Biogeochemical features of fallow lands in the steppe zone

Abstract

Fallow lands in ancient agricultural areas of Northwestern Crimea which had experienced repeated phases of agricultural activity at different time periods (the Late Bronze Age, antiquity, and the last 150−200 years) have been studied. Differences in biogeochemical fluxes for virgin and fallow soils are analyzed from the chemical elements determining the composition of secondary clay minerals. The most informative and evolutionarily significant biogeochemical indicators of relict agricultural loads and duration of fallow periods are specified.