Nikola Kolev

Soils and Humans

In the context of globalization of the planet, the relation of soils and humans is a decisive matter directly related to the quality of life of mankind. Our relation to soil is connected to all the components of the environment, including land, air, and water, that are vital conditions for human existence. The surface of the dry land on earth is 148,920,000 km2 or 29.2 %, and only 13.13 % of land is fit for cultivation.

Cinnamonic Forest Soils

Ecological conditions and in particular soil forming factors responsible for the development of cinnamonic forest soil are described in this chapter. The genetic approach toward the dynamic of evolution of the type of cinnamonic forest soil is based on the conception of genetic horizons and explanation of soil properties. In relation with different soil forming factors like topography, parent materials, climate, vegetation, time, and human influence, the contemporary profiles status of the cinnamonic forest soil type is presented and the best use of the land is indicated. Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical soil characteristics are the result of the soil development stages and depend on the intensity and duration of weathering and soil forming processes. Products of these processes are the free (non-silicate) forms of elements released through the destruction of the primary mineral lattices. Their content along depth of the soil profile illustrates the extent to the processes that have occurred during soil development. Sound scientific information and data from the large soil surveys carried out over the country’s territory provides the sequence of genetic horizons, soil texture, structure, main physical and chemical properties, and national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).

General Facts of Soils in Bulgaria

The development of soil science in Bulgaria came about due to the urgent need to increase the economic prosperity of the country and find effective ways to raise crop yields.

Alluvial and Deluvial Soils

Soil-forming factors responsible for the development of alluvial and deluvial soil are described in this chapter. The genetic approach toward the dynamic of evolution of the alluvial and deluvial soil type is based on the conception of sedimentation and explanation of soil properties. In relation with different soil-forming factors, the contemporary profiles status of the alluvial and deluvial soil type is presented and the best use of the land is indicated. Scientific information and data from the large soil surveys carried out over the country’s territory provide the sequence of layers, soil texture, structure, main physical and chemical properties, and national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).

Land Use/Cover in Bulgaria

In Bulgarian, “soil” has another meaning which is: beginning, start, commence, lead off, start up, initiate, jump off, prototype, creation.

Gray-Brown Forest Soils

Ecological conditions, and in particular the soil forming factors responsible for gray-brown forest soil development are described in this chapter. The genetic approach toward the dynamic evolution of the type of gray-brown forest soils is based on the conception of genetic horizons and the explanation of soil properties. In relation to different soil forming factors such as topography, parent materials, climate, vegetation, time, and human influence, the contemporary profiles status of the gray-brown forest soil type is presented and the best use of the land is indicated. Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical soil characteristics are results of the soil development stages and depend on the intensity and duration of weathering and soil forming processes. Products of these processes are the free (non-silicate) forms of elements released through the destruction of the primary mineral lattices. Their content along depth of the soil profile illustrates the extent of the processes that have occurred during the soil development. Sound scientific information and data from the large soil surveys carried out over the country’s territory provides the sequence of genetic horizons, soil texture, structure, main physical and chemical properties, and national classification FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).

Major Soil Types in Bulgaria

Ecological conditions, and in particular soil forming factors responsible for the development of chernozems are described in this chapter. The genetic approach toward the dynamic of evolution of the type of chernozems is based on the conception of genetic horizons and explanation of soil properties. In relation with different soil forming factors like topography, parent materials, climate, vegetation, time, and human influence, the contemporary profiles status of the chernozems soil type is presented and the best use of the land is indicated. Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical soil characteristics are results of the soil development stages and depend on the intensity and duration of weathering and soil forming processes. Products of these processes are the free (non-silicate) forms of elements released through the destruction of the primary mineral lattices. Their content along depth of the soil profile illustrates the extent of the processes that have occurred during the soil development. Sound scientific information and data from the large soil surveys carried out over the country’s territory provides the sequence of genetic horizons, soil texture, structure, main physical and chemical properties, and national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).

Soils Manifested Slight Development

Ecological conditions and in particular soil forming factors responsible for the development of the group of soils manifested morphologically slight development are described (Leptosols, Regosols, Arenasols, Terra rossa, Technosols) in this chapter. The contemporary profiles status is shown in relation with different soil forming factors. Scientific information and data provide horizons, soil texture, structure, and properties as well as the national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).

Hydromorphic Soils with Gleyic Properties

Ecological conditions and in particular soil forming factors responsible for the development of the group of hydromorphic soils with gley properties are described in this chapter. Different soil forming factors define the status of excess soil moisture. Scientific information provided the sequence of layers or horizons, soil texture, structure, and main properties as well as the national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).

Rendzinas (Humus-Calcareous) Soils

Ecological conditions and in particular soil forming factors responsible for the development of rendzinas (humus-calcareous) soils are described in this chapter. The contemporary profiles status is shown in relation to different soil forming factors. Scientific information and data provide horizons, soil texture, structure, and properties as well as the national classification, FAO-UNESCO-ISRIC (1990), WRB (2006), and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2010).