Chernozem

Chernozem, also spelled chernozem, is a fertile soil type known for its very dark, humus-rich topsoil and high natural productivity. The name derives from the Russian words chernyy, meaning black, and zemlya, meaning soil. Chernozems develop under long-term grassland cover in temperate climates, where limited leaching allows organic matter to accumulate and the soil to form a thick, dark surface horizon.

Typical properties include a thick mollic horizon with high base saturation and abundant humus, giving the soil a strong, crumbly structure. The surface is very dark, and the profile often shows a transition to lighter subhorizons. The pH is usually near neutral to mildly alkaline, and many regions exhibit calcium carbonate in deeper horizons, contributing to the soil’s mineral fertility and profile development.

Distribution is centered in the temperate grasslands of Eurasia, notably the Ukrainian and Russian steppes and the western Siberian forest-steppe, with analogous soils in North America’s Great Plains and parts of Central Asia. Chernozems are among the world’s most productive soils for cereals and forage crops, supporting crops such as wheat, barley, and maize, often without excessive fertilization. Their high organic matter content and nutrient-holding capacity make them highly responsive to appropriate management.

Management and threats: due to their fertility, these soils are intensively used for agriculture, which can lead to erosion and loss of organic matter if not managed carefully. Conservation practices such as reduced tillage, crop rotations, residue retention, and cover crops help maintain soil structure and fertility in Chernozem regions. Climate variability can affect moisture regimes and productivity.