Еколого-генетичні особливості та структура ґрунтового покриву подільських товтр (у межах Тернопільської області)

Abstract

Стаття присвячена аналізу стану та особливостей формування ґрунтового покриву Подільських Товтр у межах Тернопільської області. Метою роботи є вивчення сучасного стану ґрунтового покриву для розробки рекомендацій щодо його раціонального використання. В основу дослідження покладено результати польових досліджень. Охарактеризовано морфологію низки ґрунтових профілів, глибину закипання від HCl та зв’язок ґрунтотворення з літогенною основою. Встановлено, що на вирівняних вершинних поверхнях та схилах під лісовою рослинністю сформувалися чорноземи опідзолені та темно-сірі опідзолені ґрунти. На бокових товтрах часто домінує природна степова рослинність, під якою сформувались дерново-карбонатні ґрунти, подекуди вилугувані чи опідзолені.

The study analyzes the eco-genetic characteristics and the soil cover structure of the reef zone of the Podilski Tovtry (Ternopil region). It is established that the leading factors of pedogenesis are the lithological substrate (Neogene limestones) and the geomorphological differentiation of the territory. Based on the analysis of 20 soil profiles, the catenary relationship was characterized, ranging from shallow lithogenic Rendzic Leptosols on the summits of lateral tovtras to thick Albic Luvisols (dark-grey podzolized soils) on the footslopes of the Main Ridge. The Tovtry territory is characterized by a unique geological structure, relief, microclimate, flora and fauna. The physical and geographical features of this area influenced the time of settlement and the specifics of the economy. Favorable landscape and climatic conditions determined the relatively early development of Tovtry and the surrounding areas. This, in turn, led to intensive use of soils, which continues to this day in agriculture and forestry. The latter requires the study of soil cover, its current state, and direction of development in order to develop recommendations for its rational use. It was found that under the forest vegetation of the Main Ridge, an intensive leaching water regime is formed, which contributes to the deep weathering of limestones and the decarbonatization of the soil profile. For the first time in the region, the initial stages of podzolization of Rendzic Leptosols under herbaceous and shrub vegetation of lateral tovtras were recorded, indicating the natural evolution of the soil cover towards texture-differentiated types. Additionally, secondary hydromorphism (gleying) processes were diagnosed on leveled summit surfaces, caused by anthropogenic soil compaction on arable lands and the close proximity of the bedrock. The results scientifically justify the necessity of expanding the nature conservation fund, withdrawing low productivity eroded slope lands from agricultural use, and their subsequent afforestation to prevent aridization and degradation of unique rendzina ecosystems. Further research into the soil cover of Podilskie Tovtry should be aimed at solving the above problems. It is necessary to conduct detailed soil surveys of Podilskie Tovtry using modern methods, such as remote sensing and GIS technologies. This will allow creating detailed soil maps of the region and obtaining accurate data on soil properties. It is necessary to create a system for monitoring the condition of Podilskie Tovtry soils outside the Medobory reserve. This will allow tracking changes in soil properties under the influence of economic activity and natural factors. Based on the research results, it is necessary to develop measures for the protection and rational use of Podilskie Tovtry soils. These measures should be aimed at preventing soil degradation, restoring their fertility, and ensuring sustainable development of the region.