The Effect of Anthills on Grey Forest Soil Agrochemical Properties and Radionuclide Migration in Fallow Lands of Bryansk Opolie

Abstract

Formica pratensis anthills, which occur in great numbers in the Bryansk Opolie fallow land areas covered with the grey-luvic phaeozems, change both the local microrelief and the soil properties. The soil pH_KCL in their dome is higher than that in the surrounding soils by an average of 0.6 units. In the top 5-cm soil layer, increased contents of the organic matter and the mobile phosphorus and potassium are recorded, while the cation exchange capacity and the hydrolytic acidity are decreased. The natural radionuclide distribution under and outside the anthill is uniform. The technogenic ¹³⁷Cs in its maximum is found at a greater depth under the anthill. It may be explained by the ant pedoturbation activities.