Formation of saline soils in the dry steppe landscapes of the Western Manych Valley on different forms of microrelief

Abstract

The results of studying the physical and chemical characteristics of dry-steppe saline soils of the Western Manych valley, confined to different forms of microrelief, are presented. The soil cover of the studied territory is characterized by pronounced complexity due to the interrelation of natural and anthropogenic factors. It was revealed that chestnut saline soils and chestnut saline soils are mainly formed on micro-slopes and micro-elevations, and typical hydromorphic salt marshes are formed in saucer-shaped depressions. The soil profile has both common features (the presence of a saline horizon, a heavy loamy granulometric composition, etc.) and differences (the depth of formation of a saline horizon, the degree and chemistry of salinity, the boundaries of boiling of carbonates, the occurrence of gypsum and iron oxide forms, etc.). All saline horizons have increased density values (1.43-1.64 g /cm3), reduced humus content (no more than 2.0%) compared to the upper horizons. Geobotanical studies have shown that specific vegetation, represented by xerophilous and halophilic species, is formed on micro-slopes and micro-elevations during the development of the saline process. Various meadow and halophyte communities are formed in micro-depressions.