Soils of Mongolia

Abstract

Soil science is one of the integral parts of physical geography, and has evolved into an independent science due to its role and importance in nature and society. Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the earth, including soil formation, classification, and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties are in relation to the use and management of soils. Mongolian soil scientific concepts such as nomenclature, classification units, and soil-geographical regions have been developed through Dokuchaev’s theory, and the terminology has become a tradition through Russian soil science. According to the history of soil research, the work of Russian researchers is the main, and there are many works of Mongolian scientists. Among them, the works of academician D. Dorjgotov on soil geography are considered the largest, and there are many fundamental research materials based on the theory of physical geography and landscape. Therefore, the works of Sh. Tsegmid, D. Dorjgotov, O. Batkhishig, and N.D. Bespalov are mainly used in this chapter. Due to its different physical geographical conditions many soil types are distributed throughout Mongolia. Based on the latitudinal characteristics of these soils, the definition of each zone is given as an example of predominantly distributed soil. In the content of the chapter, the soil is considered in terms of the components of the landscape geosphere; the distribution patterns, types, classifications, and characteristics are briefly described, and the principles of soil-geographical zoning, soil use, and protection are compiled.