Physical, chemical and microbiological research of steppe pastures chestnut soils of Buryatia

Physical, chemical and microbiological researches of chestnut soils of steppe pastures, located on the territory of Ivolginsk and Muhorshibir districts of Buryatia, have been carried out. The studied soils are characterized by low power of humus horizon (S org. 3.33-4.94%), weak acidic-neutral pH (6.5- 7.0) in the upper horizons (0-20 cm), a fairly high content of Ca, Mg, К and a low provision by nitrate nitrogen. Microbiological researches have shown a high population of fungi and saprophytes all over the soil profile.