Transformat ion of morpho-agrochemical characteristics of agrochernozems under military impact in the Steppe Dnipro Region

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the features of the transformation of the morpho–agrochemical characteristics of agrochernozems in the Steppe Dnipro region as a result of military impacts (explosions of artillery shells and cluster munitions), to study the extent of degradation pro- cesses within the soil profile, and to assess changes in the content of major nutrient elements. Methods. The study examined ordinary medium-humus chernozem (Siversk community, Donetsk region) and southern low-humus chernozem (Shyroke community, Dnipropetrovsk region) affected by different types of munitions. Elemental analysis of soil samples № 0702-24-S and № 3515-24-S was performed at the SE “Plant Health Institute. Results. The results show that military actions, particularly explosions of artillery shells and cluster munitions, lead to a sharp decline in chernozem fertility. In the ordinary medium-humus chernozem of the Siversk community, humus concentration dropped dramatically on the militarily disturbed site (0.63 %) compared to the control (4.54 %), indicating soil dehumification and complete structural destruction. In the southern low-humus chernozem of the Shyroke community, humus content also decreased on the damaged site (2.93 % versus 3.17 % in the control), though the losses were less severe. The most sensitive indicators are humus content and easily hydrolyzable nitrogen, which experience critical reductions in militarily disturbed areas. Findings. Thus, the ordinary chernozem proved more vulnerable to degradation from a 152-mm shell explosion, while the southern chernozem sustained much less damage from cluster munitions. This highlights the need for a differentiated approach to reclaiming militarily damaged lands, taking into account munition caliber and type, soil type, nature of damage, and degree of degradation.