Density as a Diagnostic Criterion for the Degradation of Typical Chernozems Under the Influence of Combat Operations

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to assess the physical degradation of soils caused by military operations covering significant areas of typical chernozem. Soil density is one of the key indicators of disruption to its structural condition, water regime, and biological activity, especially under conditions of technogenic stress. The aim of the study was to determine the nature of changes in soil density under different land use types, including natural, agrogenic, and technogenic areas, in particular those affected by military equipment and pyrogenic stress. The study used a comparative analysis of soil profile density (0–40 cm) for six variants: fallow land with partial burning, natural fallow land, road, plowed road, arable land, and military equipment parking area. The measurements were taken at depths of 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm, followed by statistical generalization. The results showed that the highest density values (up to 1.51 g·cm?3) were observed on road areas and equipment parking areas, indicating deep technogenic compaction. Natural variants have the lowest values (?1.22–1.25 g·cm?3), which corresponds to the preserved structure of the soil cover. Agrogenic areas show partial restoration of the top layer, but compaction remains in deeper horizons. Therefore, soil density is a reliable diagnostic criterion for physical degradation, especially in conditions of military impact. The data obtained can be used to monitor soil condition, plan restoration measures, and assess environmental risks in areas that have been subjected to combat impact.

degradation; soil density; porosity; typical chernozem; combat actions

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