Genesis and properties of dark-colored chernozem-like soils of mesodepressions under fallow in the northern Caspian region

Specific features of the most fertile soils in the semidesert zone of the northern Caspian region—dark-colored chernozem-like soils of large mesodepressions—are analyzed. The recent regional rise in the groundwater level and the restoration of steppe vegetation in the fallowed soils of large mesodepressions, especially near forest strips and forest plantations, have led to certain changes in the microfabric and chemical composition of these soils, as well as in the soil organic matter properties.