Agroecological assessment of postagrogenic chestnut soils of the dry steppe zone

The assessment of the agroecological condition of chestnut soil, which has been in the stage of postagrogenic transformation for more than 20 years in the conditions of the dry steppe zone of southern Russia, has been carried out. The research was carried out in the Volgograd Region on the territory of the "Kamyshin" ecological and climatic station of the FSC of agroecology RAS in the Kamyshinsky administrative district. The soil cover is represented by dark chestnut postagrogenic arable soil in the initial stage of restoration. 10 soil sections were examined in layers 0-10 and 10-20 cm. The experimental studies were based on traditional methods of soil science and ecology. According to the acidity level, the studied soils are classified as neutral (pH = 6.6). Soils are provided with nitrogen (0.20%), phosphorus (0.09%) and potassium (1.21%) on average level in accordance with the soil and climatic conditions of the arid zone. The supply of humus is low and very low (less than 2%). The structural condition is unsatisfactory (The coefficient of structurality is 0.5 for the surface layer and 0.14 for the 10-20 cm layer) with a small proportion of agronomically valuable aggregates (less than 30%). According to the granulometric composition, the soil is classified (according to Kachinsky scale) as a light dusty clay with a small proportion of silt (3.18% in a layer of 0-10 cm). The soil is significantly over-compacted (more than 1.7 g/cm3). There is a pronounced shortage of soil moisture (5-7%). The soil has an unsatisfactory agrophysical condition. The return of the studied soil to agricultural circulation is possible when carrying out agro-reclamation measures aimed at optimizing the physical condition and water regime.