Fertility Restoration in Deflated Dry Steppe Soils on the Example of Model Laboratory Experiments

Abstract

Due to the widespread occurrence of deflated low-humus chestnut soils in the Transbaikal region, methods to restore their lost fertility are being sought via model experiments involving the application of green masses and roots of green manure crops: alfalfa, melilot, and rape. The experimental results have shown that fresh organic masses applied to the soil increase the carbon content by 32–35% in comparison with the unfertilized variant, while the nitrogen content increases by 80% after the application of alfalfa and melilot green masses and by 27–55% after the application of their roots. In addition, the humate degree increases in humus, as well as the share of mineral forms in the nitrogen pool.