Dynamics of Physical Parameters of Soils of the Meadow Series in the Kamennaya Steppe

A comparative analysis of the physical properties of meadow soils in agroforest landscapes of the Central Chernozem region over a long period of time was performed. Soils of a seasonally waterlogged complex were analyzed. According to the classification of 2004, they were assigned to hydrometamorphosed agrochernozems and humus-hydrometamorphic saline soils. Their particle-size composition depended on the type of soil moistening. There was a decrease in the proportion of the clay fraction in humus horizons of automorphic chernozems. Hydromorphic soils were characterized by elevated clay content. The role of clay in carbonate horizons significantly increased. The structural-aggregate status was characterized by a rise in the proportion of the lumpy fraction in years when precipitation exceeded the long-term mean. Agronomically valuable aggregates were predominated by the fraction of 5–10 mm. The share of small silty units was insignificant. The application of chemical ameliorants to meadow soils improved their structural status. The structural coefficient increased. All the studied soil varieties were characterized by high water resistance of structural units.