Change of chernozem podzolized structure under the influence of lime ameliorants with different chemical composition

Abstract

Physical, physico-chemical and biological properties of soil, and above all, action of its medium, proportionaly
dependents on its absorption capacity, especially in relation to such important macronutrient as calcium. On
chernozem soils of Forest-Steppe zone during podsolization, saturation of soil by calcium is decreased that causes
increasing its acidity, it has detrimental effect on biota, especially for members of soil invertebrates, which in turn play
an important role in the transformation of matter and energy of ecosystems in maintaining ecological functions and
improving natural soil fertility. Therefore, the issue of calcium availability and ways to improve its content in soil is
very popular. Primary importance becomes liming, which is not only a factor in increasing the pH of acidic soils, but
also contributes to ensuring this element for soils, plants, and by food chain for animals and people. Purpose of the
work – to establish the relationship between changes in physical and chemical parameters and the number of soil
invertebrates (mesofauna) and structural-aggregate state of chernozem podzolized heavy loam by application of
calcium ameliorants. Research on the effect of containing calcium ameliorants for physical, physical-chemical and
biological parameters of chernozem podzolized heavy loam were conducted during 2014 in the Experimental Field
"Grakivske" State Enterprise of National Scientific Center «Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry Research
named after O.N. Sokolovsky» (Kharkiv region) in small plot experiment. It was determined the dynamics of changes
in pH, Ca activity, number of lumbricids and structural condition of the soil. As a result of the application of calcium
ameliorants on chernozem podzolized heavy loam, there was a significant increase in activity of calcium, which in
turn led to the neutralization of soil acidity. These changes in physical and chemical properties of the soil were
naturally reflected in the number of soil biota. In the result of research, carried out during three years a positive linear
relationship between increasing pH and number of lumbricids (rain worms) was determined, it was possible to note
that by liming of chernozem podzolized the most favorable environmental conditions for life were created. At the
same time it was proved that liming contributes to the formation of soil aggregates coagulation of colloids, and as a
result soil structure improving. In this article it is proved that the application of calcium ameliorants on chernozem
podzolized, not only neutralizes soil acidity, but also improves conditions for the existence of soil invertebrates, which
make a kind of biological soil reclamation, that ultimately contributes to its fertility reproduction and self-regulation.