Soil Profile Descriptions Research Articles

Anthropogenic Impact on Soils of Cities Irkutsk, Angarsk

The morphological field description of soil profiles of the territory of Irkutsk region was carried out. Samples of soils, soil-forming rocks and vegetation were taken for further physical and chemical analyses to determine soil properties in the studied areas. Sample preparation of soils was carried out, phytotoxicity of soils was analyzed. Processing of the obtained data was carried out, as a result of which the percentage of germination of radish seeds in the upper horizons of soils of the key areas of Irkutsk and Angarsk cities was revealed, the length of shoots and the length of roots in the soils of the studied samples were measured, the index of soil toxicity was calculated.

Soil resilience assessment using soil profile descriptions and Analytic Hierarchy Process in Mediterranean mountains considering diverse fire occurrences

Wildfires are complex natural phenomena that exert significant impacts on landscapes, societies, and economies. Understanding the concept of resilience is crucial in mitigating its possible negative impacts, as it involves preparing for, responding to, and recovering from wildfires. This research aims to demonstrate the utility of in situ soil profile description in assessing land use resilience using an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) through an expert panel survey. The study examines a catchment located in the Balearic Islands, considering two fire occurrences (once and twice), comparing abandoned agricultural terraces and natural hillslopes. The results demonstrated that the priority ranking of variables to assess soil profile resilience against wildfires, determined by a panel of 10 experts, identified horizon depth (25.1%), slope inclination (21.5%), and hydrological connectivity (16.6%) as the most crucial factors. Other variables, such as number and size of roots, structure of pedal soil material, size class structure, and rock fragments, also contributed to resilience but to a lesser extent, with scores ranging from 5.7% to 9.6%. Analyzing the priorities established by the experts using AHP, the results showed that the least resilient soil horizon was H1 of the control hillslope, especially under high and low connectivity processes, which aligned with the loss of superficial soil horizons after one and two wildfires. Hillslopes showed greater changes in resilience after occurring wildfires compared to terraces, with the most significant alterations occurring after the second wildfire event. This study addresses a significant knowledge gap in the field by highlighting the interconnectedness of wildfires, resilience, and land use, providing insights into land management strategies for wildfire-prone regions.

Soil history

Abstract Proposal Soil history can be included in formal soil records. Application Context information accompanying soil-profile descriptions can include an explicit text field “soil history”; soil-map polygon attributes can capture soil history; soil characteristics from points, transects and areas can include soil history as descriptors for points, features, areas, and landscapes. Scope Soil history can capture facts, knowledge and inferences about human interaction with earth materials, such as earthworks, drainage, irrigation, cultivation, liming, fertilising, construction and demolition, excavation and deposition, sealing, compaction, and contamination, while the purpose, meaning or social context of such actions can usefully support understanding. Sources contributing to soil history include soil management records, engineering and planning designs, documentary accounts of land use activities, maps showing building and pavement forms and topographic features, local knowledge and folklore accounts, public administration records, legal instruments, supported by interpretations from site and soil morphologies. Potential While soil genesis is often obscure when based on soil morphology, soil history built on independent sources helps understanding of soils, principally anthropogenic soils and human action in soils more broadly. Recording soil history supplements morphological soil characterisation, and can inform World Reference Base classification. Including soil history within formal and structured soil information is now possible and needed.

Organic Carbon Stock in Mineral Soils in Cropland and Grassland in Latvia

This study aimed to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration and stock in mineral soils in cropland and grassland in Latvia, considering soil groups and texture classes. It covered 197 sites across Latvia (152 in cropland, 45 in grassland). Soil profile description and sampling (at depths of 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–40 cm) were conducted between 2021 and 2023. Laboratory analyses included soil bulk density (SBD), total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), carbonate content, pH, and extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). SOC stock was calculated, and correlations with other soil parameters were determined. In cropland sites, Arenosols and Stagnosols had the lowest SOC concentration and stock, while Gleysols and Phaeozems had the highest. In grassland sites, Retisols exhibited the lowest SOC concentration in the 0–20 cm layer, while Planosols had the highest SOC concentration in this layer. Conversely, in the 20–40 cm layer, Retisols showed the highest SOC concentration, while Gleysols had the lowest concentration. Regarding SOC stock in grassland sites, Planosols exhibited the highest values, while the lowest values were observed for Retisols and Umbrisols. Contrary to our hypothesis that grassland exhibits higher SOC stock than cropland, our results show the reverse for Phaeozems, the dominant WRB soil group in this study: a higher average SOC concentration and stock in cropland compared to grassland. However, very low occurrence of some soil groups and lack of some soil groups for grassland sites hinders the correct interpretation of these results, and further investigations are required in future studies.

Soils of the island bars of the Ola lagoon (Okhotsk sea)

The aim of the study. The purpose of the work is investigating soil formation on the island bars of the Ola Lagoon, as soil formation there has a special character due to the severe climate, dynamism and small age of the landscapes, and the influence of marine colonial birds. Location and time of the study. Field studies were conducted in June-July 2022 in the coastal zone of the Ola Lagoon of Magadan Region; laboratory and desk studies were conducted in 2022 and 2023. Methods. Methods included route observations with soil profile descriptions, mesomorphological studies; soil physical and chemical analyses: pH, electrical conductivity (TDS), loss on ignition (LOI); satellite photos interpretation and soil mapping. Results. The bar soils were qualified as dry-peat lithozems, differing in the thickness of the dry peat horizon TJ and the abundance of skeletal material (pebble). The dry-peat horizon is gradually merging into parent rock - dense marine pebbles, which are sometimes found in the dry-peat horizon due to storm "surges" from the sea. The TJ horizon consists of mesophilic plant residues and morphons of dark fine-disperse matter and a large number of semi-decomposed and living roots penetrating into the pebble layer. In the WRB system, soils correspond to Histic Leptosols (if shallow), or to Mawic Fibric Histosols. Conclusion. Formation of the dry-peat lithozems with the TJ-(TJ/С)-C profile is determined by the dry marine climate and low plant diversity of the meadows dominated by reed grass and wild rye. The main factors, shaping soil properties, are the island bars dynamics, specific of pebbles a parent rock material, salt impulverization and marine birds colonies presence. The research expands the knowledge on poorly studied soils of the region, and may contribute to substantiating their position in the classification of soils of Russia; in addition, the data obtained are useful within the framework of sustainable development, as it serves as nesting ground for colonial seabirds.

Revised Proposed Classifications for Typical Anthropogenic Soils in China

As global industrialization and its associated anthropogenic activities rapidly increase, so too does the areal extent of human-altered soils. The soil classification framework must incorporate the classification schemes of these disturbed soils in order to remediate land. Soil Taxonomy (ST) and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) are the most widely used soil classification systems in the world. In this study, 15 typical anthropogenic soil profiles with engineering and technical characteristics from China were selected for a classification study. The aim of this study was to clarify the classifications of these soil profiles in the ST, WRB, Chinese Soil Taxonomy (CST), and Geogenetic Soil Classification of China (GSCC), and make references accordingly. The results showed that the WRB can classify these soils as Technosols in the first level. ST can classify most of these soils as subgroups within the different great groups under Entisols, as well as the Human-Altered and Human-Transported Material classes within the soil family differentiae. For Chinese soil classification schemes, there is a large loophole in the CST regarding the classification of anthropogenic soils. Many anthropogenic soils cannot reflect these soils’ artificial and technical naming characteristics. For the CST, revised proposals based on the WRB and ST were proposed. Based on the artificial disturbance of soil layers, a manufactured layer was added to the diagnostic basis. The Artificalic Anthrosols suborder was added, and it can be divided into the Transporti-Artificalic Anthrosols and Alteri-Artificalic Anthrosols groups. The subgroups were defined by their levels of contamination, imperviousness, and artifact content. The “T” layer symbol was added to soil profile descriptions to reflect a specific layer about technology, such as A, E, B, and C, to reflect the main genetic horizons. This revised classification system is proposed for inclusion in the revised CST to account for the very large and expanding extent of disturbed soils in China and to remain current with other global soil taxonomy systems.

Identifying potentially dangerous areas of frost heaving and surfacing of the buried oil pipeline

This scientific study aims to automatically identify potentially dangerous areas of frost heaving and surfacing of a buried oil pipeline using the geological description of soil profile. The geological description of soil profile along the proposed route of a pipeline entails the study and identification of various layers of soil to determine the soil's suitability for pipeline installation and support. Enriching the geological description of soils in the first stage was achieved by creating a family of parameters that characterize the presence of water in two states and the interaction of the buried oil pipeline with soil layers. In the second stage, missed and erroneous soil parameters were restored by searching for similar patterns along the route of the pipeline using the enriched geological description of soil profile. Afterward, the selected areas of frost heaving and surfacing were ranked by potential danger in the third stage. The algorithm developed was shown to reduce the risk of damage to the oil pipeline and enrich the geological description of soil profile without additional field works. The results of the study allowed for the allocation of potentially dangerous areas where frost heaving and surfacing occur. The methodology described in the study can be applied in the midstream segment of the oil and gas industry to minimize the risk of pipeline damage.

Characterization and suitability assessment of the soils of Iwo series for cocoa production in rainforest area Southwestern, Nigeria

Characterization and soil suitability assessment is a vital tool for understanding the nature and status of soils. It is one of the strategies for achieving food security as well as sustainable environment. This study was conducted to assess the suitability of the soils of Iwo series for sustainable production of cocoa. The study was carried out in 2022, in an area located approximately between 7°32' N and 7°33' N and longitudes 4°32' E and 4°40' E within the Teaching and Research Farm (T&R-F) of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Kajola, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Three profile pits were established, described and sampled with one at different physiographical units following the guideline for soil profile description according to FAO/UNESCO guideline. The soil samples collected were analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and organic matter using standard method. Land characteristics obtained were matched with the crop requirements for cocoa to obtain the soils’ suitability classes using parametric method. The results showed that all the soils are well drained and deep. The texture of the soils ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam at the surface and sandy clay loam to clay at subsurface. Soil reaction ranged from highly acidic to slightly acidic (4.2-5.8 water and 3.9- 5.7 pHCaCl2) with low to moderate amounts of organic matter (0.4 to 1.74%) and available nitrogen (0.02-0.14%). Available phosphorus varied from 0.52-24.77 mg/kg in all the horizons in the profiles with the highest values at the surface soil horizons, an indication that soil organic matter contributes significantly to the available P in these soils. The exchangeable bases were low and the relative abundance of the exchangeable bases followed the order: Ca> Mg > Na>K at the exchangeable site. Suitability evaluation of the soils was carried out using parametric approach and the result showed that the soils of mapping units A and B are presently not suitable (N1) while mapping unit C is marginally suitable for cocoa production. With the appropriate fertility management, the soils of mapping unit A were classified as marginally suitable (S3) while soils of mapping unit B and C were classified as moderately (S2) for cocoa production. The limiting factors were mainly low soil fertility (low level of available phosphorus, macro-nutrients, nitrogen and organic matter). Therefore, combined application of organic fertilizer with inorganic fertilizers should be encouraged for optimum productivity.

Морфологические особенности лептосолей и лептиковых почв природного парка «Щербаковский»

Soils formed on dense geological rocks and with a skeleton profile in the Volgograd region occupy about 3% of the total area of the region. Their study is unjustly ignored by researchers. The questions connected with the study of morphological and chemical properties of these soils are very topical, as they will allow to reveal the peculiarities of the genesis of skeletal soils of the dry steppe natural zone. In order to achieve the set tasks, 12 soil sections along the studied soil catena (1.5 km) were laid and described within the field practice of the students of the 2nd year of the Department of Ecology and Nature Management of Volgograd State University, as a result of which the morphological and chemical features of the soils of the studied territory were established. The qualifiers Leptic, Skeletic, Hyperskeletic, Lithic and Nudilithic, indicating the development of soils on dense geological rocks, as well as the skeletal nature of the profile, were noted in 5 profiles. Soil-forming rocks for them are proluvial-deluvial sediments, as well as large fragments of opoka. The upper boundary of horizons R (dense rocks) varies from 20 to 60 cm depending on the microrelief. As a result of the description of soil profiles, the morphological features of the studied soils have been established. In most sections, the content of fine grains is less than 20% (qualifier Hyperskeletic), and inclusions of small (up to 1 cm) and large (over 10 cm) rock fragments (feature sk, qualifier Skeletic) were recorded. The conducted researches in the natural park “Scherbakovsky” are important from the point of view of soil condition monitoring, and also will allow to reveal features of genesis of underdeveloped, skeletal soils of the dry-steppe natural zone.

English

The objectives of this study were to characterize, classify and evaluate the potential and constraints  of  the soils of Sakure and Nginda Payams in Nzara and Yambio counties in the Greenbelt zone of Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. Ten soil pits were dug, described and sampled based on FAO soil profile description guideline and samples were analysed using standard routine lab analyses for physical and chemical properties. Data generated were analysed statistically using the coefficient of variation (CV) and correlation. Results showed that top and subsoil were dominated by sandy clay loams. The soil reactions were strongly to slightly acidic (pH = 5.4 - 6.7). The most limiting nutrients were P and N. SOC was highest in the top soil and consistently decreased with depth, the CEC was low  (4 - 14.4 Cmol kg-1). The soils were classified into six major soil types: Ferralsol, retisols, acrisols, umbrisols, fluvisols, and chernozems. The soils have poor inherent soil fertility. It is recommended that further soil survey be carried out in the Greenbelt zone and  to conduct more research to determine the type of soil fertility management feasible. Key words: Acid soils, Nginda Payam, Sakure Payam, soil fertility management, shifting cultivation.

Accuracy of regional-to-global soil maps for on-farm decision-making: are soil maps “good enough”?

Abstract. A major obstacle to selecting the most appropriate crops and closing the yield gap in many areas of the world is a lack of site-specific soil information. Accurate information on soil properties is critical for identifying soil limitations and the management practices needed to improve crop yields. However, acquiring accurate soil information is often difficult due to the high spatial and temporal variability of soil properties at fine scales and the cost and inaccessibility of laboratory-based soil analyses. With recent advancements in predictive soil mapping, there is a growing expectation that soil map predictions can provide much of the information needed to inform soil management. Yet, it is unclear how accurate current soil map predictions are at scales relevant to management. The main objective of this study was to address this issue by evaluating the site-specific accuracy of regional-to-global soil maps, using Ghana as a test case. Four web-based soil maps of Ghana were evaluated using a dataset of 6514 soil profile descriptions collected on smallholder farms using the LandPKS mobile application. Results from this study revealed that publicly available soil maps in Ghana lack the needed accuracy (i.e., correct identification of soil limitations) to reliably inform soil management decisions at the 1–2 ha scale common to smallholders. Standard measures of map accuracy for soil texture class and rock fragment class predictions showed that all soil maps had similar performance in estimating the correct property class. Overall soil texture class accuracies ranged from 8 %–14 % but could be as high as 38 %–64 % after accounting for uncertainty in the evaluation dataset. Soil rock fragment class accuracies ranged from 26 %–29 %. However, despite these similar overall accuracies, there were substantial differences in soil property predictions among the four maps, highlighting that soil map errors are not uniform between maps. To better understand the functional implications of these soil property differences, we used a modified version of the FAO Global Agro-Ecological Zone (GAEZ) soil suitability modeling framework to derive soil suitability ratings for each soil data source. Using a low-input, rain-fed, maize production scenario, we evaluated the functional accuracy of map-based soil property estimates. This analysis showed that soil map data significantly overestimated crop suitability for over 65 % of study sites, potentially leading to ineffective agronomic investments by farmers, including cash-constrained smallholders.

Крупномасштабное исследование и картографирование геосистем северной части о. Кунашир (Курильские острова)

This work is based on the materials of a comprehensive expedition to the northern part of Kunashir Island (Great Kuril Ridge), which took place in 2021. The key site is located at the foot of the southwestern slope of the highest Kunashir volcano Tyatya (1819 m) on the Pacific coast, and is a flat, slightly hilly forested plain composed of volcanic deposits. The site is characterized by a flat relief, which, in general, is not typical for Kunashir; in addition, it is composed of fairly young volcanic deposits. The key area is bounded on the west and east by the channels of the relatively large rivers Saratovskaya and Tyatina; on its territory from north to south, the shallow watercourses Banny and Kol flow. The site is located on the territory of the Kuril’sky State Nature Reserve and its protected zone. In the course of the research, data on descriptions of soil profiles, vegetation, and landscapes were collected and systematized. A total of 22 complex landscape descriptions and 54 descriptions of plant communities were made. In the process of compiling a preliminary scheme for the interpretation and office processing of the collected materials, ultra-high spatial resolution images from the Pleiades-1B satellite were used, the date of acquisition was September 27, 2019. Soil, geobotanical and landscape maps were compiled for an area of 15 km2. The scale of the created cartographic materials is 1:20 000. The study made it possible to obtain new data for large-scale thematic mapping and increase the degree of knowledge of the northern part of Kunashir. In particular, numerous hydromorphic complexes, which are not typical for the rest of the island, have been discovered and studied. It has been established that waterlogging significantly affects the conditions and nature of the formation of soil-vegetable complexes.

Lateral and Radial Differentiation of Cryogenic Soils Chemical Composition in the Vilyuy River valley, Central Yakutia

The subject of the study is the soil-geochemical features of cryogenic mid-taiga landscapes of the Vilyuy River valley in its middle course, located near Mahatta and the village of Kysyl-Syr of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Morphological descriptions of soil profiles were compiled. Chemical and analytical laboratory work was carried out in order to establish the values of the physico-chemical parameters of soil horizons - pH, the content of easily soluble salts, the content of organic carbon, granulometric composition, fractional composition of iron. The main aspect of the soil-geochemical properties of the landscapes of the middle Vilyui River is the gross chemical composition of cryogenic soils. The gross contents of chemical elements were determined by X–ray fluorescence using portable X-ray diffraction, after which the geochemical coefficients of radial (profile) and lateral (catenary) differentiation of concentrations of chemical elements R and were calculated. In automorphic soils, most of the chemical elements are removed from their surface organic horizons, and in mineral ones they are concentrated. Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn and Zr differ by the highest values of the coefficients R (R reaches 20). The radial differentiation is significantly influenced by acidity, organic carbon content and other soil properties, for example, the increased content of Si, Ca, V and Zn (R up to 1,3–3,7) relative to the horizon of soil parent rocks which is associated with the content of Sorghum. In terms of lateral differentiation, most of the studied elements are characterized by accumulation in the upper part of the soil-geochemical catena. The catenae Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Y are most widely distributed in soils (LCa = 0.3–1.8; LMn = 0.1–2.0; LFe = 0.6–2.1; LZn = 0.9–2.9 and LY = 0.3–1.4).

ЛАНДШАФТЫ ВЕРХНЕЙ ЧАСТИ СКЛОНОВ ПРАВОГО БЕРЕГА РЕКИ ТУЗЛОВ И РАВНИННОЙ ЧАСТИ ВОДОРАЗДЕЛЬНОГО ПЛАТО МЕЖДУ РЕКАМИ АКСАЙ И ТУЗЛОВ ЮЖНЕЕ СТ. ГРУШЕВСКАЯ

The paper gives characteristic of the landscapes of the upper part of right slope of Tuzlov river of north exposure and ravine part of watershed plateau between the Aksai and Tuzlov rivers, which are located south of the Grushevskaya station, east of the M 4 highway and north of the Novocherkassk ‒ Rostov highway. We have studied taxonomic levels, qualitatively differing from each other by landscape-forming factors, taking into account the degree of influence of these individual factors and their different correlations with each other on the growth of the grapevine plant, the yield of vineyards, the quality of the vineyard and vinicultural products. Landscape-forming factors at the microrelief level are geology, relief, soil and groundwater. Obtaining the necessary landscape-forming data was carried out by drilling the wells of the ground to a depth of up to 10 m with a morphological description of soil, geological and hydrogeological profile, with taking soil and groundwater samples for chemical analysis, paying special attention to landscape-forming factors that may be limiting for laying vineyards and to those that create optimal agroecological conditions for vineyards.

Experience and prospects of mobile GIS use for practical training of geography students

Problem statement. In recent decades, approaches to conducting field research have been significantly modernized. The use of smartphones, tablets and other portable devices with mobile GIS for field data collection has increased significantly. The rapid change in geospatial research technologies makes it necessary to introduce them into the educational process, in particular, in practical training of geography students. Research methodology. Paper forms of field data collection, materials and reports from practical trainings of the previous years, stored at the Department of Physical Geography and Cartography of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, served us as the source materials for the research. To implement the practical part of the research, ESRI software products such as Collector for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Desktop were used. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the content and to create electronic forms of field data collection with mobile GIS for the physiographic part of the educational natural science training of first-year students of specialty 106 Geography of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Results. The use of mobile GIS for practical training of future geographers is widespread in Ukrainian and foreign universities. In particular, in recent years, teachers of the Department of Physical Geography and Cartography have been introducing mobile GIS into field data collection. We have developed 4 electronic forms of field data collection for the physiographic part of the educational natural science training of first-year students. They are soil profile description, forest phytocenosis description, geological and geomorphological observations, and hydrological station. Due to the wide functionality of Collector for ArcGIS, in particular, the ability to work offline, this mobile application and ArcGIS Online were used to develop forms. To optimize the work with individual text fields in electronic forms, we created domain values that allow students to select a certain option from the drop-down list. Practical significance and research perspectives. The implementation of mobile GIS into practical training of future geographers contributes to the formation of cartographic and geoinformation competencies and helps students master modern approaches to the organization of various types of field studies. Testing developed electronic forms during summer practical training of students or through independent research in the study area remains a relevant task. In the future, it is advisable to create electronic forms for all sections of the physiographic part of the first-year students' practical training and to adapt data collection forms for independent use.

ЛАНДШАФТЫ ЛЕВОГО СКЛОНА БАЛКИ СОКОЛОВА И ЧАСТИ ВОДОРАЗДЕЛЬНОГО ПЛАТО МЕЖДУ РЕКАМИ АКСАЙ И ТУЗЛОВ, СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНЕЕ П. КЛЮЧЕВОЙ

The paper gives characteristic of the landscapes of the left slope of Sokolovа ravine of the southwestern exposition, the part of the water-shed plateau adjacent to it from the north be-tween the Aksai and Tuzlov rivers which are located to the south of the Klyuchevоy village. We have studied taxonomic levels, qualitatively differing from each other by landscape-forming factors, taking into account the degree of influ-ence of these individual factors and their dif-ferent correlations with each other on the growth of the grapevine plant, the yield of vineyards, the quality of the vineyard and vini-cultural products. Landscape-forming factors at the microrelief level are geology, relief, soil and groundwater. Obtaining the necessary land-scape-forming data was carried out by drilling the wells of the ground to a depth of up to 10 m with a morphological description of soil, geo-logical and hydrogeological profile, with taking soil and groundwater samples for chemical analysis, paying special attention to landscape-forming factors that may be limiting for laying vineyards and to those that create optimal agroecological conditions for vineyards.

Land Use Capability and Suitability Classifications of a Plinthic Alfisol of a Derived Savannah Ecology of Nigeria

Background: In derived savanna ecology, the evaluation of soil characteristics for the current and future capability and suitability for crop production is crucial. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the capability and suitability of plinthic soil of a derived savannah ecology of Nigeria for sustainable crop production. Methods: The methodology was essentially Grid using hand-held GPS to determine the coordinates of sampling points for the collection of soil samples. In all, 18 profile pit samples were collected. The profile pits were described morphologically on the field using the FAO guideline on soil profile description. From the various horizons of these profile pits, soil samples were collected. Results: Land assessment indicates that the soils of the area are very fragile and inherently low in nutrients. Mapping unit A is moderately suitable for arable crop production while Units B and C are fairly suitable. For agricultural activities, mapping unit D is marginal for arable crop production. Stoniness, steep slope, and shallow soil depth are the major limitations. Mapping unit E is the most suitable for lowland rice production. Soil fertility management ought to be integrated (organic and inorganic). The land evaluation shows that the soils of the project site are very fragile and poor in native fertility. Also, the soils are generally defined by the plinthite content. Apart from the traditional crops grown in the area, some other crops like sweet potato and cowpea will do well on the soil of the area. Crop residue has to be well managed and adopted. Crop rotation and intercropping should be encouraged and included in the soil management plan. Also, due to the low level of organic carbon in the soils, the soils will benefit optimally from the application of manure. This will improve the soil aggregation, water, and nutrient-holding capacities as well as improve the pH status of the soil. Conclusion: Soil fertility assessments should be undertaken every two years after continuous cropping. ’High-Intensity Detailed Soil Survey’ of this nature should be carried out every ten years.

ЛАНДШАФТЫ ЛЕВОГО СКЛОНА БАЛКИ БОЛЬШАЯ МИШКИНА, ЮЖНЕЕ П. КЛЮЧЕВОЙ

The paper gives characteristic of the landscapes of the left slope of the Bolshaya Mishkinа ra-vine of the southwestern exposition, which is located to the south of the Klyuchevоy village. We have studied taxonomic levels, qualitatively differing from each other by landscape-forming factors, taking into account the degree of influ-ence of these individual factors and their dif-ferent correlations with each other on the growth of the grapevine plant, the yield of vineyards, the quality of the vineyard and vini-cultural products. Landscape-forming factors at the microrelief level are geology, relief, soil and groundwater. Obtaining the necessary landscape-forming data was carried out by drilling the wells of the ground to a depth of up to 10 m with a morphological description of soil, geological and hydrogeological profile, with taking soil and groundwater samples for chemical analysis, paying special attention to landscape-forming factors that may be limiting for laying vineyards and to those that create optimal agroecological conditions for vine-yards.

. MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS SOILS OF THE BELIGATIVE STRUCTURES OF THE KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI STATE HISTORICAL RESERVE MUSEUM

The article presents micromorphological descriptions of soil profiles of key areas of the research territory. The results of micromorphological analysis and synthesis of selected soil samples are illustrated. For the first time the process-and-genetic features of urborendzins of beligerative structures were studied through the evaluation of their micromorphological structure.
 Urborendzins of the beligerative landscape complex of the Kamianets-Podilskyi State Historical Preserve Museum are intrazonal biolithogenic polygenetic soils with complex phylogeny exposed to a long-term anthropogenic influence. It is important to establish their genesis, which is accompanied by a number of obstacles caused by the significant amplitude of the soil profile, morphological features, physical-and-chemical features and the presence of buried horizons in such soils. To solve the problem of age and ontogenesis staging of urborendzins, along with comparative-and-geographical, we use a complex paleopedological method with active application of micromorphological analysis, which allows to establish process-and-genetic features of soils by diagnosing elementary soil processes according to sustainable features at the micro level of solid phase formation.
 Micromorphological structure evaluation makes it possible to consider soil as a system at the microscopic level and observe the natural flow of soil-forming processes in their interaction and ratio at all morphological levels - from microscopically small volumes of soil mass to soil profile in general. Consequently, micromorphological analysis is a unique one and possesses significant advantages over other methods of physical geography.
 Urborendzins of the object under study have a complex problematic genesis and the use of micromorphological analysis and micromorphological synthesis is acceptable to solve these problems. The evaluation of the micromorphological structure of these soils was carried out for the first time, their micromorphological features were not previously determined as well as the genesis in general. Our micromorphological analysis allowed us to establish the process-and-diagnostic features of the studied soils and shows that in comparison with the background soil, the deposits of the «Day Tower» are more carbonated. Under the conditions of the washing regime, fragments of limestone deposits provide constant involvement of new weathered carbonated material in soil formation processes, which promotes saturation of soil solutions with calcium cations and, accordingly, formation of more stable microaggregation of soil mass and reduction of mobility of silty particles downwards the profile, fixed through by micromorphological researches in the form of the presence of high-order microaggregates. Comparing the background soil with the sediments of the «Day Tower», it can be stated that the agrorendzin typical, in contrast to urborendzin, leached from carbonates, is characterized by the practical absence of microorshteins, humic substances are mainly in a dispersed state and signs of movement of organo-clay substances downwards the profile can be traced much more clearly. This indicates that the background agrorendzin is formed under conditions of active biogenic and accumulative processes, carbonate leaching and illimerization.
 Key words: micromorphological analysis, synthesis, soil, beligerative complex.

Flow patterns and aquifer recharge controls under Amazon rainforest influence: The case of the Alter do Chão aquifer system

The present study clarifies the role of rainforests in the recharge processes of the Alter do Chão Aquifer System in the outcropping region based on a dataset collected in reference areas. Different methods and techniques commonly applied to hydrogeology studies were integrated to achieve this objective, including soil profile description (in field and laboratory), potentiometric analysis, hydrochemistry data, and stable isotopic evaluation. The Alter do Chão Aquifer System occurs as an unconfined and semiconfined groundwater reservoir in the Amazonian plateau regions, with the following profile sequence: topsoil (higher porosity and hydraulic conductivity), yellow clay (mean porosity of 18% with small pore throats, resulting in lower hydraulic conductivity), aluminous iron crusts, and solid bauxite (highest hydraulic conductivity values resulting from porosity values from 30 to 45%), and at the bottom, the mottled stratified argillite (acting as an aquitard layer, with leaky confining attributes). The relief pattern with high plateau areas cut by shallow and deeper valleys allows regional and local hydrogeological flow systems. The dense forest cover acts as a vital recharge control due to bioturbation by the roots, observed up to 15 m deep. This bioturbation causes preferential flow zones and is responsible for increasing the hydraulic conductivity in the pelitic layers. Oxygen and deuterium stable isotope data demonstrate that recharge is due to rainwater infiltration because the local groundwater line is plotted next to or over the regional meteoric water line. Tritium data indicate that the aquifer is supplied by relatively recent rainfall or at least by mixtures containing recent rainwater. The conceptual flow model for the semiconfined and unconfined portions of the Alter do Chão Aquifer System is represented by the following processes: infiltration of large volumes of rainwater, high loss by forestry evapotranspiration, loss by interflow at the interfaces of contrasting hydraulic conductivity layers, and local loss due to regional lateral flow to the discharge areas. Considering a 1 km2 polygon, it is possible to determine a recharge amount of at least 236,400 and 350,000 m3/year for the semiconfined and unconfined portions of the aquifer, respectively.