Dynamics of Physical Parameters of Soils of the Meadow Range of the Stone Steppe

A comparative analysis of the physical properties of meadow soils in agroforestry landscapes of the Central Chernozem region over a long period of time was carried out. The study was carried out on the soils of a seasonally waterlogged complex. According to the 2004 classification, these soils belong to hydrometamorphosed agrochernozems and humus-hydrometamorphic saline soils. The granulometric composition of the soils depended on the nature of soil moisture. In automorphic chernozems, a decrease in the proportion of the silty fraction of humus horizons was noted. Hydromorphic soils were characterized by an increased content of silt. Its role in carbonate horizons increased significantly. In the structural and aggregate state, an increase in the proportion of the lumpy fraction was noted in years with precipitation exceeding the long-term average. As part of the agronomically valuable aggregates, 5–10 mm aggregates were the dominant fraction. The share of small dusty aggregates accounted for an insignificant part. The use of chemical meliorants on meadow soils improved the structural condition of meadow soils. An increase in the structural coefficient was noted. All studied soil differences were characterized by high water resistance of structural separations.