Girzheva K. Soil physical properties as criterions of soil quality

Object - soil physical properties as criterions of soil quality. Purpose - determination of series of physical properties capable to improve soil quality evaluation, definition of the expedient method of their involving in calculation of soil quality indices and conducting estimation of contemporary agricultural soils' quality. Methods - field and laboratory research according the attested and temporary permitted procedures, methods of mathematical statistics (correlational, factorial and correlation-regression analyses). Computer programs for data grouping and processing, evaluation of adequacy of static models and automation of calculations have been additionally developed. Theoretical results - the necessity of use of physical indices while evaluation quality of arable soils of Ukraine has been proved, mathematical evaluative models in the system "soil-climate-field" using these indices have been elaborated? Norms of influence of physical properties on crop capacity and soil quality in general and regional aspects have been established. Practical results - the list of physical indices that may raise objectivity of soils quality evaluation have been defined, the extent of significance of physical properties for quality evaluation of soil of different genesis have been found out, expediency of involvement of physical indices for soil quality calculation by NSC ISSAR's procedure have been proved, changes of soil quality points under influence of hydrothermal conditions and separate soil processes have been determined. Novelty - the necessity of use of physical indices in soil quality evaluation has been grounded. For the first time in Ukraine the detailed qualitative and quantitative estimation of physical properties as criteria for soil quality estimation have been made and pedotransferal evaluative models involving these indices have been worked out. Norms of connection between physical indices, crop capacity and soil quality in general and regional aspects have been defined. The decisive meaning of these indices for qualitative estimation of podzolic, gleysolic, salted and alkaline soils has been established. The list of physical indices that may improve methods of soil quality estimation has been defined. Degree of application - the results of research have been taken into account for recommendation "Method of soil quality estimation" submitted to Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine. The results of investigation may also be used for teaching students at higher educational establishments in the framework of courses on agricultural soil science and soil quality estimation. The field is agriculture and scientific-educational.