pochva

Pochva is the transliteration of the Cyrillic word почва, used in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Slavic languages to mean soil or earth. In scientific contexts, it corresponds to the English term soil and is central to the field of pedology, the study of soils and soil formation.

Soil is the natural medium in which plants grow and is a complex, dynamic system consisting of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. Soils form through pedogenesis under the influence of climate, organisms, parent material, relief, and time. They are often described in terms of horizons, such as the organic-rich O horizon, the mineral A horizon, the eluvial E horizon, the subsoil B horizon, and the partially weathered C horizon.

Key properties include texture (the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay), structure, porosity, and density, as well as chemical attributes such as pH, nutrient availability, and cation exchange capacity. These factors determine soil fertility, water retention, aeration, and suitability for various land uses.

Classification systems vary by region, but many soils are grouped into orders or types based on horizon development and chemistry, such as chernozem, podzol, luvisol, and grey forest soils. Management practices aim to preserve or enhance soil structure and fertility and to reduce degradation. Common measures include crop rotation, organic matter additions, reduced tillage, proper drainage, and balanced nutrient inputs.

Soils are essential for food production, biodiversity, carbon storage, and water regulation. The term pochva highlights the linguistic roots and the scientific concept of soil as a critical component of the terrestrial ecosystem.