formed due to changes in soil density or as a result of the development of plastic shear strains. The application of the von Mises-Botkin and Coulomb hypotheses to the development of plastic strain is investigated.

The influence of the parameters of the running systems of wheeled vehicles on the change in soil density

The movement of wheeled vehicles on soils and grounds leads to a change in their density. The research includes the influence of mass and its distribution along the axes of the wheels on the change in the density of soils and grounds. The substantiation of analytical dependencies for determining the density of compacted and flowing soils and soils from repeated impacts of wheels under various loads is given. The dependence for determining the density of the soil in the general case, including compressed and fluid components of the state of the soil and soil mass, was substantiated.
 The experimental laboratory studies were carried out on the effect of wheels on the soil and the effect of wheel load on soil compaction. The dependences were obtained to determine the compaction of soil with different physical and mechanical properties under different loading modes of the running systems. It was found that the distribution of the mass of a wheeled vehicle along the axles of the wheels affects the depth of the track and the compaction of the soil. The obtained dependences for describing the process of soil compaction are consistent with the results of experiments. It was found that with an increase in the number of axles of the running system, soil compaction decreases. The minimum track depth and soil compaction are observed when the mass of the wheeled vehicle is evenly distributed along the axes of the chassis. With an increase in the number of axles, the influence of the ratio of the pressure of the first wheel to the average pressure on soil compaction decreases due to a decrease in the differential pressure of the wheels that occurs in multi-axle wheel systems. With slight deviations from the unit of the ratio of the front wheel load to the average value of the pressure, the increase in soil density is not perceptible. As the front-to-middle load ratio increases, soil compaction increases significantly compared to an even weight distribution along the axles.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПО РАЗРАБОТКЕ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННОЙ СИСТЕМЫ РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЯ ПЛОТНОСТИ ПОЧВЫ ПОСЕВНОЙ МАШИНЫ

Research on the development of an automatic control system for the rolling-in working units is aimed at establishing the reliability and analytical relationships, determining the quality indicators of work in real conditions of the rolling-in working units of a seeding machine, and checking the patterns obtained in the fi eld and identifi ed theoretically. Research on the development of an automatic control system for the rolling implements was carried out when sowing dragee seeds of table beet of the Bordeaux variety with a seeding unit consisting of a Belarus-4235 tractor and a Monopil S15/12 precision seeding machine. The system for automatic control of soil density includes the main hardware and software: actuators for maintaining and deepening the rolling working units, microcontrollers, motor drivers, a non-contact ultrasonic sensor, a power supply unit and a sensor for measuring soil density. The paper presents the results of a study to determine the soil density when sowing seeds of table beet, depending on the moisture content of the soil in the sowing layer. The authors describe research methodology, provide graphical relationships between changes in soil density and the depth of seeding, and comment on the main obtained statistical characteristics of the experiment. As a result of the study, structural, echnological and functional diagrams of a rolling rink with an automatic control system using electronically controlled electric cylinders (linear actuators) have been developed. The optimal parameters of the linear drive of the press roller have been established: power - 50W, power supply - 12V, rod stroke - 200…600 mm, speed - 10…45 mm/s, load - 200…900 N. Experimental studies have shown the applicability of the presented system of the automatic control of soil density, which ensures the optimum density of the seedbed of 1.3…1.4 g/cm³. The described technique can be used to develop a soil density control system when sowing seeds of other vegetable crops.

INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT OF SOIL DENSITY CHANGED BY REPEATED PASSES OF MIDDLE-WEIGHT TRACTORS WITH DIFFERENT DRIVE SYSTEMS

This work presents the investigation of the influence of repeated passes of medium-weight tractors with single wheels and additional wheels on the soil density to the depth of 0.4 m. The experiments were carried out in the Greater Poland Region (Poland), on light soil (Luvisol, loamy sand). The soil density was analysed in the arable layer at the two depths of 0.08–0.12 m and 0.18–0.22 m and in the plough pan at a depth of 0.30–0.34 m. The tractors weighing 52.1, 62.8 and 71.8 kN equipped with single wheels (standard wheels) and tractors weighing 52.1 and 71.8 kN equipped with additional wheels were used in the experiments. The research proved that repeated passes of the tractors with standard and addition wheels caused a linear or non-linear (logarithmic) increase in the soil density in the arable layer. Only light tractor 52.1 kN with dual wheels caused soil density increase in the hard pen. The above soil density changes inconsistent depend on the weight tractors and mean tractor pressure. Repeated passes of tractors with additional wheels resulted in lower soil density in the arable layer especially by second and third pass. A larger number of passes of middle-weight tractors with standard wheels as well with additional wheels increases the risk of reduced yield of cultivated plants.

Effects of hydrothermal conditions on agrophysical properties of typical chernozem and crop rotation productivity in the system of organic farming

Relevance of research. Having the variability of hydrothermal conditions, the rate of plant life, the intensity of photosynthesis and evaporation and the activity of plant nutrient consumption change. As a rule, the optimization of the water-air regime of the soil by conducting various types of amelioration makes it possible to significantly reduce the negative effects of adverse weather conditions and ensure high sustainability of agroecosystems. However, with regard to the requirements for organic agriculture in the regions with a shortage of water supply without sufficient water resources and without the use of fertilizers to effectively conduct agricultural production is problematic. Thus, the establishment of the patterns of the dynamics of agrophysical soil properties, taking into account their impact on the bioproductivity of agrophytocenoses under variable weather conditions is the theoretical basis for solving the problem of increasing agricultural sustainability, in particular using only natural fertility and obtaining organic crop products.
 Purpose and objectives of research: To establish the mechanisms of changes in the nutrient regime of typical chernozem, its agrophysical properties and crop yields in different crop rotations in relation to the dynamics of agrometeorological factors under the conditions of insufficient water supply in the eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine; to evaluate the productivity potential of cereals and grain crops in the system of organic farming without the use of mineral fertilizers.
 Research methods and techniques. Evaluation of the changes in agrometeorological resources of the territory was carried out using the method of mathematical and statistical analysis of the indicators of heat and moisture supply conditions: climatic water balance and precipitation. The data obtained from the stationary experiment were processed by the methods of system generalization, correlation, economic, calculation and comparative analyzes.
 Research results and main conclusions. Based on the information obtained in the course the stationary agrotechnical experiment it was established that the soil density changes over the years and depends on the hydrothermal conditions with the approximation certainity of (R2) 0.75. The inverse relationship between the specific weight of the soil and its water conductivity in terms of crop rotations with R2=0.8-0.9, by years with R2=0.6 was revealed. The variation coefficient of legumes yield was 30-33%, winter wheat – 33-37%, spring barley – 36-37%, which are the indicators of its low stability over the years. Crop yields, depending on the weather conditions of the year, also fluctuated significantly: peas between 0.8-3.2, lathyrus – 0.8-2.6, winter wheat – 0.6-6.8, buckwheat – 0.6-1.9, spring barley – 0.6-3.5 t/ha. Crop rotation with peas in terms of productivity of 2.4 t/ha of grain on average outperformed the others (2.2 and 2.0 t/ha) while maintaining the patterns of fluctuations of this indicator in relation to hydrothermal conditions.
 Having the average statistical selling price, the yield per 1 ha of crop rotation area of all studied crop rotations was almost the same with the fluctuations in the unfavorable years of 27-35 c. u./ha, in favorable ones – 97-104 c. u./ha, with the average value of 66-73 c. u./ha. If we assume that the selling price of organic products will be 25% higher than usual, the average annual yield will triple.
 Prospects for further research should correspond to the global trend of scientific research aimed at developing conceptual bases for the effects of hydrothermal conditions on agrophysical soil properties, taking into account their impact on bioproductivity of agrophytocenoses as a theoretical basis for solving the problem of increasing agricultural sustainability, in particular, using only the natural fertility of the organic-oriented model of developing the agricultural sector of the economy.

Changes in soil density in corn crops under organic farming systems in the conditions of the Danube Steppe of Ukraine

Changes in soil density in corn crops under organic farming systems in the conditions of the Danube Steppe of Ukraine

ВЛИЯНИЕ УПЛОТНЕНИЯ ПОЧВЫ НА ПОТЕНЦИАЛЬНОЕ ВЛАГОСОДЕРЖАНИЕ ЧЕРНОЗЁМА ВЫЩЕЛОЧЕННОГО

The research goal was to study effect of soil compaction on potential moisture content. The object of study was leached chernozem of Priobskoye plateau. During the research the following tasks were solved: to study the change in total capacity in the surface layer of soil by repeated external pressure, created under different soil moisture; study the change in total capacity in the surface soil layer from the values of the external pressure created at different soil moisture; to study the dependence of the full moisture capacity of the soil to the density summation. The study revealed that the total water capacity is a function of changes in soil density and indirectly depends on the amount of external pressure, its value and soil moisture.

Technology and Technical Equipment Ensuring a Sustainable Profile and Design Slope for Waterfurnishing

The article is devoted to the issues of water conservation and efficient use of water resources by improving the existing methods of irrigation through the furrows and the creation of new technical means ensuring the rational use of water and land resources during furrow irrigation, contributing to irrigation water savings. The proposed technology based on the fact that this measure is achieved by presenting changes and the automation of the working bodies of agricultural machinery involved in land reclamation measures, in particular, a furrow cutter and a bottom compactor. The technology allows for the production of agricultural industrial crops to use automated control of the working body when cutting furrows, to save water on irrigated areas and to achieve high yields due to the sustainable development of crops, and the proposed technical tool relates to agricultural machinery, especially a tool for caring of row crops, irrigated crops, the purpose of the invention, which is the creation of uneven compaction soil in the furrow bed along its length, with a change in soil density from the maximum value at the beginning and the minimum at the end, according to the irrigation method. The proposed technical tool is used for the device of uneven soil compaction in the furrow bed along the entire length, with a smooth change in soil density from maximum at the beginning and minimum at the end. The proposed technology and technical means provide: -increasing the efficiency of the use of water resources by creating a sustainable profile and design slope of the furrow saves irrigation water in the range of 10-12%; - water saving and energy saving by creating a stable profile and slope of the furrow of the irrigated field, providing high uniformity of moistening of the root layer of the soil along the entire length of the furrows, especially when cutting them, new laser technologies and highly efficient trailed technical means and production methods were used, providing material savings of 6- 8%.

Duration of the effects of scarification and raised bed associated with vegetation cover on soybean yield on an Alfisol

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the duration of the effects of the mechanical interventions scarification and raised bed on soybean (Glycine max) grain yield on an Alfisol, as well as to evaluate, through physical indicators, if the use of cover plants during winter increases the duration of these effects. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with four replicates. Two factors were evaluated. The first consisted of types of soil preparation systems: SC14, scarification in November 2014; SC15, scarification in November 2015; RB14, raised bed built in November 2014; and RB15, raised bed built in November 2015. The second consisted of the type of cover crop used: winter fallow, oat, ryegrass, and wheat. From November 2015 to April 2016, soybean was cultivated under the different soil preparation systems. Soil density, total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil resistance to mechanical penetration, and soybean grain yield were evaluated. There was no effect of cover plants after one crop season on the maintenance of soil physical attributes. Changes in soil density, total porosity, and resistance to mechanical penetration, promoted by scarification, are noticeable up to at least 18 months. The continuance of these modifications reflects in soybean grain yield in the second harvest.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЧИСЛА ОСЕЙ ХОДОВОЙ СИСТЕМЫ МАШИННО-ТРАКТОРНЫХ АГРЕГАТОВ НА ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ ПЛОТНОСТИ ПОЧВЫ

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЧИСЛА ОСЕЙ ХОДОВОЙ СИСТЕМЫ МАШИННО-ТРАКТОРНЫХ АГРЕГАТОВ НА ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ ПЛОТНОСТИ ПОЧВЫ

On the Dynamic Characteristics and the Soil Compaction under the Influence of the Mole Plow

The development of many processes associated with changes in soil properties in the construction of irrigation and civil engineering requires justification of the geometric parameters and modes of operation of the tools, which are used to implement these processes. One of the tools for the implementation of such processes is mole plough. To conduct the research the authors have chosen a model in which the soil is considered as a viscoelastic medium, and can be formalized by Kelvin-Voigt model in solving the task of interaction of mole plough with soil. In the course of research we have built the physical equations that relate the stress components with strain rate taking into consideration modules of elasticity, viscosity and time of loading by using the method of analytical transformations the generalized Hooke's law and the equations for linear connection components of stress with strain rate. The authors obtained the stress components of the soil at the contact surface, depending on its mechanical properties, geometric parameters of the mole plough and its speed of movement. The time of deformation was determined from the equation of speed of passage of the wave stresses in a continuous medium. Application of regression equations that relate the changes in soil density with hydrostatic and maximum tangent stress allowed predicting changes in soil density depending on the geometrical parameters of the mole plough, the speed of its movement and mechanical properties of the soil. Finally, we obtained the components of resistance forces to the movement of mole plough in the soil depending on the mechanical properties of the soil, as well as geometrical parameters and speed of tool movement. To sum up, on the basis of the analysis of the dynamics of contact interaction of mole plough with soil the components of normal and shear stresses of the soil at the contact surface are installed. We have determined the direction and value of soil compaction and components of the resistance forces of the soil the movement of mole plough depending on its geometric parameters, the speed of the translational movement and the mechanical properties of the soil. The change functions of the density of the soil under the influence of the mole plough were obtained.

Properties and regimes of vertisols with gilgai microtopography (a review)

Data on the morphology and spatial distribution of slickensides and cracks, particle-size distribution, the organic carbon content, the content and forms of carbonate concentrations, and physical and physicochemical properties of Vertisols with the gilgai microtopography are systematized. Relatively scarce information on the functioning regimes of gilgai soil complexes (their temperature and moisture conditions, redox potential, vertical and horizontal deformations, and soil density changes) is discussed. Common properties of gilgai soils are the clayey texture of their profiles and the high portion of smectitic minerals specifying the high shrink–swell capacity of the soil material. The most important specificity of soils with the gilgai microtopography is a significant horizontal differentiation of the soil profiles with alternation of bowl-shaped morphostructures with a thick dark layer without carbonates in microlows and diapiric morphostructures composed of the rising material of the lower layers with diverse carbonate concentrations on microhighs. Data on the spatial distribution of soil properties within the gilgai microcatenas can be applied in the studies of the genesis and evolution stages of the gilgai soil complexes.