Methods for quantitative diagnostics of degree of hydromorphism of chernozem-like soils (based on example of soils of northern Tambov Plain)

The hydrologic features of chernozem-like soils of the northern Tambov Plain reflect the crystallinity of nonsilicate iron contained in ferromagnetic concretions, as well as the qualitative humus content and other properties. The possibility of using Schwertmann’s criterion and swampiness coefficient in the Zaidel’man-Ogleznev method as diagnostic indices of degree of hydromorphism is shown. A new diagnostic index is suggested, i.e., the hydromorphism criterion (K I–II ); the relation of the optical density of the extraction of alkaline and alkaline pyrophosphate from fine-earth arable land horizon is based on its definition.