Fertile soil layer. Soil layers and surface How to use peaty soils

For definiteness, the topmost layer of soil, less than 5 cm, plus plant litter on it, will be called the surface layer of soil. It can be said that this thin layer between heaven and earth, on their border.

The Importance of Surface Soil

The surface layer of the soil has an exceptionally great influence on the soil, on its root-inhabited part. If the surface layer is even and dense, then it is easily warmed up by the spring sun and the frozen soil quickly thaws after a frosty winter. Moisture through capillaries easily rises from the depth of the soil to its very surface and evaporates. But it is enough to loosen the surface layer shallowly, by about 5 cm, to destroy the capillaries at the very surface, how moisture will be stored in the root layer, it will water the plants even with a long absence of rain. The surface layer enriched with oxygen and warmed by warm air will create comfortable conditions for the respiration of the roots of plants of their development, for the development of soil microorganisms, various soil worms, and insects that have “frozen out” during the winter. However, if this continues for a long time, then the bare, uncovered soil under the influence of wind, rain, and hot sun gradually loses its fertility, its structure is destroyed, nutrients decompose or are washed away.

But in natural conditions surface layer of soil naturally protected by plants, covered with plant litter - dead parts of plants, herbs. Approximately the same thing happens in the root layer of the soil - the dead roots of various plants form "underground litter". Humidified and warmed litter, with a lack of oxygen, serves as food for various soil microorganisms, which decompose it to a more simple connections, which partially, together with water, enter the root layer of the soil. Living plants also feed soil microorganisms with their root secretions.

The semi-destroyed organic matter of litter and dead microorganisms, the root secretions of living plants use the following (in a chain) soil microorganisms - while some (aerobic), in the presence of oxygen, continue to destroy it to even simpler compounds - nutrients absorbed by plants, while others (anaerobic ), under conditions of lack of oxygen, also use the incoming organic matter for their needs. But how can both types of microorganisms exist simultaneously? To do this, anaerobic microorganisms produce a special glue - "fresh" humus. With this humus glue, anaerobes glue particles of soil into lumps like grains - aggregates. It is inside these lumps of soil (aggregates) that anaerobes create comfortable conditions for themselves with a lack of oxygen. And oxygen lovers, supplying partially destroyed organic matter, live outside these soil grains-aggregates. And the soil, as a result of such a symbiosis, becomes granular (structural), i.e. "cultural" and fertile.

If you look at the topmost layer of soil in the meadow, you can see that it is heavily penetrated by the surface roots of plants, which are often woven into a dense turf. Moreover, the thinnest, absorbing roots tightly braid the lumps of soil. This means that it is in them that plants receive the most nutrients. And it is here that most microorganisms live. After all, living plants themselves are not freeloaders: they feed the soil microflora with their root secretions. And it is in the root layer that the granular structure of the soil arises. And this is where most of the humus is formed. From this observation was born the famous grass field system of Academician Williams to restore soil fertility.

Forest litter and meadow sod

The influence of leaf litter in forests and meadow sod on the soil differ significantly. In forests, under the forest floor, as a rule, there is no black, humus-rich soil layer. On the contrary, in the steppes and meadows there is almost always a black layer of soil rich in humus, and even black soil. What is the reason for such a big difference?

There is not too big, as it seems at first glance, the difference in the composition of the litter: woody leaves in one case and the remains of herbaceous, usually cereal plants - in the other. Lack of direct sunlight under the canopy of the forest and its presence all day in the steppes. Usually acidic leaching soil, especially in northern forests, and calcareous, often salty soils in southern steppes with thick chernozem horizons.

C:N ratio (carbon:nitrogen)

If we say the same thing in other words, then this is what happens: the ratio of carbon to nitrogen C:N in the leaf litter of the forest litter is much higher than for the remains of herbaceous plants, therefore the forest litter is decomposed mainly by fungi, which process it into highly soluble fulvic acids, which , unlike humic acids do not form humus. In addition, the decomposition of any leaves produces a lot of acids. Similar processes occur when acidic, unventilated peat is incorporated into the soil.

Unlike leaves, the C:N ratio for herbaceous plant residues (about 35-65) is much more favorable for many types of soil microorganisms, including soil bacteria that need nitrogen for development. In this case, humic acids are synthesized, forming humus.

Soil, acidity and calcium

The acidity of the soil itself has a very great influence on the prevailing microflora: an acidic environment is more favorable for fungi, and slightly acidic, neutral and slightly alkaline are generally more favorable for soil bacteria, although there are also fungi that are resistant to such an environment. Neutral soil has a more diverse soil microflora, among which there are many species useful for plants. Most plants are also most favorable neutral and slightly acidic soil reaction.

In addition to the fact that calcium and magnesium reduce the acidity of the soil, they form water-resistant compounds with humic acids and contribute to soil structuring. The best soil-forming rocks for the formation and fixation of humus are loams, especially carbonate loesses, loess-like loams in the chernozem steppes.

Water meadows, top layer of settled silt

From time immemorial, the most successful and long-term farming has been on flood meadows of rivers. A small layer of fine particles of organic matter and clay covered water meadows and the remains of plants on them after the flood. And it was these lands that could be used for centuries for conducting Agriculture without destroying their fertility.

Soil improvement

In addition to organic matter and moisture, the sun's rays intensively penetrate into the upper soil layer, the thermal regime improves, the diversity and number of microorganisms increase, which reduce the number of pathogens. However, some pathogens can survive on infected plant debris on the soil surface. However, when mineral fertilizers NP (nitrogen-phosphorus) or full fertilizer, humus / compost are added to the top layer, or even infected plant residues are sprinkled with earth, it enhances biological activity and improves soil from harmful organisms (completely suppresses them during the season). In this case, the decomposition and disinfection of infected plant residues occurs much faster than when they are plowed into the soil.

Revitalization of the topsoil in spring

The surface layer of the soil enriched with oxygen and warmed by the sun will create comfortable conditions for the development of soil microorganisms that have “frozen out” during the winter, among which there are many useful ones that improve the soil and increase its fertility. But in the spring there are very few of them and they develop more slowly than harmful ones. Therefore, it will be beneficial to accelerate the development of beneficial microorganisms. To do this, you can use mulching with compost, manure humus, water the surface layer of the soil with their infusions (warm infusions, warm water), infusions of cultures of beneficial microorganisms (hay bacillus, trichoderma, etc.). In my opinion, it is impossible to refuse preparations of the so-called "EM - effective microorganisms" containing a complex of beneficial microorganisms. This is primarily "Siyanie", "Baikal" and the like: Tamir, Vozrozhdenie, etc. Beneficial soil microorganisms will suppress pathogens of plant diseases and quickly start the chain of restoration of ecological balance (organics, microorganisms, worms and insects, etc.).

Worms and insects

The top layer of soil, organic residues, protects the soil from the action of wind, rain, and hot sun, which destroy the soil structure. Loose, with a large amount of organic matter, the top layer stimulates the reproduction of soil insects and earthworms. Earthworms with their moves help to improve the structure of the soil, in addition, they drag the remains of plants deep into the soil and bring to the surface heaps of earth from their esophagus - caprolites (the so-called biohumus), which contain many nutrients for plants and are rich in useful soil microflora. Many insects live in the upper soil layer, many of which are useful (for example, predatory ground beetles) or are an important link in the ecological balance, including the most important food link for small animals and birds. Interestingly, some pests on moist soil rich in organic matter do not damage plants, but feed on soil organic matter (the so-called "facultative" pests). An example is the wireworm (larva of the click beetle), which is more aggressive on poor organic matter or parched soil.

glade

excerpt from V. Grebennikov's book "My World"

"Changes, of course, are taking place, but now that this meadow has become almost exactly what it was before people, changes are made slowly and hardly noticeable, and only the experienced eye of an ecologist is able to fix them. Take, for example, the soil. Fat, rich chernozem, disintegrating in the hand into weighty, strong, moist grains, like crumbly, but very dark buckwheat porridge - it continues to form here, unlike neighboring hayfields, and even more so arable land, every year, every day and hour, except, of course, winter.When the grass is not mowed, its dry remains immediately lie down and, with the help of rain and sun, bacteria and insects, ticks and other living creatures, turn into good humus. grows much faster than it happened in the treeless steppes - half a centimeter a year, or even a centimeter!The middle of the Polyana - I specifically measure - has risen 14 centimeters over the past fifteen years, and now it all looks elevated, high; this is especially noticeable late autumn or in early spring when there are no leaves on the trees, and snow on the Glade.

The word soil refers to the biophysical, biological, biochemical environment or soil substrate. Many biologists claim that the soil is Living being, calling it the stomach of plants. Some are used to calling it the lungs of the entire plant world. The soil is the environment in which the root system of most plants is located. With it, they are able to stay upright.

Peculiarities

The fertile soil layer will depend on the biophysical and physical state, which should include density, friability, porosity. Biochemical and chemical composition, the presence of primary chemical elements and those elements that are part of the mineral organic hydrocarbon chains, also affects the fertility of the soil. The fertile soil layer can also be mineral, artificial, chemical. It is also customary to single out natural biological fertility.

The soil is a thin layer, a unique component of the biosphere, which separates the solid and gaseous environment of the biosphere of our planet. In the fertile soil layer, all the life-support processes of the animal and plant world take place. The full life of all life on Earth will depend on the condition of the soil. Boundless, natural fertility is created by:

plant organic remains, for example, grass, hay, sawdust, straw, branches;
the remains of a deceased, obsolete animal organic matter, for example, bacteria, microorganisms, microfungi, insects, worms and other organisms;
micro- and nanoplants, which include algae.

About 20% of the soil mass is a dead mineral part. The living microfauna and microflora of the fertile soil layer forms the living organic matter of plants.

If we talk about the upper fertile layers of the soil, then there are five of them. Every year these layers thicken, grow, expand, move from one to another. This creates a fertile layer of black soil and mineral clay.

Mulch

Mulch is usually made up of animal and plant debris. If you remove the fertile soil layer of mulch, you can notice grass, leaf litter, mold, dead microanimals and animals there. In addition, there are various microorganisms, fungi.

A variety of microinsects and microanimals live under a layer of mulch: worms, fleas, beetles and midges. The number of these individuals in the fertile soil layer can reach several tons per 1 hectare of land. All this living creature moves, moves, eats and drinks, fulfills its natural needs, multiplies and dies. Dead organisms, microbes, bacteria, worms, viruses, insects and animals that live in the soil begin to decompose to their original biomineral and biogas state.

It should be noted that the corpses of insects and other living organisms consist of a large number of nitrogen compounds. Also, the composition of the bodies includes ammonia, which begins to be released during decomposition and is absorbed by the root system of plants. Therefore, when using a fertile soil layer for growing any crops, it is not always necessary to apply fertilizer, since the soil may already contain a large number of various and living bacteria, insects, microfungi.

Biohumus

Biohumus is excretions, faeces, waste products belonging to various insects and microanimals. The thickness of this fertile soil layer can be from 20 centimeters or more. Biohumus is the remains of the dead root system of plants, animals and plant organic remains processed in the stomachs of various insects and worms. This should also include the remains of food microinsects and microanimals.

Biohumus is a kind of colostrum for plants. This type of soil gives crops through their root system good nutrition that will promote development, as well as stimulate and develop the immune system of the plant.

biomineral layer

The biomineral soil layer includes the natural remains of plant and animal organic biohumus. This fertile soil layer has been formed over the years by micro-plants, microorganisms, micro-animals from the upper matting layers and the biohumus layer. Atmospheric moisture, for example, dew, fog, drizzle, as well as atmospheric water in the form of melted snow, rain freely enters the top layer of mulch.

In addition, it contains dissolved atmospheric gases: nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, oxides of carbon and nitrogen. All these gases are well absorbed by atmospheric moisture and water. Dissolved gases and water together begin to penetrate into all lower soil layers.

Humus layer

Humus is formed by various microorganisms, dead plant and living organic matter with limited access to compacted, downstream soil layers. Humus also contains atmospheric moisture and water, in which there are dissolved atmospheric gases.

The process of humus formation in the soil is usually called biosynthesis with the formation of humus from plants. Biosynthesis also produces energy rich hydrocarbon compounds and some combustible biogases, such as the methane gas series and carbon dioxide.

Humus for crops plays the role of a source of hydrocarbon energy. Humus, located in the lower layers of the soil, provides crops with heat. Hydrocarbon compounds are able to warm plants from the cold. Methane and carbon dioxide are absorbed by the root system of crops.

Subsoil and clay

The fifth layer of fertile soil includes clay soil, which is located at a depth of 20 cm or more from the surface. The clay layer is involved in the regular moisture and gas exchange of other layers, as well as the underlying soils.

Removal and preservation of the fertile soil layer

If it is planned to carry out any work on the territory, then it is recommended to remove the fertile layer in warm time of the year. If the soil layer is removed in a frozen state, then it is necessary to loosen it without fail. The fertile soil layer is removed with the help of a bulldozer, after which it is moved to the dump, where it will stay for some time.

The working draft provides for the removal of a layer of soil in areas with:

development of a trench during the construction of an oil pipeline;
placement of dumps of mineral soils;
long-term lease, which is necessary for the placement of signs, instrumentation supports and permanent moves.

Recultivation of the fertile soil layer

Land reclamation is carried out in order to restore them for forestry, agricultural, construction, water management, environmental protection, recreational and sanitary purposes. This procedure requires the restoration of soil fertility, and is carried out sequentially in 2 stages: technical and biological.

The first one is the planning, removal and application of a fertile soil layer, the formation of slopes, the arrangement of reclamation and hydraulic structures, the disposal of toxic soils, as well as the implementation of other works that create the required conditions for the further use of reclaimed soils for their intended purpose or for organizing events. , which are aimed at improving fertility.

The biological stage involves the implementation of phytomeliorative and agrotechnical measures aimed at improving the agrochemical, agrophysical, biochemical and other properties of the soil.

Lands subject to reclamation

Those lands that have been disturbed during oil production, the development of mineral deposits underground or open way. This can also be done when laying a pipeline, carrying out reclamation, construction, logging, testing, geological exploration, operational, design and survey and other works that are associated with violation of the ground cover.

Reclamation can also be carried out during the liquidation of military, industrial, civil and other facilities and structures, as well as during the burial and storage of industrial, domestic and other waste.

The purpose of reclamation is to restore the productivity of water bodies and disturbed soils, as well as to improve the state of the environment.

It took nature several billion years to ensure that the soil of the Earth acquired the properties due to which vegetation could appear on our planet. At first, instead of soil, there were only rocks, which, due to the impact of rain, wind, and sunlight on them, began to gradually grind.

Soil destruction occurred in different ways: under the influence of the sun, wind and frost, stony rocks cracked, polished with sand, and sea waves slowly but surely broke huge blocks into small stones. Finally, animals, plants and microorganisms made their contribution to the formation of the soil, adding organic elements (humus), enriching the upper layer of the earth with waste products and their residues. The decomposition of organic elements when interacting with oxygen led to various chemical processes, as a result of which ash and nitrogen were formed, which turned rocks into soil.

Soil is a modified loose upper layer of the earth's crust on which vegetation grows. It was formed as a result of the transformation of rocks under the influence of dead and living organisms, sunlight, precipitation and other processes due to which soil erosion occurred.

Due to this transformation of huge, hard rocks into a loose mass, the topsoil acquired an absorbent surface: the soil structure became porous and breathable. The main significance of the soil is that, being penetrated by the roots of plants, it gives them all the nutrients necessary for growth, and combines two features necessary for the existence of plants - minerals and water.

Therefore, one of the main characteristics of the soil is a fertile soil layer, which allows for the growth and development of plant organisms.

In order for a fertile layer of soil to form, the earth must contain a sufficient amount of nutrients and have the necessary supply of water that would not allow plants to die. The value of land largely depends on its ability to bring nutrients to the roots of plants, provide them with access to air and moisture (water in the soil is extremely important: nothing will grow if there is no liquid in the ground that will dissolve these substances).

The soil consists of several layers:

The arable layer is the top layer of soil, the most fertile soil layer, which contains the most humus;
Subsoil - consists mainly of the remains of rocks;
The lowest layer of soil is called the "bedrock".

Soil acidity

A very serious factor that affects the fertility of the soil is the acidity of the soil - the presence of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. The acidity of the soil is increased if the pH is below seven, if it is higher - alkaline, and equal to seven - neutral (the concentration of hydrogen ions (H +) and hydroxides (OH-) is the same).

The high level of acidity of the upper layer of the earth negatively affects the growth of plants, since it affects its features (size and strength of soil particles), applied fertilizers, microflora and plant development. For example, increased acidity disrupts the structure of the soil, since beneficial bacteria cannot develop normally, and many nutrients (such as phosphorus) become difficult to digest.

Too high a level of acidity makes it possible to accumulate in the soil toxic solutions of iron, aluminum, manganese, while the intake of potassium, nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium into the body of plants decreases. main feature high level acidity is the presence of a light layer under the upper dark layer of the earth, resembling ash in color, while the closer this layer is to the surface, the more acidic the soil and the less calcium it contains.

Soil types

Since absolutely all types of soils are formed from rocks, it is not surprising that the characteristics of the soil largely depend on the chemical composition and physical characteristics of the parent rock (minerals, density, porosity, thermal conductivity).

Also, soil characteristics are affected by the conditions under which the soil was formed: precipitation, soil acidity, wind, wind speed, soil and ambient temperature. The climate also has an indirect effect on the soil, since the life of the flora and fauna directly depends on the temperature of the soil and the environment.

Soil types depend largely on the size and number of particles that are present in them. For example, damp and cold clay soils are formed by sand particles tightly adjacent to each other, loamy soil is a cross between clay and sand, and stony soil contains a lot of pebbles.

But the composition of peat land includes the remains of dead plants and it contains very few solid particles. Any soil on which plant organisms grow has a very complex structure, since, in addition to rocks, it contains salts, living organisms (plants), and organic substances that were formed as a result of decay.

After a soil analysis was made in different regions of our planet, a soil classification was created - a set of similar sites that had similar conditions soil formation. The classification of soils has several directions: ecological-geographical, evolutionary-genetic.

In Russia, for example, the ecological-geographical classification of soils is mainly used, according to which the main types of soil are soddy, forest, podzolic, chernozem, tundra, clayey, sandy, and steppe soils.

Chernozem

Chernozem, which has a lumpy or granular structure, is considered the most fertile soil (about 15% humus), characteristic of a temperate continental climate, in which dry and wet periods alternate, and positive temperatures. Soil analysis showed that the chernozem is rich in nitrogen, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium and other elements necessary for the favorable life of plants. Chernozem soils are characterized by high water-air characteristics.

sandy lands

Sandy soil is typical for deserts and semi-deserts. It is a crumbly, granular, non-cohesive soil in which the ratio of clay to sand is 1:30 or 1:50. It poorly retains nutrients, moisture, and due to the poverty of the vegetation cover, it is easily susceptible to wind and water erosion. Sandy soil also has advantages: it does not swamp, since water in the soil easily passes through the coarse-grained structure, air enters the roots in sufficient quantities, and putrefactive bacteria do not survive in it.

forest land

Forest soils are characteristic of the forests of the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere and their properties are directly dependent on the forests that grow in it and have a direct impact on the composition of the soil, its air permeability, water and thermal regimes. For example, deciduous trees have a positive effect on forest soils: they enrich the soil with humus, ash, nitrogen, neutralize acidity, creating favorable conditions for the formation of beneficial microflora. And here conifers trees render on forest soil Negative influence, forming a podzolic soil.

Forest soils, no matter what trees grow on them, are fertile, since nitrogen and ash, which are in fallen leaves and needles, return to the ground (this is their difference from the land of fields, where plant litter is often taken out along with the crop).

Clay lands

Clay soils contain about 40% clay, are damp, viscous, cold, sticky, heavy, but rich in minerals. Clay soil has the ability to retain water for a long time, they are slowly saturated with it and very slowly pass it into the lower layers.

Moisture also evaporates slowly - this makes it possible for plants growing here to suffer less from drought.

The properties of clay soil do not allow the root system of plants to develop normally, and therefore most of the nutrients remain unclaimed. In order to change the composition of the top layer of the earth, it is necessary to apply organic fertilizers for several years.

Podzolic land

Podzolic soils contain from 1 to 4% humus, which is why they are characterized by a gray color. Podzolic soil is characterized by a very low content of nutrients, high acidity, and therefore it is infertile. Podzolic soils are usually formed near temperate coniferous and mixed forests, and their formation is strongly influenced by the predominance of precipitation over evaporation, low temperatures, reduced microbial activity, poor vegetation, which is why podzolic soils are characterized by a low content of nitrogen and ash (for example, taiga soils , Siberia, Far East).

To use podzolic soils in agricultural work, farmers need to make a lot of efforts: apply large doses of mineral and organic fertilizers, constantly regulate the water regime, and plow the land.

Soddy soil

Soddy soils are fertile and characterized by a low or neutral level of acidity, a high amount of humus (from 4 to 6%), and also soil properties such as water and air permeability are inherent in them.

Soddy soils are formed under a developed herbaceous cover, mainly in meadows. Soil analysis showed that turf land contains big number magnesium, calcium, ash, and humus contains a lot of humic acids, which, during the reaction, form humates - insoluble salts that are directly involved in the formation of the lumpy-granular structure of the soil.

tundra land

Tundra soils are poor in minerals and nutrients, very fresh and contain little salt. Due to low evaporation and frozen ground, tundra soils are characterized by high humidity, and due to the insufficient amount of vegetation and its slow humification, the humus content is low. Therefore, tundra soils contain a thin peaty layer in their upper layer.

The role of the soil

The importance of soil in the life of our planet is difficult to overestimate, since it is an indispensable element of the earth's crust, which ensures the existence of plant and animal organisms.

Since a large number of very different processes flow through the upper layer of the earth (among them the cycle of water and organic substances), it is a connecting link between the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere: it is in the upper layer of the earth that chemical compounds are processed, decomposed and transformed. For example, plants that grow in the ground, decomposing together with other organic substances, are transformed into minerals such as coal, gas, peat, and oil.

The protective functions of the soil are also important: the earth neutralizes the substances that are hazardous to life (this is especially important, since recently soil pollution has become catastrophic). First of all, these are toxic chemical compounds, radioactive substances, dangerous bacteria and viruses. The margin of safety of the top layer of the earth has a limit, therefore, if the pollution of the soil continues to increase, then it will cease to cope with its protective functions.

The upper fertile layer of the lithosphere, which has the properties of both living and inanimate nature, is called soil.

Loose and fertile layer of earth

This natural element is formed with the participation of living organisms. The surface layers of rocks act as the initial substrate from which various types of soils are formed under the influence of plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as climate, relief and humans. Soil formation took place over thousands of years. At the beginning of the process, bare stones and rocks were colonized by microorganisms. Consuming carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen from atmospheric air and compounds of minerals from rocks, microorganisms produced organic acids. These chemical compounds changed the composition of rocks over time, which lost their strength, which led to loosening of the surface layer. The next stage of soil formation is the settlement of lichens on such rocks. These organisms are not demanding on water and food, they consistently continued to destroy rocks, at the same time enriching them with organic material. In the process of joint work of microbes and lichens, rocks were transformed into an environment suitable for the development of plants and animals. final stage soil formation from the original substrate occurs due to vital activity higher plants and animals.

Dead organic material in the soil is home to many bacteria and fungi. In the course of their life activity, they destructure organic compounds and mineralize them with the formation of complex stable organic substances, which are soil humus. In the soil, primary mineral substances are decomposed with the formation of clay secondary minerals. So, there is a circulation of substances in the soil.

Soil structure

Related content:

The internal structure of the Earth

Earth's crust

Development of the earth's crust
Movement of the earth's crust

All on the site COUNTRY LIFE on the topic soil fertility

We are accustomed to accept soil, without which plants and people could not exist, for granted.

fertile soil layer

But it took nature millions of years to create the familiar to us priming. Initially, there was only rock on the earth, which over time was eroded and crushed by the effects of rain and minerals. The remains of emerging plants were gradually added to it, which were introduced into soil humus (organic matter). Dead wood, dying plants and fallen leaves for millions of years have increased the soil layer (top fertile soil layer) and improved its composition and structure. The mechanical and chemical composition of the soil is not the same on the surface of the earth, which is also due to geological reasons.

Soil: composition, properties, structure

The basis of any soil is sand, clay and silt, and soil structure and properties for agriculture determines the proportion in which these three components are presented. structural soil has better air and water permeability, retains heat, moisture and nutrients longer.

sandy soils they pass water well, warm up faster in spring and freeze through in winter. Thanks to its sandy soil structure almost do not retain moisture and nutrients and are considered poor.

Clay soils can contribute to stagnant water and react slowly to the change of seasons (they warm up longer in the spring and do not freeze longer with the onset of cold weather). The structure of clay soils allows them, however, to retain fertilizers and nutrients, ensuring high fertility. Often clay soils are strictly acid neutral.

Silty soils in its pure form are quite rare, for example, where there used to be a riverbed. By their own muddy soil properties similar to sand, but contain a fairly high percentage of nutrients.

Loam contains all three elements (sand, clay and silt) in more or less equal proportions. Loam considered the most harmonious, easy to process and fertile soil.

rocky soils provide excellent drainage, which, however, makes them most vulnerable during dry periods.

calcareous soils are distinguished by a high content of calcium salts (lime) and have an alkaline reaction. By properties of calcareous soils similar to sandy and very poor in useful substances.

Peaty soils consist of plant residues and have an acid reaction. Peat it is able to absorb water like a sponge, and retains moisture well at the roots of plants, but is poor in useful substances. Meet peaty soils where there used to be swamps. high acidity of peaty soil may contribute to magnesium deficiency and fungal diseases (eg, keels of cruciferous).

Soil composition: how to determine

Location on. Moisturize the area soil with the help of a watering can. See how quickly water disappears from the surface soil. In almost a second, water seeps through rocky or sandy soil. Wet peaty soil also willingly accepts additional water. On a surface clay soil water will stay longer.

Now take a handful of soaked soil, squeeze it in a fist, and then see how it looks. Sandy or rocky ground disintegrate into grains and wake up through your fingers. clay soil leaves a feeling of slipperiness, sticks together and remains in the hand in the form of a lump. Silty and loamy soils slightly soapy and silky to the touch, however, they do not stick together as easily as clay soil. Peaty soil when clenched into a fist, it feels like a sponge.

At home. Add a heaping tablespoon soil from the site in a glass of clean water, stir and leave alone for a couple of hours. Now let's look at the result. loamy soil will leave almost clean water in a glass with a layered sediment at the bottom (see photo above). Sandy and rocky soils leave clean water in a glass with a sediment of sand or pebbles. lime soil will leave cloudy grayish water in the glass and a residue in the form of whitish grains. Peaty soil will leave somewhat cloudy water with little sediment at the bottom and a thick layer of light thin fragments floating on the surface. Clay and silty soils leave cloudy water with a fine sediment.

Soil acidity

In respect of acidity (pH level), soils are (weakly) acidic, neutral or (weakly) alkaline. The neutral level is soil pH 6.5 - 7.0, most garden plants (including vegetables) prefer it for successful growth and development. Level soil pH between 4.0 and 6.5 indicates acidic soil, and between 7.0 and 9.0 - on alkaline soil(the scale, in fact, also has extreme values, from 1 to 14, but they are not actually found by European gardeners). Knowledge soil acidity necessary for right choice plants.

Reducing soil acidity achieved by adding lime to the soil. For increasing soil acidity organic conditioners are used, see below. Oxidation alkaline soil- the process is quite expensive, therefore, in areas with alkaline soil grow acidophilus in tubs and containers filled with acid soil in bags from the garden center.

How to determine the acidity of the soil (soil) on the site

Method 1. Get a special simple soil acidity tester (pH tester) at the garden center and take measurements. See photo above.

Method 2. Observe which plants grow particularly well in your yard, garden, and vegetable garden. For example, heathers (Eric heather, Scottish heather, garden blueberries, cranberries and other ‘marsh’ berry crops), rhododendrons, violets, witch hazel, camellia, knotweed (polygonum) and other acidophils indicate acidic soil. Smolevki, henbane, full-time color (anagallis), lamb, saxifrage, sour, nightshade, carnation, as well as flourishing lilac, weigela and jasmine indicate elevated levels of lime in the soil.

Method 3. Put a little soil into a container of vinegar. If foam appears on the surface (you can also hear the typical foaming sound), then soil contains lime in significant quantity.

How to improve the soil Improving soil fertility

Improve the structure and properties of the soil on the site You can use coarse organic materials that should be applied (digged) into the soil or simply laid out on the surface of the soil in a 10-centimeter layer as mulch at least twice a year. TO improving soil fertility substances include organic fertilizers and so-called. soil conditioners. ABOUTorganic fertilizers and soil conditioners glue structureless particles into small lumps, creating a free space between them.

To improve soil structure and fertility, apply :

Well-rotted manure (better horse than cow) with straw. Manure is good for poor soils (stony, sandy), enriching them and contributing to the retention of moisture and nutrients at the roots of plants. Never apply fresh manure!
garden compost. Like manure, garden compost better suited for enriching and improving the structure of poor soils.
mushroom compost. It usually contains rotted horse manure, peat and lime. Mushroom compost is good to use where neutral soils need to be slightly alkaline, such as under tomatoes.
Leaf humus. Excellent for conditioning, mulching and acidifying the soil in which moisture-loving acidophiles are grown (plants for acidic soils).
Peat. In fact, it does not contain useful substances, quickly decomposes and has an acidic reaction.
Wood shavings and sawdust. The same as leaf humus. See above.
bird feathers. Rich in phosphorus, therefore well suited for application to ground for winter, as well as where they will grow root crops (potatoes,
Chopped tree bark well suited for clay soils, improving their water permeability and making them more structured, lighter. The bark is also often used as mulch due to its beautiful appearance and valuable qualities

Apply soil conditioners at the same time as (or instead of) applying organic fertilizer. Empty areas of soil that are being prepared for planting should be dug up with the application of conditioners and fertilizers a couple of months before planting. The soil areas occupied by plants are enriched with a layer of mulch from conditioning organic materials with fertilizers at the very beginning of the season and at the end of the season.

The soil

The upper fertile layer of the lithosphere, which has the properties of both living and inanimate nature, is called soil. This natural element is formed with the participation of living organisms. The surface layers of rocks act as the initial substrate from which various types of soils are formed under the influence of plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as climate, relief and humans. Soil formation took place over thousands of years. At the beginning of the process, bare stones and rocks were colonized by microorganisms. Consuming carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen from atmospheric air and mineral compounds from rocks, microorganisms produced organic acids. These chemical compounds changed the composition of rocks over time, which lost their strength, which led to loosening of the surface layer. The next stage of soil formation is the settlement of lichens on such rocks. These organisms are not demanding on water and food, they consistently continued to destroy rocks, at the same time enriching them with organic material. In the process of joint work of microbes and lichens, rocks were transformed into an environment suitable for the development of plants and animals. The final stage of soil formation from the original substrate occurs due to the vital activity of higher plants and animals.

During the life of plants, carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere, and minerals and water from the soil, followed by the formation of organic substances. After the death of plants, the soil is enriched with organic material. The next link in the food chain are animals that eat plants or their remains. Excrement of animals and their corpses after death also fall into the soil layer.

Dead organic material in the soil is home to many bacteria and fungi.

Soil science - soil science

In the course of their life activity, they destructure organic compounds and mineralize them with the formation of complex stable organic substances, which are soil humus. In the soil, primary mineral substances are decomposed with the formation of clay secondary minerals. So, there is a circulation of substances in the soil.

Moisture capacity and moisture permeability of the soil

The soil is characterized by moisture capacity - the ability to retain water, and moisture permeability - the ability to pass water. So, if there is a lot of sand in the soil, it retains water worse and, accordingly, has a low moisture capacity. Soil with a high content of clay, on the contrary, has a high moisture capacity, as it retains more water. Thus, moisture is better retained in loose soils than in dense ones.

Moisture permeability is ensured by the presence in the soil of numerous small pores - capillaries. They move water up, down and side to side. The more capillaries in the soil, the higher its moisture permeability, and the faster the process of moisture evaporation. Sandy soils have high moisture permeability, while clay soils have low moisture permeability. When loosening the soil, the capillaries are destroyed, due to which the evaporation of water slows down, and moisture is retained in the soil.

On such a basis as acidity, acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. For better growth Plants are suitable for neutral soils. On agricultural land, acidic soils are usually limed, and gypsum is added to alkaline soils.

Soil structure

The structure of different soil types is different. According to the mechanical composition of the soil are divided into clay, loamy, sandy, sandy loam. In the structure, lumps of various shapes and sizes are distinguished. Most suitable for growing cultivated plants chernozems with a granular or finely cloddy structure. They contain about 30% humus. The content of a large amount of humus is a sign of soil fertility. In addition to chernozems, the following types of soils are distinguished: tundra, soddy-podzolic, podzolic, gray earth, chestnut, yellow earth and red earth.

Related content:

The internal structure of the Earth

Earth's crust

Development of the earth's crust
Movement of the earth's crust

Soil, its composition and structure

Soil is the surface layer of the Earth's lithosphere, which has fertility and is a polyfunctional heterogeneous open four-phase (solid, liquid, gaseous phases and living organisms) structural system formed as a result of weathering of rocks and the vital activity of organisms. The soil consists of soil horizons that make up the soil cover:

A - humus; B - mineral soil; C - unchanged soil rock.

Figure 26 - Soil horizons

Chemical properties of soils. Each soil consists of organic, mineral and organomineral complex compounds. The main source of mineral compounds in soils are soil-forming rocks. Mineral matter makes up 80-90% of the total weight of the soil.

Soil organic compounds are formed as a result of the vital activity of plants, animals and microorganisms. In the process of soil formation there is an accumulation organic matter on the soil surface and in its upper horizons. The different ratio of the processes of input of plant and animal residues into the soil and the processes of their transformation, as well as the different intensity of these processes, lead to the fact that the nature of the horizons of accumulation of organic matter is very diverse.

next important characteristic chemical properties soils is the degree of their acidity. It is determined in suspensions obtained by shaking soils with water (actual acidity) or KCl solution (exchangeable acidity), and is expressed in units of pH. According to the degree of acidity, acidic, neutral and alkaline soils are distinguished. Depending on the degree of acidity, the need for liming or gypsuming of soils and the application rates of lime and gypsum are determined.

One of the most important aspects of soil formation is the formation of soil colloids and the formation of a soil absorbing complex capable of retaining calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, aluminum, iron, and hydrogen cations in an exchangeable and non-exchangeable state.

The total number of absorbed bases Ca **, Mg **, Na *, K *, NH4 is called the sum of the absorbed bases. This value is expressed in milligram equivalents per 100 g of soil (mg-eq per 100 g of soil). The total amount of all exchangeable cations is called the absorption capacity or exchange capacity and is also expressed in milligram equivalents per 100 g of soil. The absorption of anions by soils - Сl'1, NO'3, SO'4, PO'4, OH' - has the same characteristics.

The presence of absorbed hydrogen and aluminum cations in the composition determines the hydrolytic acidity of soils, the value of which is also expressed in mg-eq per 100 g of soil. The ratio of the sum of absorbed bases to the value of the sum of absorbed bases plus hydrolytic acidity, expressed as a percentage, is called the degree of saturation of soils with bases or saturation. According to the magnitude of the degree of saturation of soils with bases, the question of the need for soils in liming, the required amounts of lime, and the forms of applying mineral fertilizers are decided.

The main components of the mineral part of soils are SiO2 - silicon oxide (silicic acid, silica) and R2O3 - sesquioxides.

Upper fertile layer of the earth

By changing their content in soil profiles formed on homogeneous, non-layered rocks, one can judge the presence or absence of soil profile differentiation. This can be traced both in the change in the absolute content of oxides in different soil horizons (%SiO2, %R2O3) and in the change in the molecular ratios of SiO2:R2O3.

According to the number of mobile (available for plant nutrition) compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, the natural fertility of soils is estimated. The content of these compounds is expressed in milligrams per 100 g of dry soil. On the basis of data on the content of mobile compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, the norms for applying mineral fertilizers - ammonia nitrogen, potash and phosphorus fertilizers are determined.

In the southern and southeastern regions of our country, water-soluble salts of mineral acids often accumulate in soils, such as carbonic (Na2CO3, CaCO3, MgCO3, NaHCO3), hydrochloric (NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2), sulfuric (Na2SO4, CaSO4, MgSO4 ) and etc.

According to the degree of solubility in water, simple salts are divided into slightly, medium and easily soluble. Slightly soluble salts in soils - MgCO3 and CaCO3 - calcium and magnesium carbonates, moderately soluble salt - CaSO4 2H2O - gypsum, the rest of the salts are easily soluble. Easily soluble salts in concentrations of more than 0.25% are toxic to plants.

Usually, in the profile of non-saline soils, salts are distributed according to their solubility. Easily soluble salts are taken out of the soil profile, medium soluble salt - gypsum appears at a considerable depth (150-200 cm), and slightly soluble salts - carbonates lie slightly higher along the profile.

The content of carbonates in soils is also a diagnostic feature. In the field, the depth of occurrence of carbonate deposits invisible to the eye is determined by an elementary chemical reaction. A few drops of dilute mineral acid are applied to a small soil sample. Usually used 5-10% hydrochloric acid. In the case of the presence of carbonates in the soil, a reaction occurs between them and the acid with the release of carbon dioxide bubbles, the so-called soil effervescence occurs. With a low content of carbonates, only slight crackling is noted.

What is soil? This is the uppermost solid layer of the earth's crust, on which plants live and develop. The soil is the main condition for plant life - a source of water and essential nutrients.

In order to successfully engage in gardening, horticulture and floriculture, it is necessary to understand the structure of the soil - after all, it can be successfully processed. So, if necessary, we can change the composition of the soil, adapting it for the life of our plants.

Soil layers

The soil is made up of four layers.

Moist soil layer

This is the surface layer of soil, it is only 3-7 centimeters thick. The moistened layer has a dark color. In this layer there is a storm biological activity- after all, most soil organisms live here.

Humus layer of soil

The humus layer is thicker than the moistened layer - about 10-30 centimeters. It is humus that is the basis of plant fertility. With a humus layer thickness of 30 cm or more, the soil is considered very fertile.

This layer is also inhabited by organisms - they process plant residues into mineral components, which in turn dissolve in groundwater, and then are absorbed by plant roots.

Pre-soil layer

The preferred soil layer is also called mineral. A huge amount of nutrients is concentrated in this layer, but the biological activity here is not at all great. However, soil organisms also live in the mineral layer, which process nutrients into a form suitable for further consumption by plants.

parent rocks

The parent rock layer is biologically inactive. It is quite fragile - if not protected by previous layers, then it becomes thinner very quickly, as it is subject to washing out and weathering.

The mechanical composition of the soil

And what do the soil layers themselves consist of? They have four constituents: organic and inorganic solids, water and air.

Solid inorganic particles

Solid inorganic particles in the composition of the soil include sand, stone and clay. Clay is a key component of the soil because it is able to bind the soil and hold water and dissolved nutrients in it.

The space between solid soil particles is called pores. The pores perform a capillary role, delivering water to the roots of plants, as well as a drainage role, removing excess fluid, avoiding its stagnation.

Solid organic particles

The organic part of the soil is humus (humus) and soil fauna.

Soil bacteria and other organisms absorb plant residues and organic waste, process and decompose them, as a result of which simple mineral compounds (primarily nitrogen) are released that are necessary for plant nutrition. This process of decomposition of organic matter in the soil by bacteria is called humification.

Humus is the most significant part of the soil:

Humus is “responsible” for the transformation of any constituents that have entered the soil into a form available for plant nutrition.

In its natural state, humus is the immune system of the soil. It improves the health of plants and increases their resistance to disease-causing organisms.

Humus creates an optimal loose soil structure in which all processes are stabilized - oxygen and water exchange.

Soils rich in humus retain heat and warm up faster.

According to the degree of humus content, soils are divided into:

poor in humus (less than 1% humus),

moderately humic (1-2%),

medium humus (2-3%),

humus (more than 3%).

Only humus soils are suitable for agricultural needs.

However, it should be clarified that if the soil is improperly cultivated and overfertilized for many years, then the biological activity of the soil fauna is significantly reduced. Then the amount of humus can remain high, but the soil becomes unsuitable for planting, not fertile.

soil water

Soil water is not just a pure liquid, it is a nutrient solution that contains organic and inorganic substances characteristic of the soil. Water enters the soil with precipitation, from the air, from groundwater, and also with irrigation (if we are talking about soils used by humans).

Plants get their nutrition through soil water.

Different types of soil have different ability to absorb and retain moisture.

Sandy soils absorb water best, but they also retain it poorly - because the distance between particles (pores) in such soils is the largest.

Clay soils are poorly absorbent and poorly expel water due to their hard structure and minimal distances between solid particles.

The best soils in terms of structure are mixed humus soils, in which the structure is most balanced, so water is well absorbed, retained and carried to the roots of plants.

soil air

Soil air is also contained between soil solids, along with water. It is needed to ensure the respiration of soil organisms and plant roots. Unlike the aboveground parts of plants, roots absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. For this reason, there is more carbon dioxide in soil air than atmospheric air.

Soil loosening is used to provide the roots of plants with oxygen. If there is not enough oxygen in the soil air, the growth of the root system of plants slows down, and the metabolism is also disturbed - the plant cannot fully absorb water and absorb nutrients. In addition, with a lack of oxygen in the soil, instead of the process of humification, the process of decay occurs.

This explains the fact that even in seemingly well-moistened and nutritious soil, plants begin to feel oppressed - they lack oxygen for proper nutrition and health.

home Gardening How to prepare the soil, a plot for planting potatoes

How to prepare the soil, a plot for planting potatoes

Preparation seat for potatoes. To properly prepare the soil for potato beds, you need to know its composition. IN middle lane it can be from heavy clayey to light sandy.

The depth of the fertile layer ranges from 10 to 30 cm. The color of the soil also differs from each other. Moreover, the darker they are, the more fertile.

As a rule, compacted podzol lies under the fertile layer. Dig and plow the soil only to the depth of the dark layer, trying not to turn the podzol out.

Digging or plowing Chernozem, floodplain and loamy soils are best carried out in autumn at full depth, applying 6-8 kg of organic fertilizers per 1 m of fertilizer.

Of the mineral in the fall, phosphorus-potassium is given (30-45 g of superphosphate and 12-18 g of potassium sulfate). They are easily fixed by soil particles and are weakly washed out.

Sign in

spring plot harrow or loosen the earth with a rake. When the soil is ripe, that is, it dries well and will fall into small pieces in the hand, it is dug up or plowed, but already to a shallower depth than in autumn (12-15 cm), and nitrogen fertilizer is applied (18 g / m2 ammonium nitrate).

After plowing, the area is leveled rakes or harrows. This completes the preparation of the soil for planting.

Is it possible not to stretch all this work for two seasons, but to do it in the spring before planting?

In principle it is possible. But then you will miss 20-30 kg of potatoes from each hundred square meters. This is how a site is prepared for planting potatoes in ordinary years, when a sufficient amount of precipitation falls in autumn and winter and the soil is compacted by spring.

If there was little snow and the soil did not compact, then in the spring it is not necessary to dig it up, it is enough to harrow and apply nitrogen fertilizers. Then, when the ground at a depth of 10 cm reaches 7-8 degrees, land.

Unlike heavy, light sandy and sandy soils are dug up not in autumn, but in spring. at the same time all fertilizers are applied. On average, 8-10 kg of rotted manure, 30 g of ammonium nitrate, 45 g of granulated superphosphate, 25 g of potassium sulfate are sufficient per 1 m2.

If the area reserved for potatoes suffers from waterlogging, then to remove excess water around it, drainage channels are made with a depth of 50-60 cm. With a close location of groundwater, channels are arranged in the middle of the area with a depth of about 30 cm.

On peaty-marsh soils potatoes can be planted only after they are cultivated. This matter is not easy. To divert groundwater, drainage is arranged here using drainage pipes or they dig grooves with a slope at the depth of the water so that its excess falls into the water intake (sump).

In addition, sanding of the soil is carried out. Usually, a bucket of coarse-grained sand with added to it mineral fertilizers(15-20 g of ammonium nitrate, 30-40 g of granulated superphosphate and 25-30 g of potassium sulfate) and another bucket of clay and rotted manure or compost.

However it is better to abandon the cultivation of potatoes on peat-marsh soils, since the tubers here are obtained with the worst taste and low starch content.

Dear club members, farmers. I offer my opinion about soil and agriculture. About the Earth as a carrier of soil
The word "farmer" in Russian was formed from the phrase to make the earth. Not to grow, but to make fertile land. The word "Earth" is used as a geographical, historical, mathematical, symbolic, literary symbol.

The term "Soil" refers to the biological, biophysical, biochemical environment or soil substrate. The soil is a living being. Soil is the stomach of plants. The soil is light plants. Soil is the environment where the root system of a plant lives.

Thanks to the soil, the plant is held upright and determines where the top is, where the bottom is. The soil is part of the plant's body. The soil is a habitat for nano and microflora and microfauna, through the efforts of which the natural fertility of the soil is created.

Soil fertility depends on its physical and biophysical state: looseness, density, porosity. Chemical and biochemical composition, the presence of primary chemical elements and chemical elements that are part of the hydrocarbon-mineral-organic chains. Soil fertility can be artificial, mineral, chemical. And natural biological fertility.

Soil is a thin layer, a unique component of the biosphere, separating the gaseous and solid environment of the planet's biosphere. In fertile soil, all processes of life support for plants and animals begin. Aimed at creating a healthy, full, stable life. This means that the full life of all terrestrial plants and animals depends on the condition of the soil.

Natural, unlimited, soil fertility is created by: obsolete (remains) plant organics (hay, grass, straw, litter and sawdust, branches), and the remains of obsolete, deceased, animal organics. (microorganisms, bacteria, algae, microfungi, worms, insects and other animal organisms). Nano and micro plants (algae). These animal microorganisms are integral representatives of fertile soil, invisible to our eyes. The weight of the living part of the soil reaches 80% of its mass.

Only 20% of the soil mass is the dead mineral part of the soil. The living microflora and microfauna of a fertile soil creates a living organic matter of plants from dead chemical elements and a dead mineral-organic part.

Living microflora and microfauna, which is part of the fertile soil, are united by one name: "Soil-forming microflora and microfauna". Together, the soil-forming microflora and microfauna are united by one name of the soil-forming microbiocenosis. Soil-forming microbiocenosis is a key link in restorative bioprocesses that create boundless, natural, soil fertility.

Nature creates supports from plant and animal remains, with the help of soil-forming microflora and microfauna, an infinitely fertile, multi-layered soil structure.

The infinitely fertile soil consists of five consecutive interdependent layers. Successive layers of soil thicken, expand, grow, move into each other every year. They create a fertile layer of chernozem and mineral clay.

First soil layer. Mulch. Consists of plant and animal remains. Last year's grass, stubble, leaf litter. Various, diverse micro-organisms, fungi, molds, and dead micro-animals and animals.

Beneath the layer of mulch, nature has provided a latrine for a variety of micro-animals and micro-insects. Worms, beetles, midges, fleas. The number of microanimals in fertile soil reaches several tons per hectare of land. All this living army moves, moves, drinks, eats, takes care of its natural needs, multiplies, and dies. Dead bodies of animal organisms, bacteria, microbes, viruses, worms, insects, animals living in the soil decompose after death to their primary biogas and biomineral state.

All animal bodies are made up of a large number of nitrogen compounds. Ammonia released during their decomposition and absorbed by the root part of plants.

Question. Should it be applied to soil-nitrogen fertilizers if it contains a large number of living and diverse bacteria, microfungi, insects, various worms and many other plant and animal organisms?

Second soil layer; Biohumus. Biohumus is excretions, waste products, faeces, various microanimals and insects. The thickness of the biohumus layer of fertile soils reaches 20 or more centimeters. (Biohumus is processed, in the stomachs, of various worms and insects, the remains of the deceased root system of plants, plant and animal, organic remains. These are the remains of food of microanimals and microinsects. Various midges and fleas). Biohumus serves as colostrum for plants. Gives the plant, through its root system, good nutrition, which contributes to the activation of development, stimulates the immune system and develops the immune system of the plant. Protects the sprout emerging from the grain from stresses. A seed sown in a cold, dense and dark earth, from the first minutes of germination, finds itself in an unnatural situation for it, not provided for by the evolutionary process of development, and immediately falls into a stressful situation.

Biohumus is the colostrum of plants. Biohumus is necessary for plants, in the first hours of their life, for successful growth and healthy development. Similarly, animals that did not receive mother's milk (colostrum) in the first minutes of their birth grow and grow up frail, weak, sick. So the seeds of plants planted in a plowed, dug up, dead layer of cold soil, without Biohumus, grow frail and weak.

Third soil layer. Biomineral.

Biomineralized soil layer, consists of natural plant and animal organic matter and biohumus. The biomineralized soil layer of the soil, over the course of many years, is gradually created by microorganisms, micro-plants, micro-animals, from the top, mulch layer and biohumus layer. Atmospheric moisture (fogs, dews, drizzle), atmospheric water (rain, melted snow, spring waters), and atmospheric gases dissolved in them freely penetrate into the upper mulching soil layer. (Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, nitrogen oxides. Carbon. Carbon oxides). All atmospheric gases are easily absorbed by atmospheric moisture and atmospheric water. And together (water and gases dissolved in it) penetrate into all underlying soil layers. The mulching layer of the soil prevents drying, weathering, soil. Prevents soil erosion processes. Allows the surface, urinary, root system of plants to develop freely in, on, a large area of soft, loose soil. Receiving from the soil abundant, digestible, natural bionutrition, moisture and atmospheric gases dissolved in it.

Microorganisms living in the upper, mulching soil layer, gradually, over many years, destroy the remains of wet plant animal organic matter, to its primary biogas and biomineral state. Biogases escape or are absorbed by the root system of plants. Biominerals remain in the soil, and gradually, over a number of years, are absorbed by plants as bioavailable, biomineral plant nutrition. Various trace elements enter this biomineral layer from space, the atmosphere, and with ground moisture. Ground moisture is collected by plants with the help of the main, tap, water, roots. The length of aquatic, plant roots is equal to the height of the plants themselves and more. For example, in potatoes, depending on its variety, the length of the water, main root, reaches 4 meters in length. The mass of the root part of plants is 1.6 - 1.7 times more than the above-ground mass. Therefore, plants do not need fertilizers. Plants grow for many years to come, without fertilizing the soil. Due to the remains of their predecessors and space-atmospheric mineral supply.

Fourth soil layer. Humus.

Humus is created by various microorganisms, from dead plant and animal organic matter, with LIMITED ACCESS to the underlying, compacted, soil layers, atmospheric moisture and water with atmospheric gases dissolved in them.

The process of formation of humus in the soil is called biosynthesis with the formation of plant humus, humus. In the process of humus biosynthesis, energy-saturated HYDROCARBON COMPOUNDS, combustible biogases are formed; carbon dioxide and methane gas series.

Humus, for plants, plays the role of a source of hydrocarbon energy. The accumulation of humus in the underlying soil layers provides plants with warmth. Hydrocarbon compounds of humic acids, warms plants in the cold. Carbon dioxide and methane are absorbed by the root system of plants, soil-forming, nitrogen-fixing microflora and microfauna, creeping and low-growing plants. By creating bionitrogen accumulations in the soil.

The fifth layer of fertile soil. Subsoil, clay. This is a layer of clay located at a depth of 20 cm and deeper. The clay layer of the subsoil ensures the regulation of moisture exchange and gas exchange of the soil layers and underlying soils.