Nutrient content in grey forest soils of Husiatyn Forestry

The purpose of the study was to determine the physical and chemical features of various types of forest soils and assess their agrochemical state on permanent nurseries, arable land, and 30-year-old common oak crops in the conditions of the Husiatyn Forestry of the Chortkiv Forest District. Soil and agrochemical analysis methods were applied, including determination of fractional and mechanical composition, humus content, base saturation, and absorption complex capacity. The indicators were compared between light grey, grey-loamy, and gleyed soils, which allowed characterising their productivity and agrochemical potential. It was found that in most soils, the upper horizons were acidic (pH 3.6-5.0), which negatively affects the availability of nutrients, and in light grey soils, the humus content was low (0.5-1.2% in the upper horizons). In grey loamy and gleyed soils, there is more humus (1.2-2.0%), especially in arable variants (1.8-2.0%). The total nitrogen in the upper horizons was 0.1-0.18%, which is rather low. The C:N ratio was close to 8, which indicates rapid mineralisation of organic matter. Some areas were well provided with P₂O₅ (20 mg/100 g), but there were soils with a deficit (<10). Potassium supply was more stable, but depletion was possible in arable horizons. Phosphorus (P₂O₅): ranged from very low values (3.75-10 mg/100 g) to elevated values (20 mg/100 g in arable land). Potassium (K₂O): was at the level of 10-14 mg/100 g, but in some cases decreased to 5-6 mg/100 g (deterioration of supply). Hydrolysed nitrogen: values of 3.6-11.5 mg/100 g, which indicated an average or low nitrogen supply. The results of the study of the fractional and mechanical composition of soil in oak forests, using the example of the Husiatyn Forestry, are of considerable practical importance for the development of recommendations regarding the specifics of planting forest crops in this region and protecting the soil from erosion processes