Long-term dynamics of the properties of leached chernozems under different forest plantations

The long-term dynamics of the main morphological, physical, chemical, and physicochemical properties of leached chernozems under introduced (Weymouth pine and Siberian larch) and aboriginal (English oak, Scotch pine, and whitewood) trees are discussed. The trees were sown in 1928–1930 in the Mokhovoe Forestry of Orel oblast (the Shatilovo Forest). A comparative analysis of published data and the results obtained in our study has shown some positive changes in the humus horizons under the impact of forest vegetation. The thickness of the humus layer (A + AB) has increased. It has become less compact. The soil structure and the water stability of the soil aggregates in the upper 30-cm-deep layer have improved. The total humus content in the A horizon and its reserves in the layers of 0–20, 0–50, and 0–100 cm have increased. In general, the properties of the leached chernozems have improved under the impact of the artificially planted trees.