Chernozems of Western Transbaikal: Distribution, Chemical Fertility, Organic Matter, Humus, and Yields

Along with the chestnut soils, Transbaikal chernozems are intensely involved in regional crop farming. The latter are deficient in humus (4.2%), feature a light granulometric composition, occur in patches commonly along various slopes, and are exposed to deflation. The biological activity is low due to deep freezing (4 m) and slow thawing. Microorganisms are distributed in the topsoil. The volume of the annual input of fresh organic matter into the soil is low and is slowly destroyed. Their humus is fulvic-humate in nature with a high content of nonhydrolyzable residue, which, along with humic acid, has a high proportion of fulvic acids. It is only with reduced agrotechnical use and the application of adaptive land-use practices that it is possible to attain a spring wheat yield of up to 21 quintal/ha, as compared to the yields of 12–13 quintal/ha obtained on regional farms.