Under description is a profile configuration represented by stratified bowllike morphostructures with the increased thickness of darkgray humus horizons and diaperlike morphostructures consisted of the olive-brown material ascending from the lower horizons in Vertisols developed on the bottom of a huge closed depression (padi) in Eisk peninsula. Histograms are presented to show statistic distribution and non-parametric statistic indices for morphometric characteristics of the above morphostructures. The statistic relationship between the morphometric indices is estimated. Under discussion is also the genesis of such morphostructures in Vertisols.

Based upon a comprehensive analysis of detailed descriptions of soil profiles and analytical data obtained by I. Sokolov, V. Zolnikov, L. Yelovskaya and other researchers, as well as upon data on the soil-forming factors, an attempt is made to determine the taxonomic level of pale undifferentiated neutral and slightly acid soils derived from carbonate-free deposits in the new classification system of Russian soils (versions 2004, 2008). The above group of soils is not uniform. According to their diagnostic morphological and physical-chemical properties the loamy permafrost-affected soils with ice-rich permafrost should be placed in the order of cryometamorphic or iron-metamorphic soils. The loamy sandy soils with dry permafrost may be placed in the same order. The soils with a shallow profile (< 30 cm) on hard parent rock should be qualified as members of the order of lithozems. The specific features of these soils make it possible to suggest new elements to the soil classification. A subtype of pale-metamorphized soils is offered to recognize the types of rzhavozems and raw-humus rzhavozems as the soils transitional to the pale soils. This suggestion is aimed at harmonization of a variety of ideas on the genesis, conditions for the development and nomenclature of soils, which permits us to give a more complete and reliable perception of the soil cover in the Central Siberian plateau.

A new approach to estimating the quality of arable lands was developed as based upon MODIS-derived satellite data. The essence of the approach consists in an expert analysis of NDVI curves created separately for different crop groups in the last 10–12 years as well as the inter-annual variability of the NDVI seasonal maximum, whose value was used as an indicator for the crop state and yield on different fields. The nature of NDVI curves allowed expertly classifying the groups, characterizing the winter, early spring and late spring crops. The approach to estimating the quality of arable lands was approved on the example of the Baksan region in Kabardino-Balkaria. All the arable lands have been comprehensively analyzed in the region, the mask of which was created by visual interpretation of field boundaries using LANDSAT satellite data. The temporary NDVI profiles were obtained by the satellite service VEGA. Based upon the given method all the fields in the region were classified according to the quality of arable lands. The obtained data may be used in cadastre surveys for objective estimate of lands and optimal arrangement of the main agricultural crops in this Republic, being applicable in the other regions of the Russian Federation.

Under study was the microbiome structure in virgin light-colored hydromorphized solonetz soil by using molecular-genetic and cultural methods. It was shown that the diversity of the microbial community is constantly decreasing down the soil profile being sharply declined in the solonetz horizon. Against the background of decreasing the biodiversity some groups of Proteobacteria are prevailed in the solonetz horizon and in the lower part of the profile. An unusually higher share of Crenarchaeota (almost 20% of the community) is observed in the topsoil.

Under consideration is the dynamics of moisture reserves and soil water potential in different parts of the catena represented by soddy-podzolic slightly gleyed soil. Peculiar features in the development of moisture reserves have been identified in different elevated positions of this catena and their transformation in time depending on the weather conditions. It is shown that the dynamics of soil water potential in dependence on the depth of the soil profile and time well agrees with the peculiar changes in moisture reserves.

The information of the impact of adverse natural phenomena related with the high temperature regime, deficit of precipitation and strong winds on the soil erosion, growth and yield of the crop. The status of shelterbelt, their ecological significance and the role of melioration and soil protection tillage systems in the Republic of Crimea are discussed.