Changes in Microbial Communities and Soil Chemical Properties of Degraded Soils as Affected by Selected Crops

The aim of the research was to identify the influence of plant cultivation on the restoration of degraded soils. The analysis was carried out on the main groups of soil microorganisms and on the salt composition of soils. Microbiological and chemical analysis of degraded soil samples (Republic of Karakalpakistan) was conducted. The research showed that growing plants on degraded soils had a positive effect on soil quality. Thus, an improvement in microbiological indicators was revealed, an increase in the content of denitrifiers and ammonifiers was noted (up to 2.5x102 CFU/g, whereas these groups were not detected in the control sample). An increase in the content of microscopic fungi (up to 1.8x104 CFU/g of soil) with cellulolytic activity was also noted, while the sum of salts in soil samples after growing plants decreased from 3.411% to 1.32%. All this can serve as evidence of the intensification of soil-forming processes, a decrease in total salinity and an increase in soil fertility. In conclusion, it should be noted that growing plants on degraded soils has a positive effect on soil fertility as a result of the activation of soil microorganisms involved in the main soil-forming processes.