Evolutionary trends in the geochemistry of steppe soils under long-term agricultural use

Abstract

The aim of this research was to identify long-term changes in the material composition of arable and fallow lands in the agricultural district of an ancient center in the Northern Black Sea region. Geochemical features of changes in the upper mineral soil horizon of different-aged arable and fallow lands near the ancient city of Kerkinitis were studied. The multitemporal boundary between arable lands of different ages was identified, and indicators to diagnose residual signs of former agricultural loads were revealed in the material composition of agrozems using geostatistical methods. The use of such unique objects of study as soils of ancient agricultural areas is related to the potential evaluation of risks of fertility loss because of slow but practically irreversible processes of pedogenesis and the opportunity to prevent or reduce their negative manifestations in arable land.