Properties and functioning of pedolithogenic complexes of soils, rocks and waters of the forest steppe of Western Siberia

Abstract

This paper deals with the study of soils, soil-forming rocks and groundwater in the territory of the southeast of western Siberia. The territory under study is defined as a region of insufficient moistening; it is characterized by a diversity and contrast of natural factors. Regional spots have developed of sodium, carbonate, sulphate, and chloride as well as of boron salinization. The salinization of soils, grounds and waters; the clay composition of soil-forming rocks; the low table of mineralized ground waters; and the weak degree of drainage are the causes for the essential decrease in stability of the natural system and the limited regulation of agrocenosis productivity.

The soils and rocks of the aeration zone and ground waters themselves represent a system of incorporated bodies (pedolithogenic complex), the formation and functioning of which is determined by outside factors. For optimum use of water and land resources, the diversity, spatial and temporal exchangeability of properties of pedolithogenic complexes should be taken into account.