Modern Soil State of Reclaimed Lands (Northern Meshchera Lowlands, Vladimir Oblast) under Agricultural Stagnation Conditions

Abstract

Agriculture in the northern Meshchera lowlands is experiencing considerable difficulties due to both natural causes and the socioeconomic situation in Vladimir oblast. Some properties of reclaimed (drained) sod-podzolic soils remain sufficiently stable, including the considerable thickness of the arable horizon and the relatively high humus content. From the mid-1990s, a decrease in soil nutrient content and an increase in soil acidity have been observed. In recent years, state authorities have not allocated financial means for soil liming. The increase in precipitation in Northern Europe may lead to enhanced gleying in soil profiles and the subsequent transformation of sod-podzolic soils into sod-gley-podzolic. The article presents recommendations on land use.