Analysis of Temporal Dynamics of Fertility Indicators in Chernozems of the Meadow Steppe Foothill Plains in Altai Krai

The article presents comparative data on the temporal dynamics of soil fertility indicators for chernozems of the meadow steppe. Particular attention is paid to changes in the humus content of the soils, the dynamics of which is also discussed for different naturalsoil zones of Altai Krai. It is noted that typical and leached chernozems, formed in the meadow steppe conditions on the foothill plains of the Altai mountainous country, are characterized by high absolute values of soil fertility level indicators. At the same time, data are presented indicating a significant decrease in the humus content in the upper arable horizons of these chernozems over the research years. On average, the humus content decreased by 29% over 120 years of using chernozems in this natural zone as part of arable land. It is concluded that for the rational and environmentally sustainable use of the soil cover, issues of preserving and reproducing soil fertility, preventing various types of degradation, and soil protection must have an unconditional priority in land policy.