Borisov A.V., Alekseyev A.O. TIME AND REASONS OF SOLONETZ PROCESS’ GENESIS IN THE SOILS OF THE DESERTED STEPPES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF EAST EUROPEAN PLAIN // Arid ecosystems. 2020. V. 26. № 1 (82). P. 33-42 . | PDF

In this article we study the time frame and role of the anthropogenic factor in the genesis of the solonetz process in the soils of the deserted steppes in the southeastern part of East European Plain. Basing on the research of the soils of different ages buried under the barrows of Bronze Age and Middle Ages (6200-700 years ago) in the boundaries of Sal-Manych ridge, we found out that before the 3rd millennium BC those soils had no signs of solonetz process on macro level. First solonetz in the region started to form 4800-4700 years ago, which chronologically matches the beginning of climate aridization intensification. During that period the deserted steppes were actively inhabited by cattlemen, who were breeding small cattle, which in its turn caused the pressure on land and steppe ecosystems. In this article we study the possible cause and effect relations in “climate – agricultural” model – solonetz process” system.

Keywords: desert-steppe zone, Sal-Manych ridge, soils, solonetz process, barrows, Bronze Age, aridization, cattle, grazing.

DOI: 10.24411/1993-3916-2020-10081