A comparative characterization of postagrogenic soils under different lithological conditions in the Southern Taiga

Dynamics of Soil Properties in Conjunction with the Vegetation in the Course of Natural Postagrogenic Overgrowing of Hayfields (Kostroma Oblast)

“…Overall, the obtained results (Fig. 1) are consistent with the existing data on postagrogenic podzols and sod-podzolic soils [3,7,9]. The most clear acidification trend in the course of the postagrogenic succession is observed in the overgrowing pasture-hayfield: pH drops there from 5.0 to 4.4 as early as 10 years after the termination of mowing.…”

“…Trees and shrubs can appear on abandoned hayfields as early as 7-8 years after the termination of mowing [3]; however, their species composition depends on the past use and penetration capability of seeds from forests or other agricultural lands. For instance, in the second chronological series (a meadow surrounded by forest on all sides), the reforestation process involves such species as spruce, birch, aspen, and speckled alder.…”

“…In addition, in the first chronological series, the ruderal tall-grass stage reflecting a short-term intensification of the biological cycle lasts much longer, and accordingly, the soil acidity is stabilizing for a long period as well. Data on the soil properties in the second chronological series collected in 2005 indicate a gradual increase in acidity from the hayfield stage to the 95-year-old forest stage [3]. A different picture was observed in subsequent years, after the termination of haymaking activities: the soil of the meadow not mown for some 3 years differs from the other soils by a higher acidity level in the old-arable layer; furthermore, the pH value in the 0-15-cm layer is lower than that in the 10-20-cm layer.…”