Topolny S. Soil research in Forest-Steppe to Steppe transition area between Bug and Dnepr rivers

Object –formation processes and laws of soil in Forest-Steppe to Steppe transition area between Bug and Dnepr rivers, their diagnostics and classification peculiarities. Purpose – determination of soil formation processes peculiarities in Forest-Steppe to Steppe transition area between Bug and Dnepr rivers. Methods – field, laboratory and analytical research, literature review, historical and geographical comparison and mathematical statistics. Theoretical results – dissertation provides theoretical generalizations of both literature sources and undertaken experiments for topsoil study in Forest-Steppe to Steppe transition area between Bug and Dnepr rivers. ‘Transitional stripe’ term was suggested and substantiated, meaning the area where Forest-Steppe and Steppe soils can be formed. Practical results – the undertaken soil experiments showed presence of: Forest – Streppe soils on the northern Steppe hillslopes, in particular, chernozems haplic, chernozem luvic, Steppe soils on the southern Forest-Steppe hillslopes (chernozems xeric). On the border between chernozems haplic and chernozems xeric, there are soils with “white-eyes” being 120-140 cm deep, which are not registered taxonomically. Rational soil use recommendations are not identical for chernozems xeric, chernozems haplic and chernozems non carbonate, therefore incorrect soil diagnostics leads to substantial economical losses. Novelty – for the first time, a term “transitional stripe” was proposed and rationalized for this region. The Forest-steppe and the Steppe soils can be formed in this strip. The work introduces theoretical method for hillslope heat provision and hillslope moisture coefficient calculations that allow remote soil determination. Degree of application - the research results were used and recommended for further soil research studies in the State technological center for soil fertility protection “CentrDerzhRoduchist”. Results of work are recommended for use by services of State Committee of Soil Use of Ukraine, in system of the main scientific-research and project institute of land management, by the regional state design-technological centers of protection of soil fertility and quality of production, by administrations of agriculture while carrying out monitoring. Some parts of dissertation work can be used for education process as a part of soil science and soil conservation subjects. The field is – science and education, and nature conservation.